Natural Health and Herbal Remedies Blog – information on herbal medicine

For a number of reasons the eyelids are of particular importance. We have noted how

over-alertness is one of the main signs of anxiety. A feature of being over-alert is keeping one’s eyes open, so as to be on guard for any possible source of danger. The anxious patient

characteristically has his eyes widely open, so that the edge of the upper lid does not cover the top of the coloured part of the eye as it normally does. I have seen some patients with severe anxiety who have been so over-alert that they have virtually found it impossible to allow their eyes to close even for a moment.

It would seem that there is some such sequence of events as this. The brain is disturbed by receiving more nervous impulses than it can properly handle. As a result of this, a state of anxiety develops. The brain signals the eyes, “Keep on the lookout. Keep wide open.” From time to time the nerves of the eyes report back, “Eyelids wide open.” It would seem then that the ideas of anxiety and wide open eyelids become associated together in the brain. Now, if we learn to allow our eyelids to remain comfortably in a less fully open position, this will be reported to the brain, and this state of affairs is associated with an absence of anxiety. So instead of being

over-alert, the mind becomes calmer. This calmness of mind allows the better integration of the nervous impulses, and anxiety is reduced. This, of course, is only a more specialized example of the general principle that relaxation of the body brings with it the sensation of relaxation of the mind.

While investigating these matters in the East a few years ago I observed a number of very serene yogis whose eyelids remained in a nearly half-closed position, and whose eyelids moved quite slowly, so that when they blinked their eyelids moved slowly and leisurely. This extreme degree of relaxation is, of course, dangerous in itself, as the protective value of the blink reflex is lost. Nevertheless, without much effort we can encourage our eyelids to take up a more relaxed position. If we practise this a little, we find that the eyelids respond by developing this relaxed state quite naturally and easily much sooner than we might expect.

When about to commence practising our exercises we allow our eyelids to close. This is a natural, easy closure. There is nothing forced about it. The edges of the lids are just lightly touching each other. As we relax more completely, we notice that the eyelids part just a little so that they are no longer touching each other, and we become aware of a chink of light. This is the fully relaxed position of the eyelids, and we should aim for this as we become more expert in our exercises.

Some people do not close their eyes before they commence to relax. They are just left open. As relaxation becomes more complete the lids close very slowly over a period of a few minutes. With this method, relaxation of the mind and a good degree of regression is obtained before the lids actually close.

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And lastly, not only what you eat, but how you eat is extremely important. After all, we are not what we eat, but what we assimilate. And assimilation of nutrients from the foods you eat is to a large degree dependent on proper eating habits.

Many of us eat too fast, gulp our food down without chewing it properly-not to mention the fact that we often eat when we are not really hungry, merely because it is dinner time. Also, we eat when we are tense and irritated or when our thoughts are far away from food. Or, we eat certain foods because we think they are good for us, without really enjoying them.

No, all foods should be eaten slowly and chewed very thoroughly. Never eat in a hurry. It is far better to skip a meal than to eat it in a hurry. Slow eating and good mastication will increase the assimilation of nutrients in the intestinal tract and make you feel satisfied with a smaller quantity of food. Well-chewed and generously salivated food is practically half-digested in the mouth. Saliva contains enzymes and other digestive agents.

And, finally, food should be eaten in a relaxed atmosphere and enjoyed. My old friend and teacher, Dr. Ragnar Berg, one of the world’s most renowned nutritionists, used to say, “Eating should be a pleasure.” Please, don’t misconstrue his statement to mean that you should eat for pleasure! Eat to live—don’t live to eat! The biological fact is that only foods eaten with a genuine pleasure will do you any good. A peaceful, unhurried, pleasurable, and happy atmosphere around the table will pay good dividends in improved digestion and assimilation of food and in better health.

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These include hypnosis, aromatherapy, bio-feedback, and acupuncture. The success of these techniques, for which there is little or no scientific evidence of effectiveness, is variable and limited. However, patients may find them of value in giving a sense of control over their bodies and their lives. A new procedure, long-term stimulation of the vagus nerve is at present being evaluated.

