The Master Cleanse

Many of you may have heard of the 'Master Cleanse or Lemonaide Diet'...It is based on the book, The Master Cleanser, by Stanley Burroughs.  This is one of the best cleansing fasts (and safest), that I have seen.  Its purpose is to eliminate toxins, cleanse the kidneys and digestive system, purify the glands and cells, eliminate waste in the joints and muscles, and build healthier blood and arteries. 

THE RECIPE:
2 Tbsp. lemon juice (fresh only!  organic if possible...approx. 1/2 lemon)
2 Tbsp. genuine maple syrup (NOT flavored)
cayenne pepper to taste
10 oz. medium hot water (spring or purified)

You may mix this up in a larger quantity and sip on it all day long.  This is the only thing you eat...and you drink it anytime you are hungry...as much as you like.  The lemons are wonderful for cleansing the liver and balancing the body's pH.  The maple syrup has the vitamins and minerals your body needs to function without being tired during the cleanse.  Feeling tired?  Then you are not drinking enough of the lemonaide.  These minerals also assist in balancing your pH and in keeping your blood sugar levels up.  The cayenne pepper works as a stimulant...sort of a 'kick in the pants' to get the body moving to cleanse and heal.

I usually suggest doing a fast for only 1-3 days.  If you wish to go longer, I recommend you read the entire book first as it answers many important questions. The book is only about 35 pages and costs $6.50.  It can be dangerous to do a long period of fasting, please check with your physician first.

Start ANEW with a cleansing fast...free the body of toxins, rest the digestive system, replenish minerals, and feel great!

Lisa Purdy is not a physician and all recommendations are not to be considered diagnosis or prescription.  Any information given is for educational purposes only.  You are personally responsible for your own health choices and all information is solely to assist in making those choices.

Healthy Liver? Healthy Body!

The liver is the largest organ in the body weighing 3-4 lbs.  It sits just under the diaphragm on the right side of the body, opposite the stomach on the left side.  Dr. Alexander Beddoe explains, "The liver increases in development and function until it reaches its climax, between the ages of 18-22 years (this is the reason children are not able to handle some drugs the way adults can).  During each day, the liver manufactures 4 to 5 million enzymes.  The health of your body is directly dependent on the health of your liver. "  The liver also has the incredible ability to regenerate itself.

The liver has two vital roles:  processing the food we eat into chemicals the body can use, and neutralizing poisons and wastes.  The liver is responsible for the primary amino acid structure of the body.  It also breaks down proteins or amino acid chains; any chain too long for the liver to break down is attacked by the immune system.  Think about auto-immune diseases, vaccinations, and Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO's) here. The liver either uses fats or stores them...overeating causes liver fatigue.  The liver produces GTF, glucose tolerance factor, which acts with insulin for the regulation of blood sugar levels.

The liver is the chemical procession plant of your body.  It has a huge job...getting rid of wastes and any poisons to which we are exposed.  Ammonia, the waste product of protein is neutralized to urea, and removed by the urinary system.  Fat and blood waste products are removed via the gallbladder as bile, one liter produced each day.  Long-lasting drugs must bypass the liver or be resistant to its enzymes.  Alcohol will do permanent damage to the liver... the liver does not regenerate this kind of damage.  The liver regulates the thyroid hormones and breaks down unneeded hormones such as adrenaline, aldersterone, estrogen, and insulin.

Problems of the liver include:  cirrhosis - a degenerative inflammatory scarring of liver tissue, hepatitis - inflammation of the liver caused by virus, enlargement - shows an overworked liver, and toxicity of the body as a whole.  Cleansing the liver is the key!!!  Herbs for the liver include milk thistle, artichoke, dandelion, barberry, Oregon grape, burdock, yellow dock, schizandra, pau d 'arco, and lemon.  Using some of these herbs as a cleanse is a great way to improve your overall health...I recommend using a blend of cleansing herbs twice a year to maintain general good health.

Parasite Cleansing

The Herb Allure HART Reference Book states that "Parasitic - related diarrheal diseases are the 3rd major cause of sickness and death in the United states".  An informational brochure from Renew Life states that "two - thirds of Americans harbor parasites in their bodies".  Many people do not have symptoms because the immune system is effectively doing its job, but if the immune system is compromised the problem quickly shows itself. 

