DO STARCHY FOODS CAUSE CONSTIPATION? (INTRODUCTION)

April 7, 2009

Many people suffering from constipation claim that a diet high in carbohydrates makes their condition worse or perhaps even causes it. Looking at this argument closely, we are inclined to agree, for in such cases the pancreas does not produce enough enzymes to break down starch. Hence it is indeed true that starchy foods can lead to constipation. Potato starch is particularly binding, so that it would be advisable to restrict one’s intake of potatoes or forgo them entirely until the pancreas is back to normal. Too many patients make the mistake of not finding out which foods are known to cause problems, in order to avoid them until a complete cure is achieved. They have the mistaken belief that there must be some kind of miracle cure that will do the job without any sacrifice on their part. But would it not be wiser to avoid all foods that could trigger the disorder instead of waiting until we have the problem and then depending on a remedy to overcome it? Abstinence from such foods is often the only action required to rectify the condition.

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THE MEANING OF THE WORD ‘SOUL’

If we are to understand the meaning of the word ‘soul’, we shall have to turn to the Book of Books, the Bible, and ponder over a marvellous passage in the account of the Creation: ‘God proceeded to form the man out of dust from the ground [one might say of the elements of the earth] and to blow into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man came to be a living soul. . .’ or as another translator paraphrased it, ‘a sentient creature’. Elsewhere we read: ‘He poured out his soul to the very death’, and yet again, ‘the soul of the flesh is in the blood’.

If we pause to analyse these scriptures, we must conclude that the ‘soul’ (in Hebrew, nephesh and in Greek, psyche) refers to the whole person, with all his complex emotions and senses, not an immaterial entity within him or only his mind, or psyche, as defined by psychiatrists. In fact, with every pint of blood he loses, it could be said that he loses part of his soul and his sentience. If too much blood is lost, as in an accident, sentience and feeling progressively diminish, until life ceases altogether.

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HOW TO DETECT KIDNEY DISORDERS 2

Such observations turn an inspection of the uric sediments into a fascinating and meaningful study. Indeed, the trained expert can draw valuable conclusions from the pictures revealed by the microscope during a urine analysis. It is even possible to find out whether the patient has adhered to a prescribed diet. For example, if numerous sulphuric crystals are present, it is evident that the patient has eaten foods containing sulphur, such as eggs, beans, peas, lentils and radishes, even though he may have been instructed not to do so. If the test shows any oxalic acid crystals, the patient has been eating spinach, rhubarb, lettuce or sauerkraut. If a large number of creatinine crystals are in evidence, the patient obviously did not abstain from eating meat.

Thus, an analysis of the urine can be most informative, often more than even some doctors may think possible. We may learn something about metabolic disorders, certain organic diseases or other functional disorders.

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CIRCULATORY DISORDERS – GANGRENE

For an effective external treatment, add five drops of Arnica lx to a little warm water and use this to make a wet pack. Take the two remedies Echinaforce and Lachesis Wx in a little water; they should be taken separately on alternate days, in the morning and at night, over an extended period. Aesculaforce and Ginkgo biloba, if taken regularly, also give satisfactory results.

The patient should not expose himself to the cold and should wrap up warmly against the weather. He should also adopt a light vegetarian diet. These measures are not difficult to follow, when he takes into account that by doing so he can find a measure of relief from his unpleasant condition and be spared much discomfort.

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HERBAL TREATMENT: NERVES, STRESS AND INSOMNIA

March 30, 2009

Anxiety

For general anxiety, nervous tension or worry:

1 part Chamomile flowers

1 part Lemon Balm leaves

1 part Skullcap herb

1 part Valerian root

1 part Vervain leaves

Infusion: 1/2-1 ñèð as required, not to exceed 3 cups per day

 

3 parts Skullcap herb

1 part Hop flowers

1 part Valerian root

Infusion: 1/2-1 ñèð as required, not to exceed 3 cups per day

For general use from day to day, any of the nervine or sedative herbs can be used. A useful formula for minor cases is:

1 part Chamomile flowers

1 part Lemon Balm leaves

1 part Vervain leaves

Infusion: up to 3 or 4 cups per day

For anxiety associated with indigestion or flatulence:

