How to Use Herbs

How to Use Herbs

The following information has been taken from our “Certified Herbal Counselor” course.

The many ways in which herbs can be used include:

1. Compresses. A compress is a cloth soaked in a warm or cool herbal solution and applied directly on the injured area.
   
2. Decoctions. A tea is made from the bark, root, seed, or berry of a plant. Decoctions should not be boiled; they should only be simmered for approximately twenty to thirty minutes, unless the product label states otherwise.
   
3. Essential Oils. Essential oils are derived from herbs or other plants through steam distillation or cold pressing. They are usually mixed with a vegetable oil or water, and used either as a mouth, ear, or eyewash, or as an inhalant, douche, or tea. These oils can also be used externally in massage or on burns and abrasions. Essential oils readily combine with the natural fats present in the skin. With a few exceptions, such as the use of camphor, eucalyptus, or tea tree oil for certain skin conditions, essential oils should always be diluted in either water or oil before being applied to the body, and they should not be taken internally except under the direction of a physician trained in their use.
   
4. Extracts. Extracts are made by pressing herbs with a heavy hydraulic press and soaking them in alcohol or water. Excess alcohol or water is allowed to evaporate, yielding a concentrated extract. Extracts are the most effective form of herbs, especially for people with severe illnesses or malabsorption problems. Alcohol-free extracts, if available, are usually best. Herbal extracts should generally be diluted in a small amount of water before being ingested. The following are some herbal extracts that are very beneficial in healing. They can be found in health food stores. Add these extracts to juices, and take them while fasting for greatest benefits:
   
   Burdock Ginkgo biloba Red clover
   Cat’s claw Goldenseal Parsley
   Celery Hawthorn Pau d’arco
   Echinacea Horsetail Pumpkin
   Fig Licorice Red beet
   Garlic Milk thistle Suma
   Ginger Nettle Valerian root

1. Herbal Vinegar’s. Herbs are put into raw apple cider vinegar, rice vinegar, or malt vinegar and left to stand for two or more weeks.
   
2. Infusions. Leaves, flowers, or other delicate parts of the plant are steeped, not boiled, for five to ten minutes in hot water, so that the benefits of the herbs are not destroyed. (See Herbal Teas and Their Effects, below.)
   
3. Ointments. An extract, tea, pressed juice, or powdered form of an herb is added to a salve that is applied to the affected area.
   
4. Poultices. A poultice is a hot, soft, moist mass of herbs, flour, mustard, or other substance spread on muslin or other loosely woven cloth and applied for up to twenty-four hours on a sore or inflamed area of the body to relieve pain and inflammation. Ground or granulated herbs are best. The cloth should be changed when it cools.
   
5. Powder. The useful part of the herb is ground into a powder, which may then be made into capsules or tablets.
   
6. Syrup. Herbs are added to a form of sugar and then boiled.
   
7. Salves. Salves, creams, oils, and lotions are generally used on bruises, sores, and inflammations, and for poultices.
   
8. Tinctures. Tinctures are a well-preserved form of previously fresh herbs. Most tinctures contain varying amounts of alcohol; however, there are now some on the market that contain less alcohol, and some that are alcohol-free.

If there are several herbs recommended for a certain disorder, it is best to alternate among the different herbs, so that you obtain the benefits of each. This may also help you to determine which herb agrees best with your body’s chemistry and particular needs. Also, do not preserve herbs in clear glass jars; use colored glass or ceramic jars instead. The potency of herbs can be destroyed by exposure to light.

What Iridology Can and Cannot Do

What Iridology Can and Cannot Do

The following information has been taken from our “Beginning Iridology” course.

Iris Picture was taken with the SD8004 Super Digital Iridology Camera by JLS and Allison Imaging. Contact Brenda for info.

Iridology is the only science that tells inherent weaknesses. We die from our inherent weaknesses. Disease migrates to our weaknesses. We become toxic laden because we cannot detoxify. Inherent weaknesses tell us where the minerals are needed.

Iridology Can Reveal:

1. The primary nutritional needs of the body.
2. Inherently weak organs, glands and tissues.
3. Inherently strong organs, glands and tissues.
4. Constitutional strength or weakness.
5. What organ is in greatest need of repair and rebuilding.
6. Relative amounts of toxic settlements in organs, glands and tissues.
7. Stages of tissue inflammation and activity.
8. Where inflammation is located in the body.
9. Under activity or sluggishness of the bowel.
10. Spastic conditions or ballooned conditions of the bowel.
11. The need for acidophilus in the bowel.
12. Prolapses of the transverse colon.
13. Nervous condition or inflammation of the bowel.
14. High-risk tissue areas in the body that may be leading to a disease.
15. Pressure on the heart.
16. Circulation level in various organs.
17. Nerve force and nerve depletion.
18. Hyperactivity or hypo activity of organs, glands or tissues.
19. Influence of one organ on another, contribution of one organ to a condition elsewhere in the body.
20. Lymphatic system congestion.
21. Poor assimilation of nutrients.
22. Depletion of minerals in any organ, gland or tissue.
23. Relative ability of an organ, gland or tissue to hold nutrients.
24. Results of physical or mental fatigue on the body.
25. Need for rest to build up immunity.
26. Tissue areas contributing to suppressed or buried symptoms.
27. High or low sex drive.
28. A genetic pattern of inherent weaknesses and their influence on other organs, glands and tissues.
29. Pre-clinical stages of potential diabetes, cardiovascular conditions and other diseases.
30. Miasms.
31. Recuperative ability and the health level of the body.
32. Build up of toxic material before the materialization of disease.
33. Genetic weaknesses affecting the nerves, blood supply and mineralization of bones.
34. Genetic influence on any symptoms present.
35. Healing signs indicating an increase in strength in an organ, gland or tissue.
36. Bone marrow problems.
37. Potential for varicose veins in legs as shown by inherent weakness.
38. Positive and negative nutritional needs of the body.
39. Probably allergy to wheat.
40. Sources of infection.
41. Acidity of the body or catarrh development, as indicated by acute signs in the iris.
42. Suppression of catarrh, as indicated by sub acute or chronic signs in the iris.
43. Condition of the tissue in any part of the body or all parts of the body at one time.
44. Climate and altitude best for patient.
45. Potential contributions to sterility.
46. Effects of polluted environment.
47. Adrenal suppression, which may indicate low blood pressure, lack of energy, slowed tissue repair, deficiencies of vitamin C and adrenaline.
48. Resistance to disease, as shown by amount of toxic settlements in the body.
49. Relationship or unity of symptoms with conditions in organs, glands and tissues.
50. The difference between a healing crisis and a disease crisis.
51. The workings of Herring’s Law of Cure.
52. Whether a particular program or therapy is working or not.
53. The quality of nerve force in the body.
54. Response to treatment; how well the body is healing itself and at what rate.
55. The "whole" overall health level of the body as a unified structure.

