Tag: Human gastrointestinal tract

REFERENCE GUIDE FOR HERBS

REFERENCE GUIDE FOR HERBS

Overview

Herbs are a gift from nature. They include leaves, bark, berries, roots, gums,
seeds, stems and flowers. They have been used for thousands of years to help
maintain good health.

ALFALFA

Aids in healing allergies, arthritis, morning sickness, peptic ulcers, stomach
ailments & bad breath; cleanses the kidneys & removes poisons from the body;
neutralizes acids; is an excellent blood purifier & blood thinner; improves the
appetite and aids in the assimilation of protein, calcium & other nutrients.

ALOE VERA

Helps alleviate constipation, aids in healing burns & wounds, canker sores, cold
sores, ulcers, acne and digestive disorders.

BLESSED THISTLE

Helps strengthen the heart & lungs; aids in healing urinary, pulmonary & liver
disorders; increases circulation to the brain; aids digestion, reduces fever,
expels worms, helps alleviate menstrual cramps.

BURDOCK ROOT

Is an excellent blood purifier and cleanser; aids in healing skin blemishes,
arthritis & rheumatism; promotes healthy kidney function.

CAPSICUM

Promotes cleansing of the circulatory & digestive system; reduces fever,
purifies the blood; helps prevent muscle aches, tiredness, skin blemishes,
headaches, rheumatism, ulcers & sore throats; helps in regulating your blood
pressure and pulse rate.
CASCARA SAGRADA

Stimulates the secretions of the entire digestive system; helps prevent nervous
disorders, colon & constipation problems.

CHAMOMILE

An excellent cleanser & toner of the digestive tract; aids in calming the
nerves; expels worms & parasites; Improves the appetite & helps eliminate
dandruff.

CHAPPARAL

Aids in healing skin blemishes, acne, arthritis & allergies; promotes hair
growth; acts as a natural antibiotic within the body with no side effects.

COMFREY

Aids in healing respiratory ailments, anemia, arthritis, fractures, mucous
membranes, lungs & wounds; it is soothing to the gastrointestinal tract; aids in
cell proliferation; helps the pancreas in regulating blood sugar level; helps
promote the secretion of pepsin & is a general aid to digestion.

ECHINACEA

Is the most effective blood & lymphatic cleanser in the botanical kingdom; its
acts as a natural antibiotic and works like penicillin in the body with no side
effects; aids in reducing fever, infections, bad breath & mucous buildup.

EUPHRASIA

Aids in reducing skin blemishes, clears bloodshot eyes, and helps with
impotence.

GARLIC

Is extremely effective in dissolving and cleansing cholesterol from the blood
stream; it stimulates the digestive tract; it kills worms, parasites and harmful
bacteria; it normalizes blood pressure and reduces fever, gas & cramps; it used
by athletes for increasing physical strength & energy.

GINGER

Aids in fighting colds, colitis, digestive disorders, flu & gas; it helps
increase the secretion of saliva; is excellent for the circulatory system and
helps increase stamina.

GINSENG

Aids in increasing endurance, longevity & vitality; aids in balancing hormonal
activity; acts as a sexual stimulant, mental & physical stimulant; normalizes
blood pressure levels; helps protect the body against stress; strengthens the
endocrine glands; stimulates the activity of RNA & DNA in your cells, thus
helping retard the aging process.

GOTU KOLA

Is an excellent “brain food” which promotes memory & helps alleviate mental
fatigue; excellent for the eyes, impotence, endurance, energy & normalizing
blood pressure; considered to be an excellent nerve tonic.

HAWTHORN BERRIES

Strengthens the muscles and nerves to the heart; aids in relieving emotional
stress; regulates high & low blood pressure; helps combat arteriosclerosis,
hypoglycemia and heart disease.

HYSSOP

Regulates blood pressure, purifies the blood & promotes circulation, excellent
aid for the eyes, hoarseness, lungs, mucous buildup, nervous disorders and skin
problems.

LICORICE

Expels mucous from the respiratory tract aids in healing hoarseness,
hypoglycemia, coughs & constipation; promotes healthy adrenal glands; acts as a
sexual stimulant; helps increase endurance & vitality; helps in reducing skin
blemishes (age spots).

MA HAUNG

A stimulant of the adrenal glands; helps increase energy level; aids in healing
asthma, bronchitis, lung, coughs & congestive disorders.

