Wednesday, January 5, 2011

News Update!

Hi all,

I wanted to let you all know that I am beginning to teach herbal classes with by boss David Card. For those in the Salt Lake area, you can attend these. The classes are free, but if you want the handouts they are roughly $3.00. These herbal classes will be held the fourth Tuesday of every month at 6:30pm. We are located at 1108 E 3300 S.

I will try to post information on the herbs I will be presenting in this class on the blog.

Wishing you the best of health,
Aeroia

Sunday, December 5, 2010

Herb Corner Issue 36

Hi everyone,

So, It looks like I won't be able to keep with the first of the month like I started with. Life is so full of wonderful things right now. I am working on practicing Kinesiology, and preparing to teach herbal lectures with my boss Dave Card staring next month. I learn so much everyday and leaves me amazed at the wonderful people in my life (all of you included). Much of what I have been working on lately can't easily be sent in an email or posted on a blog. So, I hope you will forgive me for passing on information I have received through a mailing list I'm on.

Nutritive Herbs to Store for Survival
by Dr. John R. Christopher

The following herbs are nutritive as well as medicinal and can be relied upon as concentrated food sources during times when fruit, vegetables, grains, nuts and seeds are not very abundant.

Alfalfa (Arabic for "father of foods")

It contains protein, chlorophyll, vitamins A, B12, K, C, P, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, and potassium. The tap root of alfalfa can extend as much as 40-70 feet below the surface of the ground, picking up many minerals from deep within the earth. This is something a plant with a shorter root could not do. Alfalfa can be used as a food or a food supplement. It contains essential hormones and enzymes necessary to keep the pituitary and adrenal glands functioning.

There is a story we have told at many lectures and classes about the family that was incarcerated in a concentration camp during the Nazi occupation of Europe. This particular family found the strength to carry them through to the end of the war when they were released. The key was an alfalfa plant growing in the corner of the compound inside the fence. Each member of the family secretly permitted themselves a few leaves of the plant every day...allowing the alfalfa plant to replenish its leaves throughout the long months. The family obtained the necessary nutriments from the plant. These nutriments were not provided by the inferior and scarce prison food. The family maintained their health while others around them dropped dead from malnutrition.



Kelp or Dulse (dried and powdered or granulated)

These plants originate in the ocean. They also contain essential protein, vitamins (including B12) minerals, plus about 35 trace elements needed by the body in order to function well. The organic iodine supplied by kelp will rebuild and maintain the thyroid gland. Kelp also has a salty flavor because of the high potassium content, so it will flavor other foods as an excellent salt substitute without the ill effects of salt. We know of a couple who lived on a beach far from "civilization." When mushrooms and other wild vegetable food was scarce inland, they survived on fresh kelp washed ashore from the sea. Often they made kelp soup or kelp drink sweetened with honey and using fresh water.



Slippery Elm Powder

This is high in protein and vegetable gelatin. One could thrive very well on slippery elm alone. We have attended several cases where small children were losing weight rapidly and becoming weaker from some wasting disease. Often they could not keep down any regular food. When they were placed on slippery elm gruel, a combination of slippery elm powder, water and honey made into a thin paste, they not only survived, but actually gained weight and regained their health. The taste is very palatable, too. It is filling, satisfying and nourishing.



Licorice Root Powder

The adrenal glands need a lift about every 5 hours to sustain the body's energy. If a meal or some other nourishment isn't available, licorice root will feed the adrenals. The armies of Alexander the Great carried licorice root with them on their long marching campaigns for energy, strength and stamina. A far cry from today's K-Rations, a calcium-leaching sugar chocolate candy bar issued to the poor G.I., by the military.

Licorice root will also retain hunger and thirst. A tablespoon of licorice root powder in a quart of water (shaken thoroughly) and taken a mouthful at a time over a period of a day will sustain the energy of a person who needs to stay alert on a long automobile drive, for example.

Licorice root tea is a splendid pick-me-up. A group of women who worked on the night shift at a well known radio factory were getting caffeine jitters from ingesting quantities of the popular over-the-counter preparation for staying awake. They switched to licorice root tablets and found that their energy could be maintained throughout the night without the consequences of caffeine.

Licorice root is an excellent choice for a storage herb, it was even found in Egyptian tombs! Do not procrastinate in obtaining the substance, however. We import tons of it from the middle east every year for commercial medications and the licorice candy industry. Only the Good Lord can say when a transportation strike will cripple the nation's economy and we will woefully bemoan our fate that this valuable herb has now become unobtainable. There is a species of licorice that is native to our country and it grows in high mountain areas. You can check local herb guides for pictures and localities. Another possibility is to try to obtain some starts for licorice at a nursery and cultivate it in your garden.



