LOVE

What we do best comes not from our heads but our hearts, from an ineffable impulse that resists logic and definitions and calculation: love. Love is what connects us to the rest of the living world, the divine urging from within that guides our best steps in the dance of life.--Susan J. Tweit,

AROMATHERAPY

Aromatherapy: aro·ma·ther·a·py - noun - The use of essential oils and other aromatic natural botanical oils for psychological and physical well-being.

History of Aromatherapy

In brief, aromatherapy is the use of volatile plant oils, including essential oils, for psychological and physical well-being. Although the term aromatherapy was not used until the 20th Century, the foundations of aromatherapy date back thousands of years. The use of essential oils in particular date back nearly one thousand years. 

The Chinese may have been one of the first cultures to use aromatic plants for well-being. Their practices involved burning incense to help create harmony and balance.

Later, the Egyptians invented a rudimentary distillation machine that allowed for the crude extraction of cedarwood oil. It is also thought by some that Persia and India may have also invented crude distillation machines, but very little is known. 

Oils of cedarwood, clove, cinnamon, nutmeg and myrrh were used by the Egyptians to embalm the dead. When a tomb was opened in the early 20th century, traces of the herbs were discovered with intact portions of the body. The scent, although faint, was still apparent. Although the cedarwood the Egyptians used was distilled by a crude distillation process, the other oils the Egyptians used were most likely infused oils.

The Egyptians also used infused oils and herbal preparations for spiritual, medicinal, fragrant and cosmetic use. It is thought that the Egyptians coined the term perfume, from the Latin per fumum which translates as through the smoke. Egyptian men of the time used fragrance as readily as the women. An interesting method that the men used to fragrance themselves was to place a solid cone of perfume on their heads. It would gradually melt and would cover them in fragrance.

The Greeks learned a great deal from the Egyptians, but Greek mythology apparently credits the gift and knowledge of perfumes to the gods. The Greeks also recognized the medicinal and aromatic benefits of plants. Hippocrates, commonly called the "father of medicine" practiced fumigations for both aromatic and medicinal benefit. A Greek perfumer by the name of Megallus created a perfume called megaleion. Megaleion included myrrh in a fatty-oil base and served several purposes: (1) for its aroma, (2) for its anti-inflammatory properties towards the skin and (3) to heal wounds.

The Roman Empire built upon the knowledge of the Egyptians and Greeks. Discorides wrote a book called De Materia Medica that described the properties of approximately 500 plants. It is also reported that Discorides studied distillation. Distillation during this period, however, focused on extracting aromatic floral waters and not essential oils.

A major event for the distillation of essential oils came with the invention of a coiled cooling pipe in the 11th century. Persian by birth, Avicenna invented a coiled pipe which allowed the plant vapor and steam to cool down more effectively than previous distillers that used a straight cooling pipe. Avicenna's contribution lead to more focus on essential oils and their benefits.

Within the 12th century, an Abbess of Germany named Hildegard grew and distilled lavender for its medicinal properties. 

Within the 13th century, the pharmaceutical industry was born. This event encouraged great distillation of essential oils.

During the 14th century, the Black Death hit and killed millions of people. Herbal preparations were used extensively to help fight this terrible killer. It is believed that some perfumers may have avoided the plague by their constant contact with the natural aromatics.

Within the 15th century, more plants were distilled to create essential oils including frankincense, juniper, rose, sage and rosemary. A growth in the amount of books on herbs and their properties also begins later in the century. Paracelsus, an alchemist, medical doctor and radical thinker is credited with coining the term Essence and his studies radically challenged the nature of alchemy and he focused upon using plants as medicines. 

During the 16th century, one could begin purchasing oils at an "apothecary," and many more essential oils were introduced.

During the 16th and 17th centuries, perfume starting being considered an art form, and it was more clearly defined as its own field. 

During the 19th century, perfumery remained a prosperous industry. Women would have their jeweler create a special bottle to hold their treasured perfume. The 19th century also was important scientifically as major constituents of essential oils became isolated.

During the 20th century, the knowledge of separating the constituents of essential oils was used to create synthetic chemicals and drugs. It had been believed that by separating the major constituents and then using the constituents alone or in synthetic form would be beneficial therapeutically and economically. These discoveries helped lead to "modern medicine" and synthetic fragrances. This actually weakened the use of essential oils for medicinal and aromatic benefit.

During the earlier part of the 20th century, a French chemist by the name of René-Maurice Gattefossé became interested in the use of essential oils for their medicinal use. Previously, he focused on the aromatic use of essential oils, but his interest in their medicinal use grew after an accident heightened his curiosity. While working, he burned his arm rather badly. By reflex, he plunged his burned arm into the closest liquid which happened to be a large container of lavender essential oil. The burn he suffered healed quickly and left no scar. Gattefossé is credited with coining the term aromatherapy in 1928 within an article where he supports the use of using essential oils in their whole without breaking them down into their primary constituents. In 1937, Gattefossé wrote a book called Aromathérapie: Les Huiles essentielles hormones végétales that was later translated into English and named Gattefossé's Aromatherapy. It is still in print and widely read.

