Hippocrates (460-377 B.C.) considered Nettles a cure-all and used it for dozens of illnesses, In the second century, Galen, the Greek physician, recommended Nettles as “a diuretic and laxative, for dog bites, gangrenous wounds, swellings, nose bleeding, excessive menstruation, spleen-related illness, pleurisy, pneumonia, asthma, tinea, and mouth sores.”

Well-known for the pain it can inflict if you accidentally walk or fall into it, Nettles can cause the skin to sting and swell, causing a burning sensation that may last for minutes, hours, and sometimes for days. This is caused by constituents found in the tiny hairs that cover the leaves of the plant called formic acid, histamine and acetylcholine; formic acid is the same compound found in a bee sting. If you get ‘stung’ by Nettles, immediately apply the crumpled leaves of burdock, yellow dock, rosemary, mint or sage, or try rubbing with clay-rich mud to reduce the sting.

Some people actually use this burning sensation for the relief of chronic pain, especially with rheumatoid arthritis and bursitis. Flogging, or whipping oneself with the aerial parts of the plant, is referred to as urtificatiion, and has been practiced since ancient times for arthritic joints, coma, typhus, paralysis, lethargy, circulatory problems and muscle spasms.

Nettles are considered to be the most nutritious land plant on Earth. They’re loaded with the vitamins C, A and B complex, and are very rich in the minerals: iron, magnesium, manganese, sulphur, potassium, and silica, making them an excellent choice for beautiful skin, hair, nails, mucous membranes and so much more. Nettles are often used for anemia, and helping to strengthen and restore fractured bones. Nettles tea is regarded as safe for pregnancy and supports good lactation.

Nettles are also high in protein, fiber, chlorophyll and numerous detoxifying phyto-chemicals that help to cleanse the blood, sinuses, skin and lungs of accumulating toxins. Throughout the centuries, Nettles were chosen by doctors and laypeople to help with asthma, bronchitis, chronic sinus infections, jaundice, ulcers and numerous other conditions. Nettles alkalize the body, helping to restore balance and prevent illness.

I have used Nettles for dozens of health concerns over the years for my family and myself. For years, I experienced severe eczema and psoriasis, especially in winter and during the intense heat of summer. When I began to use nettles tea, my skin seemed less susceptible, but when I added Nettles tincture to my health regimen, I found significant improvements in my skin as well as my mood and the symptoms of PMS. My daughters have used Nettles for rashes and eczema, too, and friends have found it remarkable for improving acne problems.

Nettles are reputed for stopping bleeding and have been used with success internally or externally for lacerations, nose bleeds, poor blood-clotting, hemorrhoids and more.

The root extract of the Stinging Nettles have been used to help reduce excess inflammation of the prostate gland, especially when combined with saw palmetto. My favorite product that combines these two potent herbs is New Chapter’s Prostate 5LX, found in the Wellness department of your local co-op or health food store.

Nettles are a delicious addition to many recipes, and may be eaten both cooked and raw. They do not sting once cooked or finely chopped. Harvest Nettles prior to flowering and use immediately, or you may find them at the Farmers’ Market in the growing season. In many parts of the world, people prepare them in any fashion that we’d normally associate with spinach, such as steamed, in lasagna, soup, salads, dips, sauces, and your grandmother’s favorite spinach recipe.

I’ve eaten Nettles in a wide variety of preparations over the years, but my favorite remains making Nettles pesto. I find them a bit too intense on their own, so I usually combine half Nettles and half basil or cilantro, and add a couple extra cloves of garlic and plenty of high quality olive oil. Incredibly nutritious and simply delicious!

You’ll find a wide variety of Nettles products throughout your local co-op or health food store. Nettles tincture from Herb Pharm, lozenges from New Chapter called Histamine Take Care, and capsules from Gaia, Oregon’s Wild Harvest and others are found in the Wellness section, and Nettles in bulk and tea bags are found in the grocery department.

Enjoy your Nettles any way you can, and reap the numerous improvements in your overall health and vitality!

Red clover, a common perennial herb that grows wild in meadows through much of the world, is in the legume family, just as beans, peas and peanuts are. Its Latin name, Trifolium pretense, means “three leaves, found in the meadow”. Red clover is well-known by organic farmers as a cover crop, ideal for fixing nitrogen to increase soil fertility. Some of its other common names are purple clover, cow clover, meadow clover and wild clover.