MULLEIN

A bone, flesh and cartilage builder; aids in healing respiratory ailments,
asthma, bronchitis, diarrhea, sinus congestion; soothing to any inflammation and
relieves pain; acts to relieve spasms & clears the lungs.

ROSE HIPS

Used to fight infection & curb stress. it is the highest herb in Vitamin C
content and contains the entire C-Complex.

SARSAPARILLA

Helps cure impotence; relieves inflammation & gas and will increase the flow of
urine; an excellent blood purifier; aids rheumatism, heartburn, hormones, gout,
fever ad mucous buildup; also used to promote perspiration.

SPIRULINA

Is an algae containing 65 – 70% protein; it contains 26 times the Calcium of
milk; also contains phosphorous & niacin and is far more nutritious than any
known food; used for rejuvenation & weight reduction; an excellent blood and
colon cleanser; very high in Vitamin B12 content.

YELLOW DOCK

A nutritive tonic, high in Iron and useful in treating anemia; also nourishes
the spleen and liver, thus, being effective for the treatment of Jaundice,
Lymphatic problems & skin eruptions; strengthens, cleanses & tones the entire
body; excellent for boils, ulcers, wounds, and cleansing

Gemstone of the Day for November 24th is Tourmaline

Gemstone of the Day

 

Tourmaline

 

Causes the wearer to be more flexible, more understanding and more objective in purpose and reason. Calming. Each person has a different response to this stone. Causes a reaction in the intestinal tract. Black and Crystal- removes negativity and cleanses. Some say it should not be worn as jewelry. Electric and magnetic properties

Herb of the Day for November 23rd is Balm

 

Herb of the Day

 

BALM

 

(Melissa officinalis)

To grow: Perennial herb. Grows to 2 ft. It’s leaves are heavily veined, light green leaves with a lemony scent. It’s white flowers are unimportant and need to be cut occasionally to keep compact. Spreads rapidly. Grow in rich, moist soil in sun or part shade. Balm is very hardy and you can propagate from seed or root divisions. Self sows.

Uses: Balm is an excellent carminative herb that relieves spasms in the digestive tract and is used in flatulent dyspepsia. The gently sedative oils relieve tension and stress reactions, therefore, acting to lighten depression. It has a tonic effect on the circulatory system and heart, thus lowering blood pressure. It can be used in feverish conditions such as flu.

Parts used: Dried aerial parts or fresh in season. Pick the leaves two or three times a year between early summer and early fall. Cut off the young shoots when they are approximately 12 in long. They should be dried in the shade at a temperature not more than 95 degrees Fahrenheit.

Infusion: Pour a cup of boiling water onto 2-3 teaspoons of the dried herb or 4-6 fresh leaves and leave to infuse for 10-15 minutes, well covered. Drink a cup in the morning and the evening or when needed.

Tincture: Take 2-6 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Herb of the Day for November 21 – Marshmallow

Herb of the Day

MARSHMALLOW (Althaea officinalis)

 

To Grow:

No directions to grow.

 

Uses:

The root is used primarily for digestive problems, inflammations of the digestive tract and on the skin. The leaves are used for the lungs and urinary system. The leaf can also be used for bronchitis, respiratory catarrh, and irritating coughs. Externally, the root is indicated in varicose veins, ulcers, abscesses and boils.

 

Parts used:

Roots and leaves. Collect the leaves in summer after flowering and dig up the root in late fall. Clean the root of root fibers and cork and dry immediately.

 

Decoction:

Put 1 tsp. of chopped root into 1 cup of water and boil gently for 10-15 minutes. Drink three times a day.

 

Infusion:

Pour 1 cup of boiling water onto 1-2 tsp. of the dried leaves and leave to infuse for 10 minutes. Drink three times a day.

Tincture:

Take 1-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

 

This herb can be used as a compress also.

How To Do a Detox

How To Do a Detox

by Dr. Frank Lipman

To be completely effective, a detox program has to address both internal and  external toxins. We obviously need to deal with the toxins we eat, drink, breath  and put on our bodies. But, it’s just as important to address the internal  toxicity created by the body as it performs it’s normal everyday functions.  These biochemical, cellular, and bodily activities generate substances that need  to be neutralized and or eliminated, as do the external toxins.

A comprehensive detox program must supply the appropriate nutrients to do  this – and should include nutrients specifically to support the 2 most important  detoxification organ systems, the liver and gastro-intestinal tract.