Other highly respected 20th century aromatherapists include Jean Valnet, Madam Marguerite Maury, and Robert B. Tisserand. Jean Valnet is most remembered for his work using essential oils to treat injured soldiers during the war and for his book, The Practice of Aromatherapy, originally entitled Aromathérapie in French. Austrian Madam Marguerite Maury is remembered as a biochemist who avidly studied, practiced and taught the use of aromatherapy for primarily cosmetic benefit. Robert B. Tisserand is an English aromatherapist who is responsible for being one of the first individuals to bring knowledge and education of aromatherapy to English speaking nations. He has written books and articles including the highly respected 1977 publication The Art of Aromatherapy. The Art of Aromatherapy was the first aromatherapy book published in English.

From the late 20th century and on into the 21st century, there is a growing resurgence to utilize more natural products including essential oils for therapeutic, cosmetic and aromatic benefit. The use of essential oils never ceased, but the scientific revolution minimized the popularity and use of essential oils in one's everyday life. Today's heightened awareness regarding the use of synthetics coupled with the increased availability of aromatherapy information within books and the Internet has refueled the use of essential oils for therapeutic, cosmetic, fragrant and spiritual use.

http://www.aromaweb.com/articles/history.asp

Essential oils are composed of many natural, organic compounds, and therefore the body's immune system does not treat them as a foreign invader.  Hence, they rarely evoke an allergic response in the body.

Just like yoga is a specific form of mind/body medicine, aromatherapy is a branch of herbal medicine. Because of their therapeutic value, many essential oils are used to modify immune responses, treat a wide range of infections, and to stabilize moods and emotions. The reason why the fragrance molecules associated with essential oils are able to affect one's emotions, is because they enter the human olfactory system through the nasal cavity and eventually reach the limbic system, the portion of the brain that controls feelings and emotions. Because the limbic system is directly connected to the parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels, and hormone balance, scientists have learned that oil fragrances may be one of the fastest ways to galvanize, or bring about, physiological or psychological effects.
 
John Steele, Ph.D., of Sherman Oaks, California, and Robert Tisserand, of London, England, top aromatherapy researchers, have studied the effects on brain wave patterns when essential oils are inhaled or smelled. They found that oils such as orange, jasmine, and rose have a sedative, tranquilizing effect and function by altering the brain waves into a rhythm that produces calmness. Furthermore, stimulating oils-basil, black pepper, rosemary, and cardamom-work by producing a heightened energy response. 

It is essential that there be a strict separation between therapeutic aromatherapy and fragrance/pleasure/hygienic aromatherapy...This is the type of aromatherapy that can alleviate pain and a number of other conditions. One of the drawbacks to aromatherapy becoming more mainstream and losing its image as a "fringe" medicine is that companies are mass-producing aromatherapy products as only a mere fragrancing device. Moreover, many synthetic chemicals are being advertised as organic essential oils; the deception by commercial exploiters in false-advertising oil imposters as genuine essential oils is without a doubt helping to ruin aromatherapy to some degree. As a consequence, consumers must be very careful when they buy essential oils to make sure that what they are getting is authentic.
http://library.thinkquest.org/24206/therapies/aromatherapy.html

Individual Essential Oils:

Basil

Uplifting, Awakening, Clarifying, Stimulating

Used to counteract indecision, intellectual/mental fatigue, negativity, lack of direction, fear, burnout, confusion, apathy, bitterness, resentment, addiction, conflict, fear of intimacy, shame, doubts, melancholy, and sadness
Used for bronchitis, physical fatigue, colds, migraine, gout, aches and pains

Bergamont

Joyous, Refreshing, Uplifting, Encouraging

Used to counteract depression, anxiety, helplessness, apathy, bitterness, burnout, despondency, emptiness, exhaustion, grief, hopelessness, sadness, loneliness, stress, tension and emotional imbalances

Used for fevers, acne, tension, wounds and coughs

Cedarwood

Grounding, Strengthening, Dignified, Powerful

Used to counteract scattered thoughts, thoughtlessness, fixation on the past, anxiety, obsessions, mental strain, irrationality, emotional sensitivity, touchiness, gloomy thoughts, worry, fear, too analytical, paranoia and selfishness

Used for bronchitis, catarrh, acne, arthritis and as a diuretic

Chamomile

Strong, Peaceful, Healing, Cooling

Used to counteract nervousness, frayed nerves, anger, frustration, emotional dramas, emotional tension, irritability,  temper, tenseness, overly sensitive, moodiness, bitterness, resentment, indifference and deep emotional baggage

Used for nerves, migraine, acne, inflammation, insomnia, menstrual problems, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, inflammatory diseases and burns

Clary Sage

Euphoric, Restoring, Harmonizing, Warming

Used to counteract nervousness, stress, tension, changeability, worry, anxiety, claustrophobia, compulsive behavior , depression, nightmares, hostility, hyperactivity and lethargy, obsession, panic, mental strain, fear, paranoia, melancholy, burnout, delusions, emotional debility, absentmindedness, weepiness, guilt

