Kim Welborn, Body Systems Counselor

Beware of the Orange Juice!

2011-07-15T16:56:00.001-04:00

"Warning: This product has not been pasteurized and therefore may contain harmful bacteria that can cause serious illness in children, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems. Allergy information: This product was manufactured in a facility that processes fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, grasses, and seaweeds.
Contents: oranges."

Believe it or not, this is printed on a bottle of organic fresh-squeezed orange juice!

No similar warning exists on pasteurized orange juice, which probably should read something like "Warning. This product has been pasteurized and therefore does not contain beneficial bacteria that can prevent serious illness in children, the elderly, and persons with weakened immune systems. Pasteurization has also changed the naturally occurring sugars into something much more likely to adversely affect blood sugar balance."

The harmful bacteria referred to would be destroyed by adequate stomach and pancreatic enzymes (note, though, that I do not generally encourage using enzyme supplements on a regular basis since doing so does create a dependency over time. Rather, I prefer to see people increasing their intake of raw and cultured foods, which naturally contain enzymes, and using herbs such as safflowers and ginger, which support the stomach in producing enzymes on it's own.) and by the right balance of beneficial bacteria!

Supporting Your Sinuses

2011-07-05T11:21:00.000-04:00

The sinuses are filtering tissues that screen air entering the body. In addition to your recommended supplements, the following suggestions may be helpful...

Warm, moist compresses over the area will help to release tension and loosen mucous. Adding aromatic oils will aid in opening the flow of air and fluids through the sinuses.

Massage the sinuses, including the area above and around the eyes, especially at the inner corners. Massaging the jawbone and the side of the neck down toward the collarbone will open the lymphatic flow, allowing space for matter to drain.

Rinse the sinuses with a “neti pot” or another irrigation technique. Ayurvedic tradition holds that everyone should do this each morning, bringing body- temperature water into one nostril and out the other. Small amounts of sea salt or a drop of aromatic oil such as clary sage may be used regularly; oregano or tea tree oil may be helpful if infection is present. In case of exposure to mold, a weak solution of pau d/arco may also be effective. Bayberry tea is a helpful astringent where excessive inflammation exists.

Certain Foods may be related to excessive mucous production. Your counselor may suggest that you minimize or eliminate your consumption of dairy products, wheat, or other foods not well digested at present.

Synthetic Elements should be eliminated from the environment, including commercial cleaning and laundry products, pesticides, air fresheners, and most perfumes. These are typically petroleum based and will combine and outgas additional toxic fumes. Most home pesticides are neurotoxins.

Showers are often a problem because hot water rapidly releases chlorine and its byproducts, irritating respiratory passages. The steam is helpful, but use a filter such as the “Shower Kleen” to eliminate stressful chemicals. Likewise, avoid highly fragranced soaps & shampoos unless you are certain only pure essential oils have been used. The use of aromatic oils such as eucalyptus or peppermint can actually enhance shower benefits as the steam carries into the respiratory system.

Supporting Your Lymphatic System

2011-07-05T11:07:00.000-04:00

The lymphatic system breaks down and removes dead and damaged cells by way of one-way valves located behind each joint in the body. When these valves “back up” it causes inflammation and pressure to build in the area behind the valve, and allows bacteria and other pathogens to multiply in the stagnant matter. Read on to find out how you can best support your lymphatic system...

Lymphatic massage will assist in removing damaged cells and in reducing swelling at the injury site. Always massage from the affected area toward the heart, as the lymph moves in that direction. Firmly massage the inside of the closest joint between the area of concern and the heart, moving toward the torso with a smooth, firm, “milking” motion. You may feel anything from tiny “grains” like rice or split-pea sized knots to lumps larger than a shooter marble. They will reduce quickly as you milk the area and support the drainage of the nodes. Follow with the remaining intervening joints to ensure complete lymphatic drainage.

Swelling or “inflammation” in any area often indicates lymphatic congestion. For example, use lymphatic massage in the groin with a swollen prostate gland, under the armpit with a breast node, between the ribs for a chronic cough, under the mastoid bone (at the back of the skull) and jawbone for an earache. The lumps will reduce quickly but may recur quickly as well; continue to do the massage every 20-30 minutes where this occurs.

Injuries will cause the production of lymphatic fluid to increase, which is often the cause of localized swelling. Use direct light massage at the injury site where possible, and moderate pressure massage in adjacent areas. Topical preparations containing essential oils, especially Roman Chamomile, Cajeput (a variety of Tea-Tree), and Lemon, will enhance circulation and reduce inflammation even if direct massage is impossible or cannot be maintained, as in under dressings, casts, etc. Remember that surgery creates an injury, and you may benefit from lymphatic massage around the site of the incision.

Large movements are essential to increase lymphatic circulation. Big arm circles, deep knee bends, etc., encourage the body to filter and remove waste elements effectively. Motion also maintains good blood flow, ensuring the transport of oxygen and nutrients to the area.

“Riding Horse” is a Qi Gung exercise that builds lymphatic function. Stand with feet shoulder width apart and the knees flexed. Begin to “bounce” lightly, gradually increasing the amount of movement. (The body will do this quite naturally.) Allow the arms to bounce as well; they will tend to fall into loose fists which will lightly beat on the thighs. Gradually move them to beat on the groin, then move them one at a time up the body, to the armpit, out the arms, and back in. Continue around the neck and down the sides, ending with going down and back up the legs. Maintain the bouncing throughout the entire time; the whole process should take 8-10 minutes. Follow with plenty of water!

Interview for HealthWise

2011-06-24T16:01:00.002-04:00

In 1994, I was interviewed by Steven Horne of HealthWise, The Video Journal of Natural Healing. I spoke mainly about the health hazards that can be found in some of our personal care products and cleaning supplies, as well as how we can help our body deal with the exposure to these toxic chemicals and eliminate these hazards all together.

