Posted on 03/19/2019 5:52:42 PM PDT by little jeremiah
Many FReepers have knowledge to share about improving and maintaining health and would like to share it and learn from others; and others may not know much yet but want to learn. Some of us don't have much money for good insurance or doctors, some want to try other methods besides prescription meds, and some have experience in treating and solving health problems.
More and more "regular" doctors have accepted treatment methods such as the benefits of acupuncture, massage for many conditions, better diet, use of herbs and so on. There are limits, and often side effects, to some standard medical efforts.
My field is Ayurvedic herbalism and related measures, and have a lot of information I can post when I have time. I have seen herbs and sometimes dietary changes help people (including myself) with issues such as rheumatoid arthritis, high BP, gallstones, kidneystones, repeated boils, UTIs, prostate problems, insomnia, allergies, urinary incontinence, and many more. I hope to learn a lot from others with their knowledge and experience.
There are many "old fashioned" home care methods that were in common use a few generations ago that actually work and are cheap, such as castor oil packs, fomentations using alternating hot and cold water, and the like, which are easy to do. I am sure there is a lot of knowledge here on Free Republic that can be shared.
I would like this thread to stay civil without distruption, so my request is that people who think natural health methods are bunkum, make your own thread.
Thanx LJ
I wish nettle grew on our property. When I was a child, we always lived rural, and I wandered all over, and nettle always grew in damp areas. Nettle and I had some meetings... When I was and older teenager I visited a old time country family in VT and she served cooked nettles. It was fine, with a little butter and salt.
—> Drinking the tea of fresh leaves (wish I had...I use dried) in the springtime is a gentle and effective way to renew the system by helping to cleanse excess kapha and ama (water/mucus/fat/toxins) accumulated during the cold, damp winter months.
Reminds me that in many regions in Italy, people regularly forage wild plants.
Thanks L.J.! I have some, but am getting a bit low so I need some more.
If I had more room (acreage) I might try growing it.
Pinging the list to Diabetes management. [freepmail to get on/off the list] As usual, if anyone wants sources for any of these just ping me.
I am continuing to research psoriasis but had to take a detour into diabetes land. Hub is borderline and LOVES sweets and notices some increase in symptoms. So, here is info on treating adult onset diabetes; may help reduce the need for insulin in the juvenile onset type. I’m trying to include “regular” names for Ayurvedic herbs for ease of locating.
Most herbs are about 3 grams a teaspoon unless very lightweight.
Diabetes Management
Diabetes manifests as excess thirst and excess urination. In adult onset diabetes (diabetes type 2), it is primarily a Kapha disease caused by excess consumption of sweet rich food, often accompanied by weight gain. Wrong diet is a main causative factor, with excess consumption of sweets, sugar, high fat dairy products, alcohol, fat and refined wheat products. Other factors can contribute such as lack of exercise, worry, stress and anxiety, a lot of daytime sleep, and it may be hereditary.
The best general herb for regulating pancreas and liver function, especially in the early stage, is turmeric. Take 1 to 3 grams two to three times a day; can take with a little aloe juice. Combines well with neem and turmeric to control blood sugar levels and to prevent weight gain..
The main Ayurvedic herb in severe or long term condition is shilajit, which actually a mineral that is found in rocks in the Himalayas.
Another useful Ayurvedic herb is Gymnema sylverstre, or gurmar, and is often taking with shilajit. Spices like ginger and cardamom aid in the digestion of sweet foods. Though refined sugar should generally be avoided, raw honey can be used.
These are useful bitter herbs: aloe gel or juice, gentian, neem, barberry, goldenseal (use sparingly) and myrrh. Black pepper, cayenne ginger and other pungent spices can help with weight reduction if needed.
Kutki [Picrorhiza krrora] has many uses, including purging excess heat from the blood, helps rid the body of accumulated toxins, clears the liver and gallbladder, and supports functioning of the spleen. Kutki helps thyroid function and increase metabolism of protein, cholesterol and fats. It is useful for obesity, fatty degenerative changes in the liver, high cholesterol and triglycerides, and high blood sugar.