 What is a Parasite?
 A parasite is an organism that feeds on another organism...YOU!  It feeds on your blood, your cells, your food, and even your supplements; stealing the energy you need to live a full life.  There are several parasites, but three worth mentioning are as follows:

• the protazoa - single celled organism seen only thru a microscope
• the toxoplasma parasite - very serious infection for pregnant women
• worms - in sizes from less than one centimeter to 12 meters in length 

Where Do Parasites Come From?

• Raw meat or fish
• Polluted water or soil
• Poorly washed fruits and vegetables - beware of cat feces!
• Insect bites - carriers of many sicknesses, more rampant overseas
• Contact with pets - make sure to deworm them...homeopathic wormers are available
• International travel - watch out for the above problems being more common 

What Symptoms Indicate the Possible Presence of Parasites?

• unexplained muscle aches and pains
• bouts of intermittent diarrhea or constipation
• unexplained weight loss
• unexplained fever
• a distended belly
• grinding your teeth during sleep
• dark circles under your eyes                                            
• insomnia
• contact with pets
• international travel

YIKES!  How Do I Get Rid of Parasites?
It is an excellent idea to do a parasite cleanse a couple times a year.  I like to use the box cleanses from either Nature' Sunshine:  Para-Cleanse or Renew Life:  ParaGone.  The box cleanses are nice because they have a great combination of herbs to kill the parasites and move them out of the body.  Any parasite cleanse you do should include some of these herbs:  artemesia, black walnut, cloves, oregano, pau d arco, paw paw, pumpkin, and wormwood.  There are formulas available for children also.  It is not recommended to do a parasite cleanse during pregnancy.

Candida Yeast Overgrowth

After the holiday season many people find an increase in yeast overgrowth.  This is largely due to the increase of sugar in the diet, and sugar feeds candida yeast.  Factors which contribute to yeast overgrowth are stress, infection, prolonged or severe illness, exposure to toxic metals, eating too much sugar, or taking antibiotics.  Candida albicans  is an organism we call yeast, mostly living in the intestines.  Normally, beneficial bacteria in the gut do a good job of keeping the yeast in control.  But if that bacteria is compromised by drugs such as oral contraceptives or antibiotics, then the yeast is allowed to grow to excess causing many unwanted symptoms.
 
If you answer yes to several of the following questions, you may be experiencing an overgrowth of candida yeast:

Do you experience chronic fatigue?
Do you experience muscle aches and pains?
Do you have food sensitivities or allergies?
Do you crave sugar, bread, or pasta?
Do you experience gas and bloating?
Do you have recurrent vaginal yeast overgrowth?
Have you experienced nail fungus, athlete's foot, or jock itch?
Do you suffer from brain fog?
Do you have a yellow-coated tongue?
Have you taken broad-spectrum antibiotics?
Are you on birth control pills?

Getting rid of candida overgrowth may take a combination of natural products and diet changes.  First, eliminate sugar and alcohol...also avoid carbohydrates which turn to sugar quickly in your system.  Supplement beneficial flora such as Lactobacillus acidophilus to naturally fight the yeast in the intestines.  Herbs to kill the yeast include:  barberry, black walnut, garlic, oregano, and pau d'arco.
Special blends of enzymes may also help to rid the body of yeast.  Once the yeast is under control and a good colony of beneficial bacteria is established, you should find symptoms diminishing, and also the elimination of those reoccurring yeast infections.

FEVER - A Sign of Trouble

A fever is a signal from the body that there is a problem - something needs attention.  To react by giving a drug to reduce the fever without addressing the cause of the fever will drive the sickness deeper and create more chronic problems later.  The question you should be asking...What is the cause of the fever?  What is the body trying to accomplish...and how can I help it along?

One cause of a fever is that the body is trying to move bodybuilding materials from one area to another.  For example in a teething baby...the child is not really "sick", but the body runs a fever to help get the tooth thru.  If the child is given an organic, easy to absorb, calcium...the fever will drop quickly and the tooth will appear.  This may also be true after injury; wounds or broken bones.  The body needs extra building materials to repair, so it may create a fever to accomplish the movement of the nutrients needed.  We can help by supplying those nutrients.  While also watching for infection, which the fever helps to guard against.

