Knowing your dog, knowing the treatment
By Pamela Nations-Weissman Many people do not realize that there are numerous herbal and homeopathic remedies that can save them thousands of dollars on their veterinary bills. This is not to say that I feel that traditional veterinary procedures are not important. In fact, I believe in achieving balance in all areas of life, including working hand in hand – or should I say hand in paw – with your veterinarian. The point is that by expanding our knowledge of simple herbal and homeopathic remedies and knowing when and how to use them properly, we can save money, time and avoid the unnecessary stress that countless trips to the vet’s office can cause to our sensitive pets. Learning to pay close attention to our furry companion’s energy level, eating, drinking, bowel movements, eyes, ears, skin and so on is the first step to stopping minor problems before they escalate into major ones (thereby making a trip to the vet’s office unavoidable). Since our dogs cannot verbalize when something is wrong, it is our job to pay attention, take note, and then take appropriate action. I know what my dog Cypress wants by her eyes, grunts, sighs and overall body language. I accompany her into our yard every time she goes potty. This enables me to know if she has a problem and give her the correct remedy. For example, one day Cypress seemed to need to go out every half hour or so to urinate. After a few hours I noticed that when she squatted, not much urine was being released. Then and there I knew she had a bladder problem. I gave her three cranberry gel caps (Note: She is a large dog, smaller dogs will require a reduced dosage) every three to four hours along with two capsules of an Ayurvedic herb called Gokshura. By evening there was less urgency to urinate, and by the following morning she was much better. I continued the treatment for two more days in lower dosages to ensure that the problem would not resurface. Had I not gone out with her each time, she could have suffered for a very long time and the end result could have been disastrous. Another reason to accompany your dog to the bathroom is to observe the condition of their stool. If it is runny, I give Cypress catnip capsules, peppermint extract, evening primrose, coriander and cumin. If she is constipated a dose of goldenseal, cod liver oil and flaxseed oil usually does the trick. Another sign to watch for is frequent burping, gas or stomach grumbling. This can be alleviated with ginger extract, peppermint and catnip. It is good to know which herbs and homeopathics to have around for emergencies. Goldenseal/Echinacea alcohol free extract can be used for a wide variety of problems including a weakened immune system, eye infections, ear infections, cuts and scrapes. For eyes and ears, dilute a small amount with water and wash the affected area several times daily while simultaneously administering orally two to three times a day until the condition improves. Once the problem subsides, give your dog acidophilus capsules morning and evening for at least one day to replenish the friendly intestinal bacteria which goldenseal’s antibiotic activity destroys. Now let’s talk about stress. Stress is a major cause of many our pet’s ailments, so by being more sensitive to your dog and the things that cause them stress you can prevent many stress-related ailments. For example, we had recently moved to Florida and had not previously experienced the Fourth of July in our new home. My husband has a job that frequently requires him to travel abroad. This, in and of itself, will increase a dog’s stress due to separation anxiety. Add to this already stressful reality loud thunderous booming of fireworks for hours on end and it is enough to send any mild mannered pet over the edge. Even I became stressed out, so I could only imagine the effect this had on Cypress. The remedy was to first close all the curtains, then turn on soothing music loud enough to drown out the fireworks while speaking to your pets to calm them. Next, give your pet some homeopathics for stress such as phosphorous, ignatia amara or stramonium. You can find a good homeopathic calming formula at my website: www.alternativetao.com, then clicking on the Dr. GoodPet link. There you will find a product called, “stress calm” which is excellent in these situations. If you do not have homeopathics, you can give your pet some herbal extracts for stress such as black cohosh, passion flower, skullcap, valerian, chamomile and catnip. Also there are herbal remedies made especially for stressed out pets. One that comes to mind is Animal’s Apawthecary – tranquility blend. It contains valerian, skullcap, oats and passion flower. You can find this by going to my website, then clicking on the Mountain Rose Herb link where they sell many herbal pet formulas as well as single herb extracts. Finally, always provide fresh purified drinking water for your dog. I have several water bowls strategically placed throughout the house and on the deck to encourage my pets to drink since they are older and sometimes don’t feel like making lengthy trips to a single water bowl. This as well as fresh air, exercise and quality petting time will ensure a happy, healthy and long life for your furry friend. Most of all do not forget to schedule regular annual checkups for your pet with their veterinarian (every six months for older dogs), and always be mindful of what your pet is trying to tell you.
