Holistic Health Therapies Ltd.

Health Tips

Health tips

December 2016

Linden flowerYes it is Linden time again.
Give it an other week or two and the Linden will be in full bloom.

  • Harvest the flowers.
  • Dry them in the sun.
  • Store them in a paper bag or air tight container and use it as tea in the evening.
  • You can add a tea spoon of honey to your tea if you like and you will have a blissful sleep

 

Health Tips for DECEMBER 2014

 

 First aid for the holidays

 

May I recommend that you always carry a complete first aid kit in your car. You never know when you are going to need it.

 

Regarding holidays:

 

Ordinary salt is very good when diluted in boiling water that has been allowed to cool down for :

 

  • Rinsing eyes affected by dust or inflamed for any specific reason.
  • Washing wounds if nothing else is available
    • Rinsing eyes affected by dust or inflamed for any specific reason.
    • Washing wounds if nothing else is available
    • Rinsing mouth if ulcerated
    • Gargle for sore throat
    • Cooling sun burns
    • Cooling any sort of burns
    • Insect bites to help relieve itching. You can also try rubbing the dry powder onto your skin. This is also effective for itchy rashes and poison ivy
    • Hang over, sore stomach, feeling sick in the stomach, stomach ulcer pain......reduces the acidity that creates the pain

    Please NOTE: If irritation/inflammation persist see a doctor

     

  • Sodium Bicarbonate or Baking Soda as a paste made with water is very good for:

    • Cooling sun burns
    • Cooling any sort of burns
    • Insect bites to help relieve itching. You can also try rubbing the dry powder onto your skin. This is also effective for itchy rashes and poison ivy
    • Hang over, sore stomach, feeling sick in the stomach, stomach ulcer pain......reduces the acidity that creates the pain
  • Detox bath: Baking soda and apple cider make a wonderful spa-like bath for soaking away aches and pains and detoxing. It also cleans the tub and the drain, as a bonus!
  • Splinter removal: Add a tablespoon of baking soda to a small glass of water, and then soak the affected area twice a day. Many splinters will come out on their own after a couple of days using this treatment.
  • Ordinary Water is a very basic ingredient toresolve any emergency. It can help with:

    • Burns: assist in cooling
    • Dehydration : assist in reliving symptoms
    • Heat stroke : assist in reducing body temperature
    • Rinsing wound
    • Cleaning skin
    • REMEMBER:

  • BURNS: cool and cover
  • BROKEN BONES: support and keep still
  • CHEST PAIN: call 111 if pain is not relieved
  • SPRAINS / STRAINS: Rest; Ice: Compression; Elevation
  • BLEEDING: direct pressure and elevation

 

Have a safe holiday season

 

 

 

Linden treeTime for harvesting your local Linden Tree

 

Lindenis one of three English names for the tree genusTilia(also known aslimeandbasswood).

 

  • Linden is a tree. The dried flower, leaves, and wood are used for medicine.
  • Properties:* Cardiac tonic Cordial* Demulcent* Diaphoretic/sudorific* Hypertensive* Nervine* Sedative
  • Parts Used:The flowers, carefully dried in the shade.
  • Constituents:alpha-pinene,ascorbic-acid,astragalin,beta-amyrin,beta-sitosterol,caffeic-acid,chlorogenic-acid,cysteine, eugenol, geraniol, hesperidin, isoquercitrin, limonene, linalyl-acetate, mucilage, nerolidol, p-coumaric-acid, phenylalanine, quercetin, quercitrin , tannin, terpineol, tocopherol, vanillin

 

                                                                           
Medicinal Uses:
* Anxiety* Cardiovascular* Colds* Herbal Teas* Sore Throat

 

Linden leaf is used forcolds, stuffy nose,sore throat,breathing Problems(bronchitis),headaches, fever, and to make it easier to bring up phlegm bycoughing(as an expectorant). It is also used for rapid heartbeat,high blood pressure, excessive bleeding (haemorrhage), and nervous tension, trouble sleeping (insomnia), problems with bladder control (incontinence), and muscle spasms. Linden leaf is also used to cause sweating and increase urine production.

Linden wood is used for liver disease and gallbladder disease, and for infection and swelling beneath the skin (cellulitis). Charcoal made from linden wood is used for intestinal disorders.

Some people apply linden directly to the skin for itchy skin, joint pain (rheumatism), and certain lower leg wounds (ulcus cruris) caused by poor
blood circulation.

 

The Web worns that Scientific evidence is needed to rate the effectiveness of linden for these uses, however I can say without the shadow of a doubt that it has been used for centuries by Europeans with positive effect. The fragrant, yellowish flowers of the Linden tree have been used since the Middle Ages to promote perspiration to break fevers and as a gentle sedative to calm nervous anxiety and insomnia. Linden flower tea is better known in Europe. You will find linden often combined with yarrow flowers and sage in cold remedies. Linden is considered by many to be one of the best herbs to treat hypertension, second only to hawthorn, Crataegus

 

Side effects

 

Linden might be safe when taken by mouth. When used on the skin, linden might cause itching.

 

Special Precautions & Warnings:

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: Not enough is known about the use of linden during pregnancy and breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Heart disease:
Frequent use of linden tea has been linked with heart damage. If you have heart disease, do not use linden without medical supervision

Linden flower

 

 

 

This is what Linden flowers look like. Happy Harvest

 

 

Nutri puncture

 Nutri Punture for the SUMMER

Summer is the season of the blazing sun and corresponds to the element of fire.

When summer is experienced in a positive way, we are able to express our desire to live in acknowledgement of others. So itis a time to find selfesteem by using an accurate view of reality and taking a new look at one’s self and others

During the summer emotions grow stronger and the Heart /Small intestine family (hyper emotional temperament) needs to be revitalised.

Nutri 04 : works with the heart meridian

Nutri 13 : works with the small intestine meridian

Nutri 01: regulates arteries

Nutri 32: regulates the sense of sight

Nutri 08: regulates the cerebral cortex

 

 For more information contact Jocelyne 021502095

 

 

Health Tips for AUGUST 2014

 

About Triglycerides

Triglycerides: Why do they matter? (from MYO Clinic)

Triglycerides are an important measure of heart health. Here's why triglycerides matter — and what to do if your triglycerides are too high.

If you've been keeping an eye on your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, there's something else you might need to monitor: your triglycerides. Having a high level of triglycerides, a type of fat (lipid) in your blood, can increase your risk of heart disease. However, the same lifestyle choices that promote overall health can help lower your triglycerides, too.

What are triglycerides?

Triglycerides are a type of fat (lipid) found in your blood. When you eat, your body converts any calories it doesn't need to use right away into triglycerides. The triglycerides are stored in your fat cells. Later, hormones release triglycerides for energy between meals. If you regularly eat more calories than you burn, particularly "easy" calories like carbohydrates and fats, you may have high triglycerides (hypertriglyceridemia).

What's considered normal?

A simple blood test can reveal whether your triglycerides fall into a healthy range.

  • Normal — Less than 150 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or less than 1.7 millimoles per liter (mmol/L)
  • Borderline high — 150 to 199 mg/dL (1.8 to 2.2 mmol/L)
  • High — 200 to 499 mg/dL (2.3 to 5.6 mmol/L)
  • Very high — 500 mg/dL or above (5.7 mmol/L or above)

For those trying to lower their triglycerides to this level, lifestyle changes such as diet, weight loss and physical activity are encouraged. That's because triglycerides usually respond well to dietary and lifestyle changes.

 Food to Avoid

If You Have High TriglyceridesInformation taken from WebMD”

Corn and peas                  Starchy Veggies

Some vegetables are better than others when you're watching your triglycerides. Limit how much you eat of those that are starchy, like corn and peas. That way, your body won't turn the extra starch into triglycerides. There are plenty of other options, like cauliflower, kale, and mushrooms, to choose from.

Baked beans         Baked Beans With Sugar or Pork Added

Beans have fiber and other nutrients going for them. But if they're made with sugar or pork, they may not be the best choice. The label on the can should say what's in there, and how much sugar and fat you're getting. Switch to black beans, which are a great source of fiber and protein, without saturated fats or added sugar.

Fruits              Too Much of a Good Thing

No doubt: Fruit is good for you, especially if you're having a piece of fruit instead of a rich dessert. But when you have high triglycerides, you may need to limit yourself to 2-3 pieces of fruit a day. That way, you won't get too much of the natural sugars that are in fruit. If you're having dried fruit, remember that the serving size is much smaller: 2 tablespoons of raisins, for example.

Wine                      Alcohol

You may think of alcohol as being good for your heart. But too much of it can drive up your triglyceride levels. That's because of the sugars that are naturally part of alcohol, whether it's wine, beer, or liquor. Too much sugar, from any source, can be a problem. Your doctor may recommend that you not drink at all if your triglyceride levels are very high.

Tuna                   Canned Fish Packed in Oil

Fish is good for your heart. But when you're buying canned fish, check the label to see if it's packed in oil. You're better off buying canned fish that's packed in water. Usually, both are available on the same shelf at the grocery store.

Coconut                    Coconut

Coconut is trendy. You can find coconut milk, coconut water, coconut flakes, coconut oil, and the fruit itself. Some say coconut has health benefits, but it's also high in saturated fats, so ask your doctor if you should limit it or avoid it completely.

Noddles                     Starchy Foods

Eat too much pasta, potatoes, or cereals and your body can turn them into triglycerides. You can still have them, but you have to stay within proper serving sizes. A serving is a slice of bread, 1/3 cup of rice or pasta, or half a cup of potatoes or cooked oatmeal.

Sugar drink                   Sugary Drinks

A lot of the sugar you get may come from a glass. Whether you drink sweet iced tea, regular soda, fruit juice, or a syrupy coffee drink, you may be getting more sweetness than your body can handle. It may turn some of that sugar into triglycerides. So when you're cutting back on sugar, remember to include your drinks in that, too. Limit yourself to no more than a cup (8 ounces) of sugar-sweetened drinks per day.

Sweet                 Honey or Maple Syrup

You may think of honey and maple syrup as being healthier or more natural than refined sugar. But like sugar, they can raise your triglyceride levels. When you're working on lowering your triglycerides, cut down on sugary sweeteners across the board, even if they're not table sugar.

Croissant                  Baked Goods

Because of your high triglycerides, you should limit the saturated fat in your diet. That includes the saturated fat in the butter that's baked into pastries. You should also avoid trans fats altogether. Check the nutrition facts label to be sure.

Meat                    High-Fat Meats

You don't have to give up meat completely. But you should choose lean cuts and trim any visible fat. Meat has saturated fat in it, so you want to limit that as much as possible to help bring your triglyceride levels down.

Butter                  Butter or Margarine

Use olive oil as a replacement for butter and margarine, which may have too much saturated fat or trans fat, when cooking meats and vegetables or making salad dressing. Canola, walnut, and flaxseed oils are also great alternatives.

 Alo Vera

 

1. Aloe Vera Is High in Vitamins & Minerals:

Aloe Vera contains many vitamins including A, C, E, folic acid, choline, B1, B2, B3 (niacin), B6. Aloe Vera is also one of the few plants that contains vitamin B12.

Some of the 20 minerals found in Aloe Vera include: calcium, magnesium, zinc, chromium, selenium, sodium, iron, potassium, copper, manganese.

2. Aloe Vera is High in Amino Acids & Fatty Acids

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein. There are about 22 amino acids that are necessary for the human body and it is said that 8 of these are essential. Estimates of the amino acids found in aloe range from 18-20 amino acids, with all 8 essential amino acids.

Aloe Vera also includes quite an impressive range of fatty acids. Aloe contains three plant sterols, which are important fatty acids – HCL cholesterol (which lowers fats in the blood), campesterol, and B-sitosterol. All are helpful in reducing symptoms of allergies and acid indigestion. Other fatty acids include linoleic, linolenic, myristic, caprylic, oleic, palmitic, and  stearic.

3. Aloe Vera is an Adaptogen

Aloe Vera is a well-known adaptogen. An adaptogen is something that boosts the body’s natural ability to adapt to external changes and resist illness. It is thought that aloe’s power as an adaptogen balances the body’s system, stimulating the defence and adaptive mechanisms of the body. This allows you an increased ability to cope with stress (physical, emotional and environmental stress like pollution)

4. Aloe Helps with Digestion

Poor digestion is related to many diseases. A properly functioning digestive tract is one of the keys and foundations of health. Aloe is known to soothe and cleanse the digestive tract and help improve digestion. The interesting thing about taking aloe internally is that, because it is an adaptogen, it helps with either constipation or diarrhoea, helping to regulate your elimination cycles in whatever way you need.  It’s been a great remedy for people with problems such as irritable bowel syndrome as well as acid reflux. Aloe also helps to decrease the amount of unfriendly bacteria and in our gut keeping your healthy intestinal flora in balance. Aloe is also a vermifuge, which means it helps to rid the body of intestinal worms.