Perhaps the main cause of fever is that the body has reached a toxic level and it is time to remove the toxic material.  Think of a city with a garbage pick-up strike.  The garbage builds up and begins to stink...so we spray it with perfumes (deodorants).  Then the rats come, we panic and kill them with spray...think antibiotics!  But has the garbage pile been diminished?  No...the garbage is still there and will continue to be a problem until it is removed.  One way to remove the trash is to burn it.  This is also the way the body reacts to an overload of garbage...it creates a fever to burn it up.  Our job is not to turn off the fever with a drug, but rather encourage the removal of the toxic waste that has been accumulated in the body. The first thing to do is to make sure the bowels are moving...a constipated body is a toxic body.

A third cause of a fever is bacterial infection.  The body will attempt to turn up the heat to kill the bacteria.  If we take drugs to shut off the fever, we allow the bacteria to grow, causing a worse infection.  Instead of turning off the heat, we can allow it to burn and kill the bacteria and eliminate waste.  The body will not allow the fever to go too high as is commonly feared.  For more information on this read, How to Raise a Healthy Child...In Spite of Your Doctor, by Dr. Mendelsohn.  The real worry in allowing the fever to run its course is dehydration.  Dr. Christopher always said, "dry heat kills, moist heat heals".  Let this be your motto and drink plenty of fluids.  Also consider soaking in a warm tub to both soak in water and sweat out toxins.

Next time you have a fever...ascertain the cause.  Figure out what the body is trying to do and help it to do its job by giving it nutrients or herbs to accomplish its work.  The fever is just a signal...you must figure out what needs attention.  Don't simply reach for a drug to shut off the alarm.

 Lisa A. Purdy is not a physician and all recommendations are not o be considered diagnosis or prescription.  Any information given is for educational purposes only.  You are responsible for your own health choices and all information is solely to assist in making those choices.

Food List for pH Balance

 To improve overall health and for optimal pH balance try to eat 80% alkaline forming foods and only 20% acid forming foods.  In general, to be more alkaline eat more fruits and vegetables...and limit the acidic foods:  meat, dairy, and grains.  Here is a basic list to help you make better daily choices.

Alkaline - Forming Foods

Almonds, Apples, Apricots, Avocadoes, Bananas, Beans - dried, Beet greens, Beets, Blackberries, Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, Cabbage, Carrots, Cauliflower, Celery, Cucumbers, Dates - dried, Grapefruit, Grapes, Green beans,  Green Peas, Lemons, Lettuce, Limes, Milk - goat's, Molasses, Mushrooms, Muskmelon, Onions, Oranges, Parsnips, Peaches, Pears, Pineapple, Potatoes - white and sweet, Radishes, Raisins, Raspberries, Sauerkraut, Spinach - raw, Strawberries, Tangerines, tomatoes, Watermelon

Acid - Forming Foods

Bacon, Barley, Beef, Blueberries, Bran - wheat and oat, Bread - white and whole wheat, Butter, Cheese, Chicken, Codfish, Corn, Corn oil, Corn syrup, Crackers, Cranberries, Eggs, Flour - white and whole wheat, Haddock, Honey, Lamb, Lentils - dried, Lobster, Milk - cow's, Macaroni, Oatmeal, Olive oil, Peanut butter, Peanuts, Peas - dried, Plums, Pork, Prunes, Rice - brown and white, Salmon, Sardines, Sausage, Shrimp, Spaghetti, Squash - winter, Sugar, Sunflower seeds, Turkey, Walnuts, Wheat germ, Yogurt

Achieve Health One Choice At a Time!

Feeling Overwhelmed with Stress?

Natural Options Aromatherapy offers a wonderful Stress Relief Roll-on blend of essential oils...
Easy to use, simply roll on neck, shoulders, temples, and pulse points for quick relief of stress.

Stress Relief Roll-on contains:

Lavender - eases insomnia, depression, impatience,m stress, worry, shock...brings clarity, peace of mind, and emotional balance...clears negative energy

Clary Sage - brings tranquility and balance to the mind and emotions...calms anxiety, panic, paranoia...relaxing if feeling overwhelmed...antidepressant

Sandalwood - quiets the mind and emotions...relaxes, calms, promotes peaceful meditation...boosts confidence and promotes inner strength

Vetiver -promotes a sense of security and stability...deeply relaxing; eases tension, worry, and fear...
supports balance and aids insomnia

Grapefruit - eases depression and moodiness, stimulates and clears the mind, inspires joy, humor and confidence...energizes the nervous system

Ylang Ylang - inspires creativity...calms the heart and nerves...soothes negative emotions, eases depression...useful in stressful situations

Feeling overwhelmed with stress?  Try this roll-on for quick relief...I love it!