2 parts Chamomile flowers

1 part Hop flowers

1 part Lemon Balm leaves

1 part Meadowsweet herb

Infusion: 3 cups per day

For anxiety associated with heart and circulation problems:

4 parts Motherwort herb

4 parts Skullcap herb

1 part Valerian root

1 part Hawthorn berries

Infusion: 3 cups per day

For anxiety associated with female problems:

2 parts Chamomile flowers

2 parts Cramp Bark

2 parts Lemon Balm leaves

2 parts Motherwort herb

1 part Valerian root

1 part Ginger root

Combined decoction and infusion: 3 cups per day

Depression

Lemon Balm leaves

Infusion: 3 cups per day

1 part Lemon Balm leaves

1 part Skullcap herb

1 part Vervain leaves

Infusion: 3 cups per day

The above herbs, useful in the treatment of depression, are most effective when taken for an extended period of time. A typical programme, for example, might be 4-6 week courses of the treatment alternated with breaks of 2-3 weeks during which no herbs are taken.

Oats, as well as being nutritious, also have an antidepressant effect, and should be included in the diet on a regular basis.

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HERBAL TREATMENT: COLDS, FLU AND FEVER; CRAMP AND SPASM

Colds, flu and fever

The classic herbal treatment for colds and flu uses sweating therapy with diaphoretic herbs:

2 parts Elder flowers

2 parts Peppermint leaves

1 part Yarrow herb

Infusion: 1 cup every 4 hours during acute phase, otherwise 3 cups per day

Catnip or Lemon Balm (or any other diaphoretic herb) may be substituted for any of the above. Take one or more cups of the hot infusion and, if possible, follow immediately with a hot bath. Then rest in bed with warm covers, taking regular doses of the infusion every 4 hours.

Countless cases have shown that this treatment, begun at the first sign of a cold, flu or fever, will minimize symptoms and hasten recovery.

To the basic formula, highly effective in itself, can be added Garlic Oil (1/2 teaspoon every 4 hours) and Composition Essence:

1 part Cayenne Pepper (powdered)

1 part Cinnamon bark (powdered)

1 part Clove buds (powdered)

Decoction: 1 tablespoon every 4 hours during acute phase, otherwise 3 tablespoons per day

One of the famous formulations of the nineteenth century herbalists, Composition Essence is used for general debility and convalescence, and can be taken at the first sign of any acute illness, cold, flu or fever.

For colds in babies and small children, use only the mildest of herbs: Lemon Balm, Catnip, Chamomile or Raspberry Leaf, infused, sweetened with a little honey, and given a teaspoon at a time, keeping the child warm and well covered.

Cramp and Spasm

An excellent remedy for relieving all types of cramp and spasm, severe and mild:

    4 parts Cramp Bark

    1 part Ginger root

Decoction: 1/2-1 ñèð as required, not to exceed 3 cups per day

Other formulas which can be used:

Valerian root

    Infusion: 1/2 -l cup as required, not to exceed 3 cups per day

    

    3 parts Skullcap herb

    1 part Hop flowers

    1 part Valerian root.

    Infusion: 1/2-1 ñèð as required, not to exceed 3 cups per day

    3 parts Chamomile flowers

    1 part Vervain leaves

    1 part Ginger root

    Infusion: 1/2-1 ñuð as required

Combining a small amount of a stimulant herb such as Cayenne Pepper, Cinnamon or Ginger with antispasmodic herbs will provide warming qualities and a quicker-acting effect.

 

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HERBS: RASPBERRY

Rubus idaeus

Action: Uterine tonic, antispasmodic, astringent, diaphoretic.

Systems Affected: Uterus and female reproductive system, digestive tract, mucous membranes. Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried leaves, dose 1-5 grams by infusion.

Known and used since prehistory for its delicious fruit, the Raspberry is a native of Eurasia. Called Batos Idaia by the Greeks and Rubus Idaea by the Romans, its name reflects its origins, rubus being from the Latin for red and idaea, meaning ‘of Mount Ida’ referring to the mountain in Asia Minor where it grew in natural profusion.