5. Aloe Helps in Detoxification

Aloe Vera is a gelatinous plant food, just like seaweeds and Chia seeds. The main benefit to consuming gelatinous plant foods in your diet is that these gels move through the intestinal tract absorbing toxins along the way and get eliminated through the colon. This will help the proper elimination of waste from your body and help the detoxification of your body.

6.  Aloe Alkalizes the Body

Disease cannot manifest in an alkaline environment. Most people are living and subsisting on mostly acidic foods. For great health, remember the 80/20 rule – 80% alkaline forming foods and 20% acidic. Aloe Vera is an alkaline forming food. It alkalizes the body, helping to balance overly acidic dietary habits.

7. Cardiovascular Health

There hasn’t been a lot of studies conducted on aloe’s effect on cardiovascular health, but there has been some research to show that Aloe Vera extract injected into the blood, greatly multiplies the oxygen transportation and diffusion capabilities of the red blood cells.

According to a study published in the 2000 issue of the British Medical Journal, beta sitosterol helps to lower cholesterol. By regulating blood pressure, improving circulation and oxidation of the blood, lowering cholesterol, and making blood less sticky, Aloe Vera juice may be able to help lower the risk of heart disease.

8. Aloe Helps Boost the Immune System

I think given the stresses of our daily lives, everyone can use a boost to their immune systems. The polysaccharides in Aloe Vera juice stimulate macrophages, which are the white blood cells of your immune system that fight against viruses.

Aloe is also an immune enhancer because of its high level of anti-oxidants, which help combat the unstable compounds known as free-radicals, contributing to the aging process. (Free radicals are a bi-product of life itself, it is a naturally occurring process but we can overload ourselves with unnecessary free-radicals by living an unhealthy lifestyle). Aloe is also an antipyretic which means it used to reduce or prevent fever.

9. Aloe Vera is Great for the Skin

Because of aloe’s well-known healing properties for the skin, aloe is one of the primary compounds used in the cosmetic industry. It is a known vulnerary, (meaning it helps heal wounds) and is great for applying topically to burns, abrasions, psoriasis and even to bug bites. Aloe acts as an analgesic, acting to help relieve pain of wounds. It’s feels especially good to cut a stem of aloe, place it in the fridge and rub it on sun burnt skin – the immediate soothing effect feels like an absolute lifesaver. Aloe is also an antipruritic: A substance that relieves or prevents itching. Aloe vera is an astringent: which causes the contraction of body tissues, typically used to reduce bleeding from minor abrasions.

10. Aloe Vera is a: Disinfectant, Anti-biotic, Anti-microbial, Germicidal, Anti-bacterial, Anti-septic, Anti-fungal & Anti-viral:

Wow, I think that covers all anti- bases. Okay, I admit, that was just a sneaky way to add in another 8 good reasons why you should keep an Aloe Vera as a handy (to to mention beautiful) house plant and incorporate it’s uses into your healthy lifestyle. Aloe Vera’s active ingredients are sulphur, lupeol, salicylic acid, cinnamic acid, urea nitrogen and phenol which are substances that prevent the growth of disease-causing microorganisms and act as a team to provide antimicrobial activity thus eliminating many internal and external infections, also active against bacteria. It also helps to treat fungal and viral infections.

11. Aloe Helps Reduce Inflammation

Aloe Vera contains 12 substances, including B-sisterole, which can help to slow down or inhibit inflammation.  This may be able to help with painful joints due to stiffness and help improve joint flexibility.

12. Weight Loss – A Secondary effect

Improving your digestion, and detoxifying your body will have a secondary effect of promoting weight loss because when you start to improve your digestion you naturally eliminate more efficiently, which is a primary way that we all detoxify – through our bowels. This will lighten your toxic load on your body and will give you more energy.

Aloe Vera Intake Precautions

This plant is incredibly medicinal, yet there are some cautions against long-term use. Just because a little is beneficial, doesn’t mean that a lot is more beneficial. This is an incredibly potent plant and should be used with a level of respect for its potency. Long-term use can lead to loss of electrolytes, especially potassium.

Tip: Avoid taking aloe internally during pregnancy, menstruation, if you have haemorrhoids or degeneration of the liver and gall bladder.

- See more at: http://happyandraw.com/top-12-benefits-of-aloe-vera/#sthash.LLyh7gIP.dpuf

 

Dental amalgameDental amalgams

A much exited client rang me the other day. In a triumphant voice he proclaimed that he finally had got rid of his allergies.

I had been treating him for heavy metal poisoning with some good results, diminishing his eczema, rushes and improving his respiratory system. However he was still highly sensitive to many things. He could not go out dinning with his family and friends in case someone had used a pan that had mushrooms or nuts or just about any type of food. He also was taking up to 8 anti histamine tablets. This made him miserable as he felt isolated.

Three weeks ago he had a tooth ache. He went to his dentist only to find that one of the teeth with amalgam was rotting. The dentist removed the amalgam, cleaned the tooth and told him to come back when the inflammation would have subsided.

Apparently, since that day, he has not had to take one anti histamine, he has been able to eat mushrooms, nuts.....he is completely transformed and over the moon.

So if you have skin issues, allergy issues and you have teeth filled with old fashion amalgam get your dentist to remove the old amalgam and see how your metabolism reacts.

Worth a try

Health Tips for JULY 2014

 

Health Tips

 

BedwettingBed wetting

 

Common problems, with bedwetting are with Kidney and bladder

 

Key points to remember

 

  • Bedwetting happens during sleep
  • Your child can't control their bedwetting - it is not their fault
  • Be patient
    • Most children grow out of bedwetting

About bedwetting

 

Wetting the bed at night (nocturnal enuresis) is very common in young children.

Bedwetting is not considered to be a problem until children are about seven years of age. That is a good age to introduce treatment programmes if your child wants to do something about it.

Almost all children grow out of bedwetting. About one percent of adults may still have occasional problems.

What causes bedwetting?

There is no universal cause of bedwetting but we know that:

  • Bedwetting runs in families
    • The waking-up response to having a full bladder is not fully developed; your child does not have conscious control over bedwetting
    • Your child's bladder cannot hold the amount of urine that they produce overnight 
    • Your child's bladder may be twitchy or overactive - this may cause wet pants or urgency (rushing off to the toilet) in the daytime
    • Fluid restricting in the evening and at night does not stop bedwetting
    • Constipation can lead to bedwetting
    • Bedwetting is rarely due to urine infection, disease or child abuse

 

What can I do to help?

  • Be patient and understanding - reassure your child, especially if they are upset
  •  Do praise and reward your child for getting up to use the toilet
  • Do respond gently when your child wets the bed - even if you feel angry
  • Do prepare the bed and your child. Use a heavy plastic cover mattress and protect the mattress with absorbent pads or towels. It might help to stop your child flooding the bed if they wear extra-thick underwear and pyjamas
  • Do give your child plenty of fluid during the day. This helps their bladder to get used to holding bigger amounts of urine  
  • Do avoid any caffeine-containing drinks such as tea, chocolate or fizzy drinks before bedtime
  • Do get your child to wee before bedtime
  • If you wake your child up to wee after they have been asleep for several hours, it is important to make sure they are fully awake
  • Do shower or bath your child in the morning before they go to school - otherwise the smell of urine might embarrass them and lead to teasing

The BowTech solution to Bedwetting

BowTech is a gentle therapy that can assist a Child or Adult to overcome Bedwetting by:

    • Working with the Bladder/ Kidney Meridian, the Coccix and the abdomen.
    • Following certain dietery advise to reduce the amount of certain chemicals in the brain that trigger the relaxation of the bladder
    • Having the therapy applied weekly Frog

 

 

 

Weight controlWeight control

 

I occasionally write about weight control, because it has been (and still is) a lifelong struggle. I am “socially”classified as “Obese” and I am now suffering from “High Blood Pressure” and elevated “Cholesterol”. Therefore I keep looking for solutions to assist me in remaining healthy. Giving everything a good go.

 

Many factors lead to obesity Factorsmine is probably about my beliefs from childhood, change of lifestyle and accumulated failure to succeed in my weight goal.

 

My Doctor one day told me to: “stop eating, this way I will not put on weight.....” Not the best advice as: where would I get my vitamin and mineral from?

 

I have had a go at: removing process food from my diet, reducing sugar, not eating bread, reducing salt, associating weight release to a tune and listening to that music every day, meditation, positive thinking, visualisation, weight watchers, Ducan diet....

 

Occasionally I did release some weight but put it back on as soon as I stopped whatever food restriction I had put myself on. I have been on an everlasting circle Diet cycleof growing smaller and then growing back to a larger size.

 

Recently I was introduced to “Homai Nutrition” in Frankton. I have began their treatment and listening to their recommendation. I have a “weight in” weekly and I see them daily. Their support is invaluable. I am not longer struggling on my own. I also have discovered that it was not just about reducing your weight but also, building muscles and reducing body fat. WATER is one of the main ingredients... One week, I reduce my weight by 1kg and yet I had increased my body fat and reduced my body muscle, mainly because I had not eaten much and not drank sufficient water. The fat decided to feed on my muscles. Most interesting.... I am therefore reviewing my thoughts, beliefs about weight control, and look at it more into the light of fat burning, muscle building and changing my habits.

 

If you are struggling with your weight, being too much or not enough, may I recommend you visit “Homai Nutrition” in Frankton and have a look if it is for you.Frog

 

 

Health Tips for JUNE 2014

 

Nail biting, Thumb sucking

 

This article was taken from “Healthy Options” magazine.

 

Nail biting is considered an antisocial problem. Yet when you understand why a child or an adult bite their nails, then you may feel more compassionate.

 

The main reason for people biting their nail is because the silica level has dropped in their body. Nature then demands an immediate reimbursement. The easiest way of course is to absorb it back through our two silica constituents –your nails and your hair. So that the human instinct to replacing the much needed silica is to nibble on the nails or, in some cases, suck their hair. Even fiddling with their hair is an indicator, so is the child sucking his thumb.

 

Instead of growling at a nail bitter of a thumb sucker, may be you can suggest that they replace the lost mineral silica. This can be done through eating fruits and vegetables with skin on, or through the Biochenmic Cell Salt. Silica, which is available at your local health food store.

 

Other deficiencies your nail may show

nail1

 

 

 

  • Thin split nails: indicates a lack of Vitamin A, Silica and Sulphur in your body
  • Flattened nails: indicates a lack in iron
  • White spots on nails: indicates a lack of Zinc
  • Moons showing: Indicates a poor constitution and you need a tonic to build up your blood.
  • White band across the nails: indicates poor iron and B12 level
  • Ridges across the nails: Indicates family history of lung problems and a poor immune system nail2
  • Cuticles inflamed: Indicates a Candida problem, that is, a yeast allergy exists. Remove all yeast product from your diet
  • Hard nails: indicates that you have a good hormone level
    • The skin stays soft and elastic,
    • The eyes sparkle,
    • The hair is shiny
    • The bones, nails and teeth remain strong.

 

About SILICA

 

Ward off osteoporosis

 

Do you need Horsetail Herb?

 

As we age, we notice indicators such as wrinkles; thinning, dry and brittle hair; loss of skin elasticity; fading memory and weak bones. The body needs considerable amounts of silica and if it is lacking the ageing process could be accelerated. The mineral silica is sometimes referred to as "the youth and beauty mineral" as it helps keep the cells glued together.

 

SILICA is a major component of collagen and when it is in ample supply in the body,

 

Silica works in harmony with calcium and assists in the mineralisation of bones. This is a positive role silica plays in helping the body ward off osteoporosis.

 

There is also some indication that silica helps dissipate abnormal tissue and bone growths such as calcium nodules and spurs.

 

Dentists have indicated that people with excessive dental caries and who have weak or poorly formed teeth, may be deficient in silica.

 

A shortage of silica in the brain and nerves can affect both memory and neurological responses.

 

Can you get enough silica from your food? Most nutritionists say it is doubtful. This is mainly because the silica in fresh vegetables is diminished or destroyed through over-cooking and over processing of food. The stress of everyday living seems to adversely affect the body's ability to retain silica.

