VITAMIN B12 PRODUCTION AND PROBIOTICS

VITAMIN B-12 PRODUCTION and FRIENDLY BACTERIA 

We are essentially composed of 10 trillion protein cells - -  holding mostly water that is saturated with 100 trillion friendly bacteria that live and work synergistically with us. 

This friendly flora (bacteria) lines our gastrointestinal tract, mucous membranes, and skin in such colonial great numbers as to impede the adherence and entrance of dangerous enemy bacteria (pathogens). We feed it with our mucosa and by consuming essential root vegetables and it excretes essential vitamins for our use, especially Vitamin B-12.  There exist over 400 varieties of micro-flora in our bodies each performing different functions for our well-being. One example would be the flora oxalobacter formigenes which breaks down oxalates in foods like spinach.  Without the presence of these bacterium, a person would be subject to kidney stone formation. 

Having compromised intestinal flora contributes to inflammatory bowel diseases, such as Colitis, Crohn’s disease, and Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS).  Healthy intestinal flora can prevent bowel cancer. Another study showed that increased milk-fat in the diet contributed to breast cancer, however, with the substitution of yogurt, with its friendly flora there was a decreased risk of breast cancer. 

High levels of intestinal flora can counter the ammonia that is released in the intestines from the breakdown of proteins, especially from red meats.  High levels of micro-flora are essential in the transportation or assimilation of nutrients through the intestines and the blocking of toxins. Although cholesterol is a nutrient manufactured in the liver (essential for hormone production), the intestinal flora can block and break down oxidized cholesterol which occurs in the processing of animal products. Does good bacterium also protect the vessels and heart?

Scientists tracking Indian migration to England noted a Vitamin B-12 deficiency in migrants who ate the same as residents in India, with normal B-12 levels. They noted that the bacteria genera Klebsiella and Pseudomonas produced some B-12 in the residents and further noted a lack of intestinal flora in migrants and all western inhabitants. The same results were noted in Iranian villagers, who ate dairy once a week and ate meat once a month yet had adequate B-12 levels. This research is invaluable in answering the question “If Vitamin B-12 is so important to our health and mental well-being, why isn’t it widely available in our food supply?” The answer is because it is manufactured by our intestinal flora. 

These scientists’ conclusions didn’t address how antibiotics can destroy our intestinal flora, thus sabotaging our manufacturing of B-12.  Instead, they attributed the difference in B-12 levels, between the migrants from India and the residents still in India, to the consumption of fecal matter in the food.

We can conclude from science that if we destroy our friendly flora, we become deficient in nutrients and more subject to disease. The same goes for animals that are given antibiotics, they also cannot create Vitamin B-12.  There is an epidemic of B-12 deficiency in vegans and carnivores alike. If we rely on our 100 trillion bacterial friends, use garlic and herbal antibiotics for infections, and reserve pharmaceutical antibiotics for life-threatening situations our bodies should be able to have the energy vitamins that we need from our food.    

ANXIETY

ANXIETY – A Holistic Approach and Understanding

Almost every client that I have worked with this past year is struggling with anxiety.  Anxiety is a multidimensional emotional state; a feeling of uneasiness, apprehension, or dread.  These feelings may be accompanied by symptoms such as breathlessness, a choking sensation, palpitations, restlessness, muscular tension, tightness in the chest, giddiness, trembling, and flushing, which are produced by the action of the autonomic nervous system, especially the sympathetic part of it.

Anxiety may be rational, such as the anxiety about doing well in a new job, about one's own or someone else's illness, about passing an examination, or about moving to a new community.  People also feel realistic anxiety about world dangers, such as the possibility of war, and about social and economic changes that may affect their livelihood or way of living.  Most persons find healthy ways to deal with their normal quota of anxiety.

Humans have significant control over thoughts, and, therefore, may learn ways of preventing anxiety by changing irrational ideas and beliefs.  I TELL MYSELF THAT ANXIETY "IS A LIE"!  Fear takes away opportunities and should only occur when there are real reasons to fear (such as safety)!  Humans have power over anxiety arising from social and environmental conditions.  There are, however, some forms of anxiety, that are built into the human organism genetically and these come from generational experiences that were not healed.  They are more challenging - - but possible to improve.  There is hope!

NUTRIENTS, HERBS AND ESSENTIAL OILS FOR ANXIETY REDUCTION

Geranium essential oil for easing anxiety and depression (a message of “all is well”).  Balances, uplifts and calms the adrenals.  Apply drops to the temples, the adrenals (lower back at waistline) and then under nose - - inhaling deeply.  Tell yourself “Even though I fear this _________, all is well and I am safe.”  

Bergamot essential oil – works like Geranium but doesn’t help hormones, but some people prefer Bergamot’s gentle action.

Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnate)  – an herb (a beautiful, tropical-looking vine) that will grow in Arizona.  It has been used for centuries to reduce anxiety-related discomforts and to promote a positive outlook.  It is also used for relieving discomfort caused by opiate and sedative withdrawals.  Passion Flower is an herb that is used in sleep formulas to help keep people asleep who struggle in reaching the deeper sleep levels.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) Root – a standardized Valerian extract is a safe and effective natural sedative (herb) that calms both the mind and the body.  Clinical research demonstrates that Valerian effectively relieves anxiety-related insomnia and shows that Valerian extract mahy be comparable to some prescription anti-anxiety drugs for treating anxiety disorders.  Unlike many drugs, however, Valerian is not addictive or habit-forming when taken in recommended doses.  There is a rare and small population of people who Valerian will stimulate, thus it should be tested when a person does not have an important event the following morning.

Niacinamide – one of the B Vitamins, and a form of niacin that has anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties.  Unlike regular niacin, niacinamide does not cause flushing nor does it stress the liver. Using B-Complex vitamins helps the neurological system to calm.

Magnesium – a macro minerals that calms the mind, helps relax muscles, helps reduce heart palpitations.  Overuse can cause the bowels to speed up.