Comfrey Root Powder or Leaves

This herb is nutritive as well as medicinal. Comfrey root powder or comfrey leaves are unexcelled foods. Comfrey contains high quantities of protein as well as calcium. Comfrey root or comfrey leaf can be made into a tea or be included in green drinks (if you are fortunate enough to have electricity available for your blender and green leaves for your drink). Several folks we know have used the root powder as a thickening agent in their soups and stews: far more valuable than flour or cornstarch.



Marshmallow Root Powder

This is an invaluable herb which can be used as an herbal food as well as a soothing bath for healing the worst of open sores, especially gangrene. Marshmallow root powder can be reconstituted and used as a drink (a tea or thicker if desired) that can keep one from starvation. It is full of vegetable protein. It also promotes the flow of mother's milk.


Wishing you continued health, a Merry Christmas, and a Happy New Year!
Aeroia

Sunday, November 14, 2010

Herb Corner Issue 35

Hi Everyone,

Sorry this month's e-letter is late. I've been taking a few kinesiology classes and before I knew it, it was already November. So, i would like to share a little more information about two more flower essences: Baby Blue Eyes and Bleeding Heart. Both of these come from the Flower Essence Repertory by Patricia Kaminski and Richard Katz.


Baby Blue Eyes:

-- Positive qualities: child-like innocence and trust; feeling supported and loved, especially by male figures; faith in the providence of spiritual beings

-- Patterns of Imbalance: Defensiveness, insecurity, mistrust of others; estrangement from higher s[iritual authority; lack of support from father or other masculine influences in childhood.


Those who need Baby Blue Eyes feel unsure of themselves and are unable to trust in the goodness of others and of the world. Such individuals did not receive proper emotional support during childhood, and in particular may have lacked a healthy connection with the father or father-figure as a positive force of protection and guidance. If the father is absent, emotionally or physically, or if he is erratic and threatening (as with alcoholic violence), then the child is deprived of a basic sense of security and protection, and will grow up with a core belief that the world in an unsafe place in which to be. Such souls find it difficult to "let down their guard;" they tend to develop a protective shell of defensiveness, or intellectual cynicism. They especially find it difficult to be engaged in spiritual causes or pursuits, because they feel a lack of trust and support from the spiritual world. In extreme cases, this soul posture can lead not only to emotional isolation but also to antisocial or criminal tendencies, as the individual negates or reverses its positive spiritual connection. Baby Blue Eyes helps to restore the soul's original innocence and childlike trust. The soul is helped in its healing by learning to recognize goodness in others and in the world, and thus to become more accepting, positive and open in its expressions and actions.



Bleeding Heart:

-- Positive qualities: Ability to love others unconditionally, with an open heart; emotional freedom.

-- Patterns of Imbalance: Entangled in relationships based on Fear, possessiveness or neediness; emotional co-dependence.


Bleeding Heart flower essence is a very powerful heart cleanser and strengthener for those who must learn the deeper spiritual lessons of love and freedom. Those needing this remedy suffer enormous pain and broken heartedness because their feelings have been poured out so completely into another soul who is no longer present. Perhaps this happens because a loved one has died, or a cherished friend or family member has moved away. Most frequently, such anguish arises in personal relationships which have dissolved, or in relationships that are greatly afflicted. Although love for another may have many genuine aspects, very often the Bleeding Heart type has made the error of living too extensively outside the boundaries of its own Self. This intense desire for connection is often felt by the partner as emotional dependence, causing the partner to feel a need for distance. Such a co-dependent relationship is devoid of real freedom and a balanced exchange of heart energies. The loss and pain which are consequently felt by those in need of Bleeding Heart are therefore necessary experiences, when viewed from a larger perspective. Through Bleeding Heart flower essence, the soul learns to fill itself from within with strong spiritual forces, so that the capacity to love another is based on the ability to honor and nourish the Self.


Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Aeroia

Friday, October 1, 2010

Herb Corner Issue 34

Hi everyone,

I can't believe that we are nearing three years since I started sending out this newsletter. Lately, I have been learning more about flower essences and would like to share a bit about three that I have come across lately. Yarrow and Olive are ones I am personally using and seeing a great difference in my day. The coconut is one that my brother is using. This natural medicine is amazing! I can always tell when I have gotten caught up in my day and forget to take it.

