Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Time-Tested Almost Forgo
Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Time-Tested Almost Forgo
Country Almanac of Home Remedies - Time-Tested Almost Forgo
CHAPTER 1
NATURAL REMEDIES TO RELIEVE COLDS, FLU, AND RELATED
ILLNESSES
Combating colds and Flu
Relieving sore Throat or strep Throat
Relieving a cough
Fighting Fever
Helping Laryngitis and Hoarseness
Improving Your Immune Resistance
CHAPTER 2
NATURAL REMEDIES TO SOOTHE EVERYDAY ACHES AND PAINS
Alleviating Arthritis
Easing Backache Pain
Helping Heal Headache
Easing Hemorrhoid Discomfort
Avoiding Jet Lag and Other Traveling Pitfalls
Preventing and Treating Hangover
CHAPTER 3
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR RELIEF OF BURNS, BUG BITES, AND SKIN
AFFLICTIONS
Healing Animal Bites and Scratches
Relieving Burns
Healing Hives
Getting Rid of Lice, Crabs, and Scabies
Ditching the Itch of Poison Ivy and Poison Oak
Remedying Ringworm
Soothing Sunburn
Soothing Boils
Soothing Blisters
Preventing Insect Bites and Easing Itch
Soothing Painful Shingles
CHAPTER 4
NATURAL REMEDIES TO THE RESCUE FOR INJURIES AND FIRST AID
Treating Cuts and Wounds
Bettering Bruises
Easing Black Eye Inflammation
Stopping Bleeding
Drawing out Splinters
Soothing and Healing Sprains
Soothing Scars
Healing Faster from Surgery and Accidents
Treating Poison Exposure
Soothing Crushed Fingers
Recovering from Fainting
Cooling Off Heat Stroke and Heat Exhaustion
Avoiding Hypothermia
Stopping Nosebleed
CHAPTER 5
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR COMMON AILMENTS
Treating Eye Ailments
Treating Ear Ailments
Treating Foot Ailments
Helping Hypothyroidism
Harmonizing Hyperthyroidism
Balancing Hypoglycemia
CHAPTER 6
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR WOMEN’S SPECIAL CONCERNS
Regulating Appetite: Anorexia and Bulimia
Overcoming Infertility
Preventing Miscarriage
Easing Morning Sickness
Soothing Stretch Marks
Bettering Breastfeeding
Soothing Mastitis
Easing Menstruation Woes
Handling Menopause
Alleviating Vaginal Dryness
Vanishing Varicose Veins
Stopping Yeast infections
CHAPTER 7
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR BABY AND CHILD CARE
Children’s Dosing Info
Calming Colic
Moisturizing Cradle Cap
Soothing Diaper Rash
Soothing Teething Pain
Fighting Ear Infections
Calming Temper Tantrums
Eliminating Bedwetting
Soothing Chicken Pox
Boosting Attention in ADHD
CHAPTER 8
NATURAL REMEDIES JUST FOR MEN
Overcoming Erectile Dysfunction
Improving Prostate Health
CHAPTER 9
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR STOMACH AND DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Taming Colitis
Curing Constipation
Stopping Diarrhea
Soothing Heartburn and Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease
Easing Indigestion
Healing Stomach Ulcers
Stopping Hiccups
Easing Nausea and Motion sickness
Getting Relief from Food Poisoning
Eliminating Parasites or Protozoa
Fixing Flatulence
CHAPTER 10
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR RESPIRATORY HEALTH
Easing Allergies
Breathing Easier with Asthma
Breathing Easier with Bronchitis
Soothing Sinusitis
CHAPTER 11
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR CIRCULATION AND BLOOD DISORDERS
Building the Blood for Anemia
Lowering Cholesterol
Improving Poor Circulation
Lowering High Blood Pressure
Reducing Gout Inflammation
CHAPTER 12
NATURAL REMEDIES TO BOOST URINARY TRACT HEALTH
Curing Incontinence
Curtailing Urinary Tract Infections
Eliminating Kidney Stones
CHAPTER 13
NATURAL REMEDIES THAT ENCOURAGE EMOTIONAL HEALTH AND
WELLNESS
Diffusing Anger
Taking the Edge off Anxiety
Alleviating Depression
Quelling Grief or a Broken Heart
Improving Memory
Alleviating Stress
Treating Trauma
CHAPTER 14
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR BEAUTIFUL SKIN, HAIR, AND NAILS
Alleviating Acne
Erasing Age Spots
Moistening Dry Skin
Easing Eczema and Psoriasis
Nixing Warts
Repairing Wrinkles
Getting Rid of Dandruff
Remedying Hair Loss
Getting Rid of Body Odor
Strengthening Weak Nails
CHAPTER 15
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ORAL HEALTH
Freshening Bad Breath
Soothing Canker Sores, Cold Sores, or Fever Blisters
Improving Gum Health
Soothing Toothache
Achieving Total Tooth Health the Natural Way
CHAPTER 16
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR HEALTHY SLEEP
Solving Insomnia
Chasing Away Nightmares
Stopping Snoring
CHAPTER 17
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR ADDICTION
Quitting Smoking
Overcoming Alcoholism
APPENDIX A: A CLOSER LOOK AT HERBS
APPENDIX B: HERBAL EDUCATION
APPENDIX C: RESOURCES FOR BUYING HERBS AND SUPPLIES
APPENDIX D: BIBLIOGRAPHY
About the Authors
Acknowledgements
Index
INTRODUCTION
Growing up part time in a small village north of Quebec, folk remedies were a
part of my everyday life. My cousins and I all wore little medicine bags filled
with garlic and camphor during the cold and flu season to ward off illness.
Grandmère had a remedy for every thing, it seemed. A cabbage poultice could be
applied to a swollen wound, cucumber slices applied to sore, weary eyes to
refresh them, and if we did get a chest cold, a mustard footbath would be
administered. Though I also spent part of my childhood in upstate new York and
my parents quite sensibly took me to the doctor’s office for my childhood
ailments, I realized that the folk remedies I had been exposed to were often more
pleasant and just as effective. (Let’s see, would you rather have the honey lemon
syrup or the latest drug?) As an herbalist who has practiced for over 40 years, I
know that remedies from nature are safe, time-tested, and often worth trying
before resorting to modern drugs. The world Health organization estimates that
between 65 to 80 percent of the world’s population use traditional (alternative)
medicine as their primary form of health care. Remember, it is the folk remedies
that really are the traditional medicine. After all, which has been around longer,
Prozac or lemon balm?
Today, in many cases, we also now have the ability to better understand
scientifically what millions of people have known all along. For example, garlic
really is antimicrobial, cabbage and cauliflower are truly anti-inflammatory, and
a mustard footbath does move congestion out of the chest by increasing
circulation to the lower part of the body.
With so many people lacking health insurance, it often makes sense to see
what nature has to offer. The information you’ll find in this book will enable you
to cure many common conditions with items you can find in your pantry,
kitchen, and garden, without a trip to the doctor. Of course, preventing illness is
always best, so good nutrition and a healthy exercise program should be on
everyone’s agenda.
Often, these treatments cost just pennies, so you’ll be saving money, too. By
using natural remedies, we also contribute to greening our planet. Of course, if
nature’s remedies do not give you the assistance you need, it’s smart to see your
health-care practitioner.
May this book bless you with health, practical knowledge, and consciousness.
Blossom with healthy radiance!
Blessings,
Brigitte Mars, AHG
(American Herbalist Guild)
HOW TO USE THIS BOOK
In the following pages, you’ll find common ailments and conditions that can be
treated effectively with natural remedies you can find in your kitchen, pantry,
garden, and health food store. For each one, you’ll find a brief description of the
condition, along with its symptoms and causes. You’ll learn first about which
herbs are best, then any supplements, essential oils, homeopathics, and
aromatherapies that are available, before moving on to food do’s and don’ts and
helpful practices to find relief. Sidebars titled ″Cures from Grandma’s Kitchen,″
″Good to Grow!″ (for what you can grow yourself), ″Thrifty Cures, Skip This!″
(for what to avoid), ″Good to Know!″ (important info), and When to See Your
M.D. Will guide you as you read.
In this chapter, you’ll learn about a few caveats to keep in mind before you
begin treating yourself. Please refer to this section often for any safety guidelines
and dosage questions. You’ll also find helpful information in the appendices. If
you have any questions, please consult a qualified health professional for
guidance.
Safety First
Before using any of the herbs listed in this book, be sure to consult Appendix A
for any contraindications, such as what to avoid during pregnancy or when
nursing or taking prescription drugs.
If you’re taking prescription medication, don’t take any herbs that are not
regarded as safe for all persons without first checking with your health-care
practitioner. If you’re taking medication for a particular ailment, you shouldn’t
also take herbs for that ailment without first checking with your health-care
practitioner. Mixing herbs with prescription drugs can cause exacerbated or
unpredictable effects. This is especially the case when you are using an herb for
the same purpose as a drug. You may end up with a double dose!
It may be wise to gradually decrease the amount of drugs you are taking while
gradually increasing the amount of herbs taken internally over a period of time
rather than making any abrupt changes. Separating drugs from herbs for at least
three hours can also be wise as many combinations have not been tried or tested.
Dosage Guidelines
Dosages will depend in part on the herbs you are using. If you’re using a
commercial product, of course you should follow the dosage guidelines on the
product packaging. If you’ve made your own tea or tincture, in general, 1 cup
(235 ml) of tea, 1 dropperful of tincture, or 1 or 2 tablets or capsules qualifies as
a single dose. For an acute, serious, right-there-in-your-face type of illness, one
dose every hour or two would be appropriate. Except while sleeping, of course—
rest is good medicine in its own right.
For a chronic health concern, one dose three or four times daily is appropriate.
Some herbalists recommend “pulsing” remedies to treat chronic conditions,
which means ten days on, then three days off, in a continuing cycle. Pulsing
helps the body acclimate and learn to respond even without the herbs. Another
pulsing regimen is six days on, one day off, with a three-day break every two or
three weeks.
When you are using herbs for therapeutic purposes, continue with the
appropriate dosage for at least a week, and then evaluate your progress. If your
health concern has been remedied, then you can stop taking the herb formula on
a regular basis. However, you might wish to include some of it in your diet from
time to time as a “tonic tune-up.“
SPECIAL SITUATIONS
The general dosage guidelines discussed above are generally true for adults of
average weight. However, dosages may need to be adjusted for different people
or different categories of people. For example, large people need more than
small people. Women may need less than men. Reduce the dose by one-fourth
for those over 65 and by one-half for those over 70.
To figure out a dosage for children, follow one of two rules:
1. COWLING’S RULE: Take the child’s age at his or her next birthday and
divide by 24. The resulting fraction is the amount of the adult dosage the child
can have. For example, a five-year-old will be six at his next birthday. The
number 6 divided by 24 equals 1/4; this child should have 1/4 of the adult
dosage.
2. CLARK’S RULE: Divide the child’s weight by 150. The resulting fraction is
the amount of the adult dosage the child can have. For example, for a 50-
pound (23 kg) child, 50 divided by 150 equals 1/3; this child can have 1/3 of
the adult dosage.
Check with your health-care practitioner if you have any questions or
concerns.
FOR HERBS
In general, one cup of tea equals one dropperful of tincture equals two capsules
or tablets. If dealing with an acute condition, such as if you are fighting an
infection, it may be necessary to use either one cup of tea, a dropperful of
tincture, or two capsules or tablets every two waking hours, at least for a couple
of days. Then as the condition improves, make those dosages further apart, to a
couple of times a day, until no longer needed.
FOR HOMEOPATHICS
Homeopathy is based on the law of similars, or the philosophy that “like cures
like.” It was developed from the work of Dr. Samuel Hahnemann (1755–1843)
who sought an alternative to the barbaric medicinal practices of his time and
wanted to offer a safer, more effective form of treatment.
A homeopathic remedy is a tremendously diluted solution of a substance that
would, in the body of a healthy person, produce symptoms similar to those of a
particular illness. The solution contains an infinitesimal amount of the substance;
you might say it contains a pattern replica of the substance. Exposure to the
pattern replica, however, triggers a powerful healing response from the body. In
other words, by stimulating the body’s own healing response, a homeopathic
remedy encourages the body to heal itself.
Homeopathic remedies can affect amazingly fast-acting and profound cures.
The degree of success, however, depends on selecting the right remedy for a
person’s constitution. Some basic guidelines for choosing and using
homeopathic remedies follow, but you may also benefit from consultation with a
professional homeopath to gain insight into the best remedies for your
constitution. Note that homeopathy often calls for very small doses of substances
that in large doses could be toxic. Do not confuse homeopathic remedies with
herbal remedies.
Homeopathic remedies come in the form of small pellets, alcohol solutions,
and water solutions. The usual dosage is three or four pellets, or as many liquid
drops as the package label recommends, taken under the tongue four times daily.
Rather than swallowing the pellets whole, allow them to dissolve slowly under
the tongue to be better absorbed by one’s mucous membranes. For best results,
do not eat or drink for ten minutes before and after taking a homeopathic
remedy.
FOR VITAMINS
Check the label for dosage suggestions.
Chances are you have many of the ingredients you need in your kitchen, pantry,
or garden to make home remedies. If not, they are easily obtained at health foods
stores and even some grocery stores. Once you have everything you need, you
can use this section of the book to create beneficial preparations for over one
hundred conditions. Let’s start with herbal preparations.
Herbal Preparations
For our use, an herb is defined as any useful plant. Herbs are an important
component when it comes to treating many of the conditions you’ll read about
here. In this section, you’ll learn how to procure, prepare, and preserve herbs for
maximum effectiveness.
PREPARING HERBS
Grinding herbs is necessary if you are using larger pieces of your own harvested
plant material (such as fennel seed, cinnamon sticks, or rose hips) or when you
need to bruise whole seeds that are tightly compacted and need help in releasing
their flavors. To grind herbs, put the ingredients into a mortar and crush gently
with a pestle.
You can also use a blender for grinding herbs, just be sure to do only small
batches. If you ever need to grind resinous or sticky herbs, place the herbs in the
freezer for a few hours first and they will break up easily in a blender. A coffee
grinder also suffices for most dried herbs, but don’t use it for coffee too or your
coffee will taste like herbs and your herbs like coffee. However you decide to
grind your herbs, do it just enough to release some of the aromas from the herbs.
When making herbal products, singing, praying, and offering blessings are
always good practices!
You can use herbs in many ways for healing. Instructions follow on how to
make a tea, tincture, compress, poultice, eyewash, facial steam, and more. Let’s
get started!
Teas
For centuries, people have enjoyed the benefits of herbal teas. Nothing warms
the body and soul like holding a fragrant steaming cup of herbal tea, inhaling its
subtle scents as you slowly sip. Why limit ourselves to caffeinated beverages
like coffee when the world of herbs can bring us flavor, variety, nutrients, and
numerous health benefits?
Hot-Water Infusion
The infusion method refers to teas made from fresh plant material. This is an
ideal method for herbal leaves, flowers, and seeds and even roots (such as
ginger, osha, and valerian) that have delicate essential oils that would be
diminished if boiled. It is best if seeds are lightly bruised using a mortar and
pestle to help release their flavor and properties.
To prepare a hot-water infusion, simply boil 1 cup (235 ml) of water and
remove it from the heat. Add 1 heaping teaspoon (5 g) of herb, cover (to prevent
the delicate essential oils from evaporating), and allow it to steep for 10 to 20
minutes. When making a more medicinal tea, up to 1 ounce (28 g) of herb can be
used per 1 pint (475 ml) of water. Strain the herbs out with a strainer as you pour
your tea into a cup before serving.
French Press
A French press is a glass pot protected by a metal frame. Although they are
marketed for serving coffee, they work great for herbal tea. Simply add a
heaping teaspoon (5 g) of dried herb per cup of water to the press, cover with hot
water, and allow the mixture to steep for 10 minutes. The press automatically
strains out the herbs, and you can press the herbs with the plunger of the French
press to further release their therapeutic value. Note that if you break the glass
pot, you can buy a replacement without having to replace the metal frame.
Sun Tea
To make sun tea, place 1 cup (30 g) of herb or herb mixture or 12 tea bags and 1
gallon (3.8 L) of water in a clear glass container. Allow the herbs to sit in
sunlight for 4 to 6 hours. It is best to cover the jar to prevent leaves and other
items from blowing into the jar. Strain before serving. Note that sun teas work
best with leaves and flowers.
Decoction
A decoction is a tea-making method that uses more heat and time and is the
preferred method for making teas with roots and barks and some seeds, which
are harder, woodier, and require more energy to extract their precious qualities.
This is because a decoction helps to draw out the mineral salts of a plant. To
prepare a decoction, simmer 1 heaping tablespoon (10 g) of herb in 3 cups (705
ml) of water for about 20 minutes, keeping the pot covered. Be sure to keep the
heat very low, as many roots and barks (such as ginger and cinnamon) can
evaporate and flavor and medicinal properties can be lost. The herbs can be
strained out or left to steep overnight before straining.
RECYCLING HERBS
You can return the herbs that you strain out of the tea to the earth by composting
them or by simply throwing the leftover herbs into your yard, garden, or
peppermint or whatever patch. Always be conscious of giving something back to
the planet rather than just taking from it. An old Hindu saying to remember is,
“If you have water to throw away, throw it on a plant.”
Poultices
A poultice is an herb applied directly to the skin, which can also bring relief
from many of the conditions you’ll read about here. To prepare a poultice, crush
fresh or dried herb, and mix with hot water, apple cider vinegar, or olive or
castor oil (the amount depends on what your needs are and what is available) to
make a thick paste. The liquid helps to hold the herbs together and in place. If
you are using dried herbs, you can add cornmeal or freshly ground flaxseed to
thicken the paste, once mixed with water.
Here are a few of the healing properties of herbs when used in a poultice:
• Cabbage draws out pus and toxins.
• Carrots repair bruises and chapped skin.
• Comfrey leaves or root decrease swelling, sores, and wounds.
• Cucumber cools inflammation and moistens.
• Oatmeal can reduce inflammation and insect bite itches.
• Plantain draws out toxins.
• Potato reduces the inflammation of bruises and sprains.
• Tofu draws out fever and inflammation.
Eyewashes
Eyewashes can be used for tired and inflamed as well as infected eyes. Using an
eyewash causes the blood vessels of the eyes to contract and then relax. It’s the
perfect antidote when your eyes are tired from reading or working at the
computer. Some even claim eyewashes can improve vision.
VITAMINS FOR COLDS AND FLU Many people find vitamin C stimulates
antibody response. You can take 1,000 mg up to three times daily to shorten the
duration of a cold, though it does not necessarily prevent a cold from occurring.
This is confirmed by over 30 studies that were analyzed by the Cochrane
Database Systematic Review in 2004.
Zinc, especially in the form of lozenges, helps prevent viral replication of the
cold virus in the throat by stimulating T cell response. Research at Dartmouth
College showed that when people took a zinc lozenge every two hours, it
shortened sick time to an average of four days. Stay under 50 mg daily unless
recommended by a competent health-care practitioner.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Elderberry can minimize the duration of flu symptoms including catarrh, chills,
headache, and respiratory infection. According to a 2004 study published in The
Journal of International Medical Research, when people were given elderberry
syrup, (the brand name is Sambucol), 90 percent felt better after just three days!
Elderberry syrup is also delicious! Take a dose every couple of hours you are
awake when fighting something off. Decrease as you improve.
Skip This!
Drinking lots of fruit juices can cause sugar overload, and the acidity of
orange and grapefruit juice may further irritate a sore throat. Minimize
dairy and wheat products for a few days to curb mucus production.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Propolis, a substance produced by bees from tree resins, helps fight infection and
can be sucked in lozenges.
BEST FOODS FOR SORE THROAT RELIEF When you have a sore throat, it is
not unusual to have a decreased desire for food. However, the right food choices
can be beneficial. Berries, such as blackberries and mulberries, are cooling to an
inflamed throat. Pineapple contains the enzyme bromelain, which helps to digest
dead tissue that is permeated with infection. Barley cooked as a grain or added to
soup is soothing. Garlic, leeks, and onions are all infection fighters. Leafy greens
like kale are alkalinizing and are beneficial for a sore throat. Pureed carrots,
sweet potatoes, or winter squash are all rich in beta-carotene and help to
strengthen mucous membranes. Light soups and soft foods are ideal.
Thrifty Cures!
Holding a clove of garlic in your mouth is a powerful infection fighter
because of its antiviral and antibacterial effects. When tired of holding
the garlic in your mouth, slowly chew it up and swallow it.
Salt also helps to relieve pain. Warm some coarse kosher salt in a frying
pan and then wrap it in a clean long sock, tied at the end. Wrap it around
your neck, secure with a towel, and leave in place for an hour. If you are
at the beach, gargle with seawater! You can even suck on a black-pitted
olive, which is high in astringent tannins that are also antiseptic.
GOOD TO KNOW!
The throat is the center of expression and communication. The tendency for
people to swallow anger and suppress tears and feelings of fear of rejection may
all be contributing factors in sore throats. If you experience this disorder
frequently, look at what you can do to bring about better communication in your
life.
GOOD TO KNOW!
You can also gargle with 1 tablespoon (15 ml) apple cider vinegar blended with
two cloves of garlic and a pinch of salt. Both are soothing and anti-inflammatory.
Try This!
Certain exercise techniques help relieve strep throats by bringing
increased blood flow to the is done by sticking out your tongue as far as
possible, holding for 30 seconds, and then repeating five times. This may
be done several times a day. Other helpful postures include the Plow,
Windows of the Sky, Shoulder Stand (for the adept only), and Neck
Lock. Consult a book on yoga or take a class from a trained professional
to perform these poses.
Relieving a Cough
A cough is the body’s response to inflammation or irritation in the throat, larynx,
bronchial tubes, or lungs. There are two basic kinds of coughs, congested and
dry, with each one having different underlying causes. Coughs can be caused by
colds, flu, bronchial infections, heartburn, sinus congestion, smoking, and the
need to rid the throat of foreign matter such as dust, pollen, chemicals, and other
irritants. Let’s look at some natural remedies you can use to stop that nasty
cough now.
Thrifty Cures!
To ease that cough, mix 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper in 1 cup (235
ml) of water and use it as a gargle for a couple of minutes. (You can also
gargle a glass of water or juice to which you have added 15 to 20 drops
of Tabasco sauce.) Cayenne pepper is antiseptic and rich in vitamin C,
helps clear congestion, and draws blood to the throat to fight infection.
GOOD TO KNOW!
A folk remedy for a cough is to loosely tie a black thread around your neck. It
has to be black. Many people vouch for this remedy. We have no idea why it
works, but it might be worth a try!
Skip This!
When you have a cough, avoid foods that increase the production of
mucus, such as dairy products and wheat.
Fighting Fever
It may not feel like it, but fever is actually your body’s ally, causing it to heat up
and destroy infection. Trying to suppress fever actually traps the infection in the
body and can make it worse. Don’t try to lower a fever unless it’s higher than
103°F (39°C). If it is, try these tips.
Thrifty Cure!
Apply a raw potato poultice to the soles of your feet to draw heat out of
the body.
Skip This!
Avoid alcohol and caffeine when you have laryngitis or hoarseness. Both
are dehydrating and aggravate the throat.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Every one of the 100 species of common disease–causing bacteria has at least
one strain resistant to antibiotics, and that number is rapidly increasing and
becoming a major medical threat. The overuse of antibiotics (which literally
means “against life”) is a contributing factor in weakening the immune system.
Antibiotics are effective only against bacterial infections, not viral ones, and they
kill off helpful bacteria as well as the harmful.
Probiotics (1 high potency capsule three times daily) inhibit candida and other
unfriendly microorganisms, which can contribute to a weakened immune system.
BEST FOODS TO BOOST IMMUNITY
Onions, garlic, scallions, chives, and leeks all contain quercetin, which acts as a
powerful antioxidant in your body, scavenging up damaging free radicals. One
study in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute showed that this family of
veggies even lowered the risk for prostate cancer.
Cayenne, chives, cinnamon, garlic, horse-radish, leeks, oregano, rosemary,
scallions, and thyme all have infection-fighting properties. Also include plenty
of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and
arugula for their sulforaphane content, which is an antioxidant and stimulator of
natural detoxifying enzymes.
Vegetables high in beta-carotene, such as carrots, winter squash, green leafy
vegetables, and sweet potatoes, protect against carcinogens, induce protective
enzyme activity, and suppress cell-destroying free radicals. Fermented foods
such as yogurt, miso (made from soybeans), homemade pickles, and
unpasteurized sauerkraut help promote healthy intestinal flora and inhibit the
growth of harmful bacteria.
Include sea vegetables in the regimen as they provide a wide range of
minerals not present in most land-grown food. Seaweeds bind with and carry
harmful chemicals and pollutants out of the body and nourish the kidneys, bones,
and teeth. Marine vegetables exhibit antibiotic, antiviral, and antifungal
properties.
Shiitake mushrooms are immune enhancing, cholesterol lowering, interferon
stimulating, and have antitumor activity. Wild and brown rice, quinoa, and
barley are immuno-strengthening grains.
Every day, eat at least five of these immuno-supportive foods. You can use
several in a soup or salad easily!
Skip This!
Excess sugar and fruit juice can contribute to hypoglycemia and suppress
T cell activity and phagocytosis. Caffeine and alcohol, when consumed
in excess, cause depletion of nutrients, especially calcium and B
vitamins. Excess alcohol consumption can suppress lymphocyte
development and their ability to produce antibodies. A high-fat diet slows
down macrophage ability to destroy infection-causing invaders. Excess
fat can also lead to shrinkage of the thymus gland and lymphoid tissue.
Chemical additives such as artificial food colorings, nitrates, and
preservatives stress the kidneys and liver. Eating food to which one is
allergic is a stress, causing the body to focus on neutralizing the allergen
rather than healing. Eating less animal food minimizes contact with
pesticides and other chemical additives. Choosing organic foods
minimizes exposure to harmful chemical additives.
Finally, during inclement weather dress warmly. Protect the kidneys,
head, and feet from overexposure to wind and temperature extremes.
Stay active. Get outside and enjoy sports or just tromp around. Yoga, chi
kung, and tai chi can be done indoors during any kind of weather. Be sure to get
adequate sleep as well. We need our zzzzzs to produce sleep immune specific
chemicals, as during rest is when much of the body’s repair work is done.
Meditation, prayer, deep breathing, and inspirational readings are all good
ways to reduce stress. Practice right living, positive thinking, and healthy
relationships for a healthy immune system. Beware of negative thoughts and
minimize stress. Have creative outlets and a job you enjoy. Avoid disciplines that
stress you out.
We can’t always avoid every cold, flu, or sore throat that comes our way.
Once in awhile we should give ourselves the opportunity to rest, recover, and be
nurtured. Maybe have someone else make us soup. Practice visualization. See
yourself in good health!
All it takes is one small part of your body to experience pain to cause you to
feel out of sorts. Here are some remedies to get to the source of the pain and
improve your body’s response to it so you feel better fast.
Alleviating Arthritis
The word “arthritis” comes from the Greek word arthron, meaning “joint,” and
itis, meaning “inflammation.” When the condition is acute, joint swelling, pain,
heat, and redness may be present. As a chronic condition, joint pain, stiffness,
lack of mobility, and eventually bone deformity can occur. Rheumatoid arthritis
is an inflammatory condition and autoimmune disease. Osteoarthritis affects the
weight-bearing joints (knees, hips, and spine). Here’s how to ease pain and
discomfort.
GOOD TO KNOW!
A deficiency of copper can contribute to osteoarthritis. Copper bracelets are
reported to be beneficial by many people who suffer from arthritis. This may be
because our skin is porous enough to absorb trace amounts of copper, which can
stop free-radical damage to the tissues.
GOOD TO GROW!
Did you know that you can get relief from arthritis by stinging the afflicted area
with nettles? That’s right. This sort of therapy is called urtication. Just cultivate a
nettle patch or find some growing wild and wriggle any arthritic area in the
plants, getting stung several times. Nettle sting contains formic acid, which
stimulates a natural antihistamine reaction. Although the sting is less than
pleasant, the technique provides excellent relief. My friend’s grandfather in
Germany would roll naked down a nettle-covered hill to treat his arthritis!
Raw string beans have long been considered a therapeutic food for arthritis
because of their ability to eliminate uric acid, which can contribute to joint pain.
Celery seed as a condiment helps eliminate uric acid in the body too. Cherries,
hawthorn berries, and blueberries are rich sources of anthocyanidins and
proanthocyanidins, which are water-soluble colorful pigments in food that have
antioxidant activity and help prevent collagen breakdown.
Use turmeric in food for its anti-inflammatory properties. Drinking a shotglass
of aloe vera juice 10 minutes before each meal also reduces inflammation. Look
for it at natural food stores.
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Minimize foods rich in oxalic acid, such as beet greens, rhubarb, Swiss
chard, and spinach, which can contribute to irritating crystals forming in
the joints. Nix foods in the nightshade family like tomatoes, eggplant,
potatoes, green pepper, paprika, and tobacco because they contain
solanine, which is a neuromuscular toxin.
Exercising in water can be a soothing way to stay in shape, and such exercise
has less impact on the joints. Swimming and bicycling are beneficial exercises
that are less likely to cause stress on the joints. If it’s too much to be active every
day, alternate one day on, one day off. Don’t exercise beyond feeling “good
tired.” Otherwise, you will be wiped out the next day!
Easing Backache Pain
When you have a backache, it’s difficult, if not impossible, to function
effectively. I know. I was in a private plane crash years ago. We came down hard
and my back ached for years afterwards. A chiropractor friend suggested the
book, Somatics by Thomas Hanna. I followed the exercises in there and within a
week, the pain I had harbored for more than a decade was gone. This is a great
place to start. These cures can help you too.
Thrifty Cures!
Interestingly, there is a popular folk remedy that suggests those who
suffer from arthritis should carry a raw potato in their right pocket until it
shrivels up, at which time it is replaced with a new one. It is believed that
the potato absorbs inflammation. In fact, ladies of days gone by even had
special potato-carrying pockets sewn into their dresses for this purpose.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Sleeping in a position known as “Lazy S” is often the best for a sore back. It
entails putting a pillow under the head and upper neck, keeping the back flat on
the bed, with a pillow under the knees. This keeps the hamstring muscles from
pulling and exerting pressure on the lower back. Roll carefully out of bed.
Stretch to move circulation. Be sure you have a supportive mattress too!
Waterbeds are not helpful.
Thrifty Cures!
Eating two apples a day can help prevent headaches by providing
sufficient anti-inflammatory enzymes. Go for tart apples, as the sour
flavor will help move liver stagnation, which according to Asian
medicine is a contributing factor in headaches.
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Caffeine causes blood vessel constriction, so caffeine consumption and
withdrawal can cause headaches. It is best to gradually decrease caffeine
rather than remove it from your diet all at once. Nicotine can also cause
headaches by constricting blood vessels. Other foods that can trigger
headaches include chocolate, wheat, citrus, corn, tomatoes, apples,
bananas, peaches, peanuts, onions, and red meat. These are common
allergens and thus cause inflammation. Minimize excess spicy foods,
chocolate, fats, and fried foods, and avoid ice-cold foods and drink. Ice-
cold foods cause constriction in the blood vessels, which can cause the
head to feel tight and painful.
Foods high in the amino acid tyrosine, such as aged cheese and wine, can
cause migraine headaches. The class of chemicals known as vasoactive
amines can also cause headaches in some people. This includes the
following:
• Histamines in aged cheese, eggplant, spinach, tomato, chicken liver,
and wine
• Tyramines in avocados, bananas, cheese, citrus, red wine, peanuts,
fermented, pickled and smoked foods, plums, sourdough bread and
baker’s yeast
• Phenylethylamine in chocolate and cheese
Also avoid chemical food additives such as sulfites, nitrates, nitrites, and
red and yellow dye. Chewing gum can also stress muscles, leading to a
headache.
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Electromagnetic pollution can be a factor in headaches. Do you live near
major power lines? Is your bed near an excessive number of clocks, a TV,
stereo equipment, or computer ware? Do what you can to minimize any
of these factors, such as moving the bed or electric paraphernalia.
Avoid exposure to hot sun, which can bring on headaches. Wear a hat
when outdoors.
Thrifty Cures!
Strange as it may seem, I have had excellent results treating hemorrhoids
using a whittled out suppository-shaped piece of raw potato. Insert the
suppository (lubricated with a bit of oil) high into the rectum at night
before bed. Do this for three nights in a row, inserting a fresh one each
night. Don’t try to remove it, as it will come out in your stool the next
day.
A compress of chilled witch hazel extract can also be applied topically to
hemorrhoids to reduce swollen tissue due to the presence of astringent
tannins in the witch hazel.
Bleeding hemorrhoids will stop if you take 2 teaspoons (10 ml) of apple cider
vinegar in a glass of water at every meal. You can also take 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (1
to 2 g) of cayenne pepper in a glass of water at every meal for several days until
the hemorrhoids are gone, then once or twice a week for a good maintenance
dose. Cayenne can also be taken as 1-capsule doses. This will clear up
hemorrhoids and keep them from reoccurring.
Studies done in Europe found that horse chestnut helps to increase blood flow,
strengthens connective tissue, tightens veins, and decrease redness and
inflammation. One of its compounds, escin, has been found to close the small
pores in the walls of the veins, making them less permeable, stronger, and
reducing leakage of fluid into the surrounding tissues. Take horse chestnut
capsules 2 to 3 times a day. Avoid horse chestnut if you have liver or kidney
disease or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Health food stores usually carry some sort of topical herbal salve you can
apply to hemorrhoids. These salves often contain astringent herbs such as white
oak bark, horse chestnut, and yarrow; soothing anti-inflammatory herbs such as
plantain and comfrey; and antiseptic herbs such as yellow dock and goldenseal.