General principles-The treatment of epilepsy extends far beyond the prescription of

anti-epileptic medication. It is, of course, important to correctly identify the type of epilepsy and to prescribe the most appropriate anti-epileptic drug to obtain the best possible control of seizures without side-effects. However, for many patients and their families, social and psychological factors far outweigh the problem of preventing or controlling the seizures. Help may best be given through a multi-disciplinary approach, preferably within a specialist clinic with advice from a number of different specialists, including nurses, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Many patients get practical help and support from voluntary associations such as the British Epilepsy Association, and patients should be informed of their address and telephone number.

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How on earth could CMO affect high blood pressure? That was also one of our earliest puzzlers. We were getting dozens of reports of blood pressure normalizing after CMO treatment for arthritis. At first we thought maybe because CMO brought about the release of the anxiety as well as the physical pain and aggravation of arthritis, patients were just more relaxed. That could help bring blood pressure down.

But we soon found that patients with very mild cases of arthritis but severe hypertension problems were also seeing their blood pressure normalize. Certainly knocking the arthritis out of someone’s big toe isn’t going to bring that much of an emotional change. So there must be something else going on.

Of course there already are plenty of good medications for hypertension. But they all have side effects that can build up to dangerous levels after prolonged use. And often, higher and higher doses of even stronger medications are needed as tolerance to the meds builds up. Liver or kidney damage is not uncommon. It would also be just as valuable in hypertension as it is in arthritis to be able to treat the cause rather than just the symptoms. So a nice nontoxic and possibly permanent solution like CMO could be welcomed as new ammunition against hypertension. We decided it was worthwhile looking for the answers.

We concluded that the major factor may be the stiffening of the endothelial lining (the inner surface) of arteries and veins. Blood vessels must be flexible to allow the free flow of the pulses of blood pumped out by the heart. That’s what you feel when you count your heartbeat by taking your pulse. If the blood vessels are stiff, they hinder the flow of blood and the pressure builds up within them.

Drugs are not known to restore endothelial flexibility, but we are quite convinced that CMO does. We have yet to prove it, but we’re confident that in time we will discover the mechanism by which that happens.

Regardless, we have reports of many cases of reversals of hypertension by CMO, with and without the simultaneous use of conventional medications. CMO seems to be compatible with all heart and hypertension medicines. In fact, we’ve even heard of heart murmurs and irregular heartbeat disappearing after taking CMO.

Controlling hypertension, of course, plays a role in reducing the likelihood of heart problems as well.

One patient who was given CMO for arthritis in his knees had his high blood pressure normalize almost immediately. After using CMO, he reported that he hadn’t needed his hypertension medication in weeks. And, of course, his knees got better, too.

Mrs J.V., the MS patient, found that her high blood pressure dropped a full 60 points upon completing her treatment with CMO. Another patient had systolic blood pressure surges that sometimes topped 200. Experimenting with various conventional medications and altering their doses brought no relief. A long program using CMO, coenzyme Q-10, taurine, fish oils, and minerals along with his normal medication gradually brought the hypertension down to acceptable levels.

Antioxidants like superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione may also enhance the relaxing effects on the endothelial lining.

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Emergency symptoms: Apply emergency treatment immediately.

Emergency treatment:

1.    Try to find out what the child has taken, how much the child took, and when the incident occurred.

2.     Call the doctor or local poison control center for instructions.

3.     Be prepared to read the label of the substance over the telephone.

4.     Always keep syrup of ipecac in your home.

Symptoms

Depending on type of poison taken, symptoms may include a number of the following: rapid breathing, ringing in the ears, nausea, over-excitement, unconsciousness, burns on lips, mouth, and tongue, abdominal pain, vomiting, blood in vomit.

Precautions

-    Keep the phone numbers of the doctor, poison control center, and other emergency services next to your telephone.

-    Keep all poisonous substances out of the reach of children, preferably in a locked cupboard to which only you have the key.

-    Never store a dangerous substance in anything but its original container.

-    Do not keep medication in an unlabeled container.

-    Make sure all medications, not just those intended for children’s use, have child-proof caps.

