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Archive for May, 2010

Disorders of central nervous system

Multiple Sclerosis

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May 31, 2010 at 2:31 pm

Multiple Sclerosis, Multiple Herbs

Best Single Herb: Black currant oil

Best Combinations: Black currant oil; liquid chlorophyll; black walnut; germanium; skullcap; passion flower; horsetail; wild yam

Other Helpful Supplements: Vitamin E; B-complex; lecithin; cell salts; CoQ10; food enzymes; amino acids

Possible Causes: Stress; malnutrition; environmental toxicity; aspartame

Complementary Help: Undergo stress-reduction therapy; eat organic foods only; read Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill, by Udo Erasmus, and Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills, by Dr. Russell Blaylock

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic disease affecting the nervous system. The myelin sheaths that surround and protect the nerves become damaged, which affects the brain and spinal cord and impairs the function of all nerves involved. Unfortunately, I see more and more young people these days suffering from multiple sclerosis, but the good news is that I have also seen folks with multiple sclerosis recover and experience increasingly longer periods without relapse, thanks to herbal remedies and other nutritional supplements.

Multiple sclerosis affects different parts of the nerves and brain so symptoms are scattered and can vary. Symptoms generally include:

  • An unsteady gait Shaky hands or legs
  • Involuntary rapid movement of the eyes
  • Spasmodic weakness
  • Affected speech
  • Blurred vision due to inflammation of the nerves behind the eyes
  • Now let’s talk about some herbs that might help protect you from this disease.

Warnings about the use of herbs

Never use a cold footbath when afflicted with the mumps because the blood will be pushed upward. If the glands are swollen around the neck, they are protecting the brain from viral or bacterial infection. You do not want to do anything that forces the infection toward the head. Instead, use cold packs around the neck or swollen areas.

Black Currant Oil

Black currant oil is high in essential fatty acids, such as gamma linoleic acid (GLA). Research has shown that people suffering from degenerative diseases are low in these essential fatty acids, so gamma linoleic acid can help protect the immune system. Evening primrose oil has similar properties to black currant oil, but it contains only half the GLA. Flax seed oil and lecithin are also good sources of essential fatty acids, but they’re still not as rich in gamma linoleic acid as black currant oil.

Fatty acids are required to build up the myelin nerve sheaths, and this is why black currant oil can be your best single herb for multiple sclerosis. Essential fatty acids also build hormones, which are required for many biochemical processes and cellular communication.

Black currant oil has helped many and has been used for these conditions:

  • Allergies
  • Cancer
  • Candida
  • Eczema
  • Female disorders
  • Immunity
  • Mental and nervous system disorders
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Obesity
  • PMS
  • Skin ailments (all kinds)

Consider all foods and herbs that feed, support, and build the nervous system if you have multiple sclerosis. Vitamin E aids circulation and serves as an antioxidant, B-complex vitamins feed the brain and nervous system, and lecithin, cell salts, CoQ10, amino acids, and food enzymes have all been helpful supplements. Other helpful herbs besides black currant oil include liquid chlorophyll, black walnut, germanium, skullcap, passion flower, horsetail, and wild yam.

Other Multiple Sclerosis Considerations

Because the cause of the myelin sheath damage remains unknown, avoid the things that are rumored to be possible causes, even if it is not yet proven scientifically. For instance, several reports on aspartame (more commonly known as Equal or NutriSweet®, a chemical ingredient used to sweeten many sugarless foods and drinks) link the substance to a myriad of symptoms and illnesses including multiple sclerosis, nerve damage, brain lesions, brain tumors, headaches, depression, black-outs, forgetfulness, and other central nervous system disorders. For more information on this and other food additives, read the book Excitotoxins, The Taste That Kills, by Dr. Russell Blaylock.

Eliminating all potential toxins going into your body can eliminate the source of what could be causing your problem. Some pesticides are known to be toxic to the nervous system, so search out organic foods whenever possible to keep potentially harmful pesticides out of your system.

Stress-reduction therapies should be incorporated into your life if you suffer from MS. Activities such as swimming, yoga, massage, reflexology, and other bodywork done weekly will help keep your nerves from overreacting and may help slow the damage in the nervous system.

Herb Lore: information related to holistic health

Aspartame is a chemical substance that contains 10 percent of a toxic substance called methanol. Methanol is an accumulative poison, meaning that it cannot leave the body and will build up to toxic amounts in the system. Maybe the company who produces these products slipped this past the FDA by affirming that the P450 enzymes in the liver can, in fact, break down methanol. But maybe they forgot to mention that the liver breaks down methanol and turns it into formaldehyde! Formaldehyde is another toxic substance used to embalm the dead! Tip: Try the sweet herb stevia instead.

Infectious And Parasitic Diseases | Tags:

Mumps

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May 29, 2010 at 2:21 pm

Mumps: One Mump or Two?

Best Single Herb: Mullein

Best Combinations: Mullein; lobelia; white oak bark; echinacea, golden seal; garlic

Other Helpful Supplements: Vitamin C

Possible Cause: Exposure

Complementary Help: Mullein, lobelia, and white oak bark fomentations; hot footbaths

Mumps is a common childhood viral infection characterized by swelling of the glands in the neck, fever, headache, and sometimes vomiting. The affected person usually feels sick for three to five days but remains infectious until the swelling of the glands has completely gone away.

If you did not have mumps as a child, catching the illness in adulthood is more serious and needs to be treated immediately. Mumps in adults can cause sterility in men. Some children get the mumps even when they have been vaccinated against it, but you can still help your child with some herbal remedies.