You can also apply apple cider vinegar (which is antiseptic and astringent), aloe
vera gel (which is soothing and anti-inflammatory), and vitamin E (which
promotes tissue regeneration) to hemorrhoids. Apply any of these healing and
astringent substances externally to hemorroids up to three times daily, especially
before bed.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Rescue Remedy is a combination of five Bach flower remedies. It is available in
natural food stores. It is good for helping you deal with all sorts of stressful
situations that can occur when traveling, such as fear of flying, lost luggage, or
stolen passports. Bring some along to stay calm just in case you encounter a
crisis along the way. Take three drops under the tongue or in a half glass of water
as needed.
Diarrhea is a common traveling ailment. Start taking a high potency probiotic
supplement a week before leaving and during the trip to help establish friendly
intestinal flora. Look for the types that don’t require refrigeration. Take 1 capsule
three times daily. Take three garlic capsules daily to prevent dysentery if
traveling to areas where that is a problem. If you can, bring your own activated
charcoal water filter. Look for one that will remove giardia.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Whenever possible, try to keep your feet above your head. For example, when
lounging on the couch, support your legs and back and drape them up over the
top of the couch. Inverted postures help divert circulation from the area of
inflammation and elevate the area needing inflammation reduction.
Once you depart, take ginseng or eleuthero, as both are considered
adaptogens, an agent that helps the body adapt to different environments, climate
changes, altitudes, and stress. Use ginseng or eleuthero twice daily in capsules or
tincture, following the dosage guidelines on the bottle.
A lavender or rosemary aromatherapy bath and a clay mask followed by a
quick cold shower can have you feeling refreshed and alive in no time. There is
also nothing wrong with allowing some time to get your feet back on the ground
before beginning a whirlwind schedule. Stay put for a day or two before “le
grand tour” if possible.
The Chinese patent formula cerebral tonic Pills can also be used to help
overcome jet lag. Take as directed on the packaging.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Bring along a bottle of versatile lavender, peppermint, or tea tree essential oil.
Your spray mister can serve a double purpose. On arrival, spray the bedding to
deter bed bugs.
If you get a cut in a tropical climate, apply tea tree oil directly to prevent the nick
from becoming major jungle rot. Even bathing in contaminated water can be a
problem. Every time you wash, add one drop each of tea tree, eucalyptus, and
lavender essential oil to a sink full of water.
A few homeopathic remedies that can help alleviate jet lag by balancing the
body’s energy are as follows:
• Arnica: Helps alleviate the shock and stress of changing time zones
• Cocculus: Helps alleviate irritation, weakness, fogginess, nausea, and
faintness
• Nux vomica: Helps alleviate nervous debility with trembling, lack of appetite,
irritation, and constipation
• Phosphorus: Helps alleviate dizziness, sluggishness, absentmindedness,
nausea, and fogginess
Natural food stores carry many homeopathic combinations that help overcome
jet lag. Usually three to four pellets are dissolved under the tongue three or four
times daily.
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Avoid caffeine and alcohol when flying as they will dehydrate you.
GOOD TO KNOW!
A high-protein meal will increase alertness and the ability to think clearly. A
high-carbohydrate meal will make it easier to sleep either on the plane or at your
destination.
When buying bottled water, make sure the bottle is properly sealed. If in doubt,
order beer or soda in moderation. Wine is considered safe and even antibacterial.
The rule to remember is, “If you can’t peel it, boil it, or cook it, forget it.”
KEEP IN MIND
Research the areas you will be traveling to better equip yourself for the trip.
Know before you go. Tourist and resort areas, though less adventurous, are
usually at lower risk for disease. Check with health officials to find out if
malaria, dysentery, cholera, encephalitis, or other health bugaboos are a threat
where you are going and be prepared.
People often find it difficult to sleep in an unfamiliar environment, no matter
how exhausted they are. Consider bringing along some herbal sleeping potions
such as valerian capsules or chamomile tea bags. You might also want to travel
with an herbal sleep sachet stuffed with hops and catnip to place in your pillow.
A wise traveler should bring along an extra set of prescription glasses. No
point in sightseeing if you can’t see! If you are on medication, be it herbal or
otherwise, keep it with you should your luggage get lost. It is also wise to have
the Latin names for any herbs you are on (they are the same in every language)
or generic names for any medication you are using should they need to be
replaced.
Ideally, travel with few enough possessions so that you can keep your luggage
with you rather than checking it. The wise traveler brings twice the money and
half the clothes one would expect to need. Make copies of your passport and
credit cards and leave them with someone you trust. Keep a separate paper with
you that lists your passport number, date, and place of issue. Only exchange
currency at official places such as banks and stations. Have a solar calculator to
keep track of exchange rates accurately. Treat the local people with respect.
Traveling is supposed to be different from home. That’s why we do it. Have an
adventure!
Preventing and Treating Hangover
Hangovers tend to occur because you have consumed more than your liver has
been able to cope with. The drinks most likely to cause hangovers include
bourbon, brandy, champagne, cognac, rum, rye, whiskey, and red wine. Vodka,
gin, and white wine are less likely to cause hangovers. In general, the less flavor
a substance has, the less likely it is to cause a hangover. Mixing several kinds of
drinks increases hangovers and so does the use of carbonated beverages, which
enter the system quickly. Symptoms of hangovers include irritability, depression,
headache, nausea, and dizziness. Let’s look at some folk remedies for hangover
prevention and treatment.
Thrifty Cure!
Eat a banana! Bananas are rich in the important electrolytes magnesium
and potassium, which are severely depleted during heavy drinking.
To help ward off a hangover, take a 100 mg B complex vitamin before bed
and again upon arising to break down alcohol in the body. B vitamins are water
soluble and get washed out of the body by the diuretic effects of alcohol.
Hangovers are produced by dehydration (alcohol is a diuretic) and
hypoglycemia (alcohol is full of sugar). So drink plenty of fluids before and after
drinking to prevent dehydration. Aim for twice as much water or non-alcoholic
beverage to each drink you take. Sports drinks, which are high in electrolytes,
help replenish what the kidneys have excreted during drinking. Take before
bedtime. In the morning, a glass of orange juice or tomato juice can help dispel a
hangover more quickly, as can teas of anise, mint, or chamomile.
Eat before imbibing. That’s because when the stomach is full, alcohol
absorption is slowed.
Fruit juice contains natural sugars, which help the body metabolize alcohol
faster. Elevating blood sugar levels by eating a snack of fruit before bed can help
prevent a hangover. Eating oily foods like cheese or nuts before drinking and
starchy foods while drinking also help prevent a hangover. Eating a few dates in
the morning or a grapefruit will also elevate blood sugar levels, making you feel
better.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Take one tablet of activated charcoal per drink while you are drinking. The
charcoal absorbs the impurities in the alcohol, which are the cause of the
hangover. However, note that the charcoal also absorbs important nutrients, so if
you are a heavy drinker, don’t use this remedy daily as you will end up with
nutritional deficiencies.
KEEP IN MIND
A Siberian folk remedy to sober up is to have the person lay on their back while
someone briskly rubs their ears in a circular motion. Don’t rely on this or any of
the other methods discussed here to still drive.
Thrifty Cure!
Try a compress of water on the head to which a few drops of geranium
oil have been added to soothe a hangover-induced headache.
Skip This!
Coffee has long been used to sober folks up. However, it is a strong
diuretic that can cause further dehydration so it should be avoided.
CHAPTER 3
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR RELIEF OF BURNS,
BUG BITES, AND SKIN AFFLICTIONS
PRACTICE THIS
Teach children to avoid petting animals they do not know and to not approach
wild animals. Wild animals that allow themselves to be petted are more likely to
be sick. Large dogs can cause the most serious bites. Do not leave children alone
with animals and avoid interfering with animals that are mating, fighting, or
eating.
Relieving Burns
Burns are a nasty surprise. First-degree burns leave a red painful mark without
blisters and often occur from mild sunburn or brief contact with a hot object.
Only the first layer of skin is affected. Second-degree burns cause blisters and
swelling. This can happen when you are splashed with boiling water or even
from severe sunburn and can cause scarring. Third-degree burns may look white
and charred and may occur from prolonged contact with hot objects or severe
electrical shock. Such burns can involve all the skin layers, including the
subcutaneous tissue, and often damages muscles and other tissues.
To help alleviate pain from any type of burn, elevate the burned area above the
heart to slow circulation. Avoid breaking blisters or removing tissue. An
insulated dry cold pack can help relieve pain and so can these tips.
Thrifty Cures!
If you burn a fingertip, place your thumb on the back of your earlobe and
the burnt fingertip on the front. Press firmly for a minute for relief.
GOOD TO KNOW!
remove rings or tight clothing in the area of the burn; if swelling does occur,
these items may be difficult to remove later.
GOOD TO KNOW!
A Chinese patent herbal formula for burns is topical application of Jing Wan
Hong (also known as Ching Wan Hung), which can be applied directly to the
skin after cleaning or onto clean gauze and then applied to the skin.
Drink plenty of fluids when burned to help replace lost fluids. However, never
give an unconscious person anything to consume. Turn an unconscious person
on their side to allow body fluids like vomit or saliva to drain to prevent
choking. Raise the opposite side of the body with a supportive pillow or cushion.
GOOD TO GROW!
Aloe is naturally cooling and anti-inflammatory, so keep a jar of aloe vera in the
refrigerator to use for topical burn application. Aloe plants benefit from having
their outer leaves cut, so use the inner gel from older, lower leaves on first-and
second-degree burns and reapply several times daily.
KEEP IN MIND
Every person in the household will need to be checked. Human lice do not live
on animals (and vice versa). And it is only polite to let the parents of any
children your child was in contact with know that they should inspect their own
children. This sounds embarrassing, but it’s not a great idea to let other children
get more and more lice before their parents notice. Also, you do not want any of
these children giving lice back to your child! It is especially important to inform
the school office and your child’s teacher.
GOOD TO KNOW!
If there are any nits on the eyelashes or eyebrows, coat them thoroughly with
Vaseline. Reapply four times a day.
Thrifty Cure!
Head and public lice can be killed quickly, easily, cheaply, and safely
with mayonnaise. Buy a new jar of real mayonnaise as one in the
refrigerator may be too cold and old. Grab several handfuls—enough to
cover all the hair, being sure to get behind the ears and down the neck a
bit. Cover with a disposable plastic shower cap to keep the mess to a
minimum. Leave the mayonnaise on for two hours to smother the lice
and developed eggs. Remove and dispose the shower cap, wash the
hands well, and shampoo. It may take two or more shampoos to get the
hair clean.
The mayonnaise may not kill the newest nits since the unborn lice inside
may not have developed enough to need air yet. To deal with nits left
behind, under good lighting (such as natural sunlight), comb out any
remaining eggs with a fine-toothed metal comb. Nits are usually found
near the scalp. Check the hair by tiny sections, especially around the
edges of the hair, at the neck, and behind the ears. Put each nit or hair
into a bowl of vinegar. Flush away any contaminated tissues. Boil the
comb for three minutes in water or throw it away after use.
Repeat the smother-the-hair-with-mayonnaise-technique seven to ten
days after the first application to kill any survivors. Continue to check the
hair daily for a few weeks since you or your child may still be around
others who are infected.
Disinfect Everything!
Your hair or your child’s hair is not your only worry. All of the clothing
that you or your child has worn and towels used for the last week should
be washed in hot water. If there is some item that will shrink in the
washer, you can put it through the dryer on the hot cycle for 30 minutes
without washing it first.
All bedding (sheets, blankets, pillows, pillowcases, comforter, mattress
cover) needs to either be washed in hot water, dried dry on the hot cycle,
or put into a plastic bag and left sealed up. (They say that lice can only
live away from the human host for 48 hours or so, and the nits can
survive 7 to 10 days without a host, but keep the bags sealed for at least
two weeks—just in case—and because more eggs could hatch during this
time period or new lice could be brought home.)
Bagging will also be necessary for stuffed animals, hats, throw pillows,
barrettes, ponytail holders, hair ribbons, helmets, necklaces, and anything
else that has come in contact with you or your child or combs and
brushes. Vacuum the mattress, couch, chairs, rugs and floors, car seats
and backs, car rugs, and upholstered church pews thoroughly then
dispose of the vacuum bag.
Thrifty Cures!
Once you have poison ivy or poison oak, cleanse your system by
drinking teas three times daily of burdock root, dandelion root, nettle
herb, and red clover blossom. You can also make a poultice of green clay
and apple cider vinegar and apply to the itchy area.
KEEP IN MIND
If you do get poison ivy, avoid washing with a washcloth as this will cause it to
spread. You may find that bathing helps to bring some relief. Add 1 cup (235 ml)
of apple cider vinegar, oatmeal (80 g), or baking soda (221 g) to the bath.
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Avoid citrus and tomato products during a poison ivy or poison oak
outbreak as these foods can exacerbate the rash due to their high acid
content. Also avoid foods in the Brassicaceae family such as cabbage,
broccoli, cauliflower, and mustard greens. They are so cleansing that they
will cause the rash to spread during an outbreak.
Keep your nails short and change and wash clothing daily. Try to avoid
sweating or getting too much sun.
Learn to identify the plant and avoid it. Wear gloves and clothing that covers
you well before going out in infested areas. If you think you have contacted
poison ivy or poison oak, remove and launder your clothing. Wash your body
within 10 to 30 minutes. It is important to use an alkaline soap without an oil
base to avoid spreading the urushiol.
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Burning poison ivy or poison oak can cause dangerous smoke that
irritates the eyes and lungs. Don’t do it!
GOOD TO GROW!
A folk remedy for poison ivy and poison oak prevention is to rub fresh artemesia
leaves on exposed skin when going out. It grows wild in many parts of the
country.
Remedying Ringworm
Ringworm is a fungal infection that can affect the scalp, body, feet, and nails.
The name comes from a characteristic red ring of small scales that appears on
the infected person’s skin and has nothing to do with worms, thank goodness.
Though it is not dangerous, it is contagious. As a first step, you need to practice
excellent hygiene, washing clothing, bedding, and towels in hot water followed
by a dryer cycle. Avoid sharing towels. Next, use these natural cures.
Skip This!
Cut out sugars, alcohol, and fruit juices when you have ringworm as all
of these foods nourish fungi.
Thrifty Cures!
A traditional folk remedy for ringworm is to place a copper penny in
vinegar until the penny turns green and then rub the wet green penny on
the affected area. Another folk remedy is to make a paste of apple cider
vinegar and salt and apply to the affected area. Repeat three times daily.
You can also rub a crushed garlic clove briefly over the area several times
daily, but don’t leave the garlic clove on the skin as it can burn. Garlic oil, a
major antifungal agent, can also be used internally (take three capsules daily). In
addition, take one dropperful of black walnut tincture (a powerful antifungal
agent) three times daily and a probiotic supplement three times daily to help the
body better resist fungal overgrowth.
KEEP IN MIND
Fungi thrive in warm, moist areas, such as locker rooms and swimming pools
and in skin folds. Avoid sharing clothing, sports equipment, towels, or sheets.
Add 1 cup (235 ml) of apple cider vinegar to the final rinse water of your
laundry.
Wear loose-fitting natural clothing and use natural fibers in bedding so the
skin can breathe and fungal infections will not thrive.
Soothing Sunburn
Spending too much time in the sun can leave you feeling overdone. Excessive
sun exposure can contribute to premature aging, wrinkles, and even skin cancer.
Prevention is the key. But if you do get toasted, here’s how to feel better fast.
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR SUNBURN
After excess sun exposure, take a cool shower or soak in a tepid bath to which
you have added 1 cup (235 ml) of alkalinizing apple cider vinegar or 7 drops of
cooling and anti-inflammatory peppermint or lavender essential oil. Black or
green tea bags are high in pain-relieving astringent tannic acid and can be
moistened and applied to the skin or made into a tea and added to the bath water.
Another soothing bath for sunburn is 1/2 cup (111 g) of baking soda and a
small handful of sea salt. Tepid oatmeal baths (use 1 cup [80 g]) are also
soothing and cooling.
After your bath, apply 1 cup (235 ml) aloe vera juice with 10 drops of
lavender oil to soothe the skin. Use just the amount needed to cover afflicted
areas. Store remaining portions in the refrigerator in a clean, labeled glass jar.
Drink peppermint tea to cool you from the inside. Drink plenty of water to
help rehydrate the skin.
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Avoid further sun exposure until symptoms have subsided. Do not break
blisters. Avoid midday sun. Be aware that you can get burned through
light cotton clothing.
KEEP IN MIND
Look for natural sunscreens at health food stores and apply 30 minutes before
exposure. Wear a hat that gives shade to the back of the neck and drink plenty of
water.
Soothing Boils
Boils, also known as furuncles, are a sign of excess heat in the body. These
tender pus-filled areas are often dark red or purplish in color. Symptoms include
itching, mild pain, and localized swelling. Boils are most likely to occur on the
face, scalp, buttocks, legs, and underarm area and can be caused by food
sensitivity, poor hygiene, infected hair follicles, and weakened immunity. Here’s
how to bring things to a head.
Alternatively, you can soak the afflicted area in a hot Epsom salt solution (1/2
cup [115 g]of salt to 1 quart [950 ml] of hot water). You can even apply a hot
black tea bag!
Next, mix red clay with enough apple cider vinegar to make a thick paste and
apply directly to the affected area. Leave it on until it dries. This helps to dry the
boil and draw toxins to the surface. Do this several times a day.
After the boil breaks, apply echinacea extract or lavender oil to the area
several times a day. You can also take echinacea, red clover, violet leaf, and
burdock root as a tea, tincture, or capsules, as all of these herbs are considered
alterative, or blood purifying.
Soothing Blisters
Breaking in a new pair of shoes or just walking too much can lead to a blister. A
blister is a small pocket of fluid within the skin’s upper layers, often caused by
friction, burning, freezing, chemical exposure, or infection. Most blisters are
filled with a clear fluid called serum or plasma. However, blisters can be filled
with blood (known as blood blisters) or pus if infected. Here’s how to feel better.
WHEN TO SEE YOUR M.D.
Seek medical help for a boil:
• If red streaks appear to radiate outward from the boil site.
• If the patient is an infant or very elderly.
• If the boil is on the upper lip, nose, scalp or outer ear (all are too close to the
brain).
• If the boil is in the armpit or groin or on the breast of a nursing mother.
• If a fever over 100°F (38°C) persists.
KEEP IN MIND
Consider wearing two pairs of socks to prevent foot blisters. Wear gloves or
wrap hands when handling tools.
Preventing Insect Bites and Easing Itch
Bug bites result in itchy welts that you shouldn’t scratch, even though you really
want to! Such welts appear when the saliva injected by a mosquito, bee, or ant
causes a histamine response. Here’s how to prevent bites and treat them too.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Taking 3 or 4 garlic capsules a day will also make you an unappetizing host. 100
mg (50 for kids) of vitamin B complex taken orally creates a smell that many
bugs don’t like. Taking homeopathic Staphysagria also may prevent you being
bitten. Essential oils such as cedarwood, citronella, lavender, and tea tree can be
applied topically to pulse points such as the wrists, behind the knees, and behind
the ears every hour or so.
GOOD TO GROW!
Skip This!
Stay off of meat and spicy, oily, and heavy-protein foods. You want your
body to focus its energy on healing, not breaking down foods that are
difficult to digest. Avoid sugar too as sugar provides food for bacteria.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Insects are attracted to people who eat lots of bananas, so curb your banana
intake. Alcohol consumption causes blood vessel dilation, thus making you more
desirable for mosquitoes.
Homeopathic Apis is ideal for stings that are swollen. Take 4 pellets under the
tongue 4 times a day. If you have some vitamin C handy, take about 1,000 mg to
reduce swelling.
If you are allergic to bee stings, carry an emergency kit with you or seek
medical attention immediately.
FOR TICKS
When removing a tick, use disinfected tweezers, grab the tick as close to the
head as possible, and pull straight out. Wash the bite area and your hands well
with antiseptic soap, dry and then apply a few drops of Echinacea 3 times daily.
FOR WASP STINGS
For wasp stings, apply apple cider vinegar, damp tea leaves, garlic, an onion or
potato poultice, and baking soda as a paste. Take homeopathic Vespa 30x
internally. Taking 1,000 mb of vitamin C and 100 mg of panothenic acid for 3 or
4 hours helps provide a natural antihistamine effect, thus reducing swelling.
Soothing Painful Shingles
Shingles, also known as Herpes varicella-zoster virus, can be very painful.
Shingles occur when the chicken pox virus (which lays dormant in the body after
you get it) is reactivated by stress, fatigue, or another illness. Shingles can cause
pain along the nerves, and is first signaled by a burning or shooting pain,
pricking, or tenderness. The nerves on the chest, face, back, neck, arms, and legs
are most often affected. The pain is due to the swelling of the blisters, though
pain may persist even after the blisters heal as the nerves have become irritated.
Attacks have been known to last from a week in younger folk, though older
people may suffer as long as two months.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Taking an extra B12 (500 mcg) every hour for the first day and 200 mcg a day
thereafter can help relieve pain and speed healing of the blisters.
CHAPTER 4
NATURAL REMEDIES TO THE RESCUE FOR
INJURIES AND FIRST AID
Bettering Bruises
You may have knocked your shin on a coffee table or bumped into your desk.
You get a bruise when the skin is struck with force yet the skin is unbroken and
blood rushes to the damaged tissues below the surface. As a first step, elevate the
area that is bruised. Apply an ice pack to reduce swelling. After the first 24
hours, heat can be applied after swelling and inflammation have subsided. These
tips can help you feel better too.
GOOD TO KNOW!
If you bruise easily, take a supplement of vitamin C with bioflavonoids and rutin
to help strengthen collagen production and the capillaries. Look for a
combination remedy that contains about 1,000 mg vitamin C and 250 mg
bioflavonoids daily.
GOOD TO GROW!
Shred up some plantain leaves, mix with a bit of water, and apply topically as a
poultice. It will draw out any remaining debris and soothe and protect the injured
area.
GOOD TO KNOW!
One of the most common things that sends people to the emergency room in my
town is trying to slice frozen bagels with a sharp knife. It’s important to thaw
them first!
GOOD TO KNOW!
Spider webs contain a coagulating substance that can be applied to cuts. Just
make sure there is no spider in the web and that the web looks clean!
Thrifty Cures!
Apply slices of raw potato or cucumber on the area to cool inflammation
and reduce pain and swelling. If you have them in your garden, you can
collect some plantain leaves, shred them up with a bit of water, and apply
them over the closed eye as a poultice.
Just grab a handful of the fresh plant’s leaves. Chop it up a bit and press into the
wound to stop minor bleeding.
Nettles are a good herb to give people prone to excessive bleeding as they
contain vitamin K, which aids in blood clotting. Take 2 to 4 capsules (internally)
daily if needed.
An excellent Chinese patent medicine to stop bleeding is Yunnan Pai Yao
(made from tienchi ginseng, which has strong blood-clotting properties). Take
either topically and/or internally as directed on the packaging. Avoid internal use
during pregnancy as its safety has not been studied for use during that time.
Thrifty Cures
Apply cayenne powder on the wound to encourage it to stop bleeding
(note that this does sting). Just sprinkle some on a bleeding wound and
apply pressure. Avoid contact with the eyes or mouth, which could burn.
You can also take cayenne pepper powder internally in cases of bleeding.
Take 1 teaspoon (2 g) in 1 cup (235 ml) of water.
Thrifty Cures!
Apply a piece of Scotch or adhesive tape to the area of the skin
containing the splinter. Yank it off quickly and that splinter will come
out!
Cures from Grandma’s Kitchen
Draw splinters out by taping a slice of raw onion to the area. (Onions pull
objects to the surface of the skin.) Apply overnight and use a band-aid to
keep in place. In the morning, the splinter should come out.
GOOD TO KNOW!
In case of injury such as a sprain, remember the acronym RICE, which stands for
Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. Rest means you’ll need to lie down to
prevent further trauma to the area. Avoid using the injured area and immobilize
it by using a sling or splint. Ice helps to constrict blood vessels, which will
minimize bleeding and swelling. Fill a plastic bag with some ice and secure it
before applying to the injured area. You may want to be prepared by wetting a
washcloth and keeping it in a secured plastic bag in the freezer so you have it
ready for emergencies. When the area begins to feel numb from the cold, remove
the cold compress until the numbness subsides and reapply. This can be repeated
routinely for at least six to twelve hours following the injury.
Make a compress by adding 10 drops of lavender oil to a pint (475 ml) of cold
water, mixing, soaking a washcloth or face towel with the solution, and applying
to the injured area. Next, elevate the injured area above the body if possible such
as propping an injured foot onto a pillow. Keep the afflicted area above heart
level. After a couple of days, pain and swelling should be relieved. At that time,
alternating hot and cold compresses can further speed up healing but avoid heat
until at least a couple days after the injury.
Cures from Grandma’s Kitchen
Make a liniment for sprains by adding 1 tablespoon (5 g) cayenne pepper
and 1/2 teaspoon (475 ml) oil of birch to a pint of apple cider vinegar.
Apply topically to the injured area, cover with a cloth if desired, then
elevate and rest.
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Avoid using heavy pore-clogging creams on any wound. They will
prevent the wounded area from getting adequate oxygen. Nix synthetic
fragrances or harsh cleansers as well. Avoid getting lots of sun with a
wound that has the potential for scarring as it can render the scar more
permanent. Picking at scabs can cause scarring that might not have
occurred otherwise.
BEFORE SURGERY
Read about the procedure so you know what to expect. Discuss your fears and
feelings with your doctor, family, and spiritual counselor. Get your personal
affairs in order, including naming someone to have power of attorney in case it is
needed. Let your doctor know about any herbs, drugs, or supplements you are
currently taking at least 1 week before surgery. Consider making a donation of
your own blood, so that if blood is needed, a safe, perfect-for-you type is
available.
Do your best to be in good health before surgery. Cut out or minimize the use
of health-robbing substances such as cigarettes, coffee, alcohol, and junk food.
Lose or gain weight reasonably if appropriate. If you feel yourself getting
nervous as surgery draws near or in dealing with the aftermath of an accident,
Rescue Remedy can be an excellent ally.
DURING SURGERY
Music during the operation as well as during any recovery phase can reduce
anxiety and blot out noise pollution that could be detrimental. Taking an mp3 to
the hospital will assure that you hear what you need and want to hear.
GOOD TO KNOW!
After surgery, you can take vitamin E (400 IU) both internally and externally to
help reduce scarring. You can also use it topically after sutures have been
removed. If you have been given lots of drugs or anesthesia, use alterative herbs
(which can help detoxify the body of drug residue) such as alfalfa leaf, burdock
root, raw dandelion root, nettles, and red clover blossom. They can be taken as
teas three times daily. If you have been on antibiotics, take probiotic capsules
three times daily to prevent fungal overgrowth. You can also take homeopathic
Arnica before and after surgery to reduce swelling and trauma. Put four pellets
under the tongue three times daily.
If the hospital staff tries to give you chemical green electrolyte beverages, if
you can, take an alternative from the health food store without dyes and artificial
flavors. When friends come to visit, ask them to bring a fresh vegetable juice of
carrot, beet, and celery, which can be diluted and enjoyed. Enjoy homemade
meals and other healing gifts your friends know how to provide.
GOOD TO KNOW!
A salve made of comfrey, calendula, and vitamin E can be used to heal bedsores
should they occur. Apply topically using enough to cover the affected area.
Read some of the books you’ve always wanted to. Spend some time studying.
Maybe there’s a subject you’ve always been interested in but never had the time
to pursue? This may be the only time in your life you decide to read about a
period of history or art that interest you. Check out books on tape if you are not
up to reading.
Remember and enjoy the art of drawing and coloring. Learn to play some
games.
Visualize placing your healing and consciousness into the parts of your body
that need it. Send healing light and colors to all parts of your being. Take time to
pray and give thanks for the things that are right in life.
This may be a good time to keep a journal. Tell the story of your life, illness,
or your accident. Do it again in two weeks and see how it might be different. Or
write the story of how you want your future to look. You can also use a journal
to learn more about the meaning of dreams. Write poetry and short stories.
Sleep as much as you can. Use this time for healing, to regenerate and renew
so that you emerge with new strength and vitality. Use this time to do anything
that soothes you and promotes your healing.
When it is time to get back on your feet, do it gradually with care and
moderation. Take care and revel in the taking time out for your own healing
process!
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There are many herbs to avoid before surgery, including the following:
• Ephedra: Can elevate blood pressure.
• Feverfew: Can increase bleeding.
• Garlic: Can decrease blood platelet aggregation.
• Ginkgo: Can decrease blood platelet aggregation.
• Ginseng: Can increase bleeding in some people.
• Goldenseal: Might increase blood pressure.
• Kava: May increase the effects of some antiseizure medications.
• Licorice: May aggravate electrolyte imbalance and increase blood
pressure.
• Valerian: Can increase the effects of some anesthesia or antiseizure
medications.
Also a week before surgery, avoid aspirin, Motrin, Advil (anti-
inflammatory nonsteroidal drugs), vitamin E, COQ10, selenium, ginger,
white willow bark, hawthorn, and turmeric (okay in food) as they all
have blood-thinning properties.
KEEP IN MIND
Emotions that are unexpected and sometimes irrational are likely to occur and
can be part of the healing process. Screaming into a pillow for no more than ten
minutes can be releasing and therapeutic if you feel a need for it during the
recovery process.
Treating Poison Exposure
A skull and crossbones on a container in a B movie means poison. But you can
become poisoned from household cleaners, plants, and substances in the air like
carbon monoxide. Kids can take poisonous substances out of a trash container or
get access to such substances when visiting people who do not have childproof
homes. Using poisonous volatile substances in a poorly ventilated area can cause
them to be inhaled and absorbed through the body. Symptoms of poisoning
include dizziness, nausea, headache, impaired speech, visual disturbances, chest
pains, convulsions, and even paralysis..
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Never give food or liquid to an unconscious person. Do not induce
vomiting unless directed by poison control and never in an unconscious
person. Never induce vomiting in cases of ingestion of strong acids,
strong alkalis, and petroleum products. They can be inhaled on their way
up the esophagus and absorbed into the lungs.
KEEP IN MIND
Household chemicals and medicines should be stored out of sight and reach of
children, preferably in a locked cabinet. Avoid storing chemicals and medicines
on the same shelves as food. Make sure everything is properly labeled and do
not transfer poisonous substances into unmarked bottles, cups, or glasses.
Never take medications in the dark without turning on the lights, and always
read labels before using.
Avoid taking medicines in front of small children who will want to imitate
you. Drugs that are colorful or sugar coated are especially tempting to them.
Never leave poisonous substances open “just for a minute.” Most poisoning
fatalities occur in children between the ages of one and three.
Soothing Crushed Fingers
Ouch! Slamming your finger in the car door is truly painful. First, be sure the
finger isn’t broken by bending it in different directions. If you can’t bend your
finger, seek medical attention.
If your finger is merely bruised, think CPR-Cold, Pressure, and Raise it. Soak
the finger in ice water immediately until the cold feels painful (usually not more
than 30 seconds). Then raise and squeeze the finger, and repeat the cold, pressure
and raise technique up to a few dozen times. These remedies can also help.
GOOD TO KNOW!
If you feel you may faint from heat, try rubbing an ice cube or a cold-water
compress on your wrists. Lie down in a cool place and drink liquids. If you are
feeling faint after long periods of standing, try rocking gently from the balls of
your feet to the heels.
You can also pinch the fleshy part between the upper lip and nose using a
slightly upward pressure, which is an important acupressure point known as GV
26 that increases alertness. Applying cold moist towels to the neck and face can
help as well. Do not give anyone who is unconscious anything to eat or drink,
but when they are conscious, sips of cool water are fine. Be sure to allow access
to fresh air, which may be blocked by looming crowds. Here’s what else can help
bring that someone around.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Skip This!
Drink lots more fluids but avoid alcoholic beverages and stimulants such
as coffee, which can be further heat the body and are diuretic, causing the
body to lose more important minerals.
Skip This!
Immersion in very cold water is vasoconstrictive and can result in death
or brain damage by preventing the heat from escaping. But after initial
cooling takes place, one can slowly get into tepid water feet first, parts at
a time. Ice packs can also be placed under the armpits, behind the neck,
on the wrists and forehead, and over the groin.
KEEP IN MIND
To prevent heatstroke or heat exhaustion, take a nap during the hot part of the
day when you are likely to feel low in energy. Avoid strenuous exercise during
midday and instead exercise early. Go for a walk after sunset. Have sex later in
the evening when the weather has cooled rather than during the heat of the day.
Wear lighter cotton or hemp clothing. Use a hat with a brim and make sure
your arms and legs are covered with light-colored clothing. In the morning of hot
days, apply coconut or sunflower oil to the body before bathing to help you feel
cooler. Slow down your activities.
In cases of heat cramps (symptoms include dizziness, shallow breathing,
nausea, and muscle cramps), get into the shade and drink water to which a pinch
of salt has been added to 1 pint (475 ml) of fluid. Since most heat cramps occur
in the legs, elevate them and apply firm pressure on cramped muscles.
