Vaccines are potentially dangerous in numerous ways, due to the quantities of vaccines given and chemical and heavy metal additives used in production and for preserving them. Both of my daughters had severe reactions to being vaccinated more than 20 years ago, causing years of difficulties for both children and parents, and there are so many more vaccines given to our babies and children today. Although there are many reasons for the sharp increases in autism in children, and Alzheimer’s and other dementia in elders, I firmly believe that immunizations, including annual flu shots, (which often contain mercury and other harmful chemicals and heavy metals).

I want to let people of all ages know how they may safely strengthen their immune health so as to help prevent illness, and recover quickly if sickness occurs. These are simple, often inexpensive solutions that are considered safe for people of all ages, unless otherwise noted in the text. If you prefer to have more personalized information, please consider a Wellness Consultation or the Six Months to Wellness Program. I’d be happy to support your wellness education in any way I am able.

First, and possibly most importantly, eating whole milk plain organic yogurt (or kefir) every day may be your best line of defense. Eating whole milk plain organic yogurt is shown in research to be one of the most powerful selective antimicrobials that we have on Earth. Astonishing, right? What this means is that it can help our bodies to fight the bad guys and support our good colonies of beneficial bacteria in the digestive tract, assisting digestion, immune health, energy levels and a cheerful mood.

Notice I said ‘whole milk’, ‘organic’ and ‘plain’. This is because low fat and fat-free yogurt are no longer whole foods; they’ve had all that good fat removed, and most of the powerful immune boosting nutrients are bound to the fat. That good fat (the cream on the top) also supports good brain, skin, mood, heart and overall health.

I also stipulated that the yogurt should be ‘organic’. This is vital for immune health, as we want to avoid the hormones and antibiotics that are believed to compromise good immune system health. Non-organic yogurt, usually loaded with food additive chemicals, numerous forms of sugar, and ‘dead’ beneficial bacteria, should really be referred to as pudding, not yogurt. And ‘plain’ is implying ‘unsweetened’, as sweeteners also compromise the immune system.

Now, I often hear people say that that they don’t like plain yogurt, that it’s too sour or boring. For the numerous health benefits, we want to taste that sour flavor, but we need not always eat yogurt alone, although you’ll want to avoid fruits and other sweeteners. You may try mixing in some organic cinnamon, a thinly sliced cucumber, or finely chopped red pepper. These are all ways my daughters and I have loved eating plain yogurt over the years. I’ve found even finicky toddlers love these three simple recipes. Try them daily to strengthen your immune health or create your own sweetener-free yogurt snacks.

In my opinion, the most amazing immune strengthening herb is Elderberry. If you haven’t read my recent article about the benefits of Elderberry yet, please do so. Elderberry has been revered throughout much of Europe and with many Native American tribes for centuries for strengthening the immune system, providing the body with the ability to stay healthier, fighting illness and disease. The traditional use of Elderberry for prevention of cold and flu was to consume a small amount beginning just before the flu season begins and each morning and night until spring arrives.

Unlike many herbal immune remedies, Elderberry has been successfully used for prevention, the onset of symptoms and when cold and flu symptoms are full-blown. Traditionally, people experiencing illness would increase the frequency of taking Elderberry tincture, elixir or syrup from between four times a day to as often as every hour, and sometimes as often as every fifteen or twenty minutes. Since virus germs and bad bacteria can multiply every fifteen or twenty minutes, this may help get their numbers down quite quickly.

Raw local honey is another wonderful way to lift the immune system. The traditional use of raw local honey to prevent illness has a rich history going back thousands of years. Very small amounts, usually ¼ to ½ teaspoon each morning and night is believed to help the body fight potential pathogens, improve vitality and increase overall health. One of my favorite ways to use raw local honey is to mix it in a glass of slightly warm water with a tablespoon of freshly squeezed lemon or lime juice. Larger amounts of honey, because of the sweetness, may create an opposite effect, so please be sure not to overdo it.

Honey should NOT be given to babies less than one year old. All others, especially folks who suffer with allergies, will likely find a great improvement in immune health with the use of raw honey daily.

Eating more vegetables is well known to improve the immune system’s ability to fight illness, including the flu viruses. Include a wide variety of colorful cooked and raw vegetables in all three of your daily meals, and reach for a snack that includes vegetables when you need a between meal pick-me-up. Please don’t count potatoes as one of your vegetables, however. Their high starch content makes them an immune weakening food.

And you may want to reduce or eliminate the following foods (or food-like substances) to support your immune system:
sugar- white sugar, processed honey, etc.
flour (even whole wheat, soy, rice, and other whole grain flour). This includes most bread, pasta, pastry, rolled and instant oats and packaged cereals.
fried foods are quite harmful to our immune health
junk food
food additive chemicals
margarine, shortening and most vegetable oils, especially soy and canola
fruit juices- drink water or herbal teas instead.
fruits- people are often surprised by this. An apple each day, or an occasional piece of fruit is not bad for us, but the amount of fruit that most Americans eat is potentially damaging to our immune health.

To your health!

My introduction to Elderberries was making jam, wine and pies with my elder neighbor as a girl. I have appreciated this nutritious food and valuable herbal remedy ever since. My first sighting of the vibrant, deep purple umbels of berries each late summer brings feelings of euphoria and comfort to my entire being.

Numerous research studies have shown that Elderberry strengthens the immune system and helps fight viral and bacterial infections in people of virtually all ages and health conditions. One study shows that Elderberry can improve outcomes of cancer and AIDS patients as complimentary therapy with chemotherapy and other treatments.

Elderberries are nourishing and detoxifying. Very rich in vitamin C and flavonoids, including quercetin, as well as tannins, amino acids, carotenoids (pro-vitamin A) and much of the B complex, Elderberries help to alkalize and strengthen most of our organs and systems. They’re also known to benefit the eyes, skin, sinuses, tonsillitis, cholesterol levels, fevers, cardiovascular health, the genitourinary region and are calming for the nervous system.

Our local North American Elder (Sambucus canadensis) is a small bush, usually growing to about 8’ high and 6 – 10’ wide. The European variety, the Black Elder (Sambucus nigra), grows to be considerably bigger to the height of a small tree, usually no more than 30 feet high.

Elderberries are as important for the immune health of our local and migrating birds as they are for humans. Many invasive species, such as Japanese knotweed, have taken over regions where Elder used to grow, crowding it out and therefore likely weakening our bird populations’ ability to fight infections. Do you suppose that could be one of the reasons we need to worry more these days about viruses associated with birds, or birds and pigs?