The Medicinal Uses of Kudzu BY Pamela Nations-Weissman The Kudzu plant has many medicinal properties and is one of the earliest medicinal plants used in traditional Chinese medicine. Kudzu contains two isofavones called daidzin and daidzein, which when taken orally may reduce the cravings for alcohol by influencing areas of the central nervous system that controls the desire for alcohol. Animals given kudzu and alcohol had lower blood alcohol levels than animals given alcohol alone and kudzu treated animals showed less interest in alcohol in general. Another study showed that kudzu also protected the animal’s liver cells from being damaged from the alcohol. Scientists are still investigating whether these effects apply to human beings as well as animals. Other medicinal uses for kudzu include, influenza, cough, colds, tonsillitis, measles, fevers, snake and insect bites, diarrhea, dysentery, intestinal ailments, enteritis, constipation, removal of excess fluids from the body, digestive disorders, bad breath, headaches, migraines, hangovers, sinus problems, anemia, internal bleeding, thirst, hunger, lack of energy, sexual apathy, impotence, infertility, asthma, diabetes (caution, can reduce blood sugar levels and result in hypoglycemia when taken in large amounts), bronchitis, pneumonia, muscle shrinking, dizziness, diaphoretic, strengthen the spleen, stomach and intestines, as well as the entire immune system. In traditional Chinese medicine kudzu has been used to relieve muscle pain. Animal studies and some human case reports suggest that kudzu may have some anti-inflammatory effects. Chemicals in kudzu may also lower the heart rate and regulate it’s rhythm, as well as widen the blood vessels near the heart and the brain. This may support its uses in heart conditions and for the treatment of migraine headaches. However, more research is still being done to prove or disprove these potential uses. This brings me to the region of my report, which has to do with kudzu’s potential effect on migraine headaches. I ordered some cut and sifted kudzu root through a reputable online source and was able to put it to the test one evening when I was experiencing a terrible migraine. My head hurt from the base of my neck and up and around to just over my left eye. I was feeling nauseous and any kind of light or noise made it much worse. I steeped the kudzu root in boiled water for about ten minutes and them sipped two, six ounce cups of the brew. Although it didn’t completely get rid of my migraine, it did take the edge off and enable me to relax and fall asleep. I’m not sure if I needed to drink more of the tea, or if the leaves would have had a stronger effect on the migraine. However, I am certain that the pain and the severity of the migraine were lessened after drinking the kudzu root tea. If I ever experience another migraine headache, I’ll put Kudzu root to the test once more, but for now I am happy to drink it simply for its system enhancing properties.
Similarities of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Ayurveda
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda use similar diagnostic procedures. In TCM, a constant flow of qi which is the life force that flows through our bodies and the universe – is central to good health. When there is too little, too much, or stagnating qi, illness results. The same basic concept applies to the system of Ayurvedic Medicine, where the human body is viewed as innumerable channels in which disease is seen as an impairment in the flow through these channels. Both TCM and Ayurvedia perform a series of examinations and observations which include: looking, listening, smelling, asking, and touching. Each symptom means very little by itself, and only in correlation with the other signs can a proper diagnoses come about. Both systems base diagnosis on a individual’s body type. TCM on a Yin, Yang theory, which refers to polar opposites in the universe- like hot and cold, dry and damp. TCM doctors see the body as a unified whole with opposing aspects-every element, function and feeling has a complementary opposite. They see illness as a result of yin/yang imbalance. A patient possessing Yin (being cold), qualities would exhibit a passive, quiet manner. Where as a Yang (being hot), individual would show an outwardly aggressive, talkative, irritated manner. Ayurvedic's classification of an individual's body type is based on Doshas. All individuals possess three doshas, however, at birth one dosha is usually predominant, and this dosha becomes that individual’s body type throughout their lives. The three doshas are Vata, Pitta and Kapha. A patient with mostly Vata (air-ether) traits could be tall, or short with a thin frame and prominent bones due to under-developed muscles. Their extremities tend to be cold, and eyes are small with thin lashes. They suffer from dryness of the skin, eyes and nails being brittle, they are nervous, active and alert. Pitta individuals may appear medium height with a moderate weight frame. The skin is soft and warm and not as dry as Vata types and they have sharp and penetrating eyes. Pitta types are aggressive and intelligent, determined, irritable and at times jealous. Kapha individuals have large, heavy frames and cool skin, which is on the pale and oily side. They have big attractive eyes with thick lashes and their minds are calm, slow and receptive. They can be greedy, attached and self-contented, but also steadfast and loyal. Appearance also is a factor in TCM, where a strong robust appearance indicates strong organs, and a weak looking, frail appearance would indicate weak organs. The order of examination is of the utmost importance and some signs out-weigh the others by far. Such as the pulse and tongue being the main factors in diagnosis. This is true in both TCM , and Ayurvedic systems. Both systems believe that the best time to take a pulse is in the morning when the body is at rest and the pulse is cool. The best time is before 10 a.m. after expelling stool and urine and before eating. TCM suggests taking a pulse at the radial artery near the wrist, although it may be felt at various points of the body. Ayurvedic Medicine also suggests taking the pulse at the radial artery, but has different points of location on the wrist for each of the three doshas. However finger positioning is the same in both systems, where the index, middle and ring finger drape over the top of the wrist and rest on the underside of the wrist, with the index finger closest to the palm of the hand. Both systems have types of pulse and in TCM they are based on speed, width, strength, shape and quality, length, and rhythm. TCM has about eighteen primary types of pulses which are very important in determining