Avoiding Hypothermia
Exposure to cold, wind, and rain can bring on hypothermia, as can exhaustion,
lack of clothing, food, or shelter, and not being prepared. Mild hypothermia can
occur when the body temperature drops to 95°F (35°C). The brain is one of the
first organs affected, so it’s not surprising that the first symptoms of hypothermia
include confusion. Symptoms of later stages of hypothermia include slurred
speech, stumbling, irrational behavior (such as sudden bursts of energy followed
by fatigue), blurry vision, abdominal pains, and unconsciousness. The elderly,
very young, and very thin are most prone to hypothermia. Anyone pulled from
cold water can be assumed to be suffering from hypothermia. Here’s how to
warm up fast.
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Cigarettes are vasoconstricting and will reduce blood flow. Avoid contact
with cold metallic objects as well as cold foods, water, and wind. Avoid
wearing rings and metal jewelry, which can impair circulation. Avoid a
hot bath before going into cold weather, as the blood vessels will dilate
on the skin’s surface. Avoid over-washing, which can strip the body of its
natural oils.
Unless it is to get the victim out of the cold, avoid moving them. Avoid
rubbing or massaging them and put them into a warm not hot bath.
Putting them into a hot bath can send cold blood to the heart and cause
ventricular fibrillation.
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If you plan on spending a long time out in the cold, to avoid
hyperthermia, don’t drink too many liquids as this can make you colder.
Thrifty Cure!
Stuff your clothes with dry grass, moss, leaves, or rumpled newspaper to
provide your body with warmth. Avoid depending on lightweight space
blankets as your only way to get warm as they will keep moisture from
evaporating and end up making you colder if used for long periods.
Waterproof outer clothing can be life saving.
Thrifty Cure!
Placing a clean plantain leaf, a dime, a copper penny, or even a piece of
brown paper bag (or tightly rolled strip on undyed, unscented tissue)
under the upper lip (acupuncture point GV 26) will stimulate a point that
controls circulation and will help stop the bleeding.
Try not to swallow a lot of blood. Take it easy and rest for at least 30 minutes
after your nose stops bleeding. Avoid vigorous exercise for a day or two
afterward so that the nose doesn’t start bleeding again. Here’s what else you can
do.
Thrifty Cure!
Placing a clean plantain leaf, a dime, a copper penny, or even a piece of
brown paper bag (or tightly rolled strip on undyed, unscented tissue)
under the upper lip (acupuncture point GV 26) will stimulate a point that
controls circulation and will help stop the bleeding.
CHAPTER 5
NATURAL REMEDIES FOR COMMON AILMENTS
How to care for all the parts of our being that serve us so well is worth
learning about. Here are some techniques from around the planet that can
help heal.
Treating eye Ailments
The precious gift of sight, which brings light and color into our lives, is worth all
the attention we can focus toward achieving and maintaining healthy vision. Our
eyes are long-range preceptors. All organs give the purest part of their energy to
the eyes, helping to create their alertness and brightness. Our eyes are much like
a camera. The lenses at the front of the eye collect and focus light rays. The
colored iris works as an aperture. The retina is compared to film, which captures
the image. Tears are fluids that help to wash the lens with lysozyme, a powerful
germ killer. Crying can actually be a therapeutic way to clean and heal the eyes!
Keep in mind that eye problems are usually a long time in the making and
consistency is needed to allow natural remedies to demonstrate their full
benefits. Let’s get started!
KEEP IN MIND
If you spend your days in front of computers, keep the lighting in the room low
with screen brightness three to four times that of the room. Consider using full-
spectrum lighting in the home and workplace. Natural light improves visual
acuity and helps prevent eyestrain.
Minimize glare by keeping monitors away from light sources such as
windows. Consider using an antiglare screen. Make sure characters on the screen
stand out sharply. Have the screen positioned 14 to 20 inches (35.6 to 50.8 cm)
away from eyes just below eye level. The colors of display characters on a
computer that are easiest on the eyes are amber and green. Fifteen minutes out of
every hour, try to do some non-computer sort of work.
When it is safe and can be done without strain, try to spend a few minutes
each day without anything covering your eyes (glasses, sunglasses, or contact
lenses). Close your eyes and allow the sunlight to rest upon your closed eyelids
for 3 to 5 minutes. Another beneficial eye strengthening technique is called
“sunning.” It is done by standing or sitting with closed eyes (though no glasses
or contacts). Then move your head slowly from the left to the right, allowing the
sun’s rays to gently cross over closed eyes. This is best done outside, preferably
when surrounded by the calm, cooling, healing green colors of nature. An
ancient folk remedy to benefit the eyes is to gaze at the cooling rays of the
moon!
KEEP IN MIND
Sleep on your back, as sleeping on your side causes creases in your face, leading
to permanent lines. Using two pillows to elevate your head keeps fluids from
pooling around the eyes. Puffy eyes could also be related to allergies to the
bedding, such as a down pillow or comforter.
Beware of heavily chlorinated pools or swimming in unclean water, which can
cause eye infections or irritations. Wear watertight goggles if necessary.
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Cheap sunglasses filter only some rays and may allow harmful rays to
penetrate. The best sunglasses are gray, green, then brown in that order.
Eating cooling cucumbers and mung beans is also helpful if you have
conjunctivitis. Take cooling anti-inflammatory herbs, such as burdock,
chickweed, Echinacea, and red clover blossom, in tea, tincture, or capsule form
three times daily. A probiotic supplement taken three times daily between meals
helps inhibit unfriendly microorganisms that may be contributing factors in the
infection.
Thrifty Cures!
Splash cold water over your eyes several times a day to improve
circulation. Ahhh!
Be sure you aren’t using an eye cream you are allergic to. Eye creams are
designed to be richer and thicker than other moisturizers as the area around the
eyes lacks oil glands. If the puffiness disappears as the day wears on, fluid
retention may be the cause, which is ultimately a kidney concern.
Try pulling the upper eyelid out and down over the lower lid, which can help
dislodge pesky particles. If you are helping someone else dislodge a particle
from their eye, have them look up and down and left and right as you examine
their eye. If the particle is visible, use a clean handkerchief to remove it. Do not
use cotton or tissue as they have fibers that can come loose in the eye.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Safety glasses can help prevent eye accidents. Look for glasses with shatterproof
lenses and use them for hazardous carpentry, art projects, sports, and cleaning.
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If you have a stye, avoid dairy food and foods that contain gluten as they
are likely to cause excess phlegm.
After the object has been removed, seek medical attention if there is swelling in
the eye or sharp or even mild pain 24 hours later. Also seek medical attention if
there is light sensitivity, visual disturbances, the eye is unable to stay open, or it
still feels as if something is in the eye.
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Avoid rubbing the eyes or using any instrument to remove a foreign
object.
Thrifty Cures!
For babies, a few drops of mother’s milk, which is high in antibodies, can
be applied directly to the eyes 3 times daily.
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Avoid hot spicy food, coffee, and alcohol. According to Asian medicine,
the health of the eyes is governed by the liver. Anything that dries or
irritates the liver also affects the eyes.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Should you accidentally get a foreign object in your ear or disobey your mother
and put beans in your ears, remember that an imbedded object is best removed
by a doctor, who will have the tools to do so without puncturing the delicate
membrane of the ears.
If you examine the candle, the bottom portion will be filled with one to
several inches of wax (and also some ash from the candle). I have found these
candles beneficial in improving hearing and relieving blockages such as airplane
ears and even in some cases of earaches.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Foods that have a long tradition of being considered beneficial to the ears based
on their antioxidant properties include colorful fresh fruits and berries
(especially blueberries and blue elderberries); adzuki; kidney and black beans;
green leafy vegetables like kale, collards, and mustard greens; dark yellow
vegetables such as pumpkin, acorn, and butternut squashes; garlic; and onions. I
am very fond of eating wild violet leaves in salads for strengthening the ears. An
antioxidant vitamin is also helpful in protecting our hearing. A vitamin D
deficiency can contribute to hearing loss of the higher frequencies. Taking a
supplement of 1,000 IU daily may be helpful.
The herb ginkgo has also been shown to be beneficial in improving hearing
loss, especially when due to nerve deafness. Ginkgo leaves increase cerebral and
peripheral blood flow and improve nerve transmission. This herb may be taken
in tea, extract, or capsule form 2 to 3 times daily.
In Oriental medicine, the ears are said to correlate to the kidneys. The kidneys
are often treated with acupuncture or moxibustion to help improve the ears. It is
interesting that the ears and kidneys are similarly shaped. You can practice
acupressure by tapping the ears firmly with two fingertips with the top portion of
the ear gently folded over the ear opening, of the other hand 50 to 100 times
every day. Also gently tap the sides of the head above the ears.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Yoga postures that improve various ear disorders include the Palm Pose, the
Lion, the Wheel, the Plow, the Shoulder Stand and the Neck Pose.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Avoid sharing pedicure tools like nail clippers. Wear rubber sandals when
showering in public places.
KEEP IN MIND
As much as possible, air your feet out in the sun for short periods of time. Wear
natural fiber socks that are changed often and shoes made of natural materials
that allow your feet to breathe, rather than synthetic materials. Alternate the
shoes that you wear so that shoes have the opportunity to air out. Many health
professionals feel that athletes’ foot can also be a symptom of yeast overgrowth
in the body. Keep in mind that sugar, fruit juice, alcohol, and yeasted breads may
all be foods contributing to yeast overgrowth in the body.
Thrifty Cures!
You may find it helpful to fill a container with marbles and walk around
in it to take the ache out. Or pour some dried beans into a shoe and walk
for a few minutes as a foot/massaging exercise.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Be sure to choose shoes that fit well and don’t cause unnecessary pressure.
Avoid buying shoes in the morning, as the feet expand during the day and what
fits perfectly at 10 am might seem too tight by 6 pm. If you walk to work or a
ways to the subway or bus, consider wearing sneakers and then changing into
other shoes during work.
GOOD TO KNOW!
For tired, aching feet, simply prepare the herbs below as you would for drinking
tea, strain, cool slightly, and then pour into a bucket and soak your sore feet:
HERB BENEFITS
GOOD TO KNOW!
To deodorize your feet simply prepare the herbs below as you would for drinking
tea, strain, cool slightly, and then pour into a bucket and soak your feet:
HERB BENEFITS
GOOD TO KNOW!
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Foods that inhibit thyroid function include millet, peanuts, and soybeans.
Eating large amounts of foods in the Brassicaceae family, such as
broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, rutabaga, turnips, and Brussels
sprouts, inhibits the uptake of iodine, a necessary nutrient. However,
consuming plenty of mineral-rich sea vegetables makes this concern less.
The thyroid gland becomes damaged by excessive consumption of
caffeine, sugar, and refined carbohydrates, all of which stimulate
pituitary activity and damage its ability to produce the necessary
hormones that activate thyroid function. Fluoridated water can also
inhibit thyroid function.
GOOD TO KNOW!
A simple test called the Barnes Basal Temperature Test checks thyroid function.
Refrain from drinking alcohol that night. Before bed, shake down a thermometer
and place it by your bed. In the morning, put the thermometer firmly in the
armpit and rest for 10 minutes. A normal resting reading will be 97.8°F. (37°C).
Repeat the next day. If it is lower than that, you may have an underactive
thyroid. Women should do this after their menses is complete, as temperature
levels will fluctuate more during this time.
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Eliminating refined sugars and grains (such as white rice, white bread,
and other white flour products) is essential. Refined grains are too rapidly
absorbed. Fruit juices as well as sweet vegetable (carrot and beet) juices
should not be consumed; they are too sweet, lack the fiber of whole food,
and tend to overstimulate the pancreas. Dried fruit, dates, grapes,
artificial sweeteners, and honey are also too concentrated if you are
hypoglycemic. Heavily salted foods can cause insulin overreactions.
GOOD TO KNOW!
A diet that is rich in sweets and lacking in fiber sets us up for the blood sugar
blues. When blood sugar levels elevate too fast due to glucose overload, the
pancreas “panics” and over-secretes insulin, which then causes the blood sugar
level to drop very low. At this point, we are likely to crave another sweet fix and
begin the cycle over again. As this is repeated, the pancreas becomes
hypersensitive. Overusing stimulants also contributes to hypoglycemia, as this
raises blood sugar levels by overstimulating the adrenal glands. This causes a
flight or fight reaction, causing insulin to be released. After years of this process,
the adrenal glands become exhausted and unable to function properly. Heredity
can also be a factor in hypoglycemia. Allergies can also cause stress on the body
and can be exhausting to the adrenal glands.
This section covers natural remedies for conditions that affect women.
You’ll learn how to use food, herbs, vitamins, minerals, and other natural
therapies to help you center yourself and feel more balanced. Women are
often the ones who give care to others. Here are some simple yet effective
ways to give back to ourselves.
Regulating Appetite: Anorexia and Bulimia
If you are anorexic or bulimic, your food intake is out of balance. Anorexia
nervosa is chronic undereating and obsession with thinness and a fear of weight
gain. Bulimia nervosa is a repeated cycle of eating excessively, called binging,
and then purging, either by vomiting or through the abuse of laxatives.
Both anorexia and bulimia are more likely to occur in women (about 90
percent), but they do occasionally occur in men. Practicing prayer, meditation,
guided visualization, and yoga can all help you become more serene and stable.
So can these practices.
HEALING HERBS FOR ANOREXIA AND BULIMIA
Herbs that can be used in connection with anorexia and bulimia are listed below.
Since many of them fit into the category of a digestive bitter, they are best used
in capsule or tincture form, taken three times daily 10 minutes before a meal.
GOOD TO KNOW!
If you are anorexic or bulimic, it’s important to correct any underlying health
problem (such as low thyroid or biochemical imbalance). It can also help to get
counseling by a professional trained in eating disorders.
HERB BENEFITS
You can also look for a product in your health food store called a “digestive
bitter combination,” which stimulates digestive secretions and improves appetite.
Thrifty Cures!
Stimulate your appetite by adding cilantro, cinnamon, garlic, and ginger
to your food.
Include raw juices and fruits like persimmons and ripe pineapple, which are rich
in enzymes that help digestion and reduce inflammation. Consume soothing
foods like soaked chia seeds and mashed avocado (which contains the enzyme
lipase, which aids in the digestion of fats). Add these foods in gradually to your
diet, a little at a time.
Keep a daily food journal to observe mood patterns and what foods are binge
triggers and to promote awareness.
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Eliminate caffeine, which can aggravate feelings of anxiety and
depression and increase the desire to binge eat. Some people with eating
disorders may actually have food intolerances such as to gluten, which
when consumed can cause damage to the intestinal lining. This makes
food abusers more likely to choose foods that require little digestion,
such as sugar, white flour products, and alcohol, which are best avoided.
Yeast overgrowth, also known as candida, can also be a contributing
factor in eating disorders. Sugar feeds unfriendly yeast microorganisms,
making them proliferate and you miserable. You can learn more about
beating sugar addiction in the book Beat Sugar Addiction Now!
(Fairwinds Press 2010).
Overcoming Infertility
Fertilization occurs only when an egg cell (ovum) fuses with a sperm cell.
Women reach peak fertility in their early 20s. It diminishes from the mid-30s in
women and about 10 years later for men. After 30, one in four women will have
some difficulty conceiving. It is estimated that one sixth of all married couples
are infertile. Infertility can be due to any combination of factors, including
blockage due to scar tissue, fibroids, or endometriosis. Hormonal imbalances can
also be a factor.
Some ulcer medications as well as many other drugs lower sperm count and
so can heat from hot baths, tight underwear, jock straps, tight jeans, long bike
rides, and even hot car seats. If nerve damage occurs in men due to diabetes, it
can cause ejaculated semen to back up into the bladder. Erectile dysfunction or
premature ejaculation can make it difficult to conceive. Even sitting for extended
periods of time can lower sperm count!
Many women whose mothers took the drug DES (diethylstilbestrol) have
experienced fertility problems and reproductive disorders. Irregular menses or
lack of menses can make it difficult to predict when or if ovulation is occurring.
No matter whether the problem is more with the woman or the man, both should
work together for the best results.
Knowing when ovulation occurs and having sex close to that time will greatly
increase your chances of conceiving. Chart your temperature to determine when
ovulation occurs using special thermometers or kits from a pharmacy. Take your
temperature every morning before doing anything. On the day of ovulation, your
temperature will rise 0.4 to 1°F (-17.5 to -17.2°). Chart your menstrual cycle too.
Notice when your cervical mucous is stringy, like an egg white, when held
between two fingers; this is another sign of fertility. Fertile mucous is stretchy
and doesn’t soak into toilet paper. Infertile mucus is pappy and breaks apart
easily. Learn to read your body to improve your timing. Here are some other
ways to increase your chances of getting pregnant.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Lubricants can slow down sperm motility. Even saliva, which contains the
enzyme amylase, may have an inhibitory factor. Egg white at room temperature
is one of the only things that can be used as a lubricant that won’t adversely
affect conception. However, if one of the partners is allergic to eggs, this is best
avoided. Remember, foreplay is the best way to stimulate the body’s natural
lubrication.
Ginseng nourishes the entire female reproductive system and can also help
correct erectile dysfunction and low sperm count. Women should stop using if
they become pregnant. Licorice root encourages normal ovulation. It contains
phytosterols that provide the raw material for hormonal production.
Oat straw helps relieve exhaustion and stress, nourishes the nerves, and makes
tactile sensations more pleasurable. It’s also an aphrodisiac. Raspberry leaf helps
regulate hormones. Red clover blossom is very alkaline, nutritive, and
phytoestrogenic. Vitex berry affects the pituitary gland and stimulates ovulation.
Vitex can also be used the first trimester of pregnancy to maintain the corpus
luteum in women with a history of miscarriage before the twelfth week. Take a
dose of herbal tea, tincture, or capsules three times daily.
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Female smokers have a 40 percent higher rate of infertility than
nonsmokers. Male smokers show a 33 percent rate of reduced sperm
motility. Even electromagnetic energy from microwaves, electric
blankets, waterbeds, computers without protective screens, x-rays,
pollution, and toxins can affect fertility. Stress can also affect your ability
to conceive. It can interfere with both sperm production and the female
reproductive cycle. Avoid toxic cleaning products, heavy metals, and
chemicals. Drink pure water. Love the weeds, learn to eat them, and stop
using herbicides!
KEEP IN MIND
The best position for conception is the missionary position. If the woman can put
her feet on her partner’s shoulders, this is enhancing. Other beneficial positions
include rear entry and lying on your sides. The positions least likely to promote
conception are those that involve sitting, standing, or woman on top. It is not
imperative for a woman to have an orgasm for conception to occur, yet she
should be stimulated enough to produce vaginal mucous. When the man
ejaculates, he should go deep and stop thrusting.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Try Reflexology The kidney point is a reflexology point located at the center of
the ball on each foot that connects through the meridians to the kidneys. It is
beneficial to stimulate the foot reflex point in a circular motion for three minutes
a day to increase fertility. Also work on the area of the Achilles heel, which
correlates to reproductive organ points on both men and women.
After union, the woman should lie on her back with her knees elevated to her
chest (urinate before sex so you won’t need to urinate right after) for at least 20
minutes. Use a pillow or two to elevate your hips. The very adept yogini can
stand on her head after intercourse during her fertile period. (If you’re not adept
at yoga, don’t try it!) A shoulder stand can help too. Most importantly, keep in
your hearts and minds the love and good feelings you have for one another and
trust the process of life.
Preventing Miscarriage
About one in ten pregnancies end in miscarriage. Environmental pollutants,
drugs, stress, overexposure to radiation, fibroid tumors, infection, structural
abnormalities, and nutritional deficiencies can all be contributing factors to
miscarriage. Miscarriage is sometimes nature’s way of letting go of a being that
may be less than perfect. It is only during the first stage, referred to as threatened
miscarriage, that one can prevent the end of the pregnancy. Bleeding, spotting,
and cramping are all symptoms. When the blood becomes heavy and bright red,
it is considered too late to prevent. These natural remedies may be able to help,
but of course it’s wise to consult your doctor or midwife as well.
Black haw is a powerful uterine sedative, strengthens a weak cervix, and has
helped many women continue a threatened pregnancy. Women who have had
repeated miscarriages may want to take a dropperful in a bit of water 3 times
daily to prevent problems before they begin. If you can’t find black haw, cramp
bark, a close relative, can be used in the same way. Keep using these daily until
the threat of miscarriage has passed.
Another herb to prevent miscarriage is wild yam, which is an antispasmodic.
It can be used in tea, tincture, or capsule form; one dose is taken three times
daily.
Foods to consume that strengthen the reproductive system and have high
nutritional profiles, and can help prevent miscarriage according to folkloric
traditions, include black beans, millet, quinoa, wild rice, and winter squash.
Low thyroid function can also be a factor in miscarriage. Consider eating
more sea vegetables or taking a kelp supplement.
Easing Morning Sickness
Morning sickness is kind of a misnomer because this condition can last all day
long when you are expecting. Causes can include low blood sugar and the
increased protein requirements of the developing fetus, the liver not being able
to break down the extra hormones, stress, certain aromas, and diet.
But nausea during pregnancy may be a positive sign. It causes us to pay
attention to ourselves. Research shows that women who have nausea early in
their pregnancies may have a lower risk of miscarriage, perhaps because
hormonal levels are high. And here’s more good news. For many, morning
sickness disappears by the end of the first trimester of pregnancy. Here’s what to
do until it passes.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Homeopathic remedies to consider for threatened miscarriage include Apis
mellifica, which helps calm premature labor and stinging ovarian pains. Arnica
montana can prevent miscarriage brought on by physical trauma such as falling.
Note: It is always wise to let your midwife or doctor know before taking any
herbs or supplements while you are pregnant.
In a dry, clean glass jar, place the crushed herbs and oil. Allow to steep for two
weeks. Strain through a clean dry cotton cloth while squeezing the oil out of the
herbs. Discard the herbs. Stir in the vitamin E and lavender oil. Bottle. Apply to
areas prone to stretching at least twice daily.
Bettering Breastfeeding
Mother’s milk is the perfect temperature, requires no preparation, is easy to
digest, is free of bacterial contamination, is available at no extra cost, creates
bonding and emotional security, promotes facial and muscular development and,
best of all, is totally fresh! The benefits of breastfeeding are enormous. Babies
that are breastfed are less likely to suffer from allergies, colic, diarrhea, ear
infections, eczema, and infections. Breast milk helps protect babies from
microbes including bacteria, fungi, and viruses and from disorders such as celiac
disease and Crohn’s disease. Breast milk also seems to contribute to higher IQs,
perhaps because it is higher in essential fatty acids omega 3, 6, and DHA
(docosahexaenoic acid). Here’s how to boost production.
GOOD TO KNOW!
It is best to wean a child slowly to make the transition easier for mother and
child. The World Health Organization suggests nursing for at least two years. As
a child nurses less, less milk will be produced. The milk becomes saltier and
thicker. To decrease milk production, drink a cup (235 ml) of sage tea up to eight
times daily and drink less of other fluids.
Thrifty Cures
Check and see if you already have any of these galactagogue herbs on
your spice shelf such as anise, dill, fennel, and caraway. It’s simple to
make a tea from them by steeping 1 heaping teaspoon (5 g) of the
crushed herb (use a mortar and pestle or blender) in 1 cup (235 ml) of hot
water for 10 minutes.
Nursing mothers need to drink plenty of fluids, at least half a gallon (3.8 L) a
day. Good choices include barley water, green smoothies, and carrot juice
(diluted with at least 50 percent water).
KEEP IN MIND
To promote healthy lactation, it is important to have a good “latch on.” Elevate
your baby to the level of your nipple and encourage him to latch on to the areola
rather than the nipple. Start each nursing time with a different breast and vary
positions so that the areola doesn’t get too much intense pressure. Have your
baby do all of her sucking when breastfeeding. Frequent use of pacifiers can
reduce nursing time, and many of them are made of polyvinyl chloride,
bisphenol, and pthlates.
Be calm when you are nursing. Relax and nurture the relationship and focus
on the nursing experience rather than nurse while cleaning house or watching
TV.
Soothing Mastitis
Mastitis is a breast infection that is more likely to occur in mothers who are
overdoing things and tired. Does this sound like you? Plugged ducts from the
mother not drinking enough fluids or the baby not nursing long enough to empty
the breasts can all contribute. As a first step, slow down and rest more. Next use
these helpful suggestions.
Thrifty Cures!
Add 2 teaspoons (10 ml) each apple cider vinegar and honey (13 g) to 1
cup (235 ml) of hot water and sip every hour until the infection has
passed to reduce infection and inflammation. Eat plenty of celery and
cucumbers (or juice) to cool the inflammation from the inside.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Nursing the baby on the side where infection occurs will not pass infection on to
the baby and can help drain the breasts. Though it will be painful, it can help. If
the condition is too painful or an abscess occurs near the nipple, nurse on the
other side for a day while you actively treat the infected side with compresses
and salves.
To make a cabbage leaf compress, rinse common green cabbage leaves and
cut a hole for the nipple. Right before applying, crush the veins of the cabbage
leaves with a rolling pin (or roll a glass bottle over the leaves) to break open the
veins. Apply the cabbage leaves directly on the breast. Usually one or two leaves
per breast works well. Make sure to cover all inflamed or engorged tissue with a
cotton bra (synthetic fibers can trap sweat, contributing to a moist environment
that encourages infection) and a clean T-shirt.
In 1 to 2 hours, when the cabbage leaves have wilted, remove the leaves and
reapply fresh leaves. Repeat 4 to 6 times for a total of 8 hours. Use the cabbage
leaves only until the engorgement subsides. Prolonged use of cabbage leaves on
the breast can reduce milk supply according to folklore.
GOOD TO KNOW!
If you have premenstrual syndrome (PMS), it can feel like you are on edge and
out of sorts. Symptoms include breast swelling, mood swings, sweet cravings,
depression, crying spells, irritability, anger, and agitation. Being more accident-
prone or absent-minded are also common symptoms. Besides using the herbs
mentioned here, find ways to nurture yourself during your “moon” time. Take an
aromatherapy bath. Drink warming herbal teas. Get a massage for tense parts of
your body. Play relaxation tapes. Practice deep breathing. Take a long walk. Take
a day off around the first day of your menses for self nurturing.
When menstrual bleeding occurs at irregular intervals or outside the duration
of normal menses, it is called metrorrhagia. Menses that are delayed 8 or 9 days
longer than a 28-day cycle could be due to a cyst, late ovulation, or lack of
ovulation (anovulation). Here’s how to fix menstrual difficulties in a natural way.
GOOD TO KNOW!
If you exercise regularly, you’re less likely to have menstrual difficulties.
Exercise improves circulation and liver function and stimulates endorphin
production. It also can help relieve emotional problems related to physical
disharmonies by detoxifying the body, causing perspiration, and helping to
regulate fluids. Brisk walking and swimming are two helpful forms of exercise
for menstrual difficulties.
GOOD TO KNOW!
If you get cramps, try using pads rather than tampons. The blood is trying to
flow out and anything that is keeping it inside will cause the body to cramp more
to expel what it is trying to get rid of.
Excessively early or late menses can be due to a chi deficiency, or general lack
of energy. Menses that come early may be due to an insufficiency of
progesterone. If menses occuring early is due to lack of ovulation, estrogen may
be deficient.
MENSTRUAL HERBS
Some of the herbs that help PMS and menstrual difficulties work by inhibiting
prostaglandins that have inflammatory actions. Plants with phytosterols can help
keep hormonal levels from plunging. Herbal therapy can improve circulation,
build the blood, improve liver function, and be diuretic. Herbs that can help
regulate the cycle include vitex, dandelion root, and raspberry leaf. If the menses
is always coming too early, avoid dong quai but use sage and rose hip teas. For
delayed menses, raspberry leaf may be used. Here is some information about
these herbs and others:
HERB BENEFITS
Alfalfa leaf Improves anemia and fatigue with its rich mineral content and
its phytosterols help nourish estrogen receptors
Crampbark An antispasmodic; calms cramps and emotional upheaval
Ginger root Improves circulation, helping amenorrhea (lack of menses),
dysmenorrhea (painful periods), and nausea
Nettle herb Prevents anemia and helps control excessive bleeding (thanks
to vitamin K); is a circulatory stimulant, diuretic, hemostatic,
nutritive, and thyroid tonic
Raspberry Contains calcium, magnesium, and iron as well as phytosterols,
leaf helping amenorrhea, anemia, dysmenorrhea, and menorrhagia;
is also a hormonal regulator
Red clover Builds the blood and resolves blood clots; is anti-inflammatory,
antispasmodic, diuretic, nutritive, and phytoestrogenic
Vitex berry Helps regulate too heavy and frequent periods; for amenorrhea,
breast tenderness, dysmenorrhea, metrorrhagia and PMS; also
helps menstruation-related acne and headaches
KEEP IN MIND
Women who practice deep diaphragmatic breathing are less likely to get cramps.
It is a good idea to wear loose clothing during your period. Cramming
yourself into tight jeans and belts will make you more likely to suffer from
cramps.
Do leg lifts and you’ll ease menstrual cramps by moving stuck energy in the
pelvic cavity.
Do acupressure on the Achilles tendon to relieve menstrual cramps.
Acupuncture has helped many women open channels of blockage in their bodies.
Stay warm during menstrual cramping times. Avoid cold drinks and icy foods,
which can cause muscle contractions. Keep the kidneys warm so the rest of the
body doesn’t get chilled.
Thrifty Cures!
Try these thrift cures to relieve cramps:
• Castor oil compresses are messy but worth the effort for cramping.
(For directions on how to make a compress, see page 18).
• Salt packs retain heat well and can easily be reused. Warm some salt in
a dry pan and pour the salt into a cotton pillowcase. Secure well and
apply the salt pack to the sacrum, at the base of the spine.
• A hot water bottle is a great folk remedy to place on a sore womb or
painful lower back.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Include plenty of blood-building foods such as beets and dark green leafy
vegetables to compensate for blood loss. Cold-water fish such as salmon,
herring, sardines, and mackerel as well as essential fatty acids from chia, flax
seed, evening primrose, or black currant seed oil can help normalize hormones.
Seaweed nourishes the thyroid gland, which helps to regulate all the cycles of
the body, including the menstrual cycle, and replenishes minerals lost through
bleeding.
Thrifty Cure!
Hot Sitz baths can increase circulation to the reproductive organs as well
as move stagnant energy in the body to get moving. Alternate a 2-minute
hot sitz bath with a 2-minute cold Sitz bath. Bundle up after! (For more
information on sitz baths, see page 49.)
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Sugar raises glucose levels, which then crashes, leaving us on an
emotional roller coaster. Keep blood sugar levels stable by eating smaller,
more frequent meals. Alcohol consumption can contribute to fatigue and
headaches, so avoid drinking excessive alcohol as well. Eat less animal
fat to keep estrogen and prostaglandin levels lower. Remember too that
many commercially raised farm animals are fed estrogen-type drugs to
promote earlier maturity, weight gain, and higher yields of milk and eggs.
This can definitely raise our own levels of estrogen unfavorably, so be
careful with your consumption of these foods.
• ALFALFA can raise or lower estrogen levels by providing the raw material to
create estrogen or by binding to estrogen receptor sites and decreasing its
production. (Avoid using this if menstrual bleeding is excessive.)
• BLACK COHOSH contains phytoestrogens, which bind to estrogen receptor
sites. Because it’s a muscle relaxant and a sedative, it helps improve edema,
hot flashes, heart palpitations, depression, and headaches. A study reported in
the International Journal of Cancer in 2007 showed that Remifemin, a
specific formulation of black cohosh, also lowers the risk of breast cancer by
up to 60 percent!
• MOTHERWORT is a bitter member of the Mint family. It cools and lessens
frequency of hot flashes, emotional upheaval, heart palpitations, and night
sweats, and also calms uterine pain associated with stress. It nourishes vaginal
walls and decreases vaginal dryness.
• NETTLES as a food, tea, or juice is rich in minerals, tonifying the bones and
muscles. Nettles also break down fat and build the blood. Their vitamin K
content can curb excessive bleeding.
• RASPBERRY LEAF is rich in calcium, magnesium, and iron and aids in
regulating menses and reducing hot flashes.
• RED CLOVER BLOSSOM contains phytoestrogens including diadzein and
genestein as well as the estrogenic isoflavones biochanin and formononet,
helping to calm hot flashes and night sweats.
Look for these herbs in your unsprayed fields and gardens. Learning to
include them as teas and tonics three times daily is easy! (See page 13 for how-
to instructions.)
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Minimize your intake of alcohol, sugar, caffeine, carbonated beverages,
fried foods, and high-fat products as excessive consumption can worsen
hot flashes.
Skip This!
Avoid washing with drying soaps as these may further dry the vaginal
tissues.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Hot flashes feature warmth that is intense and often accompanied by heart
palpitations, anxiety, faintness, flushing, headache, and night sweats. The
average hot flash lasts about three minutes, but anything between half a minute
and an hour can occur. It may be helpful to keep a record of what is going on and
under what conditions hot flashes occur.
When hot flashes occur, ride the wave. Wear cool clothes and dress in layers so
you can dress and undress as need be. Use a fan to cool yourself. Try pinching
the fleshy area between the nose and upper lip to cool off.
Drink lots of cool beverages. Consume cooling foods like cucumbers, celery,
melons, lemon, and fresh chickweed salad, which are considered refrigerants,
literally cooling the body. Make your own dressing with extra virgin olive oil, as
commercially heated oils congest the liver, causing it to become overheated and
thus result in hot flashes. Avoid hot and spicy foods. If hot drinks bring on hot
flashes, drink your teas at room temperature.
