Author: HasenChat Rocks

Therapeutic essential oils from allspice to ylang ylang have been providing benefits to the body, mind, and soul for centuries. You’ve probably seen the dark, compact bottles with their unusual scents in your local alternative healing store, but maybe you’ve been hesitant to try them.

You may have found yourself wondering, what exactly is an essential oil? It is oil that is removed from the leaves, stems, and flowers of a plant. It is highly concentrated and evaporates easily. For that reason high quality essential oils are always kept in sealed containers. Any good aromatherapy or health food store will carry a range of essential oils for a variety of mental and physical ailments.

Some of the most popular therapeutic essential oils are eucalyptus, lavender, and sandalwood. You’ve probably used eucalyptus in the form of potent smelling vapor rub under you nose and on your chest when you have a cold. That’s because eucalyptus helps to clear your sinus cavities, which leads to better breathing. It also soothes sores and insect bites, acts as a disinfectant, and lifts the mood.

Lavender is always a favorite of the therapeutic essential oils due to its ability to relax the body, calm the mind, fight infection, and soothe inflammation. Unlike the majority of essential oils, it does not have to be diluted and can be applied directly to trouble areas. Or, you can use a few drops in your bath to help you relax or to extinguish a tension headache.

Looking for something more exotic? Try the woody and rich smelling sandalwood oil. For millennia lovers of the deeply aromatic sandalwood oil have used it as an aid for deeper meditation and spiritual development, in religious ceremonies, and as a treatment for skin conditions and other infections of the body. High quality essential oils like pure sandalwood oil can be pricy, but you’re guaranteed to enjoy the experience.

One of the less expensive therapeutic essential oils is tea tree oil, which usually comes from Australia. The scent reminds you a bit of a strong disinfectant, and that’s exactly what it does best – kills germs and bacteria. Always dilute tea tree oil before using it on your skin.

Therapeutic essential oils don’t always come in the mysterious little bottles you see in stores or at your massage therapist’s office. High quality essential oils also come in salves or creams that you can apply to your skin. You not only get the benefit of the essential oil, but you receive the moisturizing properties of the cream. You can also try pure essential oils in a tincture. In a tincture the oil is mixed with alcohol and applied to the skin. In addition, you can purchase a room or car diffuser which turns essential oil into a vapor and distributes the oil throughout a room for everyone to enjoy.

A number of Chinese herbs can be useful for the many different facets of Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease is a bacterial infectious disease caused by the spirochetal organism, Borrelia Burgdorferi. It is usually caused by a tick bite. The prevalence of the disease is greatest in the northeastern United States, but there have been cases of the illness in all lower 48 states. The disease is easy to treat with antibiotics in its initial stages, but it is often not detected at that point. There is a bull’s eye rash that is characteristic of the disease, but many people never get the rash. The rash looks different in people with darker pigmentation, making it easy to mistake it for other skin conditions, including bruising or eczema. The wide variety of symptoms that a person can have in its later stages makes it hard to obtain a proper diagnosis, and the medical testing for the illness is still not very accurate in many cases.

People with later stages of Lyme need treatment on a number of different levels. At the very basic level, herbs that are anti-bacterial, specifically against spirochetal bacteria, are an important component of treatment. Herbs that have been shown to have activity against spirochetal bacteria include coptis (huang lian), andrographis paniculata (chuan xin lian), isatis (ban lan gen/qing dai), phellodendron (huang bai), scute (huang qin), forsythia (lian qiao), smilax (tu fu ling), and gardenia (zhi zi). Garlic is also a useful antibacterial supplement for those with Lyme Disease.

Lyme disease can lower body temperature and create poor blood circulation. A person is also likely to feel cysts, lumps, and swellings in different areas of their body that often change and move. The bacteria walls itself off, and creates an environment in which it can grow and thrive and the person with the disease ends up in severe pain, with horribly low energy, and neurological problems. The disease thrives in a low temperature, low oxygen environment, and that is the environment it creates within the body. People with the disease often have signs and symptoms similar to someone with severe altitude sickness (also caused by a low oxygen environment). Chinese herbs that clear blood stasis and break blood stagnation can be very useful for this aspect of the disease. The herb, pseudoginseng (san qi), can be extremely beneficial for people with Lyme Disease. It promotes blood circulation and oxygenation in the body, and can force open the cysts that protect the bacteria from being killed off. It also can help clear some of the brain fog that people with this disease have by improving blood circulation and oxygenation to the brain. Frankincense (ru xiang), and myrrh (mo yao) can also help by improving blood circulation, especially to the joints, where the bacteria often hides in cartilaginous tissue where blood circulation tends to be poorer. An herb that is frequently used by people with Lyme Disease, teasel root, is beneficial because it improves circulation in the body and also has a warming affect. All of these herbs can help significantly with the intense and chronic pain that those with later stages of Lyme disease experience.

Certain Chinese herbs can be used to reduce the person’s sensitivity to cold and improve microcirculation in the body. Herbs such as clove, cinnamon, ginger, and siegesbeckia can be useful for this purpose.

The lymphatic system and the metabolism are often compromised in people with Lyme Disease. The bacteria frequently hides inside the walls of white blood cells, and results in swollen and congested lymph glands. People with the disease often have symptoms of hypothyroidism and a slowed metabolic rate even if all of their thyroid tests are normal. In Chinese Medicine, herbs that treat phlegm are frequently used for conditions related to a slow metabolism and a congested lymphatic system. The Chinese herb, prunella vulgaris (xia ku cao), and scrophularia (xuan shen) are very useful for inflammation, congestion, and infection of the lymphatic system. Herbs such as citrus aurantium, kelp, epimedium, and Siberian ginseng, can be beneficial for improving a sluggish metabolism in people with Lyme Disease who have signs or symptoms of an underactive thyroid.

Another aspect of Lyme Disease is severe and debilitating fatigue and a total lack of energy. This can be due to a host of different factors. Poor oxygenation and blood circulation and lowered metabolism and body temperature are part of the picture. The person’s adrenal glands may not be functioning properly either. Someone with Lyme Disease may also have a host of digestive problems that result in a lack of adequate nutrition. The disease itself can trigger chemical changes in the brain that create severe depression and an inability to concentrate, which is debilitating as well.

In Chinese medicine, herbs that nourish the qi and blood can help this lack of energy. The herbs can improve the person’s digestive functioning, support the functioning of the brain, support proper functioning of the adrenal glands, and improve the person’s ability to handle stress. They can also help the proper functioning of the mitochondria in their production of ATP in the cells, which helps a person’s energy at a very fundamental level. Siberian ginseng, schizandra, licorice, and astragalus are all good herbs for improving a person’s energy level, digestive functioning, and their ability to handle stress. White peony, dong quai, and wolfberry nourish the blood and reduce fatigue. Polygonum and eucommia can help improve a person’s adrenal response and can improve brain functioning. Bupleurum, longan fruit, zyzyphus seed, dragon bone, oyster shell, and magnolia bark can be beneficial for the depression, anxiety, lack of concentration, and sleep problems that people with Lyme Disease experience.

As you can see, Lyme Disease is a complex illness with many facets. Chinese herbal medicine has numerous herbs in its pharmacopia that can treat the many different aspects of this disease in a comprehensive and holistic manner.

When you step into the market to pick up a bar of soap, what is it you’re really buying? Phrases like “beauty bar, deodorant bar, moisturizing bar,” and the list goes on and on, is only telling you one thing, you are not buying soap. What you are purchasing is a petroleum based detergent product.

Soap, by definition, is a cleansing agent made from the mixture of the sodium salts of various fatty acids or natural oils and fat. Because of FDA regulations, a cleaning product cannot be listed as soap unless it actually contains the fatty acids and natural oils combined with lye to produce soap.

So, what’s the difference you may ask? Let me tell you a story about my son. For two years he suffered with severe allergies, chronic sinus infections, and was all around miserable. The first step in dealing with his problems was to remove his adenoids that had become infected. After the surgery, his sinuses cleared up for all of two weeks. Then once again he succumbed to yet another sinus infection.

Unable to determine the reason for the sinus infections, he was put through allergy testing. After two sessions and more than 80 injections covering irritants from pet dander, mold, trees, dust (and the list goes on), they determined that he reacted to absolutely nothing. And so we were sent home with instructions to monitor his diet for the next month in the hopes of determining weather or not he suffered from a food allergy.

I had a better idea.

While allergy testing covers most airborne irritants, it does not cover the common chemicals we subject ourselves to everyday. Since my daughter and I are both severely allergic to formaldehyde, a common preservative used in most hand creams, lotions, lip balms, and cosmetics, it occurred to me that he might suffer from a similar allergy. So, I stripped his bedding, pillows, clothing, curtains, and washed everything in a batch of homemade olive oil laundry soap.

The result: After two weeks his sinuses began to clear. Within a month all of the symptoms he routinely suffered, from migraine headaches to breathing difficulties, gradually faded away as though they had never existed.
Many people today realize that our homes are over-saturated with a host of chemicals, many of which carry moderate to severe side effects with prolonged exposure. What we fail to realize is how many of them are completely unnecessary.

Making your own soap is both a rewarding and simple process and one that can truly benefit your entire family.

Fibromyalgia is a syndrome that is composed of many different symptoms. The primary symptom is pain and tenderness in multiple areas of the body. This is often linked to fatigue, sleep disorders, digestive problems, and depression. Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome are considered to be overlapping disorders which many consider to actually be the same illness. Dr.Khan has developed an aromatherapy formula called Fibromyalgesic and an herbal formula called FibroTea for these conditions.

Many people consider these conditions to be psychosomatic in origin because people suffering from these conditions can look healthy and normal from the outside, and yet complain of so many different symptoms. These symptoms can include mental symptoms such as brain fog, forgetfulness, spaciness, depression, moodswings, anger, and extremes in behavior. Unfortunately, as a result many people with this disease are viewed with skepticism by medical practitioners and lay people alike and are often branded as hypochondriacs.

Another view of CFS and fibromyalgia is that the conditions are auto-immune diseases which are triggered by an infection. Most doctors take the view that Epstein-Barr virus, which is the virus that causes mononucleosis, is the primary culprit. This is rather doubtful, in my opinion, since most of the population is exposed to this virus early on in life without this virus triggering any serious long-term complications.

Then there is a new theory emerging among doctors who have used long-term antibiotic therapy to treat these conditions that fibromyalgia and CFS are not simply auto-immune diseases that are triggered by infections, but that the symptoms are signs of a chronic ongoing infectious disease process in the body. These doctors claim to have had excellent results in the treatment of these syndromes using long-term antibiotics, often in very high dosages. They have also had very good results with treating other so called “auto-immune diseases” with long term antibiotic therapy. Often, patients suffering from fibromyalgia, CFS, and other diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome, lupus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis experience complete remissions after a long course of antibiotics.

The positive results that these patients are experiencing implies that many auto-immune diseases may actually be chronic undiagnosed bacterial infections. There are a number of pathogens that are not easily detected in the body through standard diagnostic procedures and that are not easily killed off through a short course of treatment. These pathogens may be involved in fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. There is a new theory that chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia may be related to chronic mycobacterial infections.

It is also possible that many of these people actually suffer from Lyme Disease which has never been diagnosed due to the lack of proper testing. Lyme Disease is the fastest growing infectious disease in this country next to AIDS. Cases have been found in all of the lower forty-eight states. Lyme Disease is cause by a spirochetal bacteria called borellia burgdorferi. Borellia burgdorferi is a very resilient and adaptable organism. Doctors with clinical experience in the treatment of this disease have noted that certain antibiotics work for certain forms that the bacteria can take, but not for others. The spirochete can take a cyst form where most antibiotics cannot reach it. It also hides in the joints of the body, in areas of poor circulation, and it may hide within the cells of the immune system.

The Center for Disease Control estimates that only one in ten Lyme Disease patients are ever properly diagnosed. The CDC also estimates that it takes an average of thirteen doctors and an average of two years for these people to be properly diagnosed. By the time the diagnosis is made, the disease can be quite entrenched in the body. There are also often many co-infections in Lyme Disease patients that may cause a host of other complications. Nevertheless, since the disease and its associated co-infections are caused by bacterial organisms, and these organisms can be killed, there is hope for recovery.

Lyme Disease can cause all of the many symptoms that people with fibromyalgia and CFS suffer from. It can cause achy muscles and joints, depression, fatigue, migraine headaches, tingling nerve sensations, insomnia, sleepiness, digestive problems, poor circulation, blurry vision, hearing irregularities, mental problems, weak limbs, pain in the rib cage, liver enzyme irregularities, hypothyroidism, an increased tendency for red blood cells to clump together, swollen lymph nodes, and much more. The irregularities in liver function may be responsible for the chemical sensitivities that many people with fibromyalgia and CFS experience. Because the organism that causes the disease is often not in the bloodstream, it is difficult to diagnose the disease through testing. Doctors who are familiar with the disease tend to base their diagnosis mainly on the clinical symptoms the patient presents and the risk factors that the patient has had exposure to, using testing as only a secondary measure for making a diagnosis.

According to the doctors who use it, long-term antibiotic therapy may help people who suffer from fibromyalgia, CFS, Lyme Disease, and many other “auto-immune diseases”. Nevertheless, there can be serious side effects from this type of therapy. Antibiotics used a long period of time can cause kidney and liver damage. They can cause gallbladder problems. Many people also cannot tolerate oral antibiotics well because of the strain on their digestive system.

There are many alternative health options that can complement treatment with antibiotics and which may reduce side effects, and there are many natural remedies that have antibiotic and immune-enhancing properties of their own.

Acupuncture may help to improve blood circulation and oxygenation to various areas of the body, enhancing the immune system’s ability to fight off infections. The increase in oxygenation can also create an inhospitable situation for bacteria that prefer a low oxygen environment. It also can stimulate the body to release natural pain relieving opiates into the body. The improvement in blood circulation may also help to increase body temperature in hands and feet and other areas of the body that tend to get cold easily. These are often areas of the body where bacteria, such as borellia burgdorferi, which prefer a low body temperature, may tend to congregate. Acupuncture can be used in conjunction with antibiotic therapy. It may help to improve the efficacy of antibiotic therapy by improving circulation.

According to Chinese research, there are many Chinese herbs that have immune enhancing and antibacterial properties. There are also many Chinese herbs that can help the various symptomatic aspects of fibromyalgia and CFS. Some herbs such as astragalus and schizandra can improve the body’s ability to handle stress and can boost immunity. Other herbs such as coptis and scutellaria have anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

Zyzyphus seed may help with sleep problems and anxiety. Bupleurum root may help relieve the moodswings and emotional aspects of fibromyalgia. The various types of ginseng can help to improve one’s energy level. Pseudoginseng, frankincense, and myrrh can help stimulate blood circulation and may help with symptoms of muscle weakness due to poor circulation. Walnuts, gingko biloba, frankincense, gotu kola, and fo-ti may all help with the brain fog and cognitive difficulties that many people with fibromyalgia and CFS experience. Codonopsis, atractylodes, mint, and citrus peel may all help with digestive problems. Chinese herbs are used together in herbal formulas that are individualized to address the pattern of disharmony that the person presents. They are generally not used separately on a symptom by symptom basis.

For Lyme Disease, a few different Chinese herbs stand out for their potential usefulness. Smilax (tu fu ling), coptis (huang lian), garlic (da suan), houttuynia (yu xing cao), and teasel root (xu duan) are all herbs that appear to help to treat Lyme disease in different ways. Some of them have antibacterial properties, some strengthen the body generally, and some improve circulation. Chinese herbal formulas such as Huang Lian Jie Du Tang, Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, and Xiao Fu Zhu Yu Tang can be helpful. Formulas designed to clear heat, move qi and blood, tonify yang qi, and transform dampness can all be helpful for different patients depending on the pattern of disharmony they present. After a long period of illness or for patients with emaciation and insomnia it may be necessary to nourish yin as well. People with a babesial co-infection, an infection with symptoms similar to malaria, generally need heat to be cleared from the shaoyang channel and need nourishing of yin. Artemisia can be a useful herb for babesia. It has been shown to have anti-malarial properties in China and Vietnam. For people with Lyme Disease who have nerve problems, it may also be necessary to clear liver wind.

Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy has been used to treat people with Lyme Disease. Many have experienced good results and there is ongoing scientific research at the moment concerning its efficacy. The bacteria that causes Lyme Disease prefers an oxygen deprived environment. Its presence in the body appears to increase coagulation of blood and decrease circulation. It may thereby create the oxygen deprived environment that it prefers. This is great for the bacteria but can be the source of much of the difficulty that a person with this disease experiences. Many of the symptoms that people with Lyme disease, CFS, or fibromyalgia complain of are similar to symptoms that people experience from altitude sickness, which is caused by oxygen deprivation at high altitudes. The fatigue, the mental difficulties, the sleepiness, the feeling of having a ton of bricks attached to one’s limbs are all similar to symptoms that people with altitude sickness experience. It makes sense to me that creating an oxygen-rich environment could potentially be very helpful. It is important for testing for co-infections before beginning this process, because there are other bacteria that could be present that prefer a high oxygen environment, complicating the picture. There are potential side effects as well such as nearsightedness.

Colloidal silver is supplement that may have broad-spectrum antibiotic properties. Its proponents claim that it can aid all sorts of conditions from asthma to rheumatoid arthritis. It did appear to help my fatigue quite a bit at the early stages of my Lyme disease. There is the possibility that excessive use can cause a condition called argyria, which is a permanent bluish discoloration of the skin, although many people have huge quantities of colloidal silver with no problems at all. I is also helpful to take an acidophilus supplement while using this supplement in order to replace the good bacteria in your intestines and prevent problems with candida. Large amounts may be required to have an impact on Lyme Disease. It is possible to buy a colloidal silver generator and make your own colloidal silver at home. This is much cheaper than buying it on a regular basis at the health food store, but care must be taken to make it properly.

Aromatherapy is one of the most promising holistic therapies for conditions such as fibromyalgia, CFS, and Lyme Disease, in my opinion. The essential oils are concentrated versions of the volatile components found in herbs. It can take many pounds of plant matter to make an ounce of essential oil. For the most precious oil, made from the Bulgarian rose, it can take a ton of rose petals to make a pound of oil. Most of the oils have antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Many of them stimulate the immune system and trigger increased production of white blood cells. The oils also improve oxygenation of the body’s tissues and promote detoxification. They may have a chelating effect, which means that they may assist in carrying toxins such as heavy metals out of the body. Some oils such as lavender can be sedative and aid with sleep and reduce anxiety. Oil of oregano, which is a popular supplement found in health food stores is essential oil of oregano diluted in vegetable oil. It is almost always necessary to dilute the oils before using them because they are so concentrated. Interestingly, many people with CFS, Lyme Disease, and fibromyalgia are likely to find that some of their symptoms worsen when inhaling the fragrance of the oils. This is often a detoxification reaction. People with Lyme Disease generally seem to derive greatest benefits from stronger dilutions of essential oil than most aromatherapists typically use. It is important to use care when the oils are utilized in this manner. The oils are processed by the liver and kidneys and may cause liver and kidney problems in extremely high amounts. One should reduce the amount used if there is nausea or discontinue use if there is any allergic reaction. People with these diseases may discover that much of their fatigue, muscle weakness, mental fogginess, and pain can be significantly reduced with regular application of the oils. The oils can be used diluted in vegetable oil for massage of affected areas of the body, and they can be used by the drop in one’s bath water. They can also be absorbed into the bloodstream via the lungs simply by inhaling their fragrance. The oils also penetrate the blood-brain barrier and may be helpful for neurological issues due to infections or other reasons. Some of the oils can trigger seizures in people prone to them. Some other oils, such as jasmine and ylang-ylang may help people to control seizures. Oil of oregano taken internally as directed can also be helpful in the treatment of Lyme Disease.

Massage can improve oxygenation of body tissues and improve blood circulation as well as reduce pain. If a person has fibromyalgia or CFS due to an infectious disease process, or a person has Lyme Disease, massage should only be used in combination with a therapy that is antibacterial in nature. Otherwise, it is likely to stir up dormant bacteria and stir up symptoms instead of providing symptom relief. When massage is used in combination with a therapy that is antibiotic in nature, it may improve the efficacy of that therapy by bringing bacteria out of hiding in order to be killed. Deep tissue massage may improve the efficacy of treatment with antibiotics, with herbs, with aromatherapy, or with heat. Used on its own, though, it may stir up latent problems in people with these conditions.

Heat can be helpful for treating Lyme Disease because the bacteria appears to prefer a low body temperature and is vulnerable to high heat. There are many different sources of heat that can be used to treat this condition. Heat can also be helpful for people with fibromyalgia and CFS who may actually have undiagnosed cases of Lyme Disease. People usually feel a worsening of symptoms before they feel an improvement with the use of heat. My personal theory is that this is because the heat stirs up the bacteria before it kills it off or triggers the immune system to kill the bacteria off. This is speculative on my part. The use of saunas can be very useful. A far infrared heat lamp can be used on problem areas. Hot baths taken for forty minutes at 102-104 degrees Fahrenheit have been shown to enhance immune system response in people with infectious diseases and auto-immune disorders in a research study done at Bastyr University. A Chinese therapy called moxibustion can also be useful in warming problem areas. I do not recommend the use of cold packs or ice for pain in people with Lyme Disease, fibromyalgia, or CFS as these therapies reduce circulation to areas where circulation is likely to already be compromised. Also, the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease appears to prefer a cool environment, so cold therapy may cause real problems in people with this condition.

In spite of the fatigue that people with fibromyalgia, CFS, and Lyme Disease may feel, a certain amount of exercise can be very beneficial if they are up to the challenge. It is important not to overexert oneself, but a brisk walk or other exercise that gets one’s heart pumping can be helpful. Again, exercise can be helpful because it can improve circulation in the body, and improve oxygenation of the body’s tissues. Exercises such as stretching and yoga that help to improve flexibility and loosen muscles can also be helpful. Hot yoga, where yoga is done in a room where the heat is cranked up can be particularly helpful because it combines exercise with heat therapy. It is important not to push too hard when doing exercise. The point is to improve your health, and not to wipe yourself out more.

Magnesium appears to be a useful supplement for people with these conditions. Many people report an improvement in their muscle pain when taking a magnesium supplement on a regular basis. It is important to reduce intake of sugar, dairy products and bread while increasing intake of green vegetables. Spirulina can be a useful addition to your health regimen as it is both nourishing and detoxifying. It may also be helpful to reduce consumption of tomatoes as they seem to encourage acidity in the body. Flax seed oil has an anti-inflammatory effect that can be very helpful. Alpha-lipoic acid is a helpful anti-oxidant. It may help nerve function and improve liver function.

As you can see, fibromyalgia, CFS, and Lyme Disease are complex ailments, but there are many promising therapies that people with these conditions are likely to find helpful.

Color-spectrum therapy has been popular since the days of antiquity. In Ancient Rome, the healer Pleneus recommended precious red stones to stop bleeding, while in China, healers cured stomach discomforts by gently massaging the patient’s belly with the yellow color. In Western society, notions such as these have given way to the scientific understanding of light as electromagnetic energy, and of color, as being determined by its frequency. The possibility that the energy of light could interact with and affect a living organism motivated modern color-spectrum therapy, which became popular in 1877 when Englishmen Dawns and Blunt discovered the ability to cure rickets with ultraviolet light. Here the scientific explanation is that ultraviolet radiation (which is a component of sunlight) enables a biochemical reaction in the skin that produces vitamin D, and thereby correcting the vitamin deficiency that causes rickets. It is also known that a specific kind of depression associated with the dark months of winter (called seasonal affective disorder) can be alleviated by exposure to a suitable artificial light source that mimics sunlight. Exposure of the retinas to this light seems to be important; the therapeutic mechanism may involve brain chemistry (neurotransmitters) affected by this exposure. Thus, there is at least some scientific basis for the idea that light can improve a person’s health and well being.

Within Eastern healing traditions, there is also a chromatic interpretation of the chakras and human energy system, in which each chakra is associated with a certain characteristic color, and that the exposure to certain colors can have a health-enhancing effect. Kirlian photography represents an attempt to bring the detection of these colors beyond the subjective realm of intuitive healers into reproducible scientific methodology. Currently, controversy surrounds the origin and meaning of the patterns produced by objects on photographic films in the presence of high-voltage electric fields. Some people believe that these patterns represent the human energy field, auras and chakras. Others discredit these ideas and offer purely physical explanations based upon gas ionization in the presence of moisture.

Whatever the case, it is now well established that biochemical processes and metabolism in the body and brain are accompanied by electrical signals, which can be detected – for example with electrocardiograms and electroencephalograms. Who is to say that the body’s electrical energy is not organized just as matter is organized within the anatomical structures. It is conceivable that refinement of scientific instruments may one day detect and characterize the chakras and associated energy fields that have figured in Eastern healing traditions for thousands of years. Imagine how the Western mindset of 200 years ago would have reacted when presented with the proposition that the human heart and brain produce signals that are now routinely used in standard medical diagnostics.

What is now indisputable – even from the perspective of modern medical science – is that the practices of Eastern philosophy, such as yoga and tai chi, which are informed and guided by the theory of chakras and their colors and energy meridians – lead to health, longevity and well being.

Famous American doctor John Lieberman, after many years of experiments, discovered that while the ray of light passes along the optic nerve, it splits into two parts – one shaft creating the visual image of the object in the brain and the second one affecting the hypothalamus, the organ responsible for maintaining heart rhythm, body temperature, and feelings of joy and fear among others. The brain reacts differently to different light, and with the help of the endocrine system, stimulates the production of various hormones. Orange light stabilizes kidney function and aids in living with diabetes. Green light improves the function of the cardio-vascular and blood systems. Blue light calms the nerves and contributes to reducing depression. Red increases the potency and physical strength, while violet rejuvenates us with the help of hormones of that color, such as melatonin.

All these age-old methods are simple (in fact, deceptively so), easy to perform and very effective. If you can dedicate 10 minutes daily to them, very soon you will feel more energetic, invigorated, radiant and happy.

It is the science which studies the radioactive and the energetic properties of the waveforms which are realized and used through graphics circuits on drew tables.

Starting with the settled concept in the millenniums that numbers are nothing other than one of the many abstract, deep and philosophic expressions that the man resorts and resorted to search and to realize his real original nature and everything is around him and also that consequently the geometry is nothing other than the physic representation of those mathematic or numeric expressions. We can say that through the radionics, which studies the realized waveforms on graphic circuits as for the previously elaborated expressions or forms through the experience of all of these sciences, is possible form action-thought and expressions through the radiations emitted by them and connected to a particular problem for which we need an answer in a more direct, deep and abstract way, all this is unknown for us on a rational level.

These forms of energy-thought created in a energetic way through the use of the pendulum and than realized in a physical way on radionic graphic circuits in the form of geometric figures in drew tables, can be used and channelled through different methods for different purposes.
Now I’m going to explain just one of the uses that this science can offer us on a therapeutic way and to recover our psychophysical and interior health.
We have rediscovered that on the materialized action-thought on each radionic circuit is possible to realize a energetic and inexhaustible mine of information connected to the form-thought where we can find its radiations also as helpful action for any kind of problem in question, bringing so equilibrium.
Speaking always about the form-action-thought, basic principle of the radionics, we spontaneously can say that its action could be more targeted as regard to the cooperation and abstract problems which belongs to the mental and spiritual sphere of the person and which here could find the deepest and more suitable answers for the radionics.

The official contemporary science teaches us that every existing thing and concept form ( and in this case also the form-action-thought), is made of an energy or radiations in constant movement and governed from precise Cosmic Rules, still unknown on a rational level; thousands upon thousands of atoms, cells and invisible micro-particles which interact to each other; they create any existing form in the globe and in the space with own characteristics according to the
resultant of received information from each one and they interact with theirs opposites and so on… then continuously creating what it is known as Universe.

So we can develop the concept that, as we said before, the physically created and realized form-action-thought on radionic circuits are part of the same energy which is known as Universal, they can concede their particular information in the form of radiations in accordance with their energetic and characteristics of application ,in an autonomous and continuative way.

As we have previously mentioned, the radionics is very wide and it includes various methods of application for different uses; in this course we are going to illustrate the energetic properties of some radionic circuits of common use and their uses for the treatment of our health in an holistic sense and we will furnish the basic notions of radiesthesic diagnosis for testing the more suitable radionic circuits, to know the utilization times and the posology.

The doctor of the future will give no medicine, but will interest his patients in the care of the human body, in diet and in the cause and prevention of disease.”…Thomas Edison, 1902.

We have many different options for healthcare today, but the focus will be on biologically based treatments and prevention. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) defines the scope of biologically based practices to include, but is not limited to, botanicals, animal-derived extracts, vitamins, minerals, fatty acids, amino acids, proteins, prebiotics and probiotics, whole diets, and functional foods.

But first, let’s take a look at the different philosophies of healthcare practiced today. Allopathic, alternative, complementary, integrative-what does it all mean? Each includes many different kinds of therapies, and although alternative, complementary and integrative are sometimes used interchangeably, the general focus of each is different.

Allopathic medicine focuses on disease and the treatment of the physical body with drugs and surgery. These are conventional physicians with the title of M.D. that are universally recognized as having a medical degree.

Alternative medicine includes those therapies not generally recommended by allopathic physicians. It includes Energy Medicine, Ethnomedicine, Chiropractic, Acupuncture, Homeopathic Medicine, Botanical or Herbal Medicine, Bio molecular Medicine, Manual Medicine, Spiritual Medicine.

Complementary medicine includes therapies used by both alternative and allopathic physicians. It includes Exercise Medicine, Environmental Medicine, Social Medicine, Nutritional Medicine.

Integrative medicine is the attempt to integrate the many philosophies of medicine, allopathic, complementary, and alternative, to treat the whole person, physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual.

Many people are hesitant about trusting their healthcare to anyone other than an allopathic physician. But did you know that Naturopathic Medical Doctors are the only physicians who receive complete training in conventional medicine as well as natural medicine? Licensed Naturopathic medical doctors (N.M.D./N.D.) attend a four-year graduate level Naturopathic medical school where they are educated in all of the same basic sciences as a conventional M.D. In addition to this training, they are extensively educated in the philosophy and implementation of safe and effective natural therapeutics with a strong emphasis on disease prevention. Unfortunately, some states do not yet offer licensing for Naturopathic Doctors.

Allopathic physicians and pharmaceutical drugs are, and always will be, necessary for acute, emergency medical care and trauma, as well as for conditions that cannot be controlled with lifestyle changes, good nutrition and supplements. But many conditions can be prevented and controlled with lifestyle changes and biologically based medicine. Just as many pharmaceutical drugs can interact with other drugs, some biologically based supplements may interact with drugs and cause side effects, so a healthcare provider should always be consulted before adding supplements to the diet. In some cases, alternative therapy may actually have beneficial synergistic effects in conjunction with existing medical therapy, even when not feasible as a replacement.

Biologically based medicine is not new. It was practiced for thousands of years before pharmaceutical companies began manufacturing the first synthetic drugs. In addition, many of the pharmaceutical preparations used around the world are based on plants. As late as the 1930’s, the formulation of about 80% of synthetic pharmaceutical drugs began with a natural compound. Today, about 25% of prescription drugs contain active ingredients derived from plants.

The United States has the most advanced medical system in the world, yet the population is increasingly turning to natural healing methods. However, the U.S. still lags behind world stats. A survey of 31,000 U.S. adults conducted by the National Center for Health Statistics in 2004 showed that 35 percent use some form of complementary and alternative medicine. Today, the World Health Organization estimates that herbal medicine is still the primary source of health care for approximately 80 percent of the world’s population.

Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the United States. These diseases and other chronic diseases such as obesity, depression, metabolic and digestive disorders, rheumatoid arthritis, osteoporosis, and fibroids, account for 7 of every 10 deaths and affect the quality of life of 90 million Americans. Chronic diseases are among the most prevalent and most costly, yet they are the most preventable.

Conventional physicians treat chronic diseases with expensive pharmaceuticals that may temporarily relieve the painful or uncomfortable symptoms, but the drugs do nothing to resolve the underlying cause, and may actually cause other side effects and serious problems. Because nutrition affects our immune system, organ function, hormonal balance and cellular metabolism, many of these chronic conditions and diseases can be traced to a nutrition deficiency. When the deficiency is not corrected, symptoms begin to appear and eventually lead to disease and premature aging.

Many pharmaceuticals can effectively be replaced with multi vitamin supplements, botanicals, amino acids, prebiotics and probiotics, fresh foods and functional foods for both prevention and treatment. Because herbs work synergistically, combinations of herbs with similar properties enhance the properties of each. This is why choosing a product containing a combination of different herbs is usually more effective than choosing individual selections. An example of this is the combination of valerian, passion flower and hops to promote relaxation and restful sleep. All three have a relaxing effect on the body. Valerian relaxes muscle tension, while hops relaxes the nervous system, and passiflora acts as a sedative. Popular alternative medicine company Melaleuca even offers a product called RestEZ that offers a supplement that contains all three natural sleep enhancers: valerian, passion flower and hops.

In part two of The Power of Natural Alternative Medicine we will discuss the regulation of nutritional supplements and little known history of natural medicine.

Since the 1930s there has been research involving natural alternative medicine. Here are some notable examples of physicians who came to note the power of natural medicine.

Dr’s. Wilfred and Evan Shute. In 1933 Dr’s. Wilfred and Evan Shute were some of the first doctors to use large doses of vitamin E to treat heart disease. At that time, antioxidants and free radicals were rather obscure concepts in the chemistry of oxidation, far removed from issues of health and disease. Also at that time, using vitamins to treat serious diseases such as heart disease and diabetes was considered by the medical establishment as misguided at best and outright fraud at worst.

In 1985, Linus Pauling wrote: “The failure of the medical establishment during the last forty years to recognize the value of vitamin E in controlling heart disease is responsible for a tremendous amount of unnecessary suffering and for many early deaths. The interesting story of the efforts to suppress the Shute discoveries about vitamin E illustrates the shocking bias of organized medicine against nutritional measures for achieving improved health.”

Dr. Szent-Györgyi. Dr. Györgyi became interested in a chemical agent, present in plant juices, which had the effect of delaying oxidation, such as the browning of a sliced apple exposed to the air. He suggested that this agent, which was also present in cabbages and oranges, was the mysterious Vitamin. By 1933, he had isolated the substance in kilogram lots and named it “ascorbic acid” which means “the acid which prevents scurvy.” In 1937, he won the 1937 Nobel Prize for his discovery of vitamin C. He was the first to predict the use of Vitamin C for cancer.

Irwin Stone, PhD Irwin Stone became interested in the anti-oxidant properties of ascorbic acid, then newly discovered, as a means of protecting food against deterioration. He continued his study of vitamin C for the next 50 years, and in the 1950s he established that humans would benefit from ingesting much larger amounts of ascorbates than the medical and nutritional establishments considered adequate.

Dr. Fredrick Klenner. “In the early 1950s, Dr. Fredrick Klenner began his work with mega doses of vitamin C. He used doses up to 100 grams per day orally or intravenously. In clinical reports he recorded the excellent response he saw when it was given in large doses. For example, polio patients given vitamin C suffered no residual defects from their polio. A controlled study in England on 70 children, half given vitamin C and half given placebo, confirmed that none of the ascorbate treated cases developed any paralysis while up to 20 percent of the untreated group did. This study was not published because the Salk Vaccine had just been developed and no one was interested in vitamins. Dr. Klenner’s work was ignored.”

Dr. Klenner was the first physician to emphasize that small amounts of ascorbate do not work. He said, “If you want results, use adequate ascorbic acid.” As a result of seeing consistent cures of a great variety of viral and bacterial diseases with huge doses of vitamin C, he published over twenty medical reports. Orthodox medicine’s rejection of his lifesaving work stands as a reminder to all medical mavericks practicing today. “Some physicians,” Klenner wrote, “would stand by and see their patient die rather than use ascorbic acid because, in their finite minds, it exists only as a vitamin.”

Dr. William J. McCormick. Over 50 years ago, it was Toronto physician William J. McCormick, M.D., who pioneered the idea that poor collagen formation, due to vitamin C deficiency, was a principal cause of diverse conditions ranging from stretch marks to cardiovascular disease and cancer. This theory would become the foundation for Linus Pauling and Ewan Cameron’s decision to employ large doses of vitamin C to fight cancer.

Over twenty years before Pauling, McCormick had already reviewed the nutritional causes of heart disease and noted that four out of five coronary cases in hospital show vitamin C deficiency. McCormick also early proposed vitamin C deficiency as the essential cause of, and effective cure for, numerous communicable illnesses, becoming an early advocate of using vitamin C as an antiviral and an antibiotic. Modern writers often pass by the fact that McCormick actually advocated vitamin C to prevent and cure the formation of some kidney stones as far back as 1946.

Linus Pauling, PhD It was two-time Nobel Prize winner Linus Pauling who coined the term “ortho molecular.” Ortho molecular medicine describes the practice of preventing and treating disease by providing the body with optimal amounts of substances which are natural to the body. Pauling identified sickle-cell anemia as the first molecular disease and subsequently laid the foundation for molecular biology, and then developed a theory that explained the molecular basis of vitamin therapy. Irwin Stone first introduced Pauling to Vitamin C, recommending 3,000mg a day, which was 50 times the RDA. Pauling and his wife began taking this amount, the severe colds that he had suffered from several times a year all his life no longer occurred. After a few years he increased his intake of vitamin C to 100 times, then 200 times, and then 300 times the RDA (now 18,000 mg per day). Pauling lived to be 93.

“Professor Pauling, as always, is ahead of his time. The latest research on vitamin C substantiates his twenty-five years of advocacy and investigation on the benefits of vitamin C.”, said J. Daniel Kanofsky, MD, MPH, Albert Einstein College of Medicine.

Dr. Josef Issels. Because of his well-known professional skills, his kindness, and relatively high rate of survivors, many cancer patients in the terminal stage came to consult German Dr. Josef Issels. In 1951, one wealthy and grateful patient funded his private clinic, where he continued his successful work until 1960, when he was arrested by the German ‘Kriminalpolizei’ on the instigation of his medical opponents. He had to close down his clinic for years, in spite of a report from an independent scientist who had concluded that, of 252 terminal cancer patients with histologically proved metastases, 42 had survived for at least five years (17%) with the Issels therapy. For terminal patients, such a score is disproportionately high.

Issels believed that cancer was the end stage, the ultimate symptom, of a lifetime of immune system damage which had created an environment for the tumor to grow. He argued that conventional therapy just looked at the tumor without recognizing this longtime pre conditioning period. Dr. Issels saw the body as having great potential to heal itself. Good nutrition and a clean environment were central to his therapy.

In the end, Issels was proven to be right. From 1967 to 1970, Professor J. Anderson of King’s College Hospital and member of the World Health Organization inspected Issels’ reopened clinic. He confirmed the highly significant survival rate of Issels’ terminal cancer patients. His legacy is continued by the work of his wife, Ilsa and his son Christian.

Dr. William Kaufman. Dr. Kaufman was among the very first physicians to therapeutically employ mega doses of vitamin B3 (niacin, or niacin amide). He prescribed as much as 5,000 mg of niacin amide daily, in many divided doses, to dramatically improve and restore range of joint motion in arthritic patients. Kaufman said, “I noted that niacin amide (alone or combined with other vitamins) in a thousand patient-years of use has caused no adverse side effects.”

Over 50 years ago, Kaufman showed remarkable foresight half a century into the future of ortho molecular medicine, describing how the lack of a just a single nutrient can cause diverse diseases, including what is now known as attention-deficit hyper activity disorder.

Emanuel Cheraskin, MD, DMD. Dr. Cheraskin was among the very first to recognize and demonstrate that oral health indicates total body health. “Health is the fastest growing failing business in western civilization,” he said. “Why is it so many of us are 40 going on 70, and so few 70 going on 40?” The answer, he said, was our neglect of the paramount value of nutrition, an educational deficiency that Dr. Cheraskin devoted a lifetime to eradicating.

Hugh Desaix Riordan, M.D. Hugh Riordan was one of the most knowledgeable, both as a maverick par excellence and as an historian of mavericks. Hugh was an ortho molecular fighter, who fought hard and consistently on behalf of ortho molecular concepts. He was challenged legally when he wanted to treat his patients with high dose vitamins in the hospital. He won. He was the first to demonstrate how large doses of vitamin C are chemotherapeutic for cancer patients. His main work had to do with the schizophrenic syndrome and with the treatment of cancer using nontoxic vitamin C chemotherapy. Hugh was the leader in making available to cancer patients a treatment that is effective, safe, economical and very tolerable.

Abram Hoffer, M.D., PhD Dr. Abram Hoffer has spent the past five decades conducting research related to the practice of ortho molecular medicine, which emphasizes the use of nutrients in optimum doses for the treatment of a wide range of diseases.

In 1952, Dr. Hoffer and his colleagues began developing a more effective treatment for schizophrenia that involved a biochemical hypothesis. They tried two nutrients: vitamin C and vitamin B3. He found that we could halve the two-year recovery rate of patients just by adding these vitamins to the program. This was the first major systematic attempt to use large dosages of vitamins therapeutically. In 1955 he also discovered that niacin lowered cholesterol levels.

These pioneers and others were first ridiculed, and were ignored by the medical establishment, but were eventually proven to be right.

In part two of The Power of Natural Alternative Medicine we will discuss the regulation of nutritional supplements and little known history of natural medicine. This publication is courtesy of RMBarry Publications who publish various books about Melaleuca Products (also commonly misspelled as meleleuca”)

The origins of alternative medicine, also known as holistic medicine, can be traced back thousands of years to the very roots of medicine. Many millennia ago, physicians or healers would assess the sick person’s emotional condition in addition to their physical symptoms before beginning treatment. The roots of alternative medicine deal with the symptoms of the “whole” person, not merely the physical signs of illness. This is radically different from traditional medicine today.

In medicine today, people demand to be cured immediately, and the demand for medicines and treatments that do so is very high. Most physicians today are trained to assess physical symptoms and base treatments on that, without much consideration of the person’s emotional or intellectual state.

Since its inception, alternative medicine has survived the ages and stages of the field of medicine. Despite the prevalence of modern medical practices, there are still millions of people worldwide that take advantage of alternative treatments for ailments or well-being. Some of these alternative treatments include massage therapy, herbal remedies, and meditation. Massage is one of the most long-standing forms of alternative treatment, and it is highly popular today as a treatment for aches and pains, and as a means of stress release and relaxation. Most people probably don’t even think about massage as a type of alternative medicine.

Through the ages, every society has used their own forms of alternative medicines and treatments. There is over 5000 years of history and many types of treatments that were used far and wide, and many traditional medical treatments can even find their roots in alternative medicine from long ago.

Long ago in Europe, medical issues were treated by one of two types of healers, the physicians or the folk healers. The folk healers appealed to the poorer factions of society, in that they used natural treatments that were more affordable and easier to come by. Folk healers were often highly respected in these underprivileged sections of society. Folk healers often incorporated philosophy and religious faith into their healing practices, which helped to strengthen a sick person’s mind and spirit, as well as his body.

Eventually, folk medicine evolved into the traditional medicine we are familiar with in today’s world. With each passing century, many great advances have been made in treatments and cures for various diseases and conditions.

Despite the dominance of traditional medicine in the world today, there is still a place for alternative medicine. It is alive and well, and used by many people around the world through massage therapy, acupuncture, aromatherapy, herbal remedies, meditation, and many other forms of alternative treatments. Many physicians now support many of these treatments, making them less alternative.

The origins of alternative medicine were very forward thinking. Alternative medicine has survived through the millennia because it has real validity, despite a great deal of ridicule through the ages. Though they do not have the immediate effect that many drugs and treatments of traditional medicine, they are a feasible option for a person to consider.

Nature Cure is a modern nature based Medical science that works to

 improve your digestion and circulation
 strengthen your immune system
 and help you decrease your stress and increase your energy

It does this by using some methods from cutting edge science and technology and some from the ancient past – it gives us the best from “Professor’s medicine” and the best from “Grandma’s medicine”.
Nature Cure is like gardening

There are two types of gardeners. There is the gardener who plants seeds and seedlings unsuited to the soil of that garden, who dashes about spraying with chemicals, putting plants in formal settings in straight lines, often frustrated that the garden is not doing what he wants. And there is the gardener who cultivates and feeds the soil, uses plants suited to that soil, nourishes the plants, watches them with patience and with curiosity and is often delighted with what the garden reveals to her.

The first type of gardener is like a standard Family Physician or Doctor writing prescriptions for chemical medicines that will apply “force” to the body, suppressing symptoms, preventing some parts of the metabolism working and often producing serious damage-side effects. The second type of gardener is like a Nature Cure Practitioner using diet and dietary supplements, to nourish a patient and using hydrotherapy and Physical therapy and Psychological therapy to support a patient and help recovery. The Naturopath watches the patient with patience and curiosity and is often delighted with what the patient achieves

Nature Cure is like music

An Orchestra needs a conductor. The conductor does not play or sing. Apparently they just stand at the front and wave their arms about. In reality it is the understanding of the conductor that releases the music. Without the apparently nonsensical waving there is no music.

In Nature Cure we do not “cure the patient” – we plan the cure, conduct it and do all we can to help. The Naturopath orchestrates the healing process

Nature Cure is like love.

Love is defined as “devoted attachment and kindness” . In a loving relationship there is respect and support. In Nature Cure we respect the body’s ability to follow its own intelligent processes and priorities. We support the healing process with time and energy. The body has amazing innate intelligence and healing ability– when you realise that, you cannot help respecting it and supporting it.

Let us give the last word on Nature Cure to one of the greatest thinkers of all time, Socrates:

“….. you have heard eminent physicians say to a patient who comes to them with bad eyes, that they cannot cure his eyes by themselves, but if his eyes are to be cured, his head must be treated: and then again they say that to think of curing the head alone, and not the rest of the body also, is the height of folly. And arguing in this way they apply their methods to the whole body, and try to treat and heal the whole and the part together. And this is the reason why the cure of many diseases is unknown to the physicians of Hellas, because they are ignorant of the whole, which ought to be studied also; for the part can never be well unless the whole is well.“ Taken from a letter written by Socrates to Plato 400 BC !

Magnetic therapy or magnotherapy is an alternative medicine that cures certain medical disorders by exposing the body to magnetic fields. Although mainstream medical science pooh-poohs the claims made by magnotherapy and have stamped it as a pseudoscience, ardent proponents say that magnet therapy works in a non-invasive way to cure many painful conditions, primarily back disorders, arthritis and joint aches. Magnetic fields from permanent magnets are said to speed up the healing process of the body and relieve pains.

As people started looking for more and more cost-effective and holistic healing practices, a simple yet effective technique was found to be practiced in Germany, Japan and Israel. The principle behind this therapy is fairly simple. The powerful magnetic fields of a magnet stimulate the magnetic fields in the human body thus improving circulation and promoting healing. This paves the way to general good health.

Magnet therapy is most effective when used in conjunction with other forms of alternative healing therapies like acupuncture or acutouch. Magnets are placed at pressure points to relieve soreness. Magnets open up microscopic blood vessels and facilitate better blood flow. Conversely, magnets can also be used to change the direction of blood flow and thus prevent the spread of inflammation.

Magnetic products in the market come in various shapes, sizes and forms. The price varies from the nominal to very expensive depending on what kinds of materials are used. Magnets can be taped to the skin, worn as jewelry, inserted in shoes, or slept on as pillows or mattresses.

Some of the common ailments treated using magnetic therapy are insomnia, carpal tunnel syndrome, arthritis, headaches, and backaches.