L-Theanine – an amino acid (derivative of protein) which is also found in green tea, produces a pronounced feeling of tranquility in as little as fifteen (15) minutes.   L-theanine increases the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety.  L-theanine also stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for confidence and a sense of well-being.

L-Taurinate – an amino acid which helps to create calming neurotransmitters

The Basics on Generalized Anxiety

Anxiety Symptoms – according to Body Systems

Although the specific manifestations of anxiety vary for each person, this chronic state of tension can affect six major systems of the body.

In the cardiovascular system, anxiety increases blood pressure, which causes tachycardia (rapid heartbeat), constriction of the blood vessels in the arms and legs, and dilation of the vessels surrounding the skeletal muscles.  These changes produce symptoms of palpitations (an uncomfortable awareness of the heart rate), headaches, and cold fingers.

In the gastrointestinal system, anxiety leads to reduced salivary secretions, spasms within the esophagus (the hollow muscular tube leading from the nose and mouth to the stomach), and alterations in the stomach, intestines, and anal sphincter.  These systemic changes result in symptoms of dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, "butterflies" in the stomach, the gurgling sounds of gas in the intestines, and mucous colitis (an inflammation of the colon), causing spasms, diarrhea and/or constipation, and cramp-like pains in the upper stomach.

In the respiratory system, anxiety leads to hyperventilation, or overbreathing, which reduces the carbon dioxide in the blood, with symptoms of "air hunger," deep sighs, and pins-and-needles sensations.

In the genitourinary systems, the anxious person can experience the need for frequent urination. Men may have difficulty maintaining an erection during intercourse; women may have difficulty becoming sexually aroused or achieving orgasm.

In the musculoskeletal system, the muscles become tense.  Involuntary trembling of the body, tension headaches, and other aches and pains may develop.

Through changes in the central nervous system, the anxious person is generally more apprehensive, aroused, and vigilant, feeling "on edge," impatient, or irritable. He may complain of poor concentration, insomnia, and fatigue.

Generalized Anxiety (GAD) or Panic Attacks?

If a person has excessive worries he is likely struggling from generalized anxiety disorder.  There is often a fine line between the diagnosis of panic disorder and that of generalized anxiety disorder.  Three features distinguish them.  

1. In generalized anxiety disorder people worry about the kinds of interactions they will have with others: "Will I fail in this work setting?"  "Are they going to accept me?"  "I'm afraid he's going to leave me." "What if they discover how little I know?"  "I'll never perform up to their expectations."  The anxious person focuses on his inability to cope with the expectations and responses of those around him.
2. If an individual is chronically anxious (as he would be with generalized anxiety disorder) and also experiences episodes of panic, then panic disorder will be the more likely diagnosis. With panic disorder, the imagined response of others is secondary to the fear of personal catastrophe or loss of control, and the person's internal statements and questions will reflect this apprehension:  "What if I faint (become hysterical, have a heart attack, cause a scene..) and people see me?"  The panic-prone person focuses more on his inability to be in 100 percent control of all his physical and mental capacities. The person with panic disorder is quick to use avoidance to diminish discomfort.  He will begin to identify the situations that are associated with the symptoms and determine how he can steer clear of them.  

Treatments of Generalized Anxiety

Mental health professionals have developed a variety of treatment approaches that have proved successful against this disorder.  These often include cognitive behavioral therapies that seek to alter the way that generalized anxiety sufferers think about and respond to troubling situations.

Many individuals report that they have regained control of their lives without medication or extensive psychological counseling by learning anxiety management techniques.  Systematic tensing and relaxing of muscle groups, a technique known as progressive muscle relaxation, has helped a large percent of these sufferers. Some patients report that physical exercise programs, perhaps requiring no more than 30 minutes a day and no more strenuous than brisk walking, provide relief from generalized anxiety.  Meditation, yoga, massage and EVOX and biofeedback are other relaxation tools that may be beneficial for some people.  Controlled breathing and refusing the thoughts on the present may also reduce anxiety.

These techniques do not provide instant relief.  As a rule, they take effect gradually, and they must be practiced regularly for lasting benefit.  Patterning and reprogramming response – even genetic response are not instantaneous, but are possible.

Understanding their own thought processes and how they evaluate disturbing situations helps some people control their anxieties.  Cognitive therapy is designed to reduce anxiety by giving individuals the skills to assess situations more realistically.  Anxiety sufferers  may be trained to identify anxious and unrealistic thoughts and develop techniques to change their responses.  Cognitive therapy may be supported by instruction in altering behavior or by lifestyle changes designed to cut down on stress.

Medications (such as Lexapro, Paxil,  ) have also proven effective in relieving anxiety symptoms, particularly in providing faster relief from acute anxiety, and allowing other therapy to go forward.  It would be best to get any medication for anxiety through a psychiatrist than through a family doctor, as the training and understanding of the condition is more specific. 

Handling worries as "signals"

When you start worrying, the first thing to do is to distinguish whether these worries are "signals" or "noise."  Are they "signals" that you have a legitimate problem to address or that true danger, or psychological or social threat, lie ahead? Are they alerting you to take some action? If they are these kind of "signals" then you want to pay attention to them.  What is TRUTH?

Are these worries simply "noise": distractions; repetitious and unnecessary, negative thoughts that make you uncomfortable. If they are noise, then you will need some special skills to stop them from intruding. You want to get that noise out of your head, to clear your mind so that you can have more enjoyable and productive days.

Any concern that you dwell on can be a signal or noise.  You have a presentation due in three days; your son is late getting home from his date; you've been experiencing a headache for six hours; you're not sure whether you turned the iron off after leaving for work.  If you have been having anxiety traveling lately and are considering driving to a new location in a few days, then your mind will probably begin to dwell on the upcoming trip.  If these become repetitious, unproductive thoughts, they are worries. But are they a signal or noise?

Remember, worries as "signals" means there is some action we need to take; we can ignore worries that are "noise".

If they are legitimate concerns (signals), we will handle them by studying the problem and taking action. If they are a noisy racket in our head, we will handle them by various techniques that reduce their annoyance. (That's the next section.) The most direct way is to find out if a worry is a signal or noise is by attempting to make these unproductive thoughts into productive ones. In other words, treat all worries as signals until you decide that they are noise. Begin to think in a structured manner regarding your concerns.