Spritz your chest, neck, and face (with glasses off and eyes and mouth
closed) with water scented with essential oils such as cooling peppermint or
lavender when you feel the heat come on. Avoid oil-type massages if you are
suffering from hot flashes. Instead get shiatsu or other bodywork that is done
without heavy oils, as oil massage is heating to the body.
A hydrotherapy technique for hot flashes is to walk or stand in a tub filled with 6
inches of cold water. (You can also add 3 drops of essential oil of peppermint or
some lemon peels from your last salad dressing project.) Then dry your feet, put
on your shoes, and go for a short walk.
Herbs to use as tea or tincture three times daily to curb hot flashes are
motherwort and sage, both of which are astringent.
Finally, express your feelings in a healthy way. Bottled up emotions can cause
you to heat up and blow your top!
Alleviating Vaginal Dryness
During menopause, vaginal secretions decrease because there is less estrogen to
nourish mucus membranes. What’s the good news? One of the best ways to
prevent drying and atrophy of the vagina is to keep having orgasms! Sexual
activity can stimulate vaginal secretions and blood flow. Make sure to engage in
plenty of delicious foreplay to get your love juices flowing. Other natural cures
can also help. Here’s how.
To make a suppository for vaginal dryness, melt 1 ounce (28 g) of cocoa
butter and add the following powdered herbs:
1 tablespoon (14 g) dong quai
1 tablespoon (14 g) licorice root
1 tablespoon (14 g) wild yam
1 tablespoon (14 g) marshmallow root or slippery elm bark powder
2 tablespoons (30 ml) vitamin E oil
This can also be scented with a couple of drops of pure essential rose oil. Pour
into a glass baking dish and cut into suppository size pieces. Store in the
refrigerator in a covered container. Insert one vaginally before bed.
Yeast overgrowth can be a contributing factor in vaginal dryness. It can be
curbed by a probiotic capsule that is vaginally inserted to help produce
lubrication.
Many creams containing wild yam are available in health food stores that can
be used topically as a vaginal lubricant. Cotton swabs lubricated with sesame oil
can be inserted vaginally overnight to improve dryness. You can also take
vitamin E oil from a pricked vitamin E capsule and apply it to vaginal tissues.
Use a 400 IU capsule daily. Be aware that latex condoms can be broken down by
oils.
Takinge a sitz bath with emollient herbs such as comfrey or marshmallow root
can also be a comfort. Black cohosh can help build vaginal mucus membranes,
when taken as a tincture or capsule three times daily.
An omega 3 fatty acid capsule helps lubricate the body from within.
KEEP IN MIND
Remember your Kegel exercises, which strengthen the pubococcygeus muscles,
building tone and elasticity in the pelvic region.
GOOD TO KNOW!
GOOD TO KNOW!
Put an aloe vera plant in your windowsill and use the gel to relieve varicose vein
itching!
Thrifty Cures!
At night, alternate hot and cold foot baths to alleviate varicose veins.
Begin with hot water and end with cold.
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Avoid deep massage atop a varicose vein as loosening a blood clot may
be dangerous. However, gently applying some arnica oil to the area can
gradually help disperse congestion. Do this only on unbroken skin.
Eat fruits high in bioflavonoids, such as berries and cherries. Whole grains
beneficial to the circulatory system include barley, buckwheat, and oats. Also
good to strengthen the vascular system are fish, especially bass, cod, flounder,
hake (whiting), halibut, mackerel, salmon, snapper, trout, tuna, whitefish, and
yellow perch. Consider using fiber supplementation such as flax seed (best if
freshly ground before use), chia seed, or psyllium seed (take 1 teaspoon [2 g] in
a bit of water three times daily).
Eat a relatively low-fat diet to avoid creating viscous blood. Cut down on red
meat, high-fat dairy products, fried foods, and baked goods laden with fats. Nix
margarine or hydrogenated oils. Be sure to drink plenty of fluids.
KEEP IN MIND
The following are some additional ways you can avoid or heal varicose veins:
• If you stand for long periods of time or do lots of heavy lifting, pressure in the
veins increases. Instead, move around, walk, or bike ride. Do deep knee bends
and a short walk when taking a break instead of drinking another cup of
coffee. This helps pooled blood move back into the circulatory system.
• Regular exercise helps strengthen muscle tone and improve circulation. Brisk
walking, roller-skating, aerobic dancing, swimming, cross-country skiing, and
biking are all excellent activities for one prone to varicose veins.
• Wriggle the toes and flex and rotate the feet. Raise up on the toes and slowly
sink to the heels. You can also practice isometric exercises by tightening the
muscles and then relaxing. The old high school gym exercise “bicycling,”
where you lie on your back, elevate the hips and legs, and make a bike
pedaling motion, is also excellent.
• Avoid long periods of sitting, especially with your legs crossed. If you must
cross your legs, do so at the ankles, not the knees. Elevate your legs when
sitting if possible. If you have a desk job, adjust your chair so that there is not
a lot of pressure on the backs of your thighs. Sit on the floor with your legs
stretched in front of you whenever possible (like when watching an occasional
movie on TV).
• Raise the foot of your bed by four inches (10.2 cm). Before jumping out of
bed in the morning and applying sudden pressure on your legs, stay in bed a
few minutes and stretch and flex your legs and feet before getting up.
• Whenever possible during the day, elevate your legs. Use a slant board to
elevate the feet above the heart. If you are into yoga, the shoulder stand or
head stand is a great way to ease varicose veins.
• Use color therapy to ease varicose veins. Focus on lemon yellow, which helps
to dissolve clots, and turquoise, which is a blood-purifying agent.
• According to those that study psychoneuroimmunology, standing in a situation
which one hates, feeling overworked, overburdened, and not being able to
stand up for oneself can be contributing psychological factors to varicose
veins. Do your best to improve these situations.
• Do your best to avoid walking on paved surfaces and choose more natural
uneven places to promenade so that you use a wider variety of muscles.
• Clothing that is too tight, including shoes or boots, will restrict circulation and
may cause varicose veins by not allowing the blood to properly flow through
your body. Snug-fitting girdles, pantyhose, and belts, tight socks, and shoes—
especially high-heels—cut off circulation, thus forcing blood to seek
alternative routes or causing pressure on the veins. Support hose, on the other
hand, help promote circulation. Make sure they are the kind that is tighter at
the ankles, gradually decreasing in pressure as they get higher up the leg. If
you can’t find a good over-the-counter brand, they can be medically
prescribed.
Stopping Yeast Infections
Candida is a yeast (scientifically, a single-celled fungi known as Candida
albicans) that grows on the surface and mucous membranes of most living
organisms, including people, animals, grasses, drinks, and food. Pregnancy can
increase yeast overgrowth as the vagina becomes less acidic and as more sugar
gets stored in the vaginal walls. Some women experience candidiasis during
PMS.
Use of antibiotics can also cause yeast to overgrow. That’s because antibiotics
kill both good and bad bacteria. When good bacteria aren’t present in the gut in
sufficient amounts, yeast will proliferate. Symptoms of a yeast overgrowth
include acne, allergies, asthma, bad breath, bloating, chronic fatigue, craving
sweets, depression, diaper rash, diarrhea, and emotional swings. Frequent sinus
and bladder infections also indicate a yeast overgrowth. Here’s what you can do
to keep yeast in check.
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Sugar feeds yeast and needs to be avoided. Minimize high-carbohydrate
foods, such as peas, potatoes, winter squashes, and lima beans. Use
stevia, a natural sweetener, instead of sugar. Other key foods to leave out
of the diet until the yeast is under control include breads (which contain
yeast), fruit juices, coffee, alcohol, peanuts, and mushrooms, all of which
contain yeasts.
TREATING THRUSH
Thrush is a fungal condition caused by the yeast organisms Candida and Monila.
Monila normally exists in the vagina but is a problem when it overgrows. A
white cottage cheese like discharge may occur in the vagina along with itchiness,
soreness, and burning. It can also affect the perineum area. Follow the same
suggestions as treating candida.
KEEP IN MIND
Damp, muggy weather can often worsen candidiasis symptoms. While you can’t
do anything about that, it is important to eliminate dampness in the home. Mold
can grow in damp basements and in carpeting. Sprinkle Borax as an antimold
agent in damp areas. Get rid of piles of damp clothing and old newspapers that
can harbor mold. Severe mold may necessitate replacing old carpets with wood
flooring.
Leaky gas stoves can also pollute our internal environment. Have your stove
checked and fixed or replace with electric if needed. Do your best to eliminate
airborne chemicals in the home.
Use only white unscented toilet paper as it exposes you and the environment
to less irritating chemicals. Avoid pantyhose, synthetic fabrics, tight-fitting
clothes, and sleeping in underwear. Change out of wet clothes as soon as
possible. When privacy is available, a five-minute air and sunlight bath of
affected areas can clear up yeasts quickly. And of course wipe from front to
back.
Stick with the program. Candida is resilient and many give up too soon or
don’t realize how easy it is to sabotage progress by cheating. There are some
health practitioners that blame everything on candida and some that barely
recognize its existence. It’s important to find a holistic doctor who will work
with you to get well. Get a culture of unusual discharge to determine what is the
cause.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Caprylic acid, made from coconut and palm kernel, has been used as a natural
antifungal agent since the 1940s. It can be taken orally to inhibit yeast. Pau
d’arco tea can also help yeast die off. Take one to two capsules or three cups of
tea daily.
Skip This!
Avoid vitamin formulas that use yeast as a base.
CHAPTER 7
NATURAL REMEDIES
FOR BABY AND
CHILD CARE
The following herbs are gentle and help ease digestion by increasing circulation
to the digestive tract due to their presence of essential oils:
• Anise seed
• Catnip herb
• Chamomile blossom
• Cumin seed
• Dill seed
• Fennel seed
• Lemon balm
• Peppermint herb
• Spearmint herb
Nursing mothers can also take a magnesium supplement (500 mg daily),
which helps prevent the spasms of colic in your baby by relaxing the muscles.
It helps to carry a colicky baby with his or her belly against your shoulder.
Rocking and car rides can also be soothing. Be sure and keep the baby’s feet
warm, which helps them feel more relaxed and secure, thus calmer!
Exercise can also help a colicky baby. Gently take the baby’s legs and pretend
it is pedaling a bicycle by pressing the legs to the baby’s stomach and then out
and down. Lay the baby across your knees and gently rub his or her back.
Feed babies who suffer from colic small frequent meals rather than large ones
to minimize gas. Be in a relaxed state when feeding the baby as babies pick up
on your stress and tension. Keep the baby’s head above the feet when feeding,
which allows burps to be released more easily.
After you’ve tried everything, it might just be time to drink a cup of relaxing
tea yourself!
GOOD TO KNOW!
For some babies, sensitivity to cow’s milk that the mother is consuming can
cause infant colic. So try switching to goat’s milk, which is much easier to digest
than cow’s milk. Adding 1 tablespoon (28 ml) of liquid acidophilus per 8 ounces
(235 ml) of milk can also help digestion. Learn to make nut milks. (For more
information on raw food preparations, read my book, Rawsome!)
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Signs that might indicate that the baby is allergic to something the
mother is eating include red cheeks, constipation, frequent ear infections,
dark circles under the eyes, spitting up frequently, gas, and sweating
while nursing. Foods to avoid because they can cause colic include
wheat, corn, beans, sugar, chocolate, nuts, and curries. Foods that are
likely to give the mother gas such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale
(all in the Brassicaceae or Mustard family), as well as beans, garlic, and
onions, all high in gaseous sulfur, are also likely to aggravate colic in
infants. Cucumbers, green peppers, tomatoes, fried foods, eggs, alcohol,
peanuts, and caffeine are all also notorious contributors.
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If your child has diaper rash, avoid rubber or plastic pants as well as
disposable diapers. They keep the skin from breathing and create a damp
moist environment where rashes proliferate.
Thrifty Cures!
Make a cloth bag and fill it with oatmeal. Use the oatmeal that exudes
from it to wash your baby’s scalp.
GOOD TO KNOW!
GOOD TO KNOW!
Bottle-fed babies have more frequent ear infections than those who are nursed.
Not only is there more exposure to possible allergenic substances, but the baby
given a bottle has to suck harder, which creates more negative pressure in the
Eustachian tubes. Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding while the baby is lying in a
prone position may also contribute to more frequent ear infections as milk or
fluid can drain into the ears. It is best to hold the child slightly more upright.
Teething infants are often prone to ear infections, especially when molars are
coming in, as this may cause swelling in the maxilla bone plate.
Cures from Grandma’s Kitchen
Make your own teething solution with 5 drops each of essential oil of
cloves and anise diluted in 2 tablespoons olive oil. Rub a small amount
on the afflicted area up to four times daily.
GOOD TO GROW!
I often make my own ear drops in the summer by gathering the fresh picked
golden blossoms of mullein, layering them in a clean glass jar with slices of
garlic, and covering the mixture with olive oil. Cover the mixture with a piece of
cheesecloth secured around the jar with a rubber band. This allows excess
moisture to evaporate while keeping dust and debris out. In two weeks, strain
and rebottle the liquid portion into amber-colored dropper bottles. These can be
stored in the refrigerator for up to two years.
Thrifty Cures!
A simple way to treat an ear infection is to position the ear so that the
sun’s rays are directly warming the painful region. Keep doing for up to a
minute for a child or three minutes for an adult at a time, repeating if
needed. It doesn’t cost a thing!
Stimulate the reflex points to the ears by pressing deeply for about 20 seconds
in a circular motion at the base of and between the fourth and fifth toes. These
points may be tender yet often provide relief.
Massaging children with two drops essential oil of lavender will help to
relieve congestion and alleviate pain. Massage behind the ear, down toward the
neck. Keep away from the eyes and mouth.
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Avoid congesting foods (dairy and wheat are common culprits) if you are
nursing a baby with an ear infection.
WHAT TO DO FIRST
If your child is yelling and screaming, ask him to come to you instead of asking
him to stop screaming. It can help to change environments, which will remove
the child from the source of the temper tantrum. When your child stops crying (if
necessary give a 5 minute time-out), talk about the frustration the child has
experienced. Try to help solve the problem if possible. Teach the child new skills
to help avoid temper tantrums such as how to ask appropriately for help and how
to signal a parent or teacher that he or she knows they need to go to “time away”
to “stop, think,” and “make a plan.”
Thrifty Cures!
To treat the ears even more directly, I have had excellent results using
herbal and oil drops, found in health food stores, usually made with
garlic, mullein flowers, and olive oil. Before application, place the closed
bottle in a glass of hot water to gently warm the oil for a few minutes, as
cold oil does not relax the ear canal.
Have the person with the earache lie down on their stomach with the
painful ear facing upward, while putting 2 or 3 drops of oil in the ear.
Pull down gently on the earlobe to facilitate the oil getting into the ear.
The oil helps with the pain and to fight infection. It is best to treat both
ears, even if only one seems afflicted, as infection may be present though
not discernable.
Teach the child how to try a more successful way of interacting with a peer or
sibling, how to express his or her feelings with words, and how recognize the
feelings of others without hitting and screaming. Teach children how to make a
request without a temper tantrum and then honor the request.
It can also be helpful to reflect back what they are feeling without any
judgment, such as “Maybe you’re angry because you can’t watch TV.” Make it
clear that despite her feelings, there are boundaries to her behavior. “Even
though you are angry, you must not yell and scream in the store.”
The best way to bring these feelings under control is to express your love and
concern. Reward children with positive attention rather than negative attention.
During situations when they are prone to temper tantrums, catch them when they
are being good and say such things as, “Nice job sharing with your friend.”
If tantrums occur frequently, see if there is any common food that has been
consumed: sugar, artificial color, grains, dairy products, peanuts, citrus, or soy.
Allergens and food sensitivities can cause inflammation, which may be affecting
brain chemistry.
6. Do not ask children to do something when they must do what you ask. Do not
ask, “Would you like to eat now?” Say, “It’s suppertime now.”
7. It’s also important to recognize and avoid flash points. Kids are more likely to
freak out when they are tired, hungry, or feeling rushed.
KEEP IN MIND
Family tension can be something that kids pick up on and can manifest itself as a
tantrum.
Eliminating Bedwetting
If your tot is under 6, bedwetting is to be expected and not a cause for concern.
After that, it’s important to check to see if something is bothering your child.
Perhaps it’s a new sibling or problems at school (or home). Other causes can
include kidney or bladder problems and food allergies. These tips can help your
child feel better and more in control.
KEEP IN MIND
Scolding kids tends to make them more uptight and more likely to wet the bed. A
mother recently told me that she would put on several layers of sheets covered
with plastic so she didn’t have to completely change the bed in the middle of the
night or get overly resentful about having to do laundry so often. Kids older than
eight who have to change their own sheets are likely to get more proactive about
the situation. Help your kids stay positive too by using an affirmation. “I will
wake to go to the bathroom.”
Soothing Chicken Pox
Also known as varicella, chicken pox is a common childhood disease that is
easily spread by direct contact, through the air, or via contaminated linen.
Chicken pox is most common in the winter and spring in temperate climates, yet
it occurs year round in tropical climates. At the onset, your child may feel
fatigued, have a headache, fever, and cold-like symptoms. An outbreak is most
likely from 10 to 21 days after exposure. Lesions appear first like small insect
bites and then become blisters, which will eventually form brown crusts. New
lesions may appear for 4 or 5 days as the old ones recede. Lesions may even
appear in the mouth, vagina, rectum, and urethra. For some kids, the disease is
mild, but for those over 10 years old, it’s more likely to be severe. Here’s how to
benefit from natural cures.
KEEP IN MIND
Change the bed linen daily and clothe your child in light natural fibers that are
warm but allow the skin to breathe. Do everything you can to make your child
more comfortable. Stories, picture books, uplifting videos, and foot massages
can all help your child feel better.
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Never give aspirin to children under 19 as this may increase the likeliness
of Reye’s Syndrome.
Natural food stores carry herbal tinctures that can help ADHD. Look for
tinctures that use vegetable glycerin rather than an alcohol base, which can be
too strong for a child.
BERRY KANTEN
2 tablespoons (16 g) agar flakes
1 cup (235 ml) cold water
1 cup (235 ml) boiling water
1 cup (235 ml) unsweetened pineapple juice
1/2 cup (170 g) honey
1 tablespoon (15 ml) lemon juice
2 cups (145 g) raspberries, blueberries, elderberries, mulberries, or a
mixture
Mix agar flakes with cold water and allow to sit 1 minute. Add 1 cup
(235 ml) of boiling water and bring it all to a boil for 2 minutes. Allow to
cool and add pineapple juice, honey, and lemon juice. In a glass baking
dish pour raspberries, blueberries, elderberries, mulberries, or a mixture.
Pour the liquid over the berries and allow to gel in the refrigerator. Makes
6 servings.
Men, like women, have concerns specific to their gender. Here are some
ideas to help empower men to care for themselves and promote optimal
health.
Overcoming Erectile Dysfunction
Erection occurs when blood rushes in from the penile arteries, engorging the
erectile tissue and causing expansion in the penis. In order for a man to have a
strong erection, he needs to have healthy blood, muscles, nerves, and bones. It is
estimated that about 75 to 85 percent of erectile dysfunction (ED) concerns are
physical and between 15 and 25 percent are due to emotional concerns.
Performance anxiety is one of the major causes of psychologically induced ED.
It may also be nature’s way of telling you relationship issues need to be
addressed or that you are stressed, fatigued, or working too hard. Find out what
might be going on in your relationship and work on healing that. Consider
erectile ability a shared responsibility. You may need to heal something in the
relationship before you can “connect” again. Love can be deepened by helping
each other through difficulties!
GOOD TO KNOW!
A healthy man will have an average of three to five erections during the night,
usually during the REM stages of sleep, some lasting as long as half an hour. If a
man doesn’t get erect at night, it is wise to get a medical diagnosis. So just how
does one know if erection occurs during sleep? Try sticking a strip of postage
stamps snugly around the base of the penis before retiring (like Charlotte did to
check Trey’s ability to have an erection on Sex and the City). If the strip is
broken in the morning, erection occurred.
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Cut out saturated fats, hydrogenated and partially hydrogenated oils,
sugar, and icy cold foods and beverages if you have ED. They contribute
to blocking the circulation in the body, and if the blood isn’t getting to
the genitals, erection just won’t happen. Correct nutritional deficiencies,
environmental chemical exposures, and even constipation that may block
the flow of chi to the sex organs.
GOOD TO KNOW!
The prostate gland contains more zinc than any other body part. Zinc is also an
important component of sexual fluids. Good food sources of zinc include
almonds, beans, sunflower seeds, tahini, oatmeal, nutritional yeast, eggs, and
oysters. Pumpkin seeds are also rich in zinc and essential fatty acids. They can
help prostatitis and improve difficult urination. You can also take 15 mg daily of
chelated zinc.
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A diet excessively high in fats is believed to be a contributing factor in
BPH, or benign prostatic hyperplasia (prostate inflammation). Eating red
meat especially can contribute to elevated cholesterol levels, which can
impair prostate function and contribute to BPH. Fried foods can
contribute to hardening of the arteries and blockage in the genitourinary
tract. It’s also important to minimize coffee, alcohol, salt, and dairy
product consumption, which can irritate the prostate gland. Cadmium
exposure from cigarettes, contaminated drinking water and shellfish, and
some paints can also increase abnormal prostatic growth.
A slant board or inverted yoga posture such as the shoulder stand can help
move blood congested in the area. Avoid sitting for long periods of time.
Walking, swimming, and dancing are excellent and nonjarring forms of exercise
that do not irritate an already inflamed prostate gland.
Do Kegel exercises to strengthen the muscles in the pelvic floor. Another
exercise to help the prostate gland is to lie on your back and put the soles of your
feet together. Extend your legs with the soles still together and bring them as
close to the chest as possible. Repeat ten times, twice daily.
Finally, keep in mind that when you are struggling with emotional issues
about sexuality, imbalances can result in the reproductive system. When working
with the prostate gland, do what you can to insure that sexual attitudes are
healthy and sexual fulfillment and relationships are in balance.
Take a dropperful of tincture or two capsules three times daily. Herbs to
improve prostate health include the following:
HERB BENEFITS
Cleavers Helps eliminate wastes from the body—it is rich in silica and
vitamin C and soothes prostate inflammation and reduces the
urge to urinate frequently.
Corn silk Helps relieve prostate inflammation and soothes irritated tissues
stigmas
Couch grass Is cooling to irritated mucus membranes
rhizome
Marshmallow Soothes inflammation due to the presence of mucilage
root
Nettle leaf and Improves metabolism of the prostate gland—it contains sterols,
root including beta sitosterol, stigmasterol, and campesterol, which
decreases DHT (dihydrotestosterone) activity, which when
unchecked can increase prostatic enlargement.
Pygeum Decongesting action that blocks cholesterol buildup in the
prostate. Anti-inflam-matory—buy only from cultivated
sources to avoid endangering this herb.
Saw Reduces inflammation and frequent urination, lessens pain, and
palmettoberry enhances blood flow
CHAPTER 9
NATURAL REMEDIES
FOR STOMACH AND
DIGESTIVE HEALTH
Using natural remedies is a gentle way to tame tummy troubles. Herbs and
other natural cures also help to ensure optimal digestion, which is essential
to overall good health.
Taming Colitis
Colitis (irritable bowel) is a chronic inflammation of the colon that manifests as
alternating constipation and diarrhea and abdominal pain. It occurs when there is
inflammation in the mucosa of the colon. Proliferation of unfriendly
microorganisms due to overuse of antibiotics and food allergens can also be
contributing factors. Here’s how to soothe your digestive system.
Using demulcent (soothing to inflammation) herbs such as marshmallow root,
licorice root, plantain leaf, and slippery elm bark in tea form is an excellent way
to soothe the digestive system. Drink 2 to 3 cups a day.
A shot glass of aloe vera juice taken 10 minutes before each meal is also
soothing to irritated intestines. Juices of carrot, cabbage, and celery can be taken
diluted with water for their soothing alkalinizing properties.
Curing Constipation
There are over 700 brands of colon cleansers available in America, which tells
you something about our nation’s state of inner health! However, most
commercial laxatives can destroy beneficial intestinal flora. Constipation can be
acute or chronic and can cause not just discomfort in the abdominal region, it
can also be a factor in appendicitis, backache, bad breath, headaches,
hemorrhoids, kidney problems, pressure on the heart, as well as a number of
colon problems such as diverticulitis and colon cancer. Here’s how to find relief
fast.
IRRITANT LAXATIVES
Irritants, also used as laxatives, irritate the wall of the large intestines, causing a
reflex evacuation. Examples include cascara sagrada, buckthorn, and senna.
Cascara sagrada (which means sacred bark) is a very bitter inner bark of a
tree. It must be aged for one year before it is used. This is one of the gentler
irritating laxatives but is best on occasion rather than on a regular basis. Two
capsules are usually taken right before bed.
Buckthorn is the next mildest of the anthraquinone (considered a mild
stimulant) containing herbs. The dried bark is the part most often used and is
only minimally irritating. It can be given for spastic bowel. The fruits are also
used and considered gentler still. Buckthorn is also used as a stool softener. Use
this only on occasion. Take two capsules before bed.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Chicory, dandelion root, and yellow dock root are herbs that stimulate the liver
and thus bile production. (Bile helps to make the stool soft by incorporating
water into the feces.) These herbs can be used in tea, tincture, or capsule form.
GOOD TO KNOW!
The tissue in the colon is smooth and slippery, much like the tissue in the mouth.
During the digestive process, nutrients and fluids are broken down in the small
intestines. Absorbed nutrients go into the blood-stream, then into the liver where
they are further broken down. The remaining indigestible material then goes to
the large intestine to be eliminated. It is in the large intestine that the body
absorbs more water and nutrients. Peristaltic action, the “urge to go,” is under
the domain of the parasympathetic nervous system.
For young children, a gentle laxative tea can be made by simmering 1
teaspoon each of licorice root (5 g) and raisins (3 g) for 20 minutes in 1 pint (475
ml) of water. Babies can also be fed soaked-then-blended prunes, figs, and
apricots to treat constipation.
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Avoid dairy products, with the exception of yogurt, as a dairy allergy is
common in cases of colitis. Many people find when they remove gluten
(found in wheat, rye, barley, spelt, and kamut), which is very
inflammatory, the bowel irritation goes away. Stay away from coarse
fibrous foods, though blending or pureeing them will help these foods be
in a more predigested form. Intake of coffee, fried foods, and very spicy
foods needs to be curbed as they can be irritating to the digestive tract.
Thrifty Cures!
You can drink the juice of half a lemon in a cup (235 ml) of hot water,
which will activate the liver to produce bile, which will then stimulate
peristaltic action.
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Foods that may contribute to constipation include milk, cheese, ice
cream, unripe bananas, white flour products, gluten, alcohol, meat, and
blackberries. Coffee also irritates the bowel even though it has a laxative
effect.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Soaking a flannel cloth in castor oil, applying it over the abdominal area, and
then covering it with a sheet of plastic and a hot water bottle is very effective
and comforting.
GOOD TO KNOW
Charcoal can be a powerful antidote to diarrhea. No, not the kind you grill with
in the summer time (that can be toxic!). We’re talking about charcoal capsules,
which are known for their ability to adsorb toxins. Taking 2 charcoal capsules
every 2 hours should help stop even the most stubborn cases.
A time-tested natural remedy is to eat an umeboshi plum, which has
antibacterial properties. This popular Japanese alkalinizing paste is made of a
pickled fruit (Prunus mume). It can be found in Asian markets or health food
stores. Stir about 1/8 teaspoon of the concentrate or 1 teaspoon (5 g) of the paste
into 1 cup (235 ml) of warm water up to three times daily. You can also take this
as a supplement.
As an adjunct to help good digestion, it’s wise to take a good probiotic
supplement. Doing so will recolonize the intestines with friendly bacteria. Look
for probiotic pearls as they pass through the stomach and dissolve in the gut,
where they are needed. Take one “pearl” three times daily between meals.
Diarrhea also causes loss of minerals, especially sodium, potassium, and
magnesium, so take an electrolyte supplement from a natural food store once or
twice daily.
Thrifty Cures!
To soothe heartburn and GERD, add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of apple cider
vinegar to 1 cup (235 ml) of warm water and sip slowly. Though apple
cider vinegar is acidic, low stomach acid often causes heartburn.
To soothe and buffer the tummy, stir 1 teaspoon (5 g) of slippery elm bark or
marshmallow root powder into a bit of water and drink to buffer any irritation.
Or chew on a bit of organic dried orange peel for its bitter digestive properties.
One cup (235 ml) of licorice root tea or a shot glass of aloe vera juice will also
soothe inflammation when taken 10 minutes before each meal.
Enjoy teas of chamomile to soothe heartburn and GERD but do not drink
more than three cups (705 ml) daily to prevent diluting digestive enzymes. Eat
more raw fresh fruits and vegetables, which are naturally high in digestive
enzymes. Drink fresh cabbage juice for its ulcerative healing balm, vitamin U.
Easing Indigestion
Have you got indigestion? Many people do. Digestive disturbances contribute to
bloating, discomfort, gas, halitosis, and heartburn. Incomplete digestion can lead
to colitis, diverticulitis, and irritable bowel. Here are a few suggestions for how
to ease tummy troubles now:
• Try ume concentrate or umeboshi plum paste. Both can be found in Asian
markets or health food stores and are very alkalinizing and have antimicrobial
properties. Stir 1 teaspoon (5 g) of the paste or 1/8 teaspoon of the concentrate
into 1 cup (235 ml) of warm water and drink it slowly, up to 3 times daily.
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Gulping cold things may further irritate the digestive tract.
• Papaya tablets contain papain, an enzyme that aids in the digestion of protein.
Take 1 or 2 after a meal that feels difficult to digest.
• Drink 2 teaspoons each of apple cider vinegar (28 ml) and raw honey (13 g) in
a glass of warm water daily for its pH balancing effect.
• Use a probiotic supplement to help colonize the digestive tract with friendly
microorganisms.
• You can also massage clockwise over the abdomen with 1 ounce (28 ml)
coconut oil scented with 20 drops total anise, fennel, and ginger essential oils
(good for several applications).
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Avoid peppermint and spearmint as they can irritate the gut wall. Sugar,
juices, milk, fatty foods, overly spicy foods, and tomato products can all
be contributing factors in heartburn, so you may want to minimize or
avoid them. Taking baking soda or sodium bicarbonate preparations can
also upset the body’s acid/alkaline balance. Don’t cook in aluminum and
copper cookware. Commercial antacids may contain aluminum and bring
quick relief, but in the long run, they are not the best choice. Also note
that it is best to not lie down when experiencing heartburn to avoid a
backflow of stomach acids into the esophagus. If you must lie down, lie
on your left side as this position aids digestion and helps remove stomach
acid. Sleeping on the right side has been shown to worsen heartburn.
Healing Stomach Ulcers
One in ten people are likely to develop an ulcer at some time in their lives.
You’re most susceptible if you suffer from stress or exhaustion, work day and
night shifts, are exposed to noise from industrial jobs or traffic sounds, have type
O blood, or have a history of ulcers in your family. Type A personalities are
likely candidates for ulcers. If you drink alcohol, smoke, use lots of aspirin
(irritating to the stomach), consume rich foods, and are prone to stomach and
intestinal infections, you are also a likely candidate.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Foods that are easy to digest because they tend to be nonallergenic and soothing
include apricots, asparagus, avocadoes, bananas, beets, carrots, celery, fennel,
fish, green leafy vegetables, kefir, millet, rice, sweet potatoes, wild rice, and
yogurt. Eating a small amount of organic orange or grapefruit peel, which are
both high in bitter compounds, will stimulate natural digestive secretions.
GOOD TO KNOW!
There are two main types of ulcers: Gastric ulcers make up about 20 percent of
cases and occur in the upper stomach and its lining. Peptic ulcers are more
common, less dangerous, and may affect the esophagus, duodenum, lower
stomach, or small intestine. In general, food makes a gastric ulcer worse,
whereas eating brings temporary relief to a peptic ulcer.
The bacteria Helicobacter pylori may also be a contributing factor. Symptoms of
ulcers include gnawing pain that reoccurs day after day, nausea, retching, and
black stools, which may indicate the ulcer is bleeding. In any case, ulcers are a
wake-up call that something in our lifestyle must change! Here’s what to do.
HERB DIRECTIONS
Thrifty Cures!
Look to your spice rack to ease indigestion. Use fennel or anise seed,
ginger, caraway, dill, spearmint, coriander, cardamom, cinnamon, and
cumin liberally in your cuisine to prevent digestive distress. These spices
all contain essential oils that increase circulation to the digestive tract.
They can even be made into a tea!
It is wise to eat small, frequent meals and avoid having the stomach either too
full or empty. Be sure to chew food well to allow it to mix with digestive juices.
This will help protect intestinal linings from erosion. Drinking water between
meals rather than with meals also improves digestion as this avoids diluting
digestive secretions.
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To heal an ulcer, it is wise to avoid coffee (even decaf), black tea, and
cola drinks, which stimulate stomach acid production. Fried foods, sugar,
acidic fruits like citrus, tomatoes, vinegar, alcohol, and carbonated drinks
are all best eliminated. Avoid hot spicy foods if they bother you. It was
once believed that milk helped neutralize stomach acidity, yet it has been
found that milk actually stimulates acid production. If you do consume
dairy products, those of a cultured variety are the easiest to tolerate.
Studies show that those who don’t smoke or who quit smoking, heal
faster. Aspirin can have a damaging effect on the stomach lining.
