Posted on 03/19/2019 5:52:42 PM PDT by little jeremiah
Many FReepers have knowledge to share about improving and maintaining health and would like to share it and learn from others; and others may not know much yet but want to learn. Some of us don't have much money for good insurance or doctors, some want to try other methods besides prescription meds, and some have experience in treating and solving health problems.
More and more "regular" doctors have accepted treatment methods such as the benefits of acupuncture, massage for many conditions, better diet, use of herbs and so on. There are limits, and often side effects, to some standard medical efforts.
My field is Ayurvedic herbalism and related measures, and have a lot of information I can post when I have time. I have seen herbs and sometimes dietary changes help people (including myself) with issues such as rheumatoid arthritis, high BP, gallstones, kidneystones, repeated boils, UTIs, prostate problems, insomnia, allergies, urinary incontinence, and many more. I hope to learn a lot from others with their knowledge and experience.
There are many "old fashioned" home care methods that were in common use a few generations ago that actually work and are cheap, such as castor oil packs, fomentations using alternating hot and cold water, and the like, which are easy to do. I am sure there is a lot of knowledge here on Free Republic that can be shared.
I would like this thread to stay civil without distruption, so my request is that people who think natural health methods are bunkum, make your own thread.
Is there a not-exhaustively-tedious-way that we could compile, archive the meaty info posts in this thread as a kind of reference work?
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I suppose that is possible. I have a lot of info but I am very disorganized, sadly. Hopefully in the next few days I will be posting a lot of info about individual herbs, especially for immune system, respiratory illness, blood toxicity, also cancer.
Thanks for posting this. Good info.
Here is some info about essential oils and diffusers; they can be very helpful in any kind of infectious illness, especially respiratory. Can definitely help with breathing issues. I am not an expert on diffusers. I’ve had a few, and didn’t like some of them. It is much more effective for essential oils not to be heated; so tea laps and other types that heat the oil are not the best, imho.
There are diffusers that use a small fan, and they work; and also nebulizers that dispers the EOs into the air as very fine particles. I like nebulizers but they involve glass parts and are often quite expensive. I just searched for nebulizers on Amazon and they’re all pricey, and seems a lot of the stupid (to me, and annoying) colored lights.
Here are links to a few, I order a lot of Starwest Botanicals so I am familiar with them. Of cousre EO diffusters can be bought anywhere and I just checked Amazon, but I have no idea if any of them are not what they seem/or claim; whereas Starwest has a very good reputation and customer service. Hopefully these will give the general idea.
This one is also a humidifier; probably not a strong humidifier but it sounds nice other than that it has lights, I’d copy photos but then I’d have to format the whole comment.
https://www.starwest-botanicals.com/product/lultrasonic-aroma-humidifier-diffuser.html
Ultrasonic Aroma Diffuser & Humidifier
$38.96
This quiet humidifier has a unique branches design on the cover and mood-enhancing LED rotating ambiance lights (7 colors), or you can set it on one color. Each color has two brightness options, so you can choose the perfect light to assist with your mood. Tank capacity is 400 ml. You fill the tank with water and add a few drops essential oil to the tank. It has four misting holes, and it has a high and low mode, and a continuous and intermittent mode. You can set the timer for 1 hour, 3 hours or 6 hours. Effectively emits aroma approximately 430 square feet and humidification for 260 square feet. A/C adapter 100-240V.
https://www.starwest-botanicals.com/product/la-brisa-air-diffuser.html
La Brisa Air Diffuser
$22.48
This beautiful decorative essential oil diffuser features a color rotating light. It utilizes a quiet fan and infuses a room without the need to fill a water reservoir; just add the desired amount of essential oil to the pads.
An easy-to-use, light weight diffuser that effectively permeates up to 200 sq. ft.
It is a portable and can be powered by a 5V USB cord (included) or 3-AA batteries (not included), making it ideal for travel.