When you hear yourself worrying, turn your attention to the details of the worries. Assume they are asking you to take some kind of action. Assume that if they are important enough to be intruding into your mental time, they are important enough to address in a structured manner. Put your worries through these four steps that lead to action.

1.     Define specifically what the problem is. Sit down with paper and pencil to define the concern and its components -- everything that worries you.

For example, your definition of the problem might be, "I am not prepared for the drive on Friday." List the details under it:

• I'm not sure of all the places to pull off.
• I don't know where phones are along the route.
• I don't know how far it is between those two exits on I-40, and I'm not sure I can handle more than a 2-mile span without an exit ramp.
• What if I have a panic attack while driving?

2.    Write down all possible solutions. Take the items on your list, one by one, and generate different ways to handle the concerns. These may include gathering more information, turning to experts or other knowledgeable people for advice, recalling your learnings from past successes, practicing skills. It can also include courageously taking actions even though you are uncertain of the outcome.

          In this case, the items might include taking a ride through the route as a passenger,                  identifying the pull-off locations, the phones, and the distance between those exits. Most            importantly, it includes recalling any successes you have had in the past when                responding to panic, identifying the specifics of how you would handle a panic attack in this situation, and practicing those skills ahead of time. Another obvious solution is to avoid the drive altogether.

3.    Decide whether to go forward or retreat. Most worries have this option: you either pursue or you pull back. Worrying offers you a way to sit on the fence and not commit to a decision. If you want to handle most worries, you need to force yourself to choose a direction.

• You have a presentation due in three days: you cancel it or prepare for it.
• Your son is late getting home from his date: you wait for another half hour, or you start calling his most likely locations.
• You've been experiencing a headache for six hours: you take another analgesic and wait to evaluate the problem again in the morning, or you call the doctor.
• You're not sure whether you turned the iron off after leaving for work: you decide it is safe to wait until you get home from work, or you return home now to check.
• You are considering driving to a new location in a few days: you go or you cancel.

You do not have to commit to the entire action from start to finish, only to walking along the path.  If driving is your concern, you can decide to ride as a passenger through the route, identifying the pull-off locations, the phones, and the distance between those exits.  You can then review your choices after you have experienced that step and decide whether to take another step toward your goal.  You can outline the steps you want to take if you might panic while driving.  You can plan to practice those skills and even list them on a cue card for the drive.  You can then decide whether to take the next step of actually getting in your car and driving.

You have a right to decide to withdraw from the action. You may have to handle certain consequences of the decision -- if you cancel a luncheon date, your intended guest might be upset -- but you have the right to control your behaviors instead of being controlled by others or by some strict standard of action.  You get to decide what is in your best interest!

4.    Take action based on your possible solutions. Action gets you off the fence, where worries tend to sit. Move forward from identifying the problem, move forward from thinking about all the possible solutions. Begin to act on one or more of those plans. Again, remember that with certain projects you can commit to each stage of action without committing to the final task. Review your direction toward your goal anytime you think you have new knowledge or experience that will influence your decision.

Practice Breathing Skills
During an emergency, our breathing rate and pattern change. Instead of breathing slowly from our lower lungs, we begin to breathe rapidly and shallowly from our upper lungs. If during this time we are not physically exerting ourselves, then it can produce a phenomenon called hyperventilation. This in turn can explain many of the uncomfortable symptoms during panic: dizziness, shortness of breath, a lump in the throat, tingling or numbness in the hands or feet, nausea, or confusion.
The good news is that by changing your breathing you can reverse these symptoms.
By shifting your breathing rate and pattern, you can stimulate the body's parasympathetic response.  This is the body's equally powerful and opposite system to the Emergency Response and is often called the relaxation response.  It is called the Calming Response.

Natural Breathing

The first way is called natural breathing.  This is the way that we should learn to breathe all day long, unless being involved in physical activity.  In other words, practice breathing this way all day long, since it provides for sufficient oxygen intake and controls the exhalation of carbon dioxide.

It's very simple and it goes like this:

Gently and slowly inhale a normal amount of air through your nose, filling your lower lungs.  Then exhale easily. You might first try it with one hand on your stomach and one on your chest. As you inhale gently, your lower hand should rise while your upper hand stays still.  Continue this gentle breathing pattern with a relaxed attitude, concentrating on filling only the lower lungs.

Calming Breathing – Deep Diaphragmatic Breathing

Deep diaphragmatic breathing can be used during times when you are feeling anxious or panicky. It is a powerful way to control hyperventilation, slow a rapid heartbeat and promote physical comfort. It is called the Calming Breath.

1. Take a long, slow breath in through your nose, filling your lower lungs, then filling your upper lungs.
2. Hold your breath to the count of “3”.
3. Exhale slowly through pursed lips, while you relax the muscles in your face, jaw, shoulders, and stomach.

Practice this Calming Breath at least ten times a day for several weeks. Use it during times of transition, between projects or whenever you want to let go of tension and begin to experience a sense of calmness. This will help you become familiar and comfortable with the process.

Use it any time you begin to feel anxiety or panic building. When you need a tool to help you calm down during panic, you will be more familiar and comfortable with the process.

Deep Muscle Relaxation - using Visualization

Each day find a comfortable and quiet place to practice. Take the phone off the hook or arrange for someone else to take calls.  This a special time, just for you!

Begin by sitting comfortably in a chair; take off your shoes and loosen any tight clothing.  Close your eyes and take three deep breaths, exhaling slowly.  On each exhale, say the word "relax" silently.  Or you may select a word that produces more comfort for you, such as "loosen," "quiet," "peace," or "calm."

First, tense and relax each muscle group once (Stage 1). During each relaxation phase, you will repeat the word "relax" (or your selected word) with every exhale.