Used for sore throat, aches and pains, debility and as a sedative

Eucalyptus

Energy, Stimulation, Balance, Sheltering

Used to counteract exhaustion, heated emotions, mood swings, lack of concentration, cluttered thoughts, temper tantrums, irrational thoughts, an explosive nature and an argumentative nature

Used for sore throats, coughs, bronchitis, sinusitis, skin infections, ulcers, sores, rheumatism, aches and pains, as an antiseptic and anti-inflammatory

Frankincense

Elevating, Spiritual, Meditative, Wisdom

Used to contradict fears, grief, blockages, over-attachment, burnout, exhaustion, insincerity, panic, anxiety, disconnection, repression, resistance, self-destruction, apprehension and despair

Used for sores, wounds, fevers, coughs, colds, bronchitis, laryngitis

Geranium

Balancing, Healing, Uplifting, Comforting

Used to counteract anxiety, depression, acute fear, extreme moods, confusion, rigidity, instability, abuse, moodiness, lack of self-esteem, insecurity, sensitivity, tension, stress, hurt, overly emotionality, crisis, apprehension, aggression and irrationality

Used for menstrual problems, diarrhea, diabetes, sores, neuralgia, bleeding, circulatory conditions, eczema, sore throats and kidney stones

Grapefruit

Radiating, Cheering, Joyful, Liberating, Boosting

Used to counteract depression, dependency, sadness, grief, apathy, mental pressure, mental exhaustion, emotional violence, self-doubt, self-criticism, aggravation and frustration

Used for obesity, kidney and liver problems, migraine, depression, as a tonic, diuretic, sedative, and an aid in drug withdrawal.

Lavender

Harmonious, Calming, Healing, Caring, Compassionate, Embracing

Used to counteract anxiety, irritability, stress, tension, mental exhaustion, panic, hysteria, shock, apprehension, fears, nightmares, insecurity, lost inner child, restlessness, moodiness, distracted, addiction, obsessive behavior, trauma, conflict, emotional violence, agitation, jitteryness, depression, psychosomatic illness, nervousness, worry, over-excitedness and burnout

Used for burns, inflammation, cuts, wounds, eczema, dermatitis, fainting, headaches, influenza, insomnia, migraine, nausea, infections, bacterial conditions, sores, ulcers, acne, boils, asthma, rheumatism and arthritis

Lemon

Purifying, Stimulating, Directional, Versatile

Used to counteract resentfulness, bitterness, touchiness, apathy, lethargy, a lack of humor, indecisiveness, bad attitudes, distrust, mental blocks, stress, mental fatigue, turmoil, irrationality, fear

Used for sore throat, high blood pressure, digestive problems, gallstones, debility, fever, as a tonic, astringent and an antiseptic

Orange

Warming, Happy, Resolute, Energizing

Used to counteract depression, hopelessness, sadness, apathy, resignation, withdrawn, self-consciousness, anxiety, emotional violence, emotional abuse, worry, selfishness, obsessions, addiction and burnout

Used for bronchitis, viral infections, rheumatism, respiratory problems, muscular pain and digestive problems

Patchouli

Grounding, Soothing Unruffled, Assured

Used to counteract depression, anxiety, indecision, lethargy, sluggishness, egotistical, tension, stress, mood-swings and touchiness

Used for skin inflammation, fungal infections, acne, eczema, dandruff, as an antiseptic, diuretic, and an insecticide

Peppermint

Clarifying, Awakening, Stimulating, Penetrating

Used to counteract mental fatigue, shock, helplessness, overwork, sluggishness, lethargy and apathy

Used for inflammation, nausea, indigestion, fevers, flatulence, headaches, migraine, liver problems arthritis, and as a stimulant

Rosemary

Vigorous, Strengthening, Restorative, Centering

Used to counteract loss of memory, learning difficulties, lethargy, disorientation, fatigue, indecision, nervous exhaustion, overburdened, overworked, strain, emotional exhaustion and sluggishness

Used for gout, headaches, fatigue, rheumatism, skin infections, muscular aches and pains, sprains, dandruff, alopecia, obesity, spinal injuries, as a nerve stimulant, heart tonic, liver decongestant and as an analgesic

Sandalwood

Enlightenment, Meditative, Balancing, Connecting

Used to counteract anxiety, nervous tension, possessiveness, manipulating, unforgiving, obsessive, lonely, non-accepting, cynical, insecurity, recurrent nightmares, selfishness, distress, uneasiness, hasty, aggressive, irritable and dwelling on the past

Used for acne, catarrh, cystitis, menstrual problems, depression, skin infections, fungal and bacterial infections and as a sedative

Ylang Ylang

Euphoric, Sensuous, Stimulating, Unifying

Used to counteract depression, anxiety, tension, stress, frustration, irritability, emotional guilt, resentment, jealousy, selfishness, impatience, irrationality, stubbornness, obstinacy and shyness

Used for palpitations, high blood pressure, as a sedative and general tonic

Stress Formula: 

Clary Sage 10 drops

Chamomile  5 drops

Lavender     5 drops

Geranium   10 drops

These can be mixed with 1 oz. of  a carrier oil (almond, sesame, jojoba).  Use a few drops on the skin, in a bath or in a diffuser.  Only use the essential oils that are pleasing to you.