KEEP IN MIND
Focusing on breathing more deeply and slowly will allow the life force to flow
more evenly through your body. Acupuncture, hypnosis, and guided imagery
have all provided relief to people who suffer from ulcers. Yoga exercises also
help to relax the mind and body. In a study of 40 ulcer patients who took up
yoga, 90 percent of them claimed benefit.
It may take 2 to 6 weeks to improve an ulcer, though the symptoms may be
relieved in a few days. Initially, bed rest, even for a couple of weeks, may be
helpful.
Having an ulcer is an opportunity to find ways to nurture yourself, de-stress
your lifestyle, and make the changes necessary for a healthier lifestyle! It Be
sure to look at “what’s eating you” from the inside.
Thrifty Cure!
Eat a tablespoon of peanut butter! It will change your breathing so your
hiccups will stop!
Stopping Hiccups
Hiccups are caused by a spasm in the diaphragm. The hic sound is air being
sucked in and then cut short by tightened vocal cords. Folk remedies for hiccups
abound, all with the intention of changing your breathing to hopefully get the
hiccups to stop. Here are a few of the most common:
• Drink water from the far side of a glass.
• Drink from a glass of water (or lemon and water) while someone pulls down
firmly on your earlobes (remove earrings first).
• Breathe into a paper bag without allowing air to escape. Do ten strong inhale
and exhalations.
• Drink a tall glass of water.
• Chew on a few mint leaves.
• Put 1 teaspoon (6 g) of salt on half a lemon and suck out the juice.
• Hold your arms above your head and pant like a dog.
• Drink anise or dill seed tea.
Thrifty Cures!
To ease nausea, slowly sip peppermint or ginger tea, which is rich in
carminative essential oils. This soothes the tummy and eases gas. You
can also drink 2 teaspoons (10 ml) each of apple cider vinegar (13 ml)
and honey in a warm water.
The acupressure point for nausea is the fleshy area between the thumb
and forefinger. Hold firmly for several minutes. You can also rub the
tendons on the tops of your feet between the second and third toes.
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Eat small, easy to digest meals. Don’t eat oily and sweet foods. Avoid
being around smoke and don’t drink alcohol.
You can also take 2 charcoal capsules. Charcoal absorbs toxins, thus
preventing your body from absorbing them.
Homeopathic Nux vomica helps digestive distress caused by overindulgence.
If the food poisoning results in both vomiting and diarrhea, give homeopathic
Arsenicum album every 2 hours, up to 3 doses.
Thrifty Cure!
Taping a copper penny to one’s navel is a folk remedy for motion
sickness.
Traveling at night will minimize motion sickness. Acupressure
wristbands can also be helpful.
Garlic, which has antibacterial properties, can help kill pathogens acquired
from eating tainted food and can prevent their proliferation too. It is used to treat
and prevent infections in the digestive tract. It is best raw but can be taken in
capsule or tablet form too. You can even blend a few cloves with a tablespoon
(20 g) of honey. One dose should do the trick in most cases.
Acidophilus, a probiotic, can help recolonize the digestive tract with healthy
bacteria. Take one probiotic capsule three times daily before meals so it doesn’t
compete with the food in the digestive system (or get killed off by heat, such as
from soup).
Keeping hydrated is important. Drink whenever you feel thirsty.
BEST FOODS FOR FOOD POISONING
Chances are you won’t feel like eating much when you have food poisoning, as
your body might need a rest, but when you do, eat only small amounts at a time.
Focus on easy to digest, soothing foods such as miso soup broth, applesauce,
baked sweet potatoes, winter squash, or yogurt. Do your best to remember what
food caused the food poisoning and remove its availability to others. It is wise to
notify any restaurant involved.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Sometimes throwing up gets rid of what was bothering you and you feel better.
But to ease a severe case of vomiting, warm half a cup (120 ml) of apple cider
vinegar, soak a cloth in it, wring it out, and apply it to the bare stomach.
Applying a hot water bottle over it makes this even more effective.
Thrifty Cure!
Chances are you have apple cider vinegar and honey in your pantry. If
you do, just mix a tablespoon (15 ml of vinegar and 20 g of honey) each
in warm water and sip it. This effective cure can help deter the
replication of unfriendly microorganisms as well as replenish the body
with depleted minerals.
KEEP IN MIND
Follow meticulous hygiene. Wash hands in hot soapy water before meals and
after going to the bathroom. Keep fingernails short and clean to deter scratching.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Consider getting a water filtration system as parasitic outbreaks sometimes come
through tap water. A water filter with a size no less than 3 microns helps remove
the 5-micron size giardia cyst. The Katadyn brand filter is highly recommended
for travel.
To avoid infestation, wash laundry, including sheets and towels, in hot soapy
water and dry in a hot dryer to kill eggs. Avoid shaking bed sheets out in the
morning, which will cause the eggs to spread. Just fold them carefully before
washing. Wash toilet seats and vacuum everything including the couch.
For children with worms, have them wear underwear tight enough to keep
parasites from spreading to other family members. Wash hands after diaper
changes. Toys and water faucets should be sponged down with a mild bleach
solution daily.
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Coldness in the intestines can cause constriction, so nix ice-cold foods
and beverages if you have this ailment. Dairy products, gluten (found in
wheat, rye, barley, spelt, and kamut), Brassicaceae family vegetables
(such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower), improperly cooked beans, eggs,
and copious amounts of fruit juice and carbonated beverages can all
cause gas.
Fixing Flatulence
Gas is often the result of fermentation in the intestines. Changing your diet,
eating too fast, not chewing well, eating while stressed, eating before bed, and
overeating all cause gas. These tips can help alleviate gas:
• Use carminative herbs such as anise, caraway, dill, fennel, ginger, and
peppermint, which help the body eliminate gas. These can be taken in tea,
tincture, or capsule form when needed, up to three times daily.
• Eat foods high in lactic acid such as yogurt, which promote healthy intestinal
flora that create an inhospitable environment for parasites.
• Take two charcoal capsules when the need arises. Note that these are best used
only on occasion rather than daily. They may interfere with nutrient
absorption from food if overused.
• Apply a hot water bottle to the belly if experiencing stomach pain to increase
circulation to the area and calm pain.
Our lungs connect us to the environment. The ability to breathe deeply and
fully can even affect our mental states because our brain depends on
oxygen. In this section you will learn how to use food, herbs, and other
natural remedies so you can breathe and function to your full capacity.
Easing Allergies
Achoo! Allergies can be caused by animal dander, dust, food, mold, and pollen.
Antibodies are produced by the body in response to an allergen. It’s these
histamines that cause the common symptoms of itchy eyes and sneezing. The
best strategies for allergies include avoiding the allergen, strengthening the
immune system, and easing the symptoms. Here’s how.
GOOD TO GROW!
ANTI-ALLERGY VITAMINS
Nutrients can prevent and minimize allergy symptoms:
• Vitamin A or beta-carotene strengthens mucus membranes and helps prevent
allergenic substances from entering cell walls. Take 10,000 IU daily.
• Vitamin C lowers blood histamine levels according to a study in the Journal
of Nutrition in 1980. It also detoxifies foreign substances and strengthens
adrenal glands and immune system. Take 1,000 mg daily.
• Flavonoids, including quercetin and catechin, which are considered
antioxidants, stabilize mast cell membranes, thereby decreasing histamine
release and are thus an alternative to antihistamine drugs. Take one 500-mg
capsule two to three times daily.
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Avoid foods that tax the liver, such as fried foods, margarine, chemical
additives, caffeine, and refined sugars. The liver helps to break down
allergens, and if its function is impaired, it simply can’t do its job.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Gluten is used in food products to give elasticity to flour and is present in wheat,
semolina, rye, oats, barley, spelt, and kamut. But the gliadin in gluten flattens out
the mucosal lining of the intestines and makes it difficult to assimilate nutrients.
Instead, use gluten-free grains such as amaranth, buckwheat, corn, millet,
quinoa, rice, and teff. Soaking and sprouting grains and beans before cooking
can help them be less likely to aggravate allergies and more digestible for
anyone.
Breathing Easier with Asthma
Asthma is caused by muscle spasms that make bronchial tubes close and cut off
the passage of air and blood supply to the lungs. The result—shortness of breath,
coughing, wheezing, chest retraction, flaring nostrils, and rapid heartbeat. In
fact, the word “asthma” is derived from the Greek word for panting. An asthma
attack can last from a few hours to several days. And one asthma attack can lead
to another as the cilia membrane is destroyed, thus lowering resistance. Here’s
what you can do to feel better.
HERBS THAT LET YOU BREATHE EASIER
A cup (235 ml) of black tea contains the alkaloid theophylline, which works as a
mild bronchial dilator and can be helpful at the onset of an attack to open the air
passages. Drink a cup of preferably organic black tea up to twice daily (but not
in the evening, as it can interfere with sleep).
Lobelia tincture, which is considered an antispasmodic, can help stop the
spasms associated with asthma when an attack is occurring. Five drops of lobelia
tincture can be taken in a small amount of water up to four times daily during an
attack.
GOOD TO GROW!
It’s easy to grow common herbs such as rosemary and thyme. Just get a big pot
at least 2 feet (60 cm) deep and fill it with potting soil. Add plants that you get at
your local greenhouse. (You can also grow from seed, it just takes longer.) Put
the pot in a place that is exposed to 5 to 6 hours of sun a day. Water regularly.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Avoid dehydration and help keep the mucus secretions thin by consuming plenty
of fluids. Both lemon in water and cranberry juice will help to thin mucous
secretions. Just add the juice of 1/2 lemon once or twice a day to a glass of
water. Cranberry juice can be diluted with water as part of your daily beverage
intake (about 1/4 cup [60 ml] juice to 1 cup [235 ml] of water).
According to color therapists, putting the gemstone citrine under your tongue
at the first sign of an asthma attack may bring relief. Visit a gem shop to find this
golden stone. You can also visualize breathing in its healing golden ray. Wearing
orange clothing or having an orange light in the room may also be beneficial.
Breathing Easier with Bronchitis
Bronchitis occurs when mucous membranes of the bronchial tubes become
inflamed and mucous blocks the lungs’ airflow. Infection as well as external
irritants such as sulfur dioxide, smoke, and airborne pollutants can cause
bronchitis. A cold or flu can develop into bronchitis too. Here’s how to breathe
easier.
GOOD TO GROW!
Next, apply a thin film of almond oil or sesame oil into the nose to help
protect it from further viruses. If the nasal passages get too raw, apply a small
amount of vitamin E oil or a salve made from soothing herbs like comfrey or
calendula.
Herbs that help relieve sinusitis include echinacea, (stimulates immunity),
eyebright (decreases congestion), and fenugreek (decreases mucus). The Chinese
patent formula Bi Yan Pian is also helpful to many people with a sinus infection.
Herbal doses are usually taken three times daily.
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Cut out gluten and dairy products for a while and you might find that
phlegm production decreases.
GOOD TO GROW!
A few nasturtium leaves and flowers from your garden added to salads also help
to open the respiratory passages.
Essential oils that help relieve sinus congestion include camphor, eucalyptus,
lavender, pine, peppermint, and rosemary. Olbas inhalers are available at many
health food stores and help clear nasal congestion for up to a couple of hours.
GOOD TO KNOW!
You have eight sinuses, four pairs of air-filled hollow spaces lined with mucous
membranes located on both sides of the forehead, between the nasal cavities and
eye sockets, and in the maxillary cheekbones. All of the sinus openings, which
are thinner than a pencil lead, drain into the nasal passages. Our sinuses help to
equalize pressure and also warm, purify, and moisten the air we breathe. The
sinuses also give the voice resonance.
KEEP IN MIND
Exercise like brisk walking in pure air or gentle aerobics or stretching can help
improve circulation in your sinuses. Massaging sore sinuses increases
circulation, which helps move stagnation. You can also massage the base of the
threesmallest toes, which corresponds to the sinus area.
It is possible to confuse a sinus infection with a toothache. To find out which
is which, jump up and down, landing on your heels. A sinus infection will be felt
in the sinus region above the teeth or both sides of the upper jaw. A toothache
will be felt in the tooth.
CHAPTER 11
NATURAL REMEDIES
FOR CIRCULATION
AND BLOOD
DISORDERS
Blood moves through the body, delivering oxygen, nutrients, and immune-
supportive chemicals, and it also carries away wastes. Here you’ll learn how
to ensure that blood is healthy and flows with ease.
Building the Blood for Anemia
Are you feeling tired? You may be anemic. You’ll become anemic if you don’t
get enough iron. Anemia can also be caused by a lack of folic acid or vitamin
B12, blood loss (from menses, peptic ulcers, hemorrhoids, or blood donation),
red blood cell destruction, or deficient red blood cell production. Addressing
anemia will help you to regain your strength and vitality. Here’s what to do.
Chlorophyll, found in green plants, helps the body utilize oxygen better.
Chlorophyll can also be taken in liquid or tablet form as directed on the bottle.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Though only a blood test known as a hematocrit can determine whether you
have anemia for certain, pale fingernails and tongue and lack of color inside the
lower eyelid may also be indicators.
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Coffee, black tea, and excess bran can inhibit iron absorption due to their
diuretic and laxative effects.
A normal cholesterol level is around 150 mg/dl or less, and ideally your
cholesterol level should be 180 mg/dl or less, with more of the HDL than the
LDL. New recommendations by the national heart, lung, and Blood institute say
that a desirable level for LDL is 130 mg/dl. HDL is considered at risk if levels
are below 35 mg/dl.
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, increases cardiac output, dilates the blood
vessels, and decreases resistance in the circulatory system. Niacin works in the
liver to lower “bad” cholesterol. The Journal of the American Medical
Association in 1986 recommended it as the first supplement to be used after diet
to lower cholesterol. However, even though niacin is helpful, it can cause
discomfort for about 10 minutes, including itching, flushing, and gastro-
intestinal discomfort. A newer sustained release formula prevents this. Excessive
use of niacin has the potential to irritate the liver. Talk to your health
professional about taking 50 mg three times daily.
Coenzyme Q10 naturally occurs in the heart muscle and has been used to
lower high blood pressure and to treat heart failure. It also increases the amount
of oxygen received by the heart tissue. Taking statin prescription drugs to lower
cholesterol can deplete the body of CoQ10. If you are taking statins, take from
50 to 200 mg daily of CoQ10.
Thrifty Cures!
Eat a couple of raw cloves of garlic daily to unblock the arteries, as garlic
helps to prevent blood from clumping together.
KEEP IN MIND
To elevate HDL (good) cholesterol, eat lots of onions and garlic and take a daily
B vitamin complex. Regular exercise such as walking, dancing, and aerobics
elevates the beneficial HDL and lowers LDL.
Improving Poor Circulation
Poor circulation can occur when there is an insufficient supply of blood flowing
through the veins and arteries. Stress can cause blood vessels to dilate and
contract and can short-circuit circulation. Food allergies can also contribute to
frequent cold hands and feet. Here’s how to get things moving.
Niacin supplements (50 to 100 mg daily) can be taken for brief periods during
extremely cold weather to inhibit spasms of the small arteries.
Culinary herbs that promote circulation include black pepper, cayenne,
cinnamon, cloves, garlic, ginger, horseradish, and paprika. This is due to their
warming essential oil content, which promotes the movement of chi (energy) in
the body. Simply use more of these foods in your cuisine to obtain their benefits.
Ginkgo improves circulation to the body’s extremities by preventing the blood
from clumping together. Use one capsule 2 or 3 times daily.
Avoid cold by dressing in layers, wearing a hat, and choosing mittens rather
than gloves. Wear red or orange long johns, undershirt, and socks as these colors
psychologically make us feel warmer. Breathe more deeply to allow energy to
move more readily throughout the body. Protect your extremities with quality
lotions.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Extreme cold hand syndrome is known as Raynaud’s disease. It can cause
extremities to turn white, then blue or red. The nose and earlobes may also be
affected. Pain and numbness can occur with the white and blue stages and a
burning sensation with the red stage. Episodes may last for as long as three
minutes and up to an hour. See your doctor if this occurs.
GOOD TO KNOW!
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Caffeine elevates blood pressure and strains the heart. High sodium
intake retains fluids in the body so that blood volume will be higher, thus
raising blood pressure. Most people with hypertension have too much
sodium retention and not enough potassium. Losing weight can help
reduce high blood pressure. Cut back on refined carbohydrates, including
sugar, which can cause elevated levels of insulin.
GOOD TO KNOW!
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A diet low in animal foods can greatly help gout. That’s because meat is
high in uric acid and its consumption increases uric acid in the body.
Alcohol can also inhibit the body’s ability to secrete uric acid through the
kidneys, so avoid it if you are prone to gout as well. Avoid excess beans,
which also become purines, natural substances found in all of the body’s
cells and foods. However, purines are excessively high in anchovies,
brains, kidneys, game meats, herring, liver, mackerel, meat, mussels,
sardines, scallops and sweetbreads, and purines can increase uric acid
levels. Cut down on fats, dairy products, restrict alcohol, and drink plenty
of fluids. A yeast free diet may help as well. Visit
www.yeastconnection.com for more information.
The urinary system controls what remains in the body and what is
eliminated as urine. This delicate system requires the right amount of
nutrients for optimal functioning. Here you’ll learn which herbs, vitamins,
minerals, and other natural cures can help.
Curing incontinence
Incontinence (also called enuresis) refers to a lack of bladder control. Weak
kidneys are often the source. Food allergies (often dairy), overconsumption of
diuretic foods such as citrus products and coffee, and certain prescriptions can
also be factors. Use these tips to bring this problem under control.
Teas that help incontinence include soothing buchu, chamomile, corn silk, and
plantain leaf. Drinking cranberry juice can be helpful as it tonifies the bladder
with its high flavonoid content. Two teaspoons each of apple cider vinegar (10
ml) and raw honey (13 g) stirred into a cup (235 ml) of hot water three times
daily will work as a urinary tract antiseptic and curb the urge to go.
Kegel exercises will also help improve muscle tone in the area.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Some find that urinating, then standing up, then urinating again helps them more
fully empty their bladder. Empty the bladder more completely by pressing on it
(just above the pubic bone) while bending forward at the waist or leaning
slightly forward when urinating. During the day, try to establish a routine for
urinating, such as every three hours. If you feel the urge to go after having just
urinated, relax your bladder. However, if you really do need to go, heed nature’s
call.
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Avoid excessively spicy food, alcohol, and carbonated beverages, which
can irritate the bladder if you are struggling with incontinence. Also,
citrus juice is very diuretic, and coffee can be irritating to the bladder and
contribute to leakage. Constipation can put pressure on the bladder, so
see the section on constipation if that seems to be part of the problem.
A shot glass of aloe vera juice three times daily between meals also cools
bladder inflammation and deters infection.
Drink eight tall glasses of pure water a day to flush out bacteria in the urinary
tract.
KEEP IN MIND
If you can, wear only natural fiber underwear. It is important that the body can
breathe, and synthetic fibers cause a sweaty, moist environment where bacteria
love to thrive.
Tampons can obstruct the neck of the bladder, so women may want to use
smaller tampons, change them more frequently, or better yet, use external
protection during their menses.
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Avoid fried foods, heavily spiced foods, alcohol, artificial sweeteners,
fruit juices (except cranberry), coffee, sodas, and tomatoes, all of which
can irritate the ladder.
GOOD TO KNOW!
It is important to urinate completely to prevent residual bacteria from being
trapped. Try to urinate at three-hour intervals. Be sure to wipe yourself front to
back using undyed and unscented toilet paper. Also urinate before having
intercourse and right afterwards, even if it means having to drink a large glass of
water. Then you can go back and snuggle!
GOOD TO KNOW!
Apply a castor oil compress to the kidneys to help ease the passage of kidney
stones.
Using some of the following herbs can also help to be beneficial:
HERB BENEFITS
Thrifty Cures1
Add 1 cup (235 ml) of apple cider vinegar to the bath one to two times
daily to inhibit infection. A sitz bath of baking soda (1 whole box) can
also be helpful in reducing microbes. Simply add the baking soda to the
bath and soak for about 20 minutes. Make sure the bathtub is very clean.
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If you eat a lot of refined carbohydrates, low-fiber, high-fat, high-salt
foods, and consume a lot of alcohol, this can cause mineral imbalances in
the body and lead to a kidney stone. It’s also a good idea to avoid foods
with a high oxalic acid content such as beans, beets greens, black tea,
chocolate, nuts, rhubarb, spinach, strawberries, and Swiss chard, as
oxalic acid can contribute to stone formation. Also eat lower amounts of
meat and dairy products, which can elevate levels of uric acid. Cut down
on salt and alcohol. Foods that are fortified with vitamin D can cause
excessive retention of calcium in the urine. Limit intake to about 400 IU
daily. Also limit intake of antacids and aspirin, which can be a factor in
stone formation due to their content of calcium carbonates and silicates.
CHAPTER 13
NATURAL REMEDIES
THAT ENCOURAGE
EMOTIONAL HEALTH
AND WELLNESS
CALMING SUPPLEMENTS
According to traditional folklore, herbs that help cool the liver and thus soothe
anger include blessed thistle, dandelion root, licorice root, oat straw, and
skullcap. Take them as a tea two to three times a day.
Along with behavior counseling, the amino acid 5-HTP (5-hydroxtryptophan)
can help curb anger and violence by elevating serotonin levels. Take 50 mg
twice daily.
A good daily supplement of calcium (1,000 mg) and magnesium (500 mg)
helps to quell an angry countenance by nourishing the nerves and relaxing the
muscles.
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Excess garlic and onions can aggravate the emotion of anger. Coffee and
sugar can also make one more likely to fly off the handle. Be aware that
allergens such as gluten, corn, and soy may cause inflammation, a sense
of unease, and anger in some people.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Massage can help release tension and, in turn, anxiety. Hold the thumb of one
hand with the other as a calming technique. Rub the third eye (center of the
forehead) to calm the spirit. Holding your toes, especially the middle toe, helps
to bring the energy down from the head and ground it so you feel calmer.
Alleviating Depression
Depression is more than feeling down. It’s like living under a cloud all the time.
In Asian medicine, liver stagnation is at the core of depression. That’s because a
healthy liver is needed to maintain even blood sugar levels, filter blood, and
remove waste products as well as negative emotions. If the liver is impaired, the
filtration process becomes weakened; toxins circulate throughout the body and
affect the brain. Of course, life can present us with difficult circumstances that
leave us depressed. Many people also find that during the grayer months (from
October to April), they experience Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD), which
includes depression, lack of energy, weight gain, and decreased libido. Here’s
what you can do to clear those clouds away and feel better.
Thrifty Cures
Two ripe bananas a day help production of serotonin and norepinephrine,
brain chemicals that can make you feel happier.
Chew your food well, breathe deeply, and try to be in a relaxed state when
dining. A blessing before a meal can help put you in the right frame of mind.
ESSENTIAL OILS FOR DEPRESSION
Using essential oils has been shown to enhance moods. This is due at least in
part to the close proximity of the nerve endings in the nasal cavities and the
brain. Essential oils used to lift one’s spirits include basil, bergamot, cedar wood,
cinnamon, clay sage, clove, coriander, geranium, jasmine, lavender, neroli,
palmers, patchouli, peppermint, rose, rosemary, rosewood, sandalwood, thyme,
vetiver, wintergreen, and ylang-ylang.
GOOD TO KNOW!
It has been estimated that between 15 and 20 percent of all depressed people
have low thyroid function or hypothyroidism. If you do have hypothyroidism,
eat mineral-rich sea vegetables such as dulse, kelp, or wakame to nourish the
thyroid and boost a sluggish metabolism. For more information on thyroid
disorders, visit www.thyroid-info.com.
You can use these oils in diffusers to scent an entire room, or add a few drops
to bath water or massage oils. Massage is an excellent way to improve
circulation and wake your mind and body. You can also simply open the bottle
and take 10 deep inhalations. Repeat as necessary. Note that you should never
ingest essential oils.
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Alcohol is in itself a depressant and is the last thing a depressed person
needs. Food allergies, sensitivities, and food additives such as chemical
sweeteners and colors may be perceived by the body as foreign particles,
thus causing a brain allergy and mood changes. Yeast in food, sugars,
fruits, and juices can aggravate yeast overgrowth, which can lead to the
blues. Keep a food journal to help correlate dietary patterns to moods.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Vitamin B complex (50 mg daily) is a great ally during times of emotional
distress, as our supply of B vitamins is quickly diminished.
GOOD TO GROW!
A formula for heartbreak-type sorrow is made with 2 parts hawthorn leaf, flower,
or berry, 1 part motherwort, 2 parts lemon balm herb, and 1 part violet leaves.
Make them into a tea and drink 3 cups (705 ml) daily.
GOOD TO KNOW!
According to color therapists and gemologists, the color violet is good to wear
and visualize when you are experiencing grief. Sleep with a rose quartz in your
hand and your dreams may have a healing effect on your heart.
6. Put energy into your career. Develop talents and work on personal growth.
Take a class. Read self-help books. Learn a new language. Start enjoying all
the things you were unable to while in the relationship.
7. Call a few of your best friends over and allow them to cheer you up. Seek out
those who want to see you happy and avoid negative people. Call friends you
neglected during the relationship.
8. Tell your friends not to give you constant gossip reports about who your ex
has been seen with and where (unless you really need to know). Ask friends
who invite you to gatherings to inform you if your ex will be there to avoid
surprises and so you can choose whether you still want to attend. Go dancing
with friends. Get out there and flirt!
9. Make an appointment with a spiritual counselor or therapist to process
unexpressed feelings and help resolve them.
10. Next time you run into your ex, let him or her see the new improved version!
If he or she is with a new love, walk over and introduce yourself, making it
sweet but brief. Show you have class! If you are at a party and you are both
alone, say hello but refrain from leaving and having sex. Continuing to sleep
with someone when the relationship is really over prolongs pain.
KEEP IN MIND
Time is a great healer. Be glad for the happiness and lessons you shared.
Hopefully you have learned things that can be of value in other aspects of life
and future relations. Sometimes the one who was left fares better than the one
who left, as the hurt person has to look at him or herself and do emotional
healing. Let go of the old to make room for the new!
For ideas on finding and keeping new love, please check out my book The
Sexual Herbal.
Improving Memory
Are to-do lists scattered all over your house? Are you constantly forgetting or
losing things like your keys or your phone or missing appointments you need to
keep? Natural remedies can help you focus. Here’s how.
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Avoid excessive exposure to substances such as tobacco, alcohol,
pollutants, MSG, and toxic body-and house-cleaning products. Food
sensitivities and allergies, addiction, and nutritional deficiencies can also
contribute to memory impairment.
High-carbohydrate foods such as pasta and bread are more for feeling serene
and stuffed rather than sharp. Go for protein with greens rather than carbs with
protein. Saturated fats and heated oils can lead to feeling soggy, foggy, and
groggy.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Using the opposite hand a few minutes daily on simple tasks help to open neural
pathways.
When you want to remember something, repeat it aloud. Visualize it being
imprinted upon your brain and file it. Then practice retrieving and refilling it.
The following are some other ideas on how you can improve your memory:
1. Hang with intelligent folk. Have deep discussions. Ask questions. Get
answers.
2. The color yellow is cerebrally stimulating. Use yellow to highlight important
passages when reading. Try a yellow legal pad. Wear accents of yellow or use
it in décor where mental work is being done.
3. Read things that are challenging and give new insights. If fiction is usually
your thing, try a biography, self-help, spiritual, or even science fiction book.
4. Think positively. Success is most likely when affirming, “I can do this” rather
than “I’ll never make it.”
5. Record flashes of brilliance and words of wisdom! You never know when you
may get a great idea. Meditate to expand calmness and consciousness.
6. Try different foods and things wherever you are on the planet.
7. Learn and practice handicrafts. Take classes. (I just learned to crochet!)
8. Practice the art of brainstorming to lead to fruitful concepts.
9. Break blockage and negativity with diversion. Go for a walk. Call a friend. Go
to a film. Take a bath.
10. Wearing an amethyst crystal, according to gem therapists, improves memory.
Alleviating Stress
We all know that life is full of stress. Stress can be caused by anything disturbing
the serenity of our lives, including change, pressure, emotions, and physical
trauma. Even activities such as skiing down a mountain, aiming for higher goals,
or falling in love can take a toll on one’s nerves. Unfortunately, during difficult
times, people often take worse care of themselves. Though stress may be
unavoidable, we can come through most ordeals if our lifestyles are balanced by
faith, rest, good nutrition, and exercise. Here are some natural ways to take care
of yourself.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Good posture promotes the best brain function because the oxygen and nutrients
the body needs all get delivered where they need to be.
• Hops is helpful for anxiety, hysteria, insomnia, irritability, nervous heart,
nightmares, and stress.
• Kava kava is good for anxiety, stiff muscles, and tension that prevents sleep.
• Oat straw calms anxiety and nervous exhaustion.
Natural food stores carry herbal combinations of calming plants in tea,
tincture, or capsule form. Use when needed, up to three times daily, though some
prefer these remedies at night as they can make you too restful during the day.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Stress depletes the body’s reserves of vitamins and minerals, so it’s wise to take
daily supplements during stressful periods. Consider a vitamin B complex (50
mg) with C (500 mg) to replenish the water-soluble nutrients. They not only can
nourish the nervous system but also give you the energy you need to deal with
life’s problems. Calcium (1000 mg) and magnesium (500 mg) help to ease
tension and irritability.
15. Practice visualization. There a many tapes available where you close your
eyes and visualize yourself floating on a cloud or lying by a trickling brook.
Visit these tranquil places in your mind.
16. Learn to do a craft. To create things of beauty is great for self-esteem.
17. Get a set of Chinese hand balls, available at many natural foods stores. Learn
to use them.
18. Be prepared for lines that keep you waiting. Have something to read so you
don’t have to feel like you are wasting time.
19. Smile. Relaxing your face helps the rest of your body as well as putting those
around you at ease.
20. Spend time in the beauty and quietude of nature. Go outside and look at the
sky. Sit by a stream.
21. Pray for guidance and/or meditate. Have some alone time every day.
22. Take a short nap when you can.
23. Make two lists: one of the stresses in your life you can change and the other
of the stresses you can’t.
24. Plan something to look forward to.
25. Remember to count your blessings!
Treating Trauma
Unfortunately, many people experience trauma on planet Earth. Trauma may be
verbal, physical, psychological, sexual, and/or violent. Rape, miscarriage,
robbery, and accidents are all traumatic. Though females are the most often
affected by sexual abuse, abuse occurs to many males. In some cases, both
partners have been victims of sexual trauma. If abuse issues are never brought
up, they can continue to affect current relationships in subtle ways. If abuse
occurred via the opposite sex, feelings of hurt, anger, and grief can be transferred
to others of that sex. Counseling can help even if the trauma occurred years ago.
It’s important to ask for what you want and need to heal completely. Here are
some natural remedies that also help.
AT EASE TRAUMA
Herbs that ease trauma include oat straw, motherwort, and Saint-John’s Wort, all
of which nourish the nervous system. Oat straw makes a lovely tea, but the last
two can be found in tinctures and capsules and 1 or 2 can be taken up to 3 times
daily.
Schizandra berries are beneficial following trauma and eleuthero can also
support the body during times of stress. Both are adaptogens, helping the body
adapt to difficult situations, and are available in tea, tincture, or capsule form,
taken as directed on the package up to 3 times daily.
Raspberry leaf, which is mineral rich and targets the reproductive centers, can
be taken in tea, tincture, or capsule form 3 times daily to help heal sexual
trauma.
GOOD TO KNOW!
A Chinese patent formula to use for stress resulting from bad fright or severe
shock to the emotional body is ding Xin Wan, also called Calm heart Pill. It can
also help relieve posttraumatic stress. Follow the directions on the bottle.
Surround yourself with the healing color green. Green clothes, green bedding,
green foods, and green plants all have a calming presence.
When you allow the pain of old emotions to resurface, after you feel them,
you can release them. It can help to discuss your wounds with a trusted friend.
Don’t be afraid to express feelings of hurt, anger, and grief. It’s okay to feel! You
can also benefit by writing about your feelings.
Another way to heal is to take two deep inhalations, allowing hurt feelings to
leave the body with each exhalation.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Homeopathic Ignatia helps when sexuality has been altered by grief or trauma.
Take 3 or 4 pellets slowly dissolved under the tongue as needed, up to four times
daily. For more information, see my book sexual herbal.
GOOD TO KNOW!
If you are providing comfort to someone experiencing trauma, offer words of
encouragement, such as “it’s okay. I’m here for you. I care.” offer a tissue. Avoid
correcting or analyzing. Don’t tell the person to get over it or put it behind them.
CHAPTER 14
NATURAL REMEDIES
FOR BEAUTIFUL SKIN,
HAIR, AND NAILS
The condition of our skin, hair, and nails not only adds to our beauty but
can also be a reflection of our true inner health. Rather than using only
cosmetic fixes, learning about nourishing foods and herbs can help us reflect
our most beautiful self.
Alleviating Acne
The dreaded zit—also known as Acne vulgaris, or simply pimple outbreaks, is an
inflammation of the skin that results from clogged pores. Acne is likely to occur
when sebum, a waxy substance that lubricates the skin, and keratin, a skin
protein, block the sebaceous glands. Acne can have many causes, including
allergies, poor circulation, constipation, food sensitivities, medications,
nutritional deficiencies, smoking, stress, yeast overgrowth, inadequate sloughing
off of the skin’s cells, overactive oil glands, and lack of fatty acids (which reduce
inflammation). Excess sebum production can be partly genetic or hormonal, thus
acne is most likely to occur on oily skin. Stress can cause the skin to produce
more oil. These tips can help.