Iridology Cannot Reveal:

1. Predict or indicate blood pressure levels (abnormal or normal), blood sugar level or other specific diagnostic findings or laboratory test results.
2. Identify what medication or drugs an individual is taking or has used in the past.
3. Determine what surgical operations a person has had.
4. Tell what foods a person does or does not eat.
5. Find out how much uric acid is in the body.
6. Indicate when an injury to the body occurred or what caused the injury.
7. Determine whether a poisonous snake bit has occurred or whether snake venom has entered the bloodstream.
8. Correlate tissue inflammation levels with specific diseases or symptoms of disease.
9. Identify diseases by name.
10. Tell whether a subject is male or female from the iris.
11. Determine whether asbestos settlements or silicosis exists in the body but only the effects on tissue.
12. Tell if hair is falling out or what may be causing hair loss.
13. Determine the number of organs when a person has been born with 3 kidneys, a double uterus, etc.
14. Verify the presence of fungal infections such as Candida Albicans, although it may indicate conditions supporting its possible presence in the body.
15. Show which tooth may be causing trouble.
16. Verify the presence of lead, cadmium, aluminum or many other metallic elements that may have settled in the tissues.
17. Tell if someone is on birth control pills.
18. Prove whether or not a woman is pregnant, either normal or entopic pregnancy.
19. Indicate whether an operation may be necessary.
20. Indicate reliably whether a tumor is present or what size it may be.
21. Show whether hemorrhage exists in the body or where its location may be.
22. The difference between drug side effect symptoms and symptoms of actual diseases.
23. Show if the thyroid is causing irregular menstrual periods.
24. Determine the presence of multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease or bubonic plague.
25. Prove whether healing signs indicate a rising of the general health level.
26. Indicate syphilis, gonorrhea or other sexually transmitted diseases.
27. Identify homosexuality or AIDS.
28. Show whether gallstones or kidney stones are present.
29. Tell reliably whether a blockage exists in a cardiac artery.

Kidney Stones and Flush

Kidney Stones and Flush

Kidney, paired organ whose functions include removing waste products from the blood and regulating the amount of fluid in the body. The basic units of the kidneys are microscopically thin structures called nephrons, which filter the blood and cause wastes to be removed in the form of urine. Together with the bladder, two ureters, and the single urethra, the kidneys make up the body’s urinary system. Human beings, as well as members of all other vertebrate species, typically have two kidneys.

Like kidney beans, the body’s kidneys are dark red in color and have a shape in which one side is convex, or rounded, and the other is concave, or indented. The kidneys of adult humans are about 10 to 13 cm (4 to 5 in) long and about 5 to 7.5 cm (2 to 3 in) wide—about the size of a computer mouse.

The kidneys lie against the rear wall of the abdomen, on either side of the spine. They are situated below the middle of the back, beneath the liver on the right and the spleen on the left. Each kidney is encased in a transparent, fibrous membrane called a renal capsule, which helps protect it against trauma and infection. The concave part of the kidney attaches to two of the body’s crucial blood vessels—the renal artery and the renal vein—and the ureter, a tube like structure that carries urine to the bladder.

A primary function of kidneys is the removal of poisonous wastes from the blood. Chief among these wastes are the nitrogen-containing compounds urea and uric acid, which result from the breakdown of proteins and nucleic acids. Life-threatening illnesses occur when too many of these waste products accumulate in the bloodstream. Fortunately, a healthy kidney can easily rid the body of these substances.

I am very impressed by the article on Liver Flush and the testimonials that you have received regarding it. The reason I am writing to you is because my younger sister has been suffering from Kidney stones for the past 6 years and has had many surgeries and lithotripsy procedures done. She is just 20 years old and to see her go through such intense pain is very upsetting to the whole family. I was wondering if you would have any suggestions for a Kidney flush, specifically for Kidney stones. I have read the article featured in your last newsletter entitled Kidney, Liver, and Bowel Cleansing Fast. Would this also help with the kidney stones or is there anything else that needs to be done. I would be extremely grateful to you if you could give me any help or suggestion in this matter. ThanksAaruti

Hello Aaruti, As we spoke on the phone, I will list them below along with the kidney flush information for your sister. Yes, the Kidney, Liver, Bowel Cleansing Fast would be beneficial as well.

1. Combination K - Flushes and builds kidneys
2. Cornsilk - For kidney pain
3. APS II - For pain
4. Cranberry/Buchu Combination - For kidneys and bladder
5. Cranberry Juice, Water, Watermelon - For flushing kidneys
6. Combination URY - Builds entire urinary system
7. Hydrangea - Helps break down and dissolves stones

Kidney Stone Flush - Fast

1. 1/4 cup lemon juice (fresh squeezed is best) every 2 hours for 3 days. On the odd hours you can have water, or "one kind" of juice. No Food.
2. At the end of the third day be all ready for bed. Take 1/3 cup of castor oil or cod liver oil and 2 oz. of lemon juice. Drink that and get into bed and stay there. Make sure you don't get up for at least 20 to 30 minutes, or you will get sick.