Part 1:

Part 2:

Yummy Ways to Sneak Avocado Into Your Diet

2011-06-21T09:36:00.007-04:00

I'm always telling my clients they need to be sure they're getting enough digestible fats to be sure their immune and glandular systems can function. I found a great way to sneak it into my picky spouse and son!
They hate avocados, which are a fabulous source of fatty acids and more. Made a (whole grain - my hands-down favorite is Bionaturae) pasta salad for dinner, and just didn't find it quite creamy enough with the usual mayo/mustard mixture, so I smashed a whole avocado up and mixed it in. I also managed to sneak in tiny pieces of cucumber..... Amazing, and they had no idea it was there! You can also hide it in smoothies....and one of my son's favorite burger joints in New York includes them in their milkshakes!

Click here to search Amazon.com for all sorts of avocado goodies.
Click here to search Amazon.com for Bionaturae products.

Protect Yourself from Cell Phone Radiation

2011-06-20T09:47:00.008-04:00

FINALLY the World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a statement linking cell phones and cancer risk! Even India had banned the use of cell phones by kids under 16 while we were selling Disney princess covers. So how can we protect ourselves from the harmful radiation we're exposing ourselves to on a daily basis?

I have always encouraged my clients to use protective chips on their phones and other devices and I still use my cell as little as possible. I have seen chronic headaches resolve after doing it, and my most dramatic story was a man who had suffered severe hip pain for years. His doctors had told him he needed a hip replacement because of bone loss in the joint, but they could find no reason for it and the other hip was fine. He had worn a cell phone in the same pocket as the damaged hip for years. When I checked him his polarity was a mess, so I suggested a pendant to stabilize the current in his body and a chip on his phone. He started wearing both, and his pain virtually stopped overnight. A couple of months later his wife called wanting to replace both items; he had lost both the pendant and his phone. He had replaced the phone but not the chip, and within just a few days his pain was severe again. Makes sense, since one of the side effects of radiation treatments is bone loss. Another is sterility; think about that next time you're texting in your lap.....we are experiencing epidemic levels of infertility in men and women.

Go to www.cellphone-health.com for more information about the GIA Cell Guard (formerly BIOPRO Cell Chip) and other products that can protect you from this harmful radiation.

Click here to search Amazon.com for cell phone radiation blockers.

Finally! The Last Link in the Thyroid Puzzle!

2011-06-17T16:59:00.006-04:00

I just read a report about the use of fluoride to treat hyperthyroidism beginning in the 1930's in Germany, where patients were intentionally and successfully overexposed to fluoride via bathing in and drinking fluoridated water to reduce thyroid activity. I have been amazed at the number of people I see who have been diagnosed with thyroid issues. Conversely, that means drinking fluoridated water will reduce thyroid function for everyone, which is a factor in hormone health and, critically, in calcium absorption.

Two links have been evident for ages. The first is that when people have a hiatal hernia, the esophagus pushes up and can put pressure on the thyroid, which can cause it to become erratic. No amount of medication or supplements seems to get things regulated, and can't until the stomach gets back into position. Energetically, it's linked to the tension in the solar plexus caused by conflicts between how you feel and how you act.....lots of my clients need a flower essence along with having their tummies rubbed with dandelion oil.

Second issue is iodine, which Floridians are overdosed on because it's an airborne nutrient carried in sea air, and carried inland via rain. That is why goiter was an issue in American soldiers from the Midwest during the dust bowl, when no rain fell, and why it got better when they went to England. The American government decided that if it helped eliminate goiter, then everyone should get it, so it was added to salt. Problem is, we aren't in a dust bowl at present, and coastal residents already get plenty of iodine in their air. In the isolated form found in iodized salt, it just accumulates and causes problems, including hyperactive thyroids.

I have used the Shower Cleen filters on my showers for years, and a Nature's Spring Reverse Osmosis unit for the water I drink and cook with for years, so my family is fluoride-free. I've raised 4 kids with only one actual cavity (one other needed a filing in a structural defect in a tooth), even though I do not use fluoridated toothpaste, waived fluoride treatments, and their parents have mouths full of fillings. Eat right and you'll get plenty of everything you need for healthy teeth.

Interestingly, Kentucky is one of the highest States in dental problems...and has the highest percentage of fluoridation in water. (Source)

Your Best Defense Against E. Coli

2011-06-17T16:35:00.006-04:00

Lots of reports on the E. Coli outbreak in Europe have everybody concerned about it once again, and there seems to be a lot of demand for the government to "do" something more. Best bet is to take care of yourself so that your immune response recognizes and responds appropriately, but the first place that has to happen is in your stomach, where the acid will kill most bad bacteria.........if it's there.
(Antacids remove that useful acid, which is probably why people taking them also are much more likely to get pneumonia, since bacteria can thrive in the bottom of the esophagus.)

So what about heartburn? It doesn't come from too much acid, but from having acid where it doesn't belong. Get the stomach into the correct position and the acid can't "reflux" back up and cause problems; I need to do that for a huge number of my clients, especially women, especially women who really worry about looking "nice", since they "suck up" their stomachs into the diaphragm!

Other things I'd have on hand for digestive bacterial concerns include Slippery Elm to keep nutrients high (it's a complete protein) and mucous membranes healthy (check out George Washington's slippery elm story in my Pioneer Medicine audio or DVD), an antibacterial Golden Seal combination like IN-X, and sea salt, apple cider vinegar, and molasses to replace electrolytes. Also just found out that Albumin keeps bacteria from adhering to mucous membrane walls, so you might try egg-drop soup!

Surviving the Teen Years

2011-05-31T05:19:00.004-04:00

A friend of mine was recently telling me about the troubles she was having with her teenage son. I advised her to try Blessed Thistle, which helps with hormonal headaches and works as a general tonic for teenagers. They take it and you take it, and between the two, fewer children die.....

Her son was also having some trouble sleeping at night so I suggested she add some Balanced B Complex as well. I also suggested something that has worked often worked well for me with my children: I would frequently spend time with him at the end of the day, listening to him talk about his feelings and rubbing his feet with lavender oil. Don't talk about anything in particular; start sentences that he has to finish, like "today I felt really __________". When he fills in the blank, prompt him again with "I felt that way when ___________", etc. No coaching, and the only rule is no "good" or "bad" as an answer - has to be an actual describing word.

I leave you with this quote from an unknown author...
It's difficult to decide whether growing pains are something teenagers have - or are.