 

Nature has an answer and has provided a natural source of silica in the Horsetail herb. Horse tailThe stem of this plant contains large amounts of natural silica in a largely water soluble colloidal form that is easily and quickly assimilated by the body.

 

The German Commission E has approved Horsetail use for infections of the urinary tract, kidney and bladder stones, wounds and burn healing. It is also used for static and post-traumatic oedema.

 

Silica may not be the best-known mineral but it certainly is a very important one.

 

Article reproduced from the February/ March 2003 issue of Health and Herbal News, with the kind permission of Health and Herbs International Ltd.Frog

 

 

Health Tips for May 2014

 

The Healing Properties  of

 

Herb RobertHerb Robert

 

Last month, a client send me a request regarding “Herb Robert”. The person wanted to know if anyone grew Herb Robert. I replied that it was the wrong season to look for it, mainly because my garden is over run by Herb Robert in the spring. However a couple of days later I went to my garden and discovered that it was very much alive, not as abundant as in spring but sufficient to put in a salad or make a cup of tea.

Since it has very relevant properties for the season (change of weather temperature, thus affecting our metabolism), I have decided to share some info about this wonderful weed.

This herb is called Robert after the medieval monk who used it with great success in his healing work.

It is also known as cranesbill, bloodwort, red robin, and felonwort ~ some herbalists also refer to Herb Robert as a ‘forgotten treasure’ partly because it is one of those herbs that has multiple uses in terms of its health giving properties, including being helpful in the treatment of certain forms of cancer and also in boosting the immune system.

Research has found that Herb Robert is a source of germanium, and germanium has a special role to play in the body because of its unique ability to make more oxygen available to the cells. More oxygen, at cell level, means the body has the opportunity to fight disease more efficiently, and healing can take place quicker. If the cells experience a lack of oxygen, they cannot get the nutrients, to regenerate. Those cells then become anaerobic, the state that leads to pain, disease, wayward cells and cancer.

Herb Robert is known to medical herbalists as a good all-rounder and preventative tonic because of germanium.

Germanium’s remarkable effects on the immune system are well known in medical fields. It has a good reputation as an energy giver, immune builder, having powerful therapeutic and preventative qualities. Also it is a vigorous adaptogen, acting to restore minor or major health imbalances in the body.

Germanium provides antibiotic, antiviral and antioxidant assistance which is all the more important nowadays when our bodies have to cope with so many different kinds of pollution from different sources.

So why not look out for it? It’s very pretty, with its purple stems, and hard to miss with its crane bill, furry buds and delicate pink flowers. The leaves are like tiny ferns, which you can chop up and put in your salad, or use it to make a cup of tea (tasting a little bit like ginseng tea).Frog

VegesVitamin CVit C

With this change of weather, temperature, moisture.... your metabolism is not certain what is going on and definitely would benefit from taking a higher dose of Vitamin C.

Wikipedia informs:

“Vitamin CorL-ascorbic acid, or simplyascorbate, is an essential nutrient for humans and certain other animal species. Ascorbate and ascorbic acid are both naturally present in the body when either of these is introduced into cells, since the forms interconvert according to pH.”

  • Vitamin C is a cofactor in at least eight enzymatic reactions, including several collagen synthesis reactions that, when dysfunctional, cause the most severe symptoms of scurvy.
  • Promotes wound-healing and in preventing bleeding from capillaries.
  • Ascorbate may also act as an antioxidant against.
  • All species (like us human) that do not synthesize ascorbate require it in the diet.
  • Deficiency
  • Nobel prize winner Linus Pauling and Canadian researcher have asserted that chronic long term low blood levels of vitamin C ("chronic scurvy") is a cause of atherosclerosis.
  • Moderately higher blood levels of vitamin C measured in healthy persons have been found to be prospectively correlated with decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and ischaemic heart disease, and an increase life expectancy.
  • The same study found an inverse relationship between blood vitamin C levels and cancer risk in men, but not in women.
  • Antioxidant
  • Ascorbic acid is well known for its antioxidant activity, acting as a reducing agent to reverse oxidation in liquids. When there are more free radicals(reactive oxygen species, ROS) in the human body than antioxidants, the condition is called, and has an impact on cardiovascular disease, hypertension, chronic inflammatory diseases, diabetes as well as on critically ill patients and individuals with severe burns
  • Vitamin C may contribute to decreased risk of cardiovascular disease and strokes through a small reduction in systolic blood pressure,as well as reduce levels of resistin serum,another likely determinant of and cardiovascular risk.
  • Immune system:
  • Vitamin C is found in high concentrations in immune cells, and is consumed quickly during infections. It is not certain how vitamin C interacts with the immune system; it has been hypothesized to modulate the activities of phagocytes, the production of cytokines andl ymphocytes, and the number of cell adhesion molecules in monocytes.

 

 

 

Antihistamine:

 

Vitamin C is a natural antihistamine.

 

Daily requirements:

There is continuing debate within the scientific community over the best dose schedule (the amount and frequency of intake) of vitamin C for maintaining optimal health in humans.A balanced diet without supplementation usually contains enough vitamin C to prevent scurvy in an average healthy adult, while those who are pregnant, smoke tobacco, or are under stress require slightly more. However, the amount of vitamin C necessary to prevent scurvy is less than the amount required for optimal health, as there are a number of other chronic diseases whose risk are increased by a low vitamin C intake, including cancer, heart disease, and cataracts.

High doses (thousands of milligrams) may result in diarrheal in healthy adults, as a result of the osmotic water-retaining effect of the unabsorbed portion in the gastrointestinal tract (similar to cathartic osmotic laxatives).

Should you need to supplement your diet with extra vitamin C, consider:

Acerola

ACEROLA .

It is a cherry like fruit of a small tree, Malpighia glabra, of the West Indies and adjacent areas, having a high concentration of vitamin C.

Distinctive characteristics:
Besides its extraordinarily high vitamin C content (roughly 50 to 100 times that of oranges), the acerola is also rich in provitamin A as well as vitamins B1 and B6. Due to this unique composition, the acerola has a very strong antioxidant effect on human cells and the human immune system.

ACTIVA STARTER is an Acerola complex product which provides energy, balance and structure to your metabolism.

Contact Jocelyne 021 502095 for further information or purchase.Frog

 

 

 

Health Tips for APRIL 2014 

 

Talking about BINGING

Should you choose to have a binging session during the holidays, and feel rather “queasy” the following days... may I recommend drinking: 1 teaspoon of Sodium Bicarbonate dissolved in a large glass of warm water first thing in the morning. It will work wonders at reducing the acidity in your stomach and you will feel much better.image008

 

 

The Power of the cabbage Leave

 

I grew up believing that little boys Cabbage babyjpg were born in cabbages......

 

Now.... I know better....

 

Still, there are some old fashion believes about cabbages that can be trusted as they have proven to be successful throughout the ages.

 

Google informs:

 

“Cabbage is a good source of vitamin K, vitamin Candfiber.Cabbage is also an excellent source ofmanganese,vitamin B6, andfolate; and a good source ofthiamin,riboflavin,calcium,potassium,vitamin A,tryptophan,protein, andmagnesium.Studies suggest that it, as well as othercruciferous vegetables, may reduce the risk of some cancers, especially those in thecolorectal group.  This is possibly due to the glucosinolates found in cole crops, which stimulate the production ofdetoxifying enzymesthat removecarcinogenscreated duringmetabolism,or due to thesulphoraphanecontent, also responsible for metabolicanti-carcinogenicactivities.Purple cabbage also containsanthocyanins, which in other vegetables have been shown to have anti-carcinogenic properties.Along with other cole crops, cabbage is a source ofindole-3-carbinol, a chemical that boostsDNA repairin cells and has been shown—in experiments usingcell culturesandanimal models—to block the growth of cancer cells.

 

Research suggests that boiling these vegetables reduces their anti-carcinogenic properties.

 

Food-borne illness

 

In addition to its usual purpose as an edible vegetable, cabbage has been used historically as amedicinal herbfor a variety of purported health benefits. TheAncient Greeksrecommended consuming the vegetable as alaxative,and used cabbage juice as an antidote formushroom poisoning,for eyesalves, and forlinimentsused to help bruises heal.InCato the Elder's workDe Agri Cultura("On Agriculture"), he suggested that women could prevent diseases by bathing in urine obtained from those who had frequently eaten cabbage.The ancient Roman noblemanPliny the Elderdescribed both culinary and medicinal properties of the vegetable, recommending it for drunkenness—both preventatively to counter the effects of alcohol, and to cure hangovers.Similarly, theAncient Egyptiansate cooked cabbage at the beginning of meals to reduce the intoxicating effects of wine.]This traditional usage persisted in European literature until the mid-20th century.

 

The cooling properties of the leaves were used in Britain as a treatment for:

 

  • Trench footin World War I
  • Ascompressesforulcersandbreast abscesses.
    • Accumulated scientific evidence corroborates that cabbage leaf treatment can:

      Reduce the pain and hardness ofengorged breasts
    • Increase the duration of breast feeding.
      • Other medicinal uses recorded in Europe folk medicine include:

        Treatments forrheumatism,
      • Sore throat
      • Hoarseness
      • Colic
      • Melancholy.
        • In the United States, cabbage has been used as:

          A hangover cure,
        • To treat abscesses,
        • To prevent sunstroke,
        • To cool body parts affected by fevers.
        • So..... You may want to cool off on a bed of cabbage leave? Cabbage bedIt would be a good experiment if you had a fever and see if the cabbage leaves assist in reducing your body temperature.
          • The leaves have also been used to:
  • Soothe sore feet
  • When tied around the neck of children, to relieve croup.
  • Both mashed cabbage and cabbage juice have been used :In poultices to remove boils
  • Treat warts,
  • Pneumonia,
  • Appendicitis,
  • Ulcers”.Cabbage polstice

If you have a swollen joint, a bad bruise, or recovering from surgery. Cover the affected area with cabbage leaves (remove the hard centre bit) and keep it on the affected area for 6 hours. See the result. The easiest way is to try this just before you go to bed.

 

Trust the humble cabbage leave. It will give you a good surprise.

 

          • image008
          • Raising the legs of your bed at the feet end?
          • good news
          • Do you suffer from:

            Restless legs
          • Cramps at night
          • Aching legs at night that wake you up
          • Sore legs or feet just as you get up and then it dissipates during the day.

Take Magnesium in the evenings,

            • Soak your feet and legs in Epsom Salt every evening
            • Also I would like you to consider that this may be due to poor blood circulation and that you could benefit by raising the legs of your bed “by the feet end”. This will encourage blood return up your legs which may relieve some of your issues.

image008

 

 

 

 

Health Tips for MARCH 2014

 

WATER

 

With the hot weather, it is crucial to drink more water, but the quality of the water is just as important.

 

The drought makes life difficult for many people, animals and plants. Our environment and our selves off course depend so much on water. Therefore I would like to encourage you to read the book “The miracle of water” written by Japanese “Masaru Emoto”

 

Masaru Emoto is a creative and visionary Japanese researcher who studied water in depth and from a different perspective. He found that water had a message for us. He provided us with factual evidence, that human vibration energy, thoughts, words, ideas and music, affect the molecular structure of water.

 

Some people talk to their plants. It is time for you to consider to talk to your water before you drink it.
Water is the source of all life on our planet, its quality and integrity is vitally important to all forms of life. The quality of your life is directly connected to the quality of the water you drink.

Water easily adapts to whatever environment is present and its molecular shape also changes. The energy of various environments will change the molecular shape of the in those specific environments. Thus water not only has the ability to visually reflect the environment but it also molecularly reflects the environment.

Masaru Emoto has been visually documenting these molecular changes in water by means of his photographic techniques. He freezes droplets of water and then examines them under a microscope that has photographic capabilities.

 

Enough said... get the book, you will be amaze and you will look at water like you have never done it beforeimage008

 

 

IODINE

 

Iodine is found on Earth mainly as the highly water-soluble iodide I-, which concentrates it in oceans and brine pools. Like the otherhalogens, free iodine occurs mainly as adiatomicmolecule I2, and then only momentarily after being oxidized from iodide by an oxidant like free oxygen. In the universe and on Earth, iodine's high atomic number makes it a relativelyrare element. However, its presence in ocean water has given it a role in biology. It is the heaviestessential elementutilized widely by life in biological functions (onlytungsten, employed in enzymes by a few species of bacteria, is heavier). Iodine's rarity in many soils, due to initial low abundance as a crust-element, and also leaching of soluble iodide by rainwater, has led to many deficiency problems in land animals and inland human populations.Iodine deficiencyaffects about two billion people and is the leading preventable cause ofintellectual disabilities.