Liver and Gallbladder Flush and Detoxification

Liver and Gallbladder Flush and Detoxification

The largest internal organ in humans, the liver is also one of the most important. It has many functions, among them the synthesis of proteins, immune and clotting factors, and oxygen and fat-carrying substances. Its chief digestive function is the secretion of bile, a solution critical to fat emulsion and absorption. The liver also removes excess glucose from circulation and stores it until it is needed. It converts excess amino acids into useful forms and filters drugs and poisons from the bloodstream, neutralizing them and excreting them in bile. The liver has two main lobes, located just under the diaphragm on the right side of the body. It can lose 75 percent of its tissue (to disease or surgery) without ceasing to function.

The liver and gallbladder flush is an important detoxifying agent which can help restore the normal functional capacity of these organs. For more information regarding the function of the liver, click here. Listed below are the steps that should be followed:

1. Monday through Saturday noon, drink as much unfiltered, and unsweetened apple juice or apple cider as your appetite will permit in addition to regular meals and any supplements that may have been suggested. The apple juice should preferably be purchased from a health food store to assure there are no additives.


2. At noon on Saturday, eat a normal lunch.


3. Three hours later, take 2 Tablespoons Epsom salts dissolved in about one ounce of hot water. The taste may be objectionable and may be followed by a little citrus juice (freshly squeezed if possible).


4. Two hours later, repeat step 3.


5. Grapefruit juice, grapefruit or other citrus fruits or juices may be eaten for the evening meal.


6. At bedtime have 1/2 cup of warm, virgin olive oil blended with 1/2 cup of lemon juice. (Virgin olive oil can be purchased from any health food store. It is best to use fresh citrus juice, but canned or bottled are permissible.)


7. Following Step 6, go immediately to bed and lie on the right side with the right knee pulled up close to the chest for 30 minutes before going to sleep.


8. The next morning, one hour before breakfast, take 2 Tablespoons Epsom salts dissolved in two ounces of hot water.


9. Be sure to continue with a normal diet and any nutritional program that has been suggested to you.


10. Located under and attached to the liver, the gallbladder serves as a reservoir for bile. As it is produced by the liver, bile passes to the gallbladder through a small tube called the cystic duct. The gallbladder’s muscular walls absorb excess water and, when stimulated, contract to squirt concentrated bile through the biliary ducts and into the small intestine, where it aids in digestion.

Recommendations

1. Some clients have occasionally reported slight to moderate nausea when taking the olive oil/citrus juice; this nausea will slowly disappear by the time you go to sleep. If the olive oil induces vomiting, you need not repeat the procedure at this time. This occurs only in rare instances. This flushing of the liver and gallbladder stimulates and cleans these organs as no other method. The most common side effect of this flush is diarrhea the day and/or the day after the Epsom salts are taken.


2. Clients who have chronically suffered from gallstones, biliousness, backaches, nausea, etc. generally find small gallstone-type objects in the stool the following day. These objects are light green to dark green in color. They are very irregular in shape, gelatinous in texture and vary in size from grape seeds to the size of a nickel. If there seems to be a large number of these objects in the stool, the liver flush should be repeated in two weeks. To be sure the gallbladder has been thoroughly flushed, it is recommended to have a follow-up Kinesiology visit.

It is not recommended for clients under 25 years of age or clients with known large stones unless under a professional's guidance. Before doing this flush it is recommended that the body be tested through Kinesiology to find out if there are gallbladder stones and if the body is strong enough to tolerate such a flush. For those people who cannot do the flush on Saturday and Sunday, the days can be changed to fit into your schedule.

You can also do an herbal gallbladder cleanse as follows: For two days take 8 ounces of apple juice every two hours until 1/2 gallon has been taken. Take 2 or more Fasting Plus every two hours and do not eat. Every 4 hours take 1 Cascara Sagrada to stimulate bile flow. At bedtime on the 2nd day, take 2-4 ounces of virgin olive oil mixed with 2 ounces of fresh lemon or grapefruit juice. Repeat in 1/2 hour. Sleep on your right side. Within 24 hours you should expel stones, mucous, or sludge through the bowel.

Reference: Recipes for Success

We are most interested in getting any feedback you may have if you've had success with a gallbladder/liver flush. We are collecting evidence that the gallbladder can pass these stones and would appreciate any written testimonials you might have. If you'd done a flush to pass stones and have had any results (positive or negative) please write them out for us and e-mail them to us. If you don't have a gallbladder, we would like to know what the symptoms were before it was removed and how its removal has changed your life. We are also collecting evidence showing that there is a link between gallbladder stones and high cholesterol. If you have high cholesterol please let us know in your testimonial as well.

The following are the most recent testimonials we have recieved.

These flushes are for educational purposes only! The author recommends that you do not do the flushes on your own. Please speak with a competent health professional before attempting these flushes. Please contact Brenda if you have any questions or information relating to these flushes.

Migraine Headaches

Migraine Headaches
By: Judith Cobb

Symptoms
Anyone who has ever endured the pain of a migraine headache would have no problems describing their symptoms. Often included in the list of adjectives are throbbing, one sided pain, and lasts for several days (often up to three).

There are at least three types of migraine headaches. The first two usually affect women in the 20-to-40 year age bracket. The 'common' or 'sick' headache is usually accompanied by nausea and vomiting.

The 'classic' migraine is preceded by an 'aura' or a period of milk confusion, light headedness, flashing lights, blind spots in the field of vision, sensitivity to sound, distorted speech, and sometimes partial paralysis.

'Cluster' headaches are a variation of the migraine headache. These usually occur in men ages 20 to 40 years. People who suffer from these awaken early in the morning with intense pain, usually around one eye.

This is accompanied by redness and watering of the eye and stuffiness of the nostril on the side of the pain. The pain may radiate over the face, jaw, and into the neck. This pattern continues for several days, and then disappears.

Causes
Many authors and researchers have proposed different theories as to what causes these debilitating headaches. Hereditary factors certainly seem to play an important role in this condition. Dr. Lendon Smith suggested that "Levels of circulating basophils and lymphocytes are reduced in migraine patients, suggesting a defect in cell-mediated immunity." Another source suggests that hyperactivity of the brain, as determined by PET scans (positive emissions tomography x-rays) causes arteries to contract and then balloon.

