Curing with the herb: cayenne pepper

Curing with the herb, cayenne pepper has been touted as one of the most useful.

Plant’s History: Hot peppers have been used in the tropical areas of South and Central America and Africa for somewhere in the neighborhood of 10,000 years. The earliest recollection of cayenne pepper in any documented form was in 1493, when Christopher Columbus’ voyage. With the booming spice and herb trade taking precedence, the discovery of this hot spice was not only important, but quite exciting to herbalist around the world.

Cayenne Pepper has many names, including hot flame, devil’s tongue, red bird pepper, African pepper, cockspur pepper and goat’s pepper.

Hot Peppers originate in the tropics, but can be successfully grown in other areas. They need approximately 14-16 weeks of growing time. In Michigan, the plants are set as soon as danger of frost has passed, and by the end of September, the plants are about 2 ½ or 3 feet in height and loaded with both green and red peppers.

The longer the peppers remain on the plant, the more red they will become. Don’t be fooled, green pods are just as hot.

Active ingredient: Capsicum genus of the pepper family Capsaicin, found in the pepper, is used in over-the-counter and prescription topical drug cream products for the use of painful joints, stomach problems, as a gargle, for hangover, and when a fever is present. However, always consult a physician when using cayenne pepper for medicinal uses.

Cayenne pepper is extremely hot, in it’s ground state it’s dangerous when inhaled, and in it’s whole form is danger to mucous membranes such as the nose and eyes. If preserving the pepper, keep mouth and nose covered–even the fumes carry a whollup–and wear gloves! The capsaicin is what causes your mouth and eyes to water and burn when you’ve bitten into a cayenne pepper. If this happens, immediately drink a glass of milk, which has a neutralizing ingredient in it. Water will heighten the burning sensation.

Medicinal uses: The cayenne pepper’s fiery substance, capsaicin, is the part of the plant valued worldwide by scientists and herbalists.

Whether ingested or applied externally, capsaicin is a powerful ingredient. It’s soothing and restorative effects on the digestive system are immense for occasional digestive problems and can be used to calm digestive disorders. At the same time, please be careful when using this product. Anyone with intestinal and/or colon disorders, should consult a physician before using cayenne pepper, as it may be disruptive.

In the West Indies, cayenne pepper pods are soaked in hot water, then mixed with sugar and the juice of sour oranges and used as a drink when a fever is present. The capsaicin will induce sweat, which in turn will cool the patient. Additionally, the orange will supply vitamin C and the sugar, energy.

Cayenne, which itself if high in vitamins A and C, are very nutritious.

If used in a poultice as a stimulant, cayenne also promotes blood flow. When used topically, it will be very hot the first couple of uses, but by day 14 or no longer than 30 days, the skin in the affected area will have adjusted to it and pain should be gone. However, it will cause redness, and excessive, extended contact with skin may result in severe blistering. Never put cayenne pepper on an open sore, abrasion or laceration. High does taken internally can lead to kidney damage. This product, as all medicinal products, should be administered by a physician.

Cayenne pepper is also used for toothache, and as a liniment for sprains and congestion problems.

It has also been suggested that cayenne pepper is useful in the relief of cluster headaches, and cayenne pepper tea is used for the common cold.

REMEMBER, always use caution with this product. It is very powerful. Moderation is the key.

Culinary properties: Cayenne pepper is the perfect addition to chili or hot spicy foods. Again, use in moderation. I suggest setting a bottle of cayenne pepper on the table and allowing everyone to use as desired, rather than dumping it into the whole pot of chili. You may end up eating alone. (I add a dried cayenne to chili dishes for a more mild spice.)

Grinding or crushing the pepper is another good way to use it. I suggest drying it, placing it in a sealed plastic bag and running a rolling pin over it several times. Start with a small pinch in recipes, and build from there.Decorative Uses: Cayenne pepper is colorful, festive and interesting when used as a decorative ingredient to existing decor. Try hanging them–swag-like–for a Mexican look. Or, wrap wire around the pod–one at a time–and make a beautiful wreath. To make a round wreath, use a wire coat hanger and bent to the appropriate shape. Another fun way to display the peppers is to buy a wire-shaped heart or star and wire the pods onto it.If your intention is to make a culinary wreath, add other herbs that can be used in the kitchen, such as sage, rosemary, dill, parsley, etc. to the wreath. Use the green product as the background, this will bring out the cayenne’s bright color. Speaking of it’s color, however, do expect it to fade from the bright red to a deeper, almost brown-red, color.Another method, if you have the room, is to pull the entire plant up by its roots, pull all the leaves off of it, and dry the plant. Then, cut the roots and dirty portion off the bottom, and hang in the kitchen in it’s natural state.If you plan to use the cayenne peppers that are now decorating your wall, in a culinary fashion, be careful not to spray the wreath or swag with anything to keep its color or stiffness, and always wash the pods before adding to the pot. Remember you will be ingesting the product!CONSULT A PHYSICIAN BEFORE FOLLOWING ANY MEDICINAL PROGRAM THAT DID NOT COME PRESCRIBED BY A PHYSICIAN.