-    Make sure that your children do not come into contact with dangerous substances in other people’s homes.

-    Be aware that treatment for poisoning depends on the substance taken, and that in the case of some poisons vomiting can worsen the child’s condition.

-    Never induce vomiting in a child who is not fully conscious.

In a large enough quantity, any substance, even water, can be poisonous. But some substances are more apt to be swallowed in harmful amounts, either accidentally or deliberately, than others. The most common causes of poisoning among children between the ages of one and five years are soaps, detergents, cleansers, bleachers, vitamins, iron tonics, insecticides, plants, polishes and waxes, hormones, and tranquilizers. Less common but more toxic poisons include boric acid, volatile hydrocarbons (petrol, kerosene, turpentine, naphtha, cleaning fluids), strong acids, alkalis (drain and oven cleaners), and many prescription and over-the-counter medications (including aspirin substitutes and paracetamol). Moth balls and camphor may also be dangerous.

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Strength (or concentration) of insulin solutions

Insulin solutions have 100 units in each ML.

Insulin is a crystalline or powder-like material that has to be dissolved or suspended in fluid before it can be injected. Thus it is supplied in solution (a clear fluid) or in a suspension (a cloudy fluid) ready for injection.

The amount of insulin that has been dissolved in the fluid to make the solution or suspension is clearly important, because this will determine how big a quantity of fluid must be injected.

The concentration of insulin in solutions is designed so that the dose of fluid administered is small enough not to be uncomfortable when injected, but large enough to be measured easily and accurately.

Insulin is measured in ‘units’. The number of units that have been dissolved or suspended in one milliliter of fluid is referred to as the strength of the solution of insulin.

All insulins have the same concentration or strength of solution: 100 units in each milliliter. It is distinguished this way because in the past different strengths (such as 40 or 80 strength) were used and 40µ insulin is still available in some countries.

Insulin injections

Most parents feel alarmed at the prospect of having to give injections to their own child. This is natural, as most people think of injections as painful. Perhaps also, measuring a dose of insulin and giving an injection in the right way sounds a formidable task.

In fact, insulin injections, given properly, are almost painless, and the measurement and administration of insulin injections are simple after explanation and practice.

Two should learn

Note that, ideally, two members of the family should learn how to give insulin injections. An occasion might arise when one person is away or ill. If your child is giving his own injections, at least one parent should still learn, both to help him if he should get into difficulties and to cope if he is unable to give it to himself for any reason.

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In older homes water supplies may contain high levels of lead from lead pipes leading into the house, especially if the water is soft. Even if your pipes are copper (which can carry its own problems), then the pipes may be joined by lead solder, or the pipes to the street may be lead. Lead can leach into the water just by standing in lead pipes overnight so allow the tap to run for a minute first thing in the morning. Always use water from the cold tap, not the hot one, for cooking, making hot drinks, etc, because lead dissolves more easily into hot water.

It is now well-known that lead, especially from petrol fumes, can have a disastrous effect on the behavioural and intellectual development of children.

Leaded petrol has been gradually phased out, with more and more cars running on lead-free petrol. Since January 2000 it has not be available at all.

What You Can Do

•     Since the 1960s all paint has been lead-free, but if you are renovating an old house then you must be careful when scraping or burning off old paint. Take extra precautions, such as wearing a mask; and have good ventilation, or get a professional to do the job. Also make sure that enough time is left for the renovations to be completed before the four-month preconception period.

•     If at all possible, try to live away from very busy roads where lead levels could be high. Otherwise ruse net curtains to try to lessen your exposure.

•     Use a water filter for all your water, including cooking, hot drinks, etc. Either get a simple jug water filter or a filter that is fitted under the sink that runs into the cold water supply. The choice of a filter is not easy because a jug filter is made of plastic (raising concerns about xenoestrogens) and bottled water often comes in plastic. The experts are now asking to know what the plastics are made from, as not all plastics leach chemicals and then we could make an informed choice.