possible disharmonies. Ayurvedic Medicine categorize the different pulses my order of ailments, such as; an asthmatic individual would have a thin, steady, accelerated, hard, speedy, intense, hollow pulse that could be felt under all three fingers. Or another example would be an obese person would have a thick, slow pulse, which is the same as a person with excess phlegm in the system. Just as there are eighteen types of primary pulses in TCM, there are just as many is Ayurvedia. If a person’s pulse is continuously cool and slow in the morning, hot at noon, and fast in the evening, it is a healthy pulse, according to Ayurvedic Medicine. TCM has areas on the wrists that correspond with different organs such as; first position on the left wrist corresponds to the heart, but on the right wrist it corresponds to the lungs, or second position on the left wrist corresponds to the liver, and on the right it corresponds to the spleen and so on. The same is also true in the system of Ayurveda, where the three wrist positions reveal the health of twelve different body organs. This is possible because certain “meridian” or energy lines connect the organ energy currents to corresponding wrist positions. The tongue is another important factor in determining an individuals health. In TCM the tongue’s color is of the utmost importance, a normal tongue would appear pale red and somewhat moist. A pale tongue would indicate that there is deficient blood, qi, or excess cold. A red tongue would be a sign of a heat condition in the body, and scarlet would mean extreme heat. A purple tongue would indicate that qi and blood are not flowing harmoniously, and pale purple would signify an obstruction related to cold. In general a lack of flow due to cold would make the tongue appear moist, and a heat condition would result in a dryness of the tongue. The coating, fur, or moss on the surface of the tongue is the result of spleen activity. The tongue moss covers the whole surface or patches of the surface of the tongue. It can vary in thickness, color, texture, and general appearance. In a healthy individual the density of moss is relatively uniform, although it may be slightly thicker in the center of the tongue. The moss is thin, whitish, and moist, and the tongue material can be seen through it. A thin moss can be normal, but during an illness it may be a sign of deficiency. A very thick moss is nearly always a sign of excess. Ayurvedic medicine is very similar in the observation of the tongue. The color, size shape and coating help in diagnostic procedures. A blackish brown color shows Vata disorders. Yellow, green or reddish suggests Pitta problems in the liver or gall bladder. Kapha problems are revealed by a whitish color. Blue may suggest heart problems, blue or purple would indicate stagnation or liver disorders. The coating of the tongue suggests toxins in the system, e.g. When only a little coating is on the tongue, the person is generally healthy. A thick, white coating indicates Kapha. Thick greasy, yellow, or inflamed tongues suggest fermentation or Pitta conditions. Both TCM and Ayurveda use the tongue as a map to diagnose certain organs, where different areas of the tongue relate to a specific organ. The areas of corresponding organs on the tongue are pretty similar in both systems of diagnoses e.g. the tongue being at the very tip, or the stomach in the middle and kidneys located in the back area of the tongue. While the tongue and pulse play an important role in determining illness other factors also need to be considered, one being that of facial color. In TCM the color of the face and it’s moistness are closely related to the body’s Qi and Blood. The Nei Jing states that “ all the Qi and Blood of the meridians pour upward into the face.” Normal and healthy facial color would appear shiny and moist. White is associated with disharmonies of Deficiency or of Cold, where a Darkness or Black is associated with Deficient Kidneys and congealed blood and the blackness is usually the greatest under the eyes. In Ayurveda the facial observation deals mostly with the expressions of the individual such as, between the eye brows there are liver lines which are signs of repressed anger, or across the forehead there are worry lines which are a sign of excess Vata or worry, and dark under eye rings would be a sign of a kidney disorder. Observation of the eyes in diagnoses is also very important to both healing systems. TCM states that although it is the liver that opens into the eyes, the health of all the organs is reflected in them because the pure Qi of all the organs “pours through the eyes.” Lively eyes indicate that the Qi is uninjured; stiff “wooden,” inflexible eyes show either a Wind or a Deficient condition, and if the whites of the eyes are red, it is a sign of a Heat condition caused by external pernicious influences or excess heat of an organ and so on. Ayurveda believe that the eyes help to show an individual’s dosha, (Vata, Pitta, or Kapha). Generally Vata eyes are small and unsteady, Pitta eyes are sharp and piercing, reddish or bloodshot, and Kapha eyes appear large, wide and white. Healthy eyes are serene, cheerful, and beautiful. Observation of an individual's secretions and excretions is another necessary step when diagnosing an illness in both TCM and Ayurveda. In TCM the principal secretions and excretions are phlegm, vomit, urine and stool. Because phlegm and vomit may be seen by the physician, they are considered part of the Looking Examination. Urine and stool are usually discussed with the patient and are therefore covered in the asking Examination. The same is true in Ayurveda where by asking and observing a physician can gain knowledge of an individuals constitution through the type of ecretions and excretions they exhibit. By taking all of these signs into consideration and weighing comparing them to the other signs in the examination, an accurate diagnoses eventually comes about and the physician along with the patient can begin to take the necessary steps towards a health and renewal. While TCM and Ayurveda practice many of the same diagnostic techniques, they are also uniquely different in many ways as well. They always have, and always will be considered accurate, and highly revered ancient healing systems of the East, which are finally on the rise and being recognized for their amazing healing abilities here in the Western world as well. In any case TCM and Ayurveda have that very special way of viewing the patient as a one of a kind individual, taking into consideration the many aspects of the patients habit and lifestyle, and not just treating specific symptoms, while ignoring the over-all picture involving a more personalized approach to healing.