Diet can play a part in migraines. Cheese (except cottage), chocolate, and alcoholic beverages (especially red wine), all contain tyramine, which can cause blood vessels to constrict by reducing levels of serotonin, a chemical that acts on blood vessels to help them behave normally. Other foods to avoid are champagne, chutneys, fatty foods, fried foots, fish (pickled or fried in batter), bay leaves, chili, cinnamon, citrus fruits, pineapple, bacon, ham, hot dogs, salami, lever pate, pickles, goose, duck, asparagus, eggplant, onions, coffee, and MSG (monosodium glutamate). This list obviously suggests limiting the amount of inorganic (non-vegetable) sodium. Inorganic sodium has also been implicated in migraines.

Yet another author has suggested that high concentrations of aluminum in the body can cause migraines. This mineral would probably come from using aluminum cookware over many years. The best way to combat the problem from this angle would be to switch to high quality stainless steel cookware, and use supplements such as bugleweed, montmorillonite, and hydrated bentonite to draw the toxic metals out of the body.

Orthodox Therapy
Medical doctors will usually recommend one of three drugs for migraine headaches.

The first is available over-the-counter. Ibuprofen reduces the concentration of prostaglandins in the body. The most common side effects of this drug are dizziness, nausea, pain, and headache. People should not use this drug without professional supervision if they are younger than 15 years old, have gastritis, peptic ulcers, enteritis, ileitis, ulcerative colitis, asthma, heart failure, high blood pressure, bleeding problems, are allergic to aspirin or any non-steroid anti-inflammatory. There are several more infrequent and rare side effects.

Ergotamine Tartrate (Cafergot) is one of two main prescription drugs recommended for migraine headaches. This drug blocks nerve impulses at the parasympathetic nerve endings and thereby prevents muscle contraction and glandular secretion of the organs involved, in this case blood vessel walls. Common side effects of this drug include fast heartbeat, dizziness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, nervousness, and 'hangover' effect. There are, of course, other side effects that are listed as infrequent, rare, and life threatening.

The second common prescription drug is Midrin. This drug causes the blood vessels in the head to constrict. The most common side effect is dizziness.

Natural Therapy
There are many natural therapies available. This is reassuring since if one does not work for an individual, another probably will. It is also reassuring to remember that the natural alternatives will probably not cause life threatening side effects unless there was a previously undiagnosed allergy to the chosen method. This, however, could easily be true of orthodox remedies also.

The most obvious remedies include lying down, relaxing, and applying a cold pack to the head to constrict the blood vessels. Biofeedback training has also been known to help. Some migraine sufferers find that 50 mg. of niacin, followed by another 50 mg ten minutes later (if a niacin flush has not occurred) can relieve a headache. Chiropractic adjustments may also be beneficial. It may be worthwhile to keep a food diary to try to trace a relationship between possible food allergies and headaches.

Preventively, vitamin therapy, including B complex (10 mg taken three times each day), B5 (100 mg three times each day), and B6 (50 mg three times each day) may be helpful. If this regime helps prevent attacks, the dosage can be reduced gradually until the optimum maintenance dose has been found. (While it is true that these levels far exceed the RDA, it is also true that the RDA is to maintain life, not improve health. The RDA also does not account for individual differences and the fact that some individuals may need far more than the 'national average' just to maintain life.) Extra vitamin E, A, C, and D may also be helpful.

Some minerals have also been found to be helpful. Extra magnesium (up to 400 mg per day) along with extra calcium, potassium, and all trace minerals could be tried.

Some herbs have been found to be beneficial. Feverfew has come into the lime light. Taken daily as a preventative, it can usually be discontinued after several months. It seems to have somewhat of a cumulative effect in that most people find they have fewer and less severe migraines while taking it and this trend continues after the herb has been discontinued. A formula containing garlic, hawthorn, and capsicum (HS II) can also be helpful by working with the circulatory system. Some people have found fenugreek, valerian, and the pain formula APSII consisting of white willow bark, wild lettuce leaves, valerian root, and capsicum fruit to be helpful.

It is important to remember that lifestyle factors can help control migraines. The mild food diet (no sugar, animal products, or carbonated drinks), deep breathing, frequent relaxation periods, and reduced stress levels are all keys to being healthy.

Editor's Note
I have yet to find a migraine that I could not relieve by relaxing the shoulders, neck and scalp with some simple massage therapy. People with migraines tend to be tensed up due to carrying too many burdens in their lives. Self massage of the neck and shoulders using capsicum extract, lobelia extract, and/or a blend of volatile oils every night before going to bed can do wonders for releasing this tension and keeping the headaches at bay.

Parasites and People

Parasites and People

They eat off our tissues then release their toxic waste back into our systems. Yuk! And yet, while most of us are familiar with some of these common culprits - ringworm, tapeworm, mites, and heartworm - few of us want to accept the possibility that our own bodies often host over a dozen different parasites that feed and live off our internal organs.

While parasites are most prevalent in areas with hot, humid climates, they are finding their way into a large number of American homes. Although they usually live in the gastrointestinal tracts of their hosts, they can travel to the joints and tissues causing aches and pain. Keeping your body healthy and clean decreases their chance of survival.

After my brother, a doctor, tested my middle son and me for parasites, I began a simple parasite cleanse and repeated it at least once a year. Years later our family started traveling to Mexico once a year, and after reading the book, "Guess What Came To Dinner" by Ann Louise Gittleman, I decided to do a more intense cleanse. While the health of our family seemed good as far as not having colds and flu, we struggled with food allergies, gas, sore joints and skin problems. Through my research, I learned the importance of treating the entire family at the same time, pets included.

I noticed that my youngest son, at the age of four, was grinding his teeth consistently at night. While this could be due to a lack of certain minerals, or even an emotional disturbance, it can also be due to parasites. Another symptom he has had for almost three years is an appetite swing between not wanting to eat anything at all, to not being able to eat enough. I took him to my chiropractor to have him muscle tested with a bottle of Parasites homeopathic medicine. That was exactly what he needed. Because of the dark circles under his eyes, another sign of parasites, my chiropractor recommended also using liquid black walnut.