•     If you are unsure about your water supply, or if you have lead pipes or a lead tank, then you can ask your local environmental health department or water supplier to test the water for you. Your public library should have a copy of the Drinking Water Inspectorate’s Annual Report which details the monitoring of the water supply and when the water has exceeded ‘maximum permitted levels’. (A few years ago there was a problem with my local water and the public were told that it was safe to drink but not to use it to fill up fish tanks, as it could kill the fish. That gave everybody confidence!)

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What is it?

A very common syndrome in which there is pain from the colon (large bowel) and an alteration in bowel habits. It is a leading cause of lost days of work and, apart from peptic ulcers, is the condition of the digestive tract most frequently seen by gastroenterologists.

The symptoms are abdominal aching or pain, diarrhea, alternating diarrhea and constipation, wind, and abdominal bloating.

What causes it?

The whole syndrome appears to be caused by increased bowel motility. This in turn can be caused by several things:

• Certain foods.

• Tea, coffee and alcohol.

• An infection with Candida yeast.

• Stress.

• Certain drugs.

• Bowel infections.

• A digestive-enzyme deficiency.

• A low-fibre diet.

Prevention

•    Many people with IBS can identify one or more foods that make their symptoms worse, and a study from Cambridge found food intolerance to be a major causative factor. The most common offending foods were wheat, corn, dairy products, coffee, tea, and citrus fruits. It is certainly worth going on to an elimination diet for a few weeks to see if the symptoms disappear. To do this you need to eat only a very few foods and to exclude all the foods listed above-and anything containing them. This usually means eating a diet composed of one meat (lamb is good), fresh vegetables and water for 2-3 weeks. If your symptoms go you can try adding in the foods listed, one by one starting from the end of the list (citrus fruits). If you get any of your symptoms back cut out that food entirely for good and go back to the simpler diet for a few days until you are normal again. Repeat the process, trying each of the foods on the list, one at a time, for a few days until you have eliminated the culprit(s), which you should then cut out from your diet permanently.

•    Cut out tea, coffee and alcohol and see if this produces a reduction in or elimination of your symptoms. Add each back in, one at a time, to identify the reaction-producing substance, as above.

•    Candida albicans, the yeast that causes thrush, can be found in about half of the whole population’s bowels. The consumption of antibiotics, any disruption of the digestive process, the consumption of a diet high in refined foods, and the use of steroid hormones, all make the growth of this yeast more likely. UK researchers have found that this overgrowth can produce symptoms exactly like IBS and that the ‘IBS’ can be cured by killing off the yeast.

•    Most studies of IBS put stress high on the list of causes. (Some doctors even think it is a purely psychosomatic disorder but this is almost certainly not so). A study of 130 patients with IBS found that one or more psychological factors played an important part in causing the condition in the first place, or in causing relapses of it, in four out of five of those studied. For men business and career worries came high on the list, and with women family problems were the main culprits.

Psychotherapy can undoubtedly prevent IBS, and some people find taking regular exercise helps. Yoga or hypnosis may be of benefit-by helping you relax. A recent Swedish trial of preventive psychotherapy found that those receiving the psychotherapy fared much better than those who were treated with medical methods alone.

•    Treatment with antibiotics can produce IBS-like symptoms, usually because they profoundly alter the large bowel’s normal bacterial and yeast population. The reactions may not occur until several weeks after the course of antibiotics has ended, hence the link between the two is difficult to make unless you know about it. People on long-term antibiotics (such as those on long-term tetracycline for acne) are especially at risk.

•     Acute infective diarrhea, such as occurs in food poisoning, can trigger the symptoms of IBS and they can persist long after the infection has gone.

•     Certain people have a shortage or absence of the specific enzymes that digest lactose in milk. Such people get symptoms of IBS when they consume milk or milk products. If milk makes your symptoms worse, prevention is easy-stop drinking and eating milk and milk products.

•     Whilst there is no doubt that a high-fibre diet seems to have a beneficial effect on many people with IBS, a few people actually only start getting IBS symptoms when they go on to a high-fibre diet. These people are wheat-sensitive and allergic to bran. Soya bran or rice bran are alternatives and are available from health-food stores.