Apart from the fruit, the leaves of the plant have long been esteemed as a female tonic, being especially of benefit when taken as an infusion during the course of pregnancy to ensure an easy, trouble-free birth. As the Australian herbalist Dorothy Hall explains in her Herb Tea Book:

A cup of this tea each day during the first few months of pregnancy can provide folic acid, iron and copper salts, plus vitamin A and Ñ in good proportion . . . During the last few months of pregnancy, raspberry leaf tea tones and strengthens the pelvic muscles and ligaments to help with an easy, normal birth. Should a rash appear around your pregnant middle, you could be taking too much . . . Curb your enthusiasm and reduce the number of cups you drink each day.

Taken regularly and in small doses as a tonic during pregnancy, it often serves to remove any tendency towards morning sickness. It regulates contractions and reduces pain during labour, providing easy and speedy parturition. It helps to prevent haemorrhage, assists milk secretion and hastens post-partum recovery.

Taken in larger doses, it is of benefit in painful menstruation, vaginal discharge (either as a tea or as a douche) and prolapse of the uterus, where its effect is to tone and strengthen the muscles and ligaments which support the uterus.

It is employed in treating a variety of female complaints, for which purpose it is often combined with other herbs. Part of its effect is attributable to fragarine and other substances, which act as both uterine muscle stimulants and relaxants.

Raspberry leaf will allay nausea and is useful in chronic and acute diarrhoea. It is also a reliable treatment for colds, flu and fever.

The herb is mild and safe to use with children. The expressed juice of the fruit is nourishing in convalescence and for weak stomachs.

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HERBS: EYEBRIGHT

Euphrasia spp.

(E. rostkoviana, E. brevipila)

Action: Anti-inflammatory, anti-catarrhal, astringent, alterative, tonic. .

Systems Affected: Eyes, mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract, liver, blood. Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried flowering plant, dose 2-5 grams by infusion.

Eyebright is the best known of all herbs used for treating eye conditions. The plant, native to poor meadowland in Europe, is partially parasitic on certain grass species and cannot easily be cultivated unless grown in close association with the grass roots from which it obtains nutrients. The Swedish botanist Linnaeus listed Eyebright as Euphrasia officinalis, but his classification is a mixture of a number of species and the term is an ambiguous name with no real standing. Only Euphrasia species possessing glandular hairs on the calyx have medicinal value.

An infusion of the plant is used as an eyewash or lotion for conjunctivitis, eye weakness, opthalmia and other eye complaints. For this purpose it is often combined with other herbs such as Fennel, Witch Hazel and Golden Seal (Hydrastis canadensis). The tea can also be taken liberally and on a daily basis as an adjunct to external treatment for eve problems.

Eyebright contains various glycosides, a volatile oil and astringent principles, the combined effect of which is anti-inflammatory for mucosae: the infusion, taken as a tea (or as a nasal douche), is an effective treatment for sinusitis, head colds and nasal catarrh.

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HERBS: ANGELICA

Action: Tonic, stimulant, antispasmodic, emmenagogue, carminative, aromatic, expectorant, diaphoretic.

Systems Affected: Circulation, heart, lungs, stomach, intestines, uterus.

Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried rhizome and root, dose 1-2 grams by infusion.

Angelica, native to northern Europe and western Asia, is introduced and cultivated elsewhere. Used in earlier times in northern Europe for medicinal and magical purposes, its Christianized name hints at its deep associations with early Nordic magic. The plant appears to have come into more general culinary and medicinal use during the Middle Ages. Angelica improves the circulation and warms the body. It is one of the best herbs to use for coldness in winter. An excellent general tonic, it is used for anaemia, anorexia nervosa, loss of appetite, dizziness and faintness. Because of its warming and antispasmodic properties, it relieves spasms of the stomach and intestines and dispels gas; it also helps to make difficult menstruation easier and less painful.

Angelica is of great benefit in the treatment of colds, coughs, pleurisy and all lung ailments. A highly effective liquefacient and expectorant, it is recommended in cases of nervous asthma, chronic bronchitis, smoker’s cough and respiratory catarrh. Externally the leaves have an anti-inflammatory effect and are used in compresses, especially for pleurisy and bronchitis and also for rheumatism.