Next you will follow in your mind a visual image of the sun warming and loosening all the muscles of your body (Stage 2). You needn't feel frustrated if you don't actually "see" the sun in your mind's eye, or "feel" the sensations of loosening or warming. It is essential that you maintain your attention on each muscle group as it is mentioned and imagine the possibility of warmth and loosening of the muscles. You may be surprised at your growing ability over time if you don't try too hard.  Just open your mind to the possibility of change.

During the last few minutes of the exercise you will "go to your safe place" in your mind's eye

(Stage 3). Take a moment to picture a scene that symbolizes comfort, relaxation, safety, warmth, and the absence of outside pressures.  You might imagine yourself in some location where you were relaxed in the past: a vacation spot, fishing, sitting on a mountain top, floating on a raft, soaking peacefully in the bath, or lying on a chaise lounge in the back yard.  Or you could choose to create an image of your ideal vacation dream (like your own private South Seas island) or fantasy (such as floating on a cloud).

Regardless of the image you choose, spend a few minutes developing all your senses within that scene. Look around you in your mind's eye to see the colors and patterns of the scene.  Hear any sounds appropriate to the environment: perhaps birds singing, wind blowing, ocean waves crashing on the shore.  You may even develop an aroma, such as honeysuckle or flowers, perhaps the salt air or the fresh odor after a rain shower.  Enjoy all your senses in an easy, effortless manner. This is the kind of image you can use for your "safe place."

At the end of the exercise, open your eyes, stretch your body, and slowly rise from the chair. 

Several guidelines will help you as you begin:

1. The more you practice a skill, the greater your ability. So, be dedicated to this project and practice, practice, practice.

2. During the ten seconds of tensing, tense only the muscle groups described. Let the rest of your body be relaxed and loose.

3. Always continue breathing while you are tensing a muscle group. Never hold your breath while tensing.

4. During each fifteen-second relaxation phase, focus on your breathing and mentally say your cue word -- "relax" or "loosen" -- with each exhalation.

5. Don't evaluate or judge how well or how poorly you do during each practice. This is not a test. Simply practicing each day, no matter what you experience, will ensure progress. You are creating new, unconscious circuits in your brain. How you feel consciously is not a measure of your progress.

6. Some days you will find it quite hard to concentrate. Your mind will tend to wander to a variety of thoughts:  "I've got to get back to my housecleaning."  "What should I make for supper?"  "This isn't working.  I'm still tense."  "I've got to remember to pay those bills."  These kinds of distracting thoughts are normal; everyone experiences them.  It does not mean that the process is failing.

As soon as you notice that you have drifted off course, let go of those distracting thoughts and return to your task.  Do not feel angry or disappointed with yourself.  Do not let that be a reason to quit the exercise.  Your body and mind are still benefiting, still learning about control, still creating those new circuits.  Stay with it.

7. You may do the exercise any time during the day or evening.  It is best to avoid starting immediately after a meal, since your body is busy with digestion then and you are less alert mentally.

8. Do not expect immediate and magical relief from the practice.  This process, repeated over time, trains your muscle groups to respond to a cue.

Some people will notice changes from the practice.  You may find that you are more alert and rested, have an improved appetite and sleep better, are in a more positive mood and feel less overall tension.  If any of these take place, consider them "icing on the cake." Your primary task is to practice every day for five weeks.

Client’s Experience  - Anxiety Help Using Essential Oils

“Over this past winter I have been challenged with waking up with anxiety attacks and my colon responds immediately with cramping and wanting relief.  As soon as I rub the essential oils of Peppermint and Ginger (digestive calming blend of essential oils) on my abdomen "clock wise".....within minutes the "challenge" withdraws.  I use Geranium and Lavender on my temples, under my nose, on my 6^th Chakra (forehead) and the nape of my neck - - telling myself “All is Well”.  It brings me back to a relaxed state "throughout my body". 

Bless You. 

L.B.

HEADACHES and MIGRAINES, herbs and essential oils

Headaches and Migraines can be very debilitating, so taking steps to find the source is worth the effort.  A common cause of headaches is dehydration.  Drinking sufficient Water is the first place to start when trying to reduce the frequency of headaches.  

Eliminating caffeinated and energy drinks (requiring detox) helps many people to overcome headaches, due to the build-up of toxins that they create.  Others find that they need caffeine to dilate the vessels that have been constricted.  Not all people who suffer from migraines will respond to one treatment because the cause can come from many sources.

Hormone Inbalance:  Women suffer from this condition nearly 3 times more than men. Approximately one third of women who get migraines have them just prior to or during menstruation. Hormonal fluctuations of estrogen and progestin are thought to trigger these migraines.  Vitex (Chaste Berry) herb helps to balance hormones levels so that there is not such a great surge as the body goes through menstruation.  Vitex, taken in capsule form, needs to be taken over a long period of time (months) to build the desired balancing effect.

Headaches are a warning signal to indicate that there is a disturbance in some part of the body, such as:

• ·        insufficient minerals in the body to support strong neck bones (calcium and magnesium with Vitamin D for absorption) causing compression of vertebrae
• ·        digestive disorders in the stomach, liver or bowel (faulty elimination, and the toxic wastes reaches the stomach nerves).
•       sinus blockages (use Eucalyptus essential oil across the bridge of the nose, in front of ears and around ears.)
• ·        concussion
• ·        eye strain (have vision checked)
• ·        nervousness, excitement, panic, fear, or worrying about the unknown  and, as discussed above, hormone fluctuations and dehydration
• 
  

HERBAL TREATMENTS FOR MIGRAINES

Feverfew (Tenacetum parthenium) is a well-studied herb for the treatment of migraines and has been used successfully.  Capsules are the easiest way to take Feverfew, as it is very bitter.  If you have the pretty plant growing in your garden, 1-4 fresh leaves can be eaten daily for prevention by putting the leaves on a slice of buttered bread, folded in half (like a sandwich).  Feverfew seems to work best when taken consistently over time.