Traditional Ancient Chinese medicine

Traditional Ancient Chinese Medicine – uses physiology and pathology of the human body in a holistic view.

Traditional chinese medicine for dummies – Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) uses the physiology and pathology of the human body. Basic TCM highlights two features. They include a holistic (view as whole) vision and the treatment identifying causes. TCM does not recognise diseases as in the West. All of our body organs work differently, but in conjunction with each other. Disruption to regular functions causes disease. Acupuncture therapy arouses external areas of the body. The human body is more than a single entity, but is one with nature. TCM realises that changes in the environment can change bodily rhythms as well.

TCM cites a relationship between each of the body organs. This relationship in turn is with the surrounding environment. The long term use of TCM states many factors that may cause imbalance within the human body. TCM uses clinical indications through the examination of disease symptoms. Causative factors are diagnosed from these symptoms.

TCM does not name diseases as we do in West.  TCM sees a prostate  as one o less common in the overweight. Every individual patient is a unique case, like the different sexes and human characteristics. Modern Western medicine can learn from ancient TCM.roblemf dampness and thus treated accordingly. Migraineis a liver and blood disorder. The practitioner states the disorders in terms of the patterns they display. There are the eight Fundamental Patterns called: interior, exterior, heat or cold, excess, deficiency, Yin and Yang. These patterns explain how disorders occur in the mind, body or spirit.

In China, Qi is a form of energy flowing along unseen meridian channels throughout the body. Qi is not visible. Everything in the universe has Qi. The human body is a type of Qi. Qi Gong is a popular Chinese excercise involving breathing and meditation for physical and spiritual wellbeing.

Interior and exterior patterns show the practitioner the location of the disease. Interior patterns of disorders are chronic. Signs include unusual changes in urine and stool, pain or discomfort in the body and no inhibition to cold or wind. Exterior patterns of disorder often arise quickly and are acute. Signs include chills, fever, an aversion to cold and general aches and pains.

Heat and cold signify the body’s activity with the nature of the disease. Cold signifies deficient Yang or external harmful cold. Cold slows the body, making the person lethargic. Warmth lessens pain. Heat signifies invasion of external harmful heat; a lessening of Yin and excess Yang. Heat hastens the body’s activities. Maybe the person will speak incessantly and have the need for cold liquids.

Deficiency and excess signify the effect of the disorder on the body’s natural resistance. Deficiency is a sign of weakness in the body. A pale sickly appearance, profuse sweating, shallow breathing and pain lessened with pressure, are symptoms. Excess is hyperactivity in the body. Difficult to stay still, heavy breathing and pressure-increased pain, are symptoms.

Yin and Yang are the opposing, but complementary in nature. Yin is feminine and emphases interior, cold and deficiency. Yang is masculine and emphases exterior, heat and excess. If Yin and Yang are in balance the body is healthy, but imbalance signifies ill health. TCM sees the human body as a cosmos, in harmony with nature, internal harmony and mental and physical harmony.

The uses of herbs are important in TCM. Virtually any herb can aid or cure a complaint. More than 50,000 medicinal herbs are recorded in China, but only a small fraction is in use. A western TCM practitioner generally will not use more than 200. Modern medicine may reject herbal use as unproven and even dangerous, but synthetic drugs have proved to be as harmful. A ‘natural’ substance is not always safe. Anything taken in excess can be harmful. The Chinese have proven TCM to be beneficial from thousands of years practice.

There are five flavours familiar with herbs. Bitter herbs remove heat from the body, cure coughing, vomiting, help constipation and are good for the heart. Sweet herbs are beneficial for the spleen, pain reduction and restoring harmony and energy. Pungent herbs aid circulation, the lungs and mild ailments. Sour herbs aid the liver, used to treat diarrhoea and prevent pus. Salty herbs also aid constipation, for the thyroid, abdominal and kidney problems.

Acupuncture is a common form of TCM. The practice is as old as TCM and even the Chinese do not know how it works. For this reason modern medicine does not totally accept acupuncture. Acupuncture has helped ailments from flu to chronic pain. Chinese studies have shown that external stimulation of the body affects the internal body. There are hundreds of acupuncture points over the entire body. One point to numerous points is each associated with an organ or a location in the internal body. The pressures of the needles are not painful.

A person’s voice, breathing and or cough will aid the practitioner in identifying disorders. A too high voice and or an abrupt major cough will signify excess. A weak quiet voice and/or with a weak cough signifies deficiency. Losing your voice or croakiness can signify either deficiency or excess. Wheezing indicates dampness. Two odours indicate the presence of disorder. A foul odour from a discharge indicates heat and excess. Less of an odour signifies cold or deficiency.

