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

Monday, June 21, 2010

Extra

Hi all,

Just thought I would let you know of an affiliate link I have with the School of Natural Healing. If you are interested in learning more about herbal medicine at a discounted price then check this out.

http://www.snh.cc/jamaffiliates/jrox.php?id=1276


May the knowledge aid you on your journey to health,
Aeroia

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Herb Corner Issue 30

Hi all.

This month I wanted to share a little bit of the information I found regarding Ibuprofen. I know it seems a little off since this is specified for natural healing, however, I believe the information to be important. As Ibuprofen is a pain killer, we must also remember that pain is the body's signal that something is wrong. Included are some examples, this newsletter would be several novel lengths long if all causes of pain were to be addressed.


Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). It is both a prescription and nonprescription drug that is used to inhibit the creation of the substance that signals the body of a problem. The signal informs the body to create pain, fever, or inflammation. Ibuprofen is mostly used to treat various kinds of arthritis and menstrual problems.

Side effects can vary from something as superficial as loss of appetite to something as extreme as death. The serious side effects include: unexplained weight gain, fever, blisters, rash, itching, swelling and difficulty breathing, hoarseness, tiredness, flu-like symptoms, jaundice or pale skin, increased heart rate, discolored urine, and back pain. More severe effects are: constipation or diarrhea, gas or bloating, dizziness, and ringing in the ears. However, the most devastating ones are heart attack, stroke, bleeding ulcers in the stomach or intestines.

There are several herbs that can be used instead. Menstrual cramps can be eased/erased with the use of the hormonal changease, female reproductive formula and wheat germ oil. The herbs in these formulas include: blessed thistle, false unicorn, squaw vine, licorice, ginseng, uva ursi, red raspberry, sarsaparilla, black cohosh, cayenne, ginger, cramp bark, and goldenseal. These herbs combined with the wheat germ oil cleanse and rebuild the reproductive system. They also aid in regulating the flow and cycles. Most of these herbs aid in strengthening and toning the muscles as they eliminate or shed all the excess mucous that has built up. The mucous is what causes the cramps because the body is trying to rid itself of it so it can clean properly. The only caution I have is not to take the female reproductive formula while you are pregnant as the goldenseal can damage the fetus.

For arthritis, I would change the water from tap to steam distilled or reverse osmosis. This will aid the body in eliminating inorganic minerals that like to collect in joints and other places. The complete bone and tissue formula and herbal calcium will also help. Complete bone and tissue provides nurtrients that the body needs to rebuild the joints and bones and stops the inflammatory response as well as the pain. The nutrients satisfy the signal that something in wrong so the response stops. The herbal calium has horsetail grass and oat straw in it. These herbs contain an organic source of calcium and silica which are needed to maintain healthy bones and joints. With these formulas it may even be possible to reverse the effects of arthritis.


Best of Health,
Aeroia

Saturday, May 1, 2010

Herb Corner Issue 29

Happy May Day! Happy Cinco de Mayo!

This month I would like to share a bit about Blue Vervain:


Blue Vervain, or Verbena hastata, is has little lilac colored flowers that grow in dense spikes, two to three inches long, and are arranged in a panicle. It is rough with hairs. 4 to 7 feet high, usually branched above with broadly lance-shaped sharply toothed leaves. It is often found along roadsides in dry grassy fields.

During the time of antiquity it was used as a cure all and “more”. Romans sprinkled infusions around banquet halls to make their guests merrier. They also used it to purify their homes and temples. The magi in Persia used it for prophecies. The plant was also used to represent peace between warring communities. As legend would have it, those who recovered the body of Christ used it to stop His wounds from bleeding and was afterwards considered a good luck charm.

Celtic name for Blue Vervain is “Ferfaen” which means: to drive away a stone. Witches and warlocks were said to have used it as an aphrodisiac. The Chinese have used it for congestion and malaria. Both the ancient Egyptians and the Chinese believed that the herb had hidden powers. The Druids utilized vervain in divination, consecration, and ritual cleansing of sacred spaces.

Native Americans used this plant to treat fever, colds, coughs, lung congestion, diarrhea, female problems and dysentery. Pawnee Indians used vervain to improve their dreaming. Throughout time, people have used this herb to treat rabid dog bites, and to stop bleeding.

A report for 1785 stated that American Army physicians used the plant as an emetic and expectorant when they could not find anything else and found it to be successful. 18th century Jesuits prescribed the herb for headache, jaundice, and other ailments. It is also used for: promoting sweating, diuretic, earache, afterbirth pain, headache, intestinal cramps, cleanses and tones the liver, stimulates digestion, jaundice, vermifuge, and a sedative.