Hulda Regehr Clark, Ph.D., N.D., in her book, "The Cure of all Cancers", claims cancer can be cured by ridding the body of parasites. She states, "In 1990 I discovered the true cause of cancer. The cause is a certain parasite, for which I have found evidence in every cancer case regardless of the type of cancer". I've never been diagnosed with cancer, so I can't prove or disprove her bold statement. But, I strongly believe that a person's health will improve after eliminating parasites, changing the environment where they thrive, and rebuilding the body to a healthy state causing new arrivals to perish before settling down to live.
Dr. Clark names the parasite responsible for cancer is the "intestinal fluke", a member of the flatworm family, which typically causes colitis, Crohn's disease and irritable bowel syndrome. It is when the organism moves out of the intestine and into other areas of the body that several problems result.

After reading Dr. Clark's book and seeing pictures of a fluke, I realized that when I did my first major cleanse over ten years ago, I had passed these parasites. Dr. Clark believes that the fluke moves out of the intestine and into other organs such as the liver and survives in our bodies at different times. It may have started in the shoulder, moved to the chest, then back and so on throughout the body.

The common symptomatic complaints are digestive pain, nausea, headaches, or diarrhea (my two older sons experienced these after beginning their cleanses.) Acute symptoms range from ulcers, acne, foul breath, coated tongue, menstrual irregularities, skin problems, sleep disturbances, itching of the skin and the anus, and constant picking of the nose. Since these also relate to other diseases, they are often misdiagnosed for the flu, Epstein barr/chronic fatigue syndrome, Candida, colitis, or other immune related diseases. Allergies, types of cancer, irritable bowel syndrome and malabsorption syndrome can also be caused by parasites.

Treatment
"The most important element in diagnosing a parasitic infection is often the physician's suspicion that a parasite may be involved - a possibility that is too often overlooked." Consult a doctor if you suspect parasites. The basic test for determining parasites is through a purged stool sample. If this test shows up negative and you still suspect parasites, a doctor may recommend a blood test, sputum test, urine test, radiology test, a biopsy or a culture test.

It is recommended that you maintain the following steps of treatment - preferably under the guidance of a health care practitioner. Various degrees of detoxification may take place throughout your body during treatment.

1. Clean the intestinal tract: Parasites can't survive in a healthy environment. Remove mucus and encrusted waste through colonics and home enemas along with the use of herbal fibers such as: agar-agar, bentonite clay, beet root, comfrey root, flax seeds, papaya and psyllium husks. A tablespoon of unprocessed oil a day helps keep the intestinal system lubricated decreasing the parasite's ability to cling to the walls of the intestine.

2. Modify your diet: Avoid white flour and sugar. Eating a nutritional diet will build the intestinal tract while starving the parasite. A diet of 25% fat, 25% protein, and 50% complex carbohydrates is recommended.

3. Limit Your Intake of: Raw fruits and vegetables, avoid cold or iced foods and drinks. They cause the intestine to contract and hold in toxins. Avoid red meats. Add garlic, onions, carrot tops, radish roots, kelp, raw cabbage, ground almonds, pumpkin and sauerkraut to your diet. Enzymes such as bromelain, papain, pepsin, and hydrochloric acid help aid in digestion of food and parasites.

4. Eliminate parasites with: Effective substances such as Nature's Sunshine herbal supplements, medication, homeopathic remedies, and supplements. Taking large doses of powdered vitamin C helps keep the colon clean and the bowel moving. Again, Type A blood is a predisposition in which the body doesn't produce enough hydrochloric acid, therefore, supplementing is often necessary.

5. Rebuild the intestinal tract: With friendly bacteria. An overgrowth of Candida Albicans prevents production of hydrochloric acid and provides a toxic environment in which parasites can live. Add Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus bifidus, Bifidophilus, and other flora supplements after eliminating the parasites. This restores the good flora which keeps the parasites from surviving.

6. Avoid re-infection: Through a change in lifestyle and environment. Drink safe water, not stream or even city-treated water. Invest in a reverse osmosis water treatment which blocks even the tiniest micro-organism.

Again, the most frequent ways parasites enter our bodies are through:
1. Contaminated water and food.
2. Saliva (kissing).
3. The pores of the skin (walking barefoot).
4. Petting and handling animals and their feces.
5. Fleas and other insect bites.
6. Through the nose on windy days.
7. Sexual intercourse.

It is important to remember to wash hands after petting pets, handling dirt or preparing raw meat. Thoroughly rinse your vegetables in water with 1-2 tablespoons of Clorox bleach, change bedding daily during treatment, and practice other common safe-guarding tips. Be aware that parasites can also be transmitted through blood transfusions and breast milk.

Cleansing
Parasites are believed to be most active during a full moon. Therefore if you choose to do a cleanse, start two days before the moon is full. Drinking lots of water, eating figs and sesame seeds on an empty stomach will assist your cleanse during treatment. You may experience flu-like symptoms as the parasites die off. Hydrated bentonite and charcoal help to quickly rid the body of the die off.

A cleansing fast, recommended by Jack Ritchason, for the intestinal tract consists in eating raw fruits and drinking fresh fruit juices diluted with equal parts of water for three days.

During the fast Ritchason recommends taking the following:
1. Herbal Pumpkin, 3, 3x a day
2. Black Walnut, 4, 3x a day
3. Chaparral, 1, 3x a day
4. Special Formula #1, 1, 3x a day
5. Normal dosage of Vitamin C

Herbs
There are a number of suggested remedies to use including: Homeopathic Remedy para-remedy; black walnut, cranberry powder, butternut root, herbal pumpkin and thyme and sage which can be used every day on foods for seasoning.

Horsetail is known to kill the eggs of parasites, and wormwood helps expel worms and parasites. Garlic when eaten raw or used as an extract, helps kill roundworm and hookworm. Plants containing alkaloid, or berberin, such as golden seal, help prevent the growth of parasites in the intestine and vaginal area. Some people have benefited from taking two capsules of Red clover, Pau d'Arco, and Echinacea three times a day. Nature's Sunshine recommends starting with their Tiao He cleanse, then using the Para cleanse.