Warning:

Not all natural plants or plant products are beneficial to health.  Deadly nightshade can be poisonous and sting nettles sting.  The following essential oils should NOT be used under any circumstances.

Bitter almond                     Mugwort             Southernwood

Boldo leaf                          Mustard             Tansy

Calamus                            Pennyroyal         Thuja

Yellow Camphor                  Rue                   Wintergreen

Horseradish                        Sassafras           Wormseed

Jaborandi leaf                     Savin                 Wormwood

References:

Valerie Ann Wormwood

The Complete Book of Essential Oils & Aromatherapy

The Fragrant Mind: Aromatherapy for Personality, Mind, Mood and Emotion

Pat Leatham & Connie Higley (Young Living Oils Practioners)

Reference Guide for Essential Oils

ANXIETY

Anxiety that occurs during times of high stress or in the aftermath a traumatic event is normal. In most cases, the disruption and stress caused by this type of anxiety eases up on its own, when the underlying cause is no longer an immediate concern. However, when anxiety is severe, disrupts your day-to-day life, causes panic attacks or doesn't get better over time, you may have a disorder that needs to be diagnosed and treated.

Anxiety is a normal part of life. It can even be useful when it alerts us to danger. But for some people, anxiety is a persistent problem that interferes with daily activities such as work, school or sleep. This type of anxiety can disrupt relationships and enjoyment of life, and over time it can lead to health concerns and other problems.

In some cases, anxiety is a diagnosable mental health condition that requires treatment. Generalized anxiety disorder, for example, is characterized by persistent worry about major or minor concerns. Other anxiety disorders — such as panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) — have more specific triggers and symptoms. In some cases, anxiety is caused by a medical condition that needs treatment.

Causes of anxiety/worry:

As with many mental health conditions, the exact cause of anxiety disorders isn't fully understood. It's thought that anxiety disorders may involve an imbalance of naturally occurring brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) such as serotonin, dopamine or norepinephrine. Life experiences such as traumatic events appear to trigger anxiety disorders in people who are already prone to becoming anxious. Inherited traits also are a factor. 

Other causes:

Excitement

Overwhelm

Fears

Fear of failure

Shyness

Lack of self-confidence

Unsure of one’s values

Medical causes:
 
For a significant number of people, anxiety is linked to an underlying health issue. In some cases, anxiety signs and symptoms are the first indicators that you have a medical illness. If your doctor suspects your anxiety may have a medical cause, he or she may order blood or urine tests or other tests to look for signs of a problem.

Physical problems that can be linked to anxiety include:

• Heart disease
• Diabetes
• Thyroid problems (such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism)
• Asthma
• Drug abuse

Symptoms:

Common anxiety symptoms include:

• Feeling apprehensive
• Feeling powerless
• Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom
• Having an increased heart rate
• Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
• Sweating
• Trembling
• Feeling weak or fatigued

Specific anxiety disorders are broken down into several diagnosable mental health conditions:

• Panic attacks can start suddenly and cause apprehension, fear or terror. You may have feelings of impending doom, shortness of breath, heart palpitations or chest pain. You may feel as if you're choking, being smothered or that you're "going crazy."
• Agoraphobia is anxiety about, or avoidance of, places or situations where you might feel trapped or embarrassed to leave if you start to feel panicky.
• Specific phobias are characterized by significant anxiety when you're exposed to a specific object or situation and a desire to avoid it. Phobias provoke panic attacks in some people.
• Social phobias are characterized by significant anxiety provoked by exposure to certain types of social or performance situations and a desire to avoid them.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by persistent, recurring thoughts, images or impulses (obsessions) or an irresistible desire to perform irrational or seemingly purposeless acts or rituals (compulsions). Often it involves both obsessive and compulsive behavior.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by the feeling that you are re-experiencing an extremely traumatic event. It causes intense emotions and physical reactions along with a desire to avoid anything that might remind you of the event.
• Acute stress disorder is characterized by symptoms similar to those of post-traumatic stress disorder that occur immediately after an extremely traumatic event.
• Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by at least six months of persistent and excessive anxiety and worry about small or large concerns. This type of anxiety disorder often begins at an early age. It frequently occurs along with other anxiety disorders or depression.
• Anxiety disorder due to a medical condition is characterized by prominent symptoms of anxiety that are directly caused by a physical health problem.
• Substance-induced anxiety disorder is characterized by prominent symptoms of anxiety that are a direct result of abusing drugs, taking medications or being exposed to a toxic substance.
• Separation anxiety disorder is a childhood disorder characterized by anxiety related to separation from parents or others who have parental roles.
• Anxiety disorder not otherwise specified is a term for prominent anxiety or phobias that do not meet the exact criteria for any of the other anxiety disorders but are significant enough to be distressing and disruptive.

Reference:

www.mayoclinic.com

 

Flower Essences for anxiety/worry:

Aspen- anxiety that has no known reason; panic attacks.

Cerato- excessive anxiety about failure, thus depending on others for advice: fear that one will let down or disappoint others.  Overwhelm. 