 

Iodine is required by higher animals, which use it to synthesizethyroid hormones, which contain the element.

 

Because iodine deficiency results in increased iodine trapping by the thyroid, iodine deficient individuals of all ages are more susceptible to radiation-induced thyroid cancer. Iodine plays a crucial role in the body’s elimination system by inducing apoptosis, or what is called programmed cell death, and this is vital because this process is essential to growth and development and for destroying cells that represent a threat to the integrity of the organism, like cancer cells and cells infected with viruses. Women with goitres (a visible, non-cancerous enlargement of the thyroid gland) owing to iodine deficiency have been found to have a three times greater incidence of breast cancer. A high intake of iodine is associated with a low incidence breast cancer, and a low intake with a high incidence of breast cancer. Dr. Donald Miller Jr.

 

Iodine is a very important primary nutrient in regards to people’s health and healing. So essential is iodine for life that those who are deficient in it suffer from a wide variety of afflictions (including cancer) that are difficult to trace back to this trace mineral.

 

In short “get the iodine out of the cupboard if your immune system is a bit low” 3 drops of tincture of iodine in a large glass of water for 3 days will help fighting on coming cold, infection, boils....continue with one drop in a large glass of water daily until symptoms subside.image008

 

 

 

 

Health Tips for December 2013

Signs and symptoms of poor blood circulation

Sensation

 

  • Tingling, burning or numb sensations in the body are major signs of poor blood circulation. These usually happen in the hands, arms, feet and legs.If your arms or legs feel numb or weak while you're active or at rest, you may have low blood circulation, says the University of Pittsburgh Medical Centre. If these symptoms in your arms and legs come about suddenly and are accompanied by impaired or slurred speech and drooping facial muscles, you may have low blood circulation to your brain due to atherosclerosis. Poor circulation in the arteries supplying your brain can cause a stroke.
  • Emotional Signs

  • Memory problems and low enthusiasm or energy accompanied by some of the other physical symptoms could be indicative of poor blood circulation.
  • Poor Healing
  • A sign of poor circulation is wounds that are not healing properly, especially in the arms, feet and legs.
  • Color Changes
  • Poor blood circulation can lead to an appearance of blueness or waxy pallor in one's complexion, according to the Mayo Clinic. In severe cases of poor circulation, part of limbs can become purplish or black.
  • Breathing Issues
  • Shortness of breath and irregular heartbeat can also accompany other signs of poor blood circulation.

    Leg Pain While Walking

  • A common symptom of poor blood circulation is pain or cramping of your leg or hip muscles while walking, climbing stairs or another similar physical activity.
  • Loss of Libido

  • Libido is a touchy subject for many people, even though it is still an important component of good health; this may be one of the most difficult symptoms of poor circulation to confirm. Normal intimate functioning requires a healthy blood flow, and impaired circulation will significantly impede such function.
  • Frequent Headaches
  • The brain is filled with many blood vessels, and needs a great deal of blood flow in order to function to the best of its ability. When that blood flow is reduced, it can take on many different forms. Memory loss, a lethargic demeanour, dizziness, and a lack of overall mental acuity are some of its most frequent symptoms of poor blood circulation. It can also take the form of severe migraines and constant headaches that come on without warning and obvious cause.
  • Fatty food tend to leave cholesterol deposits in your arteries hence reducing your blood flow, hence putting extra stress on your heart, hence your whole metabolism breaks down. High cholesterol levels, can cause platelet aggregation, or arterial build-up, and lead to heart attack or stroke, depending on where the blockage occurs. Low blood circulation can occur due to several different underlying conditions, the most common of which are atherosclerosis, or "hardening of the arteries"; and peripheral artery disease.
  • Too much salt also can hardens the arteries
  • Too much sugar affects your pancreas and your blood sugar level thus creating ulcers, gangrene, eye issue...
  • Too many process foods affect your stomach / digestion / mal absorption issues, lack of vitamins.....
  • Soya milk and soya based products create hormonal imbalance thus influencing blood flow.

Assisting blood circulation

Health tips

Poor circulation occurs when blood flow becomes restricted in certain parts of the body. It is commonly caused by a build up...
One very important thing for good blood flow is healthy blood cells.

The following health tips can assist in reliving / restoring good circulation

 

DRINK GOOD WATER

To put it simply, one of the basic self-help everybody can do is to DRINK WATER regularly throughout the day. Please note it must be good water as water loaded with chemicals, bacteria and....are contraindicative for your metabolism.

If there is insufficient hydration of the body, the cells are flat, sluggish and can’t perform their duty of carrying oxygen, hydration, nutrients ... Your blood can even thicken thus reducing its flow. With poor hydration, your brain can’t receive the right amount of oxygen to perform properly. As a consequence, all your basic metabolic functions governed by your brain will be reduced. The blood will not reach your extremities hence cold fingers and toes . Poor blood suply will affect your respiratory centre, you can become short of breath, your breathing can become shallow which will increase the lack of oxygen. Lack of oxygen, fluid... leads to your kidney struggling due to insufficient liquid to filter toxins through....., your bowels stop functioning properly due to lack of moisture in the bowel......, your heart works harder because your body requires more oxygen...and so it goes on with your whole metabolism breaking down, just because you are not drinking water on a regular basis.

This is an even more important factor in summer as skin releases a lot of moisture to assists in controlling body temperature during the hot weather. Therefore you need to increase your water intake in summer.

So..... think about allowing your body to have nice round moist healthy blood cells (without drowning them off course), for a healthy blood flow.image022

 

REGULAR 20 minutes WALKS

Another basic self-help for proper blood flow is: REGULAR 20 minutes WALKS. How does walking assist in getting the blood flowing? In a simplistic way: it is a bit like when you look at a bottle of lemonade everything looks still. When you give it a good shake, you see the activity of the fluid and the whole bottle looks alive. Sure your blood does not make bubbles (not normally), but the extra oxygen you breath as you walk, stimulates your brain centres and the extra oxygen is delivered to all your organs, you become a new person. (Walking does not need to be fast).

 

Watch what you are eating

Another health tip for self-help is look at what you eat.

 

Reduce STRESS

Another very efficient way to assist your blood flow is to reduce your level of stress. When we are stressed we tend to hold our breath, hence reducing level of oxygen in the blood cells and...you know the rest. When we are stress we also tend to have a poor diet (food for comfort...or no time to eat...) whichever way, it does not help. Stress also affects hormone levels which in turn affect the metabolism and reduce your level of energy, muscle tone, blood flow.

 

Take Hawthorn

Hawthorn, or Crataegus oxyacantha, is a member of the rose family and a thorny shrub whose flowers, leaves and berries are used to make herbal preparations. Its use as an herbal remedy for improving circulation to the heart dates back to the Middle Ages. Hawthorn has several effects on the heart. It works to dilate the coronary arteries, which increases circulation to the heart, and also reduces blood pressure and the heart's workload. Take hawthorn under your doctor's supervision, as high doses can cause low blood pressure and irregular heartbeat. This is available at any health shop.

 

Take Nutri circulation

This product contains: Blackcurrant, Olive Leaf and Red vine leaf. These herbs are essentially focussing on blood circulation and works wonders for heavy legs, heavy menstruation.... This product is available through Jocelyne at :Holistic Health Therapies Lts. Contact: 021502095

 

Take Nutri Puncture

When there is poor blood supply it creates a mineral imbalance in the cells of areas affected. Nutri Puncture rectifies this imbalance by nourishing the affected system at a cellular level. It provides minerals that have became depleted, in a form of tablets that is chewed.

 

Massage

Massage (be it relaxing or deep tissues or lymphatic drainage) is excellent in assisting blood flow.

 

BowTech

Bowen therapy is an excellent form of relaxation and self tuning of the body and self regulation

 

The circulatory system is a vast subject and many more information are available on Google. Hope this introduction will be of some help to you

 

 

Health Tips for November 2013

Tips for HEADACHES

My faithful book on 1801 home remedies makes the following suggestions as alternatives to pain killers:

·        Soaking your feet in HOT WATER will help your head to feel better. By drawing blood to your feet, the hot water foot-bath will ease pressure on the blood vessels in your head. For a really bad headache, add a bit of mustard powder to the water.

·        For a tension headache, place a hot compress on your forehead or back of your neck. The heat will help to relax knotted up muscles in this area.

·        You can follow up the heat compress with a cold compress. Cold constrict the blood vessels and, when they shrink, they stop pressing on the sensitive nerves.

·        As an alternative to cold compress: soak your hands in iced water for as long as you can stand it. Whilst your hands are submerged in the iced water open and close your fists. Again, the cold will narrow the dilated blood vessels, which in turn will stop pressing on the sensitive nerves.

·        Have a cup of strong coffee. Caffeine reduces blood vessels swelling, and thus can help to relieve a headache

·        Lavender or Peppermint oils can ease tension and relieve the pain of a headache. (For maximum relief get in a cool dark and quiet room)

·        Drink Passion flower or Valerian tea

Tips for MIGRAINES?

My faithful book on 1801 home remedies makes the following suggestions as alternatives to pain killers:

·        Drink: ½ teaspoon of ginger powder into a glass of water. Or poor hot water on freshly grated ginger let it rest for a few minutes then drink.(Ginger also help controlling the nausea in migraines)

·        Camomile, Linden and Lemon Balm are all mildly relaxing herbs that help reduce emotional and physical tension. Or ask a medical herbalist to make a tincture with the three ingredients and take it with some water.

·        Poor a cup of boiling water onto some dried rosemary herb. Let sit for 10 minutes. Strain and drink.

·        Strong black tea with a few bruised whole cloves added to it.(tea has caffeine and clove is an anti inflammatory).

·        Dehydration could be a problem and drinking a whole large glass of water could do the trick.

Personally I have a “Feverfew “plant by my entrance door and when my partner has a migraine coming I give him a sandwich with “feverfew plant” leaves.

For either headaches or migraines, it is recommended to practice some physical activity like walking, swimming ... 3 days a week for 30 minutes. This assists getting the blood flowing through out your body.

I am certain that my teacher in Clendinning technique (Geoffrey Morel) would advise 3 hugs a day. “This works wonders”

Health Tips for August 2013

Until this morning, when I went to my weekly walk with my very good friend, I was not inspired as to what topic I will talk about for my health tip. My friend and I got talking about vitamin D.

I must say apart from knowing that sun light assist producing vitamin D through the skin, I don’t know very much about it. So I decided to “Google”. (All following information about vitamin D was taken from Google).

To my surprise there are many benefits in having the proper level of vitamin D:

Vitamin Dis a group of fat-solublesecosteroidsresponsible for enhancing intestinal absorption of calcium and phosphate.

In humans, the most important compounds in this group are vitamin D3(also known ascholecalciferol) and vitamin D2(ergocalciferol).Cholecalciferol and ergocalciferol can be ingested from the diet and from supplements.The body can also synthesize vitamin D (specifically cholecalciferol) in the skin, from cholesterol, when sun exposure is adequate (hence its nickname, the "sunshine vitamin").

Although vitamin D is commonly called a vitamin, it is not actually anessential dietary vitaminin the strict sense, as it can be synthesized in adequate amounts by most mammals exposed to sunlight. In common with other compounds commonly called vitamins, vitamin D was nevertheless discovered in an effort to find the dietary substance lacking in a disease, namelyrickets, the childhood form ofosteomalacia.Additionally, like other compounds called vitamins, in thedeveloped world, vitamin D is added to staple foods, such as milk, to avoid disease due to deficiency.

The best evidence of benefit is for bone healthand a decrease in mortality in elderly women.

In the liver,cholecalciferol(vitamin D3) is converted tocalcidiol, which is 25-hydroxycholecalciferol,— abbreviated 25(OH)D3.Ergocalciferol(vitamin D2) is converted in the liver to 25-hydroxyergocalciferol,— abbreviated 25(OH)D2. These are the two specific vitamin D metabolites that are measured in serum to determine a person's vitamin D status. Part of the calcidiol is converted by the kidneys tocalcitriol, the biologically active form of vitamin D.Calcitriol circulates as ahormonein the blood, regulating the concentration ofcalciumandphosphatein the bloodstream and promoting the healthy growth and remodelling of bone. Calcitriol also affects neuromuscular and immune function.