Eliminating Parasites

2011-05-24T05:41:00.007-04:00

I had a great follow-up appointment today with a young woman who has had serious digestive troubles for several years, since acquiring a parasite infestation on a mission trip. She had tried every kind of parasite cleanse, medical and otherwise, and had still felt awful, but is less achy in the joints, and is not seeing her food come through whole after less than three weeks, Her mom asked if I had seen other people with similar problems, referring to parasites, and the unfortunate answer is yes.....but that parasites don't cause problems, they actually reveal them. Let me explain.

Like any other organism, parasites need to have a controlled set of conditions in their environment to survive. Warm, moist, and dark is ideal, with lots of available food. A stomach high enough in hydrochloric acid, fully digested food, no excess mucous in the intestines, and lots of good bacteria in the gut make it impossible for parasites to live happy lives, so they die or leave. Get digestion working properly - which means finding out if it's the pancreas or stomach not doing it's job, not just adding tons of supplements at random - and there won't be any more problems. What we learned about this young woman was that her stomach hadn't been doing its job - probably for long before she went on her trip. The condition of her digestive tract was such that it welcomed the nasty buggers, but so weak afterward that it couldn't maintain even the minimal function she had had for a very long time after the parasites were eliminated. One more evidence for the classical 2 builders-to-1 cleanser approach in natural healing. Get the body built and it will cleanse itself. "Cleansing" is not one of the better health fads we have seen; far better to feed things right and make them do their jobs.
The same is true for yeast overgrowth-when somebody tells me they've "been on a candida diet for years", it's obvious to me it hasn't worked!

Homemade Remedy for a Muscle Cramp

2011-05-22T05:50:00.001-04:00

So Matthew, my 15 year-old, just called from a hiking/caving trip and asked what he could do to make the arch of his foot stop hurting. No serious injury, just lots of pain. First question was whether or not he had his "EmHERBency" Kit in his pack, which, of course he did not. Next was whether or not he at least had a bottle of Tei-Fu in his pocket, which, of course, he also did not. (Info on both items is on my website.) Both are only on the mother-says-must-pack items list, which, also, of course, means they are usually not. I asked if he was close enough to civilization for his leaders to get to a drug store, in which case I would have told him to get some epsom salts, drink a teaspoon or so every couple of hours to get his magnesium up so the cramping would go down, soak a sock in hot water mixed with the salts and wrap his foot; again, of course, the answer was "no".

So off to work with what he had, which is why I'm writing my book on home-made health care.

I knew he could definitely get some hot sauce, which at least would get the circulation going and add some vitamin C, zinc, and minerals (from the vinegar) into the muscles. Directly on the skin it could cause an actual burn or blistering, so I told him to coat the area first with some molasses or honey (ideally) or any kind of syrup he could get to prevent the burn. All mucilants can do that, but the first two would also add some extra minerals, which are critical for muscle function. It's almost dark, but I told him to look around for some plantain leaves to put on the area as a poultice over the other stuff, and if not to see if there was any parsley or spinach in the camp kitchen he could use instead. Herbs aren't just things you buy in bottles and take in capsule form! I told him to cover the whole area with a sock soaked in hot water and massage his foot starting between the toes and working the whole way up to draining the lymph behind his knee to keep everything open. Swelling goes down and circulation stays up when you do that, which is essential for healing anything in the body.

The greatest thing about my lifestyle is knowing there is ALWAYS something we can do to feel better! Not always something you can do about packing lists.......

Pesty Petsy Problems?

2011-05-17T07:55:00.002-04:00

When most people think of parasites, they first think of their pets. Some of my best clients are of the four legged or finned variety; one of my downline managers first started using herbs for herself only after they kept her cat from euthanasia.

Garlic and Herbal Pumpkin capsules can be given orally or mixed in food. Most animals will willingly eat the things they need. (Does your pet know to eat grass?) For small or very finicky pets, I like using Black Walnut extracts.

Since I won’t subject my pets or my children to any chemical substances, I was really thrilled to find Natural World’s Pet Shampoo and Pet Powder. Even our angora rabbits were helped by the powder, which contains pennyroyal and citronella oils. I sometimes add tea tree oil to the shampoo during peak flea season, since it kills them on contact. We have also used tea tree oil in my son’s tropical fish tank after a commercial anti-fungus combination killed more fish than fungus. Tea Tree Liquid Soap was helpful when one rabbit had a warble, since it disinfects as well. (We followed up with Golden Seal/Echinacea extract and Golden Salve.) We saw a huge hole heal in three days. When we found the rabbit he had lost quite a bit of blood and was in shock. I started giving him Licorice extract to stabilize the adrenals and was amazed as he literally sucked it out of the dropper faster than I could squeeze it.

My mom is sure our epileptic poodle lived 20 years because of herbs. We gave her Herbal Trace Minerals as a mineral supplement. My sister’s dog had heart and respiratory irregularities which are doing nicely with Ephedra and Lobelia tinctures. I have also had good results with Red Clover Blend and Sasparilla for skin conditions and liver strengthening. The glycerin base is soothing in itself when used topically and will not harm the animal when ingested. The liver is the seat of most allergies and is stressed by chemicals in the environment, which gets into a vicious cycle for many pets using synthetic "solutions" for various sensitivities.

Animals respond beautifully to homeopathy. Flower essences are homeopathic remedies which address emotional issues. I have one client who raises racehorses and swears by them for skittishness and I have seen total personality changes in minutes using these in cats.

"Now that you’ve saved my cat, I figure I might as well let you try it on me..." - Laura H.

A Preemie Thrives on Herbs

2011-05-17T07:51:00.002-04:00

Even in medical crisis, natural tools can help!

After having three children, two of them born at home, it was easy to believe I was fully competent in childbirth. After having my fourth, I now know that I am!

Many women have relied for years on wild yam as a birth control method. I have a number of friends and clients for whom it has been extremely reliable for extended periods of time, and who have had no trouble conceiving when they discontinued taking it. Apparently, it helps the body to balance progesterone production, and for that reason is also used by some women to overcome infertility and by young girls unable to balance their cycles. This is the essence of herbal function. While a synthetic hormone is a take-it-or-leave-it proposition, herbs provide the raw materials necessary for the body to create those substances for itself. For me, the wild yam did not prevent a pregnancy in spite of being absolutely faithful in it's use. (There are some women for whom every method fails; frankly I feel a strong "Thy will be done" factor in my own case.) We were excited to learn that I was expecting a baby in early May of this year. One of the blessings of herbs is knowing the baby would not be harmed in the event of conception while taking them.

