Natural Health

vanity ^ | March 19 2019 | little jeremiah

[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.

[AZLiberty]

How did your petrochemical weight loss protocol go?

Roughly speaking, no weight loss. I did notice some reductions to the areas where I applied the oils, particularly my love handles, but the result was not as spectacular as some have reported.

I've recently started hot yoga again, at a new chain called HotWorx, so I'm going to re-try the petrochemical detox/weight loss protocol with the addition of exercise.

The details of the protocol are in Post 811.

[AZLiberty]

The Jack Canfield essential oils team holds some remarkable webinars. Last week Jodie Meschuk, the author of Autism Reimagined, spoke about how essential oils helped give her autistic son back his life. Although Jodie was from California, her first childbirth was far from natural, with both antibiotics and an epidural. Later on she had delayed some vaccinations for her son and went into the doctor to catch up. The doctor told her her boy needed 9 different vaccinations and he could do them all at once, and that he would do the same if it was his own kid. With some trepidation she went ahead with it -- and the boy was soon autistic.

She subsequently implemented a lot of changes, such as getting toxic chemicals out, eating only organic food, and eventually using essential oils, which she described as the final 25% of the total solution.

Today's Zoom presentation was by Dr. Susan Albright, a holistic veterinarian who uses essential oils in her practice. I only caught the tail end of it, so I'll provide an update when the recording comes out. One great anecdote came from oils guru Kathryn Trestain who used to have a pet goat. The goat developed a severe bloating problem, to the point where the goat's eyes were rolling back and she was sure he was going to die. She had already taken him to the vet, who tried Tums and a bunch of other things that didn't work. He finally offered to puncture the goat's abdomen to let off the pressure. Instead, Kathryn took him home and applied peppermint oil and within FIVE MINUTES the goat was already feeling better, and the problem resolved itself.

As near as I can tell, with abdominal stress of this severity the intestines fail to move things along. The peppermint oil apparently relaxed the intestines back into their normal state so that nature could take care of things.

Another tip is to use Thieves oil for clean-up and disinfecting. Apparently Thieves is one of the few things that can kill MRSA.

In exchange for your email address, you can sign up for a free half-hour class with Dr. Albright at https://www.animalscentsu.com/a/29633/wm94EVoY. For example, she recommends lavender for surgical healing, peppermint for post-surgery wake-up, myrtle or ravinara for clearing the air, lavender/chamomile/valerian/vetiver/cedarwood for calming before going to the groomer, etc.

[muggs]

Thank you.

[AZLiberty]

Ravinsara, not ravinara.

[little jeremiah]

Apologies for not replying to anyone yet. Got lots to do but will definitely get to some of the answers including sources today!

Regarding catnip - my plants originally popped up in soil that had come from a friend, and I saved seeds. Seeds can probably be bought. I can even mail a few - I’ve shared with friends. A few plants is all you need, and let one go to seed and save them.

I made tincture my usual way - stuffed a quart mason jar (in this case three) with the fresh leaves, added 180 proof grain alcohol diluted with equal amount well water, put lids on, shook them, and put in a dark cool place for a month, shaking every couple of days. Then because I had more catnip maturing, I strained out the tincture, refilled the jars with catnip leaves, and did it again. Also added the flowers if there are any. I actually did this three times to make it powerful, since I really did not need 9 quarts of catnip extract!

After it sat, I strained it out, pressed through a stainer or ricer (one of those cone shaped ones), and stor in dark bottles in a dark cool place.

[etabeta]

Ravinsara is also included in the blend of Breathe by doTerra.

[A virtuous woman]

Thank you for that info.

[little jeremiah]

I haven’t used catnip tincture until several months ago. So far it’s been very helpful for stomach ache and other digestive disorders and for sounder sleep. DH likes it for sleeping, too. Absolutely no side effects or anything strange. If I feel a cold or other respiratory symptoms I’ll take it right away.

[little jeremiah]

[If anyone wants on/off this list, just freepmail me.]

I put together some ideas for helping deal with stress, anxiety and to promote calm. If anyone has other things that work, add them!

Some methods to help reduce stress and promote mental calm and relaxation

1. Use of essential oils in dispenser, spray with water, baths, skin application with carrier oil, or other methods. Below is a list of EOs, some are refreshing and uplifting, some calming, some multiple purpose. Many are quite strong and most EOs should not be used directly on the skin undiluted. EOs must be pure and unadulterated, no “fragrance oils”. Simple blends can sometimes be more helpful helpful than single oil, experiment.