Cayenne increases circulation to all parts of the body and helps open the vascular system for those whose headaches come from tightening of vessels (restricted blood flow).  Taking cayenne capsules or ½ teaspoon followed by water or juice has proven helpful for migraines.  Also Capsaicin from the juice of fresh peppers was applied in the nostril of a group suffering from cluster headaches. This treatment significantly reduced the number of headaches and some were completely cured. 

Ginger:   Some studies have compared the efficacy of ginger for the treatment of migraine headaches to Imitrex (a top selling drug). One-eighth of a teaspoon of powdered ginger works as well and as fast as the drug when given at the onset of the migraine. Using ginger daily also helped prevent migraines or decrease their frequency and intensity.

Valerian, Skullcap and Lobelia (Nervine herbs):  Stress induced migraines are prevented by using a strong nervine tea or capsules on a regular basis helps to prevent stress-related headaches.  Also, essential oils of Geranium, Bergamot, Chamomile (a drop on the back of the neck and on the temples – then rub the finger under the nose, inhaling) are helpful to reduce stress headaches.

MindTrac herbal blend by Dr. Christopher:  Some migraines are due to low serotonin levels. Using MindTrac along with exercise, fresh air and sunshine helps to naturally increase serotonin levels.

Chiropractic Adjustments:  Make sure that there is not a misalignment in the neck that would pinch nerves that create headaches.  It may take multiple adjustments to achieve the desired stability. 

To help with head pain, ESSENTIAL OILS (pure, medicinal quality) of Peppermint and Marjoram can be applied to the temples and back of neck to stop pain and to relax constricted muscles.  A drop of Chaste Berry can be applied daily to the inside and outside ankle bones to help balance hormones levels.  To have the desired effect use oils from a reputable source that you know you can trust.  For nervousness and anxiety use Geranium on the temples and back of the neck (as well as the mid-back at waistline for adrenal stress.  Vitamin B complex also helps with emotional balancing.

Digestive Enzymes (herbs) such as Papaya (in capsules) with each meal (especially those containing meat proteins).

ASTRAGALUS - Potent Adaptogen for the IMMUNE System

Astragalus (Astragalus propinquus syn A. membranaceus)

Astragalus has been recognized as a superb and potent immune system tonic, and one of the world’s most important herbs by today’s health researchers. Astragalus has been used for over 2000 years in China -  to strengthen the body Astragalus is a pea family plant that originally comes from China. There are thousands of different Astragalus genus plants in the world and most of them are toxic.  Either buy, grow or harvest Astragalus propinquus.

Astragalus is an immunomodulating herb (adaptogen) that is commonly used to normalize immune system function.  As an adaptogen, it can also be used by people in auto-immune conditions.  It is very specific for people who are regularly coming down with upper respiratory viruses or who need to maintain wellness.  Limited human clinical trials and in-vitro studies show that astragalus increases the white blood cell count, decreases viral replication, and stimulates the production of T killer cells.

Studies conducted at the M.D. Anderson Cancer Research Center at the University of Houston demonstrated clearly that Astragalus improves the immune response in humans undergoing radiation and chemotherapy as a treatment for cancer. Patients taking Astragalus during such treatment tend to have far fewer side effects and recover at a higher and faster rate.

Astragalus has a mild diuretic action and helps to relieve excessive sweating.  It is helpful in treating loose stools, chronic diarrhea and chronic or recurring colds.  Use if a cold lasts too long - to prevent general fatigue syndrome that can itself become chronic.  Astragalus is very useful for people who just can’t seem to shake a cold.

Astragalus enhances the function of the skin to eliminate toxins.  It is commonly used to help sores in the skin to come to a head and suppurate, and thus to heal more quickly and effectively.  It is also a male fertility agent and has proved to stimulate sperm motility. 

Herbal Extract:  To strengthen your immune system, use astragalus in higher dosages, daily, for a long period of time.  In TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) astragalus is used in very high dosages, sometimes up to 100 grams per day.

Cooking:  Traditionally astragalus is cooked into foods like soups or rice. It is commonly sold as long thinly sliced roots that can be easily removed from the dish before eating (it’s never edible as the root remains too fibrous). If you are using astragalus to maintain wellness, then putting some roots in a soup or rice dish is a good way to use it.  The roots can be used more than once in cooking.

This astragalus and miso soup recipe uses 30 grams of astragalus root per serving.  Use roots that are either cut up finely or the long thin roots. You could use the herb powder, but it may make your beverage gritty as it is difficult to strain out.

ASTRAGALUS MISO SOUP

2 cups broth (bone broth, meat broth, veggie broth)

30 grams astragalus

Pinch of freshly ground black pepper

1-3 tablespoons miso 

Place the broth, astragalus, and black pepper into a medium sized sauce pan with a tight-fitting lid.  Bring to a simmer, cover, and continue to simmer on low for 30 minutes.  Strain off the broth. You could use the astragalus root again if desired, otherwise compost. Let the broth cool slightly, then add your desired amount of miso.  Yield: About 1 1/2 cups and is a single serving.

ELDERBERRY-SCHISANDRA SYRUP

Elderberry-Schisandra Immune-Strength Syrup

 

Take at the first signs of a cold or flu –
Adults: 1-2 Tablespoons hourly.

3 cups cold pure water
3/4 cup Elderberries

1/4 cup Schisandra berries

1/4 cup Eleuthero root

1/4 cup Echinacea root

1 Cinnamon stick

3/4 to 1 cup raw local Honey – option/ use sugar if making recipe for infants under 1 year old

1.5 oz brandy (optional)

Combine herbs with cold water in a stainless pot and bring to a boil.  Reduce heat to low and allow herbs to simmer for 45 to 60 minutes.  Remove from heat and mash the berries while in the liquid mixture. Strain the herbs through a cheesecloth and squeeze out the juice. Boil the strained-out berries again in 2 cups of water, and repeat process.  Measure the liquid and add an equal amount of honey. Gently heat the honey and juice for a few minutes until they are well combined. Do not boil!  Bottle in sterilized glass containers. Label and keep refrigerated for up to 6 months.

Optional: Before bottling, add 1-part brandy to 3-parts syrup to extend the shelf-life.  Do not use brandy for babies and children.