There are hundreds of species, and many are grown for feeding livestock, but red clover is believed to be of great medicinal value. The flowering tops, on the one day when they are at the peak of perfection, are harvested for use in tinctures, teas, capsules and body care products. Because red clover, once dried, easily loses its medicinal value, it is important to choose products carefully so that we may enjoy their numerous benefits.

Red clover is considered to be a powerful alterative, meaning that it’s a remedy that restores good health. Well known for its ability to cleanse and purify the blood, red clover is believed to help prevent some of the plaque deposits that can lead to heart attacks or stroke, improving circulation and overall cardiovascular health.

Assisting the liver with the detoxification process, red clover has been reputed as a safe and useful remedy for a variety of health complaints associated with the liver or ‘dirty blood’. Over the last several centuries, one of red clover’s primary uses has been for dermal inflammations, including childhood and adult eczema, psoriasis, dandruff and various rashes. Red clover would often be added to the tea pot for daily consumption and detoxification when symptoms arose. Ointments or salves containing red clover would be applied topically to the affected area. More recently, red clover has been useful for teen, cystic or hormonally-activated acne.

Red clover is considered to be an excellent antispasmodic, meaning that it helps to relieve mild cramping or muscle spasm and it works as an expectorant, helping clear lungs of phlegm and toxins. Traditional health practitioners have used it as part of a program to calm bronchial spasms and coughs associated with the common cold, as well as some serious respiratory problems, including whooping cough, bronchitis, asthma and pneumonia.

Red clover is high in numerous nutrients, including the B vitamins, niacin (B3) and thiamine (B1); vitamin C; and several minerals, including calcium, chromium, magnesium, phosphorus and potassium. Nutritionally, red clover is most well known as a very rich source of isoflavones, a group of compounds found in many plants. These phyto-chemicals, also found in soy, look similar to the female hormone estrogen.

Red clover is often used in herbal formulations to help girls and young women with cramping, moodiness and breast tenderness associated with PMS. Red clover has become popular for helping women with menopause and peri-menopausal symptoms, such as hot flashes, night sweats and mood swings. It is used by women of all ages to help protect the breasts and improve hormonal health.

There is a lot of confusion in the media and on health websites about how phyto-estrogens, such as isoflavones, work. When plant-based chemical compounds are naturally occurring in an herb such as red clover, these hormone-balancing little gems simply fill some of the estrogen receptors within the body. When isoflavones have been chemically isolated away from the complexity of the plant, they lose the checks and balances of the whole, natural, full-spectrum herb. They can then act more like hormone-replacement medications, providing potential results but with greater possibility for side-effects. Red clover in its whole form such as herbal tea or tincture has not been associated with any side effects.

Red clover has been used for cysts, cancerous tumors, and other growths in Europe, Asia and the Americas for centuries. Early test tube research shows that it may stop cancer cell growth or kill cancer cells altogether. Human research shows promising evidence that red clover interferes with the progression of endometrial cancer (the lining of the uterus) and may block enzymes believed to contribute to prostate cancer in men. Another study showed that red clover also may slow the development of benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), the non-cancerous enlargement of the prostate gland.

Red clover has been a key ingredient in traditional remedies used by Ojibway and other native tribal healers. It has been an important part of several detoxifying herbal preparations in the past hundred years, as well. Rene Caisse, a nurse in the 1920’s in Canada, opened a cancer clinic using a formulation containing red clover. A portion of her formula is now marketed as Essiac, and for decades these herbs have been used to help people and their pets  with various types and stages of cancer and other blood disorders.

Also in the early 1900’s, the Hoxsey formula was used in 17 cancer clinics throughout Texas and the US. An excellent book called “When Healing Becomes a Crime” was written by Kenny Ausubel about Harry Hoxsey and his experiences with herbal and alternative cancer protocols.

The Eclectic doctors in the 1800’s used red clover often. A fomentation (hot, moist herbal compress), salve, liniment, infused oil, or poultice made with red clover and other cleansing herbs was applied topically to help reduce growths.