It is believed that magnets must be placed precisely in order to reap the full effect of the treatment. Hence it is advisable to undergo treatment under the guidance of a professional.

If you are using magnets to relieve pain induced by minor but persistent problems like arthritis or back aches, you may be advised to use a strip of magnet that generates a magnetic field of 300-500 gauss (that’s roughly 10 times stronger than the magnet on your refrigerator). Depending upon the intensity of the pain you are experiencing, you may need to wear the magnets for as little as five minutes or for as long as several hours every day over several weeks. A magnetic pillow is used to relieve neck pain and magnetic mattresses help patients suffering from insomnia.

Is magnet therapy really effective? While many advocates, including doctors, claim effective reduction of pain, there is no medical backing to the healing effects of magnets. On the other hand some of the most passionate supporters of the therapy include serious sportsmen who swear that they cannot go on playing their games without the aid of magnets. Some supporters even go so far as to claim that magnet therapy can fight infection and improve disorders of the central nervous system. There is some research that shows that magnets can indeed relieve pain. As for the rest, the healing powers of the magnet still lie in the realms of mystery.

Now a days, there is a variety of essential oils, roots, and herbs available to support healthy living. These natural products can be used for treating ailments, flavoring your food, skin care, create perfumes, and manufacture environmentally safe cleaning products.

If you do not have room for a garden, a few herbs planted by a sunny window are enough to get you started. Subsequently, all you will need then are some essential oils and you are ready to embark on a wonderful journey to natural herbal remedies and medicine.

Essential oils versus blended oils.

The first to consider is the essential oils. Only the purest oils will do for therapeutic purposes. Do not be fooled into thinking that you are purchasing pure oil when in fact it is a blend of several oils. Blended oils are acceptable for fragrance such as perfuming a room, but pure oils are necessary for medicinal intent.

A general guide to the purity of oil is its price. Pure oils are normally more expensive. For instance, common oils such as lavender and geranium are less expensive than frankincense and carnation oil. Therefore, it is advisable to become familiar with essential oil prices and then rely on this knowledge when purchasing oils. As the saying goes, you get what you pay for. In addition, a price list from a reputable dealer is a valuable resource when buying essentials oils.

Typically, pure oils cannot be applied directly to the skin and must be mixed with a base oil to lessen their strength. Base oils such as almond oil or wheat germ oil are generally used for this purpose. Base oils are generally derived from seeds, nuts, or vegetables.

Basic oils and natural remedies.

Lavender, without a doubt, is one of the most useful and desirable oils. It will work wonders on cuts, bruises and burns, and promotes sleep and relaxation.

The Tea Tree and Eucalyptus oils are useful for treating a variety of respiratory ailments. These are excellent medication for colds and coughs. These oils can be massaged into the chest or burned in an oil burner to help clear the airways and prevent congestion. Tea Tree oil is a natural antiseptic and can be dabbed on cuts, bites and stings. It is often used to treat spots and pimples and when diluted with water, acts as a mouth gargle (keep in-mind it should never be swallowed).

Geranium oil with its characteristic perfume and pain relieving properties is a basic antiseptic. This herbal remedy should be part of your essential oil and natural herbal remedies garden.

Peppermint oil treats digestive upsets and may be used for breath freshening.

Patchouli and Ylang-ylang oils in an oil burner can perfume a room and add a sense of ambience. Orange oil mixed with Cinnamon oil is a pleasant winter scent that brings to mind seasonal holiday smells. Besides their perfume qualities, all four of these oils have other properties. Patchouli treats eczema and dandruff. Ylang-ylang is reputed to relieve stress, palpitations, and high blood pressure. Orange is used in natural remedies for depression and nervous tension. Cinnamon is excellent for warts and viral infections.

Thyme and Rosemary are considered herbs and can be grown in pots and used when needed. Both of these herbs can be used to create oils or flavor food. Thyme and Rosemary are also antiseptics and can be used in skin care preparations.

Lemon oil and fresh lemons will purify water. When lemon is mixed with honey, it is an effective herbal remedies for colds and flu. Lemon and white vinegar are highly effective cleaning agents that can be used for domestic cleaning tasks without damaging the environment. White vinegar is a natural disinfectant or mix it with water to clean windows and wooden floors.

If you want to keep the insects away this summer, Citronella oil or Garlic will do. Add a capsule of garlic to your dog’s food and your dog will not be bothered by fleas. You could also soak a soft dog collar in Citronella to keep fleas and mosquitoes at bay.

Garlic helps to promote a healthy immune system. When the weather turns cold and the viruses begin to circulate, adding garlic to your diet will leave you less susceptible. In fact, most of the oils and herbs listed above are effective in helping to prevent many common winter illnesses.

If you are looking for natural herbal remedies or nature friendly products, the oils and herbal remedies recommended above should help you get started.

If you always wondered what aromatherapy means, all you need to do is look at the name again. It is the treatment of the body and the mind by the use of scents and essential oils derived from plants. And to be specific these plants are known as being aromatic, hence the first part of the name. The second part is self explanatory.

Aromatherapy is very effective in making you feel good mentally and physically by the way it affects your senses. What you see, touch, and feel affects you in your daily life either in a positive, negative or even a neutral way. Aromatherapy slots in as a positive influence as it treats your mind and body through your sense of smell restoring and promoting balance when you need it most. Your sense of feeling is the other part of the senses influenced by aromatherapy as essential oils are also absorbed through your skin during massage or while bathing in water containing essential oils.

So, for example, if you feel stressed, plants like lavender will help you to relax. If you breath the lavender scent it will sooth you. So will the oils when absorbed through the skin either through massage or when you have a bath. If you feel low in energy essences like mint will give you that extra stimulus to make you spring back into action. Again these oils can be breathed in, used during massage or while bathing. They act as stimuli on the brain provoking a reaction in your chemical make up through your sense of smell and through the skin.

Aromatherapy has become the alternative medicine of choice for the busy society we live in. It is a beneficial because the oils and scents are pure and natural. It is an alternative that has been around too long for it to have any kind of side effect that the general population would find harmful. But of course you cannot legislate for substances you might be allergic to even ones that are considered benign.

And it is not only a kind of alternative medicine but is also used quite widely as an alternative for cosmetics and it is a very good replacement because the essences of aromatic plants are completely natural and as discussed not harmful to most people. In fact the benefits of aromatherapy covers not only us humans but animals as well. Essential oils such as niaouli, eucalyptus and tea tree are being credited by dog owners as being effective in combating the common colds of our best friend.

In conclusion aromatherapy has been shown to be a very effective replacement for treatments of the body and mind. It has been practiced from ancient times to cure various ailments and is still to this day very popular to treat these same ailments as well as curing newer ailments of our times like stress and anxiety. It is also widely used as natural beauty treatment alternative. Even cats and dogs like the effects of aromatherapy so it is sure to be here to stay and perhaps you will find it to have even more beneficial uses in the future.

Have you heard about coconut oil yet? People are adding coconut oil to their diets and are getting incredible results. They are losing weight, getting more energy, and getting healthier. Coconut oil is safe to use, and does not turn to fat in your body. It raises the metabolism, so you burn more fat and have more energy. It does not increase your cholesterol, but actually helps lower it. Coconut oil is wonderful diet addition for just about everyone.

Coconut oil is full of healthy benefits. Next to mother’s milk, it is nature’s highest source of medium chain fatty acids (MTC’s), which raise the body’s metabolism, leading to weight loss. It has fatty acids such as lauric acid and monoglycerides, similar to mother’s breast milk.

When lauric acid is consumed in the body, whether through mother’s milk or coconut oil, it enhances the immune system to help the body fight infections, diseases, bad bacteria and yeast invasions. Lauric aid is known to be anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial.

Coconut oil raises the metabolism, which helps people who are trying to lose weight and people suffering from thyroid problems. Coconut stabilizes the blood sugar levels, helping with diabetes. It also protects the heart cells from damage.

Coconut oil helps relieve the symptoms of menopause, and pre-menstrual syndrome (PMS). Many women who suffer the effects of PMS have found the symptoms lessened when coconut oil was consumed often in their diet.

Coconut oil does not raise cholesterol. Studies have shown that people who use coconut oil have lower cholesterol than those who do not, even when the people consuming coconut also eat other high cholesterol foods like eggs and meat.

Coconut oil smells good, tastes pleasant and is so good for our bodies that some people consume it straight, by the tablespoon, and use it in place of other oils on their salads. Many people also use it as an ingredient when juicing or making smoothies.

If all this good news isn’t enough, coconut oil one of the best things you can apply directly on your skin and hair. It not only gives temporary relief to skin problems like rashes, but it aids in healing and restoring skin to a younger appearance. It has also been known to help with people who suffer from yeast infections in the skin, and there is solid research that shows the MCTs in coconut oil do overcome yeast infections. Coconut oil also makes an excellent massage oil.

What is Reiki anyway?

For the sake of information, Reiki is a kind of holistic therapy that was based on the concept of Eastern energy flow with the conglomeration of seven chakras. Chakras are the energy centers in the human body. According to some of the therapy experts, the human body has a focal point. The therapy of Reiki concentrates on those points.

Reiki was invented and formulated by some of the Japanese healing teachers. But the most influential among them is Mikao Usui. Around the year of 1980, Usui incorporated the basic Reiki meditation techniques, beliefs, and symbols. Most of the techniques in this meditation therapy are considerably older.

The processes of this therapy are very much distinctive compared to other forms of alternative meditation. Reiki meditation normally concentrates on self-healing, concentration, the five spiritual principles, and the accreditation the healers through a process of initiation.

What are the primary principles of Reiki?

The main purpose of this therapy is to be able to heal emotional and spiritual flow. The other sub-purpose of this therapy is to gain physical stamina and resistance from the pain. This therapy can also transmit the flow of universal life energy called “ki” in Japanese.

Most of the Reiki therapy teachers believe that “ki” flows through the universe, and the therapy connects the energy to the human body. Reiki can be used in healing of animals as well as people.

The practice of self-healing is being practiced by the Reiki healers, in which they place their hand in a traditional position, stimulating their own body energy.

Reiki can also be practiced through group and distance healing. In group healing, there are two or more Reiki practitioners placing their hand over the body of the patient.

In distance or absence healing involves the visualizing the patient, his or her illness through the Reiki symbol.

Quit smoking help Methods

There are numerous different smoking cessation methods that you can use to eliminate smoking from your being. From ordinary methods to alternative medicines, there are many ways to stop smoking. Nonetheless, even the best quit smoking ways are fruitless if you are not ready to discontinue. Once you have made the resolution that quit smoking help is for you, you will be well on your way to healthier and more energetic lifestyle.

Accept the challenges, so that you may feel the exhilaration of victory. General George S Patton

Ways to Quit Smoking

One of the newest quit smoking aids accessible is the quit smoking help laser treatment. Laser quit smoking help care involves placing a beam of light to a selection of energy points in the body. The laser induces the discharge of endorphins in the body, and these chemicals lend a hand to reduce the patient’s nicotine cravings. The treatment is comparatively cheap when it comes to laser treatments, but it does cost a bit more than alternate stop smoking methods. The treatments typically cost about one hundred dollars a meeting. Nevertheless, some patients find laser treatments effective after just one or two sessions.

Actions speak louder than words. But without thought and focus those actions are like a meandering river. Michael Ross.

Like laser smoking stop treatment, acupuncture is another natural quit smoking support aid. Although there are studies that have been conducted that have found acupuncture to be an ineffective stop smoking approach, there are many individuals who swear by the treatments. If you have an unclosed mind and are willing to try this natural quit smoking aid, it may in fact help you make it through those first hours of cravings. Acupuncture treatments involve sticking needles into predetermined pressure points on the body. This is finished by a trained acupuncturist who knows where the stimulus is required to effectively decrease a smoker’s cravings.

All personal breakthroughs begin with a change in beliefs. Anthony Robbins

One alternate favoured means of quit smoking help is hypnosis. Hypnosis is a proven method of reducing cigarette cravings. It is at least as effective as other stop smoking aids such as the patch or nicotine gum. However, ten to twenty-five percent of all individuals are not capable to be hypnotized, so this method may not be applicable to you. During a hypnosis session, the therapeutist puts the patient into a dreamlike state and advises him or her not to smoke. The therapist may repeat certain phrases discussing the unhealthy nature of smoking, and he or she may give certain cues that help the patient evade or deal with his or her cravings.

An obstacle is something you see when you take your eye off the goal.

In addition to alternative medicine methods of quit smoking help, there are also a variety of smoking free videos and aid groups for men and women trying to stop smoking. Rather than reckoning it all out on your own, you may be able to acquire some helpful support and guidance from your peers who are facing the same problems, setbacks and even successes. Having other individuals around you who are in the same battle to quit smoking can be encouraging and educational.

We have come to the end of this informational quit smoking article. It’s now up to you to take this information and do something with it. Good luck and here’s to a smoke free life.

The flu shot is always a hot topic of discussion this time of year. There is always such a sense of panic and fear that sends people running to get their flu shot. I’m always the “odd man out”, for I go running in the opposite direction. The toxins in the vaccines create side effects for some that are as bad as or worse than the flu such as muscle aches, sore throat, fever, chills, congestion, sneezing and headache. There are many undesirable ingredients in the flu vaccine that we don’t hear much about such as Triton X-100 (a detergent); Polysorbate 80 (a potential carcinogen); formaldehyde (a known carcinogen); Aluminum (linked to Alzheimer’s disease) and Thimerosal, (a mercury based preservative) which is being investigated for its link to brain injury, memory loss, Alzheimer’s disease and autoimmune diseases. Hugh Fundenberg, MD an immuno- geneticist and biologist with nearly 850 papers published in peer review journals, has reported that if an individual had 5 consecutive flu shots between 1970 and 1980 (the years studied), his or her chances of getting Alzheimer’s Disease is 10 times higher than if they had 1 or 2 flu shots due to the mercury content. Autism is also being linked to vaccinations due to the mercury. Many doctors of natural medicine believe that and vaccines are “quick fixes” that suppress and or destroy our own immunity leaving humanity as sitting ducks for new strains of pathogens which mutate faster than the vaccines are produced. By the time one gets the flu shot, there will be newly mutated strains that will not be covered with the current shot. It will be covered in next years shot, but the same cycle will occur.

Whether one chooses the flu shot or not, there are safe and effective ways to build immunity and ward off the flu as well as other respiratory problems. The obvious is to eat a healthy diet eliminating or greatly reducing; soda’s, refined flour, sugar and artificial sweeteners (including sucralose), alcohol, caffeine and tobacco. Exercise regularly, obtain adequate sleep and drink plenty of purified water. The Center of Disease Control states that dirty hands are the leading cause of spreading disease and advises that all adults and children wash their hands with soap and water many times throughout the day.

There are nutritional supplements that specifically support the immune system. There are popular homeopathic flu remedies such as Oscillococcinum by Boiron that can be taken as a preventative; just a few pellets under the tongue 3 times a week. Silver water in the form of colloidal or ionized silver has been used for centuries and has anti-viral, anti-fungal and anti-bacterial properties. A teaspoon a day may be used as prevention during flu season. My favorite brand is Silver Biotics Concentrated oil of Mediterranean wild oregano has been proven to have anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties and may be consumed at 5-10 drops a few times a day with food. Elderberry is a popular anti-viral herb that is sometimes traded under the name of Sambucol. There are many effective immune enhancing formulas which contain many vitamins, minerals, herbs and homeopathics that target immune system support. Some of these nutrients include; colostrum, goldenseal, echinacea, elderberry, zinc, astragalus, garlic, olive leaf, silver, vitamins A,B,C, E, and so on.

Nourishing the immune system is like building a second line of defense. It’s simple… If you are healthy…you won’t get sick.

This Article provided by Mike Comeau, is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always consult your doctor when seeking medical advice.

Please feel free to read more of this article by visiting my link in the resource box below. I always enjoy getting emails pertaining to my articles or my site. Your feedback is important to me.