TCM considers seasonal weather, geographical location, environment and personal (age, sex, temperament and customs) aspects. Summer’s humidity will most likely initiate diseases due to dampness. Combine herbs for summer diseases with herbs removing dampness. Do not use drying herbs during cold and dry weather.

Children and the elderly have weakened qi and lower vitality. Avoid using strong, potent drugs in such cases. Overweight patients commonly will have diseases caused by internal pathogenic dampness. Pathogenic heat is  less common in the overweight. Every individual patient is a unique case, like the different sexes and human characteristics. Modern Western medicine can learn from ancient TCM.

Pumpkin seed oil: a medicinal seasoning

Explains how and where pumpkin seed oil is made, and its medicinal purposes. Also details its use in cooking.

Pumpkin seed oil, also called Kuerbiskernoel, is derived from the Styrian pumpkin whose botanical name is known as Cucurbita Pepo Convarietas Citrullinina – Varietas Styriaca. Although these pumpkins originated in the southeast region of Austria, which is called Styria, they are now grown in other parts of the world including in Ontario, Canada. Styrian pumpkins are a special variety of pumpkin. These pumpkins have a yellow/green skin and yellow/orange flesh inside. Additionally, these pumpkins contain seeds that are dark green and that do not have an outer shell. Because Styrian pumpkin seeds do not have a shell, the seeds can be processed easily into pumpkin seed oil.

Pumpkin seed oil has been popular for years among natives of the Styrian region of Austria and those who live in the northern portion of Slovenia, Europe. Additionally, this oil is now gaining a reputation among chefs worldwide because of its highly nutritional benefits. For example, the seeds from this pumpkin type contain vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, C, D, E, and K, as well as many minerals including calcium and magnesium. The oil also contains over 60% of unsaturated fatty acid and is rich in vegetable protein. Recent medical research has also announced the health benefits provided by using pumpkin seed oil. These benefits include regulating cholesterol levels and aiding in the prevention and treatment of bladder and prostate problems.

Styrian pumpkins are ripened and harvested in the fall. To make pumpkin seed oil, the seeds are manually removed from the pumpkins. Approximately 2.5kg of pumpkin seeds are required to make one liter of pumpkin seed oil. Once the seeds have been removed from the pumpkins, they are washed and dried. The dried seeds are then roasted for a few minutes at a high temperature (approximately 140ºF). Once roasted, the seeds are pressed using high pressure. The result of this pressing is the production of a dark green/black oil. This oil is then bottled and packaged for use.

Pumpkin seed oil has an unusual flavor that is somewhat nutty. Because of this unusual flavor, if you are not used to using pumpkin seed oil it is recommended that you experiment with it first. For example, try finding recipes that contain the oil and test the results of its usage. Pumpkin seed oil is typically used as a salad dressing combined with apple cider vinegar and salt. Additionally, it can be used in cooking and baking as an ingredient in sauces, sausages, and cakes.

You can buy pumpkin seed oil in some grocery, specialty, and health food stores. You can also purchase it by mail or over the Internet. When purchasing pumpkin seed oil, make sure that the oil is made from 100% pumpkin seeds with no additives. Because of its thick consistency, occasionally some producers will add sunflower seed oil to the pumpkin seed oil in order to thin out the oil base. Combining the two oil types also allows manufacturers to produce a less expensive product. Therefore, make sure that you read the label placed on the sunflower seed oil bottle, or inquire to the supplier about the oil’s contents, before purchasing any oil.

General Health Information: What is homeopathy?

Introduction to homeopathy, a natural, effective alternative method of treating your family, using remedies such as Arnica montana, Chamomilla, and Hepar sulph.

Homeopathy was developed in the early 1800’s by Samuel Hahnemann. It is based on the “law of similars”, wherein “like cures like”. As in vaccinations, you receive a dose of what you’re trying to eliminate. All homeopathic remedies are natural, derived form animal, vegetable or mineral matter.

Illnesses are treated according to their symptoms. It doesn’t matter where you got the cold, flu, diarrhea, muscle cramp or headache. How it is manifested is what a homeopath looks at. For instance, a cold can come on slowly or quickly, make you thirsty or not. A headache can be in the front or the back of the head.

List the symptoms and include mental and emotional states as well. Include, too, the time of day your patien

feels worse, and what, if anything, makes the symptoms worse or better (lying down, fresh air, movement, etc.). Now check out the repertory. This is a book (or just a chapter in a book about homeopathy) that describes symptoms categorized according to parts of the body. There are homeopathic remedies listed under each symptom. Once you have gone through the repertory with your symptoms, you will most likely find one or two remedies that repeat themselves.

Now turn to the materia medica, another book, or chapter in a complete book. It describes the remedies and their actions on the body in detail. Read about the remedies that show up most often for the symptoms you’ve listed. When you find what seems to be the most suitable, administer it. This is a ‘dose’ three times a day for three days, or until the symptoms change. At that point you would change the remedy.

Homeopathic remedies are non-toxic. If you administer the wrong remedy, there are no ill-effects. You just won’t see a change in the symptoms. Simply re-evaluate and re-administer.