 

 

 

  • Bone health

 

Vitamin D deficiency causesosteomalacia(called rickets when it occurs in children). Beyond that, low serum vitamin D levels have been associated withfalls, and lowbone mineral density.

In 2012, theUS Preventive Services Task Forceissued a draft statement stating not enough evidence is available to indicate that healthy postmenopausal women should use supplemental doses of calcium or vitamin D to prevent fractures.

Some studies have shown that supplementation with vitamin D and calcium may improve bone mineral density slightly, as well as decreasing the risk of falls andfracturesin certain groups of people, specifically those older than 65 years.This appears to apply more to people in institutions than those living independently. There does not appear to be a benefit to bone health from vitamin D without sufficient calcium.

 

  • Mortality

 

Low blood levels of vitamin D are associated with increased mortality, and giving supplementary vitamin D3to elderly women in institutional care seems to decrease the risk of death.Vitamin D2, alfacalcidol, and calcitriol do not appear to be effective.However, both an excess and a deficiency in vitamin D appear to cause abnormal functioning and premature aging. The relationship between serum calcidiol level and all-cause mortality is parabolic.

 

  • Cancer

 

Though low levels of circulating vitamin D may be associated with a higher death rate in some cancers, it is not known whether low vitamin D status increases mortality from cancer or is just a consequence of poorer general health caused by cancer. Studies into the possible effect of vitamin D supplementation on the survival of cancer patients produce contradictory and inconclusive results. The currently available evidence is insufficient to recommend vitamin D supplementation in cancer patients. If there is a causal relationship between serum vitamin D level and prognosis, the relationship may not be a simple linear one. One study found that the relationship may be U-shaped instead, with a higher risk of death at both serum levels less than 32 ng/mL and greater than 44 ng/mL. That is, both hypovitaminosis D and hypervitaminosis D may negatively affect prognosis in cancer patients. That another study found both low and high serum vitamin D levels are associated with a higher prostate cancer risk suggests both conditions may stimulate cancer growth.

 

  • Cardiovascular disease

 

Evidence for health effects from vitamin D supplementation for cardiovascular health is poor.Moderate to high doses may reducecardiovascular diseaserisk but are of questionable clinical significance.

 

  • Immune system

 

In general, vitamin D functions to activate theinnateand dampen theadaptive immune systems.Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to increased risk of viral infections.It has been postulated to play arole in influenzawith lack of vitamin D synthesis during the winter as one explanation for high rates of influenza infection during the winter. For viral infections, other implicated factors include low relative humidity produced by indoor heating and low temperatures that favour virus spread.Low levels of vitamin D appear to be a risk factor for tuberculosis,and historically it was used as a treatment.As of 2011, it is being investigated in controlled clinical trials.Vitamin D may also play a role inHIV.Although there are tentative data linking low levels of vitamin D toasthma, there is inconclusive evidence to support a beneficial effect from supplementation.Accordingly, supplementation is not currently recommended for treatment or prevention of asthma.

 

  • Multiple sclerosis

 

Low levels of vitamin D are associated withmultiple sclerosis. Supplementation with vitamin D may have a protective effect, but there are uncertainties and unanswered questions."The reasons why vitamin D deficiency is thought to be a risk factor for MS are as follows: (1) MS frequency increases with increasing latitude, which is strongly inversely correlated with duration and intensity of UVB from sunlight and vitamin D concentrations; (2) prevalence of MS is lower than expected at high latitudes in populations with high consumption of vitamin-D-rich fatty fish; and (3) MS risk seems to decrease with migration from high to low latitudes."A clinical trial sponsored by Charite University in Berlin, Germany, was begun in 2011, with the goal of examining the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of vitamin D3in the treatment of multiple sclerosis.

 

  • Pregnancy

 

Low levels of vitamin D in pregnancy are associated withgestational diabetes,pre-eclampsia, and small infants.The benefit of supplements, however, is unclear.Pregnant women who take an adequate amount of vitamin D during gestation may experience positive immune effects.Pregnant women often do not take the recommended amount of vitamin D.A trial of supplementation has found 4000 IU of vitamin D3superior to lesser amount in pregnant women for achieving specific target blood levels.

 

  • Vitamin D3 In Immunity:

 

Recent studies suggest the importance of Vitamin D3 (Vit D3) in immunity. Vit D3 has been shown to promote the production of the human antimicrobial peptides, cathelicidins (LL-37), and cathelicidins have been found to have broad spectrum antimicrobial activity.

Vitamin D3 also seems to have important immunomodulating effects, both reducing levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and increasing levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines:

Moreover, Vitamin D3 has been shown to contribute "to the regulation of development and function of mast cells, which play a critical role in several inflammatory disorders":

 

  • Vitamin D3 in Inflammatory / Autoimmune Disease and Cancers:

 

Vitamin D3 has been implicated as playing an important role in various inflammatory / autoimmune diseases, including diabetes, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, cardiovascular heart disease, and many common deadly cancers.

A recent study suggests Vit D3 supplementation may promote up to a 77% reduction of cancer incidence:

 

  • Vitamin D3 and Skin Disease:

 

Studies suggest that Vit D3 plays an important role in skin wounds. Clinical trials of oral and topical Vitamin D3 in atopic dermatitis and acne are now underway:

Studies also suggest that Vit D3 may play an important role in proper sebaceous function and may help reduce sebum production

Vitamin D and the skin:

In an old study (from 1937) of Vit D in acne, 75% of subjects were reported to be much better or healed at 3 months:

Vitamin D in Acne

However, the following article seems to suggest that Dr Gallo - who remembers previously found elevated kallikrein activated cathelicidins in rosacea patients - may not believe Vit D3 supplementation would help with rosacea.

Innate immunity: Role in rosacea

It is to be hoped that this won't hold up studies of Vit D3 in rosacea, given the potential of Vit D3 to help with this condition. As the studies listed above indicate, it has potent immunomodulating effects. Additionally, the following studies suggest that Vit D3 intake may help prevent the increased angiogenesis found in rosacea and may even induce regression of the increased vascular supply found in rosacea.

Studies also suggest that Vit D3 intake may help control levels of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), some of which have been found to be elevated in rosacea.

 

  • Vitamin D3 and Ocular Disease:

 

Studies suggest that the cathelicidins induced by Vitamin D3 also play an important role in antimicrobial protection of the ocular surface and surround:

 

 

  • Dietary sources:

 

Vitamin D is found in few dietary sources.  Sunlight exposure is the primary source of vitamin D for majority of people, other than supplements.

Vitamin D2

Main article: Ergocalciferol

Fungus, from USDA nutrient database (per 100 g)

·Mushrooms, portabella, exposed to ultraviolet light, raw: Vitamin D2: 11.2 μg (446 IU)

·Mushrooms, portabella, exposed to ultraviolet light, grilled: Vitamin D2: 13.1 μg (524 IU)

·Mushrooms,shiitake, dried: Vitamin D2: 3.9 μg (154 IU)

·Mushrooms, shiitake, raw: Vitamin D2: 0.4 μg (18 IU)

·Mushrooms, portabella, raw: Vitamin D2: 0.3 μg (10 IU)

·Mushroom powder, any species, illuminated with sunlight or artificial ultraviolet light sources

Vitamin D2, or ergocalciferol found in fungi, is synthesized from viosterol, which in turn is activated when ultraviolet light stimulates ergosterol.[

Human bioavailability of vitamin D2 from vitamin D2-enhanced button mushrooms via UV-B irradiation is effective in improving vitamin D status and not different from a vitamin D2 supplement. From UV-irradiated yeast baked into bread is bioavailable. By visual assessment or using a chromometer, no significant discoloration of irradiated mushrooms, as measured by the degree of "whiteness", was observed. Claims have been made that a normal serving (approx. 3 oz or 1/2 cup, or 60 grams) of fresh mushrooms treated with ultraviolet light have increased vitamin D content to levels up to 80 micrograms, or 2700 IU if exposed to just 5 minutes of UV light after being harvested.

Plants

·Alfalfa (Medicago sativa subsp. sativa), shoot: 4.8 μg (192 IU) vitamin D2, 0.1 μg (4 IU) vitamin D3 (per 100 g)

Vitamin D3

In some countries, staple foods are artificially fortified with vitamin D.

·Vegan sources

·Lichen

·Cladina arbuscula specimens grown under different natural conditions: The contents of vitamin D3 range from 0.67 to 2.04 μg g¹ dry matter in the thalli of C. arbuscula specimens grown under different natural conditions.

Animal sources

·Fish liver oils, such as cod liver oil, 1 Tbs. (15 ml) provides 1360 IU (90.6 IU/ml)

·Fatty fish species, such as:

·Catfish (wild), 85 g (3 oz) provides 425 IU (5 IU/g)

·Salmon, cooked, 100 g (3.5 oz) provides 360 IU (3.6 IU/g)

·Mackerel, cooked, 100 g (3.5 oz), 345 IU (3.45 IU/g)

·Sardines, canned in oil, drained, 50 g (1.75 oz), 250 IU (5 IU/g)

·Tuna, canned in oil, 100 g (3.5 oz), 235 IU (2.35 IU/g)

·Eel, cooked, 100 g (3.5 oz), 200 IU (2.00 IU/g)

·A whole egg provides 20 IU if egg weighs 60 g (0.333 IU/g)

·Beef liver, cooked, 100 g (3.5 oz), provides 15 IU (0.15 IU/g)

 

Health Tips for JULY 2013

 

Cold and flu

I have had several requests regarding remedies for cold and flu.

It is important to differentiate one from the other:

If you have symptoms confined above the neck, congestion, sore throat, sneezing, coughing, you probably have a cold caused by any one of the 200 viruses that other people’s sneezes or coughs have placed in the air or something you have touched

If you have all those symptoms plus a fever, headache, muscle aches, extreme fatigue, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting...you are more likely to have the flu.

Nip it in the bud

Tincture of Iodine: as soon as you get first symptoms, take 3 drops of tincture of Iodine in a large glass of water, first thing in the morning for 3 days. This will assist in boosting your immune system and with a bit of luck nip the infection in the bud.

Zinc Gluconate lozenges: at first hint of a cold, take 1 lozenge every 4 hours. This should shake the symptoms within 4 days. Don’t take these lozenges more than a week (as long term use weakens the immune system).

Elderflower tea: 2 to 5 gr, of dried flowers in a cup of boiling water. Infuse for 5 to 10 minutes. Drink 3 cups a day.

Yarrow, ginger, and peppermint tea: Yarrow increases circulation to the surface of the skin, which promotes sweating and assists in reducing fever. Ginger is warming and is a significant antibacterial. Peppermint helps decongest blocked airways, helping you to breathe more easily.

Gargles

Sore throat: gargle with 1 teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice in warm water. It creates a hostile, acidic environment in the throat for viruses and bacteria. You can also use salt water, ¼ teaspoon of salt in a cup of warm water and add 1 tablespoon of hydrogen peroxide to kill germs. Wheatgrass juice gargle may ease throat pain. Held in the mouth for 5 minutes or so, wheatgrass juice is said to help revitalise weak gums and stop toothache.

Blocked airways: gargle with a dash of Tabasco sauce in water. Hot sauce fun swears it’s the fastest way to open blocked airways. If you can’t take the heat, try 2 teaspoons of tincture of to a cup of warm water Echinacea . Gargle three times a day

 

Laryngitis: stop talking, give your voice a rest and drink plenty of water. To speed up the process, gargle with: 3 to 5 drops of Myrrh in a cup of warm water (it is an anti inflammation and an antiseptic).

 

Here is a health tip that was passed on to me by my friend Jasmine

Clear your stuffed nose

 

 

A quick easy remedy to relieve sinus pressure: Alternate thrusting your tongue against the roof of your mouth, then pressing between your eyebrows with one finger. This causes the vomer bone, which runs through the nasal passages to the mouth, to rock back and forth. The motion loosens congestion; after 20 seconds, you’ll feel your sinuses start to drain.

Head cold

200mg of vitamin C: five times a day with food. I have in stoke a fantastic product called Activa STARTER which is made with non synthetic vitamin C. The main ingredient is Acerola (a little cherry from Porto Rico) $31.50 for 30 tablets of 900mg of vitamin C. A tablet can be split in 4 quarters.

Goldenseal: stimulates the immune system, fighting germs and kills viruses. To be taken for 5 days

Flu fighters

Elderberry tincture: 20 to 30 drops, three to four times a day for 4 days.

Oscillococcinum: this is a homeopathic remedy that can be found at some pharmacy or at a homeopath. It can be used within 12 to 48 hours of first appearance of symptoms.