Lisa A. Purdy is not a physician and all communications or recommendations are not to be considered diagnosis or prescription,.  Any information given is for educational purposes only.  You are personally responsible for your own health choices and any or all information is solely to assist in making those choices.

Easy Now Tea

One of my favorite teas is Easy Now Tea from Traditional Medicinals!
For those moments of tension and stress, I reach for a cup of this organic tea. 
It contains the following organic ingredients:

Passion flower:  Great herb for anxiety...relaxes the muscles
Chamomile:  Calming, comforting, and soothing
Lavender:  Relieves stress and steadies the nerves
Catnip:  Natural antacid and sedative...not just for cats - great for people too!
Rosemary:  Tonic for heart and mind...eases anxiety, depression, and tension headaches
Peppermint:  Calms the entire body...great for hysteria
Spearmint:  Soothing to the nerves
Licorice:  Adrenal stimulant...soothes indigestion...adds sweetness    * Avoid with hypertension

Too much holiday stress?  Enjoy a cup of tea...

Relax with Passion Flower

Passion flower, Passiflora incarnata, is a vine from the West Indies.  Its name comes from the cross found at the center of the blossom.  The Jesuits called it "flower of the five passions" and believed it was the flower that grew on the cross in St Francis of Assisi's vision of Calvary, signifying the "passion" of Christ.  The five sepals and five petals represented the ten true apostles (excluding Judas and Peter who denied Christ), the flower's fringed crown was the crown of thorns, and the five stamens were the five wounds of Christ at his death.

Passion flower improves circulation to your nerves.  It is a mild sedative to relieve pain, antispasmodic, and relaxant.  Its analgesic properties may be helpful for headaches, menstrual pain, and toothache.  Passion flower may be used for all nervous disorders, including:  nervous tension, hyperactivity irritability, twitching, anxiety, agitation, panic, stress-induced disorders, tension headaches, nervous coughs, exhaustion, and insomnia.  Studies have shown that, unlike narcotics, passion flower promotes sleep with light natural breathing, with little neural depression, and upon waking no signs of confusion or melancholy.

Use passion flower as a routine tea and your nerves will be gradually steadier, you will respond better to stress, and your sleep will be more natural.

Passion flower is NOT recommended during pregnancy, because it may relax the uterus.

Calming Lavender

Lavender tea has a long history of calming nerves that are on edge.  It is particularly attuned to the brain to relieve stress, anxiety, and depression.  Lavender has the ability to improve mood and help you to get a good night's sleep.  It also has been used for headaches.  Lavender tea induces sweating, detoxifies the body, and reduces fevers.  Lavender comes from the Latin, lavare, meaning "to wash".  It is frequently added to bath products and shampoos.

During the 1920's, a French fragrance chemist named, Rene-Maurice Gattefosse severely burned his arm in an explosion in his laboratory.  In intense pain, he dipped his arm into the nearest liquid...a bowl of lavender oil.  Immediately the pain diminished and the burn healed quickly without scarring.  Gattefosse devoted the rest of his life to the study of essential oils and wrote a book, Aromatherapie, creating the term we use today.

Lavender oil is useful for all inflammations of the skip, but particularly burns.  It soothes the nervous system, useful for anger, hysteria, stress, irritability, exhaustion, anxiety, depression, or insomnia.  Essential oils are powerful, so remember to use only a couple of drops.  If you use too much it will give the opposite effect of causing a headache or keeping you awake in a restless state.  Lavender is one of the essential oils which may be put directly on the skin, but do not take internally.  Avoid lavender in the first trimester of pregnancy or if your blood pressure is extremely low.

Comforting Chamomile

Chamomile tea has long been known as a soothing tonic for the nerves.  It is one of the most beneficial herbs to keep on hand for emergencies.  Chamomile is invigorating and strengthening to the body.  Yet, it has sedative qualities, which soothe the nerves and may help you to sleep.