This is not as complex as it sounds, and can be simplified with the purchase of a good book on homeopathy in the home and a small kit. Some are sold as children’s kits, with 8 remedies. Another kit has about 35 remedies in it. The small one is a good way to start, and frankly, kids only use a few of the same remedies over and over.

Here are the ones most used in my house:

Arnica montana – This is indispensable for bruises. It takes care of shock in any situation, and aids in healing of dental work (even a cleaning) and other surgeries. It reduces swelling, making the patient more comfortable.

Chamomilla – This is the best remedy for teething babies, when they are irritable and feverish.

Hepar sulph. – I use this frequently for colds at all stages. It’s good for sore throats, abscesses and other infections.

Ipecac. – This is good for intestinal cramping and nausea.

Bryonia – Great for constipation. Usually works with one dose.

Hypericum – This is St. John’s Wort, and is used for damage to nerve endings.

Sulphur – For skin problems.

Apis – For bee stings and bites.

You can see that homeopathy covers anything you could possibly need to treat in your family. With medical costs so high these days, homeopathy is worth looking into!

Natural home remedies: potatoes

HOw to use the simple potato to relieve stomach upsets, wounds and inflammations.

The potato is native to South America and was transported to Europe in the mid-1500’s by Spanish sailors. It wasn’t until the 1800’s however that the potato became a staple food in Europe where it gained popularity for its nutritional benefits. Today there are more than 100 potato varieties. They come in many sizes, shapes and colors (yellow, white, red and even blue). Despite the physical differences, all varieties of the potato offer similar health benefits.

The components of potatoes consist of a high complex of carbohydrates, fiber and proteins. Included also are vitamin A, B-complex, and C; copper, iron, magnesium, manganese, niacin and potassium. The skin is high in nutrients, and if possible the skin should be eaten or if not, peel as close to skin surface as possible to maintain the nutrients that cling closer to the skins

The potato is a member of the nightshade family, and does contain very small quanities of atropine. This substance is deadly in large amounts, but in small doses it has antispasmodic effects, making potatoes useful for easing gastrointestinal pain and cramping. Potatoes can also be used externally for muscle pains and skin problems.

One of the therapeutic effects of potatoes come from the alkaline juices that can neutralize the stomach acids and relieve stomach upsets. Another is also to make potato water that will cleanse intestines and reduce the amount of acid in the gastointestinal system. To make the water you wash and dice a large potato. Steep it overnight in one cup of water to which you add a pinch of sea salt. Strain and drink the water every morning on an empty stomach.Potatoes are also used for inflammation and for pain relief. Use of the potato wrap has a long history as a folk remedy for all types of muscle and bone pain. Potatoes retain heat for long periods of time, allowing the warmth to penetrate deep into the tissues. To make this wrap, boil 1 lb. of potatoes in their skins until tender. Place them in a linen sack and mash them. Apply the sack to the affected area, placing a towel underneath the sack if too hot. Attach the sack tightly to the body with a woolen blanket. Remove the sack only after it has cooled down completely. On the flip side, raw potatoes have a very cooling effect. Raw potato slices bring fast relief from swelling and itching caused by contact dermatitis and insect bites. The slices are also effective for bruises and sties. For this effect, peel and slice a potato and apply the slice to the affected skin until the potato warms up. For slow healing inflammations and wounds, grate three raw potatoes and moisten them with milk. Wrap then in a linen cloth and apply to the affected area.When storing potatoes there are a few tips to remember. Discard any potatoes that have excessive soft or sprouts. Look for any green spots or small sprouts and before cooking; peel this thoroughly. Mature potatoes may be stored up to two months, new potatoes can be stored for one week. Remember to use skins as much as possible to maintain all nutrients, and if not, to peel as closely to skin as can.

Natural remedies for arthritis

Natural treatments and remedies for arthritis sufferers. This list is for informational use only, please consult your physician before switching medications to natural remedies.

Arthritis sufferers all over the world are ever seeking relief for their pain. Unfortunately, there is no cure for this problem contrary to what many pharmaceutical companies claim. Taking their medicine will not cure any type of arthritis. Speaking to your physician for the latest research about your specific type of arthritis would be beneficial for finding pain relief.

With the rise of medications (and their prices) available to patients suffering with this ailment, many still prefer to seek natural remedies. This could be for any variety of reasons:- The patient may have tried several medications that are either not working as well or at all for them anymore.

– The patient may not believe in healing their body chemically and wishes to find an organic remedy.

– The patient may not be able to afford their prescription medication anymore, so they are seeking a less costly alternative.

– The patient is concerned with side effects associated with a particular medication prescribed or suggested to them by their physician.

Listed below are several alternatives to arthritis medications. Before taking yourself off your current medication, it is strongly advised that you meet with your physician first. These are by no means medical claims; they are merely suggestions for those who are curious or seeking more information. Listed below are also common concerns, usage and (or) side effects related to each remedy.