I had some nausea early on which was handled adequately with red raspberry blend made in tea form and sipped in the morning. Peppermint oil on the tongue, ginger, Anti-Gas Formula™ and keeping high levels of B vitamins are helpful to other women.

I have used the Super Supplemental™ as a base support during my pregnancies; several doctors and midwives have been impressed with the ratios and pronounced them acceptable substitutes for commercial pre-natals. Also, Nature’s Pre-natal™ has just been introduced, which does not contain the large amounts of sugar, starch, artificial colors, and the constipating ferrous sulfate found in commercial prescription pre-natals. Iron is not constipating in gluconate form or in the forms naturally occurring in yellow dock or the herbal blend sold as I-X™. Oddly, anemia can also cause constipation! Since I had had a problem with pernicious anemia during my two previous pregnancies, I began taking chelated iron along with liquid chlorophyll and citrus bioflavanoids to stabilize my hemoglobin levels. I also took most of my regular herbal supplements.

In late February my grandmother passed away and I drove with my children and parents on a 19 hour trip to the funeral. The day after we arrived my water broke, nearly 10 weeks before the baby was due. Knowing that the primary risk was the development of infection I began taking IN-X™ and increased my intake of bioflavanoids. Since the midwife informed me that ruptures can sometimes heal, and that she had experienced a few women who had gone for several months with leaks, I was not panicked. I did, however add extensive amounts of assimilable calcium and magnesium to support that possibility. I also began to drink a large can of pineapple juice and a half gallon of (not from concentrate) grapefruit juice to maintain acidity, and a gallon of pure water to ensure the baby and I stayed as hydrated as possible. I was in a very rural area and frankly did not want to have this baby without my husband present!

There was some debate about whether it was safer to fly or to drive home. After extensive consultation we decided to drive after a couple days of rest. I was having frequent but irregular contractions, so immediately prior to the trip I drank an ounce of wine at the midwife's direction. As I have had no alcohol for over 15 years, I was a good candidate for it to slow labor. A few hours into the trip my contractions became very regular. I used lobelia essence topically to keep the muscles as relaxed as possible; prior to the trip I had also taken lobelia and large amounts of magnesium. When I drank the second dose of wine I understood why it is so critical for people not to drink and drive; where I had been feeling all of the back and uterine muscles contracting together, I felt only one area at a time contract within minutes of the drink. Muscles simply cannot coordinate with alcohol in the system.

As soon as I saw the Obstetrician, he decided to send me to a regional specialty hospital to deliver. I was told that I would be put on steroids and thyroid hormones in an effort to "pump" the baby's development in the hopes that he would not come for a week. I was also told that 80-90% of the time it was a severe strep infection which triggered the premature rupture, so I would be given IV antibiotics. Interestingly, as I was packing for the funeral trip I had felt impressed to begin taking licorice root, pantothenic acid and TS-II. The first two are key support for the adrenal glands, which produce cortin and the other hormones imitated by corticosteroids; TS II is a kelp combination to feed the thyroid. I took them to the hospital with me, along with the other things I had been taking and some liquid herbs I felt could help the baby.

Hospital birth was a new and very traumatic experience for me. When they heard that my water had been open for five days, they were certain I was fully septic and agreed there was no way to stall the labor, which was already well under way. Because the all-knowing monitor kept slipping out of position, the doctor refused to even believe I was in serious labor. The baby came close to being delivered without his "assistance".

We were told to expect a baby who would have oxygen tubes into his lungs, or possibly into his umbilical stump, since the lungs could very possibly still be inadequately developed to function. We were told also to expect an 8-9 week hospital stay with a baby who would very likely be unable to suckle for some time. As soon as Matthew was born, he was rushed to Neonatal Intensive Care. He was in an oxygen hood for an hour waiting for test results, but was breathing well with no supplemental oxygen from that time on. All tests for infection were completely negative for both of us, but he was put on antibiotics anyway. He weighed three pounds, fourteen ounces.

I did not deal well with having my baby taken from me. I was going into shock, with my blood pressure continually dropping; David began giving me licorice root and it stabilized. (That is why I keep it in my EmHerbency first aid kit). My focus began to be on boosting my milk and getting my baby out of there. I had lost a great deal of blood, since the doctor pulled the placenta loose and left one piece inside. I began drinking chlorophyll to rebuild my strength and blood supply. I increased my B vitamins with Nutri-Calm.

From the beginning, Matthew was ready for life. I was able to hold him about three hours after he was born, and he tried valiantly to nurse my finger. The nurses called it a reflex, saying that he would have to learn to breathe, suck and swallow at the same time before he could nurse, which was unlikely for at least two weeks. I asked the doctor if he would allow me to attempt to suckle him, given that I was not yet producing milk and that he would need help learning to suckle. He granted that consent but failed to write it into the file so I was delayed nearly two days. What I did not reveal was that I was coating my nipples with glycerin-based Herbal Minerals to help boost his system! To their astonishment, they felt he was ready to eat on the third day. I finally began to produce colostrum, the early milk, that morning and went flying to the nursery with my few drops in hand, hoping they would at least add them to the formula I assumed he’d need since I had no milk. I had 3 cc’s... exactly what they had planned for his first meal! I have never had a delay with my milk coming in; the timing this time, too, was apparently perfect. For his en- tire hospital stay my milk kept pace with his needs, exactly to their measured specifications. Miracles are life. I produced colostrum for over a week for this tiny baby, when the norm is only a few days at most. (Any time milk does not seem to keep up, Blessed Thistle is a big help.) As soon as he began regular (tiny) feedings, I began adding a few drops of Herbal Minerals to the milk. I had begun taking licorice root and Pantothenic acid in large amounts when he appeared extremely agitated and I learned they had begun giving him IV caffeine, standard treatment for preemies. As his bottle volume increased I also added licorice directly.