Squelching the Fire Down Below A Natural and Cost Effective Approach to Healing Acid Reflux, Heartburn, Ulcers and Indigestion. Written By, Pamela Nations-Weissman May 5th, 2004 Many people suffer from conditions such as acid-reflux, heartburn, indigestion and ulcers. In an attempt to remedy the situation prescription medications such as esomeprazole, (also known as Nexium) are often used. This is not only costly – e.g. 30 pills for around $200.00 – but its assortment of possible side effects entail a hefty price as well. Among the less serious possible reactions are nausea, headache, diarrhea, flatulence, abdominal pain, constipation and dry mouth. The more serious possible side effects include difficulty in breathing, throat closure, swelling of lips, face, tongue and hives. As if all this is not bothersome enough, esomeprazole must be taken a half-hour before each meal with a full eight ounces of water and needs to be taken for an extended period of time. When one thinks again about the high cost of a mere 30 pills, the stress is enough to create a myriad of other health problems and the whole scenario becomes very hard to swallow. Although I encourage you to check with your physician before beginning any new herbal and dietary regimen, it seems to me that there may be a much simpler and more economical way to treat heartburn, indigestion, ulcers and acid reflux through utilization of beneficial herbs and spices that can be added to meals and used in teas to bring about the desired health benefits. By simply adding the necessary spices and herbs to your meals you may be able to eliminate the need for prescriptions that carry with them such disastrous consequences. For example, tomatoes or any type of red pasta sauces will give me a severe case of acid reflux and indigestion, and I’d just as soon as avoid them completely. However, my husband adores pasta with red sauce and I adore him, so by adding herbs like fennel seeds, basil, parsley and thyme in moderate amounts to my sauces when I’m preparing them, I’ve found a way to make us both happy while allowing me to have an enjoyable dining experience with no fiery aftermaths or volcanic eruptions. I even take it one step further and prepare a wonderful, relaxing after dinner tea containing herbs like fennel, ginger, chamomile, licorice, alfalfa and catnip. Not only do I sleep like a baby, I am also free from any signs of indigestion, heartburn or hyperacidity. I realize that it may not be convenient to go this route when eating out in restaurants or at friend’s house, and friends probably would not stay your friends if they catch you adding herbs and spices to meals that they just prepared for you. Consequently, whenever I know I will be away from home, I always carry a bag of fennel seeds in my purse or pocket and (if needed) pop a handful in my mouth after dinner. This is actually an ancient East Indian technique. In fact, you will usually notice that a plate of fennel has replaced the mint candies near the cash register of traditional Indian restaurants. By chewing the fennel seeds not only will you put out any fires down below, you will also tame the savage dragon breath that usually follows a good meal. If all this is sounding good so far and you’re wondering how you begin to go the natural way, you can start by walking to your spice rack and taking inventory of what herbs and spices you find. If you are lucky you will see fennel, basil, cloves, bay leaves, cumin, coriander, thyme, dill, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, parsley, celery seeds, caraway seeds, anise seeds, red and black pepper and this would mean that you are ready to go. The answers to your problems were there all the time just waiting for you to use them. Now walk over to your tea cupboard and hopefully you will find herbs such as, chamomile, raspberry, dandelion, catnip, papaya, licorice, peppermint, alfalfa, spearmint and ginger. If you have all or some of these herbs in stock than you are well on your way. If you don’t have the herbs, it is certainly more cost effective to purchase bulk herbs and you can find a great place to purchase them by logging onto my website www.alternativetao.com, and then selecting the links page where you will find a link for Mountain Rose Herbs. There are also Ayurvedic herbs that are excellent for digestion and ulcers such as shatavari, (asparagus), cumin, cardamom, amalaki and triphalia. These can also be obtained at my website. Coffee causes many digestive upsets due to its acidic nature. Yet for most people giving up coffee is too much of a sacrifice, so they choose to suffer needlessly. By adding small amounts of chicory in with your coffee grounds, you eliminate its acidic effects while creating a bolder coffee flavour. Furthermore, the addition of chicory also provides an economical solution by making your coffee supplies last much longer. Chicory is quite strong so be careful to only add it in small amounts. For example, if you usually use 6 tablespoons of coffee for 10 cups, after mixing your grounds with the chicory you will only want to add 2 tablespoons at the most, otherwise the experience will be a bitter one. However, if you measure appropriately you will enjoy and savor the delightful beverage and suffer no digestive disturbances. Finally, loose fitting clothing ensures better digestion and cuts down on stomach acids. In addition, eating slowly in a calm, peaceful environment with no noises or distractions and focusing on each and every bite will give your digestive system time to do its job properly. This practice is in sharp contrast to normal Western practices of talking, barely chewing before swallowing, watching television or just not giving our meal the attention it deserves. So the next time you prepare your next meal add some beneficial herbs, prepare some herbal tea, turn off that television, replace those tight jeans with comfortable clothes and slowly, calmly enjoy each and every bite. After dinner sip the herbal tea while noticing not only how much better and more relaxed your body feels, but also how the natural approach to health and healing has relieved the stress of Western medicines on your bankbook.