Gotu Kola [Centella/Hydrocotyle asiatica] supports proper functioning of the liver, spleen, and pancreas and is a great blood purifier. It kindles and regulates the pancreatic fire and thus helpful in treating hypoglycemia and diabetes. 3-30 grams a day can be taken. It grows in subtropical climates and can be eaten fresh.
Gokshura [Tribulis terrestris] is rejuvenating as well as cleansing to the entire genitor-urinary tract. In addition to its many other uses treating heart disease, fatty liver, and high cholesterol, when mixed with neem and turmeric, it works well to balance blood sugar levels and increase pancreatic function. 1-9 grams a day.
Bilva [Aegle marnelos] treats many digestive and GI tract problems. When combined with equal parts of neem and turmeric it is effective in controlling blood sugar levels in the treatment of adult onset diabetes.1-12 grams a day
Barberry [Berberis] is useful in treating adult onset diabetes, by controlling blood sugar levels. A good mix for reducing excess fat and ama (accumulated toxins) as well as regulating blood sugar leves is 1 part barberry, 2 parts turmeric and 2 parts neem. Two “00” capsules of this mix can be taken three times daily with warm water after meals. One 00 capsule is approximately 1/4 teaspoon, doesn’t need to be encapsulated. It is very bitter tasting along with most herbs for diabetes.
Arjuna [Terminalia arjuna;] An extreme useful herb for heart function, and also for diabetes and high cholesterol. Arjuna has a stimulating effect on the the pancreatic fire; thus helps regulate blood sugar levels. It can be combined for this purpose with neem and turmeric. 1-6 grams a day can be taken, for most herbs one teaspoon is about 3 grams.
Medical Xpress / HealthDay / Environmental Health Perspectives ^ | Aug. 14, 2024 | Dennis Thompson / Julia R. Varshavsky et al
Chemicals commonly found in sunscreen, makeup and other personal care products could be putting pregnancies at risk, a new study warns.
Phenols and parabens in these products increase a pregnant woman's risk of high blood pressure by 57%, particularly at 24 to 28 weeks of gestation, researchers reported.
Phenols and parabens are used as UV filters in sunscreens, and to prevent the growth of harmful mold and bacteria in makeup and cosmetics, researchers said.
Parabens alone are used in about 80% of personal care products, the research team said in background notes.
For the study, researchers tracked the health of more than 1,000 pregnant women in northern Puerto Rico.
Urine tests showed the levels of 12 phenols and parabens for each expecting mom, whose blood pressure was tested early and later in their pregnancy.
“Overall, we found that exposure to phenols and parabens during pregnancy is associated with maternal blood pressure differences and, further, that exposure to these chemicals, both separately and together, increases the risk of hypertension during pregnancy, especially later in pregnancy,” the researchers concluded in the study.
Phenols and parabens are known to increase inflammation and oxidative stress in humans, which has been linked to high blood pressure, researchers noted.
The chemicals also are known to disrupt hormones in humans, and these hormones also play a role in regulating blood pressure, they added.
Varshavsky's advice: Women who are pregnant (and even when they are not) may want to consider cutting back on certain products.
Varshavsky also noted that, “the good thing about phenols and parabens are that these chemicals have short biological half-lives, which basically means that we metabolize them relatively quickly. So, if we reduce our exposure, the levels in our bodies go down pretty quickly.”
Thanks for this post. Pinging the list again to an informative article about chemicals in makeup and sunscreen that are really bad for pregnant women. ConservativeMind posted this at my request, and he has an interesting health related ping list people may want to join.
https://freerepublic.com/focus/bloggers/3735908/posts?page=1966#1966
Burdock [Arcitum lappa]
Tissue: plasma, blood
Systens: lymphatic, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary
Properties: alterative, diuretic, bitter tonic, diaphoretic, antipyretic
Indications: eczema, psoriasis, rashes, acne, liver diseases, fever, lymphatic congestion, nephritis, edema, hypertension, gout, arthritis, indigestion (acid type)
Both the seeds and root of burdock (I have only used root powder, never saw seeds for sale) are deeply cleansing to the liver, blood and lymphatic systems. It is valuable in the treatment of pitta (heat) related skin disorders, including stubborn acne, boils, eczema, and psoriasis. To deal with such conditions, and to relieve itching, it combines well with turmeric, neem, manjistha, or barberry. I have used burdock, often in formula, to treat acne, boils, skin inflammation, and sickness with fevers.