On the fourth day the nurse commented that they had done a bilirubin count because Matthew appeared slightly jaundiced. I began taking Bayberry to support his liver, which I used successfully for Micah’s jaundice at birth. (Then I knew only about herbal tea, and gave Micah 8 ounces at a time for the first three days of life. He guzzled down the nasty stuff, in addition to nursing, until the fourth day. By then the jaundice was gone, but I thought I’d give him one more bottle for good measure. He clenched his jaws and refused to let it near him. Most babies and children know what they need!) By the time they got the bilirubin count and ordered the lights he was markedly improved; I backed off the bayberry and it returned. Naturally I kept it up after that, with a bonus I hadn’t even considered. My bleeding slowed dramatically, which is the case for women with heavy menstrual cycles who use Bayberry bark.

On the eighth day he seemed fussy and constipated; they had started giving him typical vitamin drops with iron in non-assimilable ferrous sulfate form. I again added licorice directly to his bottles and increased my intake; frequently that is sufficient as a laxative for infants. I have not given Matthew any vitamins or iron since he has been home, but his iron level was exceptional when we had it tested last summer. I also worked reflex points in his feet and massaged his abdomen to relieve the distress. At home, I also use Catnip and Fennel liquid.

I had some of my own struggles at the same time. Emotionally, I was a wreck, having never been separated form one of my babies and now finding myself separated from all of them. I found that Hibiscus, Quince, and Tiger Lily flower essences were very helpful. I was also having a problem with water retention, another first. I had continued taking Liquid Chlorophyll, which is normally adequate to prevent that, but found the problem was not resolved until I added K-C, a Chinese combination for a "stressed water" constitution. That constitution is associated with an excess of fear, which was from being out of control of the situation.

We had been told to expect an 8-9 week stay; Matthew was released after only 11 days in the hospital, though he was still under the hospital policy of a four pound minimum. The nurse’s comment was "I have never seen a baby grow so fast. What did you do, put Miracle Grow in his milk?" She wouldn’t have believed me if I told her I had!

Matthew is now 14 months old, and at just 15 pounds he is walking and has 4 teeth. He has had only a couple of sniffles, which we’ve dealt with using the glycerin homeopathic remedies and tinctracts for kids.

(from WellWorks Magazine, September-October 1996) and January-April, 1997)

A Personal Health Experience

2011-05-17T07:46:00.002-04:00

In April of 2003 I learned that we would be losing our health insurance, so I went to the Gynecologist to have an IUD removed before I had to pay full price to have it done. (No lectures, here, please.) I had not been for several years, and no, I do not believe in mammograms. More and more studies are ruling out the risk/benefit ratio to anything other that medical profit. Anyway, I was told at the time that I had a mass larger than an egg on the uterus, which they assumed was probably a fibroid tumor but wanted to check to rule out anything else.

Since that was at 3:00 in the afternoon on the last day of my insurance, and since I would not have sought orthodox care if they said it had been anyway, no further testing took place. The doctor also said if it was a fibroid, it would shrink as I went into menopause and my estrogen levels dropped. (I was 44 at the time.)

I was not surprised at the diagnosis, since I had noticed that my uterus was significantly enlarged and had attributed it to inflammation caused by the IUD. It also explained some other minor pelvic symptoms I’d been having and a “gut feeling” that I needed to do some major detox work.

When I tested myself for herbs I was surprised to find that I needed large amounts of black cohosh, since it is generally considered to be an estrogenic herb and therefore contraindicated from the physicians perspective. I eventually found that my herbal needs shifted throughout my cycle, essentially magnifying each phase. I moved from black cohosh to “Flashease”, a combination of black cohosh and dong quai; that cycled to Donq Quai alone, then dong quai and wild yam, then wild yam alone and back to black cohosh. I tested for all in rather large amounts, which gave me my first experience with severe PMS! Since the body’s normal function is to eliminate nonessential matter, the exaggerated cycle did that at a more dramatic level, removing the excess tissue.

In addition to the supplements I was taking, I dropped my protein intake further, was more conscious of my water intake and added some complementary therapies, including coffee enemas and castor oil packs. Within three weeks there was a noticeable reduction in the size of the mass; within three months it was undetectable. Best of all, because of my experiences with natural medicine and the marvel of the human body, we did not face the panic too often generated by the disclosure of an unknown mass, the crisis of testing , and the experimentation of treatment with potentially dangerous substances.

Knowing how to muscle test allowed me to find exactly the right approach to my condition. Although one would predict that black cohosh would enlarge a tumor that would normally reduce proportionate to decreasing estrogen levels, my body used it to facilitate it’s removal. That is the beauty of herbs. As targeted foods, they support the body in it’s effort to normalize function, rather than manipulating or altering it. We don’t need to treat diseases, we just need to treat the body with proper respect. It was designed to make up the difference.

Radiation Fixes

2011-04-13T11:39:00.003-04:00

Since the disastrous earthquakes and tsunami in Japan, like every other health practitioner I have been getting lots of calls about radiation issues and what to have on hand.

What I have always had stashed in my closet are 4 things: kelp, dulse, algin, and Yarrow Special Formula flower essence blend. The first two are good sources of organic, elemental iodine to support the thyroid gland. Radioactive iodine is used to kill the thyroid (in theory to "reduce" an overactive or "hyper" thyroid, but dosage is so different from person to person that one dose of the usual three will sometimes stop it altogether) because iodine is stored there. The seaweeds keep the thyroid working and help to chelate out the radioactive elements. Super Algae is another good item to add to the mix.

Algin will remove radiation from the body, but should only be taken for a maximum of two weeks at a time, with at least a two week rest in between, as it will begin to bind nutrients in the intestinal tract as well. I would use it only if I were sure of unsafe exposure. Hydrated Bentonite and other clays are somewhat less effective for radiation specifically, but do help in general detoxifying, especially in baths.

The Yarrow Special Formula helps with balancing the energetic impact of radiation and other (environmentally) traumatic events. It was originally formulated specifically to help protect against radiation and can be used in water as a room spray in addition to being taken internally.

Remember that the more raw fruits and vegetables you eat, the higher your overall level of trace minerals, including iodine and iodide. The higher your mineral levels, the less likely the body is to "grab" and store radioactive iodine, which it will jump on if you are as deficient as most Americans are. Miso and other fermented foods also seem to improve the body's resistance to exposure, and are a great idea anyway.