We need to replace the myth that it's normal to have parasites living in our bodies with the fact that it is un-healthy to have an organism feeding off our nutrients, blood, and waste material. Our bodies don't need the extra hungry hitch-hikers.

Sources: "Do You Have Parasites?" in Sunshine Sharing, Vol. 4 #10, 1993; "Parasites" in Today's Herbs, Vol. 15 #9, 1995; "The Neglected Tonics!" in Sunshine Sharing, Vol. 3 #6, 1992.

Extensive information on parasites can be found at: Parasites and Health – Parasites of the Intestinal Tract located at: www.dpd.cdc.gov/dpdx/html/frames/body_intest_listing.htm

Products can be found at: http://www.mynsp.com/generali/index.aspx

Hiatal Hernia Information

Hernia: An Overlooked Cause of Disease
By: Steven H. Horne

About three years ago Jack Ritchason, a naturopathic physician, corrected a health problem I must have carried since childhood--a hiatal hernia. The impact this simple maneuver has had on my health has amazed me. I immediately noticed a difference in my lung capacity and my digestion and in the months that followed I began to put some muscle on my skin and bones frame and gain newfound strength and stamina.

Dr. Ritchason tells me that this is a common health problem and my own observations as well as those of others confirm this fact. But this is more than a personal observation as the American Digestive Disease Society has estimated that nearly half of all adults--some 60 million people--have a hiatal hernia.

It occurs more often in women than in men. It affects people of all ages, but is most prevalent in people over 50 and highly likely in people over 65.

The Great MimicHiatal Hernia has been called the "great mimic" because it mimics many disorders. A person with this problem can get such severe pains in their chest that they think they are having a heart attack. They may think they have an over acid stomach because they will regurgitate stomach acid after they eat, or their stomach may hurt so badly they will think they have an ulcer. This is just a sampling of the symptoms that may occur from this disorder.

What is a Hiatal Hernia?
When you swallow, your food passes down a long tube known as the esophagus into the stomach. This tube must pass through a muscle known as the diaphragm, which is located near the bottom of your rib cage. This opening in the diaphragm, which permits the esophogus to pass through, is regulated by a sphincter muscle (or "valve") which relaxes and opens when we swallow to permit the food to pass through the diaphram and into the stomach. This sphincter then closes to prevent stomach acid from coming back up into the throat. A hiatal hernia occurs when the top of the stomach rolls or slides up into this opening and becomes stuck there.

Symptoms
Naturally, when part of the stomach is forced into this opening, the sphincter cannot close properly. Thus, stomach acid may travel back up into the esophagus causing burning sensations (heartburn), esophageal spasms, inflammations and ulcers.

The cramped position of the stomach can also stress the vagus nerve, which stimulates the release of hydrochloric acid. This can cause both over and under secretion of hydrochloric acid and stomach enzymes. It may also affect the sphincter or valve at the bottom of the stomach so that digestive secretions "leak" out of the stomach and are lost before they have completed their job.

The hiatal hernia will also interfere with the movement of the diaphragm muscle. This muscle normally pulls downward to expand the chest capacity and inflate the lungs. Since the hiatal hernia interferes with this movement, the person may be restricted to shallow breathing, or will resort to using the chest and shoulders to expand the lung capacity and take a deep breath.

The esophagus may also "kink" in the throat, which will irritate the thyroid gland and may cause some difficulty in swallowing. Often persons with hiatal hernias will have difficulty in swallowing capsules or tablets as they get the sensation that they are "sticking" in their throat.

The irritation on the vagus nerve can cause reflex irritations throughout the body. The vagus nerve comes from the medulla and goes to the heart, esophagus, lungs, stomach, small intestines, liver, gall bladder, pancreas and colon. It also hass links to the kidney, bladder, and external genitalia. Thus, a hiatal hernia may start imbalances in the system such as decreased stomach acid and ph imbalance in the intestines and elsewhere.

If a person develops poor stomach digestion due to a lack of hydrocholoric acid, they will have difficulty digesting and assimilating protein and most minerals. It will also contribute to food putrefacation in the intestines, causing greater toxicity in the body. This lack of nutrition and toxic condition may contribute towards food allergies, constipation, anemia and immune and glandular system weaknesses.

Two other problems that a hiatal hernia may contribute to are asthma and heart disease. Since the hernia reduces the lung capacity by interfering with natural breathing, it could be a factor in asthma. The hernia may also put pressure on the heart. Gas in the intestines may put pressure on the hernia and push it against the bottom of the heart, which may be one way in which a heart attack can be triggered. None of this spells immediate fatality, but it does point to a major contributing factor in degenerative illness.

Causes
The causes of a hiatal hernia are speculative and unique to each individual. However, there are a number causes. First of all there may be a mechanical cause. Improper lifting, hard coughing bouts heavy lifting, sharp blows to the abdomen (the kind that "knock the wind out of you"), tight clothing and poor posture may contribute to the development of this problem. Improper lifting may be the biggest mechanical cause of this disorder. If the air is not expelled out of a person's lungs while lifting, it will force the stomach into the esophagus.

Secondly, there are dietary causes. Hiatal hernia just about always accompnies a swollen ileocecal valve. The ileocecal valve is the valve between the small and large intestines which permits material to enter the colon from the large intestine, but prevents material in the colon from moving back into the small intestine. When this valve becomes swollen and irritated it cannot close properly. This allows material from the colon to leak back into the small intestine. This is analogous your sewer backing up into your kitchen. This creates gas and indigestion, which puts pressure on the stomach and presses it tighter against the diaphram.

The relationship between the ileocecal valve and the hiatal hernia is a chicken/egg situation ... it is hard to know which comes first. However, it is clear that the ileocecal problem aggravates the hernia. Hence, the things which irritate that valve may be causal factors. These are the basic causes of digestive problems: poor food combining, overeating, drinking with meals, overeating and eating when upset.