May you all have a great month!
Aeroia

Thursday, April 1, 2010

Herb Corner Issue 28

Happy April Fools Day!
Yes it is the first, but the information here is not a prank. [Not one to play like that :)] So, for this month I would like to share a little bit about Myrrh.

Myrrh, or Commiphora myrrha, is a tree or shrub with leaved spikes that grow on knotted branches. The leaves are trifoliate, oval, and entire. Flowers are yellow-red and grow on stalks in an elongated and branching cluster. The red-brown resin that comes from this plant has a bitter, pungent taste and a sweet, pleasing aroma.

The first known recording of Myrrh is when the wise men presented it to the Christ child. The resin has been used as an embalming ointment and, until the 15th Century, used as incense for funerals and cremations. Myrrh has been used since ancient times in incense, perfumes, and holy ointments.

Egyptians burned myrrh pellets to keep the fleas away. In the bible there is said mention of this herb as part of the bitter substance they gave Christ on the cross. During the Tang Dynasty it was used to treat wounds, relieve painful swelling, and to treat menstrual pain In Chinese medicine is it used for: affecting the heart, liver, and spleen meridians and is said to be blood-moving. It is useful for amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menopause and uterine tumors, as it is said to purge stagnant blood out of the uterus.

It is also used in ayurveda medicine, unani medicine, and western herbalism for its tonic and rejuvenating qualities. In ayurveda medicine it has been indicated for pregnant women or women with excessive uterine bleeding, and not be used with evidence of kidney dysfunction or stomach pain.

Today it is used as an antiseptic found in mouthwash, gargles, and toothpastes. It is also used for abrasions and minor skin diseases.


Have a Happy Easter!
Aeroia

Monday, March 1, 2010

Herb Corner Issue 27

Hi all,

This month I would like to share a bit about Dong Quai.

Dong Quai, or Angelica sinensis, is closely related to the celery plant. It has a purple stem and bears winged fruit. Flowers bloom from May to August and have a greenish white color. The roots are a yellowish brown color and is the main source of it’s medicinal properties. Dong Quai flourishes in wet places like meadows and along river banks.

Dong Quai has been used for thousands of years in China, Korea, and Japan for women’s problems. Like: painful menstruation, cessation of menstruation, bleeding of the uterus, and menopause. It has been used almost as much as Licorice and is often combined with Ginseng. This herb has also been a basis for several formulas made to correct liver qi and spleen deficiency. Chinese used it to restore balance to the blood and the body’s energies.

In the 1800’s an extract of Dong Quai called Eumenol became popular for the treatment of gynecological problems. According to legend, an angel appeared and said that dong quai would help in fighting the bubonic plague.

Today it is used for both men and women for blood pressure and other cardiovascular problems. It is used to purify the blood stream, improve circulation, prevent anemia, even out blood sugars, and is an aid for relaxation. Dong Quai is an excellent source of Vitamin E and aids in increasing blood flow and elasticity in the veins. Reduces inflammation and aids in increasing the amount of red blood cells and platelets.


Hope you all have a great St. Patrick's Day,

Monday, February 1, 2010

Herb Corner Issue 26

Good Morning everyone! Happy Valentine's Day. This month I would like to share a brief history paper I wrote about Mistletoe. I know it's not Christmas time when we traditionally have Mistletoe around, however, I thought it fitting with some of the information I found out about it. Also, I would also suggest (in keeping with the theme of love) that the talk given by President Dieter F. Uchtdorf be given a re-read.


Mistletoe, or Viscum album, is a parasitic plant that grows on trees throughout Europe. It forms bushes about 2-5 feet in diameter. The leaves are oval to round, thick and leathery. After the flowers die they leave behind a ¼ inch white sticky berry. Of course, we can’t forget that this plant is used during the Christmas season for kissing.

It was interesting to find that the Scandinavians started the kissing tradition. However, during the time of antiquity before the kissing started, if enemies met up with each other under the mistletoe then they laid down their weapons of war and called a truce until the next day.

A similar legend is one of Baldur and the goddess Frigga. When Baldur was born, Frigga blessed all the plants and animals not to hurt Baldur. However, the mistletoe was over looked. Loki the prankster fashioned a spear from mistletoe and killed Baldur. Later, Frigga brought him back to live and blessed the mistletoe, making it sacred so it would bring love to the world and not death.