You’ll find several excellent red clover products available in the Wellness department and the tea aisle of your local co-op or health food store. Look for Herb Pharm’s tincture of red clover, as well as their wonderful detoxification formula, Red Clover – Stillingia Compound, for a daily or occassional blood purifying effect. And at least twice a year, we should all participate in a more therapeutic cleansing program, which might include one of my other favorite red clover products, such as:

• the detoxification formula called Flor-Essence Herbal Tea Blend, which is based on the original Ojibway formula passed along to Rene Caisse, offered in liquid or dry herb tea,

• Eclectic Institute’s Blood Support, which combines freeze-dried burdock with red clover, yellow dock, nettles and dandelion root to support liver and blood detoxification,

• Eclectic Institute also has a straight-up freeze-dried red clover. I prefer the combinations above, but this is an excellent choice for those who are looking for a high quality red clover capsule.

Happy cleansing on your path to wellness.

Ginger is used in a variety of dishes and varies in flavor depending on whether it is cooked a long while or added at the end of preparation. Vegetable or meat marinades may be prepared with fresh or dried ginger to help tenderize and increase digestibility of whatever is marinated. Ginger is well known to help protect us from many food-borne pathogens, including those found in several food scares in recent years, E. coli, Salmonella and Shigella.

Ginger is believed to possess a wide variety of beneficial constituents to improve overall health. It is considered:

• antibacterial (selectively),
• antifungal,
• anti-ulcer,
• pain relieving,
• anti-tumor,
• anti-inflammatory
• and it supports cardiovascular health.

Ginger tea or capsules are often consumed with meals to improve digestion and help relieve digestive distress. New Chapter makes my two favorite products for digestive distressthe overeating associated with the holiday season, pot-luck dinners and party foods. Ginger Honey Tonic (also sometimes called Ginger Wonder Syrup or Digestion Ginger Honey Tonic) is a delicious syrup and Gingerforce is a n easy-to-swallow little capsule, easy to always have on hand for when it’s needed. And ginger in nearly any form has been used for centuries for headaches and hangovers, too.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), ginger is called for in hundreds of conditions from stomachache, diarrhea and flatulence to migraines, arthritis pain and upper respiratory infections. More than half of all TCM patent prescription formulas contain ginger. This is likely due to activities it is believed to possess, including protection of the digestive tract, increasing the efficacy and helping mediate any possible ill effects from other herbs or medicinal ingredients.

There is a growing body of research crediting ginger with helping with the symptoms of motion sickness, morning sickness and chemotherapy-induced nausea. Relief was found by the majority of participants in most of these studies, regardless of circumstances. Ginger is one the highest known sources of proteolytic (protein-digesting) enzymes, approximately 180 times higher than papaya.

I have used ginger for decades for issues of chronic pain and inflammation from Rheumatoid arthritis, and when I was hit by a car as a pedestrian in a parking lot a few years ago. I found that taking small amounts of a good organic ginger product several times throughout the day greatly reduced my head, neck and back pain, and I was able to get a better night’s sleep.

Another important time that ginger helped my family was when my youngest daughter was eight years old. She had developed acid reflux, causing her immediate gas and bloating after meals or snacks. These attacks were so severe, they sometimes led to vomiting. She didn’t want to worry us, so she kept this to herself for weeks. When we finally realized what she was going through, we immediately took her to the doctor and discovered she had actually developed an ulcer. After the tests, we stopped by our local co-op to purchase my favorite ginger product, New Chapter’s Ginger Honey Tonic, along with a bottle of Gerolsteiner naturally carbonated mineral water.

As soon as we got home, I mixed up a glass of ‘homemade ginger ale’ by combining the mineral water and a teaspoon of ginger syrup. She was apprehensive at first; after all, virtually everything she’d eaten for weeks had upset her stomach. As she took a sip, a smile appeared. “Could it be helping me already?” she asked. “My stomach already feels better, calmer. And this is delicious,” she declared and then emptied the glass.

For the next six months, my daughter sipped the homemade ginger ale or a warm ginger tea made with a teaspoon of Ginger Honey Tonic five times a day, usually about a half hour before her meals and snacks. She also consumed two dishes of unsweetened whole milk yogurt most days, prepared in a variety of ways. She reported to us frequently about how much better her tummy felt and she didn’t experience any more bouts of indigestion.

There are a number of different ways to make a great cup of ginger tea. You can slice the fresh root and simmer or steep for a few minutes. You may use the powdered dried root (also used in ginger tea bags) or the Ginger Honey Tonic. My favorite way, so as to retain the enzymes and other heat sensitive compounds, is to finely grate fresh organic ginger root and squeeze the juice into warm (not hot) water. Ginger tea can be drunk in the evening to help with nighttime indigestion, circulatory concerns or to increase nighttime comfort by helping to release aches, pains and tenderness during sleep.