Mullein: Good to the Last Mump

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is a common herb that’s also quite recognizable. This herb grows up to eight feet tall and has stalks that are conical in shape. It has small, yellow flowers that bloom a few at a time and sit close to the stalk. Mullein can be found along most roadsides where it is dry, warm, and open and where the soil has been disturbed. In a pinch, a dried stalk of mullein dipped in pine pitch may be lit and used as a torch.

Native Americans used to smoke the dried leaves of this plant for relief of coughs. The tea also can be drunk, or an infusion can be made and applied to the chest to help break up mucus congestion quickly.

Herb Lore: information related to holistic health

Native American women used to drink mullein tea to temporarily arrest their menstrual periods. Women who were “on their moon” (as the menstrual bleeding time was referred to), were thought to be closer to the spirit world at that time. The spiritual activity thought to be surrounding the woman at this time was believed to distract from the concentration of the medicine man and others during ceremonies. Therefore, the women could not (and in traditional tribes still cannot) take part in ritualistic ceremonies such as dances, sweat lodges, and other healing ceremonies during this time. Therefore, mullein came in handy since it offered women some control over their periods.

That’s all nice and fine, but what can it do for the mumps, you ask? Historically, mullein has been used internally to treat mumps because of its affinity for the glands. You can take it or administer it internally to help with any childhood illness because it is a safe and mild herb. Apply a cooled fomentation of a mixture of mullein, lobelia, and white oak bark externally directly over the swollen lymph glands.

Mullein also has an affinity for the sinuses and can break up congestion. The herb is very soothing to the mucus membranes, which makes it useful for dry, hot, irritated, and hacking coughs. Think of mullein for any type of chest or glandular afflictions.

Speed Mumps

Of course, with any illness due to viral infection, you will want to keep the immune system boosted to help you prevent and recover from the illness. As always, golden seal, echinacea, vitamin C, and garlic are all good remedies taken internally to help fight infections and are all safe for children.

If you have any fomentation left from the previously mentioned remedy, add it to a hot footbath. The heat will bring the blood away from the upper body and down to the feet and may help reduce swelling of those mumps lumps.

Pregnancy | Tags:

Morning Sickness

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May 27, 2010 at 2:14 pm

Morning Sickness: Usurping the Problem Early

Best Single Herb: Red raspberry

Best Combinations: Ginger; peppermint; red raspberry; red beet, yellow dock, red raspberry, chickweed, burdock, nettle, mullein; psyllium hulls (for constipation)

Other Helpful Supplements: B-complex; calcium/magnesium

Possible Causes: Constipation; stressed liver

Complementary Help: Peppermint oil dabbed on tongue

Morning sickness occurs due to pregnancy and is usually caused by a toxic system, especially a stressed or overburdened liver. If you haven’t had a chance to do some internal cleansing before you conceived, you will not be able to cleanse now, but remember to do so if you have a chance before the next child. In the meantime, let’s take a look at some safe herbal remedies during pregnancy.

Red Raspberry: Come to Mama

The leaves of the red raspberry bush (Rubis idaeus) are used as a tonic to strengthen the reproductive organs in both men and women. The fruit of the bush is used in jams, jellies, and wines, and you can take red raspberry leaves as a tea or in pill form. This herb is safe for use in pregnancy.

In contrast to pennyroyal, red raspberry serves as an anti-abortifacient, meaning that it prevents miscarriage. Red raspberry has been used to regulate hormones, as a tonic for the uterus, and also to tone the uterus after birth. The toning effect may be helpful for the prostate gland in men also. Some women have used red raspberry to correct infertility, aid labor, and ease muscle cramps and afterpains.

Terms related to herbs or holistic health

Anti-abortifacient is an herbal property meaning that an herb may prevent miscarriage during pregnancy.

Red raspberry also nourishes breast milk and is rich in magnesium, iron, and niacin. It provides vitamin C and manganese, both which may help tone the abdominal wall and make labor less painful. This herb seems to have been made just for women who want to be moms!

Warnings about the use of herbs

Use great caution if you decide to pick red raspberry leaves yourself. Two species, Rubus idaeus and Rubus strigosus, prevent miscarriage, but there are other varieties of red raspberry bushes that are known to promote abortion! Again, please use great caution whenever wildcrafting.

Ginger: Not Just Found on Gilligan’s Island

Ginger will be highlighted again in the next chapter under nausea and motion sickness because it is one of the best, well-known, and most effective herbal remedies used to combat the problem. In moderate quantities, ginger is also a safe herb used by women with morning sickness. You can buy ginger root in candied form and chew on a small piece if you start to feel sick to your stomach; this has been a godsend to many moms over the years.

About overcoming an ailment with herbs

Some women use the leaf of the red raspberry topically as a tonic rinse for dark hair. It also can be gargled to help heal mouth sores. To make either of these, use an infusion (tea). In addition, because red raspberry is drying and toning, it makes an effective and safe remedy in a liquid form when given to infants who have diarrhea.

If your liver is a problem, or if you tend to be anemic (low red blood count), you can nourish your body with herbs that are rich in iron. Plant forms of iron include red beet, yellow dock, red raspberry, chickweed, burdock, nettle, and mullein. A dab of peppermint oil on your tongue can stop you from feeling sick almost right away, and peppermint tea or peppermint candy has also been used to beat nausea over the years.