– Acupuncture

– Animal foods: avoid them. Arachidonic acid found in meat provokes joint inflammation.

– Bee/snake venom: Little scientific backing, real chance for allergic reaction.

– Chondroitin: helps draw fluid into cartilage, improving shock-absorbing ability.

– Elimination diets/weight control: more weight equals more joint pressure. It is debatable if fasting reduces symptoms or not.

– Fish oils: controls inflammation in the body. Examples of other oils also used for the same purpose: flax, borage, sesame, sunflower and pumpkin.

– Food allergies: linked to many causes for arthritis. Common foods to look out for: wheat, corn, dairy, citrus, salt, caffeine, tomatoes, white potatoes, eggplant and peppers. (does not include black peppers)

– Ginger: Anti-oxidant, inflammatory with no major side effects.

– Glucosamine sulfate: builds cartilage with very few side effects.

– Magnets: results are still preliminary. Most commonly used in jewelry, clothing, and bed linens. It is stated that many of the magnets available on the market are not strong enough.

– MSM: Organic sulfur used to reduce inflammation.

– Nettle leaf: Reduces need for NSAIDS by 70% (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)

– Vitamin E: An antioxidant used primarily for osteoarthritis.

– Yoga, meditation, creative visualization and imagery.

– Aroma therapy

– Osteopathy and chiropractic therapy – Homeopathy- Environmental medicine- Pantothenic acidThis is just the tip of the iceberg in terms of what arthritis sufferers can do when seeking natural remedies. Due to the lack of scientific study for many of these treatments, there is still cause for concern. Consult your physician, visit your local library or visit your favorite bookseller for more information and other alternatives.

Home wart remedies

Learn to remedy warts safely at home with these traditional and alternative treatments.

Warts are benign tumors most often caused by a virus that develops on the outer skin layer. Warts are non-cancerous growths which can develop at any age, but are more commonly found on children and young adults. The size and shape of an individual wart is entirely dependent on the particular type of wart and its location of growth.

GENERAL CHARACTERISTICSAlthough each type of wart has distinct characteristics, all warts have similar patterns and appearances, which help to distinguish them from other growths and conditions. Always confirm with your doctor that your skin growth is not cancer. General signs and symptoms of warts are:

Tiny growths that grow continuously.

Growths with rough surfaces.Growths with clearly defined borders.Growths which are the same color as the skin (with the exception of Flat and Common warts).Smaller growths which form a circle around one central, usually larger growth.Painless areas of thickened skin.CAUSESWarts are caused by the “papilloma” virus, which invades the epidermis layer of skin. As the virus spreads, it stimulates certain cells to grow at a faster rate than normal, forming a wart. Warts can spread from person to person through general contact such as:Use of public bathing/showering facilities.Skin trauma.Skin to skin contact.Sharing footwear.Sharing head wear.A NOTE ABOUT WART TREATMENTThe type of wart you have and its location will determine which treatment approach is best. A small number of warts (20%) will disappear on their own within a month of infection. Without therapy, warts generally disappear within 1-3 years with little or no scarring.TYPES OF WARTSCOMMON WARTSCommon warts are small, but firm growths of skin that often appear in areas which are injured frequently. Typical signs of common warts include:Round, rough edged growths of skin on the body or hands.Irregular growths of skin which are colored yellow, brown, or gray.Small growths on the skin measuring no more than one-half inch across.Irregular sized growths which have a rough surface.Small growths on knees, elbows, scalp, or around fingernails.TRADITIONAL TREATMENTSACID TREATMENTDaily applications of solutions or plaster preparations containing salicylic, lactic acids or cantharidin will aid in softening the infected skin, allowing it to be peeled off safely. Salicylic and lactic acids can be applied twice daily for up to 6-weeks.LIQUID NITROGENA doctor can also use Liquid Nitrogen as a treatment for Common warts. Liquid Nitrogen works by freezing the skin and in essence, burning the wart from the body. This process takes 2-4 weeks to complete and usually requires multiple visits.LASER SURGERYLaser surgery or electrodesiccation is another popular treatment for Common warts. Through means of electrical current, doctors are able to destroy the wart completely in one sitting. However, some scarring will occur.PLANTAR WARTSPlantar warts form on the soles of the foot, where they are usually surrounded by a thickened area of skin. Other symptoms of Plantar warts include:Tender areas of skin on the sole of the foot.Small, bleeding sores on the sole of the foot.Flattened, blister-looking irritated areas of skin.TRADITIONAL TREATMENTACIDSPlantar warts are easily treated with solutions containing salicylic acid. Preparations are sold as plaster formulas or liquid and are available at most drug stores. Salicylic acid treatments can be applied twice daily for 4-6 weeks.PADS AND CUSHIONSSpecially sized pads and cushions can be purchased over the counter to minimize the pain and discomfort of Plantars warts, and make walking easier.BENZOYL PEROXIDEBenzoyl peroxide can be applied to Plantars warts several times daily to help cleanse and soothe irritated tissue. Apply liberally with a cotton ball after washing, and allow to dry before covering.FLAT WARTSFlat warts are most common in young adults and children and present themselves in groups of small sores. Symptoms include:Smooth, brown or yellow brown areas of skin.Brown or yellow groups of raised skin on the face.TRADITIONAL TREATMENTPEELING AGENTSMost Flat warts respond well to a therapy of peeling agents containing retinoic. Such agents will allow the skin of the wart to easily free itself from the body.ACIDSSolutions containing salicylic acid also work well on Flat warts. Salicylic acids work in a similar fashion to peeling agents, in that they allow the wart’s infected skin to break free from the rest of the body, facilitating quicker healing. Apply salicylic acids twice daily for up to 6-weeks.FILLFORM WARTSFillform warts can appear anywhere on the body and are common in all age groups. Typical symptoms of Fillform warts include:Long growths around eyelids, face, neck or lips.Small growths on face or neck area.Narrow, long growths that appear to blister and break open.TRADITIONAL THERAPYSPECIALIZED FORMULASFillform warts also respond well to solutions containing salicylic acid. However, since Fillform warts commonly form around the eyes, eyelids and mouth area, at-home treatments with basic solutions are not recommended. Look for specialized over-the-counter remedies, which state they can be used around sensitive eye and lip tissue.WART PREVENTIONLike most medical conditions, warts can be prevented. To prevent spreading:Never scratch or pick at a wart.Wash hands frequently.Cover cuts and scratches with bandages to prevent further contamination to damaged skin.Don’t touch warts on others.Don’t share footwear or head wear.Wear shoes or protective footwear in public bathing/shower areas.Wash infected skin often once it blisters or bursts open.ALTERNATIVE THERAPYALOEAloe has been used for nearly 2,000 years as a wart treatment. Applied externally in cream form or directly from aloe plant, aloe eases discomfort and helps to speed healing.LEMON OILOne drop of Lemon (essential) oil applied directly to infected skin can help to eliminate most types of warts.MILKWEEDThe white sap from milkweed is used internationally to treat wart removal. Apply directly from plant or use topical creams.DANDELION SAPDandelion sap is a time-honored treatment for the removal and cleansing of warts. Apply sap directly to wart, as needed.