So What is Aromatherapy?

Aromatherapy is the art of applying essential oils to suit individual needs. The oils work directly on the chemistry of the body via the skin. Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile liquid plant materials, more commonly known as essential oils. Essential oils are extracts that contain the substances that give plants and trees their smell. The oils are produced by small glands in the petals, leaves, stems and bark of many plants and trees. In nature, the scents are released slowly, but when heated or crushed, the oil glands burst and release the plant’s aroma much more powerfully.

It isn’t exactly known when or where the art of aromatherapy began. It is believed that the Chinese knowledge of medicinal oils may have reached the west from the Egyptians, Greeks and Romans. A French chemist called René-Maurice Gattefossé coined the term aromatherapy to describe the process of using plant oils therapeutically. The story goes that, while working in a perfume factory in the early 20th century, he burnt his hand and instinctively grabbed some lavender oil and poured it onto the burn. He was so impressed by how quickly and cleanly the burn healed, he began studying the healing powers of plant oils.

The first recorded use of plants in England was in the 13th century and from then on essential oils have become widely used as perfumes, antiseptics and medicines.

So how does Aromatherapy work?

Aromatherapy usually works by massage. Massages are usually given as a relaxing treatment covering the stress areas such as the back, shoulders and legs. Aromatherapy oils can also be inhaled, either by using an oil burner or by using them in the bath. Aromatherapy is believed to be suitable for people of all ages. It is claimed that aromatherapy can treat many conditions such as nervous disorders, depression, anger and stress.

What are some of the plants used in Aromatherapy and what are their benefits?

Eucalyptus oil is often used in combination with Mint to provide relief for the airways when suffering from a cold or flu.

Black pepper has a sharp and spicy aroma. It is Commonly used for muscular aches and pains and for stimulating the circulation . It is also useful for bruises, since it stimulates the circulation. Combining Aromatheray with a sensual masage or sex toys is both safe and recommended.

Lavender oil is used as an antiseptic, to soothe minor cuts and burns, to calm and relax, and to soothe headaches and migraines.

Yarrow oil is known to reduce joint inflammation and to relieve cold and flu symptoms.

Jasmine, Rose, Sandalwood and Ylang-ylang oil are used as aphrodisiacs.

Lemon oil is used to relieve stress due to its uplifting properties.

So, does aromatherapy work?

Despite a lack of good research proving that essential oils could work by either stimulating your sense of smell or being absorbed through your skin, in theory it is possible to predict the effects of the oils based on their chemical make up. However, there is no conclusive scientific evidence that the theories are true, or false, and there has been little research to try and prove them right or wrong.

Night leg cramp is a very common and painful problem that many American people suffer. Indeed, several late studies demonstrate that more than 70% percent of adults over fifty years old suffer some degree of night leg cramps. The situation is always similar, you are sleeping peacefully; suddenly, you start feeling an aching sensation in your leg, which make you get up and make it hard for you to fall asleep again.

By the way, do you know what night leg cramps are? Night leg cramps are abrupt and involuntary contractions of the calf muscles that occur when you are sleeping. It is possible to feel the pain in the muscles in the soles of the feet. In any case, the duration of these cramps can be variable, occasionally they can last a few seconds and but usually they last some minutes. Either way, you still feel the soreness for a while after the leg cramp. Leg cramps can take place in anybody, yet older adults are more likely to experience this kind of problem.

Nowadays, there are several alternatives to relieve night leg cramps. Once they take place, the first thing to do is to walk or jiggle the hurting leg and then lift it up. Another excellent way to relieve leg cramps is to straighten the aching leg and bend your foot toward the knee, so you will have the sensation of your calf muscles enlarging; too, you can have a hot shower and then have an ice massage in the cramped muscles.

The easiest and most effective way to relieve leg cramps

Although the precise causes of night leg cramps are not very clear. Occasionally, night leg cramps are provoked by over exercising the muscles, structural disorders, sitting for too long or incorrect leg posture during sleeping. Actually, the latter cause is the most common because doctors frequently notice it in their patients. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain right and comfy leg positions during sleeping to avoid night leg cramps.
The orthopedic Leg Wedge Pillow proves to be very helpful for people who suffer frequent night leg cramps and for people who want to feel more comfy during the night. This great leg support pillow works as a great the leg spacer, and it’s very useful for people who sleep on a side. Also, the Leg Wedge Pillow can be used as an ankle support for both legs for people who sleep on their back.

What makes the Leg Wedge Pillow a unique pillow is its dual-purpose features. So, this memory foam pillow can be used as contour leg spacer knee wedge in its close or folded mode. Also, this leg support pillow can be used as a leg elevation pillow in its open or unfolded mode, to promote better circulation through the lower limbs. Besides, the Leg Wedge Pillow is designed to adapt to the natural curves of your body and legs. Therefore, you can maintain a correct sleep position, eliminating night leg cramps in a safe and natural way.

Have you ever suffered from a horrible headache when you thought the best remedy might be for someone to bash you over the head, or to pull your hair out? Then you might have some experience with alternative medicine!

In all seriousness, alternative medicine is not about hurting yourself, but involves investigating other potential methods to treat an ailment besides synthetic drugs. A good purpose for alternative medicine is to avoid developing a dependence on drugs of any type, which can supersede any medicinal or curing effects they might have. Searching for different ways of dealing with your physical or emotional issues or conditions can end up being better for you in the long run.

A great deal of alternative medicine treatments come from ancient medicinal knowledge and insight. Many different types of remedies used by different cultures through the years, including the use of needles for pain relief, herbs for medicinal treatments, or even massage therapy, are considered a form of medicine by the respective users because they work to some degree. However, many alternative treatments are unknown to the general public, as they are not in conformity with the mass marketed treatments and pharmaceuticals.

The definition of alternative medicine

There is really no one ultimate definition of alternative medicine. There are so many various methods and treatments that have been and continue to be investigated and promoted that it is hard to firmly define it.

Some of these alternative names to alternative medicine include holistic medicine, natural medicine, integrated medicine, and complementary medicine. They are all variations of the same idea, which is natural and alternative medicine. The design of alternative medicine is to ensure that all parts of a person’s life and being are well and strong.

The point of view of the alternative medicine collective

A standard of those who advocate alternative medicine is that health isn’t only the absence of illness or disease. Alternative medicine works to ensure that one’s purpose in life is sustained, because a person without a purpose is not able to achieve his fullest potential. There needs to be inspiration and motivation to allow life to be lived to its fullest.

It is thought that illness might not be the end of one’s world. Infection is not the only cause of sickness. The mind has the power to change one’s personality completely. Take the great warrior king Asoka, for example. He was so stirred by the death and devastation brought about by the Kalinga war that he became a Buddhist reformer. In this respect, illness has the capacity to bring about change, to make us better human beings. For that reason, alternative medicine strives to consider not only the physical health of a person, but also his personality and emotions in treating ailments and bringing about total well-being.

Sometimes, when you aren’t feeling that great, it might be better to relax by listening to calming music, taking a walk, or just thinking about life, rather than taking a pill to treat something momentarily. Discovering your purpose will give you a feeling of strength and the realization that life is worth living!

With the growing concern for West Nile Virus and Lymes disease, more people are spraying and lathering on insect repellent. Most commercial repellents contain harmful chemicals that must be used with extreme caution. Someone shared a story that occurred when she was on vacation at the beach. A parent used an insect repellent with DEET on her 2 year old child. The child went unconscious within minutes of application and was rushed to the hospital where she was later revived. This child was lucky, for other have died from it. Keep in mind, whatever you put on your skin ends up in your bloodstream. The famous estrogen, birth control and nicotine patch have proven that beyond a doubt.

Using commercial repellents with toxic chemicals may not cause sudden death to an adult, but as any toxin, it builds up in our tissues and organs, especially our liver. Our livers are already overloaded with toxins and this is one that can be easily avoided.

There are natural insect repellents that repel mosquitoes, ticks and other biting bugs. They contain various essential oils that are safe and effective. This is a healthy alternative, for essential oils contain many nutrients. The essential oils most popular for their ability to repel insects are citronella, tea tree, cedarwood, eucalyptus, lemongrass, orange, rosemary, clove, oregano and peppermint. I sometimes make my own combinations, but lately I’ve been getting them ready made and they do work great. If you have any of these essential oils at home and need a quick repellent, add 20 drops of essential oil (single or in combination) to one teaspoon of olive, jojoba, almond or coconut oil and rub it on. You can also add it to unscented lotion. If one has already been bitten, I’ve never found anything better that tei fu essential oil blend to instantly take the itch, pain and swelling down.

There are some people that are just bug magnets. There is always at least one person at outdoor events that is slapping themselves silly getting eaten alive, when no one else is. Either they are wearing too much cologne or they may be lacking in B vitamins, especially Thiamine (B1). It is never advised to take just one of the B vitamins for it could cause imbalances in the body. A good quality B complex is advised. When the body has a sufficient amount of B vitamins, an odor is emitted through the pours that bugs don’t like. No one else can smell it, thank goodness. One could also consume foods that are high in thiamine. Help your self to large portions of whole grain brown rice, brewers yeast, black strap molasses, wheat germ and fish (yum yum). Eating garlic also provides for a natural repellent, but might repel more than insects. On the contrary, consuming sugar not only depletes our B vitamins, but emits a sweet odor through our pours that attracts biting bugs. Consuming alcohol also depletes B vitamins and causes the blood vessels to dilate, thus attracting mosquitoes and horseflies.

Don’t forget about your pets. There are natural repellents for them too and a delicious brewers yeast and garlic formula available to sprinkle on their food.

I hope this helps. Have a safe and enjoyable summer.

This Article provided by Michael Comeau is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure disease. Always consult with your doctor when seeking medical advice.

It is important to know what you’re getting yourself into when you decide to purchase any form of medicine. Whether it is produced by a giant pharmaceutical manufacturer such as Merck or Pfizer, or obtained from your local Chinese herb shop, being in the know is what is best for you. In this day and age of the internet, lack of information is not an acceptable attitude.

If you take any medicine too often or for the wrong ailment, you could be putting your health in jeopardy; however, there are some medicines that are considerably less risky. It is a well known fact that a person should visit their doctor on a bi-yearly basis if they are taking a number of prescription medicines. The reason for this is that the normal doctor, busy as they are, does not generally take the time to review each medication you arte taking at your timer of regular visit. Perhaps you are going in for treatment of the complaint of gout, for example, and your doctor treats you for this ailment at that time. But the doctor, usually distracted and in a hurry, does not review your current list of meds to determine that what he prescribes you for gout may interact with the medication that he has you on arthritis or rheumatism. It is the patient’s responsibility to discuss these concerns with the doctor at time of visit.

Natural health medicine has been documented to have less or no side effects when compared to its chemical counterparts. That is because natural health medicine is generally made with products taken out of nature without being refined. They have generally been used for decades by different cultures, with little or no side effect. The medicine is made out of natural ingredients that will work in conjunction with the body, whereas their refined counterparts might have an adverse affect. One must also consider too that the compounds and inert substances used to bind prescription drugs may cause an interaction in the system. At the very least, the body cannot process naturally these agents.

These natural ingredients are normally plant and root extract, which have been used for centuries by countries such as China, which is known for its herbal medicines. That is why it is evidently clear that natural health medicine is good for the body, particularly when it comes to strengthening your immune system.

When you use natural health medicine, you know that you are getting the best of both worlds. You are getting help from Mother Nature as well as man through the extraction and compilation of these products. And you get the benefit of a medication that has been tried and tested sometimes for centuries. (Think Vioxx) The American culture has a bad habit of treating the symptoms, not the underlying cause. Hopefully, this will be addressed in the future, as more and more people become aware of what they are introducing into their bodies.

Any attempt to improve your health should always include natural health medicines. If you have an illness, then the effects of natural health medicine will work faster, as it will provide your body with all the vital ingredients it needs to combat the illness without seriously damaging or impairing it in the process.

You feel better faster and can resume your way of life without being held down by your illness. That is indeed the best way to tackle and handle the winter cold and flu.

In addition to all of the other benefits, natural health medicine will also boost your immune system, which will make you less prone to contracting any illnesses in the future. As always, one should carefully research any medication, and make every attempt to determine if there are side effects, adverse reactions to other drugs, or complications from allergic reaction. A search of the internet will reveal over 2,660,000 websites utilizing the keyword “natural herbal remedies.” The information is out there…

I want to share a success story about hypnosis for weight loss. There are so many, but this one stands out in my mind and touches my heart. I was working in the summer of 2004 with a young lady named Jen. She was 19 at the time and was scheduled to undergo gastric bypass surgery. This surgery is very drastic and involved stapling the stomach so that the person can no longer eat large meals. She also already had liposuction but regained all of her weight. Her father had died and all her mother wanted was for Jen to be happy.

As they both sat in my office in tears, Jen told me that this was her last attempt to lose weight before killing herself. After her mom left the room, we began the hypnosis session. While in a trance, Jen remembered being abused by her father. It was traumatic for her to recall this, but helpful at the same time. Jen also revealed that she had “built up a protective layer” with the excess weight. She explained while under hypnosis that the weight repelled men and kept her “safe.”

After Jen was out of hypnosis, I invited her mom back into the office. The three of us discussed this unfortunate event. Her mom said that she had suspected that it happened, but never had proof until now. Jen returned the next week and we began working on re-building her self-esteem using hypnosis. This is very easy to do with hypnosis since the messages go directly to the subconscious mind. If you want to do this yourself, just make a tape with positive suggestions that you play in bed each night as you go to sleep.

In the four weeks that followed, I was able to reframe the way she felt about eating right, exercising, and taking care of herself in general. After only six sessions, I told Jen that I had done all the work we needed to do.

Last week, Jen sent me an e-mail with a picture. You see, I had programmed her to continue to eat right, exercise, and take care of herself. Well, the picture she sent looked like a model! Jen had gone from 325 lbs. to 115 lbs! The e-mail was even more inspirational. Here’s what she wrote:

Dear Steve,

It has been a year since our last session. The pounds have been consistently dropping. I eat differently and don’t even try to. I exercise three times a week and love it. Most importantly, my view of life is completely different now. I went from being overweight and suicidal to being thin, sexy, beautiful and totally confident. My mom is happier than ever and so is my husband. That’s right! I am married. He’s 6’4″, an architect, and wants kids. I feel like I’m living the life of my dreams. Hypnosis is amazing. You taught me that I could do ANYTHING that I BELIEVE I can do. You are right. Feel free to share this letter with others. I want the world to know about the power of hypnosis and the power of the human mind!

With much love and respect,
Jen

In my line of work I get to see this happen often. Jen is one of the many people who decided to make a powerful change in her life. Hypnosis helped, but the change was really due to her commitment to herself. I hope that the sharing of Jen’s journey will inspire you to create whatever powerful change you desire in your life. There are no obstacles, except the ones YOU create in your mind. Remove those obstacles, and you will easily live the life of YOUR dreams.

Melaleuca oil, also known as tea tree oil, is truly nature’s natural antiseptic. This topical oil, which comes from an Australian tree called the tea tree, is naturally safe oil that is effective as an antibiotic, anti-viral, and fungicide.

Tea tree oil was first used by the Bundjalung Aborigines living in the Northeast Corner of what is now New South Wales, Australia. They would pick the oil-covered leaves of the tea tree and rub them on their skin to alleviate cuts, bites, burns, and other skin ailments. They made a dressing for wounds by grinding the leaves into a paste. They also crushed the leaves to use as an insect repellant.

There are several kinds of tea trees. Yet, the most potent medicinal oil is called Melaleuca alternifolia.

Dr. A. R. Penfold, a chemist in Sydney, found that tea tree oil was 13 times stronger in killing bacteria than carbolic acid, the universal standard antiseptic in the early 1900’s. The Medical Journal of Australia published a study that tea tree oil was effective in treating pus filled infections of the skin and infected nail beds, and helped speed recovery from sore throats when the oil was gargled. Another study published in the Medical Journal of Australia in 1990 found tea tree oil as effective in treating acne as benzoyl peroxide, with fewer side effects. It is also effective in treating burns, thrush, and bacterial and fungal infections.