Contraindications reported include avoidance of use with all concentrated ginger products with gall bladder disease or complaints; and pregnant women should moderate consumption of powdered dried ginger.

You’ll find a wide variety of organic ginger throughout your local co-op or health food store. Be sure to always choose organic ginger if you’re looking for health and wellness benefits, as non-organic ginger is grown with numerous potentially toxic chemicals. Look for fresh ginger in the produce section, dried or candied in the bulk section, in tea bags, chocolates, ginger snap cookies, or pickled in the grocery aisles. And if you’re looking for a great ginger supplement, you’ll find a wide selection in the Wellness section of the store. Ask the knowledgeable sales staff or write to me if you have any questions.

For more information on ginger’s research, uses and numerous health benefits, pick up a copy of the wonderful book, Ginger: Common Spice & Wonder Drug by Paul Schulick.

]]> http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/12/17/ginger-is-ideal-for-the-season/feed/ 1 http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/10/09/preventing-the-flu-naturally/ http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/10/09/preventing-the-flu-naturally/#comments Fri, 09 Oct 2009 22:58:48 +0000 Cindy Hebbard http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/10/09/preventing-the-flu-naturally/ I have to say, I was very impressed and proud of American parents this morning when I heard on the radio that as many as 2/3 of parents were vowing to NOT allow their children to receive the H1N1 flu vaccine. I hope that pregnant women will join this boycott.

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!

]]> http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/10/09/preventing-the-flu-naturally/feed/ 0 http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/09/18/healing-oneself/ http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/09/18/healing-oneself/#comments Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:16:55 +0000 Cindy Hebbard http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/09/18/healing-oneself/ Healing: Becoming whole and sound; a return to health.
thefreedictionary.com

I believe that one can truly heal oneself. Each of us possesses an internal healer, that part of ourselves that always guides us to safety, wellness and to make wise choices that support our good health, and rejuvenation from illness and injury. We may call upon others to help us with this process, to guide us as we learn our options and help us make choices that lead to wellness and optimal health. But someone else cannot heal me. Only I can.

This instinctive healer within each of us has the ability to restore health from virtually any disease or condition, regardless of the degree or magnitude, whether the current medical system says there is a cure or not. All we need to do is call upon this part of ourselves, listen to its wisdom, the lessons it bestows and follow its instruction. We hear of self-healing miracles all the time; people who have beaten the odds and come back from the brink of death, either from injury or illness. When you listen to these people describe how they’ve done it, they report a voice or internal wisdom guiding them.

“Just breathe. Pull the air in, deeper. Let it out. Do it again, and again. You’ll be all right,” said a voice to a young man after a near-fatal car crash. The doctors had no idea how he was able to breathe on his own, but much later, he told them of the voice he heard clearly in his ear giving him instructions.

If we still have breath within us, I believe we still have the opportunity to develop the capacity to heal. A client a few years ago came to me in the late stages of Parkinson’s disease. His adoring wife guided him into my classroom for the first time and I saw how far his health had deteriorated, even I had doubts about his ability to heal.

For his benefit I provided that 3-part cleanse series with a special emphasis on detoxifying the nervous system. We spoke often between classes and after the end of the program, fine-tuning their choices of healing foods, using the purest, most beneficial herbal remedies and lifestyle choices to support his wellness. The couple noticed immediately that the progression of his symptoms had seemed to halt. His wife said she saw improvements in his walk, his ability to control his hands and hold onto objects. At first these changes were modest.

Eventually, I moved away and we lost touch, but they continued on the program, which is the goal of my teaching. I thought of this loving couple often, and finally called and spoke to them four years later. The wife was excited to hear my voice and she told me that they thanked me every day for the support and guidance I had offered to them when everyone else had written Joe off. She continued, “You told us that it could take awhile to get the toxin load down and to repair the damaged organs and cells. Well, you were right. After about a year and a half, Joe and I noticed that he was nearly symptom free. He’d occasionally have little setbacks, but we continued on with everything you taught us. For the last three years, when Joe meets new people, they have no idea whatsoever that he even has Parkinson’s.” I smiled and felt warmth and gratitude inside for being able to share these simple gifts of healing.

We both took a long deep breath and then she added “We bless the day we met you before each meal and every night before we retire to bed, for all your good work with people like us. The difference you’ve made in our lives…” Her voice trailed off. “We’ve had so many joyful experiences these last few years together.”