One famous use of chamomile tea is in, The Tale of Peter Rabbit, when young Peter eats too much in Mr. McGregor's garden and is terrified at being chased out of the garden by the angry man.  Peter's mother gave him a cup of chamomile tea, which would both soothe his indigestion and calm his frightened nerves.

Chamomile is especially useful for children:  for stomach upset, fevers, or even nightmares.  It is an herb that is beneficial in pregnancy as it relaxes the mother for a sound sleep and helps with digestive and bowel problems.  Chamomilla which is the homeopathic form of the herb has a safe history of use with cranky, teething children.

Chamomile tea provides relief for muscle aches, menstrual cramps, nausea, and colic.  It is antiseptic and antibacterial, useful as a wash for the skin or eyes.  Chamomile reduces inflammation and helps to fight infection.

The Greeks called Chamomile, "ground apple", for its low-growing habit and its apple smell.  There are two types of chamomile:  Roman chamomile grows like a ground cover and even likes to be stepped upon, and German chamomile which is the type to plant if you wish to grow your own tea.  German chamomile is an annual, which grows to 18 inches tall.  The flowers are easily harvested and dried for tea.  The only caution for chamomile is for those who are allergic to ragweed or any of the chrysanthemum family.

DRINK A CUP OF COMFORTING CHAMOMILE TEA TODAY!

Holiday Essential Oil Blend

I found a wonderful aromatherapy blend for the holidays.  I am using this in my candle warmers at the store and have been surprised at its mellow effectiveness.  I thought pine would be strong and overpowering, but instead it has a subtle and pleasant scent.  Try this blend to help with holiday stress:

4 drops pine
2 drops mandarin
1 drop cinnamon

Pine is peaceful and balancing, yet invigorating.  It is helpful for apathy, nervous exhaustion,  fatigue, or lethargy.  Pine is beneficial for the glandular, urinary, respiratory, and circulatory systems.  It assists in the healing process.  With qualities of being antiviral, decongestant, expectorant, and disinfectant, it is a great choice for this time of year.  Pine is also excellent for clearing negative energy from the environment, making it a good choice for relatives, who may bring resentments along with gifts, when they visit. 

Mandarin is cheerful, refreshing, and inspiring.  It alleviates stress, tension, irritability, nervous tension, and mental fatigue.  Mandarin helps restlessness, gives relief from over-activity,  and promotes peaceful sleep.  Mandarin is a favorite of children because of its sweet, orange-like scent and its gentleness.

Cinnamon transforms low vitality, depression, mental exhaustion, and lack of motivation into a zest for life.  It stimulates creativity and stimulates new ideas.  Cinnamon may ease indigestion caused by stress, use externally only.  It stimulates circulation and is antiviral.

Enjoy the holidays...without the stress!

Holiday Blend Tea

Are you looking for a nice tea blend for the holidays?  Mix equal parts:  cinnamon sticks (broken), fennel seeds, crystallized ginger root (chopped), and dried peppermint leaves.  To make a cup of tea:  use 1 tsp. of the herbal blend to 1 cup of hot water.  Allow it to steep for 5 minutes, strain, and enjoy!

Cinnamon is antibacterial and anti-fungal.  It helps to settle an upset stomach, comforting nausea and diarrhea.  Also helpful for menstrual discomfort.

Fennel seeds improve digestion, expel gas, quiet hiccups, and prevents nausea.  Useful for cancer patients after radiation or chemotherapy.  Fennel is a rich source of vitamin A, helping alleviate light sensitivity and improving night vision.

Ginger is most often used to stop abdominal, intestinal, and menstrual cramping.  It is very effective to combat nausea from motion sickness or due to pregnancy.  Ginger increases the circulation in the hands and feet...a cup of tea is a wonderful way to warm up!

Peppermint increases the oxygen supply to the blood, strengthening the whole body.  It is a gastric stimulant, digestive aid, relieves gas and bloating, and aids bowel elimination.  Peppermint is one of the oldest household remedies and forms the basis of many herbal tea blends.

Enjoy a cup of tea today!  Better yet, find someone to share it with...Happy Holidays!

ANTIOXIDANTS:THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

 What are antioxidants?

            Antioxidants are natural compounds known to protect the body’s tissues against oxidative stress, illness, and the premature aging caused by free radical damage.

What are free radicals?