Most health food/nutrition stores carry these and other flower essences. They should also have a repertory--which a few of these are taken from--that talk about the different essences. Typical dosages of flower essences are 2 drops four times a day. But, don't forget to muscle test. Your body knows what it needs and can tell you what the right dosage is for you.


Yarrow Flower Essence

Positive qualities: Inner radiance and strength of aura, compassionate awareness, inclusive sensitivity, beneficent healing forces.
Patterns of imbalance: Extreme vulnerability to others and to the environment; easily depleted, overly absorbent of negative influences, psychic toxicity.

Yarrow flower essence strengthens the auric field and serves as an energy shield by absorbing negative energies and transforming them into positive energies. Yarrow is the perfect remedy for anyone who is experiencing exhaustion or has leaks in their human energy field.


Positive Qualities:

* purifier
* energy shield
* balancer


Olive flower essence is a perfect complement to any health treatment plan for the chronic sufferer in combating exhaustion. Olive allows the weary soul to tap into healing resources beyond physical, reaching into the deeper spiritual well of restorative waters.

Positive Qualities:

* revitalization
* peacefulness
* trust in universe
* inner strength


Coconut flower essence

Message of Self-Mastery: Superconsciousness; endurance; perseverance; for completing tasks; living one's highest potential; strong, steady energy; welcoming challenges; solution-orientation; for readiness to take the next step; determination despite setbacks.
Pattern of Disharmony: For making excuses; lack of endurance; problem-orientation; shakiness; escapism; a quitter; avoidance attitude; for the "last straw" feeling; for the inability to commit to putting out more energy.


May health continue with you,
Aeroia

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Herb Corner Issue 33

Good Morning all,

This month I am passing along some information I received about relieving sore throats. As of recently I have begun working on another form of healing and would like to pass more information along, but still need to learn a little more first. Next month I should be able to start sharing that. In the meantime, here is this months message.


Getting over a sore throat in 24 hours for pennies
By Nelson - Dr. Christopher's Herb Shop


Every now and then we come across an herbal remedy that seems to be able to work remarkably well for everybody, regardless of the intensity of illness. After seeing such a remedy work, it seems even more remarkable that not everybody knows about it.

That is the subject of this newsletter, namely a phenomenal support for people with sore throats. I am constantly surprised that it is not better known. There are no shortage of herbs that can be used for a sore throat (cherry bark, slippery elm, etc.), but with how many of these do people report themselves completely better only a day later?

We have seen this combination at work many times, and have received much feedback on it shortly afterwards. I have consulted with several other herbalists from different areas about its effectiveness, and they all say the same thing: You get better in a day. Two days, tops.

Keep in mind that if the colon is in poor health, illnesses such as a sore throat may continue to manifest periodically until the root problem is addressed.

The recipe is a simple combination of honey, cayenne pepper and garlic. All of these are among the most affordable herbs available. The idea is to make healing syrup out of these materials, and coat the throat with a tablespoon of the mixture every one or two waking hours. Taking multiple dosages may be annoying, but when you are in a situation where you need to get to work the next day, or just want to feel better, it is a godsend.

After taking the tablespoon of syrup, it is important not to drink water immediately afterwards, or wash the mixture away, as the idea is to get the soothing aspect of the honey, and disinfecting action of the garlic to stick to the sore area.

To make the syrup, mix 1 part honey with 1 part minced garlic, and add as much cayenne pepper as you are comfortable taking (usually 1/8 of a teaspoon of 40,000 H.U cayenne to the tablespoon for most people).

If you are concerned about the odor of garlic, there is an effective way to get around it. We at the herb shop understand this more than we care to admit! If you have some whole clove buds that have not been stored too long or irradiated, you may chew or suck on these as you would a breath mint. Nothing gets past the pleasant aromatics of the clove bud.

We have had people almost lose their jobs because they reeked of garlic. We are happy to report that those who followed this advice do not have that problem anymore. I once had a customer ask me what could be done for garlic odor. I had literally chewed and swallowed an elephant garlic clove less than two minutes before, and asked her if my breath was okay. After she said it was fine, I explained how to use clove buds. This is more effective than chlorophyll or parsley.

With this knowledge, no one has any need to remain sick needlessly.


To the health of everyone, Cheers!
Aeroia

Monday, August 9, 2010

herb Corner Issue 32

Hi everyone,


Sorry this one is late. It has been a crazy end to one month and just as crazy to begin. This month I would like to share an article on Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.


Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
by David Christopher, M.H.


Symptoms: Numbness, tingling, and pain in the thumb and fingers, that often worsens at night.


Cause: Carpal Tunnel Syndrome is caused from pressure on the median nerve where it passes into the hand via a gap (the “carpal tunnel”) under a ligament at the front of the wrist.