It is really important to know and trust your sources on sea vegetables because many are grown in contaminated water; since Japan has generally been the primary source this will be especially important in months to come in view of the amount of radioactive water that has been released into the ocean. To my knowledge, Nature's Sunshine is the only company to test every product for radiation. They were the only company to stop selling Golden Seal after Chernobyl, when the cloud blew west over the main production areas in Northern Europe. With over 600 tests at their disposal to guarantee quality, their raw materials and finished products undergo more testing than other companies!

FAQ: Does Shopping in a Health Food Store Really Make a Difference?

2011-02-10T16:50:00.000-05:00

There are two factors to consider in "health food" shopping.

First, many people simply don’t know what they’re selling. Natural foods have become a large, profitable market which has naturally attracted lots of unscrupulous individuals. As a result, many "natural products" contain refined sugar and flour (i.e. "organic sugar or cane syrup" and "unbleached" flour), synthetic flavoring and so forth. Understand that "natural flavors" can be anything, including MSG. You need to read labels as carefully in the health store as in any other shopping site.
Second, even many so-called organic products do not muscle test well. They may be processed with polluted water (remember, "filtered water" may be run through a screen and nothing more!), sprayed with fumigants after harvest, or stored in pesticide-treated warehouses or stockrooms. This last reason has been my motivation for preferring not to buy organic food in a commercial supermarket setting. The new federal organic standards allow farmers to claim organic for crops grown pesticide free for three years; traditional standards required seven years before land was considered "clean". Intermediate crops were labeled "transitional organic", which is not a part of the new guidelines. Texas standards even required transport in separate railroad cars from sprayed crops to prevent transfer contamination, even for cotton, which is not consumable.
I am concerned about fad foods, even if they are herbally based or supposedly natural. Arsenic is a natural substance, but not one to be ingested in isolation! Too often today I am seeing "active ingredient" extracts that remove the inherent balance that exists in healing plants as they were created. We seem obsessed with putting man’s touch on everything!

FAQ: Is It Safe To Use Herbal Diet Programs?

2011-01-28T16:38:00.001-05:00

Everything in my business is or could be used by every member of my family. I would not generally say that about DHEA, Melatonin and many other products currently available in "health" stores, especially those promoted for wight loss benefits. For those very few people who actually can benefit from those products, I can at least point them to the best sources, but most people should not play with balances that the body can usually be taught to regulate.

I promote nothing which contains caffeine, the basis for many, many of the herbal diet plans on the market. Caffeine exists in high concentrations in green tea, kola nut (not to be confused with gotu kola) mate, bissey nut, and especially guarana. Too many of the negative effects attributed to ma huang (ephedra) are actually the result of excessive caffeine in one of the forms listed above, or of imbalanced ephedra alkaloids from standardized or potentized products. Make sure in any product containing ma huang that the entire plant is used, instead of just the ephedrine extract. A label can claim "no added caffeine" if it has not been added as an isolate; that doesn’t mean it is caffeine free. Coffee, after all, generally has no caffeine added! Check those diet plans also for senna, an herbal laxative which is one of the few habit-forming herbs.

While I do carry several excellent diet programs, remember that you must address the reason that the weight was gained in the first place, or it will come back when you discontinue the program. Weight is a health issue, and needs to be dealt with as such. Most of my overweight clients find that they lose weight incidentally when everything is supported and things begin to function normally.The more you yo-yo diet, the harder it gets to lose weight because of basal metabolic changes; recent studies also show that it significantly increases cancer risk as well. No amount of change in appearance can justify the risks many people are exposing themselves to, even with many so-called "natural" products. Please be cautious and fully informed before undertaking any miracle products, recognizing that there may be a higher price than you imagine.

FAQ: So, If I Just Drink Lots of Herb Tea I'll Be Okay?

2010-12-10T16:35:00.000-05:00

Depends on your personal needs, but not likely.
Teas extract only the water-soluble properties, leaving behind many of the health benefits of most plants. Teas from fibrous portions of the plants, like roots and bark, actually need to be boiled to get their value, whereas that would be too harsh for leaves and blossoms. Another issue is the quantity you generally need to have any real impact. When I was pregnant with my first child, the midwife had me drinking a quart a day of raspberry leaf tea, which tastes mostly like dirt. Taste is the final blow. While something simple, like mint or chamomile, is soothing and enjoyable in its own right, many herbal teas really aren't. Check the label on a typical "herbal" tea, and you'll find "natural flavors" as an ingredient, which generally are not "natural" at all.

FAQ: The Difference Between Herbs and Medicine

2010-11-24T16:32:00.010-05:00

"Don't a lot of medicines come from herbs anyway?" No. Nothing that occurs in nature can be patented.

Properties that various herbs might have often provide the initial concept for a medication, but when that property is isolated and/or synthesized you have destroyed the inherent balance of the plant and you are going to have side effects. At that point you have created a drug. The difference is that an herb provides the raw material for proper function, while a drug can do one of two things: override the body's natural process (i.e. anti-inflammatories or pain-killers), or imitate a natural process (i.e. antibiotics, insulin and estrogen). There is no body function we have the capacity to duplicate. Saying something is safe because it was derived from herbs is like saying arsenic is safe, because it occurs in fairly high levels in potatoes.

FAQ: Are Herbs Really Safe?

2010-11-15T16:25:00.000-05:00

I believe that most herbs commonly sold over the counter are safe for most people to use, but there are many that are of such poor quality that they can't do you much good.

My only hesitation would be with those herbal combinations targeted to weight loss and "energy" boosting. Ma Huang, or Chinese ephedra, has gotten an undeserved, really bad rap from some of those formulas, most of which contain obscene amounts of caffeine, which is the real danger. Ma Huang is used in Chinese medicine to move blocked "chi", or energy, which is really helpful in constrictive conditions like asthma. People who are really "uptight" often feel uncomfortable taking it because it gets things moving that they have tried to squash, which is why they sometimes get a little snippy. On the other hand, caffeine is addictive and causes major stress to the adrenal glands-which produce adrenalin, among a huge number of other hormones. Kola nut, guarana, green, red or black tea and many other plants can contain more caffeine than coffee, and concentrated or isolated caffeine and ephedra alkaloid extracts are also common additives.