During the time of ancient erotica it was regarded as regarded as an aphrodisiac and fertility herb, may also contain abortifacient qualities. The Anglo-Saxons referred to it as “dung-on-a-stick”. In the pre-Christian world it was used as a remedy to ward off evil if hung in the doorways of houses and stables. Some legends have it that Christ’s cross was made from mistletoe and therefore doomed the plant to live as a parasite.

Some of the diseases it is able to treat are cancer; stimulate the immune system, and lower blood pressure. It is helpful as a sedative. Druids used mistletoe as an aphrodisiac and a protection against poison. Because the druids used this plant in almost everything, including human sacrifice, the Christian churches in England banned the use of mistletoe. Druid priests would cut the mistletoe from a special oak five days after the new moon and would have to catch it before it hit the ground. This needed to happen so the magical powers of keeping evil at bay still remained in the plant.

Mistletoe farmers would watch the birds and how they propagated the plant. They would learn which ones were the best and sell them. After the season was over they would take a bough and light it on fire and spread that fire around in hopes of scattering and increasing prosperity for the next year.

This plant works on relaxing tight muscles and improving circulation. Although unproven at this point there are several other possible diseases that mistletoe could work for. They are: convulsions, internal bleeding, hysteria, gout, infertility, arthritis, rheumatism, whooping cough, asthma, hypertension, dizziness, headache, menstruation, and menopause. It has been a long used prevention for atherosclerosis.


http://lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?hideNav=1&locale=0&sourceId=400d56627ab94210VgnVCM100000176f620a____&vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD

May Health and Happiness be with you,
Aeroia

Friday, January 1, 2010

Herb Corner Issue 25

Hey Everyone!


Happy New Year! New goals are being put into place, but that has no bareing on this months topic. :D I would like to share information about reproductive health. More specifically, Prostate and Uterine health. A lot of this information comes Sandra Ellis' book Dr. Mom's Healthy Living. Remember, a lot of problems can be avoided with correct diet.



Prostate Health:

This organ provides nutrients for the sperm, but can also cause difficulty when urinating if it becomes swollen.

Herbal Aids:

--Prospalmetto- two or more capsules a day to reduce swelling. Tones and strengthens as well (Saw Palmetto, Ginkgo Biloba, Mullien)[Known as: Prostate plus formula]

--Prospallate -two or more capsules a day to clear out sedimentation in the prostate. (cayenne, ginger, golden seal root, gravel root, juniper berries, marshmallow root, parsely root/herb, uva ursi leaves, ginseng)[Known as Male Urinary Tract Formula]



Uturine Health:

There are many possible problems that can be addressed here, but I will only cover cramps and vaginal infections since these two seem to be the most common.

Cramps-Herbal Aids: These two are to be taken with wheat germ oil. This is a must so the body can create needed hormones. (There are capsules with the oil in it so you don't have to drink it)

--NuFem [Known as Hormonal Changease formula] (golden seal root, blessed thistle, cayenne, cramp bark,false unicorn root, ginger, red raspberry leaves, squaw vine, and uva ursi) Cleans and rebuilds the female organs.

--Changese [Known as Pre-Natal formula] (black cohosh, sarsaparilla, ginseng, licorice, false unicorn, holy thistle{Blessed thistle}, and squaw vine) Supplies building blocks for the hormones.

--Red Raspberry tea: To help nourish and balance the system.

Vaginal Infection-Herbal Aids:

--Black Walnut: (infection caused by yeast) Put tincture on tampon and insert into vigina to kill the infection.

--Liquid Acidophilus (keep refridgerated) Apply to sanitary napkin and wear next to skin to relieve burning and itching.

--Bayberry tea: Drink three glasses a day or 1-2 Tablespoons every hour through out the day (bitter).

--Golden seal douche: Make a tea, use it as a douche.

--Bolus: 2 1/2 ounces cocoa butter

30-45 drops each of Tea Tree Oil and Oregano Oil

Soften cocoa butter (in sandwich bag) in hot water, add drops of oil, then flatten out. Use the edge of a credit card to make creases vertically and horizontally so the sections are about the size of the top section of your pinkie. Keep in refridgerator and freezer until ready for use. Insert vaginally at bedtime. (will want to wear a pad as not to soil clothing) *For expecting mothers: Suggested that this is used every night for two weeks before giving birth, can be used afterwards if tested positive for Strep F. (used at night, goldenseal douche in the morning to clear up the problem)


Wishing you all continual good health
Aeroia