            A free radical is an atom that contains at least one unpaired negative-charged electron.  The free radical seeks to bond with something, stealing an electron to complete itself.  In so doing it creates another free radical, leaving behind a trail of damage.  This damage leads to premature aging and may be a contributing cause to cancer.  Free radicals are created by exposure to radiation, the sun or medical x-rays. Environmental pollutants such as tobacco smoke, automobile exhaust, pesticides, solvents, formaldehyde, and everyday chemicals expose us to free radical damage. Medical drugs, chemotherapy, and anesthetics also contribute to free radical oxidation. In the diet, high temperature cooking of fats creates large numbers of free radicals. Processed foods, additives, and alcohol also contribute to the problem.

How do antioxidants work?

            Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by binding to their free electrons and ending the chain of damage.  Antioxidants work synergistically, so it is better to take a blend of different ones rather than a huge dose of only one kind.  Variety is key!

Where do I find antioxidants?

            They are abundant in many fruits and vegetables.  Most berries and deep colored fruits are excellent sources.  The number one fruit to eat is the American blueberry, which a relative of the European bilberry and similar in antioxidant properties. The bilberry provides 50X the antioxidant protection of Vitamin E and 10X the protection of Vitamin C.  The second fruit of choice for antioxidant value is the apple.  Apples may inhibit cancer, increase cell proliferation, decrease fat oxidation, and lower cholesterol. Also, adding 4 cups of green tea to your daily diet, may provide additional cancer protection.  Turmeric (curcumin) also prevents the formation of free radicals and neutralizes them.  Turmeric stops pre-cancerous changes in the DNA and interferes with the enzyme action leading to the progression of cancer.  Turmeric is more than 5X as powerful as Vitamin E as an antioxidant.  

            Do you want to be healthy and stay young?  Add a variety of antioxidants to your diet and in supplemental form to protect yourself from free radical damage.

COMFREY

Comfrey is a cell proliferant…providing speedy healing for wounds.  In fact, you must be careful to clean out the wound well before using comfrey, or you may find it heals over with infection underneath.  The plant is mucilaginous; the roots are very sticky. This quality makes it soothing to respiratory or digestive systems, where it has traditionally been used with success for emphysema and ulcers.  Comfrey stops bleeding and soothes inflammation.

Historically, a paste of comfrey and water was used to form a cast to set broken bones.  Hence, its reputation as a “bone knitter”. Comfrey contains allantoin, a chemical that promotes the growth of new cells.  It is also high in calcium. 

There have been cautions on internal use for comfrey since the 1990’s.  Rats were tested by giving large doses of pyrrolizidine alkaloids extracted from comfrey and they developed cancer tumors.  However, rats that were given the whole comfrey plant and not just the extracted alkaloids did not develop tumors.  Perhaps the FDA might also want to ban tomatoes and potatoes, as they have the same alkaloids. Bruce Ames, Ph.D., of U.C. Berkeley published data in the journal, Science, that comfrey taken internally is less toxic or carcinogenic than an equivalent amount of beer.

Most herbalists cannot recommend comfrey taken internally because of these cautions.  If you do decide to use comfrey internally, keep these cautions in mind and do not use it for an extended period of time.

In the garden, comfrey grows vigorously to 4 ft.  Be careful where you plant it, as it is difficult to get rid of once established.  It is a hardy perennial with dark green hairy leaves and blue/purple flowers.  It can be kept trimmed to be a hedge.  Both the leaves and roots are used medicinally. My favorite use of comfrey is in combination with marshmallow as a fomentation, compress, or soak for wounds and inflammations.

To make a fomentation: boil 2 cups of water, pour over 1 tbsp. marshmallow leaf and 1 tbsp. comfrey leaf (dried), steep for 15 minutes, strain out herbs, dip a clean white cloth (no dyes) in liquid and placed on inflamed area.  The liquid may be reheated and used several times; keep in the refrigerator for up to three days.

EMOTIONAL HEALTH WITH BACH FLOWERS

What Are Bach Flower Remedies?

Dr. Edward Bach, a well-respected biologist, discovered during observations of his patients, that a person’s mental outlook influenced their recovery. Bach recognized that disease was the result of a conflict between the soul, mind, and body.  If you can change a person’s attitude towards life to a positive one, you can restore balance and reduce negativity.  In 1936 as a result of his research, he created 38 flower “essences” which restores this imbalance.  These remedies are non-toxic and are safe for children or pets!