Nutritional and healing benefits of honey

Honey has been used by doctors for hundreds of years and has been revered for its healing properties, which include preventing infection, helping soothe ulcers, and treat diarrhea.

Throughout the centuries, honey has held a place in popular culture. Besides the stories of that beloved bear Pooh, always pursuing the ever elusive honey pot, Greek mythology tells of a tale in which the life of Zeus is saved by bees feeding him honey. Though it is technically not much different than table sugar, there seem to be healing properties hidden in its gooey goodness.

Doctors have been using honey in healing for centuries. There are three ingredients in honey that make it ideal as a healing compound. Many types of honey are found to be high in hydrogen peroxide, which you probably use at home to disinfect scrapes and cuts. In addition to this disinfecting power, the high sugar content in honey is great for absorbing moisture inside wounds. This makes it difficult for bacteria to survive. The final blow is propolis, a compound found in the nectar of some honey, which can actually kill bacteria. Dr. Peter Molan has been researching honey at the Honey Research Unit at the University of Waikato in Hamilton, New Zealand for 15 years. In his research he has discovered that honey effectively kills all seven types of bacteria that can cause wound infection.

Not only has it been found to stop infection outside your body, but certain types of honey have been found to stop infections inside your body as well. A study conducted at the Honey Research Unit discovered that a certain type of honey, indigenous to New Zealand, has been found to kill the bacteria that forms ulcers in the stomach. Ulcer sufferers were given 4 tablespoons of honey a day and 100% of those involved in the experiment found relief from their ulcer symptoms. Traditionally, children suffering from diarrhea have been given a sugar solution to help rehydrate and replace essential minerals. Researchers in South Africa have discovered that honey can be more beneficial than sugar in these instances, because the bacteria-killing compounds in the honey can actually kill the bacteria found in the intestine that can be causing the diarrhea. On the opposite side of the problem, honey can also be used as a cure for constipation. The high amounts of fructose in honey cause it to arrive in the large intestine undigested, which begins a fermentation process. This process allows fluid to be drawn into the bowel which acts as a laxative.

When shopping for honey, however, there are two things you must be aware of. Always buy raw honey. Once honey has gone through the high heat processing procedure, it loses a great deal of its healing power. When choosing raw honey , be sure to choose Manuka honey. This honey is produced in New Zealand, where the bees feed on a particular type of flowering shrub. Manuka honey has the highest anti-bacterial compound composition. It can usually be found in health food stores. Be sure to read the label and look for the words “active Manuka honey” This will be the most effective honey in your fight against bacteria and is especially effective against stomach ulcers.

What is St. Johns Wart?