Burdock is also rich in minerals and vitamins, including iron, magnesium, manganese, and thiamin. Fresh burdock root is often found in the produce section of health food stores and Asian markets. (I used to buy in Hawaii, under the name “gobo”, Japanese use in soups and stews. I often sautéed it.) It makes a nice addition to a soup with other vegetables, ginger, and onion.
As a cooling diuretic, is helps to release excess pitta (heat) support health kidney function, expel uric acid and treat edema, gout, and psoriatic arthritis.
Pinging the list to two more herbs, Burdock and Gotu Kola. I think I need some Gotu Kola right now!
Gotu Kola [centella Hydroctyle asiatica]
Mandukaparni (also sometimes called Brahmi)
3-30 grams a day (as powdered herb)
Parts used: aerial portions
Tissues: plasma, blood, muscle, bone marrow, and nerve
Properties: nervine, alterative, rejuvenative, diuretic, febrifuge, antispasmodic
Indications: nervous disorders, mental disorders, epilepsy, senility, rashes, skin diseases, venereal diseases, premature aging, diabetes, hypoglycemia, premature graying and hair loss, anger, irritability, adrenal insufficiency, poor immunity, stress, colitis.
Gotu Kola is an excellent rejuvenative tonic for the mind and nervous system that promotes cellular regeneration and slows the aging process. It rejuvenates and pacifies all the doshas (constitutional elements) and helps to improve speech, memory, awareness, and intelligence, which make it useful to treat a wide variety of psychological and neurological disorders. It is also supportive to the immune system and adrenal glands, and helps to effectively treat intermittent or periodic fevers, such as malaria.
It supports proper function of the liver, spleen, and pancreas and is a blood purifier used in chronic skin diseases like psoriasis, eczema, and leprosy. It kindles and regulates the pancreatic fire and is helpful in treating hypoglycemia and diabetes.
Gotu Kola has the ability to enhance sattvic qualities in the mind (meaning increasing clarity and peace) and purify the nadis (subtle nerve channels similar to Chinese meridians) thus being a valuable aid for those practicing yoga, meditation, prayer. It is cooling and harmonizing to the mind.
How do you take the gotu kola
Almost all herbs I use powdered, and mix 1 teaspoon in a cup and add very hot water to soften the powder, let cool to lukewarm or room temperature, stir and swaller down. Often add a teaspoon of honey, really helps with what is called “patient compliance”! :-D Honey helps with metabolizing the herbs too. If the herbs are really horrid tasting, I’ll add some milk, helps to neutralize bitter taste.
I have some herbs waiting for me right now. I haven’t been taking Gotu Kola for a while and I have to start today. I need it. I used to grow in my yard in HI, and eat a some raw leaves. Doesn’t taste bad. You don’t want a whole bowlful of course.
the med you mentioned - was that topical?
Yes, there is a topical form of metronidazole {flagyl}. It was the oral form of the antibiotic that cured my rosacea but perhaps the topical form would work as well. It might take a series of applications over, say, a week... I am not too sure about that.
Mark for LJ’s cancer story and victory
Thank you so much!!!
Mark for LJ’s cancer story and victory
Thank you so much!!!
If this helps anyone else, I am happy! And I didn’t know about Ivermectin then. If I got it now, I would still use herbs but add Ivermectin.
Pinging the list to the use of Neti, and sinus infections.
Sinus infections are not only no fun, but I was told that any infection in the head should be taken seriously. I am, sadly, no stranger to sinus infections. I had the MOASI (Mother of All Sinus Infections) decades ago, and as a result, the eardrum in R ear broke and slightly impaired hearing in that ear. I was in such pain I thought I would die, and wished to!