ANTI-ACNE HERBS
Herbs that can be used in tea, tincture, or capsule form that can help improve
skin quality include burdock root, raw dandelion root, Oregon grape root, and
yellow dock root. These herbs are available in combinations at health food stores
and help improve liver function, bowel action, and help the body metabolize
fats. Burdock and Oregon grape root also have mild antibacterial activity.
Herbs to apply to an impending breakout include tea tree oil or lavender
essential oil. Either can be applied undiluted to a problem area. A study
published in the Medical Journal of Australia in 1990 showed that tea tree oil
was just as effective in treating acne as benzoyl peroxide lotion, with less
dryness, stinging, burning, and redness.
Spirits of camphor, available at drugstores, is also effective for spot
treatments. Just dab this on an impending pimple and it will help dry it up
quickly.
The company Desert Essence makes a blemish stick (available at health food
stores) that contains tea tree oil and is a favorite product for those who suffer
occasional breakouts.
Thrifty Cures!
At the first sign of an acne outbreak, apply an ice cube wrapped in a
washcloth for several minutes at least twice daily to reduce
inflammation. After cleansing the face, apply a cotton ball soaked in
equal parts apple cider vinegar and water to restore the skin’s proper pH.
GOOD TO GROW!
You can even use dandelion sap for age spots. Just pick a dandelion, break open
the hollow stem, and apply the white juice inside on the spot. It contains
enzymes that help break down spots.
Skip This!
To avoid age spots, avoid refined sugar, caffeine, alcohol, tobacco, junk
foods, and heated or rancid oils. All of these foods are stressful for the
body and rather than being health giving can expose the body to free
radicals that show up eventually as skin damage.
Skip This!
Caffeine, alcohol and tobacco are all dehydrating to the skin.
GOOD TO KNOW!
The best time to apply a moisturizer is right after cleansing as water helps keep
the skin’s outer layers from drying out and oil seals it in. Avoid poor-quality
cosmetics that contain mineral oil, chemicals and artificial colors and fragrances.
Some of my favorites include Astara, Weleda and Aubrey organics. A massage
done with a good-quality massage oil can be both relaxing and moisturizing.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Showers that are short and not too hot are less drying than baths. If you do like
to soak in a tub, mix up a rich bath oil with 2 cups (475 ml) cold-pressed coconut
oil and 1/2 ounce (15 ml) of pure lavender oil. Shake the oils together and add 2
tablespoons (28 ml) to the bath.
KEEP IN MIND
Exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to the skin and increases collagen
production. These are important reasons to be active!
Easing Eczema and Psoriasis
Eczema, also known as contact dermatitis and allergic dermatitis, can be chronic
or temporary and is characterized by abraded, cracked, blistered, weepy, crusted,
patchy dry skin along with intense incessant itching, inflammation, and a
tendency for anything you touch to make it worse. It most often occurs in the
autumn. It is worse at night. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition
characterized by small scaly silvery pink and red patches, commonly occurring
on the knees, elbows, chest, scalp, lower back, and buttocks. Psoriasis can be
mild to disabling and is considered more stubborn than eczema. Here’s how to
soothe the skin you’re in.
VEGAN BUTTER
1 cup cold pressed coconut oil
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
1/4 teaspoon Celtic salt
GOOD TO GROW!
Houseplants are moisturizing to the air and body. They take in atmospheric
toxins and use them as food, while releasing fresh, clean oxygen into the air we
breathe.
Drinking a diluted vegetable juice daily made of celery, cucumber, beet, and
parsley provides skin supporting trace minerals. Taking 1 tablespoon (28 ml)
daily of organic hemp seed oil might be helpful in providing healing moisture for
the skin.
Thrifty Cures!
A folk remedy worthy trying on either eczema or psoriasis is to apply
raw potato juice (made from a juicer) to the affected area 2 or 3 times
daily. It can be left on until your next bath.
Skip This!
Avoid chocolate, dairy products, citrus, tomatoes, meat, eggs, peanut
butter, potatoes, wheat products, gluten, soy foods, fried foods, food
additives, and hydrogenated and even heated oils (which can include
bottled salad dressings). Any food allergen can be a contributing factor to
a skin condition.
Nixing Warts
Warts are caused by viruses, not toads! The proper medical name for warts is
Verruca vulgaris. These hard pale protrusions often occur in groups and are
considered benign skin tumors caused by strains of the papilloma virus. They are
contagious and can be transmitted through contact with a person who has warts
or by using their towels or clothing. It’s important to treat the warts so they don’t
continue to spread. Here’s how to get rid of them naturally.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Essential oils that can be applied topically to get rid of warts include
bergamot, cedarleaf (also known as thuja), cinnamon, clove, eucalyptus, garlic,
lavender, lemon, niaouli, oregano, patchouli, and/or tea tree.
Salicylic acid is a substance that occurs in nature and is available in over the
counter anti-wart preparations. But avoid using over the counter wart remedies
on the face or genitals as they can irritate the delicate surrounding tissues.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Taking homeopathic Thuja (30c, four pellets under the tongue four times daily)
will help the body’s immunity against warts.
Skip This!
Plantar warts, those on the soles of your feet, are contagious and are
frequently picked up in moist areas such as bathrooms, locker rooms, and
around swimming pools. Avoid going barefoot in these areas and keep
your feet dry. To get rid of them, first use a pumice stone to remove any
dead skin. Next, make a paste of baking soda and castor oil, apply it, and
cover it with a waterproof band-aid. Plantar warts are difficult to get rid
of and may take three to six weeks before any progress is noted.
• Consider drawing a picture of the body with the warts and then throwing the
drawing in the fire. Warts have been demonstrated to be susceptible to the
power of suggestion. When working on getting rid of a wart, tell it, “You will
be gone by August 21 (or other date several weeks in advance).”
• Warts can be emotionally related to harboring anger and resentment. Forgive
the past and protect yourself with thoughts of joy and peace.
GOOD TO KNOW!
As with any virus, warts are contagious, but not in the normal sense of being
contagious as in catching someone else’s cold. The other person needs to be
susceptible to the virus. Only genital warts and those around the anus are
especially contagious through contact, and care must be taken not to spread them
to others. If they are in an area you shave, stop shaving. If you scrape them or
use a hair removal cream, the scraping will spread the wart virus.
Thrifty Cure!
Make a compress from the inside of a banana peel to get rid of that wart!
You can also take some green (not fully ripe) black walnuts and make a
few incisions in the outer shell and rub the juice on the warts. There may
be a slight stinging sensation or the area may turn brown, but this is only
temporary. It’s a very effective cure!
Cures from Grandma’s Kitchen
Some of the most effective topical folk remedies for warts include
applying the fresh juice of dandelion stem or flower, castor oil, fresh
elderberry juice, raw potato, garlic oil, milkweed juice, or a paste of
baking soda and enough apple cider vinegar to moisten. You can also
apply a fresh slice of garlic daily to the affected area, but cover up the
nearby skin with some Vaseline to prevent it from becoming irritated
from the garlic. You can also prick a vitamin A (2,500 mg) capsule and
apply it topically.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Slant boards are a wonderful way to de-stress on a daily basis, and lying on one
for 10 to 20 minutes daily helps prevent wrinkles and improves skin quality by
improving circulation to the face. I bought one as a present to myself a few years
back and love it. However, don’t use slant boards if you have had a recent stroke,
have high blood pressure, or have a detached retina without consulting with your
physician.
GOOD TO KNOW!
GOOD TO KNOW!
If you smile, you’re more likely to have smoother skin than those who frown
constantly. When you smile, you only use thirteen muscles. Frowning uses many
more. So get grinning!
Vitamin C (1,000 mg daily) is necessary for collagen production. Vitamin E
(400 IU daily) helps our bodies utilize oxygen better, balances hormonal
production, and preserves the skin’s elasticity. Zinc (15 mg daily) helps
synthesize collagen and is essential in restoring dry flaky skin into balance.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Dandruff that is fungal-related can be contagious, so avoid sharing towels,
combs, hats, or other materials that come in contact with the head.
GOOD TO KNOW!
The following anti-dandruff aromatherapy rinse works great!
2 tablespoons (10 ml) apple cider vinegar
5 drops essential oil of rosemary
1 cup (235 ml) pure water
Mix together the ingredients and apply to the scalp after every shampoo. Leave
on for at least five minutes, but ideally just leave it on.
Jojoba oil helps to dissolve imbedded sebum in the scalp, so look for jojoba-
based hair care products.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Schizandra berries were widely used among the royalty of ancient China as a
youth preserver, beautifier, and sexual tonic. They nourish the kidney essence,
calm the liver, purify the blood, and promote radiant skin and hair. They are both
astringent and demulcent, having the ability to both dry and moisten the system
as needed.
Thrifty Cure!
Coloring the scalp in thin areas of hair with a soft eyebrow pencil can
minimize the visibility of hair loss until natural remedies have a chance
to take effect.
KEEP IN MIND
To preserve hair, don’t shampoo every day as it causes more hair to fall out.
Wear the hair loose to avoid pulling at the scalp.
Spend about 20 minutes daily lying on a slant board to allow increased blood
flow to the scalp. You can also consider yoga postures such as the shoulder stand
or headstands as they improve blood flow to the scalp. However, note that these
are advanced poses and should not be attempted unless you are familiar with
yoga.
Let go of negative thought patterns. Rather than saying, “I’m losing all my
hair,” try “I’m taking better care of myself. My hair will grow thick.” Bald can
also be beautiful!
Skip This!
Avoid a diet high in heated fats and refined sugar. Hydrogenated oils are
likely to clog the pores. Minimize alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and refined
carbohydrate consumption, which all cause the body to become overly
acidic and unhealthy.
KEEP IN MIND
Many deodorants contain aluminum chlorohydrate, a manufactured form of
aluminum that many believe contributes to Alzheimer’s disease. It is known to
accumulate in the tissues, especially when applied to broken skin. This is a real
problem as many people apply it just after shaving. Yikes! Many deodorants also
contain synthetic fragrances and methyl-and propylparabens, both of which have
been implicated in breast cancer. Instead, look for deodorants that contain
ingredients such as coriander and tea tree oil. You can find some good
deodorants in natural food stores. Weleda’s spray deodorants work great.
Another practice that can help is to wear natural-fiber clothes so the skin can
breathe. Certain synthetics produce an unpleasant smell soon after wearing and
do not allow sweat to evaporate naturally.
GOOD TO KNOW!
In order to make themselves more alluring, harem women ate fenugreek seeds to
produce a seductive smell. You can eat fenugreek sprouts or make a tea of this
herb, available at health food stores.
Strengthening Weak Nails
We use our hands to express ourselves, so healthy nails are important. Nails are
made of keratin, a strong fibrous protein that is produced by cells beneath the
cuticle at the nail’s base. Nails grow about 1/250 of an inch daily (about 1/3 to
1/2 as fast as hair). Nail growth is generally faster during the summer and
between the ages of 18 and 28 for some yet-undiscovered reason. Here are some
natural ways to strengthen weak nails.
Have someone photograph you indulging in your addiction or habit while you
look into the camera. When you get the photo back, look at it carefully and ask
yourself what it is trying to tell you. Put all that extra energy into doing
something good that helps society and yourself.
Whatever part of the body is involved in the habit (nails, hair, skin, etc.), do
something different and more positive. Instead of biting your nails, buff them.
Instead of picking at your face, massage it. Play with toys for a few minutes such
as modeling clay or Chinese handballs. Keep these tools where you are likely to
need them.
Be consistent and keep track of your progress. Consider showing your
progress chart to someone you really trust. Tell them you are not asking them to
nag at you, but ask them in what ways they can best help you. Reward yourself.
For example, if you go all day or week without engaging in a habit, put some
money in a piggybank so that you can buy something special.
Decide to change. Refuse to be enslaved by anything. Learn to deal with any
lapses in a positive healing way. Be a free conscious being. Habits are automatic
and the way out of them is to remember the way out.
Skip This!
Nail polish removers are hard on the health of nails. Of all the cosmetics
available, nail polish is one of the most allergenic. Acetone is more
harmful than acetate. Avoid using cuticle removers or pushing them back
as the cuticle helps protect the fingers.
CHAPTER 15
NATURAL REMEDIES
FOR ORAL HEALTH
Oral health is key to healthy teeth, gums, and fresh breath. Here’s how to
care for this gateway into our internal health.
Freshening Bad Breath
Bad breath is at least embarrassing and at worst offensive to others. It can be
caused by eating a food you are allergic to (like dairy products), constipation,
detoxifying the body, some medications, tooth or gum problems, poor health in
the lungs, as well as eating garlic. When the mouth is dry, such as in the morning
from not having had any water in several hours, salvia production decreases and
can contribute to bad breath. Here’s how to freshen up now!
BREATH-FRESHENING HERBS
Drink a tea using anise seed, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, fennel, orange peel
(if organic), parsley, or peppermint or let the tea cool and use it as a breath-
freshening mouth-wash. They are all high in antimicrobial essential oils.
Thrifty Cures!
Chewing on whole cinnamon bark pieces, cloves, fennel seed, or peeled
cardamom pods will give your mouth an alluring flavor your lover will
want to kiss. My favorite breath-freshening remedy is to suck on a whole
clove for a long-lasting, inexpensive breath freshener. Even if you take a
few bites of food, you can tuck the clove between your cheek and gum
with your tongue and then bring it back in your mouth after eating. You
can also eat a sprig of parsley or a small piece of lemon peel to freshen
the breath. Apples and celery are natural breath fresheners too. Eat them
liberally!
You can also apply aloe vera gel, a pinch of baking soda, apple cider vinegar,
calendula salve, goldenseal powder, or tea tree oil to help combat bacteria.
Finally, take probiotics (1 capsule three times daily) and lysine (550 mg 3
times daily) to boost immunity when feeling vulnerable. You can also find lysine
in flounder, nutritional yeast, and potatoes.
Improving Gum Health
Healthy gums can mean the difference between keeping your teeth or not.
Unfortunately, one in three people over the age of 30 has some form of
periodontal disease but are unaware of it because it is a problem that develops
silently and painlessly. Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria in plaque infect
the gums and bones that anchor the teeth. Bleeding gums, inflamed gums, loose
teeth, change in bite, and recession are all indicators of periodontal disease,
which accounts for 70 percent of tooth loss. Bacterial toxins are also released
into the bloodstream, beginning a cascade of health problems. Recent research
has revealed a relationship between periodontal infection and more serious
health problems, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, respiratory diseases,
and preterm low birth weight babies. So it’s important to do all you can to make
your gums healthy. Here are some natural remedies for your gums.
GOOD TO KNOW!
It’s important to replace your toothbrush after a canker sore or cold sore episode
because the virus thrives in a damp environment.
Both sage and sea salt have antiseptic properties that reduce inflammation and
promote healing. They are also astringent, which helps tighten the gums. Just
pour 1 cup (235 ml) of boiling water over 1 tablespoon (2.5 g) of sage leaves,
cover and steep for 15 minutes, strain, and add 2 teaspoons (10 g) of sea salt.
Use twice daily after brushing your teeth. Refrigerate between uses.
You can also add a drop of tea tree oil to your toothbrush on top of your
toothpaste and brush as usual. Tea tree oil, derived from the leaves of the native
Australian Melaleuca alternifolia tree, contains antiseptic compounds which help
prevent gum disease. Make sure the product label says it is 100 percent pure tea
tree oil.
Chewing burdock root massages the gums and improves stomach activity. You
can also massage bleeding gums with a piece of inner lemon rind. Or try my
plaque fighting, gum strengthening solution:
Take 1/8 ounce of coconut oil; add 8 drops oil of myrrh, 8 drops tea tree oil,
and 2 drops peppermint oil. Shake before using and massage a few drops into
your gums to promote healthy teeth and gums.
Another formula to massage into receding gums to increase circulation,
tighten tissues, and decrease microbes as follows:
2 parts yerba mansa
1/2 part myrrh
2 parts echinacea
2 parts prickly ash bark
For bleeding gums, you can make a mouth rinse or use herbal tea of some of
the herbs mentioned above to run through a Water Pik oral irrigation type device
that shoots out a gentle stream of water to clean and massage teeth and gums.
This is a great way to clean out any missed places, stimulate circulation, and get
an herbal treatment at the same time! Use once a day.
Soothing Toothache
A toothache usually indicates it is time to visit the dentist. Do not delay! But if
it’s the middle of the night or the weekend and you can’t get an appointment,
natural remedies can ease the pain temporarily. Here’s how.
Apply a few drops of clove oil to the area with your finger. It’s a natural
anesthetic and germicide containing the active ingredient eugenol. For children,
dilute the clove oil with equal amounts of olive oil. After applying, keep your
mouth open a few seconds to allow it to dry and minimize the strong clove blast
on your mouth and tongue. A plantain poultice or resin from a pine tree can also
be applied to draw out infection.
Another good idea? Place a piece of garlic on the area of the painful tooth for
twenty minutes. It will increase circulation to the area and combat infection. A
hot ginger compress applied to the cheek area over the afflicted tooth will also
help relieve pain.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Several studies have shown that chronic dental infection is associated with a
significant increase in the risk of stroke. Here’s why: bacteria from dental
plaque, including Streptococcus sanguis, can enter your bloodstream and cause
blood platelets to clump together and clot abnormally. Normally, the bacteria are
cleared from your body by the immune system, but if your immune system is
compromised, as is the case with any infection, the bacteria create a major risk
factor. Gum infections lead to chronic inflammation and the buildup of arterial
plaque, which reduces circulation. The result is atherosclerosis, or hardening and
narrowing of the arteries, which can lead to a heart attack or stroke.
In addition, a hot ginger or mustard footbath will help to draw pain away from
the head. Just soak your feet for three minutes in hot tea and then plunge them
into icy cold water for a minute. You’ll want to alternate back and forth for about
15 minutes. Start with the hot and end with the cold.
Every couple of hours, add 1 teaspoon (6 g) of salt to 1 cup (235 ml) of water
(hot or cold) and swish it around to help remove bacteria. Apply cold
compresses or ice in the mouth for numbing qualities as needed. A hot water
bottle can also give comfort. You’ll need to decide whether warm or cold
applications make the pain worse or better.
Take 50 to 100 mg of niacin to help move congested blood at the site of a
toothache. Goldenseal and myrrh in capsule or tincture form and applied
topically can help clear up an infection.
Achieving Total Tooth Health the Natural Way
As children, most of us had 20 teeth. As adults, the norm is 32, including 8
incisors, eight premolars, 4 canines, and 12 molars. Some people who lose their
second set of teeth get a third one—from their dentist! Even though Americans
have checkups, fluoridated water, and new improved toothpastes, about 35
percent will have full or partial dentures by age 60. Some tooth problems are
hereditary, others aggravated by lack of care. Many tooth problems can be
helped with good nutrition and proper care. Here’s how.
GOOD TO KNOW!
If you lose a filling (which can make your tooth ache) keep any broken tooth
part, especially if it is gold or porcelain, and bring it with you to the dentist. Fill
the hole temporarily with a piece of beeswax so you don’t scratch your tongue.
Then use this to gently massage your teeth and gums. You can also dip the twig
in water and baking soda.
Herbs that provide nutrients for strengthening the teeth include alfalfa,
horsetail, nettles, and oat straw. Try drinking a tea of various combinations of
these plants three times daily. Bilberry and hawthorn are high in flavonoids,
which may be helpful in protecting the periodontal ligaments.
If the tooth falls out of your mouth, rinse off any dirt and blood and replace it in
the socket. The roots of the tooth must be kept moist. Don’t hold the tooth by the
root! if it does fall out and can’t be kept in the mouth due to other injuries, store
it in milk wrapped in a cloth or piece of gauze as you hasten to the dentist. Or
simply hold the tooth under the tongue until dental health has been obtained.
Take two drops of rescue remedy and homeopathic arnica (3 or 4 pellets under
the tongue four times daily) to help deal with the trauma of the event.
Vitamin C (100 mg daily) with bioflavonoids (500 mg daily) can help prevent
and treat sore and bleeding gums since they help collagen production. Vitamin C
deficiency can contribute to breakdown of connective tissue that produces blood
vessel walls, bone matrix, cartilage, collagen, and dentin. However, it is best to
avoid chewable vitamin C, especially for adults, as the ascorbic acid can be
corrosive to dental enamel.
Deficiency of B vitamins, especially folic acid, can cause weakened gums.
Birth control pills can create a need for more B complex. Take 50 mg B complex
and 400 mg folic acid daily (which is likely to be contained in the B complex
tablet). Coenzyme Q 10 (take 50 to 100 mg twice daily) has been found helpful
for gingivitis. It improves circulation and increases oxygen levels in the tissues.
Vitamin E (400 IU) and selenium (50 mg) are both natural antioxidants. Rub
them on gums to tonify the tissues, after pricking the capsule with a pin. Vitamin
D (1,000 IU) helps bone formation. Zinc (15 mg) inhibits plaque formation and
inflammation. These last two supplements are taken orally daily.
Essential fatty acids can also help reduce inflammation. Take 2 or 3 capsules
of a good quality fish oil each day.
Thrifty Cures!
Rub a fresh cut raspberry or strawberry over the teeth for its natural
whitening action due to their high concentration of acids. Or use this
tooth whitener you can make at home. Just add 1 teaspoon (5 g) baking
soda to enough hydrogen peroxide to make a paste. Use it to brush teeth
for two minutes.
GOOD TO KNOW!
KEEP IN MIND
Some dentists may also offer acupuncture or relaxation tapes. A headset of
beautiful music can help mellow the dental drilling sounds. You may find
valerian tincture relaxing before a dental appointment. Taking a 500 mg
supplement of bromelain, an enzyme derived from pineapple, can help lessen
swelling from dental surgery. Take some before and for a few days after major
dental work, up to three times daily.
Health food stores have selections of beneficial products for mouth care.
Some natural toothpastes contain xylitol, a sweet-tasting substance derived from
birch trees. It has anti-cavity properties. You can also find chewing gums made
with xylitol that are used to increase saliva production and reduce cavities.
Green tea helps inhibit plaque buildup.
Skip This!
Refined carbohydrates, which break down quickly, also feed the bacteria
that cause tooth decay. Many respected health authorities deplore the use
of fluoride in our water supply. Though it does help prevent decay, a
lifetime of use can mottle the teeth and bones.
Foods likely to stain teeth include coffee, tea, red wine, blueberries, and
tobacco. Smoking also contributes to the buildup of tartar and decreases
the body’s supply of vitamin C. Even milk and rice can cause a buildup
of yellowish plaque on the teeth.
Saccharin and artificial colors are not great things to put into your mouth.
Harsh chemicals in dental products can aggravate teeth sensitivity. That’s
why it’s important to read the labels on your tooth care products.
CHAPTER 16
NATURAL REMEDIES
FOR HEALTHY SLEEP
Chamomile
Chamomile has long been used as a remedy for sleep. It is considered a nerve
restorative and helps calm people with anxiety and stress. Chamomile is high in
nerve-and muscle-relaxing calcium, magnesium, potassium, and some of the B
vitamins known to aid relaxation. Chamomile is also known for its anti-
inflammatory and antispasmodic properties that can help a tense person unwind.
Add some chamomile tea to a child’s bath before bed to help them sleep
peacefully. Taken before bedtime, chamomile is also a traditional remedy to help
those prone to nightmares.
Hops
Hops help to induce sleep and provides a pleasant numbing sensation. Hops
contain lupulin, which is considered a strong but safe sedative. Hops can help
mellow a person with a quarrelsome nature and is an anodyne, meaning it can
help pain. Though its taste is bitter, it is safe for children.
Kava kava
Kava kava is an ancient Polynesian remedy for insomnia and nervousness and is
reputed to induce vivid dreams. It is often used in the islands ceremoniously as a
religious ritual to welcome guests and honor births, marriages, and business
deals. It helps foster open communication and a feeling of “letting go.” It is an
analgesic, antispasmodic, and sedative.
Passionflower
Passionflower helps to relax the mind. It is useful for worried insomniacs. It
slows down the breakdown of serotonin and norepinephrine, allowing one to
maintain a more peaceful state of consciousness. Passionflower has traditionally
been used to treat hysteria, nervousness, and to aid recovery in nervous
breakdown. It is an antispasmodic and sedative.
Skullcap
Skullcap is considered one of the best tonics for the nervous system. It has long
been used to calm teething babies and reduce convulsions, delirium, insomnia,
neuralgia, restlessness, and even help emotional upsets. It is rich in calcium,
magnesium, and potassium. Scutellarin, one of its active ingredients, gets
transformed into scutellarein, which stimulates the brain to produce more
endorphins. Use skullcap to help rebuild a nervous system that is exhausted.
Skullcap is best when used over an extended period of time.
Valerian
Valerian helps sleep disorders that are the result of anxiety. There are some
individuals who find valerian works for them as a stimulant rather than a
sedative. When this occurs, it is often because their bodies are unable to
transform the essential oils in valerian into valerianic acid, one of the main
calming components.
For many people, though, valerian calms fear, anxiety, and panic. During
World War I, valerian was used to treat shellshock. In Germany, valerian is used
for childhood behavioral problems yet still gives the children good reaction time
and muscle coordination. Research published in the medical journal,
Pharmacology, Biochemistry and Behavior with 128 volunteers showed that
valerian helped people fall asleep faster.
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Sleeping pills are often habit forming and paralyze the part of our brains
that control dreaming. They can leave us feeling less than rested and
impair clarity of thought. Many prescribed drugs can leave us unable to
sleep. Antibiotics, steroids, decongestants, cold remedies, appetite
suppressants, contraceptives, and thyroid medications all can make sleep
difficult. However, always see your doctor before stopping any
medications you are on now.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Another way to use herbs to help you sleep is to make a 5 by 5 inch (13 × 13 cm)
sachet and fill it with hops, lavender, chamomile, woodruff, or lemon balm and
put it in your pillowcase. The calming aroma will help you slumber. Both King
George ii and Abraham lincoln are said to have used hops pillows to help them
sleep. Other pleasant smells like lavender and myrrh will soothe your spirits. Use
them in aroma lamps, diffusers, on your pillow, or simply inhale these essential
oils.
A warm bath before bed is also comforting. Add 7 drops of essential oil of
chamomile or lavender to the bath water. Adding a pound of baking soda makes
the water alkalinizing and sedative. When done bathing, remain in the tub for a
few minutes while you let the water out and visualize all your tensions going
down the drain. A sauna before bed can also help produce a state of calmness.
GOOD TO KNOW!
As we get older, our requirements for sleep actually decrease. If you lie awake
for more than 30 minutes, get up and write a letter or read something that is not
too action packed. If you wake up, don’t snack (or your body can get used to
demanding 3:00 am munchies). Return to bed after urinating and breathe deeply,
thinking of nothing but the in and out of your breathing.
Yoga postures that help to relax the mind and body and that aid sleep include
the corpse, cobra pose, shoulder stand, and mountain. T’ai chi, meditation
breathing exercises, biofeedback, and guided visualizations can all be effective
noninvasive methods to aid sleep.
If your thoughts are keeping you awake, why not download your mental
baggage onto a piece of paper before bed and then rest easily knowing that the
cares of tomorrow will not be forgotten.
When trying to sleep, allow no thoughts except the in and out of your breath.
You should soon be able to bore yourself to sleep. Try some sort of visualization,
such as with one breath relax your toes, with the next breath your feet, and
moving slowly up your body to help you slumber.
Another sleep technique is to get comfortable in bed and take 8 breaths while
lying flat on your back. Then take 16 deep breaths while lying on your right side;
then take 32 breaths while lying on your left side. Most people are asleep before
completing the exercise.
KEEP IN MIND
The following are some additional tips for getting a good night’s sleep:
1. Establish a regular sleep and awakening time and do your best to stick with it.
2. Sleeping with one’s head to the magnetic north is said to improve sleep and
dream quality.
3. Sleeping on the back is said the give one’s internal organs the most room for
optimum function. Sleeping on one’s left side can put excess pressure on the
heart.
4. Paint your bedroom a calm color, like blue. Keep your bedroom space sacred
and don’t use it as a place to do homework, business, or carry out arguments.
Also, try to put your bed in the quietest and darkest corner of the room.
5. Keep the bedroom between 60 and 66°F (16 and 19°C). Allow a bit of fresh
air into the bedroom at night, though not directly by the head.
6. Make sure your bed is comfortable and fabrics that are as natural as possible
are used as bedding to allow the skin to breathe. If you don’t suffer from
allergies, you may find a feather bed a comfortable addition to place on top of
your mattress.
7. Be aware that electromagnetic pollution too close to your body can stimulate
your nervous system as well as weaken your immune system. Avoid having
clocks, stereos, or electric blankets as your nighttime companions.
8. Remember that light is a stimulant. If there is light shining brightly through
your windows at night, consider getting heavier curtains. Many mechanical
gadgets such as clocks also emit light that can encourage wakefulness.
9. Avoid excess mental activity right before bed, such as action packed TV or
page-turning novels. Sex, however, can be a pleasurable prelude to sleep.
10. You may need to use earplugs or eye masks to help shut the world out for a
while.
Chasing Away Nightmares
Nightmares can make you afraid to go to bed at night. Often, the sensation you
get when you have a nightmare follows you into wakefulness, leaving you
feeling strange. Here’s how to erase nightmares.
For those prone to nightmares, herbal teas and sachets made of basil,
chamomile, dill seed, and rosemary provide a pleasant aroma and are said to
dispel disturbing dreams. These herbs can also be hung as sprigs over the bed.
Rubbing garlic briefly on the soles of the feet can end night fears and repel evil
influence. (Hey, it works to ward away vampires!)
The flower essences Aspen, Rock rose, and Rescue Remedy also help
alleviate nightmares. Take 2 drops under the tongue or in a cup of water when
needed.
Using the color violet helps calm the spirit. Finally, keep in mind that
nightmares are a way of getting your attention, and you may want to explore
what their significance is.
Stopping Snoring
If your mate snores, it can keep you from sleeping. Most snorers breathe through
their mouth. An obstruction of the airways, usually the tongue, is the cause of
this nocturnal noise. Often, when a snorer relaxes into deep sleep, the tongue
falls back against the soft palate and tissues at the back of the throat. As one
breathes, air enters the throat and causes the tongue and tissues to vibrate against
one another. Heavy snorers may even have their tongue sucked into their airway
and thus block their breathing!
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Avoid eating sweets after dinner or right before bedtime. Excess rich and
spicy or oily foods as well as food allergens can provoke nightmares.
When breathing temporarily ceases, survival instincts kick in and the snorer
awakens to pull the tongue in before falling back to sleep and repeating the
process. This is known as sleep apnea. A person with sleep apnea can be more
susceptible to strokes, high blood pressure, and heart attack, not to mention
feeling fatigued from lack of sleep. Doctors will may suggest surgery to fix it.
However, here are some gentler alternatives you may want to try first:
1. Sew a marble or golf ball into your pajamas at the back of the neck area. This
will encourage you to sleep on your side, which usually minimizes snoring.
2. Elevate the head slightly, ideally by placing a brick or two under the bed head.
Extra pillows will just give you a sore neck. Special pillows are available that
help deter snoring. Look for them in catalogs or bedding supply stores.
3. Try the devices now available in grocery stores and drugstores that you tape to
your nose to keep nasal passages open.
4. Natural food stores carry homeopathic drops and sprays that help snorers
breathe more easily.
Ask your dentist or doctor about a tongue-retaining antisnoring device.
Have a friend, lover, or spouse record your snoring to see if you need to seek
medical attention.
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Avoid alcohol for at least three hours before bed as it is a central nervous
system depressant and can increase episodes of apnea. Avoid heavy
eating and smoking before bed as they both contribute to congestion.
Ditto sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and antihistamines as they can also
cause the throat muscles to be overly relaxed. Nix foods such as dairy
and wheat products that cause mucous congestion. It is worth going a
few weeks without any dairy or wheat (as well as gluten) products to see
if this makes a difference. Food allergies and sensitivities can cause
throat swelling and nasal blockages that lead to snoring. Lose weight if
you can. If weight is excessive, the excess bulk in the throat can block
airways.
Thrifty Cures!
Put a drop of sesame oil into each nostril, which moistens the tissues and
decreases their tendency to vibrate loudly.
Despite all our attempts at healthy living, such as eating right and
exercising, an addiction can get in the way of ultimate well-being. Here are a
few ideas to liberate yourself from addiction.
Quitting Smoking
It may take several attempts to quit smoking may before you succeed. That’s
because nicotine in cigarettes is extremely addictive. When you smoke one
cigarette, it sets you up to want another and so on and so on. Nicotine is a mild
central nervous system stimulant and a strong cardiovascular stimulant. It even
stimulates digestive secretions and shortens bowel transit time, thus decreasing
nutrients available to the body. For some people, though, it acts as a sedative,
settling nerves—but at a high cost. Quitting smoking enhances the senses of
smell and taste, benefits breath, and provides whiter teeth and healthier
respiratory and circulatory systems. Help save lives, money, and the environment
with one hand! Here’s how to quit for good.
Thrifty Cures!
Chewing on pieces of ginger slices or candied ginger (wash off the sugar)
can helpful curb cravings. Or you can suck on a whole clove.
11. When desiring a smoke, take deep diaphragmatic breaths, inhaling deep and
slow, letting the abdomen fill with air, and expand. When exhaling, pull the
abdomen in, sending out old stagnant energy. Feed your head and body
oxygen. You don’t have to smoke to breathe more deeply.