Bach stated, “Seek the outstanding mental conflict in the person, give him the Remedy that will overcome that conflict, and (give) all the hope and encouragement you can, then the virtue within him, will itself, do all the rest…treat the cause, not the effect.”

What Do Bach Flower Remedies Accomplish?

The flower remedies ease emotions such as anger, fear, anxiety, or depression, bringing forth the well-being of the person. They work to alter a person’s attitude towards life; restoring a positive outlook. Each time the remedy is taken, the negative emotions are reduced until balance is restored. The remedies may be divided into seven categories:  fear, uncertainty, disinterested, loneliness, easily influenced, despondent, and over-caring.  Bach flowers may give you more confidence, courage, endurance, hope in the future, self-reliance, tolerance of others, more will-power, and selfless love.

What is Rescue Remedy?

Rescue remedy is a combination of five of the Bach flower essences: Impatiens, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum, Rock Rose, and Clematis. This is the first aid remedy for any emergency or shock…it de-stresses, calms, and relaxes.

Why should I Consider Bach Flower Remedies?

Emotions do influence physical health. Sometimes we must address the underlying emotional problem in order for the body to heal. Bach flower remedies may help a person to release these toxic emotions in a healthy way, changing their thinking to a positive and balanced pattern. If emotions are running your life, I encourage you to take steps to find balance and healing…Bach flower essences can help.

PLANNING YOUR HERB GARDEN

Dream Big!  What kind of garden do you want?

When I am planning a new garden, my first stop is the library, where I select picture books of gardens. Then I curl up for several hours and just dream. One of my favorite books is The Herbalist’s Garden, by Shatoiya and Richard de la Tour. Another way to stimulate ideas is to visit other gardens. Two of my favorites in this area are:  Cory’s Wildflower Gardens in Chillicothe, OH 740-774-1771 or Inniswood Metro Gardens in Westerville, OH 614-891-0700.  As you wander the gardens notice the layout, various groupings, and placement of plants.  Which are in the sun or in shade?  Look at the shape of the garden and its pathways. Sometimes you can achieve a similar look in a smaller space or with a smaller budget…be creative.

What is the purpose or style of your garden?

Choose a garden theme such as:  kitchen, medicinal, tea, potpourri, aromatherapy, herbs to attract bees or butterflies, or perhaps a specific color.  Think about style.  Do you like traditional?  Then maybe a knot garden or four-square herb garden.  Do you want something more eclectic?  Then perhaps an herb border or naturalized wildflower planting is best for you.

Step into reality:  make a plan on paper first

Now that you have allowed yourself to dream; it is time to assess how you will work with what you have.   Do you have shade or sun?  Do you have existing pathways, buildings, and trees to work into your plan?  How much time do you want to put into garden maintenance?  What is your existing budget?  Perhaps you will want to create a plan with steps to be accomplished over several years.  Start with structures such as walls, trellis, pergola, patio/deck, fences, paths, steps, and trees/shrubs. Plan a focal point to draw the eye into your garden.  Prepare your soil by double-digging, removing rocks and weeds, and adding compost or manure.  

Choosing Plants:  are we having fun yet?

Deciding on plants requires thinking of shape, size/height, habit, color, and texture all at once.  Use balance and repetition, plant in odd numbers (3’s, 5’s, and 7’s) to give a full/mature look.   An informative book for garden maintenance is:   The Well-Tended Perennial Garden, by Tracy DiSabato-Aust.  A great place to purchase unusual varieties of herbs is: Companion Plants in Athens, OH   www.companionplants.com 

Remember, there is not a perfect or right way to plan your garden, each one is uniquely beautiful.  Have fun in the garden!

HAWTHORN FOR THE HEART

Hawthorn is a small, deciduous flowering tree with white bark, sharp thorns, and small red apple-like fruits.  There are over 200 species of hawthorn, some growing 40 feet high.  Hawthorn grows in Europe, where it is also known as Mayflower, and in the Northeastern parts of North America (including Ohio).

The hawthorn berry is the part of the plant most commonly used in natural medicine.  It has a traditional role as a cardiac tonic or heart stimulant.  Hawthorn contains flavonoids which open coronary arteries and expand blood vessels, improving blood flow both to the heart muscle and circulation to other areas of the body.  This strengthens the heart, allowing it to beat more forcefully and in better rhythm, reducing arrhythmias.  Improved blood flow lowers blood pressure, increases oxygen utilization, and reduces the strain on the heart.