The Brighter Side of Depression* Turning a Negative into a Positive By Pamela Nations-Weissman An estimated three to five percent of the world’s population experiences depression at any given moment. Therapy for depression must be individualized for the reason that there are various types of depression, all of which have different underlying causes. There are many prescription medications for depression that only mask the symptoms, instead of correcting the root of the problem. Let us compare the psychophysical problem of depression with a beautiful garden that has become over grown with weeds. Instead of pulling the weeds out by hand one at a time and removing the entire root, I might be tempted to break out my weed eater and chop them all down at once. This quick solution to the problem makes the garden look much better for a little while, but soon the weeds grow back in larger quantities than before. By contrast, if I had taken the time and care to tend to the weeds properly through elimination of their roots, I could have enjoyed the beauty of my garden for many days to come. By choosing the quick solution all I accomplished, in the long run, was exasperating the problem. Similarly, oftentimes prescriptions of Western medicine for the treatment of depression prove not merely expensive, but they also come with an endless list of potential side effects including: fever, seizures, heart pounding, anxiety, weakness, weight loss, loss of appetite, nausea, dry mouth, stomach upset, sleeplessness, nervousness, drowsiness, tremors, sweating, decreased sex drive, flu-like symptoms, headaches, diarrhea, dizziness, gas, vision changes, rash, vomiting, confusion, changes in behavior, increased blood pressure, etc. In my opinion, it just doesn’t seem worth the risk when there are numerous ways that we can tackle the problem from the root up. Unfortunately, in our modern society most people are looking for “quick fix “ solutions offered by prescription drugs that simply mask the symptoms, instead of taking the time to analyze their lifestyle habits and make the necessary changes required to alleviate the problems from the root up. If we look upon depression as our teacher, providing us with an opportunity to learn ways to improve our health for the better, we can transform the despair and hopelessness that accompanies depression into strength, wisdom and splendor. Since what we resist, persists, why not embrace our depression, instead of fighting it and transform our lives into a more harmonious state of being. The simplest and most effective way to accomplish this is by going to the root of our problems and eliminating the negative thinking, behavior, diet and/or destructive habits that lead to depression. Taking control over our illness and working from the root up can enable us to create and sustain positive mental health. There are simple lifestyle changes like meditation, yoga and physical exercise that can increase our sense of well-being and boost the serotonin levels in our brain, leaving us in a brighter mood, with improved feelings of self-worth that we carry with us throughout our entire day. A primary cause of depression is negative thoughts and emotions. Many of us never even consider how destructive elements can affect our consciousness. Often we are inundated by such influences constantly, soaking them up like a sponge, until we find ourselves wallowing in a pit of despair without any concept of how it happened. Being mindful of the people we surround ourselves with, the programs we watch on television and the things we choose to read, or listen to on the radio is more important then most of us realize. The news is typically filled with one horrific tale after another aired round the clock on the television and over the radio. Primetime viewing is filled with crime, murder and a never-ending flood of greed and/or fame motivated “reality” shows. Watching these programs before going to sleep can subtly encode our subconscious minds, thereby affecting our mental, physical and spiritual well-being. Instead of the morning news, try listening to uplifting music, or doing a few minutes of yoga or meditation. Often, I simply want to see the weather report in the morning, so I’ll turn on the news and in a matter of a couple seconds I’m flooded with war, murder and chaos, which leaves me feeling very depressed. Consequently, I now turn the volume down and raise it only when I see the weatherman giving the daily forecast and then immediately turn it off completely after that. Chaos is everywhere and it is up to us to filter it much like we do our drinking water, so as not to allow destructive thoughts and emotions into our minds and our hearts. This same logic can also be applied to our diets and what we choose to eat and drink. If we are not supplying ourselves with the necessary nutrients for a well-balanced body and mind then how can we expect to have good health and alleviate our symptoms of depression? Here again is where the “quick fix” mentality hurls us to fast food chains and pre-packaged meals loaded with preservatives and fillers. In addition, alcohol, tobacco, and excessive amounts of coffee rob our bodies of vital nutrients. Finally, many low carbohydrate diets can result in a depletion of serotonin levels that further exasperate the symptoms of depression. By contrast, a diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as soy products, brown rice, millet and legumes can help to improve our physical and mental states. In addition, there are wonderful herbs that can assist us in managing depression such as, alfalfa, black cohosh, dong quai, gotu kola, licorice (note: avoid licorice if you have high blood pressure), passion flower, skullcap, lavender, sarsaparilla, black walnut and red raspberry just to name a few. Ayurvedic herbs for depression are musta, saffron and mugwort. Chinese herbs for depression include curcuma, sweet flag, albizzia bark, biota, fleece flower root, zizyphus seeds and ginseng. Homeopathics useful for treating depression are arsenicum album, aurum metallicum, ignatia amara, kali phosphoricum, phosforicum acidum, pulsatilla and rhus toxicodendron. In addition, the amino acid tyrosine raises dopamine levels, which can influence moods and taurine can assist