GOOD TO KNOW!
When smoke is inhaled, the body responds to the stress by producing adrenaline
to help eliminate the toxins by speeding up the metabolic process. Tobacco
stimulates mucous production and promotes glucose release into the blood
stream. The “high” that people initially experience from smoking is caused by
increased adrenaline levels, elevated blood pressure, blood vessel constriction,
and elevated heart rate, as well as increased production of fatty acids. It
increases salivation and heart palpitations and constricts the blood vessels of the
skin. Tobacco leaves are usually cured with sugar and thus when smoked they
increase the rate of glucose released into the blood stream.
Overcoming Alcoholism
Drinking a glass or two of wine each day can improve health, stimulate the
appetite, and ease stress. But if you abuse alcohol, it can have disastrous effects
on your life. Next to sugar, alcohol is the oldest and most prevalent addiction in
America. Here’s what you can do to overcome your addiction.
GOOD TO KNOW!
Milk thistle seed helps detoxify the liver and repairs damage to this organ.
Sesame seeds are high in nerve-calming calcium. You can also make this to
sprinkle on food:
GOOD TO KNOW!
If you feel you are drinking too much or those around you say you are, get help
from Alcoholics Anonymous. You’ll find it in the yellow pages or at
www.aa.org. It is inexpensive and available worldwide. It has changed many
people’s lives for the better!
Here you will find in-depth information about the herbs mentioned in this book
(including when they are safe to use and some that aren’t) that you may want to
explore using. This will help you better understand the vast array of benefits
plants offer! For more in-depth information on the herbs mentioned here and
how to use them, check out my book, The Desktop Guide to Herbal Medicine
(Basic Health Publications).
ALLSPICE (Pimenta dioica, P. officinalis) is a member of the Myrtaceae
(eucalyptus) family. Dried, unripe fruit is the part used. During pregnancy, avoid
excessive use; moderate culinary use is permitted.
ALOE VERA (Aloe vera, A. barbadensis, A. ferox) is a member of the
Liliaceae (lily) family. The gelatinous substance in the stalks is the part used.
Aloe should not be used internally during pregnancy.
ANISE (Pimpinella anisum) is a member of the Apiaceae (parsley) family.
The seed is most often used medicinally. Avoid therapeutic doses during
pregnancy except under the direction of a healthcare professional. Culinary use
during pregnancy is fine.
ASTRAGALUS (Astragalus membranaceus, A. hoangtchy, A. mongolicus) is
a member of the Fabaceae (pea) family. The root is the part used. Astragalus is
not recommended in cases of severe congestion, extreme tension, or an
overactive immune system. It is generally not recommended in cases of fever
and inflammation or extreme dryness (as evidenced by persistent thirst, dry skin,
and constipation). It is best to avoid its use in cases of hot, toxic skin lesions and
at the onset of cold and flu symptoms. It tends to hold infection in the body, so if
you use astragalus during cases of infection, combine it with diaphoretic herbs.
BIRCH (Betula alba, B. lenta, B. pendula, B. nana) is a member of the
Betulaceae (birch) family. The leaf bud, leaf, and inner bark are the parts used.
Birch is considered safe when used appropriately.
BLACK COHOSH (Actaea racemosa, formerly Ciimicifuga racemosa) is a
member of the Ranunculaceae (buttercup) family. The rhizomes and roots are the
parts used. Excess use can cause nausea, vomiting, headache, and low blood
pressure. If pregnant or nursing, use only upon recommendation of a competent
health professional. It is generally not recommended during pregnancy. Avoid
with heart conditions.
BLUE COHOSH (Caulophyllum thalictroides) is a member of the
Berberidaceae (barberry) family. The rhizome is used. Use only the dried root as
the fresh plant may cause dermatitis and the berries are toxic. Avoid its use
during pregnancy until the onset of labor or until labor is overdue and then use
only under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.
BONESET (Eupatorium perfoliatum) is a member of the Asteraceae (daisy)
family. The aboveground plant is used. Large doses can cause vomiting,
trembling, weakness, drooling, stiffness, and diarrhea. It is best to use boneset
for no more than five days in a row.
BUCHU (Agathosma betulina, formerly Barosma betulina, Diosma betulina)
is a member of the Rutaceae (citrus) family. The leaf is used. Avoid buchu
during acute inflammatory conditions, as well as during pregnancy and while
nursing. Large amounts can cause nausea and vomiting. It is not unusual for a
person who has been drinking buchu tea to have his or her urine become scented
like buchu, although this is not harmful in any way.
BUGLEWEED (Lycopus virginicus, L. americanus, L. europaeus) is a
member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family. The aboveground plant is used. Avoid
bugleweed during pregnancy.
BURDOCK (Arctium lappa, A. minus) is a member of the Asteraceae (daisy)
family. The root and seed are used. Take care to avoid the sharp spines when
working with the seeds. If you are collecting in the wild, avoid confusing
burdock with rhubarb, which has similar-looking but toxic leaves.
CALENDULA (Calendula officinalis) is a member of the Asteraceae (daisy)
family. The flower is used. Calendula is generally regarded as very safe.
CARAWAY (Carum carvi) is a member of the Apiaceae (parsley) family. The
seeds are used. Caraway is safe when used appropriately.
CARDAMOM (Elettaria cardamomum) is a member of the Zingiberaceae
(ginger) family. The seeds are used. It is considered very safe, but avoid it if you
have an ulcer.
CATNIP (Nepeta cataria) is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family. The
leaves are used. It is not recommended for use during pregnancy,
CAYENNE PEPPER (Capsicum frutescens, C. annuum, C. Species) is a member
of the Solanaceae (nightshade) family. Keep away from eyes. Wash hands after
contact with any loose form of cayenne. Avoid large doses when pregnant and
nursing. Seeds can be especially hot and in some varieties are best avoided.
CELERY (Apium graveolens) is a member of the Apiaceae (parsley) family.
The seed and stalks are used therapeutically. Large amounts of celery seed may
increase photosensitivity, so avoid using the essential oil topically when going
out in the sun. Use only in moderation during pregnancy, as large amounts could
have an abortifacient effect. Avoid celery seed in cases of kidney inflammation.
CHAMOMILE (Matricaria recutita) (German chamomile; formerly
Chamomilla recutita; syn. M. chamomilla), Chamaemelum nobile (Roman
chamomile; syn. Anthemis nobilis) is a member of the Asteraceae (daisy) family.
The flowers are used. Some people may be severely allergic to chamomile,
especially those sensitive to ragweed. It can cause contact dermatitis in some
individuals. Roman chamomile is more likely to cause an allergic reaction than
the German variety. On the other hand, chamomile is sometimes used to treat
allergies. Use the herb with caution the first time you try it. Otherwise,
chamomile is considered very safe. It is not recommend during pregnancy.
CHICKWEED (Stellaria media, S. graminea, S. alsine) is a member of the
Caryophyllaceae (pink) family. The aboveground plant is used. Excess use may
cause diarrhea.
CINNAMON (Cinnamomum cassia, C. zeylanicum,) is a member of the
Lauraceae (laurel) family. The inner bark is used. Avoid cinnamon during hot
feverish conditions. Avoid large amounts during pregnancy (culinary use is
okay) and large amounts can decrease mother’s milk. Avoid large doses for long
periods of time.
CLEAVERS (Galium aparine, G. verum) is a member of the Rubiaceae
(madder) family. The aboveground plant is used. Cleavers is not recommended
in cases of diabetes as it will increase urination. Contact dermatitis from the
fresh juice is a rare occurrence.
CLOVE (Eugenia aromatica) is a member of the Myrtaceae (eucalyptus)
family. The dried flower bud is used. Avoid large amounts during pregnancy or
in cases of fever. Prolonged contact of the essential oil with gum tissue can be
irritating.
CODONOPSIS/DANG SHEN (Codonopsis pilosula) is a member of the
Campanulaceae (bell-wort) family. The root is used. It is generally regarded as
safe when used appropriately.
COLLINSONIA (Collinsonia canadensis) is a member of the Lamiaceae
(mint) family. The rhizome is used. Avoid during pregnancy. Beware the
aboveground portion of the plant, which can be emetic even in small amounts.
COMFREY (Symphytum officinale) is a member of the Boraginaceae
(borage) family. Comfrey is recommended only for short-term use of less than
six weeks and is not recommended for use during pregnancy or while nursing.
Herbalists debate about the safety of using herbs containing pyrrolizidine
alkaloids, and more research needs to be conducted to determine whether
comfrey is safe for internal use. But there is no problem with using it topically.
Because comfrey causes rapid wound healing, make sure a wound is clean of
any dirt before applying comfrey. Also be sure of your species; poisonings have
occurred from novices collecting toxic foxglove, mistaking it for comfrey.
CORIANDER (Coriandrum sativum) is a member of the Apiaceae (parsley)
family. The seed is used. There have been rare reports of allergic reactions to
coriander.
CORNSILK (Zea mays) is a member of the Poaceae(grass) family. The
stigmas from the female flowers are used. When used appropriately, it is
considered very safe.
CORYDALIS (Corydalis formosa) is a member of the Papaveraceae(poppy)
family. The rhizome is used. Use corydalis only as needed and do not take more
than is needed. Large amounts can be toxic. Avoid during pregnancy.
COUCH GRASS (Elytrigia repens, also known as Agropyron repens) is a
member of the Poaceae (grass) family. The rhizome and roots are used.
Couchgrass is generally regarded as safe.
CUMIN (Cuminum cyminum) is a member of the Apiaceae (parsley) family.
Cumin is generally regarded as safe.
DAMIANA (Turnera aphrodisiaca, T. Diffusa) is a member of the
Turneraceae (turnera) family. The aboveground plant is used. Damiana is
generally considered safe, but avoid using it in cases of urinary tract disease and
during pregnancy.
DANDELION (Taraxacum officinale) is a member Asteraceae(daisy) family.
All parts are used. Dandelion is generally regarded as safe, even in large
amounts and even during pregnancy. However, as is the case with any plant,
there is always a possibility of an allergic reaction. There have been a very few
cases reported of abdominal discomfort, loose stools, nausea, and heartburn
associated with dandelion. The fresh latex of the plant can cause contact
dermatitis in some sensitive individuals.
DEVIL’S CLAW (Harpagophytum procumbens) is a member of the
Pedeliaceae (sesame) family. The secondary tubers are used. There are no
known harmful side effects from long-term use of devil’s claw. It may take a
couple of weeks to notice results. Use devil’s claw in combination with
demulcent herbs to avoid irritating the digestive tract and avoid it during
pregnancy.
DILL (Anethum graveolens) is a member of the Apiaceae (parsley) family.
The seed is used medicinally. Avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy, but
culinary use is fine.
DONG QUAI (Angelica sinensis, A. polymorpha) is a member of the
Apiaceae (parsley) family. The root is used. Avoid dong quai during pregnancy
except under the supervision of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Avoid in
cases of diarrhea, poor digestion, abdominal distention, heavy menstrual flow, or
high fever with a strong fast pulse or when using blood-thinning medications.
Use of dong quai can increase photosensitivity.
ECHINACEA (Echinacea purpurea, E. angustifolia, E. pallida) is a member
of the Asteraceae (daisy) family. The root, rhizome, leaf, flower, and seed are
used medicinally. Excessive use of echinacea can cause throat irritation, nausea,
dizziness, and excessive salivation. Rare cases of allergic reactions have been
reported. Those with a compromised immune system, such as might result from
lupus, should use echinacea only under the advice of a qualified healthcare
professional. Echinacea can be taken frequently (every couple of hours) during
acute infection, but this sort of dosing should be undertaken only for a few days.
Echinacea commonly produces a slightly tingly sensation on the tongue, which
is a harmless reaction.
ELDER (Sambucus nigra, S. canadensis) is a member of the Caprifoliaceae
(honeysuckle) family. The flower and berry are used as medicine. Avoid elder in
cases of fluid depletion, as elder is a diuretic. Cook or dry ripe berries before
consuming large quantities of them as excess amounts can have a laxative effect.
Know your species and avoid using red-berried elders as many of them are
poisonous.
EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus globulus, E. Species) is a member of the
Myrtaceae (eucalyptus) family. Large amounts taken at one time can cause
headache, vertigo, convulsions, and even death. The essential oil may cause
irritation or burning; avoid contact of the essential oil with mucous membranes.
EYEBRIGHT (Euphrasia rostkoviana, E. officinalis, E. americana) is a
member of the Scrophulariaceae (figwort) family. The aboveground plant is
used. Though this herb is regarded as safe, eyebright is best used under the
guidance of a qualified healthcare professional in cases of serious eye disorders.
Avoid during pregnancy.
FENNEL (Foeniculum vulgare, F. officinale) is a member of the Apiaceae
(parsley) family. The seeds are used. Excess use of fennel seed can overstimulate
the nervous system. Avoid therapeutic dosages during pregnancy, though
culinary use is fine.
FENUGREEK (Trigonella foenum-graecum) is a member of the Fabaceae
(legume) family. The seeds are used in medicine. Avoid fenugreek seed during
pregnancy as it can be a uterine stimulant. Although fenugreek can be used to
lower blood sugar levels, diabetics should use it for this purpose only with
guidance from a qualified healthcare practitioner.
FEVERFEW (Tanacetum parthenium) is a member of the Asteraceae (daisy)
family. The flowers and leaves are used. In rare cases, feverfew can cause
irritation of the gastrointestinal tract, mouth, or tongue. Taking it with food can
minimize this possibility. Avoid during pregnancy and nursing. Don’t use
feverfew if you are on blood-thinning medications or about to have surgery
within a week because it can have an effect on the rate of blood clotting. If you
are very allergic to ragweed, use under supervision of a health professional.
FLAX (Linum usitatissimum, L. lewisii, L. perenne) is a member of the
Linaceae (flax) family. Once flax seeds are ground or made into an oil, they can
quickly go rancid.
GARCINIA (Garcinia cambogia, G. indica, G. atriviridis) is a member of the
Clusiaceae (Saint-John’s-wort) family. Those allergic to citric acid (citrus fruits,
tomatoes) may have sensitivities to garcinia. It has been safely used as a food for
many centuries. Avoid during pregnancy and nursing. Large doses can be
cathartic.
GARLIC (Allium sativum) is a member of the Lilliaceae (lily) family. Garlic
breath can be a problem, remaining in the body for up to ten hours. Do not apply
cut garlic directly to the skin for more than a few minutes as it can burn the skin
(always dilute with vegetable oil). Avoid large doses during pregnancy and while
nursing as it may cause digestive distress in the mother and baby.
GENTIAN (Gentiana officinalis, G. lutea, g. andrewsii, G. villosa, g
campestris, G. macrophylla, G. scabra) is a member of the Gentianaceae
(gentian) family. Gentian can aggravate hyperacidic conditions and ulcers. Large
doses can cause nausea and vomiting.
GINGER (Zingiber officinale) is a member of the Zingiberaceae (ginger)
family. The rhizome is used. Although ginger can relieve morning sickness,
pregnant women should not ingest more than 1 gram daily. Avoid in cases of
peptic ulcers, hyperacidity, or other hot, inflammatory conditions. Avoid
excessive amounts of ginger in cases of acne, eczema, or herpes. Ginger may
cause adverse reactions when used in combination with anticoagulant drugs such
as Coumadin or aspirin; if you are using such medications, seek the advice of a
qualified healthcare practitioner before commencing use of ginger.
GINKGO (Ginkgo biloba) is a member of the Ginkgoaceae (ginkgo) family.
The leaves are the most used part. Side effects from using ginkgo leaves are rare.
However, large amounts have been reported to cause gastrointestinal
disturbance, irritability, restlessness, and headache. Ginkgo leaf can negatively
affect the blood’s ability to clot, so avoid ginkgo for at least a week before
surgery; in cases of hemophilia; or in concurrence with anticoagulant drugs such
as Coumadin, aspirin, or monoamine-oxidase inhibitors.
GINSENG (Panax quinquefolium: American ginseng) (Panax ginseng: Asian
ginseng) is a member of the Araliaceae(ginseng) family. The root is the part
used. Avoid ginseng in cases of heat and inflammation, such as fever, flu,
pneumonia, hypertension, or constipation. Do not give to children for prolonged
periods as it may cause early sexual maturation. Avoid during pregnancy and
while nursing. Do not take ginseng in conjunction with cardiac glycosides except
under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. It is best not to take
ginseng at night as it can inhibit sleep.
GOJI (Lycium chinense, l. barbarum) is a member of the Solanaceae
(nightshade) family. The berries are used. Avoid buying bright red berries that
may have been trested with sulfite preservatives.
GOLDENROD (Solidago species) is a member of the Asteraceae (daisy)
family. The aboveground plant is used. In cases of chronic kidney disorder,
consult with a qualified healthcare practitioner before using. Avoid in cases of
edema resulting from heart or kidney failure. Goldenrod is often accused of
causing hay fever. However, its pollen is actually quite heavy and falls to the
earth rather than becoming airborne. It is more likely ragweed, which blooms at
the same time as goldenrod, that is culprit.
GOLDENSEAL (Hydrastis canadensis) is a member of the Ranunculaceae
(buttercup) family. Avoid during pregnancy, in cases of high blood pressure, or
in the week preceding surgery as it may increase blood pressure. It also can
elevate blood sugar levels and blood pressure in one who is already so inclined;
use only under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional in such cases.
Use only for short periods (three weeks or less) as long-term use can kill off
friendly intestinal flora and reduce assimilation of B vitamins. Follow a course
of goldenseal with probiotics such as acidophilus.
GOTU KOLA (Centella asiatica) is a member of the Apiaceae (parsley)
family. The aboveground plant is used. Avoid during pregnancy, except under
the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Avoid in cases of overactive
thyroid.
GRAVEL ROOT (Eupatorium purpureum, E. ternifolium, E. verticullatum,
E. Maculatum) is a member of the Asteraceae (daisy) family. Large doses may
cause vomiting. Avoid during pregnancy. Gravel root contains some pyrrolizine
alkaloids and it is not recommended for use for periods of more than six weeks.
GRINDELIA (Grindelia camporum, G. robusta, Gg. squarrosa, G. rigida) is
a member of the Asteraceae (daisy) family. The tops (flowers, buds, and upper
leaves) and resin are used. Excessive dosages, due to all the resins can irritate
kidneys. Grindelia can collect high doses of selenium from the soil, which can
cause large doses of this plant to be irritating.
GUARANA (Paullinia cupana, P. sorbilis, Cupania americana) is a member
of the Sapindaceae (lychee) family. The seeds are used. It contains caffeine and
can cause nervousness, insomnia, and B vitamin depletion. Guarana is
contraindicated for those with heart disease, ulcers, diabetes, and epilepsy. Avoid
in cases of high blood pressure. Avoid guarana during pregnancy and nursing.
GUGGULU (Commiphora mukul, C. africana) is a member of the
Burseaceae (frankincense) family. The resin is used. In rare cases, an allergic
skin reaction can occur. It disappears when use of the herb is discontinued. In
cases of bowel inflammation, liver disease, or diarrhea, consult with a competent
healthcare professional before using.
GYMNEMA (Gymnema sylvestre) is a member of the Asclepiadeceae
(milkweed) family. The leaves are used. If you are insulin dependent, consult
with your physician before using gymnema as insulin levels may need to be
adjusted.
HAWTHORN (Crataegus oxycantha, C. species) is a member of the
Rosaceae (rose) family. The leaf, flower, and berry are used. Using hawthorn
may potentiate the effects of heart medications such as beta-blockers, digoxin, or
Lanoxin. If you are using heart medication, consult with a qualified healthcare
professional before commencing use of hawthorn. It is generally considered safe.
HIBISCUS (Hibiscus sabdariffa, H. rosa-sinensis, H. spp.) is a member of
the Malvaceae (mallow) family. Persons who are very chilled should avoid
hibiscus as it is cooling.
HOPS (Humulus lupulus) (European hops) is a member of the Cannabaceae
(hemp) family. The strobiles are used. Avoid during pregnancy and in cases of
depression. Use in conjunction with pharmaceutical sedatives only under the
guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. It may exacerbate their effects.
HOREHOUND (Marrubium vulgare) is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint)
family. The aboveground portions are used. Large doses may be laxative and
cathartic. The juice of the fresh plant may cause dermatitis. Avoid during
pregnancy.
HORSE CHESTNUT (Aesculus hippocastanum) is a member of the
Hippocastanaceae (horse chestnut) family. The seeds, leaves, flowers, and bark
are somewhat toxic unless processed. Use in one fourth the dosages of other
herbs. Avoid using if pregnant or nursing.
HORSETAIL (Equisetum arvense, E. Species) is a member of the
Equisetaceae(horsetail) family. Large amounts can be toxic due to the presence
of the enzyme aneurinase, which, if eaten over a long period of time, can cause
B vitamin deficiency. Small amounts are fine. However, drying, cooking, and
tincturing horsetail destroys that enzyme, making horsetail safe. Avoid long-term
use during pregnancy.
HO SHOU WU (Polygonum multiflorum) is a member of the Polygonaceae
(rhubarb) family. The processed root is used. Avoid ho shou wu during bouts of
diarrhea and excessive phlegm.
HYDRANGEA (Hydrangea arborescens) is a member of the Saxifragaceae
(rockfoil) family. Only the root and rhizhome are used. Excessive amounts can
cause gastrointestinal distress, dizziness, and chest congestion. Hydrangea is not
recommended for long-term use or during pregnancy.
HYSSOP (Hyssopus officinalis) is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint) family.
Avoid during pregnancy.
IRISH MOSS (Chondrus crispus) is a member of the Gigartinaceae
(gigartina) family. Because Irish moss has some blood-thinning properties,
people who are on anticoagulating medications should avoid its use.
ISATIS (Isatis tinctoria) is a member of the Brassicaceae (cabbage) family.
The root is primarily used. Do not use isatis for more than three weeks at a time.
Long-term use can deplete the body of friendly intestinal flora, weaken
digestion, and cause internal coldness.
JUJUBE (Ziziphus jujuba) is a member of the Rhamnaceae (buckthorn)
family. The berries are used as food and medicine. Avoid jujube in cases of
bloatedness or intestinal parasites.
KAVA KAVA (Piper methysticum) is a member of the Piperaceae (pepper)
family. The root and upper rhizome are used. Avoid during pregnancy and while
nursing and do not give to young children. Avoid in cases of Parkinson’s disease
and severe depression. Do not take in conjunction with with alcohol, sedatives,
tranquilizers, or antidepressants as it can potentiate their effects. Try to avoid
driving, operating heavy machinery, or other activities that require fast reaction
times after taking kava kava. On the plus side, kava kava, unlike many sedatives,
is not habit forming. Daily use of kava shouldn’t exceed three months, though
occasional use is fine for healthy people. Kava kava may cause the tongue,
mouth, and other body parts to feel somewhat numb and rubbery temporarily;
this is normal. However, excess amounts can cause disturbed vision, dilated
pupils, and difficulty walking. Large doses taken for extended periods can have a
cumulative effect on the liver, causing kawaism, a condition marked by a
yellowish tinge to the skin, a scaly rash, apathy, anorexia, and bloodshot eyes.
LADY’S MANTLE (Alchemilla vulgaris) is a member of the Rosaceae (rose)
family. The leaf and flowering shoot are used. Avoid during pregnancy except
under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use in
conjunction with oxytocin.
LAVENDER (Lavendula species) is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint)
family. The flower is used. Avoid large doses of lavender during pregnancy.
LEMON BALM (Melissa officinalis) is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint)
family. The aboveground plant is used. Lemon balm is generally considered very
safe and a favorite children’s herb. It can lower thyroid function, however, which
is beneficial in some cases but not for those with a hypothyroid condition.
LEMONGRASS (Cymbopogon citratus) is a member of the Poaceae(grass)
family. The leaf is used. Avoid large doses during pregnancy as it can stimulate
the uterus.
LICORICE (Glycyrrhiza glabra: European licorice, G. uralensis: Chinese
licorice, G. glandulifera: Russian licorice) is a member of the Fabaceae (pea)
family. The root, also known as stolen, which is an underground stem, is used.
Avoid licorice in cases of edema, nausea, vomiting, and rapid heartbeat. Licorice
is not recommended during pregnancy or in combination with steroid or digoxin
medications. Large doses may cause sodium retention and potassium depletion
and may be emetic. Prolonged or excessive use may elevate blood pressure and
cause headache and vertigo. Continuous use is not recommended in excess of six
weeks.
CHINESE LICORICE (G. uralensis) is said to be less likely to cause side
effects than the European variety (G. glabra). All these precautions
notwithstanding, licorice is often added in very small amounts to other herbal
formulas to harmonize them and prevent undesirable side effects. Before using
licorice in moderate amounts daily, for longer than six weeks, consult with a
competent healthcare practitioner.
LINDEN (Tilia platyphyllos, T. americana,. cordata, T. x europea, T. spp.) is a
member of the Tiliaceae (tilia) family. The flower is used. Tilia americana
should be consumed only in moderation as large doses may cause nausea and
excess use may damage the heart. Older flowers of most species used in making
tea can have a slight narcotic effect.
LOBELIA (Lobelia inflata, L. siphilitica: blue lobelia, L. cardinalis: red
lobelia, cardinal flower) is a member of the Lobeliaceae (bluebell) family. The
entire plant can be toxic if not used properly. Avoid during pregnancy or in cases
of hypotension, hypertension, fainting, paralysis, shock, pneumonia, or fluid
surrounding the heart or lungs. Avoid overdosing, as overdose can cause
sweating, nausea, vomiting, pain, paralysis, lowered body temperature, rapid
pulse, coma, and even death. Lobelia is best used in combination with other
herbs and in small amounts, being one-fifth to one-third of a formula.
MACA (L. Peruvianum) is a member of the Brassicaceae (mustard) family.
The root is used as food and medicine. It is generally regarded as safe. High
doses may contribute to insomnia.
MARSHMALLOW (Althaea officinalis) is a member of the
Malvaceae(mallow) family. The root is used. The mucilage in marshmallow may
cause a delay in the effects of pharmaceuticals taken at the same time.
MEADOWSWEET (Filipendula ulmaria) is a member of the Rosaceae
(rose) family. The aboveground plant is used. Avoid meadowsweet in cases of
sensitivity to salicylates, such as those found in aspirin.
MILK THISTLE (Silybum marianum) is a member of the Asteraceae(daisy)
family. The seeds are used as food and medicine. There have been occasional
reports of bloating, diarrhea, and a laxative effect. Mint (Mentha spp., especially
M. x piperita [Peppermint] and M. Spicata [Spearmint]) is a member of the
Lamiaceae (mint) family. The aboveground plant is used. Avoid mint in cases of
coldness, such as chills or yin deficiency, and during acute gallstone attack.
Pregnant women should ingest no more than 1 to 2 cups (475 ml) daily of
peppermint tea. Nursing mothers should avoid large amounts of mint, which can
dry breast milk.
MOTHERWORT (Leonurus cardiaca) is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint)
family. The aboveground plant is used. Avoid motherwort in cases of excessive
menstrual bleeding. Avoid during pregnancy (but note that motherwort can be
helpful during labor, under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner).
The plant may cause contact dermatitis in some people.
MUIRA PUAMA (Ptychopetalum olacoides, P. uncinatum) is a member of the
Olaceae (olive) family. The inner bark and root are used. It may cause insomnia
in some people if taken before bedtime.
MULLEIN (Verbascum thapsus) is a member of the
Scrophulariaceae(figwort) family. The leaf and sometimes flower (without the
calyx) are used. Mullein leaves are generally regarded as safe, though the leaf
contains coumarin and rotenone, which in the past have drawn expressions of
concern from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
MYRRH (Commiphora myrrha, c. abyssinica) is a member of the
Burseraceae (frankincense) family. Use only small amounts internally and only
for short periods of time as resins can be difficult for the body to eliminate.
Avoid during pregnancy as myrrh can stimulate the uterus. Large amounts can be
overly laxative.
NEEM (Azadirachata indica) is a member of the Meliaceae (mahogany)
family. The bark, twigs, leaves, roots, seeds, and sap are used. Neem is
considered safe and has a long history of use. However, long term internal use
may result in anemia, weakness, appetite loss, and weight loss. It should not be
used for infants, the elderly, or infirmed.
NETTLE (Urtica dioica, U. urens) is a member of the Urticaceae(nettle)
family. The aboveground plant is used. All fifty species of the genus Urtica can
be used medicinally, but stick with urens and dioica species unless you have
consulted with local herb authorities on the safety of local varieties. Nettle is not
known as stinging nettle for nothing; avoid touching or eating the fresh plant
unless it is very young and/or you are very brave. Touching the fresh plant can
cause a burning rash. Wearing gloves when collecting can help prevent this, but
the hairs in large plants may still pierce through. A nettle sting can be soothed
with a poultice of yellow dock or plantain or even the juice of the nettle plant
itself (but good luck obtaining this without getting many more stings).
OAK (Quercus alba: white Oak) is a member of the Fagaceae (beech) family.
The inner bark and gall (growth produced by fungus or insect) are used. Oak
galls are extremely astringent; use only in small quantities. Use oak bark for no
longer than a month continuously.
OAT (Avena sativa: cultivated oat, A. fatua: wild oat) is a member of the
Poaceae (grass) family. The seed (unripe) and stem (also known as oat straw)
are used. Those with gluten allergies should use oats with caution.
OLIVE LEAF (Oleum europea, O. olviva) is a member of the Oleaceae
(olive) family. Olive leaf is used as medicine and the fruit as food. Olive leaf and
oil are generally regarded as safe. “Die off” reactions have been reported from
olive leaf use, where the body experiences the die off of pathogens, which can
manifest as aches, sore throat, or flu like symptoms. Some have found olive leaf
tea irritating to the stomach.
ORANGE (Citrus reticulata: mandarin orange or tangerine, C. x aurantium:
bitter or Seville orange, C. vulgaris: sweet orange) is a member of the
Rutaceae(citrus) family. The peel is used. Use bitter orange with caution during
pregnancy as large doses may stimulate contractions. Use of orange peel
essential oil in massage oils, baths, and other cosmetics make increase
photosensitivity.
OREGON GRAPE (Mahonia aquifolium), (synonym) Berberis aquifolium,
Mahonia repens, m. Nervosa, m. pinnata, berberis repens, b. vulgaris) is a
member of the Berberidaceae (barberry) family. The root, root bark, and
rhizome are used. Use only the dried plant as the fresh root can be excessively
purgative. Avoid during pregnancy. Avoid in hyperthyroid conditions. Don’t use
in cases of excessive flatulence.
OREGANO (Origanum vulgare, O. spp.) is a member of the Lamiaceae
(mint) family. The aboveground portion is used. Avoid large medicinal dosages
during pregnancy, though culinary use is fine.
OSHA (Ligusticum porteri, L. canbyi, L. scoticum, L. filicinum, l. grayi, l.
tenuifolium) is a member of the Apiaceae (parsley) family. The root is used.
Avoid during pregnancy.
PARSLEY (Petroselinum crispum: curly leaved, p. latifolium: broad leaves,
P. sativum, P. tuberosum: hamburg parsley) is a member of the Apiaceae
(parsley) family. The leaf is used. Large amounts are contraindicated during
pregnancy, though culinary use is fine.
PASSIONFLOWER (Passiflora incarnata, P. edulis: yellow passionflower,
P. spp .) is a member of the Passifloraceae(passionflower) family. The leaf, vine,
and flower are used. Large doses may cause nausea and vomiting. Avoid large
doses during pregnancy. Unripe fruits have some level of toxicity and should not
be consumed.
P’AU D’ARCO (Tabeuia spp., including T. impetiginosa, T. rosea, and T.
serratifolia) is a member of the Bignoniaceae (bignonia) family. The inner lining
of the bark (known as phloem) and bark are used. Excess use may loosen bowels
or cause nausea and vomiting. Avoid during pregnancy and nursing. Product
adulteration is common, so be sure that your source is trustworthy.
PEPPER (Piper nigrum: black pepper) is a member of the Piperaceae
(pepper) family. The dried unripe fruits are used as food and medicine. Overuse
may cause hypersecretions of digestive juices, leading to a burning sensation in
the digestive tract. Large amounts may elevate blood pressure.
PINE (P. spp.,including P. sylvestris: Scotch pine, P. tabuliformis, P. strobus:
white pine, P. pinaster, P. pinea, P. Nigra, P. contorta: lodgepole pine) is a
member of the Pinaceae (pine) family. The inner bark, needles, young buds, and
pitch are used. Some may experience contact dermatitis if in contact with the
wood, resins, or sawdust of some pine species.
PLANTAIN (Plantago major: broad-leaf plantain, P. lanceolata: lance-leaf
plantain, P. Media: hoary plantain, sweet plantain) is a member of the
Plantaginaceae (plantain) Family. The leaf and seed are used. Plantain is
generally regarded as safe.
PRICKLY ASH (Zanthoxylum americanum: Northern prickly ash, Z. clava-
herculis: Southern prickly ash ) is a member of Rutaceae (rue) family. The bark
is the portion used. Avoid during pregnancy, in cases of stomach or intestinal
inflammation, and in conjunction with blood-thinning medications. Prickly ash
can produce a hot, tingling sensation throughout the body that is not a cause for
alarm; it is as strong a stimulant as cayenne pepper but is slower acting and
longer lasting.
PSYLLIUM (Plantago psyllium, P. ovata, P. indica) is a member of the
Plantaginaceae(plantain) family. The seed and outer husk of the seed are used.
Always use psyllium with plenty of liquids; otherwise, it can cause constipation.