Chicken soup with garlic: good for colds and flu. Scientists have confirmed that chicken soup stops certain white blood cells – neutrophils- from congregating and causing inflammation, which in turn triggers the body to produce copious amount of mucus. The garlic will assist in killing the germs.

 

 

Maintenance

The best way off course to keep away from colds and flu is to lead a lifestyle that contains at least 8h sleep a day, drink plenty of water (warm if you don’t feel like cold water on those cold days), eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly without going overboard (exercise every second day not more than 20 minutes), take vitamin C supplement daily, and a tbsp of Olive Leave extract daily (to keep viruses and bugs away). Three hugs a day can help no end and a good laugh on a daily basis.

Be well, be happy....

 

Health Tips for JUNE 2013

 

Cough or Heartburns?

If your cough troubles you mainly after meals, at night or while lying down, your problem might not be in your chest but in your digestive tract. You may be affected by heartburn. Heartburn results when stomach acids back up into your lower oesophagus irritate it which may lead you to cough. Controlling heartburns may solve your coughing.

Acidity in your stomach can be controlled by:

1.Eating 80% alkaline food compare to 20% of acid food. (Google for the table of Acid and Alkaline food).

2.You can drink a freshly squeeze lemon juice in a large glass of water first thing in the morning. This will alkalinise your stomach .

3.You could replace the lemon juice with 1 tsp of Sodium Bicarbonate. It will have the same effect than the freshly squeezed lemon juice.

4.Slice fresh ginger root and poor boiling water on it. Infuse for 5 minutes and drink the tea. This will help your digestion no end.

5.To soothe the irritation of the oesophagus lining, you could drink a Thyme tea. Put 1 tsp of thyme in a cup, poor hot water, let infuse for 5 minutes and drink it. You can use Hyssop in the same way (but it is not recommended if you have high blood pressure). Marshmallow tea is also good for this condition.

Enjoy your food.

 

Health Tips for May 2013

Microwave cooking

Recently my attention was drawn to Microwave cooking. To my surprise, many people seem to use microwave cooking as a convenient way to cook, especially busy Mums who work and still have to prepare meals for the family. Unfortunately microwave cooking used on a regular basis can be very detrimental to your family’s health. I thought that for this month, if you are using Microwave in your house hold you may be interested in visiting Google and look at “Effects of Microwave cooking” and see for yourself, I am not trying to scare you just bringing your awareness.

There are many alternatives to microwave cooking for a quick meal: utilise your day off to cook large stews and freeze them in meal size. In the morning before going to work, take it out of the freezer and when you come home heat it up in the oven, it will only take 10 minutes. You could use a crock pot. Get people in your house hold to take a turn at cooking. Make a big pot of soup....

Remember only good food assist in keeping you well.

 

Health Tips for April 2013


Recently, I bought a book titled 1801 Home Remedies. This is a very handy book with lots of practical advice.

Among all these remedies my eyes were attracted to Laryngitis as the flu season is well on its way and the larynx often needs support. The book suggests different ways to assist your Larynx:

  1. Gargle with Myrrh (3 to 5 drops of essential oil in a cup of water). It is a good antiseptic.
  2. Try to suppress the coughing need by sipping warm water or simply swallowing. Keeping the Larynx moist is crucial.
  3. Chicken stock can assist with the discomfort of a sore throat
  4. Take Mullein tea
  5. Slippery Elm. Due to its high mucilage content, this is a good emollient for the mucous membrane at the back of the throat. 1 teaspoon of powdered extract in 1 cup of warm water. Stir well and sip slowly, holding the mixture at the back of your throat for as long as possible before swallowing.
  6. 2 tablespoon of onion juice, followed by a teaspoon of honey. Take every 3 hours
  7. Mix a tablespoon of honey with some lemon juice and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Sip mixture as often as necessary
  8. Inhale steam from a bowl of hot water for 5 minutes. Could add to the water antiseptic oils like lavender, sandalwood or camomile
  9. Make hot compress with Mullein, Sage, Thyme or Hyssop tea.
  10. If you smoke...quit smoking

I would also recommend to take a couple of drops of Tincture of Iodine in a large glass of water to help boost your immune system and fight infection.

Taking plenty of vitamin C.

Taking Olive Leave as anti viral.

Louise HAY says in her book "You can heal yourself"' Probable causes: So mad you can't speak. Fear of speaking up. Resentment of authority.

New thought pattern: I am free to ask for what I want. It is safe to express myself. I am at peace.

Health Tips for March 2013

I have been asked if I knew any trick to get read of ants.....so here it is:

Make a tea with ordinary tobacco. Tobacco from cigarette butts will do.

Use 2 tsp of tobacco in a cup of boiling water; sweeten it with some sugar or honey. Place the saucer near the ants nest entry. The sugar will attract the ants and the tobacco will kill then. Flies attracted by the tea will die as well. Use this mixture as a component off your floor and furniture polishes to discourage ants coming where ever you don’t want them.

 

 

When I speak or think about health, I don’t only think about the physical health. I also think about the emotional and psychological health.

 

Monarch Butterflies

In my news letter I talk about awareness of our environment (especially water).

This year I went berserk planting swan plants in my garden. My reward was outstanding.

When I you look at the pictures below, I can only marvel at the process of life. I feel very proud that I made the conscious decision this year to do my bit to assist the perpetuation of the cycle

 

In my news letter I talk about awareness of our environment (especially water).

This year I went berserk planting swan plants in my garden. My reward was fantastic.

When I you look at the pictures below, I can only marvel at the process of life. I feel very proud that I made the conscious decision this year to do my bit to assist the perpetuation of the cycle.

The bonus/reward for my proactive behaviour was unexpected: I found peace, tranquillity, satisfaction, and lots of pleasure.

In my home I have a large fish tank and I have found watching them going about in their world, restful. To my surprise I have found watching the Monarch butterfly migrating in my garden, warming their wings on the first sun rays, taking nectar from flowers, exercising facing the prevailing wind, mating, laying eggs or just gliding around, most relaxing. It has been a positive action for connecting with my immediate neighbours, who can’t believe how many butterflies there are around our place and how “tickle pink” they are to have them around their garden as well.

 

It is true that Swan plantsAsclepias physocarpa”are toxicand swallowing even a small amount could be a problem. Ingestion of the plant material can affect the heart, breathing, central nervous system and the stomach. Young children generally do not regard the plant material as attractive to eat, although they may find the pods (swans) fascinating.
Often the chrysalis of the monarch may be ingested as they look similar to lollies. There is no poisoning concern with children eating the chrysalis.

I remember when I was a child we used to collect the seed pods and rest them on the edge of a glass full of water. They looked like bib fat green sea horses. It was very pretty, and I could watch the pods ripening until they burst open. I would then take them outside and watch the seeds floating away with the breeze,

I have also discovered that theyhybridize withAsclepias fruticosacreating intermediate forms. I have one of these plants and although the caterpillar did not go for it at first, they took to it when food got short.

Perhaps next year you may want to consider growing some Swan plants, so that, for a couple of months, you can feast your eyes on the wonders of nature looking at your windows, walking through your garden, and feel the contentment that comes with it.

My Swan plants are now decimated, but I have very many chrysalis hanging from my gutters, rake, pot plants, fence, flowers....everywhere and I am happy that I have prepared next years batch. All that I have to do now is plant more swan plants

 

 

 

 

 

 

Health Tips for February 2013

 

Iron with calcium = - Iron

Recently I have come across a number of people with “Iron” deficiency. People with iron deficiency who are trying to increase their level of iron through diet and supplements, need to be aware that: IT IS A BAD IDEA TO MIX IRON WITH CALCIUM foods if you want to retain the benefits of the level of iron in food. Studies have found that adding dairy products such as milk or cheese to a pizza or hamburger can reduce your body’s ability to absorb iron by 50%.

Midges, Mosquitoes and Sand flies

These insects intensely dislike the smell of Pennyroyal. Chop and crush leaves of Pennyroyal into a glass jar. Cover with eau de cologne, gin, vodka...Keep airtight under the sun for one week. Use it sparingly rubbing on your skin.

Flies discouraged

How can you discourage flies to come in the house without having to squash them or spray them with insecticides?

One of many methods is: dip a sponge in boiling water and add half a tea spoon of lavender oil, or basil, or borage, or henbane, or pennyroyal, or thyme, or rosemary or warwood. The sponge should be moistened twice a day with boiling water.

 

Health Tips for December

INSOMNIA

Do you: fall asleep at your normal bedtime, wake up 3 to 4 hours later, stay awake for 3 hours and by the time you fall asleep again it is almost time to get up?

I have recently rediscovered “by chance” the benefits of Hops and Lavender.

Drink a cup of tea with Hops and Lavender and you will sleep like a baby. If you wake up during the night you will be able to fall back to sleep straight away.

 

About HOPSHumulus Lupulus

 

(Article taken from Botanicle.com on the Web)

 

The Hop (Humulus Lupulus, Linn.) is a native British plant, having affinities, botanically speaking, with the group of plants to which the Stinging Nettles belong. The sole representative of its genus in these islands, it is found wild in hedges and copses from York southwards, being only considered an introduced species in Scotland, and rare and not indigenous in Ireland. It is found in most countries of the North temperate zone.

The root is stout and perennial. The stem that arises from it every year is of a twining nature, reaching a great length, flexible and very tough, angled and prickly, with a tenacious fibre, which has enabled it to be employed to some extent in Sweden in the manufacture of a coarse kind of cloth, white and durable, though the fibres are so difficult of separation, that the stems require to be steeped in water a whole winter. Paper has also been made from the stem, or bines, as it is termed.

The leaves are heart-shaped and lobed, on foot-stalks, and as a rule placed opposite one another on the stem, though sometimes the upper leaves are arranged singly on the stem, springing from alternate sides. They are of a dark-green colour with their edges finely toothed.

The flowers spring from the axils of the leaves. The Hop is dioecious, i.e. male and female flowers are on separate plants. The male flowers are in loose bunches or panicles, 3 to 5 inches long. The female flowers are in leafy cone-like catkins, called strobiles. When fully developed, the strobiles are about 1 1/4 inch long, oblong in shape and rounded, consisting of a number of overlapping, yellowish-green bracts, attached to a separate axis. If these leafy organs are removed, the axis will be seen to be hairy and to have a little zigzag course. Each of the bracts enfolds at the base a small fruit (achene), both fruit and bract being sprinkled with yellow translucent glands, which appear as a granular substance. Much of the value of Hops depends on the abundance of this powdery substance, which contains 10 per cent of Lupulin, the bitter principle to which Hops owe much of their tonic properties.

As it is, these ripened cones of the female Hop plant that are used in brewing, female plants only are cultivated, since from these alone can the fruits be obtained. Those with undeveloped seeds are preferred to ensure which the staminate plants are excluded, only a few male plants being found scattered over a plantation of hops.

We find the Hop first mentioned by Pliny, who speaks of it as a garden plant among the Romans, who ate the young shoots in spring, in the same way as we do asparagus, and as country people frequently do in England at the present day. The young tops of Hop used formerly to be brought to market tied up in small bundles for table use. The tender first foliage, blanched, is a good potherb.

The leaves and flower-heads have been used also to produce a fine brown dye.

The origin of the name of the Hop genus, Humulus, is considered doubtful, though it has been assumed by some writers that it is derived from humus, the rich moist ground in which the plant grows. The specific name Lupulus, is derived from the Latin, lupus (a wolf), because, as Pliny explains, when produced among osiers, it strangles them by its light, climbing embraces, as the wolf does a sheep. The English name Hop comes from the Anglo-Saxon hoppan (to climb).

Hops appear to have been used in the breweries of the Netherlands in the beginning of the fourteenth century. In England they were not used in the composition of beer till nearly two centuries afterwards. The liquor prepared from fermented malt formed the favourite drink of our Saxon and Danish forefathers. The beverage went by the name of Ale (the word derived from the Scandinavian öl - the Viking's drink) and was brewed either from malt alone, or from a mixture of the latter with Honey and flavoured with Heath tops, Ground Ivy, and various other bitter and aromatic herbs, such as Marjoram, Buckbean, Wormwood, Yarrow, Woodsage or Germander and Broom. They knew not, however, the ale to which Hops give both flavour and preservation. For long after the introduction of Hops, the liquor flavoured in the old manner retained the name of Ale, while the word of German and Dutch origin, Bier or Beer, was given only to that made with the newly-introduced bitter catkins.

