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.
little Jeremiah , if you have a ping list for the natural health thread please add me to the list.
thanks
Hibiscus is good for many things, including the urinary tract and kidneys. Cooling and tastes good. I like to make a half gallon of hibiscus tea and keep in the fridge in the summer, and make juice/tea drinks with it.
Just added your name.
Thank you
Recipe for Golden Milk.
https://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-bloggers/3735908/posts?page=323#323
Sometimes I use 1 1/2 c. milk per serving, or add a bit of water, and use 1 t. turmeric paste. The paste is very easy to make, lasts a long time in the fridge in a glass jar, and can added to other foods - soups, rice dishes, etc. Good way to ingest turmeric.
If I am not on the ping list, I would like to be :)
Thank you for this recipe.
I’ll order Turmeric tonight, but not sure about “milk.” Is the mixture called “milk” or should I add cow’s milk? We have Honey and black pepper in the kitchen. Also have Almond flavoring, but don’t know if it is oil.
I admit instead of honey I used Carmel coffee syrup. I don't like the taste of honey. That was the recipe I used. I stopped drinking it after I and fell asleep and destroyed my laptop. The ginger helped with the bitter taste of the turmeric. Get freshest ingredients possible. Cook until it boils, over medium heat, stir constantly.
sorry for the bad grammar. I just woke and am also typing in the dark.
Sorry I missed your question, when my internet was off.
Best is cows milk. The milk fat is all the oil you need.
I was offline for several days, and right now maxxed out, so copying some useful info I have on hand rather than indepth herb info which I have to type out. But I will be doing much more on herbs soon. Here are two self massage methods that if practiced often (best is daily, only take a few minutes) have palpably good effects. I notice a huge difference when I force myself to do them regularly. Even after one day - less joint pain and stiffness, more energy, skin of course feels better and less dry/itchy whatever.
The tradition Ayurvedic Abhyanga (Self massage) uses a lot of oil and gets everything all oily. I can’t handle it, so I do the simple after shower/bath method using less oil and it works just fine. I do the Abhyanga with oil first, and then the meridian massage. Sometimes i just do 8 times on each limb rather than 12 but I need all the exercise I can get, so need to do 12 times. The whole routine with both kinds takes a very few minutes, and does not get clothes oily, since the oil is well rubbed in. I use a mixture of sesame (refined) and coconut, with some essential oils.
Ayurvedic Self Massage
Massaging one’s body with oil, specifically sesame oil (refined and not the Chinese toasted kind either!) is an extremely health promoting habit. Other oils such as coconut or almond, even sunflower, can be used. Coconut should not be used by people who feel cold a lot.
The benefits are not only numerous, but you feel better immediately - joints are freer moving, pain anywhere is lessened, the body feels lighter, easier to “wear”, mind feels a bit more clear and uplifted. If helps strengthen the entire system, if done regularly.
Since the hands and feet have reflex points that help the entire body, it’s helpful to pay extra attention to them. If a person cannot do it daily, at least try to do it a few times a week. The goal is to rub the oil in well, not ignoring any area.
A daily full-body warm oil massage acts as a powerful recharger and rejuvenator of mind and body.
Benefits
The Ayurvedic massage is traditionally performed in the morning, before your bath or shower. But whenever you have time is fine. You can use sesame oil, an herbalized massage oil, or an aroma massage oil. Herbalized massage oils contain a blend of carefully chosen herbs known for their ability to strengthen the physiology and balance the mind.
Aroma therapy massage oils also deliver double the benefit – the healing aromas in the massage oil blend, if properly chosen, are particularly effective in balancing the emotions and doshas or constitutional elements, while the act of the massage works on both body and mind.
Ayurveda recommends different base oils and aroma blends depending on what you are attempting to balance. Anyone can add essential oils they like or feel are beneficial for them. Even plain oil is extremely beneficial.
It is nourishing, pacifies Vata [ether and air elements] and Kapha [water and earth elements] , as well as helping Pitta [fire and water elements] relieves fatigue, provides stamina, enhances sound sleep, the complexion and the luster of the skin, promotes longevity and nourishes all parts of the body. When the views expressed in the different Ayurvedic texts are put together, here are some benefits that can be expected from regular performance of this pleasant daily habit:
• Increased circulation, especially to nerve endings
• Imparts tone and vigor to the tissue
• Calming for the nerves; stimulates internal organs and circulation
• Lubrication of the joints
• Increased mental alertness
• Improved elimination of impurities and toxins from the body
• Softer, smoother skin
• Increased levels of stamina through the day
• Better, deeper sleep at night
• Strengthens immune system and resistance to stress
• Improves sensory perception
• Slow the aging of the body; improves longevity
Pacifies and harmonizes vata, pitta and kapha
Massage Method – Before bath/shower
Use comfortably warm massage oil. (Store your massage oil in a plastic flip-top and warm it by holding the container under running hot water for a few minutes - although no need in a warm climate, or just pour it into your hands and rub together before applying to your skin.) Dip your fingertips into the warm oil and apply it well all over the body. Massage the entire body, applying even pressure with the whole hand – palm and fingers.