So if you are interested in supporting your local bird populations and attracting migrating birds to your yard or wild area, please consider planting several Elder bushes next spring.

The red Elderberry (Sambucus racemosa), not common in our region, is considered to be slightly toxic, and the wood from this species is more significantly toxic, especially for children. But the berries and flowers of the two medicinal varieties are considered very safe and beneficial for our health.

Your local co-op or Mom-and-Pop health food store likely carries a fine selection of elderberry products in their wellness section. Here in Vermont, our local brand is Elderberry Syrup from Honey Gardens Apiaries of Vermont. Prevention never tasted so good! My other favorite Elderberry syrup, called Sambu (or Sambu Guard) from Flora Health, has been sold on the European market for more than 100 years. Look for the other excellent capsule and tincture products, as well, including Gaia, New Chapter and Herb Pharm.

The way Elderberry syrup was traditionally used over the centuries was one half to one teaspoon in the morning and again in the evening to keep the immune system strong throughout cold and flu season; smaller children would use about one fourth teaspoon morning and night.

Some products contain honey, so please use caution in this way if desiring to administer to babies less than one year old. (Check with her/his pediatrician for a better form. Herb Pharm makes a wonderful Black Elderberry Glycerite .) When people found themselves ill, they would take more frequent servings throughout the day, drink plenty of water and get lots of rest. In this way, they’d be feeling strong and vibrant in no time.

Calendula Officianalis, or simply calendula (pronounced kə’-lend’-ju-lə), is a garden favorite often referred to as field marigold or pot marigold. Originally native to the Mediterranean region, calendula, a member of the daisy family, has naturalized throughout much of Europe, North America and the world.

Calendula has a rich history of use as food and medicine that goes back to the ancient Romans, Persians and Greeks. Calendula flowers and leaves were added to soups and stews to strengthen and fortify the immune system and to increase feelings of happiness. Throughout Europe, calendula petals were added to butter and cheeses to make a pleasant yellow coloring.

By the mid-1800’s, calendula was commonly used by doctors for major injuries and after limb amputations to help prevent infection and heal the wound. During the Civil War, doctors used dried calendula flowers to speed the healing of soldiers wounded in battle.

Only the Calendula officinalis with deep orange flowers is used to make herbal and medicinal remedies. The sticky, bright flowers should be harvested on dry days after the dew has fully evaporated. They may be used fresh or dried for making tea, and wilted or dried for most other herbal preparations. If you’re not a gardener or need some today, look in the bulk herb section of your local co-op or herb shop. Garden varieties of Calendula, in many shades of yellow, orange and red, are often planted around the periphery of the garden to ward off potentially harmful pests.

Today, calendula is used primarily in topical formulas to help the body to heal external wounds and lacerations. You will find a variety of fine herbal first aid and skin healing products with calendula as one of their primary ingredients in the Wellness dept. of your local co-op or health food store.

Moms may find it helpful to keep a calendula salve or a tube of gel in their purse or diaper bag for applying to cuts, scrapes, minor burns, bug bites, diaper rash or cradle cap. Weleda offers several baby care products containing soothing calendula.

Try Boiron Calendula Lotion the next time you spend too long in the hot sun and your skin appears cooked like a Maine lobster. I bet you’ll feel cooler and more comfortable in no time.

Calendula lotion is wonderful for those of us who are prone to rashes, hives or other skin irritations. Immediately soothing, calendula calms the itch and helps with the redness and inflammation. Calendula may also be quite helpful for areas prone to chaffing or bedsores.

Internally, calendula has been use for lymphatic system stagnation and to support immune system function. A common sign of lymphatic stagnation is swollen glands; try a cup of calendula tea or a dropper of tincture the next time you feel your glands swelling or a cold coming on. Or float one flower, fresh or dried, in your favorite tea every day to help keep the doctor away. Remember to steep your herbal teas with a tight fitting lid so as to retain the medicinal properties. Uncovered, much of the medicinal benefits will go up in the steam and you will be sipping warm flavored water. When steeping your tea in a mug, you may use a saucer or plate as the lid.

Historically, Calendula has also been used as a cough and cold remedy, used either internally or try rubbing calendula oil on the upper back or chest.

It is especially helpful when the person is feeling very weak and tired, with a rattling chest cough. And calendula was a choice herb used for exhaustion during and after a long or severe illness or infection.

So it is time to restore this valuable orange flower to a place of honor in the herb cupboard. Choose it often as autumn begins to set in and maybe you will find that cold and flu season will go more smoothly next winter.

Immune Strengthening Autumn Miso Soup with Calendula Flowers
Makes 6 servings
3 cups vegetable stock, filtered or spring water
1 onion, chopped
1 medium sweet potato, thinly sliced
1 medium daikon radish, cut to half moons
1/8 to 1/4 oz organic kelp or dulse, soaked and chopped finely
2 TBSP calendula flowers, dried and chopped finely
1 4-6” pc astragalus (cooked, not eaten)
1 cup kale, chopped finely
1 cup more cold vegetable stock, filtered or spring water
6 – 12 tsp miso, white, red or brown

Combine all ingredients (except miso and 1 cup of liquid) in a soup pot. Bring to a boil, turn heat to medium-low and simmer for 40 minutes. Remove from heat. Add last cup of cold water or stock. Stir briefly. Place miso paste in a soup bowl; add a ladle of soup broth; stir in completely with a fork or whisk. Add miso mixture to the pot of soup. Stir again. Serve and enjoy.

Here is a partial list of symptoms, conditions and degenerative diseases that have been shown to be helped over the centuries through safe, natural periodic cleansing and simple daily detoxification practices:

o Acne
o Allergies; sinus, tactile, digestive, hives, etc
o Alzheimer’s disease and other dementia syndromes
o Anxiety
o Arthritis
o Asthma attacks
o ADD /HD (attention deficit)
o Autism spectrum
o Body odor (foul)
o Brittle nails
o Chemical sensitivity
o Chronic constipation
o Chronic digestive disorders
o CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome)
o Chronic infections
o Chronic respiratory issues
o Chronic weakness
o Cirrhosis of the liver
o Crohn’s disease
o Depression
o Drug /food addiction
o Eczema
o Fibromyalgia
o Gallstones
o Gout
o Gum disease
o Hair loss
o Halitosis (bad breath)
o Headaches
o Hot flashes and night sweats
o Immune disorders
o Insomnia
o Irritability
o IBS (irritable bowel disorder)
o Kidney disease
o Kidney stones
o Low blood sugar
o Memory loss
o Migraines
o Mood swings
o Multiple sclerosis
o Muscle aches / pain
o Obesity
o PMS
o Parkinson’s disease
o Psoriasis
o Rashes, itching (chronic discomfort under skin)
o Sinus pain (drip, irritation, sinus headache, etc)
o Ulcerative colitis
o Ulcers
o Weak bones
o Weight gain (excess)
o Weight loss (excess)

Accumulating toxins may affect just about any region of the body or mind as the incomplete list above shows. Properly cleansing the debris from the body’s organs, tissues and cells allows the body to find its center, restart nutrient utilization and resume a better working order. Rejuvenated organs and cells offer us more energy and vitality as well as a sense of inner peace and calm. This can lead to more restful sleep, a lift in spirits and a release from chronic pain and discomfort.