Warnings about the use of herbs

Make sure that constipation is not your issue — constipation can not only cause nausea, but it also can give you a headache. See “Herbs Are Not Just for Hippies Anymore,” to find safe herbs useful for constipation during pregnancy and nursing.

Disorders of central nervous system | Tags:

Migraine

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May 24, 2010 at 2:03 pm

Migraines and Feverfew

Migraine Headaches

Best Single Herb: Feverfew

Best Combinations: Feverfew; rose hips, barberry, dandelion, fennel, red beet, horseradish, parsley (supports liver and digestion)

Other Helpful Supplements: B-complex with extra niacin; food enzymes

Possible Cause: Dehydration; poor digestion; food allergies; constipation; spinal misalignment; hormonal imbalance; stressed liver

Complementary Help: Support digestion; cleanse the bowel; seek chiropractic care; undergo acupuncture; drink water; avoid trigger foods (red wine, cheese, caffeine, MSG)

Migraines do not need to be explained to you if you have ever had one; these excruciating headaches can incapacitate an individual. When a migraine occurs, blood vessels in the head that were normally constricted open up, and the pressure of the blood in the vessels causes pain. Loss of vision, hallucinations, and loss of motor control (such as speech) can also be inhibited or temporarily lost. You can usually tell when a migraine is developing because you may see a show of colored lights before your eyes, feel spaced out, and may experience sensitivity to bright light at the onset.

Migraines can be triggered by a host of factors, so it is good to learn which factors may be causing yours. A medical doctor told me years ago that a migraine is actually a virus, which is why they tend to come back again and again. I have found migraines to be associated with food allergies and imbalanced hormones. So, finding out what is triggering this virus in the first place will help you know what to do — or what not to do — to avoid them in the first place. Keep a daily diary of your foods, drinks, and whatever goes into your mouth, along with a record of when you experience migraines. This will help you understand what might be your triggering factors. Keeping your immune system strong is always a good idea to suppress a virus, too.

These are some possible causes or triggers of migraine headaches:

  • Foods, in their order of most common triggers to less frequent include: dairy products, wheat, chocolate, eggs, oranges, tomatoes, corn, coffee. I have also noted yellow cheese, wine, cola, and alcohol to be triggers. (I know, all your favorites, right?)
  • Poor digestion (due to food intolerance, food allergies, and other allergens or constipation).
  • Hormonal imbalance (these tend to occur just before a period or during pregnancy).
  • Liver stress (due to hormonal imbalance, other glandular problems, poor eating habits, or alcohol).
  • Stress.
  • Hypoglycemia.
  • Dehydration.

Caffeine can trigger migraines because, with consistent use, this drug tightens the blood vessels. When the caffeine wears off, blood vessels may begin to relax to their normal position, causing pressure in the head — this pressure causes the migraine. Because of caffeine’s ability to restrict blood vessels, however, coffee is used therapeutically in hospital emergency rooms to counteract the pain of migraines.

About overcoming an ailment with herbs

If you are a daily coffee drinker, slowly eliminate caffeine from your diet so that you can avoid a possible painful migraine.

Read the section “Headaches: It’s All in Your Head” if you are not sure whether your pain is a migraine or a headache. If you know what is triggering your migraines, you can herbally prevent them from coming on again. The first herb that comes to mind when dealing with migraines should be feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium), a pretty little daisy-like flowering herb that has a wonderful reputation with past migraine suffers. Feverfew serves as an anti-inflammatory and an anti-spasmodic, and it even can serve as an insect repellent.

Apply an infusion made from feverfew to the head to help ease headaches, migraines, and fevers — in fact, feverfew got its name from its use for relieving fevers. Most migraines are accompanied by a slight rise in temperature, so feverfew may help in this area also.

About overcoming an ailment with herbs

It is best to use feverfew in a pill form, although it may take consistent use for at least a week for it to work preventatively for you. In rare cases, feverfew taken in a tea can cause mouth sores if used over a long period or in large quantities.

Most of my clients have used one concentrated capsule or four to six regular capsules of feverfew daily for migraine prevention — and more if they suspect a migraine coming on. So far, I have heard only success stories when a quality product is used; the feverfew stopped the migraines before they came. The leaves of the feverfew plant are used medicinally to improve circulation, feed the nervous system, and help with tinnitus and dizziness. Feverfew seems to have an affinity for the head and is useful for ailments in this area.

For other causes of migraines, such as liver stress, constipation, food allergies, indigestion, and hormonal imbalances, see the remedies listed under these ailments elsewhere in this book. You also may want to try acupuncture, reflexology, and chiropractic work for relief. Add a daily B-complex vitamin, along with a calcium and magnesium supplement and 400 IUs of vitamin E to feed the circulatory and nervous systems.

Diseases of genitourinary system

Menstrual Disorder

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May 21, 2010 at 1:44 pm

Menstrual Problems, Balancing on Your Cycle

Menstrual Irregularity/Late

Best Single Herb: Pennyroyal

Best Combinations: Black cohosh, squawvine, dong quai, butcher’s broom, red raspberry; ginger; licorice root; evening primrose oil

Other Helpful Supplements: Vitamin E

Possible Cause: Stress; glandular imbalance; anorexia

Complementary Help: Reflexology; acupuncture

Menstruation can be viewed as your body’s monthly house cleaning. Each month, the body prepares the uterus while the ovaries are busy preparing an egg with the anticipation of attracting the best sperm and creating new life. If no lucky sperm make the grade, the lining of the uterus is shed and the process repeats again.