the neurological function. Also, taking a multi-vitamin that has all the necessary minerals and vitamins (especially B vitamins), will help soothe the nerves and alleviate undesirable symptoms. Extra B-12, calcium, magnesium and zinc supplementation will help as well. Most of the herbs and homeopathics can be obtained by going to the links page of my website www.alternativetao.com, where you will find a link for Mountain Rose Herbs. In addition, http://www.abchomeopathy.com is a good place to purchase many homeopathic remedies. Most of the vitamins and supplements mentioned above can be obtained in any health store, or your local supermarket. In conclusion, if we learn to embrace our depression, instead of thinking of it as a handicap, we can recognize it as a wonderful opportunity, a quest for knowledge, a chance to learn much more about ourselves on many levels and utilize what we’ve learned to turn something dark and negative into something life affirming and positive. By gradually becoming more and more empowered we render depression powerless over our lives and us. Namasté
Ayurvedic Formula For Weight Loss, General Cleansing and Arthritis Pamela Nations-Weissman March 16, 2005 This formula is beneficial for cleansing, weight loss and arthritis. It consists of eight, ayurvedic primary herbs, five secondary herbs and one demulcent herb. I have chosen to prepare the formula as a powder form and fill size ‘00’ capsules with the mixture. I weigh approximately 143 pounds and the dosage for my weight is two of the capsules taken in the morning, noon and evening for a total of six capsules a day for a month. Below is a list of ingredients and the amounts that I used to prepare my course project formula. Primary Herbs in my formula are as follows: 1.) Guggul- 2 o/z – works on all tissue elements and affects the nervous, circulatory, respiratory and digestive systems. Its tastes are bitter, pungent, astringent, sweet and heating. It acts as a rejuvenate, stimulant, alterative, nervine, antispasmodic, analgesic, expectorant, astringent and antiseptic. Guggul is helpful for treating arthritis, rheumatism, gout, lumbago, nervous disorders, neurasthenia, debility, obesity, bronchitis, whooping cough, dyspepsia, hemorrhoids, pyorrhea, skin diseases, sores and ulcers, as well as cystitis, endometriosis, leucorrhoea and tumors. 2.) Triphalia-2 o/z- Triphalia is made from three very important ayurvedic herbs for balancing the five elements. These herbs are haritaki, amalaki, and bibhitaki. Triphalia is known to uniquely cleanse and detoxify at the deepest organic levels without depleting the body’s reserves. It combines nutritional, as well as liver cleansing actions and stimulates bile flow and peristalsis. Triphalia can be taken for the treatment of inflammation, infection, obesity, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, poor circulation, digestion, regulating elimination, blood purification and liver detoxification. I’d like to breakdown the herbs in triphalia and discuss their distinctive properties. Haritaki has bitter, sour, astringent, salty, sweet and warm energies and has a direct influence on the stomach, lungs and large intestines with bitter being its predominant taste. It possesses laxative, astringent, lubricant, antiparasitical alterative, antispasmodic and nervine properties and is used to treat acute as well as chronic constipation, nervousness, anxiety and feelings of physical heaviness. Amalaki has sour, astringent, sweet, pungent, bitter and cooling tastes, while affecting the lungs, liver, stomach and heart. Amalaki acts as an astringent, mild laxative, alterative, antipyretic and is used to treat fire imbalances such as ulcers, inflammation of stomach, intestines, constipation, diarrhea, liver congestion, eruptions, infections and burning feelings throughout the body. Bibhitaki has astringent, sweet, bitter, pungent and warming tastes and works on the lungs, heart and liver. It is a tonic and digestive as well as antispasmodic and is used to treat asthma, bronchiole conditions, allergies and hiccups, while balancing and removing excess mucus from the system. Moving on to the third primary herb in my formula: 3.) Ashwaganda-2 o/z- Ashwaganda is a bitter, astringent, sweet and heating tastes that works on muscle, fat, bone, marrow, nerve and reproductive tissues. It directly affects the reproductive, nervous and respiratory systems and acts as a tonic, rejuvenate, aphrodisiac, nervine, sedative and astringent. Ashwaganda can be used to treat general debility, sexual debility, nerve exhaustion, convalescence, emaciation, loss of memory, loss of muscular energy, spermatorrhea, overwork, tissue deficiency, insomnia, paralysis, multiple sclerosis, weak eyes, rheumatism, skin afflictions, cough, difficulty in breathing, anemia, fatigue, infertility and glandular swelling. 4.) Neem-1o/z- Neem has bitter, cooling and pungent tastes, working mainly on the plasma, blood, fat, digestive, circulatory, respiratory and urinary systems. It acts as a bitter tonic, antipyretic, alterative, anthelmintic, antiseptic, antiemetic and has traditionally been used for skin diseases like urticaria, eczema, and ringworm as well as parasites, fevers, malaria, cough, thirst, nausea, vomiting, diabetes, tumors, obesity, arthritis, rheumatism and jaundice. 5.) Kapikacchu-1o/z- Kapikacchu is a bitter, sweet, cooling thermogenic, anthelmintic, diuretic, emollient, stimulant, aphrodisiac, purgative, febrifuge and general tonic. It’s good for relieving constipation, nephropathy, strangury, dysmenorrhoea, amenorrhoea, elephantitis, dropsy, neuropathy, consumption, ulcers, helminthiasis, fever, delirium, indigestion, colic, debility, impotence and infertility. 6.) Turmeric-1/2 o/z- Turmeric is a bitter, pungent, astringent, heating taste that works on all tissue elements in the body, especially the digestive, circulatory and respiratory systems. It acts as a stimulant, carminative, alterative, vulnerary and antibacterial, which can be used to treat problems like indigestion, poor circulation, cough, amenorrhea, pharyngitis, skin disorders, diabetes, arthritis, anemia, wounds and bruises. Turmeric is also a natural antibiotic, blood purifier and it can help the to regenerate tissue formation, strengthen ligaments, regulate metabolism and assist in protein assimilation. 