“You both did all the work,” I told her.

“But you showed us the way, and guided us to make better choices,” she countered.

I said, “I am very grateful everything has gone so well for you both.” Inside, I felt very emotional, tingling, feeling those blessings were reaching all of my cells. Stories like these are why I continue to do this work.

Healing can come through many actions including general spiritual and lifestyle practices, as well as specific healing strategies and tactics. Sometimes, healing comes through prayer, tending beautiful gardens, a loving partner’s reassurances and always through cleansing the body of accumulated toxins, excess inflammation and chronic pain. We may need to look outside ourselves to find a teacher or health professional to assist us, to lead us to follow a path that fits into our belief system and our busy schedules. But at the end of the day, only I can heal my body, mind and spirit.

In the last one hundred years, we as a society have given over our ability to heal ourselves to doctors and the current medical system. We have lost our capacity to listen to our inner guide, to distinguish the inner voice from the mind chatter that fills most peoples’ heads, leading to feelings of anxiety and doubt.

As a child, I experienced chronic pain virtually every day, mostly in my knees and fingers and always worse just before stormy weather. Doctors implied I was crazy and trying to get attention by imitating some of the elders in my life who had arthritis. Decades later, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis (JRA) is a known medical condition affecting more than 50,000 children in the US. Only alternative doctors, chiropractors, osteopaths and the like recognized JRA as a real medical condition back then.

I had other auto-immune conditions, including Multiple Chemical Sensitivity (MCS) by age 7½, and terrible eczema over much of my body by age 8. My teenage years brought migraines, digestive problems and increasing pain syndromes. Doctors offered little compassion and few options. After I began to sprain my ankles every two or three months, the rebel in me decided that I was going to find my own solutions for healing my body and mind forever.

I met a young aspiring herbalist at our local health food store who told me how I could repair my sprained ankle and help prevent the recurrences. It worked; I was onto something! (For the full account of this story, please visit: My Introduction to Healing Herbs) That experience led me to read many books in the early to mid-seventies about healing myself through natural and herbal remedies, and I’ve never turned back. When I took my herbal apprenticeship in the mid-1990’s, it felt as though I had taken the hundreds of fragments of information I’d gathered in the previous decades and stitched them together into a most beautiful and useful quilt. (For guys, the analogy might be taking hundreds of machine parts and building an engine.)

The current medical system is great at diagnostics and for emergency care, but when it comes to chronic conditions, their approach seems to be to throw lots of medications at the problem, often with little success for helping the patient actually feel better. Creating “wellness” is not even in the repertoire of most medical practices.

Drawing out that innate healer from within, providing the tools for reestablishing vital cells and taking good care of our ‘selves’ seems to produce greater results at a lower cost and often with long-term health restored and vitality returned. If you ask me, this is the kind of healthcare reform we really need in the world.

]]> http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/09/18/healing-oneself/feed/ 0 http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/09/15/holy-basil-provides-strength-calm-and-vitality/ http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/09/15/holy-basil-provides-strength-calm-and-vitality/#comments Tue, 15 Sep 2009 17:56:32 +0000 Cindy Hebbard http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/09/15/holy-basil-provides-strength-calm-and-vitality/ Holy basil (Latin name: Ocimum sanctum), is an Ayurvedic herb originating from the Indian subcontinent. Also known as sacred basil, or by its Sanskrit name, tulsi, holy basil has been revered as the “incomparable one” for thousands of years. For those who consume it regularly, holy basil is believed to strengthen the body and mind, support physical and emotional endurance, and provide a deep sense of calm and well-being.

A cousin of the culinary European and Thai basils, holy basil has been the subject of numerous research studies. It is shown to help reduce stress, anxiety, over stimulation, excess inflammation and hypersensitivity by helping the body to regulate cortisol, a chemical released by the adrenals when we’re upset, deeply stressed, fearful and have repeated negative thoughts. Excess cortisol levels have been linked to conditions such as obesity, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, IBS, arthritis and numerous autoimmune disorders.

A wealth of information is known about this gentle, yet powerful adaptogenic herb. It first appeared in ancient texts on health nearly 8,000 years ago and has been widely consumed on a daily basis ever since.




New Chapter


Holy Basil (in veggie caps)

Now grown and used throughout much of Asia, Central & South America, holy basil is beginning to catch on in North America and Europe, as well.