There are three important stages during this cycle which include:

  • Actual menstruation: This is the three to seven days of your period, when the uterus is shedding its lining. This is when all your hormone levels drop. You can use this time as a time of rest, for gentle exercise like walking, and clean eating (less fats and sugar) to help your entire body get the most from this cleansing time.
  • The follicular phase: After your period is the time when your body is being prompted by hormones to produce eggs in the ovaries. At this time, estrogen levels begin to build and reach a peak. This is a time when your immune system strengthens in order to rid the body of germs and prepare for new life. (Note that some women become compelled to enthusiastically scrub their homes just before baby is due!) During the last part of this stage, is the time when most women feel their best and strongest (just before ovulation), skin tends to clear, and sexual urges rise. Nature designed this for the female to be better able to attract her mate just at the right time for fertility — isn’t that cool?
  • The luteal phase: This is the time when the produced egg leaves the ovary on its journey to the uterus. This is the time when progesterone takes over to prep the lining of the uterus to support a growing fetus. At this time, the immune system drops so that the potential sperm and (hopefully) fertilized egg can do their thing without being attacked by the immune system. If no sperm happens to show, the body goes back to the next phase, menstruation, and the cycle continues.

Terms related to herbs or holistic health

Epimenorrhea is a period that comes in shorter than normal intervals.

Amenorrhea is an absence of menstruation (other than pregnancy) caused by a host of factors, including glandular abnormalities, diabetes, mental illness, anorexia, stress, and excessive exercise.

Menorrhagia is abnormally heavy bleeding at menstruation.

Dysmenorrhea is a painful period that can lead to nausea, vomiting, and fainting.

Menstrual problems are frustrating and include all the symptoms of PMS, irregularity in the cycle, late periods or no periods (amenorrhea), periods that come too frequently (epimenorrhea), periods that are heavy and may last too long (menorrhagia), and painful periods (dysmenorrhea).

If you have any of these problems, you should get a check-up and find out what is causing the irregularities or pain. Endometriosis and other abnormal growths, pregnancy, and hormonal imbalances and anorexia can all be factors.

Warnings about the use of herbs

Consider sanitary napkins instead of tampons. Some doctors and holistic practitioners recommend against tampons and believe that blocking the natural flow and release of dead cells may be a factor in endometriosis and other female-related disorders. See for herbal help with endometriosis and PMS.

In this section, we will focus on herbs for you ladies who are not pregnant but that need a little herbal help to bring on a late period (amenorrhea).

Pennyroyal for That Womanly Period

Pennyroyal (Hedeoma pulegioides), or the more potent version from Europe (Mentha pulegium), is an herb that is hard to find. Because of its possible misuse, many manufacturers will not offer it to the consumer. Pennyroyal is an abortifacient, which means that it should never be taken while pregnant because it may cause the mother to abort a fetus.

Terms related to herbs or holistic health

Abortifacient is an herbal property meaning that an herb may cause miscarriage — therefore, an abortifacient herb is never suggested during pregnancy.

If you are a generally healthy woman, however, pennyroyal can be effective in bringing on a late period. Others have used the herb after giving birth to help the delivery of the placenta (known as the afterbirth). Just a little pennyroyal also may lessen the cramps and bloating associated with menstruation. In this case, a penny goes a long way!

Pennyroyal should also be noted for its use in getting rid of bugs and pests. This herb is one of the most powerful bug repellents and seems to be effective against a wide range of bugs.

Here are some uses of pennyroyal as a bug repellent:

  • The plant itself has been grown in pots or flower beds surrounding porches to repel mosquitoes. Because of this, it has also been commonly known as mosquito plant.
  • Used externally, the essential oil repels mosquitoes, fleas, and flies.
  • The dried herb can be made into a sachet and put in with wool clothing to repel moths.
  • The dried herb, burned for incense, can also serve as a great repellent.
  • The plant has been rubbed directly on the skin not only as a bug repellent but also for the relief of poison oak or poison ivy rashes.

Warnings about the use of herbs

Pennyroyal should be taken only in situations where a period is overdue due to stress. Pennyroyal may cause you to abort a fetus or can bring on hemorrhaging if taken when pregnant or if you have a weak uterus. Never take pennyroyal during pregnancy or if you are planning a pregnancy.

Again, remember to avoid any applications of pennyroyal — whether internal or external — if you are pregnant.

Hormonal Helpers

For other female problems, see the associated chapters: PMS; endometriosis; infertility. For irregular periods, take vitamin E to help increase fertility and bring more oxygen into the blood; licorice root has helped some of my menopausal clients rid themselves of hot flashes. Licorice root nourishes adrenals, regulates menstruation, and helps the body to release excess water retention. Sip ginger root tea to help promote the menstrual flow once

you do get your period. Dong quai has come to the rescue for many women and is used to regulate periods, ease PMS, help menopausal symptoms, nourish female glands, calm nervousness, expel retained placenta after birth, reduce hot flashes, and eliminate anemia.

Evening primrose oil has also been a saving grace for many women with raging hormones, has been used to help regulate periods, eases PMS symptoms, aids skin and hair health, and boosts the immune system. Try taking up to six evening primrose capsules daily 7 to 10 days before your period is due. Stay consistent. You will need to give your herbal hormonal helpers at least a few months to be able to correctly evaluate if your cycle is becoming regular. Patience and experimentation will be needed unless you are working with a holistic practitioner who can help guide you, of course.