7.) Myrrh-1o/z- Myrrh is a bitter, pungent, sweet heating and astringent taste that works on all tissue elements as well as the circulatory, reproductive, nervous, lymphatic and respiratory systems. It acts as an emmenagogue, astringent, expectorant, antispasmodic, rejuvenative, analgesic and antiseptic. Myrrh is good for the treatment of amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menopause, cough, asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, rheumatism, traumatic injuries, ulcerated surfaces, anemia and pyorrhea. 8.) Manjistha-1o/z- Manjistha is a bitter, sweet, cooling, pungent taste that works on plasma, blood, muscle, circulatory and female reproductive systems. It has alterative, hemostatic, emmenagogue, astringent, diuretic, lithotriptic and antitumor actions in the body. Manjistha can also be used to treat conditions like amenorrhea, dysmenorrhea, menorrhagia, menopause, bleeding, broken bones, kidney or bladder stones, gall stones, jaundice, hepatitis, diarrhea, dysentery, broken bones, traumatic injuries, cancer, heart disease, skin problems, dropsy, rickets, paralysis and herpes. Secondary herbs in my formula are as follows: 1.) Ginger-1o/z- Ginger is a pungent, sweet, heating taste that works on all tissue elements and affects the digestive as well as the respiratory systems of the body. It acts as a stimulant, diaphoretic, expectorant, carminative, antiemetic and analgesic which proves useful in treating colds, flus, indigestion, vomiting, belching, abdominal pain, laryngitis, arthritis, hemorrhoids, headaches, heart disease, gas and menstrual cramping. 2.) Fennel-1o/z- Fennel is a sweet pungent, cooling taste and it works on plasma, muscle and marrow, while affecting the digestive, nervous and urinary systems. It acts as a carminative, stomachic, stimulant, diuretic, antispasmodic and can be used to treat indigestion, abdominal pain, gas, cramps, difficult or burning urination, children’s colic, calming nerves and promoting mental alertness. 3.) Coriander-1/2 o/z- Coriander is a bitter, pungent, cooling herb that affects the plasma, blood, muscle tissues, digestive, respiratory and urinary systems, while acting as a alterative, diaphoretic, carminative, diuretic and stimulant. It has been used to treat cystitis, burning urethra, urinary tract infection, urticaria, rash, burns, sore throat, vomiting, indigestion, vomiting, allergies, hay fever, diarrhea and dysentery. 4.) Cardamom- ¼ o/z – Cardamom has a pungent, sweet, heating taste and has a direct affect on plasma, blood, marrow, nerve tissues, digestive, respiratory, circulatory and nervous systems. It acts as a stimulant, diaphoretic, carminative, stomachic and expectorant. Cardamom is used to treat colds, coughs, bronchitis, asthma, hoarse voice, loss of taste, poor absorption, indigestion, vomiting, belching and acid regurgitation. 5.) Cinnamon-1/4o/z- Cinnamon is pungent, sweet, astringent and heating in taste and affect the plasma, blood, muscles, marrow and nerve circulatory, digestive, respiratory and urinary systems. It acts as a stimulant, diaphoretic, carminative, alterative, expectorant, diuretic and analgesic. Cinnamon is used to treat colds, sinus congestion, bronchitis, dyspepsia, toothache, muscle tension, strengthens heart and warms kidneys. The Demuculent Herb in my Formula 1.) Bala-1/2o/z- Bala is sweet and cooling and works on all tissue elements especially marrow and nerve. It affects the circulatory, nervous, urinary and reproductive systems while acting as a tonic, rejuvenate, aphrodisiac, demulcent, diuretic, stimulant, nervine, analgesic and vulnerary. Bala is used to treat heart disease, facial paralysis, sciatica, insanity, neuralgia, rheumatism, asthma, emaciation, exhaustion, sexual debility, cystitis, dysentery, leuchorrhea, chronic fevers and convalescence. The Results Of Taking The Formula After taking the formula for two days I began to have three to four bowel movements a day and this lasted about a week. Although I was having frequent bowel movements, I didn’t suffer from any uncomfortable stomach cramping or experience loose stools during that time. After a week, my bowel movements slowed down to two a day and stayed there the remainder of the month, even though I was still taking up to six size ‘00’ capsules daily. Another affect of the formula occurred after four or five days when my face, neck, chest, back and upper arms broke out with lots of pimples and did so for several days. I contributed this to the cleansing properties of the formula, although I’d rather have four bowel movements a day than to sport an array of pimples around. However, I do realize that it was a necessary part of the process since the skin is the largest organ of elimination. During this reaction I made an extra effort to drink more water than I usually do to assist the cleansing process. Also, my appetite seemed to decrease and I ate smaller portions than usual and have lost about three pounds. Finally, one other symptom that occurred from taking the formula was when my arthritis in my hands and feet started to flare up for a period of about two to three days. It was very painful and then it just stopped after the three days and I haven’t had any more problems with it since. This must be the deep detoxying that happens when taking triphalia and although I felt very uncomfortable for a couple of weeks, everything seemed to smooth out and I felt much better towards the end of the formula taking cycle than I had felt in the earlier stages. In conclusion, I will continue to take the formula, but in smaller doses than I had been taking over the past month and instead of taking six ‘00’ size capsules, I will now only take four a day. I don’t mind adding the formula to my daily regimen and I have to say that I'm very pleased with the overall results. My clothes are fitting better and I can now fit comfortably into some of my blue jeans, which I haven’t been able to wear for quite some time. I feel more energetic and happy then I did before I began taking the formula. I believe this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship. *Check with your physician before beginning any new exercise, diet and/or supplemental program.