Tea tree oil can also be used for animals; Bites, cuts, stings, rashes, dermatitis, lice, mange, ringworm, fleas, and ticks are just a few of its veterinary uses.

Melaleuca oil may be applied full strength or diluted in water or other type of oil like olive oil. Most tea tree oil that is produced is added to skin and beauty care products, such as deodorants, shampoos, and mouthwashes. Industrial-grade oils are used as disinfectants, floor detergents, and can be added to air conditioning and ventilation systems to kill mold and fungus.

As we rediscover nature’s natural medicines through modern research, a new world of therapies is opened to us. Natural therapies are often as effective as drugs, but without the side effects. Many medicinal drugs contain properties to heal that no synthetic drug has been able to mimic.

The gum works by slowly releasing compounds contained in an extract from a plant called Pueraria mirifica. This plant species can be found in the same habitant as Pueraria Mirifica and also the mountains area. The Pueraria Mirifica plant root contains very high concentrations of photoestrogens that duplicate a woman’s own moisture. The concentration of phytoestrogens in Pueraria Mirifica is much higher than other plant sources such as soy or alfalfa. The Thai medicinal plant Pueraria mirifica (PM) contains many potent phytoestrogens including miroestrol and deoxymiroestrol but no study on vascular function has been established. B2UP gum works by slowly releasing compounds contained in an extract from a plant called Pueraria Mirifica. These creams usually contain a plant extract called Pueraria Mirifica that only grows in Thailand and has a high concentrate of phytoestrogens.

The concentration of phytoestrogens in Pueraria Mirifica is much higher than other plant sources such as soy or alfalfa.top3. The concentration of active plant estrogens in Pueraria Mirifica is much higher than soy or alfalfa. Typically, there are three kinds of this plant family: white, red, and black Pueraria mirifica. They attributed these actions to the extract from a plant called Pueraria mirifica, which is one of the ingredients in the chewing gum. This dietary herbal supplement contains the natural plant extract Pueraria mirifica. the secret’s in the gwao kura root – a species indigenous to thailand – that contains the pueraria mirifica plant estrogen. Most manufacturers use different varieties of Pueraria Mirifica, containing varying levels of plant estrogens and other breast-enhancing compounds. de kauwgum bevat onder meer ‘pueraria mirifica’, een natuurlijk bestanddeel afkomstig uit een plant die vooral in azië voorkomt.

20 subjects applied to a breast cream containing 5% Pueraria mirifica extract once a day. It contains concentrated natural essence extract from vegetable tuber root of Pueraria mirifica. Applications of Pueraria mirificaPueraria extract is a natural specialty product designed to help promote normal healthy sexual function and rejuvenescence in women. It has high concentration of Pueraria Mirifica extract, which firms women breasts effectively in a minimal amount of time. Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide an extract derived from Pueraria mirifica, Butea superba, and/or Mucuna collettii. Thus, the Pueraria mirifica extract can be presented in the cosmetics without any allergic effect.

Clinical trial of the phytoestrogen-rich herb, Pueraria mirifica as a crude drug in the treatment of symptom in menopausal women. Herbal estrogens (such as soy, alfalfa and Pueraria Mirifica) are completely safe and women have been taking them traditionally for centuries. CONCLUSIONS: Pueraria mirifica, containing phytoestrogens, relatively alleviated the climacteric symptoms in perimenopausal women. Local women and rural communities in Thailand have used Pueraria mirifica effectively as a traditional medicine for over hundred of years. Many women have found an effective alternative to delay those aging manifestations, by using natural phytoestrogens such as those found in Pueraria mirifica. Clinical trial of the phyto-estrogen-rich herb, Pueraria mirifica as a crude drug in the treatment of symptoms in menopausal women. News Channel 5 reports new finding show if women take an herb called pueraria mirifica, it will increase their breast size. Cautions Pueraria mirifica is not recommend for pregnant women and women under 20 years of age. Warning Pueraria mirifica products should not be used in Pregnant women or nursing mothers due to the lack of safety data.

The active ingredients in pueraria mirifica also increase the fatty tissue and ligaments around the breast that provide support and shape. How Pueraria Mirifica works: Ducts branch out from the nipple to the interior of the breast, ending in clusters of the lobules. Phytoestrogens from the Pueraria Mirifica root can bind to estrogen receptors in the breast tissue and promote healthy breasts, which results in firmer breasts. I have tried, your breast cream, (the very best breast cream containing pueraria mirifica, and I simply love it!! Phytoextrogens from the Pueraria Mirifica root can bind to estrogen receptors in the breast tissue and promote healthy breasts, which results in firmer breasts. bust enhancement pueraria mirifica breast cream .

PhytoestrogenPueraria mirifica is also high in phytoestrogen, substance which imitates female estrogen. Therefore when Pueraria mirifica is applied it will help replace loss of estrogen, and rejuvenate the specific area, where Pueraria mirifica is applied. Hence, phytoestrogens from Pueraria mirifica may correct estrogen deficiencies in the body, and relieve post-menopausal symptoms. When Pueraria mirifica is utilized, its phytoestrogens disperse through the body via blood circulation, and bind to estrogen receptors present in various organs. Hence, phytoestrogens from Pueraria mirifica can correct estrogen insufficiency in the body and relieve the post-menopausal symptoms.

The government sector is ready to revise the law for Pueraria mirifica to be a dietary reinforcement product. Every batch of processed Pueraria Mirifica powder has gone through strict efficiency test to ensure the high quality of the product. Every batch of processed pueraria mirifica powder has gone through the strictest efficiency test to ensure the high quality of the product. The pueraria mirifica used in this product, is cultivated from the 3 best varieties found in Thailand and grown using state-of-the-art organic farming.

Feeling Full & Firm by using PUERARIAN Breast Cream

This amazing cream is excellent for breast firming and enlargement. Various studies confirmed that this product has a high success for enhancing women breast. All Skin Type

Ingredients: Pueraria Mirifica and other herb extracts

Direction: Use once in the morning and in the night. Apply onto breast area and massage for 3-5 minutes until it is fully absorbed.

Precautions: Not recommended for pregnant women, feeding mothers or women diagnosed with medical conditions of the breast.

The calendar says it’s summer, but it’s raining here in Nova Scotia. Combining wishful thinking and a touch of gloating, I looked for something to cheer me up to write about, and chose sunburn. Whether or not you believe me when I say, “I feel your pain” is up to you!

It’s easy to relish the warmth and the golden tan from spending time in the sun, but it’s tempting to overdo it and get burnt. Here are some suggestions for soothing herbal sunburn relief:

Tea Tree Oil diluted to one part with ten parts of olive oil or coconut oil and spread freely over the affected areas is soothing and pain-relieving and also reduces blistering and peeling. You can also applied tea tree oil full strength to sunburn.

Personally, I find it even more soothing to combine tea tree oil with another cooling herbal, my personal favorite is aloe. I grow aloe plants and I pick and split a leaf, squeeze out the gelatinous substance, add a few drops of tea tree oil, and pat gently on the burned area. Then blowing on it or sitting in front of a fan increases the cooling sensation.

Tea tree is especially effective when paired with lavender oil. Add five drops of tea tree and 11 drops of lavender oil to three ounces of cool, distilled water. Place this mixture in a bottle with a spray atomizer attachment and mist sunburned areas whenever cooling relief is needed. Molly of Molly’s Herbals sells a tea tree/lavender oil mixture that makes this remedy really easy.

Add a few drops of tea tree oil to vitamin E or aloe Vera lotion. Apply a few times a day to relieve pain, redness and inflammation.

People with sensitive skin should use tea tree oil in diluted form. It can be mixed with another oil such as almond or wheat germ. Apply cold water to remove heat and then gently rub oil mixture into affected areas to help relieve stinging and later itching.

I found some wonderful after-sun skin care products that contain many of these ingredients just by searching the web, I suggest you do the same if you would rather not make your own remedies.

A boil is an inflamed area, usually based in a hair follicle, and can be caused by a physical condition such as diabetes, acne, or severe dermatitis and can also result from low immunity, irritations, an illness, stress, food allergy, poor diet, shaving, plucking hairs or poor hygiene. A boil usually starts as a tender area, becoming hard and swelling, and eventually softening and forming a head. The head is filled with bacteria and the white blood cells fighting the infection (pus). Staphylococcus is the bacteria that is usually found in the pus of a boil.

The bacteria involved are those usually present on healthy skin, so the boil is an indication of low resistance to infection.

It is advised not to lance the boil, because bacteria can spread to nearby skin and create new boils. Apply hot packs for up to 20 minutes at a time, throughout the day, as the heat draws more white blood cells, thereby helping to fight the infection. Do not cover with a bandaid. Wash with tea tree oil soap and apply antiseptic cream containing tea tree oil. A drop or two of tea tree oil may also be applied directly to the boil. Dab it on with a piece of clean cotton, do not rub or otherwise irritate the boil.

Procedure to be followed periodically throughout the day:
Dab some tea tree oil onto the boil with a piece of cotton to help bring it to a head, then cover with a piece of gauze. Cover the gauze with a damp washcloth, followed by a dry towel and then apply a heating pad. Leave on a low temperature for about 15 minutes. Change your dressing and reapply the tea tree oil. The oil helps bring the boil to a head while the warm compress helps pull the infection out of the skin; the tea tree oil then acts as an antiseptic and antibiotic on the bacteria in the pus. Be sure to throw away the gauze each time, and wash your hands with tea tree oil soap each time you handle the gauze or touch the boil.

Sometimes a boil’s bacteria can spread to a lymph node that is nearby. If there is a boil on the neck, check the lymph glands for swelling and tenderness. You should visit a doctor if this occurs, also if there is fever or lethargy. It’s important to learn to listen to your body and recognize when tea tree oil treatment will be enough, and when you need the help of a doctor.

Tea tree oil has various uses in first aid treatments because of its triple antibiotic features: it’s an antiviral, antibacterial, and antifungal agent. The oil’s first aid uses are fairly straightforward because we all know what to expect from a first aid treatment: we know we can use the substance to sanitize, heal cuts and wounds, and ease pain.

A chronic condition is more complex. It’s common to hear someone with a chronic disease, such as acne, asthma or a yeast infection for example, say that “such-and-such a remedy” worked at first, or was effective for a while, and then the problem came back. Or maybe the symptoms were lessened but never completely disappeared. That’s because many of the organisms responsible for these conditions occur naturally in our environments, or in our own bodies, and are kept in balance until something causes the balance to shift and the organisms to experience overgrowth. That’s when we experience a severe acne outbreak, an asthma attack, or the symptoms of yeast infection.

In order to effectively treat the chronic condition, we have to recreate the state of balance, or in other words, we have to treat the root of the imbalance. I believe that in many cases this can be accomplished through the use of tea tree oil along with dietary changes.

In most cases, when I feel a cold coming on or sense the onset of a cold sore (things I rarely experience any more), I simply apply tea tree oil to my temples, throat and chest or wherever I feel the aches or the cold sore coming on, ingest a cough drop containing minute amounts of tea tree oil, and eliminate sugar from my diet. I also buy a bag of oranges and eat them freely, drink plenty of water, and get a few extra hours of sleep at night or by napping during the day. Also, a steamy hot bath with a few drops of tea tree oil in it works wonders. These things usually return me to good health.

As for a whole foods diet:

Include:
* Fresh vegetables and fruits
* Fish and poultry
* Flax seed (Linseed)
* Other essential fatty acids, such as olive oil and nuts
* Whole grains
* Organically raised foods where possible.
* Plenty of fresh water
* 1 tablespoon Psyllium seed husk fiber and/or 6 to 8 tablespoons flax seed meal and/or ¼ cup Oat bran daily

Avoid:
* Alcohol
* Animal fats
* Caffeine
* Dairy products
* Fast foods
* Hydrogenated oils and margarine
* Processed foods
* Junk foods
* Sugar
* White flour products

These days I usually feel dis-ease approaching during the winter months, because of bad eating habits during the holiday season, and because of occasionally using junk food to ease “cabin fever” symptoms (depression, uneasiness, lethargy). I may know better, but I’m not a saint! I’ve learned to forgive myself, then get back on the program with renewed vigor.

Tea Tree Oil is one of the most useful products in nature. It has been used by some Aboriginal People in Australia for many centuries as one of their most useful medicines. Tea Tree oil is derived from Melaleuca Alternifloria which is a narrow-leafed paper bark tree that is native to certain parts of Australia. Some people think that it is called the Tea Tree because Captain Cook, who sailed from England in the 17th Century, used the leaves to make a tea from when they first voyaged to Australia, hence the name Tea Tree. Captain Cook found that it was good at combating scurvy a disease that many of his crew suffered from at that time due to a lack of fresh fruit and fresh vegetables.

Australia has more than 300 different kinds of Tea Tree, but only one of them is used to make the oil which is now world famous. Tea Tree Oil first came to prominence during the First World War in the early 20th century. Australian soldiers were seen to be using the oil to treat their infections. They had a great deal of success with this. During World War Two, Tea Tree Oil growers were exempt from National Service in Australia as their contribution to the war was to produce Tea Tree Oil for use by its troops.

Tea Tree oil has a number of fantastic properties making it an excellent treatment for many complaints. These are all external uses as Tea Tree oil should not be taken internally.

Tea Tree oil has been shown to be effective against Fungi, Bacteria and Viruses. It is extracted as an essential oil by steam or water distillation from the leaves and twigs of the Tea Tree. The oil is a water-white liquid or pale yellow-green. It has a fresh, spicy and slightly camphoraceous smell.

In large part, you’re in control of your health, not your doctor. And taking control of your health doesn’t really depend on whether or not you have medical conditions.

Taking control means developing habits and discipline.

The most important thing you can do is educate yourself. Learn about your health problems and how you can take care of your body. What do the latest studies say? The Internet is an excellent place to research health issues. Sometimes just finding different ways of doing things can help.

Now, take the time to decide what your health goals for the next year will be. Write the goal(s) down. Some examples of goals might be:

– to stop yo-yo dieting and focus on get healthier.

– to start exercising regularly.

– to move toward my perfect weight.

– to find alternative ways to control diabetes.

Then list specific ways you can accomplish these goals. For instance, try a new healthy dinner recipe once a week, go to the gym five days a week, or research nutrition on the Internet 10 minutes a day.

Work on your mind and thought patterns. You have to believe that you can become healthy and reach your ideal weight before you will be able to do so. Learning to accept what you can’t change, but striving to change what you can, is key. A large part of succeeding in health improvement is being comfortable with yourself to begin with.

Find time to do something good to reward yourself for making this commitment to improve your health. Reward yourself each week as you find yourself accomplishing your goals.

If you have another person to work with, you will be more successful in meeting your health goals. This partner should be someone you can trust to share your feelings with.

It helps to have a partner for accountability. We work harder when we know someone is watching us and holding us accountable. A good partner also helps us stay realistic in our goals and challenges us to grow.

Try to find someone who will encourage you in the down times and celebrate your successes with you as you accomplish your goals. And of course you need to be that kind of a partner to your friend in return.

You might consider forming an informal support group with some of your friends or acquaintances. People who belong to a group with mutual interests and a shared purpose accomplish more. A group might get together weekly or monthly and discuss progress or concerns and help encourage each other. Sometimes all a person might need is another opinion or just a little encouragement to help them get past a place where they are having problems. Even if you are doing great, perhaps you could be of help to someone else who is struggling.

Communication is important when putting together a group. Set up a regular time and method to report progress to each other and stick to it. Set realistic benchmarks to monitor your progress. Reward yourselves for your effort. Do something fun as a group once in a while.

There can be great rewards in working with others toward common goals. It makes the journey more enjoyable as well as more productive.

Noni Juice, which comes from the morinda citrifolia fruit, has been claimed over many years to be a cure-all for numerous types of ailments. Recently it has become the huge health rage over the entire United States. Bottles of Tahitian noni juice, which are often small in comparison to the juice we often buy at the grocery store, range from ten dollars a bottle up to eighty dollars a bottle. Why is this juice becoming such a huge hit? Could it be a miracle cure-all or just snake oil?