About overcoming an ailment with herbs

Reflexology or acupuncture can release blocked energy, induce relation, and balance the glands. Reflexology has always helped me balance my own cycle, and frequently my female clients will get their period after their reflexology appointments.

Infectious And Parasitic Diseases

Measles

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May 19, 2010 at 1:43 pm

Measles: No Measly Solution

Measles (Rubeola or Rubella)

Best Single Herb: Boneset

Best Combinations: Echinacea, golden seal; boneset; safflowers; liquid chlorophyll; marshmallow, fenugreek; slippery elm; yarrow

Other Helpful Supplements: Beta carotene; vitamin C

Possible Cause: Exposure

Complementary Help: Thyme fomentations; garlic and catnip enema; Oregon grape used externally; eucalyptus diffused in a room

Measles is typically a childhood illness, caused by a contagious virus. The symptoms include a rash that lasts about three to five days, a cough, a fever, and sometimes small red spots with white centers on the inside of the mouth.

This illness usually lasts a short time, but you should take care of yourself for at least a week after you recover to ensure that you avoid further complications from the illness. An inner ear infection or other ailments of the respiratory tract can sometimes follow a measles outbreak. Read the section “Allergies Bee Gone,” to find some great herbs that will help dry up sinus passages. Also see the section “Colds: A Cure for All Seasons,” for some herbs that will soothe an irritated throat. For some herbs to recover from measles right now, read on.

Were You Vaccinated?

Most of us already have experienced measles in childhood, whether we were vaccinated against it or not. However, exposure to this usually mild infection, through exposure to someone contagious with the measles, will usually ensure lifetime immunity so that you don’t have to experience the problem again.

The vaccine against measles is not necessarily 100 percent protection against the virus, nor is it necessarily the reason for the eradication of the disease. Here are some interesting facts:

  • The death rate from measles declined by 95 percent from 1916 to 1958. Note that this occurred years before the introduction of the vaccine.
  • More than 95 percent of measles cases have a history of vaccination, according to Dr. William Atkinson of the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
  • In Hungary, between December 1988 and May 1989 there were 19,000 cases of measles; 77 percent of these cases were found in people age 17 to 21 who had already received the live measles vaccine.

About overcoming an ailment with herbs

If you have been exposed to the measles in any way whatsoever, you should begin taking your herbal remedies right away. You’ll boost your immune system and lessen the severity of your symptoms if and when you do catch the disease.

Whether you were vaccinated against measles or not, you can still utilize the same herbal remedies to help you recover. Let’s take a look at an old remedy, boneset.

Boneset, for Bone-Breaking Aches and Pains

The herb boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) got its name back in the days of the Civil War, when it was used against the flu named breakbone fever. The muscle aches and pains were so severe with this flu that folks believed their bones would break! Boneset helped ease these fever-related pains and earned its name as it did so. It is said that boneset was also used in place of quinine during this time to fight malaria. You can still use boneset to fight the discomfort of the measles and other illness such as the flu.

Boneset works as a diaphoretic (it pushes out fever) and an expectorant (it pushes out mucus); it also resists bacteria and viral infections and helps reduce the muscle pain associated with fevers. Make boneset into a tea or decoction and drink warm to help with fever. The energetic effect seems to change with this herb if taken in a liquid form. For instance, herbalists will tell you to take boneset warm for its diaphoretic effect (making you sweat to break a fever). But if you are chilled and shaking with a fever, boneset is more effective taken as a chilled tea or infusion. Of course, if you take the herb in a pill form or mixed with other herbs, you bypass these specifics.

Warnings about the use of herbs

Boneset is also an emetic, which means that too much can make you sick. Take only small amounts of this herb at a time, or take it in combination with other herbs historically known to help with colds, flu, and other respiratory ailments.

Other herbs to boost the immune system that are safe for children as well as adults include echinacea and golden seal, safflowers, liquid chlorophyll, marshmallow and fenugreek, slippery elm, and yarrow. Beta carotene and vitamin C both can boost the immune system as well.

Make a fomentation of thyme and apply topically to the rash or use for a sponge bath to help break fever. Garlic and catnip enemas are helpful in fighting infections in little ones and also help reduce mucus in the system. In addition, you can swab Oregon grape onto internal mouth sores to aid in healing.

The essential oil of eucalyptus diffused in a room can help protect others from airborne viruses spread by the coughing, infectious person.

About overcoming an ailment with herbs

If estrogen levels become too high during the follicular phase, women may experience PMS. The liver is responsible for filtering out excess estrogen — consider milk thistle to aid liver functioning. Also avoid fats in the diet, which can raise estrogen levels, avoid sugar, which can affect the blood sugar and make you irritable, and avoid salt, which can make you retain excess water.

Infectious And Parasitic Diseases | Tags:

Lyme Disease

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May 17, 2010 at 1:27 pm

Lyme Disease: Ticking You Off

Best Single Herb: Suma

Best Combinations: Liquid chlorophyll; suma, astragalus, Siberian ginseng, ginkgo biloba, gotu kola; Oregon grape; (IGSII) parthenium, golden seal, yarrow, capsicum (infection-fighting); echinacea; garlic

Other Helpful Supplements: Antioxidants; grape seed/pine bark extract; vitamin C; activated charcoal

Possible Causes: Tick and flea bites (check bedding, pets, carpets, and so on)

Complementary Help: Drinking copious amounts of water drinking (with chlorophyll added); prevention

Lyme disease is caused by spiral bacteria that is carried by ticks. A tick bite spreads the disease, which is characterized by a skin rash, aching muscles and joints, headaches, fever, fatigue, sore throat, and if not treated right away, may lead to arthritis, and sometimes even inflammation of the brain or heart.