Traditionally used to support the digestive, immune and nervous systems, holy basil is now also recognized for helping the body toward healthy cholesterol levels, increased stamina, and slowing the aging process. According to the research, it is said to possess “potent antioxidant activities”.

Researchers state “Holy basil possesses both anti-inflammatory and anti-ulcer activity” and is “comparable to ibuprofen, naproxen, and aspirin” for pain relief. Holy basil has also been the subject of numerous studies demonstrating a protective effect on the liver and support of liver detoxification. Because of these reports of safety and effectiveness, Holy basil is often used by people who experience ADD, ADHD, headaches, anxiety, poor sleep, a restless mind or the blues. According to the research, there are no known side effects or known contraindications.

Another powerful benefit involved exposure to radiation. The radio-protective effect of the leaf extract is noted in several studies. They confirmed “Pretreatment resulted in faster recovery”, and almost completely eliminated abnormal cells.

Another study cited “O. sanctum leaf extract blocks or suppresses the events associated with chemical carcinogenesis by inhibiting metabolic activation of the carcinogen”, meaning that it can likely prevent harm to the body when we are exposed to various cancer causing toxins.

My older daughter lived in Brooklyn, went to NYU and worked in Manhattan when the terrible tragedy took place in 2001. Unable to reach her for an excruciatingly long while here in Vermont, I found holy basil calmed my anxiety and fears remarkably well, more than anything I had previously experienced. It has also helped my daughter’s ‘test anxiety’ in school, helping her to receive the good grades she’s capable of but feared she could never achieve.

You will find the entire line of Tulsi Teas, made by Organic India, in the tea aisle of your local co-op or health food store. With delicious flavors such as ‘Sweet Rose Tulsi’, ‘Lemon Ginger Tulsi’ and ‘Red Chai Tulsi’, you may want to try them all. In the Wellness section, look for holy basil tincture from Herb Pharm, New Chapter’s supercritically extracted holy basil in gel caps or their extract in veggie caps. I have found the tincture and extract in veggie caps to work wonders for emotional difficulties, with the supercritical extract in gel caps to be most helpful for my excess inflammation issues.

For more information on Holy Basil, please visit: www.holy-basil.com and click on the “Maimes Report” or check out the book “Tulsi, the Mother Medicine of Nature” by Drs. Narendra Singh and Yamuna Hoette.

A peaceful sigh and a smiling heart to you all.

]]> http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/09/15/holy-basil-provides-strength-calm-and-vitality/feed/ 1 http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/08/06/fight-the-flu-with-elderberry/ http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/08/06/fight-the-flu-with-elderberry/#comments Fri, 07 Aug 2009 03:10:36 +0000 Cindy Hebbard http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/08/06/fight-the-flu-with-elderberry/ With all the interest about the H1 N1 (swine) flu this year, it is more important than ever to do all we can to naturally strengthen our immune systems before this flu season hits. An ideal herb for the job, Elderberry has been revered throughout much of the world for more than a thousand years for boosting immune health to support prevention of colds and viruses, as well as helping the body fight the flu once it has struck.

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.




Honey Gardens Apiaries of Vermont


Elderberry Syrup

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.




Herb Pharm


Black Elderberry Glycerite

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.

]]> http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/08/06/fight-the-flu-with-elderberry/feed/ 0 http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/07/27/calendula-a-flower-of-golden-sunshine/ http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/07/27/calendula-a-flower-of-golden-sunshine/#comments Mon, 27 Jul 2009 18:47:44 +0000 Cindy Hebbard http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/07/27/calendula-a-flower-of-golden-sunshine/ I have raised my children, now young women, with herbs and nutritious organic foods. We have grown, prepared and used herbal preparations for most of our health and wellness needs with terrific results. Few herbs have served our needs more frequently than the golden orange calendula flower.

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.




Weleda


Baby Calendula oil

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.




Boiron


Calendula Lotion

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.




Herb Pharm


Calendula Oil

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.

]]> http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/07/27/calendula-a-flower-of-golden-sunshine/feed/ 0 http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/07/18/the-neem-tree-india%e2%80%99s-village-pharmacy/ http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/07/18/the-neem-tree-india%e2%80%99s-village-pharmacy/#comments Sun, 19 Jul 2009 01:13:51 +0000 Cindy Hebbard http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/07/18/the-neem-tree-india%e2%80%99s-village-pharmacy/ Commonly referred to as the ‘village pharmacy’, various parts of the neem tree have provided a wide range of valuable remedies for more than 5,000 years, supporting the health of people, pets, livestock, gardens, the environment and our planet. The majestic neem tree, a deciduous evergreen native to the Indian subcontinent, is one of the world’s most effective and widely used herbs, yet it is virtually unknown in the US. Not for long… I’d bet on it.