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The decision whether or not to have hormone replacement therapy if your ovaries are removed is difficult and complex because there is considerable controversy about the role of hormone replacement therapy following a radical hysterectomy for endometriosis.

Hormone replacement therapy is the administration of synthetic hormones to replace those which were previously produced by the ovaries in order to prevent or minimize the effects of menopause. It usually involves the use of both synthetic oestrogen and progesterone but sometimes only synthetic oestrogen is used.

The two main forms of administration are tablets and implants and there are a variety of strengths which can be used depending on the severity of your menopausal symptoms.

The most common side effects of hormone replacement therapy are nausea and sore breasts, although in the long-term it is possibly associated with a slightly increased risk of developing breast cancer. Hormone replacement therapy will prevent or reduce the effects of surgical menopause but it may also slightly increase the likelihood that you will have a persistence or recurrence of your endometriosis.

Hormone replacement therapy will prevent or reduce most of the symptoms of menopause, including hot flushes, night sweats and a dry vagina. More importantly, it will significantly reduce the likelihood that you will develop heart disease or osteoporosis later in life.

There is a risk that the oestrogen component of hormone replacement therapy will lead to a persistence or recurrence of the implants remaining in your body. Many gynecologists believe that because the concentrations of hormones used are much lower than those produced by the ovary the risk of recurrence is small – probably only about 3% to 5%.

Nevertheless, some gynecologists recommend waiting a minimum of three to six months after a radical hysterectomy before starting hormone replacement therapy. This delay should allow any remaining endometrial implants to degenerate and waste away, reducing the chances that it will cause a persistence or recurrence of your endometriosis.

Some gynecologists suggest that using only a synthetic progesterone such as Provera, rather than both oestrogen and progesterone, as an interim measure for the first few months after surgery will reduce the likelihood of recurrence while still providing some relief from the early symptoms of surgical menopause.

If you are unlucky enough to have a recurrence of your symptoms of endometriosis while on hormone replacement therapy it may be possible to treat the recurrence by stopping or adjusting the dosage. It may also be possible to treat it by having a course of one of the standard hormonal treatments such as Provera or Danazol.

If you do not take hormone replacement therapy you will have a reduced likelihood of having a persistence or recurrence of your endometriosis but you will probably experience the effects of surgical menopause and you will have an increased likelihood of developing heart disease and osteoporosis later in life.

A few women continue to produce enough oestrogen in their bodies to prevent or minimize the effects of surgical menopause. Many women will experience marked symptoms and, although they are often disruptive and unpleasant, some women find that they are easier to cope with than their endometriosis symptoms.

Some women have found that they have been able to prevent or minimize the symptoms of surgical menopause by having a good diet, particularly one high in foods which contain natural oestrogens such as grains, as well as vitamin and mineral supplements, regular vigorous exercise and regular sexual activity.

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Thai Style Green Papaya Salad

1/2 green papaya

2 cloves garlic

2-3 chillies

10 green beans

1/2 teaspoon apple concentrate

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 tomato, diced

1 handful mung beans

1 teaspoon chopped roasted almonds

Begin by peeling the papaya and place in a food processor. Shred the papaya. With a mortar and pestle, pound the garlic and chillies together. Add the beans (diced) and pound very lightly, just to bruise. Add the apple concentrate, shredded papaya, mung beans, lime juice and tomato. Mix all together. Serve sprinkled with chopped or slivered almonds.

Lentil Chicken Breast Salad

1 tomato

1 green capsicum

100 grams chicken breast, poached

3 spring onions

600 grams green lentils (cooked)

2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar

1 tablespoon apple juice concentrate

Dice tomato and capsicum. Shred the spring onions and chicken meat. Combine with all remaining ingredients and toss well. Season with salt substitute or another delicious dressing for flavour.

Longevity Salad

1/2 fresh avocado

150 grams goat’s cheese chopped (if desired)

1 carrot

A handful of spinach leaves

Mixed lettuce

Snow pea sprouts

2 zucchinis, chopped

1/2 green or red capsicum, chopped

10 snow peas

5 sun-dried tomatoes, slivered

Chop all ingredients and mix together in a glass bowl. Serve with a garlic dressing.

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