About overcoming an ailment with herbs

Lyme disease is most common during tick season, from April to November. Doesn’t leave you with much safe hiking time for harvesting herbs now, does it? Use caution when hiking, and wear long sleeves, pants, and a cap; check yourself and partner occasionally for crawling ticks.

Symptoms vary per person, and, unfortunately, many times symptoms appear weeks after the actual tick bite has healed. Usually this disease is treated with antibiotics. If a tick has bitten you, watch your bite for a rash that resembles a bull’s eye radiating out from the bite. This bull’s eye appears as a red circular spot and can expand in size to 20 inches in diameter. If you see this rash appear, head for the doctors to get it checked.

A Brief History of Lyme

Ticks that normally feast on deer are the ticks that carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. The condition was named after the town of Old Lyme, Connecticut (nice to name a disease after your town, don’t you think?), where Lyme disease was first identified. Some believe the continual encroaching of real estate developments into wildlife habitats is to blame for these new types of diseases. But if you are an outdoor lover, don’t fret — you can use herbs as tick repellents to help prevent a bite in the first place (“B Well,” for more on bites and stings).

Terms related to herbs or holistic health

Adaptogenic herbs are herbs that help the body adapt to stress. These include herbs such as ginseng, suma, astragalus, reishi mushroom, spikenard, and schizandra.

To help fight off infections of any sort, use parthenium, golden seal, yarrow, and a pinch of capsicum as a catalyst. Echinacea and garlic are also well-known infection fighters; take garlic before going out for prevention.

To detoxify after being bit, take four to six capsules of activated charcoal to help stop the spread of poison in the blood. Wash them down with two teaspoons of liquid chlorophyll in a large glass of water. If you are bitten by any questionable bug, take antioxidant vitamins, grape seed or pine bark extract, lots of vitamin C, Oregon grape, and any adaptogenic herbs you might have on hand (such as suma), to help your body cope with the stressful side effects of infection.

Suma: Wrestling with Lyme Disease

When you think Suma, do you think sumo wrestling? Well, wipe that vision of a big black thong out of your mind’s eye, and let’s get back to business! Suma is an adaptogenic herb that can help the body recover from illnesses such as Lyme disease. This herb also has been called Amazon or Brazilian ginseng, and in Spanish it has been referred to as “para todo,” which means “for everything.”

Suma can help get you back on your feet by helping to regulate sugar balance, acting as an aphrodisiac, and serving an immune stimulant. One herbalist claims that it helps fight the virus responsible for Epstein-Barr, and some recent Japanese research insinuates that suma may inhibit some cancer cells.

Herb Lore: information related to holistic health

Suma contains a plant component known as germanium, which is concentrated in plants and has an ability to transport heavy metals from the body, helping the body to detoxify and oxygenate. This information is based on studies from Japanese doctor Kazuhiko Asai, who researches organic forms of germanium. Germanium has been used for treating cancer by inhibiting the spread of cancer cells, improve circulation by inhibiting the blood, and boost the immune system by stimulating the production of interferon.

Metabolic and immunity disorders

Lupus

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May 15, 2010 at 1:08 pm

Lupus: Jumpin’ Through Loops for Herbs

Best Single Herb: Elecampane

Best Combinations: Elecampane; black walnut; Essiac tea; suma; red clover; licorice root; alfalfa; una de gato; grape seed/pine bark extract; barley grass juice powder, wheat grass juice powder, asparagus, astragalus, broccoli, cabbage, ganoderma, parthenium, schizandra, Siberian ginseng, myrrh, pau d’arco; garlic

Other Helpful Supplements: CoQ10; food enzymes; antioxidants, calcium/magnesium with vitamin D

Possible Causes: Candida/parasite infection; environmental poisoning; emotional issues; leak in silicone breast implants; dental work

Complementary Help: Bowel cleansing; dental consultation; juiced barley and wheat grass drunk daily

Lupus is a general term used to describe any of several chronic skin diseases. When used alone, it usually refers to tuberculosis (TB) of the skin.

The three types of lupus conditions are:

1. Lupus erythematosus: This chronic inflammation of connective tissue affects the skin and internal organs. Symptoms include a red, scaly rash on the face; arthritis; and kidney damage. Considered an autoimmune disease, this type of lupus occurs more often in women.

2. Lupus verrucosus: This is a tuberculosis infection of the skin, with symptoms of warty lesions on the arms or hands. This happens to people who have had tuberculosis before and have become reinfected.

3. Lupus vulgaris: This infection of the skin can spread and cause ulcers and severe scarring. Children who have been given a tuberculosis inoculation usually suffer this type of lupus caused directly by the injection.

Terms related to herbs or holistic health

An autoimmune disease is a disease in which the body attacks itself when the immune system (antibodies) is over-stimulated. Some autoimmune diseases include lupus, pernicious anemia, rheumatic fever, and Hashimoto’s disease.

Elecampane

Warnings about the use of herbs

Elecampane should not be taken when pregnant or breast-feeding. It is too strong an herb and can make baby “purge” through vomiting or diarrhea.

Elecampane (Inula heminum) is one of many herbs I would take if I were suffering from lupus. Add elecampane for its high content of anti-amoebic compounds, compounds that kill or repel bacteria and parasites. If lupus is brought on by a parasitic infection, elecampane is one herb that has a great reputation as a powerful internal cleanser.