Dr. James Duke includes hawthorn in his book, Dr. Duke’s Essential Herbs.  According to Dr. Duke, hawthorn contains at least seven known blood thinners, nine anti-endemics, and three anti-hypertensives.  Doctors frequently prescribe aspirin, diuretics for edema (swelling), and hypertensive medications to prevent high blood pressure.  Hawthorn also has beta-blocking activity. Beta-blocking drugs increase coronary blood flow, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and reduce arrhythmias.  Hawthorn berry may be a good choice for heart health. 

Hawthorn is considered safe to use over extended periods of time.  It should not be used with the drug digitalis, as it may dangerously increase the drug’s effectiveness.  No one should attempt to treat a serious heart condition on their own…talk to your doctor about using hawthorn as part of your healthy heart plan.

ENZYMES: THE KEY TO GOOD HEALTH

What are enzymes? 

Most of us have never heard of them and yet enzymes play a vital role in many life processes. Enzymes are specialized proteins made by all living things.  They are responsible for all chemical reactions in the body, doing the work of rearranging molecules and breaking down compounds. Each enzyme has a specific action on a unique material (called a substrate), similar to fitting a key into a lock.  Sometimes minerals, pH levels, and temperature influence how an enzyme reacts.  Without enzymes, our food (along with its nutrients and vitamins) will not be processed into a form that our body can absorb.

Where are enzymes found? 

Enzymes are abundant in RAW fruits and vegetables.  Cooking destroys enzymes!  Processed and canned foods have no enzymes.  When the majority of our food is cooked or processed, our body (specifically the pancreas) must take on the extra work of creating enzymes to break down the food.

What if digestive enzymes are deficient? 

A study was done in the 1930s by Dr. Francis Pottinger with 900 cats over a period of ten years.  Half of the cats were fed raw milk and raw meat; the other half fed pasteurized milk and cooked meat.  The cats fed the raw milk and meat, rich in enzymes, thrived without disease generation after generation.  However, the cats fed pasteurized milk and cooked meat, deficient in enzymes, deteriorated with each subsequent generation.  Modern, degenerative diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, kidney and thyroid disease, tooth decay, arthritis, reduced bone mass, infertility, and intense irritability, appeared at progressively younger ages in each subsequent generation of cats.  By the third generation the cats could not even produce offspring.  Do we see any correlation between the Pottinger study and the health of people in today’s society? 

What if undigested food particles slip into the bloodstream?  

Symptoms of  a “leaky-gut” (possibly resulting from enzymes being  unavailable to breakdown the food properly) include:  aggression, anxiety, nervousness, bladder infections, bed-wetting, bloating or gas, chronic pain in joints or muscles, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, migraines, mood swings, skin rashes, confusion, and memory problems.  If these particles continue to leak the consequences become more severe and may include:  autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD, asthma, allergies, sensitivities, autoimmune conditions, celiac, Crohn’s disease, chronic fatigue, ADHD, hyperactivity, arthritis, IBS, skin conditions, liver problems, pancreatic insufficiency, and malnutrition.  These lists are presented in the book Enzymes for Autism and other Neurological Conditions by Karen DeFelice - highly recommended reading!   

How do I take supplemental enzymes? 

Enzymes should be taken at the beginning of each meal to improve the breakdown of the foods eaten. A good plant digestive enzyme blend may include:  protease (for protein), amylase (for carbs), lactase (for dairy), lipase (for fats), sucrase (for complex sugars), invertase (for table sugar), cellulase (for plant fiber), bromelain (as an anti-inflammatory), and papain (for protein).

Enzyme therapy protocols also suggest that enzymes may be taken between meals, especiallyprotease, to help clean up the blood and numerous problems where undigested particles have caused inflammation.

Enzyme supplements increase the body’s ability to absorb vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from the food we eat.  Enzymes also assist in restoring gut intestinal health, thereby avoiding a host of chronic degenerative diseases.  Almost everyone could benefit from eating more RAW fruits and vegetables, reducing cooked and processed foods in the diet, and taking a digestive enzyme supplement with each meal. 

Enzymes are the key to good health!

Lisa A. Purdy ND, MH, CNHP