Although there are additional ways to boost a detox, these should be the key  components of any detox.

• Decrease The Number Of Toxins Going In Limit external  toxins by decreasing or removing the amount of irritants that we put into our  bodies. This means eliminating the foods that often cause sensitivities or  reactions, like gluten and dairy, irritants to the gut like alcohol and caffeine  and sugar and all processed foods that also trigger inflammation. For a complete  list of foods I recommend you can and cannot eat while detoxing please check out  my REMOVE  DIET.

• Support Gastro-Intestinal Function

  • Give the digestive system a rest by decreasing the      amount of food and  supplying key nutrients via juices and or powders.
  • Help balance and maintain healthy flora by removing      abnormal bugs in  the gut. These abnormal bacteria, yeast and parasites can      release toxins  and overload the liver’s capacity to deal with the flood of      toxins.
  • Aid digestion with digestive enzymes which assist the      body to break  down food properly ensuring fewer negative effects from      undigested  foods.
  • Add fiber to “sweep” the intestines. Fiber promotes the      elimination of  toxins and also binds to toxins, which helps to prevent      their absorption.  Dietary fiber is also metabolized by gut bacteria into      short-chain fatty  acids (SCFAs), which feed the cells lining the intestines      and thereby  support cellular integrity, therefore decreasing inflammation.

•  Support Liver Function Assist liver function, as  it is the main organ involved in transforming toxins into metabolites that are  easier to excrete. Nutritionally supporting the liver boosts it’s function  during detox preventing the accumulation of toxic products in the tissues.

A comprehensive detox program must include the targeted  nutrition you need to boost your bodies own detox system. Supplying the right  mix of nutrients to balance the body and optimize function is essential for an  effective detox.

Did You Know Your Body Part Compare With That Of A Car?

Comparison of Body Parts and Systems to Your Automobile

from an article by Keith Stepro, Editor of LETS LIVE MAGAZINE, August, 1987.

* The Brain – on-board computer;

* The Heart – engine;

* The Glandular System – spark plugs;

* The Digestive System – fuel system;

* The Immune System – pollution control;

* The Nervous System – electrical system;

* The Lungs – exhaust system;

* The Spine – drive shaft;

* The Muscles – frame:

* The Skin – exterior;

* The Liver and Kidneys – the filters;

* The Blood – transmission fluid;

* The Colon – sewage system;

* The State of Mind / Attitude – brakes;

* The Feet – tires;

* The Mouth – fuel pump;

* The Voice – horn;

* The Air Filters – nose and mouth.

A wise teacher of mine said that when something goes wrong with your car it was
an out-picturing of what was wrong with YOUR body!

Wow, how wonderful to have a car that can diagnose our ills!

Please, don’t tell this to your doctor or they will have your car impounded and brought up on charges of practicing medicine with out a license!

And the AMA will vigorously pursue!

Herb of the Day for Sept. 16th – Fennel

FENNEL (Foeniculum vulgare)

To Grow:
Perennial herb, usually grown as a summer annual. Similar to dill, but coarser,
it grows to 3-5 ft high. It has yellow green, finely cut leaves with flat
clusters of yellow flowers. Grow in light, well-drained soil, in full sun.
Drought tolerant. Start from seed in place. Thin seedlings to 1 ft apart.

Uses:
An excellent stomach and intestinal remedy that eases flatulence and colic while
stimulating the digestive tract and appetite. It will increase the flow of milk
in nursing mothers. It may be used to ease rheumatism and muscular pains
externally. As a compress it will treat the conjunctivitis and inflammation of
the eyelids.

Part used:
Seeds. Harvest the seeds when they are ripe and split in the fall. Cut the brown
umbel off and comb the seeds to clean them. Dry slightly in the shade.

Infusion:
Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1-2 tsp. of slightly crushed seeds and leave to
infuse for 10 minutes. Drink three times a day. To ease flatulence drink a cup
half an hour before meals.

Tincture:
Take 2-4 ml of the tincture three times a day.

Crystal of the Day for Sept. 15th is Tourmaline

Tourmaline

Causes the wearer to be more flexible, more understanding and more objective in purpose and reason. Calming. Each person has a different response to this stone. Causes a reaction in the intestinal tract.  Black and Crystal-removes negativity and cleanses. Some say it should not be worn as jewelry. Electric and magnetic properties.