In the Middle Ages, elecampane — a yellow herb resembling the daisy and also referred to as wild sunflower — was used as medicine and by veterinarians to treat animals and rid them of parasites. It is helpful in ailments of the respiratory tract and has analgesic (pain-reducing) properties.

The Bigger Picture

Because lupus is a disease of the immune system, it will be helpful to alleviate extra stress in your life while you recover. Stress can suppress your immunity, and this includes the physical stress of digesting solid foods. An herbal supplement can help take the energy out of digestion by supplying the enzymes necessary to break down cooked foods. Calcium, magnesium, and vitamin D supplements may prove useful to feed the structural system, and antioxidants can supply your body with what it needs to help protect your cells from free radical damage.

Of course, you will need to do some investigating to find out what may have triggered your lupus and what may be aggravating the problem. Here are my suggestions:

  • Fibromyalgia: I suggest reading the section “Fibromyalgia: What a Pain!,” for some other suggestions on helping your body. Fibromyalgia is also a condition in which the body is attacking itself, although not at such an advanced level as is experienced with lupus.
  • Parasites/fungus: Read the sections “Fungus Among Us?” and “Parasites: Dealing with Uninvited Guests”. Many herbalists believe this can be the core issue causing lupus. Do some research on parasites in humans, and ask your doctor to test you for any and all possible parasite infections.
  • Dental work: Speak to your holistic dentist regarding any dental work that you suspect could have an influence on your immune system.
  • Breast implants: Consider problems with a silicone leak if you have breast implants.
  • Environmental causes: Think about exactly when your symptoms started. Try to remember what changed in your environment up to two years before your symptoms started. This will give you clues to seeking an answer. If you suspect environmental allergies, see “A Is for Ailment,” and read Poisoning Our Children, by Nancy Sokol Green (The Noble Press, Inc.).

Herb Lore: information related to holistic health

Lupus means “wolf.” It was named this because of the characteristic butterfly-like rash that appears like on the face resembling that of a wolfs markings.

Diseases of musculoskeletal system

Cramps

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May 12, 2010 at 9:50 am

Leg Cramps Cramping Your Style?

Legs, Cramps, Twitches

Best Single Herb: Dulse

Best Combinations: Kelp, dulse, watercress, wild cabbage, horseradish, horsetail

Other Helpful Supplements: Magnesium; trace mineral supplement; calcium

Possible Cause: Mineral imbalance

Complementary Help: Stretch daily, exercise lightly

Leg cramps can be caused by overexertion of the muscles. Sometimes I will get a cramp in my foot or leg when I am wearing a heeled shoe all day; when I get to bed, my foot or leg will begin to cramp (to get me back I suppose). But some folks who don’t wear high heels are still affected by this condition.

Sometimes a cramp or twitch is due to a muscle that has been overworked or stretched improperly. This can happen by any of the following:

  • Utilizing free weights or exercise equipment incorrectly
  • Overexertion in any activity
  • Sitting incorrectly at a desk all day while working
  • Repetitive movements over long periods of time
  • Spinal misalignment while doing any activity

Other than overexertion and occasional cramping, ongoing problems with leg cramps or twitches can indicate a mineral imbalance, usually due to a deficiency of at least one mineral. All minerals work to keep each other in balance and need to be in proper quantities to function correctly. For instance, iron is a mineral that is antagonistic to calcium, which means that calcium can inhibit or suppress the complete absorption of iron in the body. Therefore, taking a calcium supplement and an iron supplement at different times of the day is best. (That’s another reason to rely on herbs to give you the right balance of these minerals.) Leg cramps commonly occur during pregnancy, when the fetus is utilizing many nutrients, so Mom should take more, too.

Warnings about the use of herbs

Pay attention to recurring muscle pains, cramps, or spasms because this could be your body’s way of warning you that you are overworking your muscles. It could also indicate a mineral imbalance, which can be corrected nutritionally.

Do They Call You Thumper?

Leg or other muscle twitches are caused by involuntary spasms. These can happen anywhere in the body, including the hands and shoulders, or under your eyes. My husband thinks that when I say something important and my eye twitches, that means I am thinking more than what I’m saying. Some superstitious folks believe that a twitch in your eye is a sure sign that you’re lying — I think it’s a sign of mineral imbalance or nervous system depletion.

I once had a client who asked for some help for his twitching leg. His e-mail explained that as soon as he was getting ready to fall asleep each night, his leg would begin twitching uncontrollably! This twitching would aggravate him and keep him awake.

I was amused at his symptom because I couldn’t help getting the visual image of a dog shaking its leg when it’s tickled. When I realized that this person had a sense of humor, I also couldn’t refrain from addressing him as “Thumper.” Thumper went along with this name game while he began to take an herbal trace mineral supplement along with an herbal combination that would soothe his nervous system to help him relax.

Thumper says he put some of the liquid supplements in his bowl, lapped ‘em right up, and slept like a baby that very first night! He told me that he didn’t know anything about herbs and that he might have been “barking up the wrong tree” by consulting me, but so far he has seen results. All kidding aside, since he has taken his herbs, he has not reported any more thumpin’.

Terms related to herbs or holistic health

In the body, some minerals are antagonistic to each other, which means that they are not compatible taken together. This also means that one mineral will suppress the absorption of the other.