What St. Johns Wart is–an herb, used for its healing characteristics. St. Johns Wart can be made by you easily.

St. Johns’ Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a common wild plant that grows in much of Europe and North America. If it grows near you, or if you plant this perennial plant in your garden, you can easily make your own medicinal tincture, for a fraction of the cost of store-bought St. Johns’ Wort tincture.

First, get yourself a good plant identification book, and make sure you’re finding real St. Johns’ Wort. I recommend any book written by Michael Moore–his books are a wealth of information about herbal medicine. Or get a knowledgeable “plant person” to show you. Once you see it, you’ll always be able to recognize it. To be sure you’re looking at the real thing, hold one of the tiny leaves up to the light. If it’s St. Johns’ Wort, the leaf will appear to be covered with teeny little holes you can see light through. Remember that scientific name: Hypericum perforatum. That refers to those little pinprick windows in the leaves.

Caution: There is an ornamental plant sold by some nurseries that is called St. Johns’ Wort. It’s not the medicinal kind. Ask for the scientific name and look for those little “holes.”

To make your tincture you need a wide-mouthed jar and lid and some 190 proof grain alcohol (AKA “Everclear”). Please note that this is drinking-type alcohol, NOT rubbing alcohol.

If you can’t get 190 proof alcohol, you can make do with 100 proof vodka, but your final product will be inferior.

When the plant blooms (usually June through mid-August in U.S.) pick the tops–flowers, buds, a few leaves and a bit of stem are fine. Wait until the dew dries to do your picking.

Let the flowers wilt at room temperature for a few hours or overnight. This drives away insects, and makes the next step easier.

Cram the wilted flowers into your jar, packing them tightly. If you don’t have enough to fill the jar, you can save wilted blossoms in your freezer until you have a jarful. Or just do a part jarful–but squish those flowers in there good.

Then pour the grain alcohol over the flowers, just covering them–there should just be a thin layer of liquid over the top. The liquid will immediately start turning red, which is a sign that the essential compounds are being pulled out of the flowers into the liquid.

Shake the jar gently once a day for two weeks, then strain off the liquid. Squeeze the plant mass really well to get all the juice out.

The usual dosage is 20-30 drops, 3 times a day in a little water.

Caution: Prolonged excessive dosages may cause sensitivity to sunlight.

Warning: St. Johns’ Wort can neutralize the effects of some birth control pills, and some medications for cancer treatment and for HIV. Consult your health care provider or pharmacist before using.

St. Johns’ Wort should not be taken if you are taking Prozac or similar anti-depressants. Consult your health care provider or pharmacist before using.

Herbs for healing

Some unusual herbs for healing to grow in your garden that can be used for herbal teas and poultices.

These days anyone can walk into a healthfood store and buy a wide range of vitamins and minerals and herbal remedies. They may or may not work; though there is often a placebo effect and we feel a bit better anyway.

But there is something rather charming about growing your own herbs and then turning them into healing infusions, poultices or other things. Admittedly it can take you a whole plant to gain the equivalent of a tub of tablets bought from the store, but the very process of growing and preparing the herb is soothing and makes you feel connected with the earth. It is worthwhile for minor ailments.

Arnica can be purchased in ointment form and is used for bruises. It causes the bruise to develop rapidly and therefore heal faster, and is very effective. The whole plant can be boiled down and made into a poultice to apply to the bruised area. It should not be taken internally.

Evening Primrose makes a strikingly beautiful garden plant, having profuse yellow flowers and attractive foliage. The seed oil is very high in GLA, which has been discovered to be a vital part of our diet. It is used by many women for pre-menstrual tension disorders, and is also used symptomatically for eczema and dry skin (taken internally). You may eat the seeds. It is currently being researched for possible applications in numerous areas including breast cancer and arthritis.Feverfew has attractive foliage and white daisy-like flowers. It is believed to cure migraines. A feverfew sandwich every day (the leaves in a normal sandwich) possibly prevents migraines. Prince Charles uses it.Licorice is the source of the popular sweet, though most of the sweets probably have synthetic licorice flavoring in them these days. The roots are boiled to extract the typical taste. It is useful for digestive irregularities including constipation.Russian Comfrey is used as a poultice to promote healing. It is very pretty, with white or pink flowers, and looks decorative in the herb garden. It has been used for thousands of years to help heal sprains and fractures.Self-Heal, or Heal-All, sprawls everywhere and has attractive purple or pink flowers. Its main use is for treating external wounds, though it can also be taken internally as a gargle.Valerian is a natural sedative. You can eat the leaves as they are, or make tea out of them. Many people prefer the tea sweetened with honey, and as honey is also a natural sedative this makes a great deal of sense. It has delicate pink flowers, making it yet another attractive addition to the herb garden. Its name is derived from a Latin word meaning ‘in health’.Wormwood, taken internally, helps regulate the stomach and gallbladder. It was a traditional remedy for dealing with internal parasites. It was also used in the distillation of the liquor Absinthe, which was made illegal after authorities realized that it was poisonous. The herb can be taken internally with care.If you are growing and preparing your own herbs, the easiest way to use them is in herbal teas or poultices. For tea, use the leaves (unless otherwise indicated), either dry or fresh, and steep them in boiled water for about five minutes. Many people prefer the taste of herbal teas sweetened with honey, and as I mentioned above, honey is a natural sedative and of great use in herbal medicine. For a poultice, also steep the leaves in a little water and then wrap them up in a clean cloth and place them on the affected area. Other forms of herbal preparation, such as distillation into oils, are too complicated to go into here and best left to the professional.There are many other healing herbs. All of the above are easy to grow in the average herb garden, and I have personally grown all of these and many more. No special gardening skills are required – if you can grow flowers