I will not promote anything in my materials that I believe has any potential for harm.

FAQ: Do Herbs Cure Diseases?

2010-10-30T16:23:00.000-04:00

With apologies to herbalists who claim otherwise...NO. Your body "cures" diseases when you provide what it needs to function correctly!

Diseases are dis-ease: the body is out of its natural state. Providing the proper resources allows for return of normal function and proper cell regulation. That said, I have had clients who had been diagnosed with everything from anxiety to cancer who no longer had those conditions after integrating herbs and other changes and naturopathic elements into their lives. Some symptoms of disease, such as fevers and diarrhea, are actually your body doing a good job of eliminating the "disease" on its own!

FAQ: WHY Herbs?

2010-10-05T08:32:00.001-04:00

Why should you use herbs in your health program, even if you are already "eating right"?

Primarily because herbs are foods! You were designed to digest primarily plants. In their whole form, herbs contain the balance of related elements that make them easily assimilable by your body. Calcium, for instance, can't be utilized for proper cell function without adequate levels of magnesium, phosphorus, and other trace elements. Plants high in calcium tend to be proportionately high in those other elements. Additionally, calcium tablets require large amounts of hydrochloric acid to break down completely, which is often deficient in our population because of chlorinated water, aging and hiatal hernia medications. Plants don't have those issues.

Many people wonder if they really need supplements if they are eating right anyway. "Eating right" is kind of subjective, but in a word, yes. I used to believe otherwise, and still make every effort to emphasize appropriate diet with my clients as much as supplements. Unfortunately, though, today's agricultural practices severely limit the range of nutrients available in our foods. Even organically grown produce has often been transported long distances, with negative impacts on the vitamin content. Very few people have unlimited access to exclusively pure, whole, fresh foods. Fewer still can avoid the unnatural stresses caused by city lighting, noise and lifestyle, which increase our physical needs beyond the original intent of our creation. I do, however, work hard to minimize the number of supplements my clients need, and do not believe there is any supplement-herbal or otherwise-that everybody needs to take on a regular basis.

FAQ: Herbs and the Herbalist

2010-10-01T08:13:00.000-04:00

I am often asked, "What exactly IS an herbalist? And how do herbs work?"

Literally - an herbalist is someone who uses herbs! To me, personally, herbs are foods - think of parsley, dandelion, carrots. Because every plant has a different range of nutrients (which is what gives each its distinctive flavor and color), each has something special to offer the different types of cells and organs in the body. So we say, for example, that dandelion is good for the stomach and liver, and parsley is traditional support to the kidneys.

Herbs work in two ways. The first is by supplying concentrated nutrition targeted to the specific type of cell you are trying to rebuild. Remember that you replace several million cells each day, each of which is supposed to last for about seven years. The quality of those cells depends entirely on the raw materials you supply for the body to use in their construction. The second impact is energetic. Herbs generally have one of four specific properties - they increase or reduce circulation through an area (think about the way your mouth feels when you eat hot peppers compared to custard), or they contract or expand the tissue (think about biting into a lemon versus drinking black coffee). You want the right combination of those two elements - nutritive and energetic - to strengthen the body structure and function.

Click here to search Amazon.com for books on herbs.

Flu Season Survival

2010-09-27T07:40:00.001-04:00

I have been inundated with calls about the fear of flu; my feelings about flu are no different this year than any other! (For my views on flu vaccines see the Q&A section of my website). It’s true that this year the media has emphasized that several children have died, but we have not heard whether or not, as is probably the case, they were children who were already immune-compromised. It’s no accident that cold and flu season follow the holidays, when we all eat too much and too many of the wrong things, and get too little rest. Common sense guidelines in those areas and a few simple practices will prevent or minimize flu for the vast majority of people.

The first step to not overeating is to maintain as much of a meal routine as possible, which keeps you from eating so fast that you don’t even realize you’re full. Eating a balanced meal before parties helps prevent you from loading up on sugary and snacky foods as well. If you are eating foods you don’t normally consume, consider adding some Proactazyme Plus to support the increased digestive load. Increasing your protein and fiber intake when your sugar consumption goes up helps the body process sugars at a more stable rate; Sugar-Reg and PBS can help stabilize sugar levels if that alone is not sufficient.

I put the whole family on the Stress Packs when we’re in the midst of too much good cheer: Nutri-Calm is specific to the nervous system, while Suma is an adaptogen combination that helps the body cope physically with environmental stresses, and the Stress-J contains herbs that help support muscle relaxation. The combination is wonderful! The less stress your body experiences, the easier it is to resist viruses and other elements. If I were to take only one supplement in hopes of prevention, it would probably be the Suma. Guardian oil is an additional tool to fighting invaders. The blend of pure essential oils has been documented in Europe for viral and bacterial reduction; I use it on the kids when they’re in crowds, on the cigarette lighter in my car, and mixed with Sunshine Concentrate Cleaner for my home. I keep HCP-X on hand in case we feel the flu coming on, which I take generously in conjunction with a ginger bath. This is a traditional formula with herbs to support each organ generally impacted by classic influenza symptoms, including white pine bark for deep lung issues. The initials stand for “herbal composition powder-Christopher”. The latter is a reference to Dr. John Christopher, who is largely credited with the resurgence of herbal medicine in the twentieth century. “Herbal Composition Powder” was the name given to the combination by Dr. Samuel West in the 1800’s, when he used it for whooping cough and flu, both as an herbal tea and as a steam bath blend. When symptoms are gone, I usually take Fenugreek and Thyme for a few days in order to rebuild my system and avoid a recurrence.

It is vital to stay hydrated to prevent or to deal with the symptoms of the flu, since free urination and perspiration allow the body to eliminate toxic waste and regulate body temperature. In cold weather it’s easy to forget to drink water, though fluid needs remain constant. Diluted fruit juices help to keep vitamin levels high ( I discourage orange juice except for small amounts of fresh-squeezed, as it converts too rapidly to sugar. Eating a whole orange is ok since that provides bioflavanoids as well as fiber to even out the sugar distribution). I was really impressed with Berry Healthy, a dried fruit and berry blend that mixes with water, when I “got” the flu last month. The berries add high antioxidant levels in addition to the vitamin C and others that mitigate symptoms. Colloidal Minerals added to fruit juice or the Berry Healthy increases the electrolyte levels, which helps with fatigue and aches. Remember that caffeine and sugar both reduce resistance and increase stress, so substitute Herbal Beverage for your coffee and sparkling water for your soda.