Loosening Up with Dulse

I chose the seaweed dulse as the best single herb in this case because we already talked about alfalfa, which is one of the most mineral-rich land plants. Dulse is a sea plant that may be as rich in minerals from the sea as alfalfa is from the soil.

Dulse is very similar to kelp, another sea “weed” used for its rich iodine content. Both of these herbs are also rich in potassium, which works with sodium to keep the acid/alkaline balance in the body, to strengthen the heart and other muscles, and to keep the body healthy. Just a little of this herb goes a long way. It usually comes in a liquid form, and you can add a few drops daily in your water to obtain all that dulse has to offer. Otherwise, an encapsulated combination made from kelp, dulse, watercress, wild cabbage horseradish, and horsetail will supply you with a great array of minerals rich in potassium, among other minerals. Supplementing with extra calcium and magnesium will round out your program and feed your nervous and structural systems to keep you from twitching and cramping.

About overcoming an ailment with herbs

Dulse is a rich source of iodine and makes an excellent remedy to feed an underactive thyroid.

Diseases of respiratory system | Tags:

Laryngitis

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May 10, 2010 at 1:35 am

Laryngitis: Screaming for Attention

Best Single Herb: Sage (wet conditions); slippery elm (hot/dry conditions)

Best Combinations: Licorice; slippery elm; golden seal, echinacea; sage

Other Helpful Supplements: Zinc; pantothenic acid; citrus bioflavonoids; vitamin A; beta carotene

Possible Causes: Virus or bacterial infection; overuse of voice; dry conditions

Complementary Help: Humidifier; herbal lozenges; sage gargle or tea; sage oil used externally

Laryngitis is the inflammation and irritation of the larynx, which is commonly referred to as our voice box. This irritation makes the voice sound raspy, which means that the person who has this condition will sound like he’s speaking in a whisper. Sometimes it hurts so bad to speak that the person does not speak at all!

Although a little bit of laryngitis may make a woman sound enticingly sexy, this problem is usually caused by some unattractive problems such as allergies, colds, infections, or emotional stress.

Once the ailment has passed, the voice box will usually return to its normal condition on its own. In the meantime, you will need to soothe those vocal cords of yours.

Wisdom of the Sages

The leaves of the sage plant (Salvia officinalis) have an affinity for the mucus membranes and, therefore, make an excellent herbal remedy when suffering from laryngitis. Sage also aids the nervous system, making it even more valuable for stress-induced laryngitis. Herbalists and others sometimes get this herb confused with sagebrush, a member of the wormwood or Artemisia family.

You can rub the oil of the sage plant around your throat area for some relief, or you can stir up a decoction and use it as a gargle to stop mucus drainage that could be causing your throat irritation.

Taken internally, sage has been helpful for digestion and intestines, and it also tends to “go to the head,” making it great for sinus trouble, memory, inflamed gums, mouth sores, and headaches. In addition, sage is high in calcium, potassium, B1, and zinc, and it has drying properties, which is why it is good for laryngitis caused by excess mucus irritation. But be warned: Do not take sage internally if you are breast-feeding — its drying properties can dry up your breast milk! It is also not recommended during pregnancy.

I have put a homemade decoction of sage in a bottle and used it when I was growing my hair long to stimulate my hair growth. You can also use this herb rinse to clear up dandruff problems.

About overcoming an ailment with herbs

Make a decoction from sage, slippery elm, and golden seal, cool the mixture slightly, and pour it into a small spray bottle. You can then use the formula as a spray for a sore throat or laryngitis. This mixture of herbs is designed to fight infections, soothe irritated mucus membranes, and dry up excess mucus production.

Herbal Lozenges

Of course, sage is not the only herb in the world that has been used successfully for laryngitis and sore throats. Licorice root also is healing for the tissues and can ease the coughing that may be causing your problem. In addition, slippery elm is mucilaginous and soothing to tissues, and golden seal and echinacea will help fight infections. You can use all of these herbs to help you if you have laryngitis.

About overcoming an ailment with herbs

Some companies make herbal lozenges from ascorbic acid (vitamin C), zinc, slippery elm, or licorice root Zinc aids the immune system and seems to work better when slowly ingested, such as when you take it in a slow-dissolving lozenge.

Laryngitis is a condition where you will need to take energetics into account again. Consider the nature of your laryngitis: Is it caused by a wet condition? This would be a mucus condition, such as bronchitis or a head cold, in which mucus draining down the back of your throat is irritating your tissues and causing you to cough.

Or, perhaps your laryngitis is caused by hot, dry, scratchy conditions. If your throat is hot and dry, sage may make it worse because it will only continue to dry your tissues. In this case, use a humidifier and slippery elm or marshmallow to soothe your throat.

What can cause a hot, dry throat condition? Let’s take a look at some of the possibilities:

  • Screaming at your employees, children, spouse, barking dogs next door — or practicing the Tarzan yell
  • A fever that’s drying you out
  • Summertime allergies
  • Turning on the dry, hot heat at the start of winter
  • Singing opera under bright lights
  • Riding on a motorcycle with your mouth wide open
  • Sleeping with your mouth open (catching flies)
  • Eating crackers on a hot day, without water, and reading my book at the same time (which is causing you to inhale the crumbs every time you laugh)

About overcoming an ailment with herbs

If you know what has been causing your laryngitis, such as mucus congestion from a cold or bronchitis, see the appropriate herbal remedies listed for each of these ailments in this book so that you can work at the source of your problem. Killing infection and helping your body to recover from your cold will help fast-forward your laryngitis symptoms.

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