Herbs and health

There are many herbs that are beneficial to health and well being. Many you can grow yourself and use in cooking and on food.

Herbs are an everyday part of our lives in cooking and there are few that do not know the common names and uses. The added flavour of basil with fresh tomatoes, parsley sprinkled on meat dishes and soups, the bay leaf added to stews and soups are all much enjoyed and, in most kitchens, a whole variety of fresh, or usually dried, herbs can be found.

What many do not know is that many of the common herbs, and a lot more of the lesser known, have medicinal properties and that these can be used to replace expensive OTC and prescription drugs.

The list is an extensive one and it is not possible to do more than highlight a few of them here. These, however, are herbs that can be easily grown, or will be found wild, in most places.

ALOE VERA: This is often found as a house plant and is typified by its thick succulent leaves. It is an excellent plant to use for soothing burns and certain types of skin condition such as eczema, pimples etc. To use, simply cut a leaf and apply the gel-like sap to the affected area.

ANGELICA: We know Angelica best for the candied stems used in cakes and for other flavouring. However, it makes an excellent tea for treating feverish colds.

BORAGE: Borage grows wild in much of North America and Europe but can also be cultivated. The young leaves can be used in summer salads and drinks but its medicinal properties can be best used by making an infusion or tea.Put 2 teaspoons of dried borage into 1 cup of boiling water and infuse for 10 – 15 minutes. This should be drunk three times a day as an anti inflammatory.

BURDOCK: Burdock grows wild and, at season’s end, produces those seeds that stick so annoyingly to clothes when walking through the woods. Its root, however, is the source of one of the best blood purifiers.Boil 25 grams (1 oz.) of burdock root with 1½ pints of water until the liquid is reduced to 1 pint. Drink a wine glassful 4 times a day before meals.

CHAMOMILE: Chamomile tea can now be purchased in health food stores and even in general grocery stores and it is used to help with insomnia, anxiety or migraines. It is also very good in the treatment of sore throat, gingivitis and gastritis. Drink the tea throughout the day. For treatment of inflamed and sore eyes, use the cooled chamomile tea bags and place over the closed eyes for 30 minutes.

COMFREY: Comfrey is much used to maintain health in animals and cows, especially, will demolish a stand of comfrey in short order. It is, however, also excellent as an expectorant for bronchitis and irritable coughs and can soothe inflamed gastric and duodenal ulcers.Add 1 to 3 teaspoons of dried comfrey to 1 cup of water, bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes. Strain and drink three times a day until the condition eases.

FEVERFEW: This plant is part of the Chrysanthemum family and is excellent for the treatment of migraine, headaches and rheumatism. For headaches and migraine an infusion of both the leaves and the flowers should be used while, for rheumatism, the infusion of flowers alone is required.

LEMON BALM: The leaves of lemon balm can be used to repel mosquitoes and other flying insects. The juice from the leaves is good fro treating insect bites.

MARSHMALLOW: This can be purchased as a small plant and grown at home. A tea made from the leaves and flowers is good in the treatment of coughs and colds.

ROSEMARY: Rosemary oil can be purchased from health food stores, pharmacies and aromatherapy specialists. It can help relaxation and is supposed to be good for rheumatism. A tea, made from the leaves, is good for curing indigestion.

SAGE: Well known as a flavouring for food and in stuffings for poultry, sage is also good for treating colds and the ‘flu’ Make a tea using the leaves (quantity depends on taste) and drink three times a day.

THYME: We are missing only parsley for Simon and Garfunckel’s Scarborough Fair and thyme is another of those kitchen favourites. It is also excellent as a cough treatment and suppressant and should be used in tea form.

VALERIAN: Organic, OTC treatments for sleeplessness and stress will almost always include valerian as an ingredient. A tea made from the leaves is an excellent drink last thing at night.This is just a sample of the wide range of medicinal and helpful herbs. Many of them are now on sale in different forms in pharmacies and health food stores and you can take advantage of their healing properties without having to do much of your own preparation. Talk to the pharmacist or health store operator and seek advice.As with any medication, practice moderation and, if you are taking other medication, consult your physician before embarking on any herb related medication regimen.