Here are my top 10 favorite general cleansing herbs and foods. It is not good enough to purchase one or more, however, unless you pay close attention to the quality of the product you choose. Please buy organic/ local whenever possible.
For more info, read my article “Quality is Everything” .

Turmeric
Ginger
Holy basil (tulsi)
Red clover
Burdock
Hempseeds
Sea vegetables
Blessed thistle
Dark leafy green vegetables
Sprouts

“My friend, Shelley, suggested I call you. She said you helped her and her daughter learn how to stop getting chronic sinus infections, and you could probably help me, too,” he exclaimed. And then, in a timid voice, he asked me if he had to believe in these herbs and natural things, ‘cause he didn’t really think he did. I told him that I thought they would probably be able to help him, even if he didn’t believe in them yet. After all, he was willing to meet with me and purchase the herbs at our local co-op, so it seemed he did have a bit of faith.

“No,” he said. “I really don’t. I’m only doing this because Shelley won’t stop talking about you and how much better she feels. I just want to be able to talk about other things, and she doesn’t want to see me suffering all the time. I’m just doing it for her.”

We met that afternoon, and at the end of our session, he told me that he was only willing to take one thing; one product. This was a challenge, since I have found that herbal and nutritional programs seem to help more than the ‘one thing at a time’ method. But I understood that so many folks have had bad experiences with medications and such in the past, and need to feel comfortable with their herbal plan. I suggested that, in my opinion, the best products, if only one was going to be chosen, would probably be one the following:

Sambu Elderberry Concentrate (or Sambu Guard) by Flora
Elder Flower Glycerite by Avena Botanicals, and
Nasal Support by Eclectic Institute.

He decided to purchase the Sambu. We talked about the simplicity of the formula and the special qualities of the three ingredients; Elder flower, Elderberry and honey. Elder flower tincture or syrup helps to calm and restore the nervous system. It is a powerful herb for helping to settle the sinuses when they feel inflamed and over-reactive. It’s very high in bioflavonoids, including quercetin, helping to alkalize the sinus region.

Elderberry is an ancient remedy for cold and flu, and the latest research shows those vibrant purple berries that the birds love so much to be a powerful tool against viruses and for optimizing the entire immune system.

Honey has been used since the earliest recordings as a remedy for numerous ailments. Folk medicine has hailed honey a cure-all for centuries. Soothing and nurturing, Flora uses only the highest quality honey and the finest herbal ingredients in all of their superb products.

“In your grandmother’s time,” I said, “they would have offered someone with a chronic sinus problem just a teaspoon or so of their homemade Elderberry and flower syrup every time the pain and discomfort began to return.” And then I was sure to tell him that I couldn’t actually suggest that he do this and disregard the instructions required to be printed on the label. “It is not legal for me to do,” I explained.

Three days later, I got a call from Martin. He called to say that he was
“… guardedly optimistic about his sinuses.” He told me that this was the first time he had had three consecutive days where he was not in nearly constant discomfort. He had just visited the co-op for his second bottle of Sambu.

I heard from this sweet elder gentleman three more times. About seven and a half months after his first (and only) Wellness Consultation, Martin called me to say that he was finally a true believer in the herbs and in holistic healing! He hadn’t had a ‘bad day’ in those seven months! He told me that he once visited the co-op for his Sambu and they were out of it. He panicked! The girl there had told him that they couldn’t get it for him for at least a week. He said he drove almost an hour away to buy a bottle so he wouldn’t run out, and that from that day on, he would be buying them three at a time!

I asked Martin if he was ready to take the next step in helping his body to restore its overall health, integrity and harmony. His response surprised me. He told me that he loved taking the delicious Sambu Elderberry Concentrate every morning and evening. He said he had come to rely on it as his ‘vitality tonic’, reporting that the feeling he got from it was similar to when his Mom and Dad took Geritol [for the younger generation: this was an over-the-counter supplement advertised on early television for the relief of ‘iron poor blood’] when they were in their latter years! He said that “… if it’s not broken, why call the repairman. I don’t know how long I have on this Earth; years I hope! I think I’ll just stick with the Sambu.” He paused. “And if anything else ever breaks down in this old body, I think I’ll call you first!” We both chuckled.

She got chickenpox twice, too. The first time, she was under a year and a half, so she didn’t build up resistance and got them again a few years later; high fever and more than 700 itchy welts across her body. We counted them to take her mind off the itchiness for awhile.

Mollie had various tactile allergic reactions, sometimes to things that she ate or came in contact with, she got hand-foot and mouth disease, and reacted to two or three different antibiotics and another medication that I was dubious at best about giving her in the first place.

Each different rash had its own characteristics, often a slight fever accompanied them and some had other side symptoms. They all seemed to me to relate to her liver health. Unfortunately, we weren’t having complete success with restoring her immune system to good health. Her dad had just gotten a new insurance plan and wanted to try western medicine, drugs; I reluctantly gave in.

The rashes became a bit more frequent, as did her bouts of strep. We had some successes in finding ways to deal with the rashes and accompanying fever, but I wanted to get to the core of the issue, so that she wouldn’t have to suffer. Mollie was normally a very feisty gal when she was a kid. The funny thing was that she became incredibly sweet, gentle and kind when she got sick. These details help with homeopathy, but from a Mom’s perspective, it made me want to hold her and rock her and comfort her in any way I could.

When Mollie was about four and a half years old, I had a consultation with a healer friend of mine about her repeated bouts of strep, the rashes and all that was going on with her health. We discussed the idea of feeding her more roots, lots of dark leafy greens and spicy herbs such as ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, basil and oregano. Having taught whole foods cooking classes, I suggested a few of my most favorite dishes that incorporate combinations of these culinary herbs and spices that I thought she would like.

We always tried to include Mollie in any discussions that involved her health or education, so she was with me for the consultation. Mollie looked up at me at this point and boldly stated, “I won’t eat it like that. But you can put anything that’s gonna help into my miso soup; but you better cut it up really small, ‘cause I sure don’t want to see it.”