Flu doesn’t have to last for weeks!! We rarely have symptoms for more than a day or two. Influenza homeopathic is my ace in the hole in case that day is critical!

AH-CHOOSing Natural Health Care

2010-09-19T08:02:00.001-04:00

Judging from the calls I've been receiving this must be that sniffly sneezy time of year. We all know that the first rule of health is to stop putting poisons into the body; it's interesting that cold and flu "season" comes right on the tail of all our holiday goodies!

Ideally, of course, the best way to deal with a cold is not to get it in the first place. Alas, life sometimes being less than ideal, I've been able to learn a little about how I can successfully deal with things like...

COLDS

My introduction to natural healing was 2000 mg. of Vitamin C every hour with Chinese Hot and Sour Soup to cure a cold.

I find that with Bioflavanoids with C I can have as much response to 500 mg. since the bioflavanoids allow full utilization of the C. The soup was high in Capsicum and Garlic with Parsley, which accounted for it's magical properties, but it did get old fairly quickly as a regular diet! Now I am more apt to use CC-A (NSP #840-5) and/or Capsicum and Garlic as capsules. My mother explains that "CC-A doesn't make the cold (meaning the runny nose) go away completely, you just don't feel bad while you have it." Remember that the body needs to rid itself of dead cells and waste matter and the nose is an easy exit. I take CC-A in fairly large amounts (9-12) the first time I feel it coming on, then take 3-4 every time I think about it for a couple of days; I supplement the CC-A with Yerba Santa(optionally the liquid form of CC-A with Yerba Santa) and Zinc Lozenges if there is a sore throat or constant tickle. Once I get that first round in I try to lock myself into a hot bath with several Ginger capsules opened into it to get everything moving while I sip hot Vita-Lemon. Makes it sound almost appealing to get a cold about now!

FLU

I have great affection for the bottle of FV ever present on my shelf. I take 9-12 when I first get an inkling of the flu then 4-6 every hour until I taste ginger, indicating that I've reached the saturation point. I repeat that the next day if I don't feel fully better; so far I have never needed to go beyond two days. I do support the body with Colloidal Minerals mixed with apple juice and BIO-WATER if there is vomiting; I spray the mixture into the mouth if absolutely nothing will stay down. Flora Force replenishes the natural helpful bacteria lost with digestive disturbances and mixed with yogurt, Rice Bran Syrup or Molasses (to provide energy and B Vitamins) and Slippery Elm Bulk (to soothe mucous membranes in the intestines and colon) is also very helpful in stemming diarrhea. Small Intestine Detox and Intestinal Soothe and Build are other combinations I'd consider with that problem.

I generally use VITAMIN A or Beta Carotene to give the body an extra boost as well as keeping up with the C and trace minerals. One note here on fevers - remember that most viruses and bacteria die off at temperatures over 102 degrees; your body is doing its job with a fever in that range.

COUGHS

My first impulse with a cough, especially in children, is to reach for Licorice Root and make a strong tea. If the cough is tight, I add Lobelia Essence, if it is spasmodic I add a drop of Blue Vervain. Because the cough indicates to me a stressed respiratory system, I will support the body with ALJ, Breathe E-Z, Lung Support or LH depending on muscle response testing; I will also check for Fenugreek-Thyme, Marshmallow and Mullein. Externally I use Tei-Fu Oil and Lobelia Essence to do lymphatic massage of the neck and underarm areas, chest and back. If I think I may be dealing with pneumonia or severe bronchial infection I will also test for PLS-II, Lymph Gland Cleanse, Black Cohosh and IN-X. I have also found that people with those problems often do well with mild support to the Thyroid and Thymus glands, as in Thyroid Activator and THIM-J.

SINUSES

My first real studies into herbal science came as a result of recurrent sinus infections in my then-two-year-old son. When the doctor suggested we try "one more round" of antibiotics after 23 days of unsuccessful treatment I decided to try something else instead. My basic approach to any sinus condition is Sinus Support and Combination Four, frequently with Lobelia and Lymph Gland Cleanse-HY added as well. I have found that most people tend to have sinus problems on a recuuring basis, indicating a general weakness in that area and usually need to take the Sinus Support on a regular basis until the body has had time to replace enough weak cells with good solid tissue. I use the Lobelia Essence on the facial sinus area and for working the lymph nodes in the neck to ensure drainage. Tei-Fu Oil rubbed on the fingers and inhaled frequently helps to open passages; if there is major blockage I will inhale salt water and/or Bayberry if that isn't sufficient. Remember,it's always better out than in.

EARACHES

My daughter has found the cure for earaches when she was three years old - watching Hello Dolly! What she missed somehow was everything leading up to that point. Her pain came on very strong and very suddenly just before our church service ended. We were home within ten minutes, by which time she was screaming for us to make it stop hurting. Those are the moments that you wonder if maybe you shouldn't hit the Emergency Room. I gave her a Valerian combination extract called APS II and Lobelia Essence to allay the pain, CBG Extract to support the ear itself, and Blue Vervain to support the kidneys, knowing that they are responsible for the fluid level throughout the body, and that when the ear is hurting there is usually a fluid imbalance. I let her chase them with pineapple and cranberry juices, again to help the kidneys flush. I put the same extracts, warmed by a heating pad, into the ear itself and began some serious massage of the entire area from the top of the ear down to the shoulder and from the back of the neck forward to the chin. That entire area felt completely impacted. Because of that, Rachael didn't particularly want me rubbing it, and that's where the movie came in. We laid her down to watch it while I worked the lymph nodes and within ten minutes she was laughing at Horace Vandergelder. In that thirty minute total we wouldn't have been through our preliminary paperwork at the Hospital! I did keep her on Urinary Maintenance and CBG to keep the ear supported for several days.