Chamomile- calming overly anxious states.

Dandelion- for those who hold their stress in their muscles.

Elm- overstriving for perfection.  Fear that one will let down or disappoint others.  Overwhelm.

Filaree- worry and concern about trivial problems of daily life.

Garlic- chronic anxiety and worry:  ghostly contenance.

Golden Yarrow- performance anxiety, especially when felt in the solar plexus.

Goldenrod- needing social approval; unsure of one’s own values.

Larch- fear of failure. Paralyzed by anxiety.  A lack of self confidence.

Mimulus- excessive anxiety and nervousness about daily life; everyday fears; fretful, timid attitude.

Mustard- free-floating anxiety, especially when accompanied by depression.

Nicotiana- coping with anxiety by anesthetizing emotions; showing a “cool” exterior.

Pink Monkeyflower- inability to trust that others will accept one; shame or guilt.

Pretty Face- anxiety about personal appearance; wanting to be acceptable to others by appearing physically pleasing.

Trumpet Vine- speaking with greater expressiveness, despite fears; anxiety which blocks natural soul warmth and color.

Reference:

Flower Essence Repertory by Patricia Kaminski and Richard Katz

Supplements for Anxiety-

Kava- the key uses of kava are nervous anxiety, restlessness, depression and insomnia.  Recommended dosage is 45-70 mg. three times a day. Use a dose providing 180-210 mg. one hour before bedtime for sedative effects.

The Healing Power of Herbs by Michael T. Murray, N.D.

Valerian- most commonly used as a sleep aid, valerian has a sedative effect. It also relaxes the muscles.

B vitamins. These nutrients, particularly the B vitamin inositol, may help relieve anxiety by affecting the production of certain brain chemicals (neurotransmitters).

GAIA Herbs, Professional Solutions, Adrenal Support

Take 2 capsules 2 X day.  Take with B vitamins to nourish the Adrenal Glands.

Homeopathics for Anxiety:

Aconitum napellus- Anxious and fearful.  Suffers from a panic attack in a crowded place where they cannot easily get out.

Ambra grisea- Anticipatory anxiety in those who are shy and easily embarrassed.  Dreads the pressure of performing in front of others- an interview, oral exam, social event, etc.

Anacardium orientale- Extreme anticipatory anxiety with difficulty concentrating in those with low self-confidence and a fear of failure.

Argentum nitricum- Acute anticipatory anxiety with restlessness, before an exam, an interview or for stage fright.  They get so wound up that they may even forget everything when the ordeal comes.

Arsenicum album- Anxious, restless and fussy.  Dislikes being in a situation where they aren’t in control.  Increasingly fussy and critical when anxious.

Calcarea carbonica- Terrible worriers, particularly about their health.  They worry about catching an infection, especially if there is one going around.

Gelsemium sempervirens- Anxious and sluggish.  Seize up both mentally and physically, becoming almost literally paralyzed with anxiety- dull and dopey- especially before an exam or a public-speaking event.

Kali phosphoricum- Nervous exhaustion after a period of anxiety, especially when worrying about relatives.

Lycopodium- Anxious and lacking in self-confidence.  Dread taking on new things (jobs/interviews), exams (including driving tests), public-speaking or acting.  Irritable and indecisive but when the time comes they shine.

Natrum muriaticum- Anxious socially.  Hates parties and are wound up before an event where there are going to be lots of people.

Nux vomica- Anxious and irritable.  A difficult work period with many worries causes irritability and exhaustion.

Silica- Anxiety with poor self-confidence in bashful but strong-willed people.  Gets wound up about public speaking, exams and interviews because they don’t believe they can perform well enough.

Reference:

Homeopathic Guide to Stress:  Safe and Effective Natural Ways To Alliviate Physical and Emotional Stress by Miranda Castro

Lifestyle changes and home remedies

• Get exercise. Exercise is a powerful stress reducer; it can improve your mood and keep you healthy. It's best if you develop a regular routine and work out most days of the week. Start out slowly and gradually increase the amount and intensity of the exercise you do.
• Eat well. Avoid fatty, sugary and processed foods. Include foods in your diet that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and B vitamins.
• Avoid alcohol and other sedatives. These can worsen anxiety.
• Use relaxation techniques. Visualization techniques, meditation and yoga are examples of relaxation techniques that can ease anxiety.
• Make sleep a priority. Do what you can to make sure you're getting enough quality sleep. If you aren't sleeping well, see your doctor.
• Quit smoking and cut back or quit drinking coffee. Both nicotine and caffeine can worsen anxiety.
• Keep a journal. Keeping track of your personal life can help you and your mental health provider identify what's causing you stress and what seems to help you feel better.
• Prioritize your life. You can reduce anxiety by carefully managing your time and energy.

DEHYDRATION

Summer is here and with it the heat.  One of the things that can cause us to feel tired and out of it during the summer is mild dehydration.  I want to remind you of the normal ways we loose water daily:

Sweating- you loose about two cups of water a day through perspiration.  If you exercise or your feet sweat, you loose more that that.  If it’s hot you will loose more.