Lastly, there are emotional causes. According to one applied kinesiologist text a hiatal hernia comes from repressed anger. A person "swallows their anger" and "can't stomach it." When you get angry, you suck your beadth upward. If you fail to release this anger, your stomach stays up. I have observed that most of the people with severe hiatal hernias have a great deal of emotional stress and hold a lot of it inside.

Identification
The easiest way to tell if you or someone you know has a hiatal hernia is to place your fingers on the solar Plexus, just below the breastbone. Then take a deep breath. You should feel the solar plexus expand and move outward. If there is no movement at the solar plexus and you have to lift your chest and shoulders to take a deep breath, then you probably have a hiatal hernia. You should be able to take a deep abdominal breath without lifting your shoulders.

There are other, more complicated, methods of determining if you have a hiatal hernia, such as muscle testing, but this is a fairly simple and reliable method.

Correction
Since a hiatal hernia is primarily a mechanical problem, the easiest and best way to correct it is mechanically. Medical doctors have attempted surgery to correct this disorder, but the results tend to be poor. Cutting into this area can further weaken it so that the hernia will return in short order. A better method is to manipulate the stomach and bring down the hernia by hand. Unfortunately, you can't do this to yourself. You will need to find a good chiropractor, applied kinesiologist or massage therapist who understands this problems and knows how to correct it.

If you want to learn how to do this adjustment to others, you will have to find someone who does it and have them show you how since it is impossible to adequately describe the technique(s) in writing. They have to be learned through demonstration and practice.

For a chiropractor in your area who knows how to adjust hiatal hernias, click here.

Self-Adjustment
There are some self-help adjustment techniques. They aren't as effective as having someone else perform the adjustment, but they may help. The best one I've tried is to drink a pint of warm water first thing in the morning, then stand on your toes and drop suddenly to your heels several times. The warm water helps to relax the stomach and diaphragm and puts some weight in the stomach. By dropping down suddenly, the weight of the water helps to pull the stomach down. In a mild case, this might be enough to bring the hernia down. In a more severe case it may loosen the stomach and make it easier for someone else to bring it down. It will also help you to keep the stomach down once mechanical corrections have been made.

Nutrititional Aids
Until the problem is corrected mechanically, there are some nutritional therapies which may be of help. Immediate, but temporary, relief of pain and discomfort can often be achieved by the use of a mucilaginous herb like slippery elm or comfrey. These herbs absorb the digestive secretions and help to prevent their traveling back up the esophagus and burning it. They also help to prevent irritation of the ileocecal valve. Comfrey can also speed the healing of this problem once mechanical adjustments have been made. Okra pepsin is a good combination for this problem as well.

Marshmallow is also helpful in soothing the mucous membranes for hiatal hernias and other ulcerations in the gastrointestinal system.

A digestive aid will help the person obtain the nutrients they need when the hernia is interfering with digestion.
This may take the form of a hydrochloric acid supplement or a food enzyme tablet, or perhaps an herbal digestive aid such as papaya and peppermint, chamomile tea, safflowers, ginger root and so forth.

Other food or herb products that have been used to help people with hiatal hernias include: raw cabbage juice (where ulcerations have occurred), balm, barley water, brown rice, celery, coriander, gentian, hops, licorice, marshmallow and passion flower.

Dietary modifications may be necessary to relieve the problem and to keep it from reoccurring once it has been corrected. Since the pressure of abdominal gas can push the stomach upward, it would be advisable to avoid gas forming foods like beans. It would also be wise to watch food combinations carefully and to avoid overeating. Dr. Jack Ritchason recommends that people with hiatal hernias avoid eating any heavy meals after 3 pm.

Below you will find a checklist of symptoms which will help you in identifying people who have this problem so they can take steps to correct it.

Symptoms of a Hiatal Hernia
What is a Hitatal Hernia?

A hiatal hernia occurs when the top of the stomach rolls or slides up into the opening in the diaphragm which the esophogus passes through and becomes stuck there.

This condition may create difficulty with digestion (and hence general nutrition and well-being) as well as breathing difficulties, nervous problems, circulatory problems and glandular imbalances. All of the following symptoms have been connected with a hiatal hernia. If you have some of these symptoms especially those marked with an asterisk (*) you may wish to consider being checked for this condition.

DIGESTIVE DIFFICULTIES
*Belching, *Bloating, *Heartburn, *Difficulty digesting meat/high protein foods, Tension or pressure at the solar plexis, Sensitivity at the waist, Intestinal gas, Regurgitation, Hiccups, Lack or limitation of appetite, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea, Constipation, Colic in children, Difficulty in gaining weight or overweight, Ulcers.

BREATHING AND CIRCULATION PROBLEMS
*Difficulty with deep abdominal breathing, *Difficulty in swallowing capsules, *Asthma, *Inability to take a deep breath from diaphragm, Overall fatigue, Tendency to swallow air, Allergies, Dry tickling cough, Full feeling at base of throat, Pain or burning in upper chest, Pressure in the chest, Pain in the left side of chest, Pressure below breastbone, Lung pain, Rapid heartbeat, Rapid rise in blood pressure, Pain in left shoulder, arm or side of neck.

STRUCTURAL COMPLAINTS
TMJ (Temporo-Mandibular Joint Pain), Bruxism (Grinding teeth in sleep), Joint pain, Localized or overall spinal pain, Headaches.

STRESS
*Suppression of anger or other emotions, *Living with or having lived with a quick-tempered person, Dizziness, Shakiness, Mental Confusion, Anxiety attacks, Insomnia, Hyperactivity in children.

OTHER AILMENTS
*Open ileocecal valve, *General weakness, *Difficulty in getting and/or staying healthy, Overactive thyroid, Cravings for sugar or alcohol, Candida Albicans, Menstrual or prostate problems, Urinary difficulties, Hoarseness.

Sources
For more information about the problem of hiatal hernias, read the book "Hiatal Hernia Syndrome: Insidious Link to Major Illness" by Theodore A. Baroody, Jr., M.A., D.C., "Hiatus Hernia" by Penny Hemphill from an Australian Magazine, Nature & Health, and "Chiropractic Handout".