Run time is continuous, no automatic shut-off.
Comes with 6 refill pads. (Additional Refill Pads are available.)
Instructions are included.
1 year manufacturer’s guarantee.
Small one for car or travel, does use heat but useful because of small size and portability:
https://www.starwest-botanicals.com/product/tulip-aroma-diffuser.html
Tulip Aroma Diffuser for Car & Travel
$15.23
This special tulip shaped diffuser uses a light warming unit to gently emit essential oils throughout a small area or your car. Just add a few drops of essential oils to the pad and plug it into a USB port or 12V plug, no water required. It’s the perfect size for travel. 3 refill pads included.
Best EOs for assisting with breathing, helping with congestion, and also happen to be disinfecting and anti-microbial, most EOs have some antimicrobial potency. I prefer blends rathe than one kind of oil but I make my own blends. When not familiar with a lot of EOs, the best is to get a few, say three or maybe four, that sound useful, and try them separately, together, etc. See what works best. I can also recommend a couple of books that I have learned from.
The EOs below are good in diffusers, baths, for steam inhalation, or just sprinking on clothes, I toss on the wood stove in the winter, too.
Eucalyptus Globulus (best is from Australia, I just avoid Chinese anything unless no choice)
Camphor (make sure it is NATURAL)
Spruce
Fir
Birch or Wintergreen
Pine
Tea Tree, Basil, Oregano, Thyme (smaller amoung in blends)
I make a blend using all of the above for assisting with breathing either during sickness or to support my asthma. I use daily pretty much, just sprinkling it on clothes, sheets, etc. I don’t think I’ve given proportions for the blend above but I can if anyone is interested.
I’m keenly interested in your proportions of essential oils in your mixture. Thanks in advance.
I don’t have my purple notebook handy that I write everything in, but it really is not exact anyway. Sometimes i make just 1 oz if someone wants, but lately I make in 4 oz bottles as a lot of people get it from me, so I have it on hand, and decant into 1 oz bottles. But it’s the proportions that are important. Maybe tomorrow I can look up post somewhat more precise details.
Fill half a bottle with Eucalyptus Globulus.
The rest of the bottle add smaller amounts of, in this order of volume:
Fir
Spruce
Pine
Camphor (MUST be natural)
Peppermint - I forgot to add it above, vital!
Pine
Then somewhat smaller amounts:
Basil
Tea Tree
Thyme
Oregano (smallest of all)
Shake well and let sit overnight to “meld”.
Big thanks. Got it copied & saved.
I’m not sure if this is appropriate here, but I think meditation can have a positive role in physical and mental health. Apropos of that, there is a worldwide meditation and prayer event scheduled at 11 am PDT today, May 21.
I think it is very appropriate, thanks for the alert. Meditation can be many different ways and kinds, and thus utilized by people of any faith. Deep prayer can be meditation, and to my way of thinking and study, the best meditation is prayerful.
There were a few audio glitches, but overall the event went well. It was largely a sequence of gurus and motivational speakers touting the benefits of meditation and occasionally tooting their own horn. The best part was near the end when Tony Robbins spoke. He basically discredited the coronavirus fear-mongers, saying that in the end coronavirus is no more dangerous than the typical flu -- which has never caused lockdowns or debilitating fear.
Robbins also offered a basic three-part strategy for success: With care, choose focus, choose meaning, and choose action. Choose something positive to focus on, definitely not fear or something you feel is lacking. Choose the meaning you associate with events that happen in your focus field. And finally, based on that meaning, choose an action that will bring you closer to your goals. (Some people will recognize the OODA loop in this strategy.)
There's another similar event June 21.