This dramatic statement didn’t really surprise me, knowing Mollie’s strength and tenacity, but it certainly startled my friend. “She likes miso soup, huh?”
“Loves it.” I replied. “She eats it at least once, usually twice, every day; but it’s got to have a lot of miso. She loves lots of sea vegetables, roots and kale, too, cut up real small.”
“That’s great! Good luck with this. I hope it helps her.” I bet it did. It took some time, but her immune system has become quite strong.

Both of my daughters enjoyed drinking herbal teas. We made them by the quart or half gallon. They often contained nettles and red raspberry, since Kaia loved nettles and Mollie favored red raspberry. Both are nourishing to the skin and detoxifying for the blood. We also made several versions of Indian spiced teas, such as chia and Mu tea.

Kaia liked to use a high quality aloe vera healing gel with comfrey on her skin throughout the summer and autumn months, and Mollie liked to use the aloe because her big sister did. I have found that the high grade aloe vera is so much more effective for us than the regular ones (nearly every product on the market). Ideally, we want to be certain that it’s hand filleted or hand extracted. As you can imagine, this is much more labor intensive than dumping a truckload to be pulverized at one time. These superior products work very well for restoring the skin, protecting and nourishing to help the body heal itself.

Calendula was Mollie’s herb of choice for topical use on her rashes. There are several good calendula products on the market, many of them are homeopathic formulas, but our first choice was always Boiron – Calendula Lotion, the only one that comes in a 6.7 oz bottle. It worked for her every time we used it.

We first learned of this particular product when Mollie had her second round of chickenpox. When a child gets them a second time, it is more serious, like when an adult gets them. She was very sick, had a frighteningly high fever and heaved everything she tried to eat. We bathed her with oatmeal and herbs, and made sure she drank plenty of water. Nothing seemed to work on the eruptions though; they were as itchy, irritated and about as inflamed as could be.

A lady at our local health food store suggested that we try the Boiron’s Calendula Lotion because the feedback she’d gotten from a few loyal customers was that it helped when nothing else would. I was desperate to find relief for my itchy child. Calamine lotion, oatmeal baths etc felt good, but she (and I) had gotten very little sleep the night before due to her discomfort and we both needed a get night’s rest.

We bought several brands of calendula products, creams, gels and salves over the years; and they were all good, but this particular calendula lotion seems to be helpful (for Mollie and others that I’ve spoken with) even when nothing else seems to.

We’ve also used several good herbal healing salves containing St John’s wort, comfrey and calendula. My three favorites, other than the ones I’ve made myself, are Avena Botanicals’ Heal All Salve, Herbal Ed’s Salve produced by Herb Pharm and Comfrey Compound Salve. They helped soften and provide relief from the itching for awhile, but Boiron’s Calendula Lotion literally helped every rash she ever got once we found it.

One time, we were out of it and she had a fiery red rash with a medium grade fever. We used at least six different gels and creams during the first day and a half. They each provided her temporary relief, but within fifteen minutes she was itchy and irritated again with a field of red pimple-like bumps across her belly, left side and both arms.

I called our local health food store where we usually bought it, but they were out. I called each of the next six or seven health stores progressively less near me, but nobody had one on hand. I finally found one at a store more than a half hour away. I drove out there to buy it and returned to find Mollie with her winter mittens on so that she wouldn’t scratch her itchy body!

We smeared the calendula lotion liberally across the red patches of bumpy skin. her discomforts subsided in just a few minutes. When it began to return thirty minutes later, we reapplied the lotion. We put it on one more time before she went to bed an hour or so later. The rash hadn’t returned yet, but we wanted her to sleep comfortably. In the morning, her skin looked normal and her fever was gone. We loved that product!

If I knew about neem back then, I’m sure I would have tried it with her numerous rashes. Neem is amazing for folks with very dry, irritated, rashy, oily or combination skin. There’s a great neem lotion or cream from the Thera Neem folks called Neem Leaf & Oil Cream that I’ve seen help with a couple of peculiar rashes these last several months. My guess is that it would have been a second ‘tool in the tool shed’ had we only known!

There are so many side effects associated with the over-the-counter and prescription rash preparations out there on the market. It’s a relief to know that there are some safe, sane, gentle and helpful alternatives that we can try instead.

There is real help for allergies found throughout the globe and brought to us by Mother Nature to aid with these numerous discomforts. Mother Nature’s remedies often help us even when medications have been of little use. Some of these herbs and supplements support temporary relief; while others can actually help the body begin to reverse the overreaction to common substances, such as the pollen falling from trees.

Ads throughout the media lure allergy sufferers, desperate to find a solution to their discomforts, by promising bright, happy, colorful days filled with flowers, trees, pets and blissful contentment. Several over-the-counter medications, however, when taken for as little as two or three days, can cause a rebound effect; meaning that they actually worsen the original symptoms that a person took the medication for. Unwitting allergy sufferers take more medication, symptoms get worse, more medicine; with no end in sight.

Prescription and over-the-counter medications for allergies are making pharmaceutical companies billions of dollars every year. But the risks associated with many of these medications are very serious. Here are some of the side effects related with the most commonly used allergy medications:

Rash
Heartburn
Fever
Cough
Headaches
Drowsiness
Insomnia
Diabetes
Irritability
Weight gain
Cataracts
Elevated blood pressure
Osteoporosis
Muscle weakness
Dizziness
Loss of libido
Gastritis
Vomiting
Depression
Disturbed coordination
Mood disorders
Tremors
Excessive bleeding
Seizures
Death

These side effects are nothing to sneeze at! Thirty years ago, few people suffered allergies long-term. Forty or fifty years ago, allergies were quite rare. According to the National Institutes of Health, the proportion of children diagnosed by a MD general practitioner with hay fever or allergic rhinitis tripled between the early 1970s and early 1990s. Today in some cities, the number of children suffering with allergies and asthma can be as high as 90% in homes where one person already has asthma.

What’s changed? Why do so many of us now suffer with allergies? And why does it seem that once a person has developed one allergy, they increase in numbers over the years?

In short, our immune system health as a nation is plummeting. There are other various theories as to the answers to these and other questions regarding allergies. But for the moment, let us agree that the problem seems to be as out of control as the immune system is when the allergies occur.

For now, we’ll focus on how someone might prevent the necessity for medication that may cause mild, moderate or even very serious side effects.

Natra Bio’s line of homeopathic remedies that are formulated for various allergy concerns is called BioAllers. One of those products, Homeopathic Tree Pollen is available in a liquid form, and is specifically produced with very minute amounts of the very tree flowers that may be bothering our sinuses in the springtime. This is the same theory as immunizations, but without any known side effects.

