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

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

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

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

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

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

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