It has been stated that the planting of Hops in this country was forbidden in the reign of Henry VI, but half a century later the cultivation was introduced from Flanders, though only to a limited extent, and it did not become sufficient for the needs of the kingdom till the end of the seventeenth century. The prejudice against the use of Hops was at first great. Henry VIII forbade brewers to put hops and sulphur into ale, Parliament having been petitioned against the Hop as 'a wicked weed that would spoil the taste of the drink and endanger the people.' In the fifth year of Edward VI, however, privileges were granted to Hop growers, though in the reign of James I the plant was still not sufficiently cultivated to supply the consumption, as we find a statute of 1608 against the importation of spoiled Hops.

Hops were at first thought to engender melancholy.

'Hops,' says John Evelyn, in his Pomona (1670), 'transmuted our wholesome ale into beer, which doubtless much alters its constitution. This one ingredient, by some suspected not unworthily, preserves the drink indeed, but repays the pleasure in tormenting diseases and a shorter life.'

Parts Used Medicinally---(a) The strobiles, collected and dried as described. (b) The Lupulin, separated from the strobiles by sifting.

---Chemical Constituents--- The aromatic odour of the Hop strobiles is due to a volatile oil, of which they yield about 0.3 to 1.0 per cent. It appears to consist chiefly of the sesquiterpene Humulene. Petroleum spirit extracts 7 to 14 per cent of a powerfully antiseptic soft resin, and ether extracts a hard resin. The petroleum spirit extract contains the two crystalline bitter principles (a) Lupamaric acid (Humulone), (b) Lupamaric acid (Lupulinic acid). These bodies are chiefly contained in the glands at the base of the bracts. The leafy organs contain about 5 per cent of tannin which is not a constituent of the glands. Hops yield about 7 per cent Ash.

The oil and the bitter principle combine to make Hops more useful than Chamomile, Gentian or any other bitter in the manufacture of beer: hence the medicinal value of extra-hopped or bitterbeer. The tannic acid contained in the strobiles adds to the value of Hops by causing precipitation of vegetable mucilage and consequently the cleansing of beer.

Fresh Hops possess a bitter aromatic taste and a strong characteristic odour. The latter, however, changes and becomes distinctly unpleasant as the Hops are kept. This change is ascribed to oxidation of the soft resin with production of Valerianic acid. On account of the rapid change in the odour of Hops, the recently dried fruits should alone be used: these may be recognized by the characteristic odour and distinctly green colour. Those which have been subjected to the treatment of sulphuring are not to be used in pharmacy. This process is conducted with a view of improving the colour and odour of the Hops, since sulphuric acid is found to retard the production of the Valerianic odour and to both preserve and improve the colour of the Hops.

Lupulin, which consists of the glandular powder present on the seeds and surface of the scales, may be separated by shaking the strobiles. The drug occurs in a granular, brownish-yellow powder, with the strong odour and bitter aromatic taste characteristic of Hops. The glands readily burst on the application of slight pressure and discharge their granular oleo-resinous contents. Commercial Lupulin is often of a very inferior quality, and consists of the sifted sweepings from the floors of hop-kilns. It should contain not more than 40 per cent of matter insoluble in ether and not yield more than 12 per cent of ash on incineration. A dark colour and disagreeable odour indicates an old drug.

The chief constituent of Lupulin is about 3 per cent of volatile oil, which consists chiefly of Humulene, together with various oxygenated bodies to which the oil owes its peculiar odour. Other constituents are the two Lupamaric acids, cholene and resin.

Lupulin is official both in the British Pharmacopoeia and the United States Pharmacopoeia.

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---Medicinal Action and Uses--- Hops have tonic, nervine, diuretic and anodyne properties. Their volatile oil produces sedative and soporific effects, and the Lupamaric acid or bitter principle is stomachic and tonic. For this reason Hops improve the appetite and promote sleep.

The official preparations are an infusion and a tincture. The infusion is employed as a vehicle, especially for bitters and tonics: the tincture is stomachic and is used to improve the appetite and digestion. Both preparations have been considered to be sedative, were formerly much given in nervousness and hysteria and at bedtime to induce sleep; in cases of nervousness, delirium and inflammation being considered to produce a most soothing effect, frequently procuring for the patient sleep after long periods of sleeplessness in overwrought conditions of the brain.

The bitter principle in the Hop proves one of the most efficacious vegetable bitters obtainable. An infusion of 1/2 oz. Hops to 1 pint of water will be found the proper quantity for ordinary use. It has proved of great service also in heart disease, fits, neuralgia and nervous disorders, besides being a useful tonic in indigestion, jaundice, and stomach and liver affections generally. It gives prompt ease to an irritable bladder, and is said to be an excellent drink in cases of delirium tremens. Sherry in which some Hops have been steeped makes a capital stomachic cordial.

A pillow of warm Hops will often relieve toothache and earache and allay nervous irritation.

An infusion of the leaves, strobiles and stalks, as Hop Tea, taken by the wineglassful two or three times daily in the early spring, is good for sluggish livers. Hop Tea in the leaf, as frequently sold by grocers, consists of Kentish Hop leaves, dried, crushed under rollers and then mixed with ordinary Ceylon or Indian Tea. The infusion combines the refreshment of the one herb with the sleepinducing virtues of the other.

Hop juice cleanses the blood, and for calculus trouble nothing better can be found than the bitter principle of the Hop. A decoction of the root has been esteemed as of equal benefit with Sarsaparilla.

As an external remedy, an infusion of Hops is much in demand in combination with chamomile flowers or poppy heads as a fomentation for swelling of a painful nature, inflammation, neuralgic and rheumatic pains, bruises, boils and gatherings. It removes pain and allays inflammation in a very short time. The Hops may also be applied as a poultice.

The drug Lupulin is an aromatic bitter and is reputed to be midly sedative, inducing sleep without causing headache.

It is occasionally administered as a hypnotic, either in pills with alcohol, or enclosed in a cachet.

Preparations of Lupulin are not much used in this country, although official, but in the United States they are considered preferable for internal use.

About Lavender

(I wanted to insert an article taken from Botanicle.com on the Web, but I am not successfull. So just google Lavender and look what Botanicle .com says about it. Or contact me at 021 502 095)

Health Tips for November

SPRING

Do you:

  • ·Have restless sleep
  • ·Wake up in the morning just as tired as you were before you went to bed
  • ·Feel lethargic all day long, with no energy
  • ·Bite your finger nails

WORMINGmay be a good solution.

May I suggest you look into worming for yourself and your whole household.

I do not mean taking the tablet you normally get from the chemist, I mean a much stronger and longer treatment, that deals to all sorts of worms, not just the basic ones. May I suggest that you look at Malcolm K. Harker “Verm-ez”. Each person in your household will have its own bottle and each person will finish their bottle. Have a rest for a week and start on another bottle just to make certain that eggs that may have hatched after completion of treatment are also dealt with. I can guaranty you will recover your energy if you do not have a chronic condition that makes you tired.

DETOXcould be another option.... Just this word :”D.E.T.O.X” and you may be running away.....However there is a very simple detox that you may want to try:

Eat fresh fruits and drink water for three days with nothing else. You will feel healthier, your friend will notice how good your skin looks and you will be feeling full of energy.

NUTRIPUNCTURE option

Nitri Puncture looks at spring from different angles. Every individual, depending on its sensitivity, experiences a different spring. For some, this period brings energy and well being. Conversely for others it brings back seasonal disorders showing a loss in vitality, deteriorating a bit more each year: metabolic weaknesses, difficulties in digestion, general fatigue.... These disorders may be accompanied by an irascible and sometime vindictive , behaviour.

According to Traditional Medicine, the quality of health during this period is linked to the auto regulation capacity of the metabolic pole: LIVER and GALL BLADDER, and the cephalic pole driving it: CEREBRAL CORTEX. Both poles, metabolic and cerebral are crossroads for all information regarding the state of the body, whether balanced or not and of the other organs. In synergy with other sectors of the body, they contribute to the sense of touch.

So why not try a course of Nutri puncture for a fortnight, taking:

·Nutri 11 for your liver,

·Nutri 30 for your Gallbladder

·Ying Yang for body balancing

For more information contact me: 021502095.

Springis also about new growth.....Flowers everywhere, lawns are growing faster than you can mow them, and there are these weeds!!!!! Well these weeds!!!!! Can actually be your best friend. Below are some very useful common weeds found in any garden. Stop pulling out your weeds and make good use of them:

Cleavers

This week end I harvested my cleavers and decided to make an extract . I chopped cleavers in the food processor, put it in a muslin bag and squeezed the juice out. You need a lot of cleavers to make a reasonable amount of juice. I poured the juice in ice cube frames and froze them. One ice cube a day or a teaspoon a day is a good dose if your liver and lymphatic system are sluggish.

Google informed

Cleavers Galium aparine

Other Names: Goosegrass, Amor De Hortelano, Barweed, Catchweed, Cleavers, Cleavers Goosegrass, Cleever, Clivers, Eriffe, Everlasting Friendship, Gia Mara, Goosebill, Goosegrass, Grateron, Grip Grass, Hashishat Al Af'A, Hayriffe, Hayruff, Hedge Clivers, Hedgeheriff, Kaz Yogurtotu, Loveman, Mutton Chops, Robin-run-in-the-Grass, Scratweed, Sticky-willy, Stickywilly, Zhu Yang Yang,

Found growing in hedgerows, woods, fields, among cultivated crops and in waste places. It provides food for the larvae of many butterfly species. The stems and leaves are covered with little hooked bristles, which attach to passing objects, in this way it fastens itself to adjacent shrubs, to climb its way upwards through dense undergrowth into daylight, often forming matted masses. Leaves are narrow, lance-shaped and are rough along the margins and surface, the prickles pointing backwards, they occur in whorls of 6 to 8 leaves, around and along the square, delicate, branching stem which may grow to 6 or more feet in length. The flowers are white, tiny, 1/16 to 1/8 inch in diameter and star-like, growing in a stemmed bud rising from the leaf axils and arranged in clusters or whorls, six or eight together, blooming separately, 2 or 3 at a time, so flowers and seeds are present in each cluster. The seeds are little round vessels, covered with hooked bristles and readily clinging, to whatever they touch, ensuring dispersal of the seeds. Note: Some species produce only 2 or 3 flowers and seeds to a cluster. Flowers bloom April thru Sept. Gather the above ground plant, being careful not to gather whatever it touches. Dry for later herb use, should be picked through before drying to ensure herb is contaminant free.

Properties
Cleavers is edible and medicinal, it has been used for centuries as an alternative medicine by indigenous peoples on many continents. It is edible raw though said to be unpalatable, mainly used as a pot-herb or as an addition to soups. Using the plant as a vegetable has a slimming effect on the body. Cleavers seed is one of the best coffee substitutes, it merely needs to be dried and lightly roasted and has much the same flavor as coffee. Cleavers has a long history of use as an alternative medicine and is still used widely by modern herbalists. It is used both internally and externally in the treatment of a wide range of ailments. The dried or fresh herb is alterative, anti-inflammatory, antiphlogistic, aperient, astringent, depurative, diaphoretic, diuretic, febrifuge, tonic and vulnerary. A valuable diuretic, it is often taken to treat skin problems such as seborrhoea, eczema and psoriasis, and as a general detoxifying agent in serious illnesses such as cancer. The plant contains organic acids, flavonoids, tannins, fatty acids, glycoside asperuloside, gallotannic acid and citric acid. It has a mild laxative effect and stimulates the lymphatic system and has shown benefit in skin related problems. The fresh plant or juice is used as a medicinal poultice for wounds, ulcers and many other skin problems. An infusion of the herb has shown of benefit in the treatment of glandular fever, tonsilitis, hepatitis and cystitis. The infusion is also used to treat liver, bladder and urinary problems. The plant contains the valuable constituent asperuloside, a substance that is converted into prostaglandins by the body. Prostaglandins are hormone-like compounds that stimulate the uterus and affect blood vessels. Much more scientific research is being done on the plant it is of great interest to the pharmaceutical industry.

Folklore
Used as a love medicine by one tribe, the infusion of plant was used as a bath by women to be successful in love. Also used as a hair tonic, said to be good for the hair, making it grow long. Several Native American Tribes used an infusion of the plant for gonorrhoea. A red dye is obtained from a decoction of the root, it is said to dye bones red. It was also believed to remove freckles. Gerard writes of Cleavers as a marvellous remedy for the bites of snakes, spiders and all venomous creatures. A thick matt of the stems, when used as a sieve for filtering milk, was said to give healing properties to the milk and is still used in Sweden for that purpose.