I didn’t know of many herbs, nor was I in a situation to have access to them or do anything. So, moral of the story - take care of sinus infections as soon as it manifests. A few years ago I had a wicked one, herbs were not helping, and had to get an Rx, which took care of it. Now I’m allergic to pretty much all Rx’s, but if someone has a sinus infection and it doesn’t get helped with home remedies quickly, go to a doctor.
With a sinus infection, here are some ideas that can help. Eat only warm or hot food and drink hot drinks, helps liquify any mucus or accumulations. Hot compresses (simple as washcloths dipped in very hot water and wrung out) placed on the sinus areas of the head/face. Also massaging and pressing on the sinuses can help as well. Some years ago I had one so bad the R side of my face swelled up. Had to get Rx from doctor.
Neti is very useful in sinus infections as well as prevention, and has many other benefits. An article I wrote upon request years ago which is way too long... “Jala” means water.
History of Jala Neti Practice
The practice of Jala Neti – cleansing the nasal passages and sinuses with salted water using a Neti pot with a spout – is an ancient method of purification and health maintenance used since ancients in Inida.“Jala” means “water”, and the word “Neti” is derived from the Sanskrit word “to guide”, indicating the use of the water pot to guide the water through the nasal passages to facilitate opening them for deep breathing.
Using simple materials easily available - water and salt, and a small pot, it is easy to cleanse the nostrils not only to facilitate breathing but to promote general health and wellbeing. This purifying hygiene method is not only simple and quick, but comfortable to practice, and the results are quickly felt. Traditionally Neti pots were often made from pure copper, which has natural anti-microbial properties (now being used in hospitals for that reason), but are often hard to find. Stainless steel is a good alternative as it is non-breakable; ceramic pots are easy to find, as are plastic ones but I do not recommend them, especially plastic.
Benefits of Neti
Daily practice of Neti has so many health benefits that it almost sounds “too good to be true”. But those who add Neti practice to their daily routine will enthusiastically testify to its use in promoting health. The first and perhaps most important use is the immediate effect on freer breathing through the nose. Throughout the 24 hour day, the breath dominates one nostril or the other in a regular cycle, with a short period where both nostrils breathe equally. This cyclical nostril dominance helps regulate all the functions of the body and mind, and the regular practice of Neti opens the nostrils for proper breathing, and helps treat “blocked nostrils”.
Regular Neti practice offers both immediate and long term benefits; clearing the nostrils of debris and mucus is experienced immediately as refreshing, and the longer term benefits include overall better health, reduction in sinus infections, infectious illness, mental dullness, reduction in headaches, sore throats, and even helps reduce or heal ear infections or blockages. Regular nasal irrigation using a Neti pot helps balance Prana (”the breath or air of life”) in the body and thus helps promote health in all the systems of the body, including the immune system.
By washing the nasal passages, air polluting particles, viruses, bacterial, molds and other dirt is directly washed away, thus reducing the toxic load in the body, and reducing the incidence of infectious illness. Viruses and bacteria are washing out before they get much time to replicate and cause illness. Best of all, the practice of Jala Neti is simple, takes only a few minutes, and is comfortable and refreshing.
Who Can Benefit from Neti Practice
First of all, everyone can benefit from Neti practice – everyone with a nose and two nostrils! There is no specific bar; although there may be a few contra-indications due to certain conditions such as nasal cancer or other serious illness, when one’s medical professional should be consulted. If a person has bleeding from the nose, Neti should be avoided until the cause of bleeding has healed. Otherwise, Neti can be performed daily or even twice or thrice daily if needed, as a routine hygiene practice, just as we brush our teeth often more than once a day. Even children can easily learn the practice of nasal irrigation using a Neti pot, and thus learn at a young age the value of caring for their health responsibly.
Those prone to sinus infections, ear infections, or sore throats; those suffering often from headaches, dizziness, or mental fog, often find great relief with regular Neti practice. Allergy sufferers in particular usually find much relief from Neti, even practicing several times a day during times of high pollen count or in areas with a lot of mold. Anyone who lives in a city or area with much air pollution will greatly benefit from Neti practice. Additionally, those suffering from chronic illness can greatly benefit from Neti, as the bedridden or those who cannot exercise often accumulate more mucus in the nasal passages, and find Neti very helpful.