Thank you, lj, for sharing your knowledge. You are a wonderful source of truth, goodness, and beauty. (I'm particularly thinking of your Q-thread leis and mountain views.)
bttt
My plan is to over the next few days write up some details about specific herbs, primarily in two categories:
1. Brain, nervous system, mind
3. Cancer, lymph cleansing
Most herbs have a rather wide spectrum of uses so some of the uses may be wider ranging. I will be using various herb books as sources, and I do know more about Ayuvedic herbs and principles just so people know. If anyone has questions just ping me and I may or may not know the answer but can also look into it.
Bacopa Bacopa monniera
Tissues: all tissues
Systems: nervous, circulatory, digestive
Properties: nervine, alterative, rejuvenative, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anticonvulsant, diuretic
Uses: nervous disorders in general, mental disorders, neuralgia, epilepsy, indigestion, senility, ADHD, Aspergers syndrome, autism, recovery from addictions, skin diseases, premature aging, anger, headaches and migraines, adrenal insufficiency, stress, cystitis, colic, colitis, improves mental function, memory and reduces learning time. Also rheumatic conditions, tonic for impotence and premature ejaculation.
Dose: 2 to 3 grams, twice a day, in warm water,
Most famous and used for effects on mental faculties, specific for mental diseases such as anxiety, depression, “insanity”; considered to promote intellect and nervine tonic. Ayurveda considers it a rejuvenative tonic for the mind and the nervous system. Used for nerve diseases, mental exhaustion, improve memory – is a brain food. Can improve concentration, comprehension and recollection, used in formulas to help prevent stress. Builds nerve tissue, and is sedative and tonic for the heart. Since it is both a sedative (NOT dulling in any way) and rejuvenating tonic for the nervous system, it can protect and heal general fatigue and adrenal burnout caused by stress and overwork.
It is often used in combination with other herbs (which I will also be posting about) such as Vacha (Calamus), Shankpushpi, Ashwagandha, Gotu Kola.
Used for asthma, anxiety, epilepsy, neurasthenia, emotional stress, cough, water retention and nerve pain (I find other herbs more useful for water retention, digestive issues etc). Enhances nerve impulse transmission and thereby strengthens memory and general cognition. Increasingly used in the treatment of cognitive and behavioral disorders, as well as for people with impaired mental faculties. Also a powerful antioxidant.
Can help with migraines, often in conjuction with Shatavari, Feverfew, Gotu Kola, Ginkgo, Peppermint or Scullcap. Purifying to subtle channels (in Sanksrit called nadis), similar to but not necessarily the same as Chinese meridians.
Note: I recommend taking herbs in powdered form, in a a smallish amount of liquid, swallowing the entire amount. Can be warm water, milk can be used or added, sweetener can be added, honey helps with absorption and delivery of the medicinal potentcy. Tables and capsules are not quite as effective for various reasons.
Generally most herbs are about 3 grams per teaspoon, average.
Ayuvedic? What’s that?
Ayurveda (literally means “knowledge of long life”) is the ancient medical system from India. I’ve been studying it since the late 80s and practicing on myself, family, friends and branched out into clients who are usually friends of friends etc. It’s not a business, just something I like to do.
I’ve had many health problems myself so I’ve had lots of practice with those, and pretty good outcomes.
If someone has a condition which involves pharmaceutical meds, it’s always good to try to find a doctor who knows about herbs (good luck...) - my doc is a naturopath who knows western meds etc and natural methods and is open. I do not know much of anything about meds and how they may interact with herbs so it’s good to do some research. Tapering is a process by which one gradually increases herbs while gradually decreasing pharma meds, when that is warranted.
I’m sure a lot of herbs can be taken alongside meds but it’s a “due diligence” issue that I know little to nothing about. Just from my own research I think many herbs would not interact badly with most meds but it would have to be looked into or experimented with.
I have severe allergies/sensitivies to almost all drugs I’ve ever taken, up to and including life threatening anaphylactic shock from penicillin, so I rarely take any prescription meds and when I do, I often have to discontinue. So I am not knowledgeable in this area.