Breathing- you expel between two and four cups of water every day when you breathe out.  Don't believe me?  Exhale onto a mirror and look at the moisture.  How many times do you exhale every minute, every hour or every day?

Urination- each time you urinate you loose about a cup of water.  If your urine is an intense yellow or a dark color, you are probably not drinking enough water.  You want it to be pale yellow or clear.  (Some medications and supplements can change the color of your urine.)

When we loose fluids we need to drink more water and add electrolytes to the water.  Two easy ways to do that are:

Alacer Corp.  Electro Mix- just dissolve an individual packet into a liter of water and drink.

Hyland’s Bioplasma Sport with Electrolytes- this has electrolytes and the 12 Cell Salts in individual packets that you drop onto your tongue.  Follow with lots of water.

HOW TO PROTECT AGAINST THE KILLER E. COLI

June 8, 2011

By LOUANN SAVAGE

 

When my son was in college, he was, what I thought, lazing around on a summer Sunday. He is a hard worker and an avid athlete. I thought on this Sunday he was making up lost sleep by taking a long nap. But about two in the afternoon, he came to me and asked what it meant to have blood show in a bowel movement. At that, I was alarmed and said, "That's not at all normal," then quizzed him about it.

 

My mind flashed to E.coli, but couldn't be sure. I'd never seen it before and knew he needed to see a doctor sooner rather than later. He was getting sicker by the minute. Being Sunday, I packed my 6' 2" boy into the car and off we went to the emergency room. I learned on the drive that he had eaten a burger from a favorite fast food burger place in California the day before, a place where you would never expect to find E.coli.  

 

Lying on a hospital gurney with his 6'2" frame hanging over the end, he could barely lift his head let alone describe his symptoms to the gastroenterologist. Fortunately, the doctor was very familiar with E.coli and he diagnosed it immediately, prescribed antibiotics, said he would be better in twenty-four hours or so and told us it was a very good thing we got there when we did. That was more than fifteen years ago.

 

Today, in Germany, they are facing an outbreak of E.coli far more devastating than that my son experienced. This incidence is one of a different character called haemolytic uraemic syndrome [HUS]. As of June 8, it has killed 23 people--22 in Germany and one in Sweden.

 

The German authorities and scientists beamed in on cucumbers from Spain. When that proved to be incorrect, they looked for a pattern in restaurants and canteens visited by E.coli patients. Currently, they are looking at raw vegetables. On May 13 a restaurant in Luebeck, northeast of Hamburg, had served dinner to a large group of women of whom 17 had gotten ill and one had died.

 

Sprouts were blamed for awhile. Cultivated in steamy temperatures, they have the ideal conditions for microbes to grow. An E.coli outbreak in Japan in 1996 was traced to sprouts. Eleven people died. In 1997, an outbreak in the U.S. came from alfalfa sprouts. However, the exact source of the German outbreak is yet to be determined.

 

The most frightening aspect with the most alarming consequences of this occurrence is how deadly this strain is. On June 3, the Beijing Genomics Institute identified this new E.coli as a "highly infectious and toxic" strain. According to kidney specialist Professor Rolf Stahl of Hamburg University Medical Clinic, E.coli turns into HUS when bacterial or "Shiga" toxins enter the bloodstream. Without treatment this can lead to potential kidney and neurological damage, trigger epilepsy and in some cases cause death.

 

Most disturbing about this strain is its resistance to antibiotics. The prescribed treatment is one without use of antibiotics and with the administering of medicine that repairs intestinal flora, encourages the drinking of plenty of fluids of which good water is best. Dr. Hiromi, in his best selling book, The Enzyme Factor, speaks to the importance of drinking the 'best water' you can. Tap water does not fall into this category. Ionized alkaline water does.²

 

Add to those treatments redox signaling molecules and you have the best defense and strengthening of the immune system any combination of remedies can offer. Redox molecule messaging is the newest and most advanced science in wellness today. Gary Samuelson, Ph.D., an atomic/medical physicist who has discovered how to stabilize redox signaling messengers and molecules in a dietary supplement, says, "[They] regulate the processes that allow life to heal itself, defend itself and thrive in adverse environments."³

 

Key to protect against E.coli is to wash your foodstuffs well. This includes fresh produce and raw meats. Wash with 2.5 pH acidic water that can be produced with a water ionizing machine. If a machine is not available, create a strong acidic washing solution using 1 to 2 tablespoons distilled white vinegar to 10 oz of cold water. Soak or marinate for two to 5 minutes and rinse with cold water. Put salad greens in a lettuce spinner to get excess water off the leaves and then refrigerate. The strong acidic solution will kill E.coli if left on the leaves at least 30 to 45 seconds. There are other natural and non-toxic compounds on the market that you can find at specialty stores like Whole Foods that offer up protection as well. But the most important thing to remember, never ever eat produce or meat without cleaning it and/or cooking it well. To be safe the temperature should reach a minimum of 165º F. And if you get a very pink or rare hamburger, send it back and get one cooked all the way through the middle. I have done this whenever it is pink to very pink and the restaurant is most obliging.

 

Here's to healthy eating!  