By washing pollution and microbes from the nasal passages, opening the nostrils for freer breathing, washing out mold and pollens, washing mucus from the nasal passages, the sinuses and interior passages leading to the ears also help to clear, thus reducing pressure in those areas and in the head. Post nasal drip is reduced or eliminated, and intake of air is greatly enhanced, thus facilitating every cell in the body. Mental alertness and clarity is enhanced, making it easier to concentrated for meditation and hatha yoga practice in particular.
Poor Air Quality - Neti Helps
Most urban and suburban areas have high levels of pollution – from cars, buses, trucks, trains, furnaces, manufacturing, power plants – the list is endless. Even rural countryside also has problems – dust, crop spraying or other agricultural practices, and places with high moisture have molds and fungus and everywhere has pollen at various times of the year. Smoke from woodstoves or fireplaces is also common, or outdoor burning. All these gasses and particulates get inhaled through our nostrils and many adhere to the tiny hairs inside the nasal passages.
If we don’t wash them out via Neti practice, they can add to the toxic load in our bodies, thus aggravating or causing allergies, sensitivities, asthma and other respiratory ailments, and a general feeling of being unwell, leading to poor immune function and just feeling tired.
The daily practice of Neti – or even twice a day in highly polluted places – effectively washes out these myriad toxins and pollutants, pollen and mold or fungus spores, gently cleansing the nasal passages, leaving a fresh feeling of cleanliness and freer breathing that enhances overall health and wellbeing. Even inside our houses and apartments, air quality is often poor due to dust, dust mites, floating carpet fibers, chemicals from cleaners and plastics – and these can also harm our health. So daily Neti practice is recommended even if we stay home!
Feb. 27
How Neti Helps Balance the Energy in Our Body
Most people notice that the breath flows in the right and left nostrils in a pattern – one nostril is more open, the other more closed; and after some time, the dominant or more open nostril changes; thus forming a patter throughout the twenty four hours. The right nostril activates and is connected to the solar channel of energy, and the left nostril activates and is connected to the lunar channel of energy. To have good mental and physical health, the channels should be open and clear, to be able to promote all bodily and mental systems and functions properly. In fact, one of the most important yoga breathing practices of Pranayama, called Nadi Shodhana (“clearing the Nadis”), or Alternate Nostril breathing, specifically opens and balances these channels.
The problem is that many people find one or sometimes both nostrils blocked, sometimes caused by allergies or air pollution, often with resulting sinus problems. In fact, having one or both chronically blocked nostrils alone can lead to a number of health problems.
The daily practice of Neti not only helps clear the nostrils so that both right and left nostrils can breathe clearly, and the natural cyclical pattern of alternating dominant nostril breathing occur, but the Neti method also helps to balance the breathing pattern and the Nadis by itself. When the natural breathing pattern is established – which can only happen when both nostrils are open and clear – the solar and lunar energies influencing the body and mind are balanced, and then the body and mind, including the right and left hemispheres of the brain, function more harmoniously.
How to Do Neti
The traditional yoga practice of Jala Neti is very simple and easy to do; and when practiced properly is very comfortable and refreshing as well as good for immediate and long term health. You need a Neti pot, lukewarm water and salt. Normally it is practiced over a sink but can be done outside as well. First your Neti pot should be washed carefully with warm water and soap after purchase, and if there are others in the household practicing Neti, each should have their own Neti pot, just as everyone has his or her own toothbrush. Use water that has no chlorine or other chemicals or pollutants; filtered or spring or clean water can be used; a simple way to eliminate chlorine is to fill a jar and let it sit open for 24 hours, and the chlorine evaporates. To keep out dust or insects, a clean thin towel can be placed over the jar.
Heat the water to just slightly warmer than body temperature and for each pint of water stir in ½- 1 teaspoon of pure salt. People can find the right amount of salt for themselves, I use 1 t in my pot. Either sea salt or mined salt can be used; but it should not only be fine but without any added chemicals, which table salt often contains additives. Canning salt is usually easily available, inexpensive, and is 100% pure salt. The most effective way to stir in the salt is with a wooden spoon or implement before pouring it into the Neti pot, as any salt not dissolved completely will be very uncomfortable. Some people may prefer a bit more or less salt; not enough salt causes stinging and too much can also be irritating..