Angelica has wide culinary and confectionery use, and is an important ingredient of liqueurs such as Benedictine. Other species of the plant exist in various parts of the world, Angelica sinensis being an important emmenagogue and female tonic in Chinese medicine.

Cautionary Notes: Angelica is a strong emmenagogue and should not be taken by pregnant women. It should never be used by diabetics as it tends to increase blood sugar levels. Care should be taken not to exceed normal dosages, as too strong a dosage can over-stimulate the central nervous system and, especially if taken at night, may cause insomnia.

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ANTI-HEADACHE TECHNIQUE #14: DEEP RELAXATION WITH MUSCLE TENSING

March 23, 2009

More thorough man the previous method, this technique lakes you into deeper levels of relaxation from which you can continue straight on into Biofeedback or Creative Imagery. It is an essential preliminary to Techniques #15 and #16. Choose a quiet room where you will not be disturbed and unplug the phone. Lie down on a comfortable bed, couch or floor rug with a low pillow under the head. Begin by frowning and looking upwards. Hold for six seconds and release.

Press the tongue against the front teeth and squeeze all of the face tightly together. Hold for six seconds and release.

Press the back of the head down on the pillow so that you raise the neck and shoulders off the bed or floor. Hold six seconds and release. Roll the neck loosely from side to side several tunes.

Tense the neck and shoulder muscles as rightly as possible. Hold six seconds and release. Tense the chest muscles as tightly as you can. Hold six seconds and release.

Raise the right arm six inches off the bed or floor and clench the fist. Tense as tightly as possible from the shoulder down. Hold for six seconds and release. Do the same with the left arm.

Tense the abdomen muscles tightly. Hold for six seconds and release. Tense both buttocks tightly. Hold six seconds and release.

Raise the right leg six inches off bed or floor, curl the toes, and tense the entire leg and foot as tightly as you can. Hold for six seconds, release and lower the leg. Repeat with the left leg.

Next, take five slow, deep breaths, filling the abdomen as well as the upper chest each time. Then resume normal breathing.

Stay relaxed. Place the awareness on the soles of the feet. Silently say to yourself. “My feet feel relaxed. Relaxation is filling my feet. My feet are deeply relaxed. Relaxation is filling my legs. My lower legs are limp and relaxed. Relaxation is filling my thighs. My thighs fed limp and relaxed.” You don’t have to repeat these exact words. But give yourself essentially the same suggestions. An you mentally relax tech body part, place your awareness on that area and visualize it as limp end relaxed, for example, you might picture your thighs filled with cotton end at limp and relaxed as a piece of tired, old rope.

Continue felling yourself, “My buttocks feel limp and relaxed. My buttock feel as if they ere filled with cotton. My abdomen is limp end relaxed. My shoulders and neck are limp and relaxed. My arms and hands are limp and relaxed. My whole body feels as limp and relaxed as a rag doll.”

If you locale any area of tension, mentally relax it before going on.

Now place the awareness on the face as you say, “My forehead feels smooth and relaxed. My scalp is relaxed. My eyes are quiet. My eyes are deeply relaxed. My face is soft and relaxed. My tongue is relaxed. My mouth is telexed. My jaw is stock”

Be especially watchful for any areas of tension in the eyes, temple or jaw. Repeat these suggestions, as you visualize these areas filled with cotton, until the tension subsides.

Finally, tell yourself. “My entire body and mind are deeply relaxed. I am in a state of deep relaxation.”

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• NATURAL SLEEP – PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
• THE INFLUENCE OF CORRECT BREATHING ON ILLNESS – LUNGS, CHESTS AND DIAPHRAGMS
• COFFEE – MAKING SAUERKRAUT AT HOME (PART 2)
• SUGAR – THE GOODNESS OF DATES (REFINED SUGAR)
• HELPFUL DIETS FOR THE SICK A – FASTING (FEELING SICK)
• SESAME SEEDS – EXCELLENT FOR THE LIVER (TREATMENT)
• DO STARCHY FOODS CAUSE CONSTIPATION? (INTRODUCTION)
• THE MEANING OF THE WORD ‘SOUL’
• HOW TO DETECT KIDNEY DISORDERS 2
• CIRCULATORY DISORDERS – GANGRENE

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