Considered harmless enough for infants and even used with newborns, they’re likely safer, since they aren’t preserved with mercury and other potentially toxic heavy metals. Instead, they’re simple drops that may go in water or under the tongue. They have little or no flavor. In Germany and much of Europe, doctors prescribe homeopathic remedies for many chronic conditions such as allergies. Far fewer people there risk the potentially harmful side effects of the pharmaceutical preparations because so many folks find the homeopathic remedies very helpful in providing immediate temporary comfort.

Elder flower, the same bush that provides us with the elderberry in summer, has been used to help the body with inflammations of the skin, lungs, stomach and the sinuses for more than 2,500 years. I have witnessed the elder flower in helping with severe allergy symptoms, even when medications and other home remedies were of little or no use.

An example of this was a 73 year old man who came to me in Boston and stated that he didn’t believe in ‘any of this natural stuff’, but his allergies were so bad and nothing seemed to help. He had not had three days in a row where he was free of allergy symptoms in almost seven years, and just couldn’t take it much longer.

His friend suggested that he visit my office, and just follow what I might suggest, even though he did not believe in it. He told me that he would take only one product, so I suggested that, if it were me only taking one product, I would choose my most favorite elder syrup; Flora’s Sambu (or their newer version, Sambu Guard). These delicious syrups combine elder flower with elderberry, and Sambu has been on the European market for nearly 100 years. He jokingly asked if the reason I thought of this product was because he was an elder man. I told him that it as because he was a wise enough elder to ask me for my opinion!

He called a few days later to report that he was ‘marginally hopeful’; that he had not had any symptoms of his nasal allergies since about four hours after his visit to my office. I had taught him that when we suffer an acute situation, ancient herbal wisdom suggests taking a small amount of the herb as often as every hour or even every half hour.

Although the directions for the Sambu that he chose to use states to take one to two tablespoons, we discussed how our ancestors would more likely have used a half to one teaspoon frequently, and once the acute situation was past, they may have taken one to two teaspoons morning and night for prevention. They would have continued this preventive practice for about one month for each year that they had experienced the condition; in this gentleman’s situation, he took it for seven months. He called me again after nearly four months to say that I had made a true believer out of him. He said, “I guess this proves that you really can teach an old dog new tricks!”

Mrs. M. Grieve, author of A Modern Herbal, writes, “The flowers were used by our forefathers in bronchial and pulmonary affections, and in scarlet fever, measles and other eruptive diseases. An infusion of the dried flowers, Elder Flower Tea, is said to promote expectoration in pleurisy; … and is considered excellent for inducing free perspiration. It is a good old fashioned remedy for colds and throat trouble, taken hot on going to bed. An almost infallible cure for an attack of influenza in its first stage…”

We want to be sure to choose organically grown herbs, as many of the chemicals used in commercial farming are themselves allergens. To achieve immediate relief, we’ll need to moderate excess inflammation. Turmeric root, especially in a supercritical extract form found in two excellent products from Thera Veda called Ajay Aller Support and Pavan Respiratory Support and New Chapter’s Turmericforce will help the body to detoxify allergens from the liver and blood as it helps the body modulate the excess inflammation. Other excellent blood purifiers that may also provide detoxification support include red clover, burdock, yellow dock and dandelion root.

Nasal Support, organically grown, freeze-dried herbs in a vegetarian capsule, is produced by Eclectic Institute. This is my other most favorite herbal product (along with the Sambu) for any sort of sinus discomfort. Nasal Support contains nettles, eyebright, elder flower and horseradish. As you’ll see, this is a premier formulation in a high quality product.

Nettles, sometimes called stinging nettles, has been used in a variety of ways for inflammation associated with allergies and skin irritations for centuries. Nettles helps to purify the blood and balance the Ph, facilitating a release of the assumed toxin causing an excessive immune response called an allergy. Nettles may be used in tincture, tea, freeze-dried capsules, fresh and, my favorite, in pesto! (To make nettles pesto, use equal parts of nettles and basil, or nettles and cilantro.)

Nettles was researched for allergies and rhinitis and found to relieve all or most symptoms in most of the patients (58%). Now, they took the herbs at specific times, rather than the way our ancestors would have used them; as needed. There are not side effects associated with nettles. The side benefits are numerous, however, from glowing clear skin, healthy bones and good blood pressure rates, just to name a few.

My favorite ways to use nettles in supplemental form are the freeze-dried capsules and tincture. Just as our ancestors may have done when symptoms were acute, mentioned above with elder flower, a capsule or dropperful of tincture could have been taken every hour (or half hour in very acute situations), then morning and night (or morning, noon and night) for prevention once the acute symptoms had subsided.

Enzymes, specifically protein digesting enzymes called protease, can support the body with a reduction of allergy symptoms by digesting the proteins that cause excess inflammation. There are several excellent books on the market that explain the details and effectiveness of using enzyme therapy, but the short story is that there are always excess proteins present in the regions of the body where excess inflammation occurs, such as the sinuses or the skin of a person with allergies.

Having had arthritis since I was a child, I have experimented for decades with natural ways to deal with excess inflammation. In the early 1980’s a naturopathic doctor suggested I try enzyme therapy to reduce my pain. He suggested I take ten of the very best digestive enzyme capsules on the market at a time, between meals (at least two hours after a meal and thirty minutes before the next meal), five times per day for five days.

Because I had very significant hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), I usually ate five to six small meals every day. I bought the 250 capsules of the best digestive enzymes, and took the handful of ten at a time, over the course of seven or eight days’ time. My hand and knee pain was gone by the end of the first day. It did not return for several months. I did a follow-up enzyme therapy program every three months or so for three or four days for several years, keeping the arthritis pain at bay.

Sinus inflammation associated with allergies has been very responsive to enzyme therapy in several young people I’ve known to try it out over the years. I once knew a young man who was told by his alternative practitioner to use Renew Life’s Digest More enzymes, six at a time, before breakfast, before lunch, before dinner and before bed for eight days. He shared with me that he felt relief on the second day and didn’t have any allergy symptoms for several weeks.

Probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that reside in the intestinal tract, support our digestion and immune system in numerous ways. It is important to have a wide variety of these beneficial bacteria in the gut. There are trillions of probiotics in a healthy digestive tract. When they have been damaged or wiped out by antibiotics, steroids, birth control pills, excess stress, sugar, radiation, chemotherapy and a thousand other things, opportunistic microorganisms such as candida, harmful bacteria and parasites move in and wreck havoc.