Recipe
Medicinal Tea: To 1 pint of boiling water add 3 heaping tbls. of dried or fresh herb, steep 10 min. Take in mouthful doses throughout the day.

Article by Deb Jackson & Karen Bergeron

Herb Robert

Geranium robertianum

Herb Robert escaped from ornamental plantings and thrives in forested communities as the dominant ground cover, displacing native and beneficial plants.

Herb Robert's 5-petaled flowers are in all shades of pink and sometimes white. Overall the plant is covered with short glandular hairs, giving the plant a sticky feel and a distinct odor (sometimes this plant is known as "stinky Bob"). Shallow, weak roots make this plant easy to pull although large infestations can be highly labor-intensive to remove.

From Isabell’s blogs
Herb Robert ~ Natural Alterative ~

(Geranium robertianum)

Herb Robert is perhaps the most profound natural alterative to the many toxic treatments for cancer.

Many people diagnosed with cancer have come to hear of Herb Robert, have taken the herb, and are in remission from cancer. Health has been restored to people who had been diagnosed with cancer of the lungs, mouth, oesophagus, bowel, prostate, breast, uterus, spine, lymph and other cancerous conditions, including skin cancer. It is wonderful to receive feedback from people who have been using the herb.

Many years ago, someone shared with me a news item from Herald of Health, (a European magazine) entitled, Geranium robertianum, ancient herb used in the treatment for defeating cancer . The article gave details of how to use the herb and case histories of people in remission from cancer. The full article from the magazine is given in my book, How can I use herbs in my daily life?

In Europe, it has been a traditional herb for cancer, and it was believed to supply a natural dose of radiation. My herbal mentor called Herb Robert the radiation plant . Herb Robert contains ellagic acid. Researchers have found ellagic acid may slow growth of tumours caused by certain carcinogens; and it has been used to fight and prevent cancer. Here we see the herb has many actions & that can work on our behalf.

Researchers have found that Herb Robert is a natural source of germanium, a valuable element and powerful antioxidant that has the ability to make oxygen more readily available to the cells of the body. Germanium also stimulates electrical impulses at a cellular level to create a beneficial ripple effect, throughout the whole body. Germanium s remarkable effects on the immune system have been documented in medical journals. It enhances energy levels and is a powerful healing agent. Germanium provides a strong antibiotic and antioxidant arsenal, and I believe we receive so many benefits when we use it on a daily basis.

Herb Robert is highly valued for haemorrhaging and as a wound healer, undoubtedly, because of its astringent properties; and it was also used for bone fractures.

This week a young mother shared with me, that she had started to drink the tea. Her toddler was experiencing severe pain, distress, sleeplessness, crying every time she would cut a tooth, however, since giving the child Herb Robert to drink, now the child is more placid and has new teeth show through without trauma. Also the child is not longer constipated.

Last week a lass from Brisbane rang to say she had been diagnosed with breast cancer over 3 years ago. She followed the suggestions given in the herb book, and recently she has been diagnosed free of cancer.

A woman with lung cancer and given a life expectancy by her doctor of 16-19 months, is now free of cancer. She said she will continue to take Herb Robert as a preventative.

Many people taking the herb have experienced relief from pain, diabetes and chronic fatigue; digestive, stomach and bowel conditions; diarrhea, arthritis, rheumatism and numerous other ailments.

For any person wishing to use Herb Robert as a preventative measure, the herb can be made as a tea; or by using 4-5 leaves, eaten daily. I have the leaves chopped over my breakfast each morning.

Numerous animal owners have shared that pets with cancer, when given Herb Robert in their food, are now free of cancer.

Herb Robert continues to be the most requested herb at the Herb Farm. No doubt, this has resulted from information being passed on by word of mouth, after people have experienced the benefits of using the Herb Robert as a natural alterative.

Herb Robert is a powerful herb that we can all grow and use, daily, for our entire lifetime, to enhance and strengthen the immune system.

I encourage every home garden to have Herb Robert growing. It is a very special herb.

Isabell Shipard

Common Plantain

Botanical: Plantago major (LINN.)
Family: N.O. Plantaginaceae

---Synonyms---Broad-leaved Plantain. Ripple Grass. Waybread. Slan-lus. Waybroad. Snakeweed. Cuckoo's Bread. Englishman's Foot. White Man's Foot.
(Anglo-Saxon) Weybroed.
---Parts Used---Root, leaves, flower-spikes.

Description---It grows from a very short rhizome, which bears below a great number of long, straight, yellowish roots, and above, a large, radial rosette of leaves and a few Iong, slender, densely-flowered spikes. The leaves are ovate, blunt, abruptly contracted at the base into a long, broad, channelled footstalk (petiole). The blade is 4 to 10 inches long and about two-thirds as broad, usually smooth, thickish, five to eleven ribbed, the ribs having a strongly fibrous structure, the margin entire, or coarsely and unevenly toothed. The flower-spikes, erect, on long stalks, are as long as the leaves, 1/4 to 1/3 inch thick and usually blunt. The flowers are somewhat purplish-green, the calyx fourparted, the small corolla bell-shaped and four-lobed, the stamens four, with purple anthers. The fruit is a two-celled capsule, not enclosed in the perianth, and containing four to sixteen seeds.

The Plantain belongs to the natural order Plantaginaceae, which contains more than 200 species, twenty-five or thirty of which have been reported as in domestic use.

The drug is without odour: the leaves are saline, bitterish and acrid to the taste; the root is saline and sweetish.

The glucoside Aucubin, first isolated inAucuba japonica, has been reported as occurring in many species.

---Medicinal Action and Properties--- Refrigerant, diuretic, deobstruent and somewhat astringent. Has been used in inflammation of the skin, malignant ulcers, intermittent fever, etc., and as a vulnerary, and externally as a stimulant application to sores. Applied to a bleeding surface, the leaves are of some value in arresting haemorrhage, but they are useless in internal haemorrhage, although they were formerly used for bleeding of the lungs and stomach, consumption and dysentery. The fresh leaves are applied whole or bruised in the form of a poultice. Rubbed on parts of the body stung by insects, nettles, etc., or as an application to burns and scalds, the leaves will afford relief and will stay the bleeding of minor wounds.

Fluid extract: dose, 1/2 to 1 drachm.

In the Highlands the Plantain is still called 'Slan-lus,' or plant of healing, from a firm belief in its healing virtues. Pliny goes so far as to state, 'on high authority,' that if 'it be put into a pot where many pieces of flesh are boiling, it will sodden them together.' He also says that it will cure the madness of dogs. Erasmus, in hisColloquia, tells a story of a toad, who, being bitten by a spider, was straightway freed from any poisonous effects he may have dreaded by the prompt eating of a Plantain leaf.

Another old Herbal says: 'If a woodhound (mad dog) rend a man, take this wort, rub it fine and lay it on; then will the spot soon be whole. ' And in the United States the plant is called 'Snake Weed,' from a belief in its efficacy in cases of bites from venomous creatures; it is related that a dog was one day stung by a rattlesnake and a preparation of the juice of the Plantain and salt was applied as promptly as possible to the wound. The animal was in great agony, but quickly recovered and shook off all trace of its misadventure. Dr. Robinson (New Family Herbal) tells us that an Indian received a great reward from the Assembly of South Carolina for his discovery that the Plantain was 'the chief remedy for the cure of the rattlesnake.'

The Broad-leaved Plantain seems to have followed the migrations of our colonists to every part of the world, and in both America and New Zealand it has been called by the aborigines the 'Englishman's Foot' (or the White Man's Foot), for wherever the English have taken possession of the soil the Plantain springs up. Longfellow refers to this in 'Hiawatha.'

Our Saxon ancestors esteemed it highly and in the oldLacnungathe Weybroed is mentioned as one of nine sacred herbs. In this most ancient source of Anglo-Saxon medicine, we find this 'salve for flying venom':

'Take a handful of hammer wort and a handful of maythe (chamomile) and a handful ofwaybroadand roots of water dock, seek those which will float, and one eggshell full of clean honey, then take clean butter, let him who will help to work up the salve, melt it thrice: let one sing a mass over the worts, before they are put together and the salve is wrought up.

Some of the recipes for ointments in which Plantain is an ingredient have lingered to the present day. Lady Northcote, inThe Book of Herbs(1903), mentions an ointment made by an old woman in Exeter that up to her death about twenty years ago was in much request. It was made from Southernwood, Plantain leaves, Black Currant leaves, Elder buds, Angelica and Parsley, chopped, pounded and simmered with clarified butter and was considered most useful for burns or raw surfaces. A most excellent ointment can also be made from Pilewort (Celandine), Elder buds, Houseleek and the Broad Plantain leaf.

Decoctions of Plantain entered into almost every old remedy, and it was boiled with Docks, Comfrey and a variety of flowers.

A decoction of Plantain was considered good in disorders of the kidneys, and the root, powdered, in complaints of the bowels. The expressed juice was recommended for spitting of blood and piles. Boyle recommends an electuary made of fresh Comfrey roots, juice of Plantain and sugar as very efficacious in spitting of blood. Plantain juice mixed with lemon juice was judged an excellent diuretic. The powdered dried leaves, taken in drink, were thought to destroy worms.

To prepare a plain infusion, still recommended in herbal medicine for diarrhoea and piles, pour 1 pint of boiling water on 1 OZ. of the herb, stand in a warm place for 20 minutes, afterwards strain and let cool. Take a wineglassful to half a teacupful three or four times a day.

The small mucilaginous seeds have been employed as a substitute for linseed. For 'thrush' they are recommended as most useful, 1 OZ. of seeds to be boiled in 1 1/2 pint of water down to a pint, the liquid then made into a syrup with sugar and honey and given to the child in tablespoonful doses, three or four times daily.

The seeds are relished by most small birds and quantities of the ripe spikes are gathered near London for the supply of cage birds.

Abercrombie, writing in 1822 (Every Man his own Gardener), giving a list of forty-four Salad herbs, includes Plantain.

Dr. Withering (Arrangement of Plants) states that sheep, goats and swine eat it, but that cows and horses refuse it.

It is a great disfigurement to lawns, rapidly multiplying if allowed to spread, each plant quite destroying the grass that originally occupied the spot usurped by its dense rosette of leaves.

Salmon'sHerbal(1710) gives the following manifold uses forPlantage major:

'The liquid juice clarified and drunk for several days helps distillation of rheum upon the throat, glands, lungs, etc. Doses, 3 to 8 spoonsful. An especial remedy against ulceration of the lungs and a vehement cough arising from same. It is said to be good against epilepsy, dropsy, jaundice and opens obstructions of the liver, spleen and reins. It cools inflammations of the eyes and takes away the pin and web (so called) in them. Dropped into the ears, it eases their pains and restores hearing much decayed. Doses, 3 to 6 spoonfuls more or less, either alone or with some fit vehicle morning and night. The powdered root mixed with equal parts of powder of Pellitory of Spain and put into a hollow tooth is said to ease the pain thereof. Powdered seeds stop vomiting, epilepsy, lethargy, convulsions, dropsy, jaundice, strangury, obstruction of the liver, etc. The liniment made with the juice and oil of Roses eases headache caused by heat, and is good for lunatics. It gives great ease (being applyed) in all hot gouts, whether in hands or feet, especially in the beginning, to cool the heat and repress the humors. The distilled water with a little alum and honey dissolved in it is of good use for washing, cleansing and healing a sore ulcerated mouth or throat.'

'Salmon also tells us that a good cosmetic is made with essence of Plantain, houseleeks and lemon juice.

Culpepper tells us that the Plantain is 'in the command of Venus and cures the head by antipathy to Mars, neither is there hardly a martial disease but it cures.' He also states that 'the water is used for all manner of spreading scabs, tetters, ringworm, shingles, etc.'

So look around you. If a certain weed grows in abundance in your garden or fields, look at the qualities of that weed and make good use of it rather than destroying it.

 

 

·        The waking-up response to having a full bladder is not fully developed; your child does not have conscious control over bedwetting

·        Your child's bladder cannot hold the amount of urine that they produce overnight 

·        Your child's bladder may be twitchy or overactive - this may cause wet pants or urgency (rushing off to the toilet) in the daytime

·        Fluid restricting in the evening and at night does not stop bedwetting

·        Constipation can lead to bedwetting

·        Bedwetting is rarely due to urine infection, disease or child abuse

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