Dosage: Adults:  1 tablespoon/day to prevent illness, or 1 Tablespoon per hour if you are already experiencing cough and sore throat symptoms. Children under 12 years of age:  Take half the adult dose (1 - 1 1/2 teaspoons). Toddlers:  1/4 of the adult dose (a little less than a teaspoon).  Infants under 1 years old should not take honey or honey products.

 

 

Elderberries have been shown to help with brain development, immune coordination, digestion, and blood flow. They’re also rich with Anthocyanins. These cytokines have been shown to boost the production of immune cytokines, which allow the body to defend against disease and illness. More than that, though, elderberry contains a potent antiviral agent called antivirin. Antivirin not only helps to prevent viruses from invading the cells, but also prevents the virus from replicating, therefore shortening the time one will suffer from symptoms of the flu.  Elderberries contains trace minerals and has more Vitamin C than oranges. 

Schisandra berry is an adaptogen herb that helps the immune system and the body in general to strengthen and balance.  It naturally raises the body’s resistance to environmental stress, anxiety, toxin exposure, emotional trauma, mental fatigue and mental illnesses. Because schisandra helps nurture the adrenal glands and turns down an overproduction of “stress hormones” like cortisol, it’s linked with better mental capabilities, physical endurance and metabolic health.

 

ANTI-BIOTIC HERBS

ANTI-BIOTIC HERBS

Anti-biotics are life-saving marvels of modern medicine, but their overuse in both medical settings and in the treatment of farm animals has helped develop antibiotic-resistant superbugs.  If you have an irritating but mild upper respiratory infection, ear infection or sinus infection, you just might be able to cure it with these astounding plants.

Cryptolepis (Cryptolepis sanguinolenta)

Cryptolepis is one of the top five systemic herbal antibiotics in the world. There are 20 to 30 species of the genus Cryptolepis. Tests have found the plant to be a stronger antibacterial than the pharmaceutical antibiotic chloramphenicol. The primary systemic antibacterial among the genus is Cryptolepis sanguinolenta. Some sources say all the members of this genus contain the antibacterial alkaloids cryptolepine, quinoline and neocryptolepine. I have been unable to verify this by finding any in-depth chemical analysis of the other species. Of the plants in the genus, C. buchanani and C. obtusa have stimulated the most interest outside C. sanguinolenta. Given the importance of C. sanguinolenta, in-depth chemical research needs to be done on the entire genus.

Parts Used:  The root is usually the part used medicinally. The leaves can be used medicinally but rarely are. The root of the plant is generally about the thickness of a pencil, and has a light tannish color on the thin exterior bark and a brilliant yellow on the interior. It’s pretty. The root is exceptionally bitter due to the many alkaloids present.

Preparation and Dosage:  Cryptolepis can be prepared as a powder, capsules, tea or tincture. • Powder: For bacterial infections of the skin and wound sepsis, liberally sprinkle cryptolepis powder on the site of infection as frequently as needed.

• Tincture: 1:5 (ratio of plant material to alcohol/water mix), 60 percent alcohol, 20 to 40 drops, up to four times daily

Resistant staph: In the treatment of severe systemic staph infection, the usual dose is 1⁄2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon, three times daily. (I prefer to not use dosages this high for more than 60 days. That is usually sufficient.)

Malaria: 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon, three times daily for five days, repeat in 14 days

• Tea: Use 1 tablespoon cryptolepis in 6 ounces of water to make a strong infusion.

As a preventive: Drink 1 or 2 cups daily.In acute conditions: Drink up to 6 cups daily.

Note: While the herb will work if infused in cold water, studies have found that the hot-water extraction is more effective. It is nearly as strong as the alcohol tincture.

• Capsules:

As a preventive: Take 3 “00” capsules, two times daily.

In acute conditions: Take up to 20 capsules daily.

Side Effects and Contraindications:  None noted. Considerable research has taken place to determine the potential adverse reactions from using the plant, and none have been found, either in human clinical use or with in vivo testing on mice, rats and rabbits. The herb is taken as a regular tonic for years at a time in some parts of Africa and India. One or two cups of the tea or two or three droppers of the tincture (60 to 90 drops) a day are fine for extended, long-term use.

Researchers in some instances have noted that people taking cryptolepis have elevated levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and uric acid, which return to normal after the herb is discontinued. There have been no reported side effects from this. And though there is one report in the literature of adverse effects of cryptolepis in mouse pregnancy.  Nothing has been found in traditional use that substantiates an extrapolation to humans nor any studies in the literature that show negative effects in pregnancy in people.

Cryptolepine, a constituent of the plant, has been found to be cytotoxic, which raises concerns in some people. A few points:

• Cryptolepine is an isolated constituent, and like most isolated constituents that are made into pharmaceuticals, it produces side effects that don’t appear when the whole herb is used. Cryptolepis itself has not been found to be cytotoxic to people.

• The word cytotoxic, when used in reports, generally means it kills cancer cells, and indeed, cryptolepine does.

Herb/Drug Interactions:  None noted. However, cryptolepis has been used in traditional medicine to help rectify insomnia. One mouse study has supported that effect of the plant. There is some potential for the plant to synergize with hypnosedatives or central nervous system depressants. Caution should be exercised, although there have been no reported adverse effects in these situations to date.

Artemisia (Artemisia annua)

There are around 400 Artemisias in the genus, but Artemisia annua contains the most artemisinin—a potent antiparasitic—and this section focuses on that species. Artemisinin is famous for its effectiveness in treating malaria. All the plants in the genus do have some antibacterial and antimicrobial actions; however, those constituents are not nearly as systemic as those of cryptolepis. Artemesia annua and its constituents are best thought of as systemic antihematoparasiticals; that is, specific for killing blood parasites, rather than systemic antibacterials.

Parts Used:  The aerial parts, including the flowers, which have the highest artemisinin content.