When these potentially pathogenic microorganisms are in the majority, immune health suffers. It may become sluggish or reactive to normally occurring things, such as flower pollen (tree, grass, ragweed, etc) dust, pet dander, mold spores, etc. See the connection?

Remember, there are very few truly excellent probiotics on the market. The three brands I find most effective are Bio-K Plus, Natren and New Chapter.

Cellfood is an amazing product, formulated with 78 ionic minerals, 34 enzymes, 17 amino acids, electrolytes and dissolved oxygen. Helping to deliver oxygen to every cell in the body, Cellfood can support the lungs, heart, lymphatic, immune and digestive systems. Many people report increased energy, vitality, deeper sleep and a brighter outlook on life when they use Cellfood regularly. This may be due to the detoxification properties, the nutrient support, the nascent oxygen or all of the above.

Cellfood is easy to use. Simply drip eight drops into a glass of water three times daily and drink. Its lemony flavor is pleasant as it helps to balance our pH. I once had a friend who moved to Boston from the Midwest. Ginny’s allergies immediately went wild. She began to use her prescription medication frequently throughout the day. She got jittery, agitated and began losing sleep.

Not comfortable with this, she researched some herbs and supplements that might help her. Ginny asked me what I thought about Cellfood. I shared that I used it nearly every day and she smiled. A few minutes later, she returned with the small bottle of Cellfood she had purchased earlier in the day, dropping the first eight drops into her water bottle.

A few days later, she let me know that she only needed her medication one more time after that first use of Cellfood. Four years later, we were talking about the amazing benefits of Cellfood and Ginny shared with me that she had only ever used her medication three more times and that she still kept it on hand for emergencies, but she felt that she’d never be without her Cellfood again.

Eyebright is a small common weed found throughout much of the temperate regions of the world. People have used eyebright for allergies, sinusitis and the common cold. Eyebright help the body reduce mucus secretion, assisting in the relief of sinus irritation. For centuries, eyebright was the herb of choice when the eyes, and the face in general, appeared cloudy, dull and puffy; hence the need for brightening the eyes; eyebright!

A word or two about bee pollen. If you’re at all familiar with holistic remedies, you’ve probably heard that bee pollen provides effective relief for sinus issues. But we’re experiencing a national crisis with our bees. Bees, especially honey bees, some of the most important pollinators, are dying at record levels. And most recently a mystery has also been occurring; bees are simply disappearing. Hives are being found with no sign of life. The ‘experts’ say that they can’t understand what’s causing this massive problem.

Well, let’s consider this. For more than a half century, we’ve been harvesting everything that the bee produces to keep their communities healthy. We take their food, the honey; their medicine, the propolis; etc. In return, we give them some sugar water; SUGAR WATER! Anyone reading this blog has got to understand that refined white sugar is very, very bad for us. Who can’t figure out that if, for decades we steal the bees’ nourishment and protection, an opportunistic pest will come along and do damage. In this case, it’s a mite; a small bug that attaches itself to the bee’s back and literally sucks the life out of it. We need to change things here.

If you feel you must use honey, pollen, propolis, etc., please buy certified organic products. Unlike the unhealthy harvesting practices of commercial beekeepers, certified organic bee products are harvested much more ethically, leaving plenty of nourishment and propolis to protect the hive from danger. About the only organic bee products I really trust, available at most real health food stores are produced by Y.S. Organic Bee Farms.

Since there are so many high quality herbal products that are easily available in most regions and on the web, there is no longer a reason to suffer this spring; don’t you agree?

For her first four and a half years of life, we went to a medical doctor who was classically trained in Europe in homeopathy. We used a variety of holistic therapies along with her constitutional homeopathic remedy with marginal results.

Her pattern of illness with strep throat ran something like this:

10 months old- 1 time, turned to scarlet fever
1 year old- 3 times, developed into pneumonia once
2 years old- 3 times
3 years old- 4 times
4 years old- 4 times, turned to scarlet fever once
5 years old- 6 times
6 years old- 7 times
7 years old- 9 times
8 years old- 1 time
9 years old- 1 time

As you can see, it continued to increase in frequency for several years. When Mollie was almost five, her Dad got a new HMO insurance plan, and she went to a ‘regular’ doctor for the first time. She was prescribed antibiotics to combat the strep. Although I felt strongly that I wanted to find a solution without drugs, her Dad felt that he had been patient, and things weren’t getting better. So I gave in.

The frequency of her bouts with strep throat began to increase. She was seeing her HMO doctor more often, and using far too many antibiotics, in my humble estimation. She started to experience increased digestive upset, and a weaker immune response.

During all this time, she had more than a dozen different types of rashes; some of them occurred several times. I knew enough about holistic health and Chinese medicine philosophy to understand that there was a strong connection here to her liver and gut health. I did my best to provide her with nutritional foods that would support liver and intestinal health, and she was quite cooperative, most of the time.

She ate a very good diet during her early years (and continues to do so) when she was at home, albeit limited to just a few choices; yogurt without sweeteners or fruit, hot and cold cereals usually with rice milk, lots of vegetables, especially kale, and miso soup every day. She did eat a lot of pasta, as most kids do. We had organic whole wheat, buckwheat and Jerusalem artichoke pasta for the most part, and she occasionally had bread, either sourdough or sprouted grain ‘flourless’ breads.

She rarely ate sugar, fruit or fruit juices. Instead of juices, we drank a lot of herbal teas, and my kids always loved them. Mollie particularly liked the Traditional Medicinals’ Herbatussin and anything with raspberry leaf in it.

Time flew by, as it does. When Mollie was almost eight, we visited the doctor yet again. After a brief look into Mollie’s raw, red throat, she gave us yet another prescription for an antibiotic. As we were leaving the medical building, Mollie’s Dad said to me, “Do you realize that this is the ninth time we’ve been here with her about her throat in the past twelve months? These antibiotics aren’t working for her. I appreciate you letting me bring her to try this route, but she’s just not responding. Why don’t you take over?”

“Really? That’s awesome! We can beat this, I know we can!” I was so excited. On the way home, we stopped by our local health food store, now Whole Foods Market, so that I could get some more probiotics and an herbal throat spray. My favorite one was on sale; the Propolis Echinacea Herbal Throat Spray produced by Herb Pharm, so I bought five of them!

Once we were out to the car, I opened one right away and Mollie sprayed her throat. Her face contorted into a squirmy frown, and then she smiled. “I kind of like it. It’s not so bad.” She sprayed again.

When we got home, we opened the others and I placed one on her nightstand, one on her desk by the computer (where she spent much of her time), one on the kitchen counter next to her water glass and one in her book bag to always have with her. The fifth one went to her Dad’s house.