Herbal Aids: Instead of corticosteroids or surgery, we would use large quantities (5 capsules, 5 times per day, minimum) of Dr. Christopher’s Complete Tissue and Bone formula. We would also make a fomentation with his bulk BF&C. We would soak strips of cotton cloth in a strong tea, made from the BF&C, which would be wrapped around the wrists, with plastic wrap around the soaked cotton, and then an ace bandage or an old sock (with the toe cut off) to secure it in place. Alternating hot and cold applications are used on top of this preparation at the rate of 12 minutes hot and 4 minutes cold alternating constantly for at least an hour. Heating pads and Ice bags work great. When the fomentation is not worn then this same formula in a massage oil should be liberally applied to the area, followed by Dr. Christopher’s Cayenne Ointment. This should be applied hourly.



Or those who are looking more into homeopathy, depending on the nature of the pain/numbness of the Carpal Tunnel then various ones can be used. The following website has a list of symptoms and a list of the homeopathics suggested for use. Those mentioned are: Natu Mur, Thuja, Rus Tox, Apis met, Aconite, Phophorus, Sepia, and a few others.


http://abchomeopathy.com/go.php?symptoms=&no=0&condition=&grid=1&Submit=View+Remedy+Grid&email=&case=&resuno=12&sr=97520%2C97777%2C97779%2C97783%2C97819%2C97867%2C97882%2C97884%2C97886%2C97888%2C97896%2C97898%2C97960%2C97970%2C97978%2C97980%2C97982%2C97997%2C97999%2C98001%2C98022%2C103728%2C121414%2C121455%2C121457%2C121459%2C121473%2C121481%2C121483%2C121485%2C121487&disclaimed=1

Enjoy the rest of summer!

Aeroia

Friday, July 2, 2010

Herb Corner Issue 31

Hey all,

Sorry this one is a little late. Been a little busy with my new job.

So, this month I would like to share a little bit about Prozac and Xanax. Both seem to be common prescription drugs for anxiety (Xanax) and depression (Prozac).


Prozac is an anti-depressant in a group of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI). These drugs prevent serotonin that has been released by the presynaptic cell to be reabsorbed. This allows the serotonin to build up giving the postsynaptic receptor more time to pick it up.

Side effects are almost immediate with anti-depressants because once they are started thoughts of suicide may occur. Symptoms that may worsen over time are: mood/behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia, irritability, impulsive, hostility, hyperactivity, deeper depression, and increased thoughts of suicide or hurting self. Less concerning effects may include: nausea, vomiting, fever, confusion, seizures, coma, rapid or uneven heart rate, and a red, blistering, peeling skin rash.

One of the things that may help is daily, regular exercise. This will increase the endorphins which help elevate mood, similar to the serotonin. Some diet changes will also help. Eliminate the use of red meats, sugar, bread and dairy as these things effect mood changes the most. These things can be replaced with fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, and seeds. Herbs that will also aid depression are: St John’s wort, ginseng, ginkgo, and licorice. Licorice would relax the nerves and prevent them from getting frazzled. Ginkgo and ginseng would feed the brain and clear up the cloud that depression seems to create. The St. John’s wort acts similarly to Prozac, however because it is in its wholesome state the body will be able to use it easier with less side effects.

One side effect it does have is after it has been taken for a long period of time it can cause sun sensitivity.


Xanax is a benzodiazepine which works for anxiety by depressing the reticular activating system. This system controls how active the brain is and it becomes depressed with the increase of Gamma amino-butyric acid (GABA). GABA slows the transmition of nerve impulses in the brain.

Side effects vary in seriousness, but be aware that this drug can be habit- forming. The other symptoms include: sleepiness, birth defects in unborn children, confusion, muscle weakness, loss of balance/coordination, light headedness, fainting, coma, dizziness, irritability, insomnia, nausea, dry mouth, jaundice, constipation, weight changes, and amnesia. Some of the more serious ones are: depression, thoughts of suicide or hurting yourself, increased risk taking behavior, and death.

Some of the herbs that can be used for anxiety are: Chamomile, peppermint, ginkgo and ginseng. There are also many others that can be used. Ginseng and ginkgo are herbs that feed and stimulate the nerves in the brain. The nutrients they provide help the brain get back into balance. Chamomile and peppermint are relaxants and can aid in regulating the speed of the impulses. Together these herbs will work to the best of their ability.

There are no side effects that I am aware of.

May health follow you throughout this month.
Happy Independence Day and Pioneer Day!
Aeroia