The whole herb has a broader range of actions than the isolated constituent artemisinin. Because the studies are few and plant preparation differs from study to study, the outcomes in the antibacterial studies are contradictory. They do find a range of antibacterial activity across the artemisias—bearing out traditional uses of the genus—but the studies tend to vary on which bacteria the species are active against, leading to confusion. There is a tendency to extrapolate clinical use of the plant based on in vitro antibacterial studies, but that is a mistake, as it is with numerous other plants.

The traditional use of Artemisia annua, which gives a very good indication of its range of medicinal activity, has been primarily:

Reducing fever—the plant stimulates sweating

Topical use—it’s useful for infected wounds and skin infections

GI tract problems and infections

Female reproductive issues—primarily as an emmenagogue

Liver problems

As a steam inhalant for respiratory issues—using the essential oil

Parasitic diseases of the blood and liver

Preparation and Dosage:   The effective dosage for malaria is 500 to 1,000 mg on the first day and 500 mg daily thereafter for two to four more days. This will completely clear the malarial parasite from the blood. However, at 400 mg for five days, the recrudescence rate is 39 percent. Dosage at 800 mg drops the rate nearer to 3 percent. Chinese dosage runs from 500 mg to 1,600 mg for three days, repeated in two weeks (to treat newly hatching parasites). I do think there is some evidential support for 800 to 1,200 mg for five to seven days, repeated for another five to seven days in two weeks. The relapse rate is definitely smaller at the higher dose.

There are several things to keep in mind when preparing the whole herb for use:

• The fresh plant is the strongest.

• Whether fresh or dried, the plant should never be boiled.

• Fat helps extraction of the active constituents.

• The plant, while still potent for blood parasites, loses a lot of its antioxidant activities if dried.

• Dosage and length of use are crucial.

Traditional Chinese texts, thousands of years old, recommend preparation of the fresh herb, infused in room-temperature water, then pounded and wrung out to extract the plant juice as well. Examination has indeed shown that this produces the most potent infusions. Many of the constituents in artemisia are not very water soluble, including the artemisinin. However, they are highly soluble in fats and alcohol. The herb is very effective if used properly. The dose can be increased to fairly high doses, as it is a very safe herb.

Remember: The reason this herb was discovered was that in the region of China where it is used there were few or no incidences of malaria. The secret is in the dose, as with all medications.

Side Effects and Contraindications:  About 25 percent of people using Artemsia annua as an antimalarial report a mild nausea, which does not progress to vomiting. It may also cause occasional dizziness, tinnitus, pruritus and mild abdominal pain. Artemisinin itself can cause gastrointestinal upset, loss of appetite, nausea, cramping, diarrhea and vomiting. About 4 percent of people who take it experience these symptoms, usually in a more severe form than that experienced from ingesting the herbal infusion. Very high doses (5,000 mg per day of artemisinin for three days) have caused liver inflammation, which corrects upon stopping the supplement. Artemisinin has a slightly chronotropic effect on the heart. (It causes mild hypotension.) This has not been, apparently, a problem in users.

Both the herb and the constituent should be used with caution in pregnancy, especially in the first trimester. In vivo studies have found a number of adverse effects in rats and mice if the herb is used in the first trimester. However, one clinical trial with 16 patients in the first trimester of pregnancy taking the herb found the miscarriage rate to be the same as that for the general population.

Herb/Drug Interactions:  Artemesia annua contains synergists that make its compounds more active against microbial organisms. In this instance, chryosospenol-D and chrysophlenetin, two flavonols in the plant, have been found to potentiate the activity of berberine and norfloxacin against resistant staph. Artemisinin does induce certain liver enzymes and may interact with drugs such as omeprazole. 

The Berberine Herbs

GOLDENSEAL (Hydrastis canadensis)

OREGON GRAPE (Berberis aquifolium)

BARBERRY (B. vulgaris)

CHINESE GOLDTHREAD (Coptis chinensis)

AMUR CORK TREE (Phellodendron amurense)

Most berberine-containing plants can be used interchangeably in the treatment of resistant bacterial and fungal infections of the GI tract and skin. Berberine-containing plants grow nearly every place on Earth. Phellodendron amurense, Hydrastis canadensis, Berberis aquifolium, B. vulgaris and Coptis chinensis are only a few of the species used medicinally.

Parts used:  Bark, root bark, stems, roots, leaves, resin

Preparation and Dosage:  The alkaloids in the berberine plants, including berberine, are not very water soluble. (So if you see a study showing an aqueous extract of a berberine plant to be ineffective as an antimicrobial, you now know why.) Tinctures need to use higher alcohol content (generally 1:5, 70 percent alcohol, 30 percent water), and the water needs to be acidic, with a pH between 1 and 6. Add 1 tablespoon of vinegar to the tincture if your water is alkaline (hard) or if you don’t know.

The berberine plants may be used as a powder for topical applications, as a wash, as a tincture or in capsules.

Powdered herb: Apply to cuts, scrapes or infected wounds

Tincture: Dried bark of phellodendron: 1:5, 70 percent alcohol, 20 to 50 drops, up to four times daily (the taste is exceptionally strong). In acute dysenteric/diarrheal conditions, take 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon morning and evening until symptoms subside. Improvement should be seen within 2 days; usually there will be some improvement within 8 hours.

Note: The berberine plants are only about 50 percent active against cholera in clinical trials, as compared with enterotoxogenic E. coli, which they completely inhibit. However, if you combine the berberine plants with the root of any geranium species, the bark of pomegranate or the peel of the fruit, or the leaf or bark of guava, the cholera organism will be completely inhibited.

As a wash: Add 1 ounce tincture to 2 pints water and wash the affected area morning and evening—especially good for helping acne and infected wounds.

Capsules: For non-acute conditions, take 1 or 2 “00” capsules up to 4 times daily. In acute dysenteric/diarrheal conditions: Take up to 25 “00” capsules daily for up to 10 days.

Side Effects and Contraindications:  Caution is advised in pregnancy. There is a tendency, because of the berberines’ poor absorption across the intestinal mucosa, to increase the dose to try to get more alkaloids into the bloodstream. This is a very bad idea. Abdominal cramping, nervous tremors and, most importantly, excessive drying of the mucous membranes will occur at high doses. Do not attempt to use these herbs as systemic.