I suggested to Mollie that she should spray her throat every fifteen minutes until it felt better. Liking to be very precise about everything, she went to the kitchen and got the timer and set it to fifteen minutes. When it dinged, I could hear her spraying from the other room. She repeated this ding and spray action until bedtime. I also encouraged her to drink a half glass of water each time just before spraying her throat, which she did without question.

After brushing her teeth, Mollie announced, “I think my throat’s all better!”

“That’s great, but I would appreciate it if you continue to spray it in the morning before school, too. That way, if there are any tough little bad guys still hanging around in your throat, you’ll be able to get them, too.” I replied. “If it still isn’t bothering you during the day and when you get home from school, then you can take a break. But from now on, I don’t want you to wait until your throat is raw and hurting you. As soon as you feel the tickle that you always get before it starts to hurt, I want you to get one of the throat sprays, and spray your throat every fifteen minutes again until that tickle is gone. And don’t forget to drink lots of water.”

“I like that idea,” she said. “That way, it won’t hurt me anymore.”

She continued to use the throat spray as she prepared for school the next day. When she got home later that afternoon, she was very happy to announce that the pain was gone and it hadn’t returned throughout the day.

Since that time, Mollie has only gotten a brief bout of strep throat twice; both times when we had run out of the throat spray. Of course, we immediately ran out to purchase a couple more, and her throat was bette in no time.

There are now several excellent herbal throat sprays on the market, but the one made by Herb Pharm continues to be my favorite for very severe or antibiotic resistant issues. It has a very special place in my heart!

The symptoms usually show up one to two months after becoming infected with the Epstein-Barr virus or another of the viruses linked to mono. Initially, symptoms appear to mimic the flu. Fever, muscle aches, headache and fatigue can lead to a need for 12 to 20 hours of sleep daily. Additional symptoms follow and may include sore throat, enlarged lymph nodes, joint and muscle pain, nausea, chills, rash, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and weight loss.

The good news is that there are several herbs, supplements and lifestyle choices to support a reduction in some of the symptoms, as well as fewer weeks in bed and recuperating. Again, as I always do, I caution you about choosing only very high quality products. I often make specific product suggestions, because most of the herbs and supplements on the market, whether in the grocery store, pharmacy, big box store or health food store, are junk. Nearly worthless. Sometimes worse. Please don’t think you’re going to save money by buying a cheaper brand. For more information about this, please read Quality is Everything!

When you first realize you have mono, or you’re feeling run down and exhausted all the time but haven’t been diagnosed with mono, I can’t stress enough the importance of getting plenty of rest and drinking enough water. Drink the very best water that you have access to. If it is possible for you to get a few cases of special mineral waters, you may want to try one or more of the following; Apollinaris and Gerolsteiner, both from Germany and S. Pellegrino from Italy are three of my favorites.

Please do not drink distilled water or water filtered through a reverse osmosis system. These de-mineralized waters will not support a return to health in the same way that clean, pure hard water does. If you will be drinking city or town water and cannot get an excellent water filter (the pitcher-type filters are expensive and virtually useless), you may fill a pitcher or glass bottle and place it on the counter uncovered for several hours. This will allow the chlorine to evaporate.

Cellfood may be added to your water if you don’t have access to the bottled mineral waters. Cellfood is an amazing product that offers both detoxification and nutritive properties. Containing 78 minerals and trace minerals, 34 enzymes, 17 amino acids, electrolytes and nascent oxygen, Cellfood can help alkalize the body, which supports better health and greater energy levels. Cellfood can support improved digestion, breathing and clarity of the mind. Cellfood increases cellular detoxification and nourishes cells with nutrients that are lacking in the diets of most people today.

The directions on the bottle of Cellfood suggest using eight drops in a glass of water three times daily. When a teen or young adult has mono or is severely run down, it may be better to begin with four drops in water three times daily for a day or two, then six drops in water three times daily for a day or two. This can help prevent any of the discomforts from detoxing more quickly than the body can keep up with.

Probiotics are an essential part of a speedy return to strength and good health. Probiotics, the beneficial bacteria that live in the intestinal tract, provide us with hundreds of actions to keep our bodies operating optimally. They support the digestion in countless ways, including actually converting nutrients into the form that our cells can use easily. It is important to choose a high quality probiotic, and there are very few of those on the market.

For superior results, you’ll want to look for probiotics in capsule or powder form produced by Natren or New Chapter. If you prefer an easy-to-use probiotic drink, look for Bio-K Plus in your local health food store’s refrigerator. Years ago, when I had chronic fatigue, a naturopathic doctor suggested taking six probiotic capsules in the morning and six in the evening, on an empty stomach with a large glass of water. It’s best to wait to eat for a half hour or so afterward. I found extraordinary results within two or three days. I have used this method of restoring my beneficial bacteria when I’m feeling run down several times since, always with good results.

To help with the overgrowth of the pathogenic microorganisms that can wear us out and leave us feeling us exhausted, an herbal throat spray might be just the answer. My absolute favorites include:
Propolis/Echinacea Throat Spray made by Herb Pharm,
Elderberry/ Red Root Throat Spray from Eclectic Institute,
Mycomedicinals Host Defense for Travelers or
New Chapter’s Lifeshield Throat Defense.
They are all amazing, and their ingredients have been safely used for centuries or millennia. When I’m sick, I tend to give my throat a spray or two every fifteen or thirty minutes while I’m awake. And then I get as much rest as I can.

Liver and blood purification is essential for regaining wellness and restoring energy. Turmeric is one of the most remarkable herbs for supporting liver and blood detoxification. Research has also shown turmeric to be a powerful herb for the body suffering with excess inflammation, a concern when we’re run down. Most of the products on the market claiming to be turmeric should not be allowed to be labeled as such. They are adulterated in a similar way as when drug companies produce medications from plant substances. The superior products include New Chapter’s Turmericforce and Gaia’s Tumeric Supreme.

Another superior option for liver and blood detoxification is Nirmal Liver Care, a potent formula of Ayervedic herbs including turmeric produced by Thera Veda. Also look for Blood Support made by Eclectic Institute or Healthy Liver Tonic from Gaia Herbs, very powerful products to support liver and blood health. To help the body to regenerate healthy liver cells, check out Liver Force by New Chapter.

If swollen glands are a big concern, there are three superb herbs for helping the lymphatic system to drain and remove those accumulating toxins. Those three herbs are red root, calendula and cleavers. Over the years, I have had recurring concerns with big swollen glands usually in my neck. I have found that using a tincture (liquid extract) in small amounts is quite helpful. I usually take three drops under my tongue three to five times a day. Be sure to purchase an organic product from a very ethical company such as Gaia or Herb Pharm.