First determine which nostril is dominant – or more open – by pressing each one closed, and breathing through the open nostril; one will be more open than the other. Hold the Neti pot in one hand, insert the spot firmly into the nostril which is more open, and tilt the head sideways while bent over, and pour the salted water so that it goes through one nostril and out the other. Adjust the tilt of the head as necessary, and when finished with one nostril, hold the other nostril closed with your finger and gently blow out any remaining water along with any mucus. Then repeat the same procedure with the other nostril. Make sure to never use force when practicing Neti.
Since Neti pots hold varying amounts of water, sometimes you need to refill the pot, if it doesn’t hold a pint of water. You can save some water and finish by gargling, which can also help loosen up any mucus in the throat or sinuses. Wash any salt water off your face, and carefully rinse your Neti pot.
Unhealthy Modern Lifestyles - Neti Helps
Many people live in urban areas with poor air quality – with smoke from factories, fumes from cars and buses, toxins from power plants or even beauty salons – all of these particulates being screened through our nostrils thousands of times a day. Even rural areas are known for unhealthy air quality – with dust, excess pollen, and agricultural chemicals notorious offenders.
Additionally, in crowded cities people are often working and traveling in close quarters – sometimes next to people who are sick, or are smoking - breathing in what other people just breathed out! It is also noted that even inside our own houses the air quality can be very unhealthy due to toxic cleaners, pesticides or other common household chemicals, or even the artificial perfumes in personal care products like shampoos, and clothes detergents. Often we live in small apartments along with pets and their dander, carpets and dust. No wonder people sometimes feel lack of energy or a general feeling of being unwell.
One simple step anyone can take to help reduce the intake and absorption of toxins and allergens in poor quality air is the daily practice of Neti. Jala Neti pleasantly washes out accumulated debris in the nostrils – both mucus that the body creates naturally – which can impede the free flow of air in the nasal passages, and can also create a haven for microbes – and dust, pollen, and toxins of all kinds that float in the air we breathe daily. In fact, practicing Neti not only in the morning as a daily routine, but also when we return home after work, school or other outings, helps lower the general toxic load our bodies have to deal with, thus helping reduce allergic reactions and many other common respiratory discomforts.
Often people notice that their sense of smell improves after regular Neti practice – and find that many strong perfumes or artificial smells are not so pleasant, and by instead using naturally made household products, the sometimes unhealthy household environment is much improved. By helping to balance the Prana and clear the subtle channels in the body, our physical and mental wellbeing receives a much-needed healthy boost. Neti is a simple and easy heath affirming and promoting habit that has surprisingly powerful benefits that can help reduce the effects of unhealthy modern life considerably.
Poor Air Quality - Neti Helps
Most urban and suburban areas have high levels of pollution – from cars, buses, trucks, trains, furnaces, manufacturing, power plants – the list is endless. Even rural countryiside also has problems – dust, crop spraying or other agricultural practices, and places with high moisture have molds and fungus and everywhere has pollen at various times of the year. Smoke from woodstoves or fireplaces is also common, or outdoor burning. All these gasses and particulates get inhaled through our nostrils and many adhere to the tiny hairs inside the nasal passages. If we don’t wash them out via Neti practice, they can add to the toxic load in our bodies, thus aggravating or causing allergies, sensitivities, asthma and other respiratory ailments, and a general feeling of being unwell, leading to poor immune function and just feeling tired.
The daily practice of Neti – or even twice a day in highly polluted places – effectively washes out these myriad toxins and pollutants, pollen and mold or fungus spores, gently cleansing the nasal passages, leaving a fresh feeling of cleanliness and freer breathing that enhances overall health and wellbeing. Even inside our houses and apartments, air quality is often poor due to dust, dust mites, floating carpet fibers, chemicals from cleaners and plastics – and these can also harm our health. So daily Neti practice is recommended even if we stay home!