 

¹http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/06/08/us-ecoli-hunt-idUSTRE75627S20110608

 

²Shinya, MD, Hiromi. The Enzyme Factor. San Francisco: Coucil Oak Books, 2007. pg 94.

 

³Samuelson, Ph.D., Gary L. The Science of Healing Revealed. Copyright, 2009. pg 56.

 

Enjoy and use this article, but please be legal. Include this resource block and all is good...LouAnn Savage is publisher and editor of The Weekly Healthline, an online health publication.

The best defense is a healthy immune system.  Get enough sleep, eliminate whatever stress you can, cut sugar, alcohol and excess fat from your diet while eating more fresh, organic fruits and vegetables.  
Repeat your constitutional remedy when it is appropriate- check with your homeopathic doctor.  Take your vitamins and minerals.  Get some exercise, enough to sweat out toxins and drink more water!  See my article on "The Benefits of Drinking Water" in the archive section.
Warmly,
Dr. Jeanne 

TOXIC OVERLOAD

by Jordon Rubin Garden of Life Newsletter 2011 Each year we’re exposed to 2.5 billion pounds of toxic material that comes from our atmosphere, soil, water and food. Since the Industrial Revolution—which alone added about 80,000 toxic chemicals—and post-World War II petrochemical revolution, toxins have accumulated in the human system faster than they can be eliminated. Hence, toxic overload. The fact is that our bodies carry around various industrial chemicals, pesticides, food additives, heavy metals (like lead) and anesthetics plus the residues of pharmaceuticals—to name a few. It’s no wonder, either. We’re exposed to chemicals in far greater concentrations than previous generations were. Over 69 million Americans live in areas that exceed smog standards; most drinking water contains over 700 chemicals, including excessive levels of lead; some 3,000 chemicals are added to the food supply, and as many as 10,000 chemicals in the form of solvents, emulsifiers and preservatives are used in food processing and storage. All of these can remain in the body for years. You don’t have to have some age on you to absorb toxins, either. Even newborns feel the effects of exposure to toxins. The Environmental Working Group, a non-profit organization, says that the average newborn baby has 287 known toxins in the umbilical cord blood. You can imagine what happens to the toxin levels as time goes on. Fortunately, our bodies have a built-in system for detoxifying through the lungs, skin, kidneys, liver and the colon. The lungs take in pounds of pollutants and eliminate toxic gases each minute. The skin is our largest eliminative organ, and every skin pore of the body is an escape route for waste material. The kidneys eliminate fluid wastes from the body and purify the bloodstream. The liver is probably the most important detoxifier of all the organs because it takes poisons, neutralizes them, and what it cannot render harmless, it stores—protecting the body from harm. Finally, the colon eliminates solid wastes and absorbs water from foods. This built-in detoxifying system can get bogged down, however, with the overwhelming amounts of toxins the body’s exposed to. When this happens, key detoxification organs like the intestines and liver are unable to fully detoxify themselves or the body, says William Rea, M.D., an environmental physician from Dallas, Texas. When the body can’t keep up with toxic overload, these toxins quickly move from the bloodstream and get stored in fat, the brain and other tissues—causing systemic problems. Realistically, it’s not possible to fully avoid toxins, but you can take some steps to fight against them. Here are some basic tips to reduce toxic load in the body: Eat Organic: Avoid conventional and processed foods. Organic foods are free of contaminants, synthetic pesticides and herbicides, hormones, preservatives, dyes, artificial colorings, antibiotics and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Drink Clean Water: Drink 8 to 10 glasses of pure water each day. Tap water is a major source of the toxic chemicals that the liver is required to process. Get a water filter for the home and office or use purified and bottled water. Live Clean: Remove chemical contaminants and household cleaners from your home or work environment. Use an ozone or ionizing air filter or houseplants for your home or work area. Bulk Up Your Diet: Eat 8 to 10 servings of organic veggies and fruits each day—especially those that are detoxifiers such as broccoli, kale, cabbage and spinach. An added bonus is that these raw veggies and fruits add bulk to keep things moving along digestion-wise. Exercise Regularly: Work out at least five days a week for about an hour—and work up a sweat, since sweating helps to detoxify the body. The good news is that you don’t have to let toxins overload your system. You can fight back!

This information is intended for educational and informational purposes only. It should not be used in place of an individual consultation or examination or replace the advice of your health care professional and should not be relied upon to determine diagnosis or course of treatment.

DEPRESSION

Causes of Depression:

Suppressed anger

Grief, loss

Repeated losses

Loneliness

Mental strain, long-term stress

Disappointment

Life becomes unbalanced with too little or too much work

Economic problems

Bad relationship

Aging- with a belief that the surface/physical looks is what matters

Loss of identity- children leave the home, divorce, loss of job

A childhood of neglect

Low self esteem- losses are taken more personally

Alcoholism, weak liver

Chemical imbalances in the brain

Head injury

Hormonal imbalances- childbirth (post-partum depression), menopause.