Many years ago, islanders from the South Pacific used the noni fruit for many different ailments including such problems as joint discomfort and arthritis, depression and sleep-loss, to topical solutions for irritations and bites. To the islanders, this fruit was a great source of health benefits and a universal one at that.

But how much do we actually know about this fruit? No actual proof has been made to right these claims or put up any fight against them. Our society, however, is often eager to jump on the bandwagon at any chance to feel better, stay younger, or live healthier.

What is known about Tahitian noni juice? Well Noni is a fruit like any other fruit. It does have vitamins like other fruit, and yes, it is very nutritious. Other than that, Tahitian noni juice seems no different than most other tropical fruits. Could there be something in it that is a miracle cure for numerous ailments? Possibly, but no evidence can strongly support this. Have many claimed it has helped them with their health? Yes, definitely! Many have claimed that it does help numerous areas of their health and probably shouldn’t be dismissed as completely pointless.

The problem lies when people and marketing agencies make claims that Tahitian noni juice cures things without proper proof of it doing so. There have been those diagnosed with cancer and was told that noni juice could cure their cancer. Unfortunately, those people can’t be here to make their testimonial that it does not cure such an illness because they are no longer with us. It is only propaganda which we have been force-fed to believe and there are those who prey on vulnerable people who really want to believe that a simple juice could be such a cure.

A word to the wise, take health supplements for the sole purpose of “supplementing” your health, not cure a disease. If you take a supplement, weigh out the risks involved, ask questions, and don’t assume a single supplement will cure anything. If it does happen to cure anything, great! But simply don’t expect it to just because a business person says so or you hear it on a commercial or label.

If you are sun burnt and are in an extreme amount of pain, there are a couple of things that you can do.

First off, if you feel that you are severely burnt and may have sun poisoning, you will want to go see a doctor immediately. Your doctor will be able to put you on the fastest road to recovery, while also prescribing medication and lotions that will help to fight the pain.

If you don’t think that you need to see a doctor, you have a couple of other options available to you. The first thing that you can try is an over the counter pain relief medicine such as Tylenol or aspirin.

In addition to taking medication, you will also want to buy a high quality lotion or spray that you can apply directly to your sunburn. When searching for a lotion, look for one that has aloe vera. This ingredient will go a long way in speeding up the recovery process.

If you are simply looking for short term pain relief there may be no better option than cold compresses. You can do this by soaking a towel in cold water, and then placing it on the effected areas. If you are sun burnt all over, simply soak in a cold bath to relieve your pain.

When you are trying to relieve the pain, make sure that you do not do anything that will make it worse. This includes picking at your skin, or trying to pop blisters. By doing this you will only make your condition worse, and may also cause scarring.

Finding sunburn pain relief does not have to be a difficult task. If you have a serious case you will want to seek out the advice of a doctor. If not, you can simply resort to the tips above to treat your condition.

Subliminal messages can cause effects on a humans’ emotion or behavior but most effectively when done so unconsciously. The most extensive study of therapeutic effects from audiotapes was conducted to see if the self-esteem audiotapes would raise self-esteem. 237 volunteers were provided with tapes of three manufacturers and completed posttests after one month of use (Greenwald, Spangenberg, Pratkanis, & Eskenazi, 1991).

Subconscious stimulus by single words is well known to be modestly effective in changing human behavior or emotions. This is evident by a pictorial advertisement that portrays four different types of rum. The phrase “U Buy” was embedded somewhere, backwards in the picture. A study (Keys, 1973)[14] was done to test the effectiveness of the alcohol ad. Before the study, participants were able to try to identify any hidden message in the ad, none found any. In the end, the study showed 80% of the subjects unconsciously perceived the backward message, meaning they showed a preference for that particular rum. Although every subliminal message may not affect everyone, it is obvious it does affect the behavior or emotion of most.

You can find more information on Subliminal Messages at http://www.subliminalmp3s.com, a site that offers free audio subliminal messages to assist changes to a person behavior.

Backmasking, an audio technique in which sounds are recorded backwards onto a track that is meant to be played forwards, produces messages that sound like gibberish to the conscious mind. Gary Greenwald, a fundamentalist Christian preacher, claims that these messages can be heard subliminally, and can induce listeners towards, in the case of rock music, sex and drug use.[19] However, this is not generally accepted as fact.[20]

Subliminal Messages in History;
In 1978, Wichita, Kansas TV station KAKE-TV received special permission from the police to place a subliminal message in a report on the BTK Killer (Bind, Torture, Kill) in an effort to get him to turn himself in. The subliminal message included the text “Now call the chief,” as well as a pair of glasses . The glasses were thought to be of significance to the killer because when BTK murdered Nancy Fox, there was a pair of glasses lying upside down on her dresser. So, police felt that the glasses would stir up some remorse emotion and included them in the subliminal message. The attempt was unsuccessful, and police reported no increased volume of calls afterward. [22]

Before the re-election of French president François Mitterrand in 1988, a subliminal picture of him was mixed in the title sequence of French national television daily news show, and it appeared for several consecutive days.[citation needed]

The subject was also prominently featured in the 1999 film Fight Club. Pictures of the main character, Tyler Durden, flash onscreen at various points during the earlier parts of the film, before Durden is introduced.[23] Also, Durden is shown at his job as a projectionist, splicing pornographic flash frames into a film he is showing.[24] A picture of a penis flashes before the end credits.[25]

During the 2000 U.S. presidential campaign, a television ad campaigning for Republican candidate George W. Bush showed words (and parts thereof) scaling from the foreground to the background on a television screen. When the word BUREAUCRATS flashed on the screen, one frame showed only the last part, RATS.[26][27] The FCC looked into the matter,[28] but no penalties were ever assessed in the case

A McDonald’s logo appeared for one frame during the Food Network’s Iron Chef America series on 2007-01-27, leading to claims that this was an instance of subliminal advertising. The Food Network replied that it was simply a glitch.[32]

In Formula One racing, the paint scheme of many cars would carry messages intended to look as if they were of banned tobacco products in many Grands Prix where tobacco advertising was banned, though many of these were jokes on the part of the teams (for example, Jordan Grand Prix ran Benson and Hedges sponsorship as “Bitten and Hisses” with a snake-skin design on their cars). A similar procedure was used by NASCAR driver Jeff Burton after the AT&T Mobility advertising was banned by a court order in 2007.

On November 7, 2007 Network 10 Australia’s broadcast of the ARIA Awards was caught out for using subliminal advertising in an exposé by the ABC (Australian Broadcasting Corporation). [33]

In June-July 2007, Sprite used a type of obvious subliminal message, involving yellow (lemon) and green (lime) objects such as cars. The objects would then be shown inconspicuously in the same setting, while showing the word “lymon” (combining the words lime and lemon) on screen for a second at a time. They called this “Sublymonal Advertising.” The previous year, Sprite used a similar advertising campaign, but this time it was tied in to The Lost Experience, an alternate reality game.

When a person is a little stressed, his body reacts and responds in situations instinctively and efficiently. But this can only be true to small dose of stress. When the dose arises, stress becomes unhealthy. It inhibits the person to perform well. With little stress, the body is pushed to work hard. This is in a positive way. While when the body is over stressed, the response is negative.

A person who is stressed out can’t perform normally. His body reacts differently in situations. Stress can even lead to body disorders and illnesses. Because the normal functioning of the body is affected, the person isn’t able to use his natural instincts when facing a situation. He becomes less creative and less efficient.

Battling Stress

Stress can make your life miserable so before it gets worse, you must battle it. The best way to combat stress is the use of stress management therapy. What is a Stress Management Therapy? This refers to the various strategies used by stress specialists and doctors to help people who are stressed out. The goal of stress management therapy is to help a person live life healthfully and stress free.

Why do you need to combat stress? Stress affects the whole personality of a person. It affects a person’s mental ability and sound judgement. It puts his social, emotional, spiritual and physical life in jeopardy. Worst, it can lead to serious health problems like phobias, heart problems and high blood pressure.

Stress management therapy makes sure that you don’t get these negative effects of stress. Generally, stress management therapy involves relaxation, counselling, exercises, yoga, meditation, and time management therapies. The key to combat stress is to manage it. If you can balance your needs and your abilities, there will be less room for stress.

Identification Of Stress

Before you can even start managing stress, you should first identify the factors that trigger stress. The stress management therapy will be based on your stress factor. The therapy will be designed according to your own needs.

Once the stress triggering factors are identified, measures will be taken to help the individual in facing the same circumstances. The stress management therapy may totally eliminate the factor that causes stress or if not, reduce it to a more tolerable level.

Stress management therapy is vital especially today where everywhere there seems to be a tough competition. This makes us want to get the best and thus, we become stressed. Through a stress management therapy, you will be able to enjoy life the stress free way!

Unfortunately, in today’s fast paced, highly technical world … stress, worry and anxiety are facts of life and we have become accustomed to feeling stressed 24/7! We are a ‘Stressed-out Nation’ and are dealing with our stress in unhealthy ways!

More than half of working adults are NOW concerned with the amount of stress in their lives; moreover, people experiencing stress are more likely to report hypertension, anxiety, depression or obesity.

We are reacting to both work and family stress by engaging in unhealthy behaviors; comfort eating, making poor diet choices, become very inactive, smoking, excessive drinking (alcohol) and drugs (both prescription and illegal).

Women seem to suffer from stress more often than men; with 73% of women identifying themselves as the primary decision-maker in the household and the caregivers for their children, partner and in some cases parent or parents, each aspect of care brings stress. Unfortunately, too often women do not take the necessary steps to alleviate that stress, and their own physical health suffers.

The bad news is; that your stress can easily turn into distress or chronic tension when stressors are unrelieved and ongoing. Unrelieved chronic stress can lead to a host of undesirable effects, such as;

• severe irritability and impatience
• sleep disturbances or insomnia
• mood swings
• crying
• inability to focus
• serious fatigue
• weight gain
• excessive worrying
• aches and pains
• a primary culprit in many diseases

It also takes a physical toll, and can weaken your immune system, cause damage to memory cells, as well as increase risk of headaches including migraines, digestive disorders, high blood pressure and chronic anxiety, basically, ‘control your life’! Studies show that the cumulative effects of stress can have serious long-term consequences. In fact, 70% of disease is caused by stress in both the body and mind!

The good news is; just as the name implies, aromatherapy is indeed a therapy that uses aroma for healing and a sense of well being. Aromatherapy, offers you many ways to deal with the stresses you may be experiencing.
Have you ever noticed how the effects of aromas on your mind and emotions can make you feel better about yourself and situation? Aromas can improve your mood, reduce stress, give you more energy, help you relax and even help you to fall asleep more easily.

Imagine yourself walking along a country road and you smell the trees, the fragrant bushes and flowers in bloom. You breathe in deeply to really enjoy and savor the aroma of the country … and suddenly you feel your anxiety melt away. The truth is; that scents can transport you, take you away from your daily stresses.

Aromatherapy — dates back more than 5000 years and is one of the most readily available forms of healing therapy. You already practice the art of aromatherapy and just don’t realize it, for example; when we walk past a bakery, we tend to stop and take a deep breathe in and smell that freshly baked bread, pies or other goodies… Or when you visit a gift shop and you try to isolate the fabulous smells that confront you when you first walk through the door.

Now, if you’re like most people, you may often take fragrances for granted; that’s because aroma is all around us everyday and every where we go. Aromas may be common place, but you’ll have to agree; they greatly enhance life…

Finding a few minutes to relax and re-energize on a daily basis is a necessity these days ~ no longer a luxury… but how many people actually take the time? And of course, a visit to ‘The Spa’ can be an expensive endeavor, one that happens infrequently, if at all…

Aromatherapy HomeSpa treatments could be the answer you’re looking for… With various at HomeSpa treatments using aromatherapy-based products and accessories you can virtually create your own HomeSpa whenever you feel the need. In other words — “make every day … a day at the spa!”

Stem cell research here in the U. S. is limited to three criteria put in place by George W. Bush in the year 2001:

• The derivation process was initiated prior to 9:00 P.M. EDT on August 9, 2001.
• The stem cells must have been derived from an embryo that was created for reproductive purposes and was no longer needed.
• Informed consent must have been obtained for the donation of the embryo and that donation must not have involved financial inducements.

The uses of stem cells in other countries however, have been taking place with great success. Stem cell therapy Mexico, China and India has been applied to patients with such chronic diseases as, cardiac disease, Parkinsonism, rheumatoid arthritis, Autism, Diabetes, Multiple Sclerosis, Lupus, and even stroke and spinal chord injuries. Extensive research is also taking place abroad for the use of stem cells as an alternative cancer treatment. In Canada, stem cell therapy is currently being applied to high-performance race horses for the repair of torn and damaged tendons and ligaments with great success. In this case, the stem cells were retrieved from the bone marrow of the injured horse, isolated and expanded in a lab, and re-injected into the horse at the site of injury using ultrasound technology. This type of stem cell use shows great promise for human application. At the Biogenetics Institute in Mexico, stem cells for therapy are derived from umbilical chord blood and cultured with specific growth factors and nutrients according to the treatment requirements. Here, the medical team of physicians and health professionals participate in a wide variety of medical fields and are dedicated to working with patients and families living with chronic disease. Visit www.biogenetictreatment.com for more information on stem cells and their available applications.

It’s that time of year again where virus’ and bacteria’s run a-muck and play havoc on our bodies. The best time to start is now to prepare for the cold and flu season.

There is no magic bullet in creating a healthy immune system. The best place to start is eliminating junk foods and beverages from the diet. Adequate rest and moderate exercise are also important.

There are certain supplements that are known for preventing sickness or taken during sickness to speed up recovery. Some of these are echinacea, goldenseal, elderberry, ginseng, astragalus, mullein leaves, yerba santa leaves, parthenium root, capsicum fruit, yarrow, pau d’arco bark, and colloidal or ionized silver.

There are many immune building multiple’s that contain many of the supplements mentioned above. The trick is to start taking 2 a day in September and continue till spring. Those with severely compromised immune systems may need more. There are homeopathics that are popular this time of year such as, oscillococcinum. It is natures # 1 flu medicine. Silver water is a natural antibiotic. Wild Mediterranean oregano oil is famous for knocking out virus, bacteria and fungus.

60% of our immune system is in our “gut”, therefore it is important to maintain an adequate amount of “friendly bacteria”. Most people supplement with acidophilus and bifidophilus to achieve this, for the typical American diet, antibiotics and other prescription medications destroy these good bacteria.

Essential oils can also be used to enhance immunity. A disinfecting room mist can be made by taking a glass 4 oz. glass bottle with a sprayer and adding a total of 90 drops of each; rosemary, tea tree and peppermint essential oils and fill the rest with spring or distilled water. Shake 100 times and let it sit for 24 hrs before use.

It does take a substantial effort to build immunity and achieve optimum health but….you and your family are worth it!!!

In closing I would suggest to anyone that you take your time, do your research, analyze your health status or needs and then find the natural products to meet your needs. It something you can do for yourself, which leaves you with a very good understanding of your health care needs. Many people go through life relying solely on other people when it comes to their nutrition or health care needs. Their are many good articles on the web, which can be very helpful and informative to you.

This Article provided by Mike Comeau, is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always consult your doctor when seeking medical advice.

Children can develop a stammer at an early age and for the parents it can be a very worrying time. It is difficult to know what to do. Parents wonder if it is just an age thing or just a phase. They think about whether to take their child to some form of speech therapy, however worry that that might be an over-reaction.

I myself developed a stammer at the age of four or five. My mother had left work to look after me when I was born and I started to talk as normal. Everything was fine until I started school. My mother who now had more time on her hands decided to re-start work and I would now be going to a friend of the families after school. This friend was called Jean and she had a son my age called Graham. On the first day I spent at her house everything was going well until Jean called us in for our evening meal. Meal times at my own house were a very relaxed affair, we were able to eat our food wherever we wanted to in the house.