Both the neem seeds and leaves are pressed for their valuable oils; neem seed oil is widely used for pest control in the home, garden, commercial farms and industrial food storage warehouses. Neem seed oil is approved for organic gardening, and when properly diluted, it is considered safe for children, pets, birds, butterflies, and has even been shown to help increase earthworm populations. Please check out the Thera Neem brand organic Neem Oil for the Garden, produced in Florida by Organix South, found in the flower or natural health department of your local co-op or health market.

Neem extracts were tested by the Malaria Institute and found to keep mosquitoes from biting for up to twelve hours. According to John Conrick, author of the book, Neem: The Ultimate Herb, it is also helpful for defending against ticks, fleas and biting flies. The lemongrass scented




Thera Neem


Herbal Outdoor Spray

Thera Neem Herbal Outdoor Spray is regarded as safe for the entire family, including babies. I have used this product, as well as the straight neem oil, with my family, friends and dogs for years to fend off bugs with very good results.

The neem leaf oil is used extensively in body care products and many cosmetics. Numerous studies confirm what the Indian people have known for centuries; neem is very helpful for improving and maintaining beautiful skin and overall good health. Straight neem leaf oil is used to prevent infection in wounds and for bacterial and fungal infections including impetigo, athlete’s foot, nail fungus, yeast infections (candida), jock itch and ringworm. Neem leaf oil has also been used for cold sores and herpes outbreaks for decades.

Neem cream or lotion is wonderful for diaper rash, bug bites, acne, skin irritations, ulcerations and rashes. Two separate studies have shown neem cream to significantly reduce symptoms of eczema, psoriasis and extremely dry or cracking skin for months. Try applying after swimming in a chlorinated pool or when you’ve gotten too much sun. It’s wonderfully cooling and nourishing! You’ll find Thera Neem Leaf and Oil Cream or their Neem Leaf and Oil Lotion to really feel like it’s helping your body calm, sooth and heal your damaged skin.




Thera Neem


Leaf & Oil Cream

Neem shampoo and coconut-scented conditioner can help provide relief for an itchy, irritated scalp, and are widely believed to help prevent or rid us of dandruff and head lice. I’ve known teachers, day care workers and nurses who swear by these products. For more serious results, you may want to add a few drops of the pure neem leaf oil to your shampoo in your hand to help loosen nits. It is generally suggested when one is known to have lice to leave the shampoo and oil mixture on the scalp (wrapped in a towel) for 30 minutes before rinsing.

Both modern research and ancient writings show neem bark powder to support a healthy mouth, teeth and gums. It is high in beneficial antioxidants and leaves the mouth feeling fresh and lively. TheraNeem Herbal Toothpaste and Herbal Mouthrinse are formulated with organic neem to refresh the mouth and support the digestive tract, (which is often the real cause of bad breath, rotting teeth and receding gums.)

The rapidly growing neem tree has been planted along thousands of avenues in tropical cities around the globe for shade, beauty and firewood. It has also been planted throughout many of the world’s deserts and arid regions, helping to restore a more diverse ecology. Used for malaria, diabetes, viral and bacterial infections, and so much more, the neem tree could be the most valuable tree for the health of our planet and its inhabitants.

For more information, please read




Neem:


A Tree for Solving Global Problems

Neem: A Tree for Solving Global Problems, compiled by the U.S. Office of International Affairs and Neem: The Ultimate Herb by John Conrick.

]]> http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/07/18/the-neem-tree-india%e2%80%99s-village-pharmacy/feed/ 1 http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/03/17/introduction-to-detoxification/ http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/03/17/introduction-to-detoxification/#comments Tue, 17 Mar 2009 17:44:15 +0000 Cindy Hebbard http://www.wisdomofhealing.com/2009/03/17/introduction-to-detoxification/ People have practiced simple, gentle cleansing of the body’s internal organs, tissues and cells throughout the world for all of recorded history. In the last 115 years, with the developments in western allopathic medicine, our culture has moved away from using foods, herbs, breath/prayer and other natural practices to maintain good health and a sense of wellbeing.

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

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