Lavender
YlanYlang
Bergamot
Orange
Tangerine
Sandalwood
Lemongrass
Lemon
Jasmine
Rose
Geranium
Frankincense
Clary Sage
Marjoram

2. Hot bath soaks, with a few drops of EOs if desired. Soaking for 20 minutes seems a long time but relaxes the muscles and and the mind. Heat is relaxing (especially in cold weather), try a hot water bottle on the stomach when lying down.

3. Getting a good oil massage from a professional, if not, try a simple self massage as described earlier in the thread.

4. To help with sleep, massage the feet, especially the soles, with some oil, rubbed in well (put loose socks to prevent sheets getting oily), also a cup of hot milk calms the nervous system.

5. Avoid watching or watching news, dramatic or violent movies in the last hour before going to bed. Eat at least 2 or 3 hours before bedtime.

6. Take time out to look into the distance – far away trees, mountains, the clouds. Go outside and look at the night sky if stars are visible.

7. Take walks in the fresh air especially if you can in a park, beaches, trails or quiet residential neighborhoods.

8. Exercising – walking is great, but also calming ones like hatha yoga, Tai Chi, Chi Gong, swimming, stretching.

9. Alternate nostril breathing – one of the most instantly and deep calming methods I know. Video link, also called Nadishodhana or Anuloma Viloma Prayanama. It is extremely simple to do, no need to sit with crosslegged, can be done sitting in a chair. Just sit very straight. The effects are felt within minutes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUFzLVf5wL4

10. Reading or listening to inspirational books, scriptures, ancient wisdom. Reading out loud is helpful because the mind is affected more deeply with sound than just silent reading.

11. Listening to music that you find inspirational or calming. I like Bach, Gregorian chants, Gamelan music and others.

12. Play music yourself.

13. If you have any kind of creative hobby, take time out to do it, and you can listen to music at the same time. I have a huge pile of mending and I find it very soothing to patch, mend rips, etc.

14. Take calming herbs. I like catnip extract or tea, chamomile is said to be calming but I find it more useful for stomach but it’s nice. Any or all of the herbs in Relax and Sleep, or the herbs at the link below:

Some Very Important Herbs for the Nervous System

https://freerepublic.com/focus/bloggers/3735908/posts?page=389#389

[Maudeen]

I pray a lot! I figure God is in control of everything so why not ask Him what to do.

[etabeta]

Thank you, lj! I plan to use lavender or rose e.o. in my coconut oil for massage. Nothing beats a massage for relaxation.

[little jeremiah]

I agree 100%.

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

Thanks L.J.!

I like Lavender! Although not “natural”I also find the smell of Vicks vapor rub calming.

Tulsi.(Holy Basil) Grew like a weed in my garden this year.

different types of ambient music. Here’s one.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pb1VWGQU7Eg

[little jeremiah]

What makes Vicks smell is thymol and euclyptus, I think. I make a “dragon balm” which is like Vicks and Tiger balm mixed, but all natural. It’s great for sore muscles, breathing etc. Tulsi/Holy basil makes very good tea for sickness and smells wonderful. Thanks for music.

[redryder_90]

Thank you for the Ping LJ.

You said you like some Gregorian chants....
Check out
Chant of the Mystics “Kyrie Elesion”

Going to get serious about herbs and oils in the new year. See what my budget can do to get me started with the herbs. If you know of a good place to find a beginners bundle let me know.

Thanks again for all you put out here on FR
FRgards

[Pete from Shawnee Mission]

And thank you for your post!

[little jeremiah]

If you have specific questions or needs that would help me suggest some good basic herbs. WHen I first got serious about using herbs and had one book, I took three different herbs, 1 t. each twice a day, for a month. In one month my heath improved so much I was amazed. Strength, energy, and focus all improved so much I felt 10 years younger.

Of course I was in my late 30s then, had more energy to work with! But if a person can figure out herbs that are helpful for their particular needs, AND takes them regularly, they will see improvement. Depending on health needs etc.

[little jeremiah]

PS - do you have a link?

[redryder_90]

I hope this will work ...it looks kinda weird
q=Kyrie+Eleison+chant&view=detail&mid=5B50A6FE0E022D5E60A35B50A6FE0E022D5E60A3&FORM=VIRE0&ru=%2fsearch%3fq%3dKyrie%2bEleison%2bchant%26form%3dQBLH%26sp%3d-1%26pq%3dkyrie%26sc%3d0-5%26qs%3dn%26sk%3d%26cvid%3dCEFCDD3254444B95980809B4401D7535

[redryder_90]

I would very much appreciate any suggestions for neuropathy and chemo brain fog. And DH has dvt.

What I think is so promising about using herbs is they can cover a whole lot of issues, from what i am learning on the health thread. My dh’s DVT he developed while being a caretaker for me. Sitting too long at high altitude, reading the one other qool thread on FR. DH hangs out over there every day. I try to mix it up with the prayer threads too. ; )