At Jean’s house they ate in a dining room around a dining table. There were a lot of people around the table who I did not know very well and eating in front of them all itself made me feel quite uncomfortable. During the meal people were asking me various questions and for whatever reason, I found it difficut to answer and started stammering. This was the first day of my life as a stammerer.

My parents a few months later took me to speech therapy, the speech therapist advised them that most children will grow out of stammering. I continued unfortunately to stammer until I was twenty two.

Stammering affected every decision I ever made and was constantly on my mind. Having a stammer made obtaining work, relationships and socialising very difficult and at times I became very depressed.

Stephen Hill

Let me firstly briefly outline my credentials.

I have been a practicing Hypnotherapist for 26 years and have, sometimes to my shame, done a fair amount of demonstration hypnosis to audiences, including hallucination hypnosis and altering a subject’s memory. I am principal and founder of The Robert shields College and have trained Hypnotherapists since 1986. I presently do the training through the Internet.

Here are brief explanations of the two types of the application of hypnosis I am writing about:

Stage Hypnosis:
Is a demonstration of the willingness of certain individuals to use hypnosis as an excuse to be the centre of attraction to a non-criticising audience. It is also a vehicle for a proclaimed hypnotist to stroke his own ego and to give the false impression that he is all powerful and in total control of those individuals I have just described.

Hypnotherapy:
On the other hand, a Hypnotherapist is an individual who for whatever reason, usually because of a need within his personality, to help other individuals in need of psychological help. A Hypnotherapist should be well versed in both the ethical use of hypnosis and a working knowledge of psychology, both of which are used to help his client towards a better life.

The Mechanics

How does a stage hypnotist appear to control his subjects? To answer that we have to become aware of what is actually happening some hours before and during his performance.

Here are the procedures that are typically applied before a hypnotist carries out his act:

1. Before the hypnotist appears on stage, he would have received a great deal of ‘positive and complimentary’ publicity. There should also be an entrance charge to his act, the higher the better. Reasons being that the publicity builds up an expectation of a powerful figure and when a fee is paid, it is an unconscious way of saying, ‘I believe the publicity’. In fact, those people who know themselves to be hypnotisable, are unconsciously expecting to be, and invariably will, be hypnotised.
2. On the actual night, the audience will be kept waiting to build up the ‘expectancy’ even more. Usually the proprietors of the establishment will continually mention that the hypnotist will appear later in the evening. This is in a way similar to the build up to a T.V. show when the floor manager and some well known comedians ‘prepare’ the audience minutes before the show. Also, it is common practice for the use of alcohol to be used to ‘free up the inhibitions’ by being available for at least a couple of hours before the show.
3. The appearance of the hypnotist will be to the sound of great applause – again building up the expectation and causing excitement. The personal attire of the hypnotist is usually black to give that ‘mystical’ appearance and to create the impression of power. This is not absolutely necessary if the performer is well known.
4. The hypnotist will then talk to the audience and further convince them that he is the powerful figure they were expecting who has the magical hypnotic powers expected of him. Usually the talk includes personal testimonials to his abilities.
5. Now to the performance. The hypnotist will always carry out a number of ‘suggestibility tests’ to establish who is highly suggestible within the audience. The tests are intended to produce a small number of people who respond readily to suggestions and who are either able to convince themselves they can be hypnotised or, are willing to do foolish things with the excuse of having no control over their actions due to being hypnotised.
6. The suggestibility tests are varied and numerous, an example being the ‘hand clasp’ test.
a. The audience is ‘asked’ to stand up (those that do are responding to an order (a suggestion) to do so) and then to hold their arms out in front of them. They are then instructed to clasp the hands together, intertwining their fingers (the hypnotist will demonstrate to ensure the instructions are followed exactly as that is very important).
b. The audience is then told that when the hypnotist counts up to a certain number, the hands will become stuck together (this is repeated at least three times in accordance with the ’laws of suggestion’) and on the final number the hypnotist will ask the audience to ‘try’ (this word ‘suggests’ that they cannot) to unclasp their hands. The harder they try (this is another law of suggestion – ‘the harder you try, the more difficult it becomes’) the more difficult it will become and they will find they cannot unclasp the hands, no matter ‘how hard’ they try. (Think of the ‘tight ropewalker’. The novice will try too hard and fall, whereas the experienced walker just takes it easy and succeeds)
7. As it is known that approximately 25% of the population is highly suggestible, in any audience there will be a number of people who will not be able to unclasp their hands. Sometimes a lot and sometimes very few.
8. Those people who cannot unclasp their hands are asked to remain standing (this is to ensure the hypnotist does not lose track of them and enables him to observe the ‘exhibitionists’ amongst them). Another suggestion is given to allow them to unclasp their hands, usually by simply telling them to relax their hands and on a given word such as ‘now’ they will be able to unclasp their hands. The reason their hands are clasped together is because they are tensing them and the simple act of relaxing enables them to unclasp, but the audience believes it is the power of the hypnotist at work.
9. Sometimes, the hypnotist will then carry out another ‘suggestibility test’ to lower the numbers of possible subjects. This is done mainly with large audiences.
10. The hypnotist will then ‘invite’ those people standing to go on to the stage and sit on chairs already placed in a line behind the hypnotist. The chairs will have already acted as a powerful suggestion as the audience will have seen them and ‘expected’ members of the audience to sit in them and be hypnotised.
11. Those of the audience who accept the invitation are in effect giving the hypnotist permission to do whatever he wants with them as they know what is to be expected.

However, there will always be those who pretend to by hypnotised or who simply want to make a fool of the hypnotist in front of their friends. But a good hypnotist will be well aware of this and look for signs that will weed out those problem makers.

For example, he may have a stooge in the audience who will secretly point out to him anyone who is misbehaving behind his back. Or, another possible sign is the audience laughing at something that is happening that the hypnotist does not see. So following the direction of the audience’s eyes, will tell him who is going to cause him problems and steel the limelight. Those people are quickly asked to return to their seats in the audience.

So on with the show. The hypnotist will then carry out his act appearing to hypnotise at will and getting his subjects to perform funny, but harmless acts in front of the audience.

It should be noted that NOBODY will respond to any form of SUGGESTION that is OBNOXIOUS or against his or her MORAL CONVICTIONS!

No stage hypnotist would risk his reputation by giving a suggestion to anyone knowing that that person would object to carrying it out. For example, it would be very risky to suggest to an attractive woman that she should physically take her clothes off. Ok, there are women who would gladly do that in front of an audience, but the hypnotist would not know that and would, therefore, avoid such a suggestion.

You will also note that religion is NEVER included in a stage hypnotist’s performance.

It should also be noted that in any audience, there are a small number of people who would be happy to go on stage and do silly things to get a laugh. Go to any holiday camp and you will see performers calling up on stage members of an audience and having them do silly things. There are clowns in every audience and the stage is a perfect vehicle for them, with or WITHOUT hypnosis as an excuse.

Genuine Hypnosis or Not!

So are those volunteers on the stage genuinely hypnotised. The answer is a ‘Yes’ and a ‘No’. Some are in such a deep trance that they are genuinely hypnotised. Those people usually cannot remember what they have done immediately after a show, but do remember as time passes by. (Of course, some people who do remember, say they do not because they want to ‘cover up their tracks’ with their friends and family).

Others will NOT be hypnotised, but pretend they are.

I watched a show once and one woman was certainly under hypnosis whereas there was a man who was obviously not. The hypnotist got only a few laughs from the woman and made full use of the man as he was willing to do virtually anything to raise a laugh.

It should be noted that an ethical hypnotist will always establish normality, at the end of his act, in his subjects, regardless of whether he believes it necessary or not.

Ok, enough about stage hypnosis and now to Hypnotherapy.

Now for the boring part of this article.

What does a Hypnotherapist do? He or she helps people to live a normal and happy life. The definition of ‘normal’ has to be left up to you for it is how you want to live your life that is normal.

A Hypnotherapist will be educated in both the application and use of hypnosis and also in the application of psychology in the form of psychotherapy.

Good Hypnotherapists have an arsenal of techniques and therapies at his or her disposal. The importance of recognising every client as an individual with his or her own personal characteristics, life experiences and most importantly ‘a way of dealing with problems’, cannot be emphasised enough.

Hypnotherapists are there to help and not to make a client feel foolish. An important requirement for any Hypnotherapist is a caring, kind and understanding nature. The need to help others is a bonus.

Also important is the training a Hypnotherapist receives. Any course taken MUST include the psychology aspect of treating clients. The reason simply being that a Hypnotherapist treats psychological problems and he or she must understand human behaviour. It is not necessary to hold a degree in psychology, but knowledge of most forms of psychology is important.

A typical treatment given by a Hypnotherapist would be:

1. A consultation when an overall assessment of a client’s problem is taken. The consultation must include questions on family background, medication, past illnesses and a host of other things. Near the end of the consultation, the Hypnotherapist may or may not include a short session of hypnosis to boost the client’s confidence in the therapy to be given.
2. On the next session the Hypnotherapist will then use an appropriate therapy. Sometimes it includes hypnosis and sometimes a non-hypnosis technique such as Guided Imagery. If the Hypnotherapist considers it appropriate, he or she may just use this session to talk through the problem.
3. Subsequent sessions are then conducted to bring about a solution to the client’s problem.

At no time would an ethical Hypnotherapist produce a situation where the client becomes reliant on the therapy of therapist. The goal of a Hypnotherapist is to guide the client towards self-reliance when he or she is in full control of the life he or she wants to lead.

Hypnotherapy can be used to treat almost, but not all, psychological ailments.

I hope the above helps you recognise the difference between what is perceived as stage hypnosis and Hypnotherapy. One entertains and is not what it appears to be and the other is used for healing.

Please note that in the above article I have used the male gender throughout, but this is for easy reading and does not exclude female hypnotists, or Hypnotherapists.

WHAT IS A SIMPLE?

A “simple” is one herb used at a time. A “simpler” is an herbalist who generally uses herbs one at a time, rather than in combinations.

WHY USE SIMPLES?

Most herbalists I have met – whether from China or Japan, Eastern or Western Europe, Australia or North America – use herbs in combinations. Simplers, like myself, don’t. Why?

Because I believe that herbal medicine is people’s medicine, I seek to make herbal medicine simple: as simple as one herb at a time. Because people worry about interactions between the drugs they take and herbs, I keep it simple: with simples, interactions are simple to observe, and simpler to avoid. Because empowerment in healthcare is difficult, I want to offer others easy, safe herbal remedies: and what could be easier, or safer, than a simple?

SIMPLES MAKE ME THINK

When I was just getting started with herbs, one thing that confounded me was the many choices I had when I began to match symptoms to the herbs that relieved them. If someone had a cough should I use garden sage or wild cherry bark or pine sap or mullein or coltsfoot (to name only a few of the many choices)? One way out of this dilemma was to use them all. I made many cough syrups that contained every anti-cough herb that I could collect. And they all worked.

As I got more sophisticated in my herbal usage, and especially after I completed a course on homeopathy, I began to see that each herb had a specific personality, a specific way of acting. I realized I couldn’t notice the individual actions of the herbs when they were combined.

It felt daring at first to use just one herb. Would wild cherry bark tincture all by itself be enough to quell that child’s cough? Yes! Would mullein infusion alone really reduce a person’s asthmatic and allergic reactions? Yes! Would sage soaked in honey for six weeks ease a sore throat? Yes! Each herb that I tried as a simple was successful. They all worked, not just together, but by themselves.

The more I used individual herbs the more I came to know them as individuals. The more I used simples, the simpler and more successful my remedies became. The more I used one herb at a time, the more I learned about how that herb worked, and didn’t work.

SIMPLES ARE INTIMATE

When we use one herb at a time, we come to know that herb, we become intimate with that herb. Just as we become intimate with each other by spending time one-on-one, tête-à-tête, simply together, we become closer to the herbs when we use them as simples.

Becoming intimate with an herb or a person helps us build trust. How reliable is the effect of this herb? When? How? Where does it fail? Using simples helps us build a web of green allies that we trust deeply. Simples help us feel more powerful. They help abate our fears, simply, safely.

SIMPLES ARE SUBTLE

Using one herb at a time gives us unparalleled opportunities to observe and make use of the subtle differences that are at the heart of herbal medicine. When we use simples we are more likely to notice the many variables that affect each herb: including where it grows, the years’ weather, how we harvest it, our preparation, and the dosage.1 The many variables within one plant insure that our simple remedy nonetheless touches many aspects of a person and heals deeply.

One apprentice tinctured motherwort flowering tops weekly through its blooming period. She reported that the tinctures made from the younger flower stalks had a stronger effect on the uterus; while those made from the older flower stalks, when the plant was going to seed, had a stronger effect on the heart.

SIMPLES GIVE ME POWER

Using one herb at a time helps me feel more certain that my remedy has an active value, not just a placebo value. Using one plant at a time, and local ones at that, reassures me that my herbal medicine cannot be legislated away. Using one plant at a time allows me to build trust in my remedies. Using one plant at a time is a subversive act, a reclaiming of simple healthcare.

Combinations erode my power, activate my “victim persona”, and lead me to believe that herbal medicine is best left to the experts.

FROM COMPLEX TO SIMPLE

Take the challenge! Use simples instead of complex formulae. Let’s rework some herbal remedies and get a sense of how simple it can be.

The anti-cancer formula Essiac contains Arctium lappa (burdock), Rheum palmatum (rhubarb), Ulmus fulva (slippery elm), and Rumex acetosella (sheep sorrel). Rhubarb root has no possible use against cancer; it is a purgative whose repeated use can “aggravate constipation”. Slippery elm bark also has no possible anti-cancer properties and has no doubt been added to counter some of the detrimental effects of the rhubarb. Sheep sorrel juice is so caustic that it has been used to burn off skin cancers, but it would likely do more harm to the kidneys than to any cancer if ingested regularly. Leaving us with a great anti-cancer simple: burdock root. One that I have found superbly effective in reversing dysplasias and pre-cancerous conditions.

A John Lust formula for relief of coughs2 contains Agropyron repens (witch grass), Pimpinella anisum (aniseed), Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice), Inula helenium (elecampane root), Pulmonaria officinalis (lungwort), Thymus species (thyme herb), (murillo bark)3, Chondrus crispus (irish moss), Lobelia inflata (lobelia herb). Witch grass has little or no effect on coughs; it is an emollient diuretic whose dismissal from this group would leave no hole. Anise seeds are also not known to have an anti-pertussive effect; although they do taste good, we can do without them. Lobelia can bring more oxygen to the blood, but is certainly not an herb I would ever add to a cough mixture, so I will leave it out here. Licorice is a demulcent expectorant that can be most helpful for those with a dry cough; however, I do use it for a variety of reasons, among them its exotic origins and its cloyingly sweet taste. Lungwort is, as its name implies, a pectoral, but its effect is rather mild, and its place in the Boraginaceae family gives me pause. How much pyrrolizidine alkaloid might it contain? Thyme, and its more common anti-cough cousin garden sage, contains essential oils that could both quiet a cough and counter infection in the throat. A strong tea or a tincture of either could be our simple. Irish moss is, a specific to soothe coughs and a nutritive in addition, would also make an excellent simple. But it is elecampane that I would crown. It is not only a specific to curb coughing, it counters infection well, and tonifies lung tissues. Several small doses of a tincture of elecampane root should quiet a cough in a few hours.

Simples are fun. Give them a try.

Footnotes:

1. Among the many variables, I have especially noticed that the tinctures that I make with fresh plants are many times more effective than tinctures made from dried plants. My elders tell me that preparations of common plants growing in uncommon places will be stronger as well. Many herbalists are aware of certain areas of their land that nurture plants that are particularly potent medicines.
2. John Lust. The Herb Book. 1974. Bantam.
3. Note that this formula, as is frequently the case, contains an “exotic” herb which Mr. Lust does not include in the 500+ herbs in his book, nor does he give us a botanical name for the plant, leaving us literally unable to prepare his formula as presented.