These articles are reprinted and were originally published by Natural Health Web.com - on May 7th, 2004
Menopausal Treatments Shouldn’t Involve The Abuse of Horses (Natural Menopause Treatments instead of Premarin) By Pamela Nations-Weissman Natural Health Consultant/Herbalist October 3, 2005 Since 1942 Premarin has been prescribed to treat menopausal symptoms in women. What many women do not realize is the brutal secret of how Premarin is manufactured. Premarin is extracted from the urine of pregnant mares. As many as 80,000 horses live their entire lives penned in tiny stalls unable to turn around, lie down, deprived of water and are repeatedly impregnated to continuously collect the urine. When they can no longer produce adequately they are slaughtered, and most of their offspring are either put in stalls or slaughtered as well. During the fifty or more years of Premarin production millions of horses have lived in cruel conditions and afterwards been put to death. Only in the last twenty years has the shocking truth been brought to light, but oddly enough many women still don’t know the truth and Premarin sales continue to soar. (To read more about the cycle of cruelty visit http://www.equineadvocates.com). When a woman’s ovaries stop making estrogen and she reaches menopause approximately between the ages of 45-55 years old, this marks the end of her monthly menstrual cycles, she begins to experience an array of changes in her body including: hot flashes, intense sweating and vaginal atrophy (where the lining of the vaginal walls become dry, thin and elastic making intercourse quite painful for her). She may also suffer from irregular menstruation with heavy flow, non-existent flow, erratic flow, or bleeding at unusual times. In addition, sleep disturbances, depression, mood swings, night sweats and uncontrollable irritability are common problems. This is when Premarin, or Prempro may be prescribed to help reduce her symptoms, but the health risks after long term use are high, including breast and ovarian cancer, as well as loss of bone density. Also, Premarin only replaces estrogen, not progesterone, or any of the other naturally occurring hormones that drop dramatically during menopause. In addition to the inhumane means used to create Premarin, in my opinion, the drug is no longer necessary since there are numerous herbal and dietary treatments that are readily available to help replace estrogen, progesterone and other naturally occurring hormones that are diminished during menopause. Some of these herbs and dietary supplements include: Black Cohosh, Wild Yam Root, Dong Quai, Licorice, Dandelion, Fennel, Damiana, Blue Cohosh, Peppermint, Lobelia, Blessed Thistle, Gotu Kola, Horsetail, Nettles, Raspberry, Rosehips, Alfalfa, Sarsaparilla, Chamomile and Unicorn Root and Ginseng (NOT TO BE USED IF SUFFERING FROM HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE, OR HEART DISORDERS). Ayurvedic herbs such as: Shatavari, Guduchi, Vidari Kanda, Punarnava, Musta, Brahmi, Aloe, Tulsi, Coriander, Sandalwood, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Manjishta, Saffron and Myrrh all have superb results as do Chinese herbs like, Chai Hu, Dang Gui, Bai Zhu, Fu Ling and Zhi Gan Cao. Many Chinese websites and stores have ready-made formulas in easy to take pellet forms. To obtain a customized herbal formula visit my website at: www.alternativetao.com and a custom formula can be created to specifically meet your individualized health requirements. Finally, there are many foods and herbal supplements available to ease menopausal complaints. Some of these are as follows; Soy, Lecithin, Seaweed, Evening Primrose Oil, Black Currant Seed Oil, B-Complex, B-5, B-6, Vitamin E, Silica, Boron, Calcium, Magnesium, Zinc, L-Arginine, L-Lysine, Vitamin –C, Multi-Vitamin and Mineral Complex with Potassium and Selenium and foods like greens, salmon, sardines, molasses, seaweeds, soy etc. (See, Prescription for Nutritional Healing, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch C.N.C.) . In conclusion, regular exercise, strength training, yoga and regimented sleep schedules, as well as the elimination of caffeine, sugar, stress, salt and extra spicy foods should help keep symptoms under control and lead to a better quality of life. For more information about Natural Alternatives to Menopause, or how to create your own individualized custom herbal formula for menopause visit: www.alternativetao.com, or e-mail Pamela Nations-Weissman C.N.C./Herbalist at rweissm1@tampabay.rr.com. Lets put an end to the cycle of cruelty that has faced our equine friends for over fifty years by taking a more natural, kinder approach to healing and nurturing our bodies. Pamela Nations-Weissman Natural Health Consultant/Herbalist For People and Animals www.alternativetao.com
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