Herb/Drug Interactions:  The berberines are synergistic (or additive) with a number of pharmaceuticals such as fluconazole, ampicillin and oxacillin. Repeated use of berberine may reduce the GI tract absorption of permeability glycoprotein (P-gp) substrates including chemotherapeutic agents such as daunomycin. Berberine intake will increase absorption of cyclosporine A if it’s taken after long-term berberine use: One study showed that 3 mg/kg of berberine in six human volunteers taken twice daily for 10 days increased the bioavailability of cyclosporine A by 19 percent. A randomized, clinical trial of 52 renal transplant patients for three months found that constant berberine intake significantly increased the amount of cyclosporine A in blood plasma.

Honey

Any organic wildflower honey can be used in the treatment of antibiotic-resistant skin and wound infections. There is some evidence that large-scale agricultural honeys and single-plant honeys are less potent than wildflower honeys. Manuka honey from New Zealand, produced mainly from the flowers of Leptospermum scoparium, is very potent, and you’ll see it for sale all over the Internet at indecent prices. But any wildflower honey will do. The more plants the bees collect nectar from, the more potent it will be. If it’s organic, it will be relatively free of agrochemical pollutants—also important.

Preparation and Dosage:  Honey can be applied directly to wounds or used internally for immune stimulation, overall health improvement, and treatment of colds, flus and respiratory infections.

• Direct Application: For burns, wounds (infected or not) ulcerations and bedsores, use direct application at full strength, covered by sterile bandage, changed once or twice daily.

• For impetigo or seborrheic dermatitis: Dilute honey enough to use as a wash, then use twice daily.

Internal use

Preventive: Take 1 tablespoon, alone or in tea, 3 times a day.

Acute conditions: Take 1 tablespoon honey each hour, or 1 tablespoon in tea 6 to 10 times daily.

Cold and flu tea: 2 tablespoons ginger juice, juice of 1⁄4 lime, pinch cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon honey, hot water.

Side Effects and Contraindications: • External use: None.  • Internal use: Mild to severe anaphylaxis in rare instances for those with allergic reaction to bee stings.

Choosing Honey:  Honey is a potent antibacterial—when it’s filled with plant pollen. Unfortunately, much of the honey in U.S. grocery stores has had its pollen removed—a process that makes it impossible to track the honey’s source, and enables manufacturers to sell illegal honey tainted with antibiotics and heavy metals.

Juniper

There are more than 50 species in the Juniperus genus; all of them can be used similarly. Alcohol extracts of juniper show activity against 57 strains of 24 bacterias, among them Bacillus, Enterobacter and Staphylococcus. They also have been shown to inhibit 11 Candida species.  Junipers are also active against various cancer cell lines, SARS coronavirus and Herpes simplex 1.

Parts used:  Usually the berries and needles, but the bark, wood and root are all active.

Preparation and Dosage:  The constituents in the junipers are readily soluble in alcohol but vary in water depending on what part of the plant you’re using. The berries must be tinctured in alcohol or eaten whole to be effective. The needles will work to some extent in water (but are better in alcohol—the monoterpenes just aren’t that water soluble, as numerous studies have found), the bark not so well.

Use the berries for urinary tract infections; the berries or needles for upper respiratory or GI tract infections; the heartwood, roots, bark, berries or needles for skin infections and infectious dysentery; the essential oil for airborne and upper respiratory infections.

• Tincture: Berries, 1:5, 75 percent alcohol, 5 to 20 drops, up to three times daily

• Infusion: Chopped or powdered needles prepared as a standard infusion, covered 4 to 6 ounces, three to six times daily.

• Decoction: A strong decoction of the herb has been traditionally used in many cultures to sterilize brewing equipment, cooking utensils, surgical instruments, hands, counters, etc. The decoction is also effective as a wound wash to either prevent or cure infection. Use 1 ounce herb per quart of water, boil 30 minutes, then turn off the heat and let steep overnight.

• Berries: In whole form, for gastric problems, eat 1 to 5 berries per day for two weeks.

• Powder: Add any part of the plant to wound powders or use alone to prevent or cure infection in wounds.

• Steam: Any part of the plant, but usually the needles or berries. Use in sauna directly on the stones or boil 4 ounces of needles in 1 gallon of water, pour the resultant tea on the stones, and inhale the steam. Or just inhale the steam as it boils.

• Essential oil: For sinus and upper respiratory infections, 8 to 10 drops in water in a 1-ounce nasal spray bottle, four to six times a day; shake well before use. Or use the essential oil in a diffuser for helping prevent and cure upper respiratory infections. Moderate amounts can be mixed with water for a steam inhalant for upper respiratory infections.

Side Effects and Contraindications:  There has been a long-standing assertion in scores of herbals that the use of this plant may cause kidney irritation and that it is highly contraindicated in kidney disease (guilty of this myself). I have used the plant for more than two decades and have never seen any problems. The phytomedicalist Kerry Bone and others have tracked back the emergence of this belief; it began in the latter part of the 19th century, apparently from the administration of large doses of the essential oil to animals. Recent studies with rats have found, contrary to popular belief, a kidney-protective effect from the plant. This bears out the long use by the Eclectics of the berries in the treatment of active kidney disease and inflammation.

The only side effect seen was a mild diarrhea when the essential oil (15 drops in one ounce of olive oil) was used to treat an ear infection. The mix was applied three times daily with a cotton swab. The diarrhea stopped with discontinuation of the herb.

The essential oil is not for internal use other than as a steam inhalant or for aromatherapy. Neither the plant itself nor the berry appears to produce any side effects. Caution should probably be exercised by diabetics in any long-term use of the plant, as it affects blood glucose levels and may alter insulin requirements. It should probably not be used long-term with pharmaceutical diuretics. However, almost no one uses the plant long-term for healing; usually it is a short-course herb for urinary tract infection.

This information is adapted from Herbal Antibiotics by Stephen Harrod Buhner, which ncludes extensive information on these and many other plants.