Psyllium can dilute digestive enzymes and is best taken between meals,
especially before bed or first thing upon rising, rather than with food.
RASPBERRY (Rubus spp.) is a member of the Rosaceae (rose) family. The
leaf is used medicinally. There are no known toxic levels. Once nursing is
established, excess consumption of raspberry leaf should be avoided as its
astringent properties could lessen the amount of breast milk.
RED CLOVER (Trifolium pratense) is a member of the Fabaceae (pea)
family. The flower and young leaf are used. Red clover is not recommended for
use during pregnancy, though it can be used prior to pregnancy as a fertility
tonic. Avoid red clover for at least a week prior to surgery.
REHMANNIA (Rehmannia glutinosa) is a member of the Scrophulariaceae
(foxglove) family. The root is used. Avoid excessive use in cases of loose stools
or a very coated tongue.
REISHI (Ganoderma lucidum) is a member of the Polyporaceae (polypor)
family. The fruiting body is used. Reishi has a very low potential for toxicity.
Some may experience dry mouth, dizziness, and digestive distress from
ingesting reishi after long-term use. Pregnant or nursing women should consult
with a competent healthcare professional before using reishi. Because reishi can
inhibit blood clotting, it should be avoided at least one week before surgery,
birthing, or if using blood-tinning medications.
ROSE (Rosa spp., including R. canina: dog rose, R. Species) is a member of the
Rosaceae(rose) family. The flower and hip are used. As with all herbs, avoid
using rose flowers or hips that have been sprayed with toxic chemicals. Remove
the irritating hairs from the rose hip seeds before eating them. When making a
tea from them, use a strainer to filter out the fine hairs.
ROSEMARY (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a member of the Lamiaceae (mint)
family. The aboveground plant is used. Avoid therapeutic doses during
pregnancy (though moderate culinary use is ok). Though rosemary is generally
considered so safe that it is a common kitchen herb, extremely large doses can
cause convulsions and death.
SAINT-JOHN’S-WORT (Hypericum spp., including H. perforatum) is a
member of the Clusiaceae (Saint-John’s-wort) family. The flowering tops are
used. Saint-John’s-wort should not be combined with antidepressant
pharmaceuticals (for example, Celexa, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate, Paxil,
Prozac, or Zoloft), protease inhibitors, or organ antirejection drugs (such as
cyclosporine), except under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner. In
fact, because Saint-John’s-wort cleanses the liver, it is best to use it with caution
in conjunction with any pharmaceutical drug. Saint-John’s-wort is not
recommended during pregnancy, while nursing, or for children under the age of
two. It may cause photosensitivity, especially in fair-skinned individuals. There
have been rare reports of dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and dry mouth from its use.
Some people may experience contact dermatitis from the plant.
SARSAPARILLA (Smilax aristolochiifolia, S. aspera, S. officinalis, S.
ornata, S. papyracea, S. regelii: Jamaican sarsaparilla) is a member of the
Smilacaceae(smilax) family. The rhizome is used. Avoid during pregnancy.
SAW PALMETTO (Serenoa repens) is a member of the Arecaceae (palm)
family. The berry is used. Avoid during pregnancy and while nursing, at least
until further research has been done to ascertain its safety during these times.
Mild gastrointestinal disturbances are a rare side effect.
SCHIZANDRA (Schisandra chinensis) is a member of the
Schisandraceae(magnolia vine) family. The berry is used. Avoid schizandra in
cases of excess heat (such as fever), overly acidic conditions, cough, epilepsy,
intracranial pressure, or in the early stages of rash. Schizandra is not
recommended during pregnancy. Do not give to children under the age of two,
except under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner.
SENNA (Senna alexandrina, S. spp.) is a member of the Fabaceae (legume)
family. The leaf, pod, and seed are used. Avoid senna during pregnancy, while
nursing, and in children under age twelve. Avoid in cases of colitis or conditions
of inflammation of the digestive tract. Do not use in conjunction with cardiac
glycoside pharmaceuticals, except under the guidance of a qualified healthcare
practitioner. The seeds have a gentler effect than the leaves and are more
appropriate for the young, the elderly, and those prone to stomach cramps. To
prevent gripe, combine senna with carminative herbs such as cinnamon,
cardamom, coriander seed, fennel seed, ginger, or peppermint. Overuse may
cause laxative dependency, so do not use senna for more than ten days in a row.
Large doses or overuse can cause bloody diarrhea, intestinal cramps, nausea,
vomiting, and nephritis. Long-term use can cause dehydration and can deplete
the body of electrolytes, including potassium, worsening constipation and
weakening the muscles. Senna may cause the urine to become reddish, which is
no cause for concern.
SHEPHERD’S PURSE (Capsella bursa-pastoris) is a member of the
Brassicaceae (mustard) family. The aboveground plant is used. Use shepherd’s
purse only in moderate doses, as large doses may be toxic. Avoid during
pregnancy, except during labor, and then only under the guidance of a qualified
healthcare professional.
SHIITAKE (Lentinus edodes) is a member of the Polyporaceae (polypor)
family. The cap of fruiting mushroom body is used. Shiitakes are considered
nontoxic and generally safe. Avoid in cases of extreme weakness or diarrhea.
There have been rare reports of allergic reactions affecting the throat, lungs, or
skin.
SKULLCAP (Scutellaria californica, S. cane-scens, S. galericulata, S.
lateriflora, S. pilosa, S. tube-rosa, S. versicolor) is a member of the
Lamiaceae(mint) family. The aboveground plant is used. Avoid during
pregnancy. Large doses may cause confusion and giddiness.
SLIPPERY ELM (Ulmus rubra; syn. U. fulva) is a member of the
Ulmaceae(elm) family. The inner bark is used. Slippery elm is regarded as one
of the safest herbs. When consuming slippery elm in capsule form, be sure to
take in plenty of fluids as it absorbs moisture in the body and can be
dehydrating.
SPILANTHES (Spilanthes acmella) is a member of the Asteraceae (daisy)
family. The aboveground plant is used. Spilanthes is nonpoisonous to humans
though toxic to cold-blooded organisms. Eating the plant can cause numbness in
the mouth. The volatile isothio-cyanates cause an intense pungent sensation in
the mouth.
STEVIA (Stevia rebaudiana) is a member of the Asteraceae(daisy) family.
The leaf and flower are used. It is generally considered safe. Too much stevia
can leave an aftertaste.
TEA (Camellia sinensis) is a member of the Theaceae (tea) family. The leaf
bud and young leaf are used. Excessive use of tea may cause nervous irritability
and digestive distress such as ulcers. Some believe tea to be addictive. Avoid tea
in cases of hypertension and insomnia; avoid large doses during pregnancy and
while nursing.
THYME (Thymus spp., including T. vulgaris: garden thyme, T. serpyllum:
wild thyme) is a member of the Lamiaceae(mint) family. The aboveground plant
is used. Avoid therapeutic doses during pregnancy, though culinary use is fine.
TRIBULUS (Tribulus terrestris, T. cistoides) is a member of the
Zygophylaceae (caltrop) family. The sharp fruit is used. Avoid during pregnancy
except under the guidance of a qualified healthcare practitioner. Avoid in cases
of dehydration or blood or chi deficiency.
TURMERIC (Curcuma longa) is a member of the Zingerberaceae (ginger)
family. The rhizome is used. Some people have experienced skin rashes from
using turmeric. It may cause photosensitivity in some individuals. Therapeutic
dosages should be avoided during pregancy (though culinary use is fine).
USNEA (Usnea barbata, U. Species) is a member of the Parmeliaceae
(usnea) family. The mycelia (of the thallus), which is technically the tissue of the
plant, is used. There have been rare cases of contact dermatitis from applying the
herb directly to the skin. It is best avoided during pregnancy.
UVA-URSI (Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, A. Species) is a member of the
Ericaceae (heath) family. The leaf is used as medicine. Use for ideally no longer
than one week. (Take a one-week break and then resume, if needed.) Large or
frequent doses may be irritating to the stomach mucosa and can cause nausea
and vomiting. Long-term use may be constipating. It can be beneficial to
combine uva-ursi with a demulcent herb such as cornsilk, marshmallow root, or
licorice. Avoid during pregnancy as uva-ursi may decrease circulation to the
uterus. Arbutin inhibits the breakdown of insulin and should be used cautiously
by those who are hypoglycemic. It can turn urine a greenish color, due to the
hydroquinone, though this effect is not harmful.
VALERIAN (Valeriana officinalis, V. spp.) is a member of the Valerianaceae
(valerian) family. The root or rhizome is used. Large doses of valerian can cause
depression, nausea, headache, and lethargy. Some individuals, especially those
who are already overheated, may find valerian stimulating rather than sedating.
Do not use large doses for more than three weeks in a row. Avoid during
pregnancy except in very small doses. Do not give to children under the age of
three. Avoid in cases of very low blood pressure or hypoglycemia; avoid long-
term use in cases of depression. Use with caution if you are going to be driving,
operating heavy machinery, or undertaking other activities that require fast
reaction times. Valerian may potentiate the effects of benzodiazepine and
barbiturates. Those taking sedatives, antidepressants, or anti-anxiety medications
should use valerian only under the guidance of a qualified healthcare
professional.
VIOLET (Viola odorata) is a member of the Violaceae (violet) family. The
leaf and flower are used. Violet is not recommended in cold conditions such as
chills. Otherwise, violet leaf tea is safe and gentle; it even can be used as a
substitute for baby aspirin. Do not substitute African violets as a medicine plant.
VITEX (Vitex agnus-castus) is a member of the Verbenaceae (vervain)
family. The berry is used. Discontinue if diarrhea, nausea, or abnormal menstrual
changes occur. Large doses can cause formication, a strange symptom, where
one feels as if ants are crawling on their skin. To improve hormonal problems
with vitex, the herb should be taken for at least six months.
WALNUT (Juglans regia: English walnut, Persian walnut, J. nigra: black
walnut, J. cinerea: butternut) is a member of the Juglandaceae (walnut) family.
The leaf, dried inner bark, green hull of nut, and nut are used. Avoid walnut leaf,
inner bark, and green hull during pregnancy; the nut is safe. The nut has caused
mouth sores in sensitive individuals. The green hulls and leaves have been
known to cause contact dermatitis. The inner bark should be dried for one year
before use, as the fresh bark can cause intestinal gripe.
WILD CHERRY (Prunus virens, P. aviium: wild cherry, Prunus serotina:
black cherry, P. virginiana: choke cherry) is a member of the Rosaceae(rose)
family. The dried inner bark is used. The bark is toxic in large doses. Do not boil
bark; simply steep in hot water. It may cause drowsiness. Though it helps
coughs, it does not treat the infection that may be causing the cough. Do not use
during severe infection.
WILD YAM (Dioscorea villosa, D. batata, D. japonica, D. bulbifera) is a
member of the Dioscoreaceae (yam) family. The root and rhizomes are used.
Avoid large doses during pregnancy unless suggested by a competent healthcare
professional. Avoid large doses in cases of constipation or with high blood
pressure.
WILLOW (Salix alba: white willow, S. spp.) is a member of the Salicaceae
(willow) family. The inner bark is used. Willow is not recommended during
pregnancy. Avoid in cases of hemophilia or in others at risk of hemorrhage, and
do not use in conjunction with blood-thinning medications. Avoid giving willow
bark to children with a viral infection accompanied by headache to avoid the risk
of Reye’s syndrome. Those who suffer from tinnitus or who are allergic to
aspirin should use willow with caution.
WITCH HAZEL (Hamamelis virginiana) is a member of the
Hamamelidaceae (witch hazel) family. The bark, twig, and leaf are used.
Because of its high tannin content, witch hazel is very astringent. Topical
applications of witch hazel should use only products made from the twigs, as
those made from the bark or leaves may be disfiguring. Tincture of witch hazel
can be too astringent for topical skin use. Use witch hazel internally only for
short periods of time as the high tannin content can be too astringent for the liver
and constipating. Although distilled witch hazel does not contain tannins, it often
contains rubbing alcohol, and it should not be used internally or applied close to
mucus membranes, on broken skin, or in the eyes.
WOOD BETONY (Stachys officinalis) is a member of the Lamiaceae(mint)
family. The aboveground plant is used. Wood betony is generally regarded as
safe. However, large doses may cause vomiting. Pregnant women should avoid
large doses, except during labor, and then only under the guidance of a qualified
healthcare practitioner. Do not confuse Stachys species with Pedicularis species,
which are also known as betony, as their uses are not interchangeable.
YARROW (Achillea millefolium) is a member of the Asteraceae (daisy)
family. The flowering top is used. Overuse may cause skin photosensitivity,
dizziness, and headache in some people. Rare individuals may be sensitive to
yarrow and experience dermatitis after use. Avoid yarrow during pregnancy.
YELLOW DOCK (Rumex crispus) is a member of the Polygonaceae
(buckwheat) family. The root is used. Yellow dock leaves are high in oxalate,
which can impair calcium absorption and potentially aggravate kidney stones,
arthritis, gout, and hyperacidity. Large amounts of the leaves or roots may cause
nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
YERBA MANSA (Anemopsis californica) is a member of the Saururaceae
(lizard tail) family. The root and leaf are used. It is generally considered safe
when used appropriately.
YERBA MATÉ (Ilex paraguariensis, I. Domestics, i. Sorbilis, I. Mate) is a
member of the Aquifoliaceae (holly) family. The leaf is used. Maté contains
caffeine; however, its tannins tend to bind with the caffeine, thereby reducing the
effects of both compounds. Most people who find that caffeine impairs their
sleep will not experience this effect with maté. However, those suffering from
anxiety, heart palpitations, or insomnia should use maté cautiously. It is best to
avoid consuming maté with meals, as the high tannin content can impair nutrient
assimilation.
YUCCA (Yucca species, including Yucca baccata: banana yucca/Our Lord’s
candle, Y. brevifolia: Joshua tree, Y. filamentosa: Adam’s needle, Y. glauca:
soapweed, Y. schidigera: Mojave yucca) is a member of the Agavaceae (agave)
family. Use only dried yucca root. Avoid during pregnancy. The fresh leaves
have been reported to be toxic to livestock and should not be consumed.
Appendix B: Herbal Education
American Botanical Council
P.O. Box 144345
Austin, TX 78714-4345
800-373-7105
www.herbalgram.org
Publishes Herbalgram; sells herbal books American Herbalists Guild
141 Nob Hill Road
Cheshire, CT 06410
203-272-6731
www.americanherbalist.com
Offers a member directory of peer-reviewed herbal practitioners American
Herb Association
P.O. Box 1673
Nevada City, CA 95959
530-265-9552
www.ahaherb.com
Provides listing of herb schools throughout the
country and an excellent newsletter California School of Herbal Studies
P.O. Box 39
Forestville, CA 95436
707-887-7457
www.cshs.com
Provides in depth on site herbal education with many fine teachers Herb
Research Foundation
5589 Arapahoe Ave. #205
Boulder, CO 80303
303-449-2265
www.herbs.org
Clearinghouse for herbal information
Desert Essence
P.O. Box 14007
Hauppauge, New York 11788
www.DesertEssence.com
Sells quality aromatherapy and beauty products,
many based on tea tree oil Dr. Bronner’s Magic Soaps
P.O. Box 28
Escondido, CA 92033
877-786-3649
www.drbronner.com
Excellent soaps for cleaning everything on the body
and in the home Flora Inc.
P.O. Box 73
805 E. Badger Road
Lynden, WA 98264
800-446-2110
www.florahealth.com
Makes Floradix herbal tonics
Herb Pharm
P.O. Box 116
Williams, OR 97544
541-846-6262/800-348-4378
www.herb-pharm.com
Makers of excellent quality herbal tinctures
Herbal Products Allergy Research Group
2300 North Loop Road
Alameda, CA 94502
800-545-9960/510-263-2000
www.allergyresearchgroup.com
Sells homeopathic products for specific allergens Honey Gardens, Inc.
P.O. Box 52
Ferrisburg, VT 05456
802-877-6766
www.honeygardens.com
Sells the best raw wildflower honey
AUDIOTAPES
The Herbal Renaissance: How to Heal with Common Plants and Herbs.
Louisville, CO: Sounds True, 1990.
Natural Remedies for a Healthy Immune System. Louisville, CO: Sounds True,
1990.
You can order these tapes directly from Sounds True by calling their mail-
order number: 800-333-9185.
About the Authors
Brigitte mars is an herbalist and nutritional consultant from Boulder, Colorado,
who has been working with natural medicine for more than forty years. She
teaches herbal medicine through Naropa Universty, Omega Institute, Esalen,
Hollyhock, Boulder College of Massage Therapy, and Bauman Holistic College
of Nutrition. She is a professional member of the American Herbalist Guild.
Brigitte Mars is also available for herbal formulations and consultations. She
blogs for The Huffington Post, Care2, and My Intent. For more information, visit
her website at www brigittemars.com.
Chrystle fiedler has written more than a hundred articles on health topics for
many national publications, including Woman’s Day, Better Home & Gardens,
Prevention, Natural Health, Remedy, Medizine’s Healthy Living, The Health
Monitor Network, Great Health, Vegetarian Times, Bottom Line/Women’s
Health, Heart Healthy Living and Health magazine. Chrystle is also the co-
author of Beat Sugar Addiction Now! (Fair Winds Press 2010) and The Complete
Idiot’s Guide to Natural Remedies (Alpha 2009). For more information, visit her
website at www.chrystlecontent.com.
Acknowledgments
A heartfelt thank-you to Fair Winds Press: Jill Alexander, Marilyn Allen, and
Shannon LeMay-Finn.
Many thanks to Rosemary Gladstar, Mindy Green, Diana DeLuca, Kathi
Keville, Beth Baugh, Sara Katz, Cascade Anderson Geller, Pam Montgomery,
Jane Bothwell, and Chanchal Cabrerra. Susun Weed and Amanda McQuade
Crawford, you inspire! Briggs Wallis, your spirit of adventure is refreshing.
Debra St. Claire, Farida Sharan, Lilja Oddsdottir, Gitte Lassen, Trish Flaster,
Mark Blumenthal, and Rob McCaleb, you all make such a contribution to the
herbal realm.
To Laura Lamun for joy, laughter, and song. To friends and celestial artisans
Bob Venosa and Martina Hoffmann. To Steve McIntosh and Tehya Jai, always
on the path of truth, beauty, and goodness. Rebecca and Robbie Gordon—such
amazing friends you are. Elysabeth Williamson, Bob Ramey, Naomi Boggs,
Norm Allard, Jia Gottlieb, and Kate Bullings, you have great healing gifts.
Thank you my beloved friends at Pharmaca. Kimba Arem, Donelda Curren,
Jirka Rysavy, and Donna Eagle, you all bring your wonderful contributions to
the planet.
Matthew Becker, herbalist extraordinaire, you always comfort and heal with
your kindness and wisdom. Thanks to herbalists Michael and Lesley Tierra,
L.Ac., A.H.G, Christopher Hobbs, L.Ac., A.H.G., Roy Upton, Herbal Ed Smith,
David Winston, David Hoffmann, Win Smith, L.Ac., Matthew Wood, James
Green, Paul Bergner, N.D., Rick Scalzo, and the late and great ones: Rosemary
Woodruff Leary, Jeannine Parvati Baker, William LeSassier, and Terence
McKenna.
Index
A
acne, 223–224
acupressure, uses for bedwetting, 153
constipation, 169
cough, 31
eye health, 96
menstrual cramps, 129
morning sickness, 121
sore throat, 30
acupuncture, headache and, 48
ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), 155–157
age spots, 224–225
Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, 195
airplane ears (barotitis), 102
alcoholism, 260–262
allergies, food, 148, 151, 157, 183–185, 191
aloe vera, 66, 136
Alternative Medicine Review, 178
amenorrhea, 130
American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 115
American Journal of Gastroenterology, 167
anemia, 193–194
anger, 207–208
anorexia, 114–116
antibiotics, overuse of, 36
anxiety, 209–210
aromatherapy, preparations of, 23
aromatherapy, uses for ADHD, 157
alcoholism, 261
anxiety, 209
bath therapy, 21
colds, 27
flu, 27
smoking, quitting, 258
stomach ulcers, 174
arthritis, 40–42
Arzneimittel Forschung, 183, 209
asthma, 185–188
athlete’s foot, 105, 106
B
Bach, Edward, 214
Bach Flower Remedies, 208
back pain, 42–43
Barnes Basal Temperature Test, 111
barotitis (airplane ears), 102
bath therapy, 21–23
bedsores, 82
bedwetting, 152–153
bee stings, 68–69
bites/scratches, animal, 56–57
black eye, 75
bleeding, stopping, 75–77
blisters, 67
blood pressure, 197–198
body odor, 238
boils (furuncles), 66–67
breastfeeding, 122–125
breath freshening, 242
British Journal of Clinical Practice, 173
bronchitis, 188–189
bruises, 73, 74–75
bulimia, 114–116
bunions, 105, 107
burns, 56, 57–59
C
California Medicine, 175
calluses, 105–106
candida (Candida albicans), 139–140, 142
canker sores, 242
cataracts, 98
caterpillar/centipede bites, 69
chicken pox, 153–155
Chinese remedies, uses for bleeding, stopping, 77
bruises, 74
burns, 59
colds, 26
flu, 26
jet lag, 51
shingles, 70
sinusitis, 190
trauma, 221
cholesterol, 194–196
circulation, improving, 196
Clark’s Rule, 10, 144
clotting, improvement of, 74
Cochrane Database Systematic Review, 26
cold sores (fever blisters), 242–243
colds, 25–27
colic, 144–145
colitis, 165
compresses, 18–19
conjunctivitis (pinkeye), 98
constipation, 165–169
corns, 105–106
cough, 31–32
Cowling’s Rule, 10, 144
cradle cap, 146
cramps, menstrual, 128–129
craniosacral massage, 48
D
dandruff, 234–235
decoction, 16
depression, 210–212
diaper rash, 147
diarrhea, 50, 52, 170–171
digestive tract, soother for, 114
dosage, guidelines for, 9–11, 144
Drugs Under Experimental and Clinical Research, 136
dry brush skin massage, 37–38
dysmenorrhea, 128–129
E
ear, removal of bug from, 103
ear drops, 149, 150
ears, 101–104, 148–150
earwax, removal of, 103
eczema, 227–229
enuresis, 201
erectile dysfunction, 159–160
essential oils, dosage guidelines, 11
essential oils, uses for anger, 208
athlete’s foot, 105
bladder, infections of, 202
blisters, 67
blood pressure, 197
breastfeeding, 123
bruises, 74
burns, 58
cramps, menstrual, 129
dandruff, 234
depression, 211–212
eczema, 228
fainting, 87
fertility, 119
grief, 213
gums, 244
healing skin, 80
heat stroke/heat exhaustion, 88
hypothyroidism, 109
immune health, 37
insect bites, 70
insect repellent, 67–68
insomnia, 253
lice/crabs, 60–61
memory, 216
menopause, 133
menstrual flow, lack of, 131
menstruation, difficulties with, 128
morning sickness, 121
motion sickness, 176–177
psoriasis, 228
sinusitis, 190
sore feet, 106
sore throat, 29
stress, 218
sunburn, 66
toothache, 245
trauma, 221
travel, 51
warts, 230
wrinkles, 233
yeast infection, 140
European Heart Journal, 197
exercises
for bunions, 105
for eyes, 96, 97
for strep throat, 30
for varicose veins, 138
eyes, 94–101
F
facial steams, 20–21
fainting, 86–87
far infrared sauna, 38
fever, 33
fever blisters (cold sores), 242–243
fingers, crushed, 85–86
flatulence, 181
flower essences, uses for anger, 208
anxiety, 209
grief, 214
nightmares, 255
trauma, 220
flu, 25–27
food poisoning, 177–179
foot ailments, 105–108
foot odor, 106
Fortschritte der Medizin, 210
Free Radical Biology, 154
French press, 15
furuncles (boils), 66–67
G
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), 171–172
glaucoma, 99
gluten, 185
gout, 198, 199
grief, 213–215
gums, 243–244
H
Hahnemann, Samuel, 10
hair loss, 235–237
hangover, 53–54
Hanna, Thomas, 42
Hay, Louise, 150
headache, 44–48
Headache, 46
hearing, loss of, 104
heartburn, 171–172
heat stroke/heat exhaustion, 87–89
hemorrhoids, 48–49
herbs
defined, 12
dosage guidelines, 10
preparation of, 13
herbs, uses for acne, 223
ADHD, 156
alcoholism, 260–261
allergies, 183
anemia, 193
anorexia, 114–115
anxiety, 209
arthritis, 40
asthma, 185
backache, 43
bath therapy, 21
bedwetting, 152
bee stings, 69
bites/scratches, animal, 56
bleeding, stopping, 76–77
blisters, 67
body odor, 238, 239
boils, 66–67
breastfeeding, 122–123
breath freshening, 242
bronchitis, 188–189
bruises, 74
bulimia, 114–115
chicken pox, 154
circulation, improving, 196
colds, 25–26
colic, 144–145
colitis, 165
conjunctivitis (pinkeye), 98
constipation, 166–167
cough, 31
cradle cap, 146
cramps, menstrual, 128–129
depression, 210–211
diarrhea, 170
ear infections, 148–149
eczema, 227
erectile dysfunction, 159
eyesight, 94–95
fertility, 117
flatulence, 181
flu, 25–26
food poisoning, 178
foot deodorant, 108
GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease), 172
grief, 213
gums, 244
hair growth, 235
headache/migraine, 44–45
healing, 81
hearing loss, 104
hemorrhoids, 48–49
hives, 60
hoarseness, 34
hyperthyroidism, 110
immune health, 35
incontinence (enuresis), 201
indigestion, 172
insomnia, 251–252
jet lag, 51
kidney stones, 204
laryngitis, 34
mastitis, 124–125
memory, 216
menopause, 131–132
menstrual flow, 130–131
menstruation, difficulties with, 127
miscarriage, prevention of, 119–120
moisturizing, 226
morning sickness, 120
nails, strengthening, 239
nightmares, 255
poison ivy/poison oak, 63
prostate, 163
psoriasis, 227
ringworm, 65
shingles, 70
sinusitis, 190
smoking, quitting, 258
sore feet, 108
sore throat, 28
stomach ulcers, 173–174
stress, 218
styes, 100
teeth, healthy, 246
temper tantrums, calming, 151
tinnitus, 102
toothache, 245
trauma, 220
varicose veins, 136–137
warts, 229
wounds, 73
wrinkles, 232
hiccups, 176
hives, 60
hoarseness, 33–34
homeopathic remedies, defined, 10–11
homeopathic remedies, uses for bedwetting, 152
bee stings, 69
bites/scratches, animal, 57
black eye, 75
bruises, 74–75
burns, 58–59
colds, 26
diarrhea, 52
flu, 26
food poisoning, 178
grief, 213
insomnia, 252–253
jet lag, 51
morning sickness, 121
poison ivy/poison oak, 64
poisoning, 84–85
shingles, 71
splinters, 78
sprains, 78–79
swelling, 86
temper tantrums, calming, 151
trauma, 221
warts, 230
wasp stings, 70
wounds, 73
hot flashes, 134
hyperthyroidism, 110
hypnosis, 48
hypoglycemia, 110–112
hypothermia, 89–91
hypothroidism, 109
I
immune health, improvement of, 35–38
incontinence (enuresis), 201
indigestion, 172
infertility, 116–119
inflammation, reduction of, 74
influenza, 25–27
infusions, 15, 16
insect bites, 67–70
insomnia, 251–255
J
jet lag, 50–51
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 184
Journal of Clinical Pharmacological Therapy, 25
Journal of Hepatology, 261
Journal of International Medical Research, 26
Journal of Neuroscience Research, 216
Journal of Nutrition, 96, 184
Journal of Nutrition and Metabolism, 197
Journal of Pediatric Gastroenterology and Nutrition, 170
Journal of Research for Ayurveda and Siddha, 156
Journal of Rheumatology, 40
Journal of the American Medical Association, 195
Journal of the American Podiatric Medical Association, 80
Journal of the National Cancer Institute, 36
K
Kegel exercises, 49, 135, 153, 160, 163, 201
kidney stones, 203–205
L
Lancet, 115
laryngitis, 33–34
laxatives, 166–167
lice/crabs, 60–62
macular degeneration, 100
massage, dry brush skin, 37–38
massage, uses for anxiety, 210
bladder infections, 202
constipation, 168–169
ear infections, 149
erectile dysfunction, 160
sinusitis, 191
mastitis, 124–125
Medical Journal of Australia, 223
melatonin, 50, 253
memory, 216–217
menopause, 131–134
menorrhagia, 130
menstruation, difficulties with, 126–131
Metabolism, 111
migraine, 44–45
miscarriage, prevention of, 119–120
morning sickness, 120–121
motion sickness, 176–177
N
nail biting, 239–240
nails, strengthening, 239
nausea, 176–177
nightmares, 255
nosebleed, 91–92
O
overnight jar, tea preparation in, 16
P
parasites/protozoa, 179–181
pinkeye (conjunctivitis), 98
plantar warts, 230
poison, exposure to, 84–85
poison, universal antidote for, 84
poison ivy/poison oak, 63–64
poultices, 19
Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, 260
propolis, 27, 28
prostate, 161–163
psoriasis, 227–229
Public Health Nutrition, 44
pulsing remedies, 10
R
Raynaud’s disease, 196
recipes
antifungal foot soak, 106
asthma, 187
astringent for gums, 244
bath oil, 226
chicken pox, 155
cough syrup, 32
dandruff rinse, 234
ear drops, 149
eczema, 229
eyewash, 20, 94, 100
facial spray, 23
fever, 33, 155
gargle, 21, 28
grief, 213
hair growth, 237
hair rinse, 236
hoarseness, 34
immune health, 38
incontinence, 153
insect repellant, 67
liver repair, 261
massage oil, 23
moisturizer, 227, 233
mouth wash, 21, 23
mucous congestion, 25
poison ivy/poison oak, 64
psoriasis, 229
receding gums, 244
replacement of lost nutrients, 52
room scent, 23
sprains, 79
stretch marks, 122
tooth-cleaning powder, 23, 247, 248
vaginal dryness, 135
reflexology, 119
Rescue Remedy, 50, 58, 86, 209, 220, 246
ringworm, 65
S
salves, uses for bedsores, 82
eczema, 228
fever blisters (cold sores), 242–243
psoriasis, 228
shingles, 71
sauna, far infrared, 38
scabies, 60–62
scars, 79–80
The Sexual Herbal (Mars), 160, 215
shingles, 70–71
sinusitis, 189–191
skin, healing, 80
skin, moisturizing, 226–227
smoking, quitting, 258–260
snoring, 255
Somatics (Hanna), 42
sore throat, 27–30
splinters, 77–78
sprains, 78–79
strep throat, 27–30
stress, 218–220
stretch marks, 122
styes, 100
sun tea, 15
sunburn, 65–66
supplements, uses for ADHD, 156
alcoholism, 261
allergies, 184
anemia, 194–195
anger, 207
anorexia, 115
anxiety, 209
appetite, 115
arthritis, 41
asthma, 186
bladder, infections of, 202
blood pressure, 197
blood sugar, balancing, 111
bruises, 74
bulimia, 115
chicken pox, 154
colds, 26
cradle cap, 146
diarrhea, 171
erectile dysfunction, 159
excessive menstrual flow, 130
eyesight, 95
fertility, 118
flu, 26
gout, 198
grief, 213
hangover, 54
headache/migraine, 46
healing, 81, 82
healing skin, 80
hyperthyroidism, 110
hypothyroidism, 109
immune health, 35–36
improving circulation, 196
indigestion, 172
jet lag, 50
kidney stones, 204
lowering cholesterol, 194–195
memory, 216
menopause, 132–133
menstruation, difficulties with, 127
morning sickness, 120
nausea, 177
prostate, 161, 162
shingles, 71
sore throat, 29
stomach ulcers, 174
stress, 219
teeth, healthy, 246–247
tinnitus, 102
varicose veins, 137
warts, 229, 230
wrinkles, 233
yeast, control of, 142
surgery, healing from, 80–83
swelling, reduction of, 86
swimmers’ ear, 102
T
teapot, preparation of tea in, 14–15
teas, preparation of, 13–17
teeth, healthy, 245–249
teething pain, 147
temper tantrums, calming, 150–152
thrush, 140
ticks, 70
tinctures, herbal, 17
tinnitis, 102
toenails, ingrown, 107
tooth, knocked out, 246
tooth-cleaning powder, 247, 248
toothache, 244–245
trauma, 220–221
travel, food tips for, 52
U
ulcers, stomach, 173–176
urinary tract, infections of, 201–203
V
vaginal dryness, 135
varicose veins, 136–139
vomiting, 178
W
warts, 229–232
wounds, 73
wrinkles, 232–234
Y
yeast infection, 140–142
yoga postures, uses for, 49, 104
Z
Zen Mama (yoga DVD), 121
Text © Brigitte Mars and Chrystle Fiedler
First published in the USA in 2011 by
Fair Winds Press, a member of
Quayside Publishing Group
100 Cummings Center
Suite 406-L
Beverly, MA 01915-6101
www.fairwindspress.com
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or utilized, in any
form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without prior permission in
writing from the publisher.
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ISBN-13: 978-1-59233-446-9
ISBN-10: 1-59233-446-6
2010032907
Cover + book design: carol holtz | holtzdesign.com
Photographs: fotolia.com, 24; 39; 55; 72; 143; 158; 182; 200; 206;
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Illustration: Mike Wanke
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