Ashwagandha is a powerful restorative herb that can support the entire body feeling better sooner. Used for thousands of years, it helps the digestion, immune and nervous systems to work efficiently, strengthening the entire body as a result. Ashwagandha is an Ayervedic herb, meaning that it originates from the subcontinent of India. It has been used to restore energy and vitality when a person is exhausted, injured or for post-operation recovery by supporting the body’s tissue repair, balancing hormones and the endocrine system, as well as optimizing all of the organs’ functions.

Ashwagandha is not a stimulant, but rather it has a potent rejuvenative effect on the entire body. It has long been believed to help dispel rigidity in the nerves and muscles and to calm and help restore the entire nervous system. It’s also known to strengthen bone marrow and brain activity. Ashwagandha has been used effectively for stress, weakness, insomnia, nervous exhaustion, poor memory, weak muscles and swollen glands. All of these concerns can affect the body during a bout of mono or chronic exhaustion.

Be sure the bowels are moving, as the elimination of toxins is essential. It is very important for someone with chronic exhaustion to eliminate regularly; at least once daily, and two or three times is best (unless we’re unable to eat solid foods). There is a direct correlation between energy and vitality levels and the ability to evacuate the colon easily and effectively. Constipation (and diarrhea) can impair the absorption of the nutrients, increasing exhaustion and slowing recovery.

There are a lot of herbs sold for colon elimination that may cause pain, discomfort or the potential for embarrassing accidents. Avoid psyllium, senna, cascara sagrada and bentonite clay, as there are concerns associated with each of them. Organic flax seeds or hemp seeds provide a delicious and effective source of fiber. Be sure to buy them in whole, not milled, form and grind it fresh to order. If you’d prefer the convenience of a ready-to scoop product, Renew Life offers Organic Bowel Cleanse, a tasty cinnamon-flavored powder to add to yogurt, smoothies, brown rice, cereal, etc.

If you need some extra help to increase elimination, try aloe vera (the only good aloe products I know of include Aloe Vera 200 by New Chapter and the products from Aloe Life). Renew Life produces Cleanse More, a capsule that supports colon elimination, but is not a potentially harmful and addictive laxative.

Many people with mono or serious chronic exhaustion lose their appetite. This is because your body can recuperate faster when the digestive tract takes a little break. Eat when your body feels ready, and until that time, be sure to drink enough water. If you have a juicer available, buy organic carrots, cabbage, ginger, beets and other healing foods. Enjoy juicing these delicious vegetables as they can support you in regaining your strength, energy and vitality.

Until then, please get some rest. Sweet dreams.

In India and the surrounding region, there is a tree called Neem whose leaves, bark, leaf oil and seed oil have been studied for decades and used for dozens of minor and serious health concerns. Neem has been revered as the ‘village pharmacy’ and can be traced back to nearly 4,500 years of use.

One of neem’s many uses has come under the spotlight in more recent years, however. That particular use may well become what neem will be most widely known for throughout the world. You see, neem has been found in extensive scientific research to be a safe and very effective birth control that may be used by either men or women. And it may protect women from a wide variety of STD’s (sexually transmitted diseases), too! How exciting is that!

Since I find it very exciting that there is a completely natural birth control that a man can safely and successfully use, let’s begin there. Research has shown that male subjects, members of the Indian Army, who consumed neem leaf oil or neem seed oil via capsule for six weeks achieved 100% effectiveness, and that effectiveness continued for as long as the subjects took the neem capsules daily. Within six weeks of discontinued use, the effect wore off and was completely reversed. None of the study’s participants experienced any side effects during the study period or afterwards.

The action is due to neem’s ability to slow the motility of the sperm, preventing their ability to reach their destination and impregnate the egg. And none of those men in the study had any issues with sperm production, obstructions or loss of libido at any time.

Research also shows that neem is effective for long term birth control when a minute amount of neem seed oil is injected into the vas deferens. Researchers found that men experienced eight months of effectiveness, again without side effects.

For women, neem has been used as birth control as well. Several studies have shown its safety and effectiveness. Unlike neem’s use for birth control with men, women do not need to take the neem capsules orally. Neem oil, (preferably organic) or specially prepared creams containing a therapeutic amount of neem oil have been found to be nearly 100% effective when administered intravaginally, also with no harmful side effects. Researchers do not believe that neem’s action with women is hormonal, so it appears that it may be a very safe option for birth control for women. There have been growing concerns about the numerous side effects associated with use today’s birth control options, including the pill.

The effectiveness of neem appears to be through its spermicidal action. In fact, researchers found neem oil to kill sperm in the vaginal region within just thirty seconds, and to continue to be effective for as many as five full hours; four hours longer than many creams or gels.

Neem is well known to be a powerful antimicrobial herb. Neem oil, when applied vaginally, has been shown to be very effective against several sexually transmitted diseases (STD’s). There has been strong evidence found in a number of studies that leads us to believe that neem can be successfully used against gonorrhea, syphilis, Chlamydia, herpes simplex-2 and possibly even HIV-1. Research is underway, and more research is needed to see how neem can be of value in fighting these and other STD’s.

Neem has been used for preventing and ridding the body of excess candida without harming the beneficial bacteria naturally found in the gut or vagina. Neem leaf or neem oil taken orally, or a therapeutic cream or the pure neem leaf oil applied topically has been found to fight candida, and several other fungal infections, as well. Neem has also been used when antibiotic resistant E. coli in the urinary tract and Staphylococcus aureus have become seriously out of control.

Several isolated constituents of neem have been studied for their birth control effect, and although they were also found to work well, the neem oil in its full spectrum form has been found to be more safe and effective.

And just as researchers tested the injected oil with men, they have found that injecting a small amount of neem oil into the uterine horn generated a twelve month prevention of fertility which was found to be completely reversible. Menstrual cycles and reproductive function were returned to normal once the injections were discontinued.

Neem oil was also looked at by researchers for oral use just after conception. They found that it may even be effective as a morning after type preparation. In animal studies, it was found that when a significant amount of neem oil was given to rats ten days after implantation, all embryos were reabsorbed by the body by day fifteen. The rats had no side effects and regained fertility for their next cycle.

To read more about the health benefits of neem, please read Neem: The Ultimate Herb, Neem: India’s Miraculous Healing Plant and Neem: A Tree for Solving Global Problems.

Excellent organic neem oil, capsules and creams by Thera Neem are available from Organix South. Find them at your local health food store throughout much of Europe and the US.