Scullcap (sometimes spelled Skullcap) Scutellaria lateriflora
Tissues: plasma, blood, marrow and nerve, reproductive
Systems: nervous, circulatory
Properties: nervine tonic, sedative, antispasmodic, alterative
1-9 grams per day (in tea I presume) or tincture 10-40 drops)
Uses: relaxes nervous tension, insomnia, calming, strengthens the brain, useful for chorea, epilepsy and seizures generally, often in combination with other nervines. Emotional disturbances, neuralgia, anxiety and stress, spasms, tremors, addictions and recovery, hypertension, PMS.
Works well to relax and renew the nervous system, including mental tension and anxiety; for calming can be combined with herbs like Ashwagandha and Bala or Valerian (Tagar), can be used with Chamomile. Although a relaxing herb, it is not dulling and helps with memory, focus and higher mental functions.
For excess anger it can be combined with Gotu Kola, Chamomile or Licorice (avoid licorice in cases of hypertension). Considered one of the best herbs for helping break addictions and ease withdrawal symptoms. For insomnia can be used alone or with Hops. (I have used it alone, as a tincture and found it very effective, I use 20 drops.)
One more, hope to get another tonight. With many conditions involving the nervous system, combinations of herbs can be more helpful.
Gotu Kola Centella asiatica
Tissues: nerve, blood, plasma. Bone marrow
Systems: nervous, circulatory, digestive
Properties: nervine,rejuvenative, alterative, diuretic, febrifuge, antispasmodic
Uses: nervous disorders, mental disorders, epilepsy, senility, premature aging, adrenal insufficiency, poor immunity, stress, hair loss, anger and irritability, chronic skin conditions
Dose: 3-6 grams, more as a tea
Gotu Kola is an excellent rejuvenative for the mind and nervous system, promotes cellular regeneration, slows the aging process, and is useful in treating a wide variety of psychological and neurological disorders. It supports the adrenal glands and immune system, and purifies the nadis (subtle channels). One of the main herbs for revitalizing brain and nerve cells. Helps increase focus, memory and mental acuity, and helps balance right and left hemispheres of the brain.
Helpful for chronic skin diseases including psoriasis, wounds, cellulite, varicose veins, and dermatitis. Stimulates growth of hair, nails and connective tissues. Potential for helping with senility and Alzheimers. Helpful in periodic fevers, promotes circulation of the blood vessels of the skin and mucus membranes.
It is often used with other herbs such as Bacopa and Vacha, for serious conditions. Gotu Kola can be eaten fresh and grows wild in subtropical and tropical climates.
Pulled over from the Qanon thread. Original post by WaltStuart at
https://www.freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3840032/posts?page=560#560
These are some of the more interesting—some fantastic—links:
http://www.diyhealthremedy.com/11-best-methods-to-cure-macular-degeneration/
https://c60purplepower.com/eyes-on-c60/
https://www.carbon60oliveoiluk.com/c-60-oil-and-macular-degeneration
Another one pulled over from the Qanon thread, originally by greeneyes:
http://freerepublic.com/focus/chat/3841381/posts?page=1418#1418
Rather than Quinine, consider QUERCETIN, a known ionophore that will work with zinc. It’s available as an over the counter supplement. You can take 250mg-1g twice per day.
Elderberries and Onions have Quercetin. My favorite: Sambucus Elderberry Immunity supplement gummies taste wonderful and have the zinc and Vit C. already together.
Quercetin is what the Med Cram doctor who treats CV patients is taking as a prophylactic. Additionally he is taking:
Up to 50 mg of Zinc—50 mg for short term only-that’s the upper limit
Green Tea 1 pill/day
Vit. C - 250mg-500mg twice daily
Vit. D3 - Stop this if you get CV
Melatonin - 1-10mg @ bedtime - studies have shown that one of the most effective things you can do in fighting a virus is to get a good 8 hrs sleep.
Of course amounts taken can vary depending on weight etc. so consult you Dr. This is not medical advice. LOL
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