For information about which Nature's Sunshine Products can be used for this ailment go to:

http://www.joyfullivingservices.com/handouts/hiatalherniainformation.pdf

Send e-mail to joyful@best.com if you have questions about Hiatal Hernias.

Mixed Iris Information

Mixed Iris

Iridologists have said that there are only two basic colors for the iris, blue and brown. Perhaps this was so, but now there has been so much intermarriage of races in the world that we likely have a genetic mix of colors. Of course, we usually see the basically blue or brown iris but there are irises which we call "mixed" when it becomes obvious that in addition to the basic color there is a strong genetic influence of another color. There are instances where it becomes very difficult to determine exactly which color is the true basic color. Also, drug settlements in the body can make the iris appear a color which is different than its true and basic color.

Mixed-Eyed Type (German: Biliary)

Description
Discolorations or psora (drug spots) on top of a blue background (fiber structure is visible through color). Related to the primary color yellow and the mental aspect of health. Strong tendency towards Chinese wood, earth constitutions and the Western air constitution.

Tendencies
The blue/brown mix eye has been linked by Iridologists with a disposition to biliary or hepatic (liver) troubles. It is believed that the colorations on top of the blue eye are a sign of toxicity in the body due to digestive problems. When the pigmentation is concentrated around the center of the eye, this is especially linked with digestive disturbances. Problems with the liver and other digestive organs can lead to further imbalances in the glandular and circulatory systems. Body systems and organs to pay particular attention to are as follows: The digestive system (stomach, pancreas, gall bladder and especially the liver) and the intestinal tract.

Common health problems Iridologists associate with this type are: Hypoglycemia, PMS, indigestion, gallstones, constipation, gas, toxicity of the digestive tract, anger and/or depression, difficulty getting to sleep followed by difficulty waking up in the morning, nausea, stiffness and achiness, headaches (especially migraines), food allergies, seasonal allergies and Candida.

Colors
Colors have strong meaning in this eye type:
Straw Yellow: Relates to the kidneys and suggests poor kidney function.
Neon Orange: Relates to the pancreas and suggests a tendency to blood sugar imbalances and problems with digesting (metabolizing) carbohydrates.
Dirty Orange: May relate to either the pancreas or the gallbladder. Suggests some tendency as neon orange, but may also suggest gall bladder problems. Look for other signs of gall bladder problems (marks in gallbladder zone or fatty deposits in whites.)
Dark Brown: Related to liver function.
Reddish Brown: Suggests breakdown of the blood and a need to work with blood purification and building. Possible problems with liver, spleen and bone marrow.

For more information about Iridology and it's history, please contact

Brenda.

Brown Iris Information

Brown Iris

Iridologists have said that there are only two basic colors for the iris, blue and brown. Perhaps this was so, but now there has been so much intermarriage of races in the world that we likely have a genetic mix of colors. Of course, we usually see the basically blue or brown iris but there are irises which we call "mixed" when it becomes obvious that in addition to the basic color there is a strong genetic influence of another color. There are instances where it becomes very difficult to determine exactly which color is the true basic color. Also, drug settlements in the body can make the iris appear a color which is different than its true and basic color.

Brown Eyed Type (German: Hematogenic)

Description
Pure brown eye with pigments covering iris fiber structure. Related to the primary color red and the physical aspect of health. Probably Chinese constitutional types: fire and earth. Probability related to Western fire and earth constitutions as well.

Tendencies
Pure brown eyes are difficult for Iridologists to read because a layer of pigment completely covers up the fiber structure of the eye. However, Iridologists have noted some general characteristics of brown-eyed people. First, they appear to be pre-disposed to imbalances in blood composition and hence to blood disorders. It has been suggested that they have a possible inherent inability to store adequate supplies of minerals. They may especially have problems with calcium metabolism. Specific systems and organs to pay particular attention to are: The circulatory system (heart, blood, blood vessels), the organs that make blood (liver, spleen, bone marrow), the digestive system and the endocrine glands.

Common health problems experienced by brown-eyed people include: Anemia, hardening of the arteries, all types of blood diseases, constriction and hardening of lymph tissue, possible reduced leukocytes in the blood, digestive troubles, mineral deficiencies and early breakdown of the endocrine glands.

For more information about Iridology and it's history, please contact

Brenda.

Blue Iris Information

Blue Iris

Iridologists have said that there are only two basic colors for the iris, blue and brown. Perhaps this was so, but now there has been so much intermarriage of races in the world that we likely have a genetic mix of colors. Of course, we usually see the basically blue or brown iris but there are irises which we call "mixed" when it becomes obvious that in addition to the basic color there is a strong genetic influence of another color. There are instances where it becomes very difficult to determine exactly which color is the true basic color. Also, drug settlements in the body can make the iris appear a color which is different than its true and basic color.


Blue-Eyed Type (German: Lymphatic)

Description
White collerette (autonomic nerve wreath), solid blue or gray/blue color with no discoloration or psora (pigments). Related to the primary color blue and the spiritual aspect of health. Strong tendency towards Western phlegmatic (water) constitution and Chinese water, metal constitutions.

Tendencies
This is the "pure" blue eye that is found in people's of European descent. It usually accompanies a classic phlegmatic disposition which means the person is prone to lymphatic disturbances and catarrh afflictions. This is probably due in part to the fact that people of European descent are frequently heavy consumers of dairy products. Blue-eyed people are also thought to have a greater tendency to accumulate uric acid in their bodies and to have kidney troubles. The body systems and parts that these people have to pay particular attention to are the following: Mucus membrane areas (upper respiratory tract, bronchioles, villi of lungs, digestive tract and the uro-genital tracts), lymphatic tissues (tonsils, appendix, spleen and lymph nodes) and membranes of the joints.

Health problems commonly found in people with the lymphatic constitution include the following: Sinus troubles, sore throats, tonsillitis, earaches, bronchitis, asthma, swollen lymph nodes, skin catarrh (eczema and dandruff), kidney weakness, arthritis and rheumatism.

For more information about Iridology and it's history, please contact Brenda.