How Neti Helps Balance the Energy in Our Body
Most people notice that the breath flows in the right and left nostrils in a pattern – one nostril is more open, the other more closed; and after some time, the dominant or more open nostril changes; thus forming a patter throughout the twenty four hours. The right nostril activates and is connected to the Pingala Nadi or solar channel of energy, and the left nostril activates and is connected to the Ida Nadi, the lunar channel of energy. To have good mental and physical health, and to facilitate the practice of yoga, the Ida and Pingala channels should be open and clear, to be able to promote all bodily and mental systems and functions properly. In fact, one of the most important yoga breathing practices of Pranayama, called Nadi Shodhana (“clearing the Nadis”), or Alternate Nostril breathing, specifically opens and balances these channels.
The problem is that many people find one or sometimes both nostrils blocked, sometimes caused by allergies or air pollution, often with resulting sinus problems. In fact, having one or both chronically blocked nostrils alone can lead to a number of health problems, as well as make the practice of Pranayama very difficult.
The daily practice of Jala Neti not only helps clear the nostrils so that both right and left nostrils can breathe clearly, and the natural cyclical pattern of alternating dominant nostril breathing occur, but the Neti method also helps to balance the breathing pattern and the Nadis by itself. When the natural breathing pattern is established – which can only happen when both nostrils are open and clear – the solar and lunar energies influencing the body and mind are balanced, and then the body and mind, including the right and left hemispheres of the brain, function more harmoniously.
How to Do Neti
The traditional yoga practice of Jala Neti is very simple and easy to do; and when practiced properly is very comfortable and refreshing as well as good for immediate and longterm health. You need a Neti pot, lukewarm water and salt. Normally it is practiced over a sink but can be done outside as well. First your Neti pot should be washed carefully with warm water and soap after purchase, and if there are others in the household practicing Neti, each should have their own Neti pot, just as everyone has his or her own toothbrush. Use water that has no chlorine or other chemicals or pollutants; filtered or spring or clean water can be used; a simple way to eliminate chlorine is to fill a jar and let it sit open for 24 hours, and the chlorine evaporates. To keep out dust or insects, a clean thin towel can be placed over the jar.
Heat the water to just slightly warmer than body temperature and for each pint of water stir in ½ teaspoon pure salt. Either sea salt or mined salt can be used; but it should not only be fine but without any added chemicals, which table salt often contains additives. Canning salt is usually easily available, inexpensive, and is 100% pure salt. The most effective way to stir in the salt is with a wooden spoon or implement before pouring it into the Neti pot, as any salt not dissolved completely will be very uncomfortable. Some people may prefer a bit more or less salt; not enough salt causes stinging and too much can also be irritating..
First determine which nostril is dominant – or more open – by pressing each one closed, and breathing through the open nostril; one will be more open than the other. Hold the Neti pot in one hand, insert the spot firmly into the nostril which is more open, and tilt the head sideways while bent over, and pour the salted water so that it goes through one nostril and out the other. Adjust the tilt of the head as necessary, and when finished with one nostril, hold the other nostril closed with your finger and gently blow out any remaining water along with any mucus. Then repeat the same procedure with the other nostril. Make sure to never use force when practicing Neti.
Since Neti pots hold varying amounts of water, sometimes you need to refill the pot, if it doesn’t hold a pint of water. You can save some water and finish by gargling, which can also help loosen up any mucus in the throat or sinuses. Wash any salt water off your face, and carefully rinse your Neti pot.
Link to a very good Neti pot, stainless steel, comes with directions and some salt. No need for fancy salt. I use Himlayan salt for everything, but any salt without chemicals can be used.
https://www.amazon.com/Stainless-Sachet-Instruction-Leaflet-Remover/dp/B01JUBJ1RM/ref=sr_1_6
A bit more on sinus infections.
Drink hot drinks such as:
Basil tea
Add powdered ginger, cinnamon and black pepper to hot teas/drinks.
And/or chop or slice fresh ginger, simmer for 20 minutes in a covered pot, and drink. Add honey.
Steam inhalation: big bowl, boiling water, add some Eucalyptus essential oil, breathe in steam.
marking place for sinus infection info
thanx LJ
Re: Barberry [Berberis] Is the same thing as berberine?
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