Common symptoms of Depression:

Exhaustion, which isn’t helped by sleep

Insomnia

Use of sleep as an escape

Loss of interest in appearance

Loss of appetite

Excess smoking, drinking, drugs or using work to dull the pain

Loss of libido (low sex drive)

Lack of motivation, feels helpless and hopeless

Inability to cope with extra demands

Difficulty making decisions

Things seem to take a long time

Thinking, remembering and concentrating are all difficult

Lack of joy

Sadness, unhappiness

Crying, sometimes for no apparent reason

Loneliness, in spite of having friends or family around

A feeling that no one can help

Self-pity, absorbed in sad thoughts about self

Low self-confidence, low self-esteem, a sense of inferiority

Guilt, anxiety, either blaming others or oneself

Negative, pessimistic thoughts that churn around and around

Gloom, a feeling of flatness

Indifference to family, close friends and/or loved ones

A feeling of pointlessness

Increased irritability

Mood swings

Feeling numb, apathetic, dazed.  May just sit and stare.

Feeling imprisoned, separate- as if nothing is real

Despair, as if a cloud hangs overhead 

Suicidal thoughts, life is bleak

Homeopathic Treatment for Depression:

  

Aurum metallicum-

Despairing depression, commonly caused by a business loss or a personal failure of some sort.  Everything seems black.  You feel you have let family and/or employees down.  Suicidal thoughts.  You feel worthless.  You feel this feeling will never end.

Kali phosphoricum-

Depression from too much excitement.  Exhaustion.  Anxiety.

Lachesis muta-

Depression from suppression (physical or emotional) of expression due

to another person or circumstances.  Depressed and suspicious.  Feels much worse on waking in the morning. 

Natrum muriaticum-

Quietly and deeply depressed.  Sad and resentful.  Depression comes on after a loss or a disappointment.  Hides feelings: may not realize the depth of their emotions and especially doesn’t want anyone else to see them.  Will only cry when alone.

Pulsatilla nigricans-

Depressed and weepy.  May have suffered a loss.  Feels lonely, wants company and sympathy and feels better for it.  Feels better after crying.  Can easily cry in the company of others.

Sepia-

Worn out, depressed and irritable.  Feels better for crying but wants to be alone and doesn’t want to be comforted.  Indifferent to close friends and relatives (including their children).  Feels guilty about not feeling.

Reference:

Homeopathic Guide to Stress: Safe and Effective Natural Ways To Alleviate Physical and Emotional Stress by Miranda Castro

Flower Essences for Depression

Gentian- a temporary setback.  You feel discouraged for a while but then decide to try again.

Gorse- feeling hopeless and discouraged.

Mustard- feeling you have a dark cloud over your head, in a pit.  It comes on suddenly, with no reason, and leaves just as suddenly.  Can be hormonal.

Sweet Chestnut- “the dark night of the soul.”  Deep anguish.

Associated Flower Essences

Aspen- fear and anxiety with no known reason. 

Cherry plum- fear of losing one’s mind, losing control. 

Elm- feeling overwhelmed.

Honeysuckle- living in the past.  You feel it was better or worse back then.

Hornbeam- the Monday morning blahs, all week.

Impatiens- irritable and impatient.

Larch- low self esteem.

Oak- total exhaustion.

Pine- feeling guilt.

White Chestnut- persistent thoughts.  Unable to quiet mind.

Supplements for Depression

SAMe

S-adenoslmethionine, or SAMe, is a substance that is synthesized from the amino acid methionine and that is found literally everywhere in the body.  In biochemical terms, SAMe is a “methyl donor.”  It carries a very important piece of a molecule that is critical to a myriad of body processes, such as making cartilage, detoxifying blood, and regulating mood.  SAMe works within the cell, stimulating biochemical reactions that transform various “raw materials” into bioactive substances that the body can use, such as neurotransmitters, DNA, RNA and protein.  It has been credited with slowing or reversing the progress of osteoarthritis, improving memory, alleviating depression and reducing alcohol-induced liver damage among other feats.  Take 200-400 mg 1-2 times a day.

SAMe: The Safe and Natural Way to Combat Depression and Relieve the Pain of Osteoarthritis by Sol Grazi, M.D. and Marie Costa

Kava

The key uses of kava are: nervous anxiety, restlessness, depression and insomnia. 

Recommended dosage is 45-70 mg. Three times daily.  Use a dose providing 180-210 mg. one hour before bedtime for sedative effects.

The Healing Power of Herbs by Michael T. Murray, N.D.

St. John’s Wort

The key uses of St. John’s Wort are depression, sleep disorders, and viral infections.  Historically used as a nerve tonic, St. John’s Wort is used widely as a mild to moderate antidepressant.  This action appears to be based on the ability of hypericin and other components of St. John’s Wort to inhibit monoamine oxidase (MOA) types A and B.  As a result of this inhibition the level within the brain increases of certain nerve impulse transmitters those that maintain normal mood and emotional stability.  The best preparation to use appears to be the St. John’s Wort extract standardized to contain 0.3% hypericin.  The recommended dosage of this extract as an antidepressant is 30 mg. three times daily.  Each dose should be taken with meals.

The Healing Power of Herbs by Michael T. Murray, N.D.

Note: None of the above supplements should be taken with prescription drugs for depression or anxiety.