Apply light pressure on sensitive areas such as the abdomen or the heart. Use more oil and spend more time where nerve endings are concentrated, such as the soles of feet, palms of hands and along the base of the fingernails.
Use long strokes over the long bones and circular motions over rounded areas such as your head or joints. Massage the abdomen in the direction of the intestines, and massage the chest/breasts in circular motions, making sure to also massage the armpits and chest wall to reach the lymph glands and promote circulation there. Oil all the orifices of the body including the navel (be gentle with navel) as well as nose, ears, and genital area.
Follow with a warm bath or shower. You can always follow the warm shower with a cold rinse off if you like for wakeup purposes.
Since the oil is hard to wash out of towels, I usually save a couple of smaller towels just for drying off after doing the oil massage, since some oil remains on the skin even after the shower, and it’s best to wash them in hot water with good detergent and maybe some white vinegar. Also it is best to minimize the use of soap during the shower, and to use soap that is mild and natural, like Pears or Kirks Castile, or Dr. Bronners, and while showering, scrub with a washcloth, rather than use tons of soap. Body washes are usually detergents and not good for the skin.
Alternative Simple Method -
Do the oil massage after the shower, using less oil, and rub in very well, so the oil doesn’t get on your clothes. The above method could be done occasionally, for instance before going for a swim. I have found it very difficult (or impossible) to wash oil out of towels or clothing. Doing the massage with less oil after a bath or shower has the similar benefits.
Dry Friction Massage
Instead of oil, you can use alternatively a loofah or fiber wash cloth or mitt, this is specifically good for Kapha (or people who want to lose weight, have cellulite, or have circulation problems) but can be done by anyone now and then. Follow the same pattern of massage as described above, using vigorous energizing strokes but don’t be too rough or scratch the skin. You can alternate a dry friction massage one day, and an oil massage the next. The dry friction massage is particularly good for reducing Kapha, symptoms would be excess weight or congestion in the body.
Another type is a salt massage, which is considered to help detoxify the body and increase circulation. Turn the shower on and get wet, then turn off. Have a small bowl with salt, and take handfuls and rub vigorously all over the body, avoiding mucus membranes of course. When all salted up, turn the water on again and wash off with a washcloth. The salt can be mixed with a little oil first.
If your schedule doesn’t allow for a daily massage, try and squeeze it in at least 3 or 4 times a week.
Meridian Chi Massage
The body has channels called in English meridians, and Chinese Traditional Medicine counts 12 major meridians in the arms and legs. This massage follows the general path and direction of energy flow in the meridians, helping to undo blockages or stagnation (which is often associated with pain), and promoting the free flow of energy in the entire body.
Stand unlcothed or with underpants on (unclothed is best if you’re using oil), preferably facing East. Facing North is acceptable, or West, but not South. This is especially good to practice in the morning but can be done any time.
This simple massage can be done using oil or without. If using oil, you can briefly rub some oil on your arms and legs first, or do this after the Abhyanga with oil, which is what I do. The hand that is doing the massage should be firmly pressed against the limbs maintaining full contact of palm and all the fingers.
Arms:
With your Left hand, start pressing the top of your Right hand at the very tips of the Right fingernails, moving up the outside of the Right arm up to the shoulder cap, then turn your Right arm over and continue the stroke, using your Left hand, down the inside of the Right arm, from armpit and carry the stroke off the ends of the Right fingertips. Do this at least 12 times.
Then do the exact same movements using the Right arm to massage the Left arm – starting at the Left fingernails, up to the shoulder cap, turning the Left arm around and rubbing from the armpit down off the ends of the Left fingertips. Repeat at least 12 times.
Legs:
Using both hands at the same time, bend over, and starting at the tips of the toes, massage in one continuous stroke (as for the arms), keeping the palms pressed against the legs firmly. Move up the feet, getting the inside edge of the feet, up the ankles and inside the legs up into the abdomen. Repeat this stroke at least 12 times. If one is weak and needs energy, more times can be done on this stroke.
Then, standing, start with both hands on the back of the hips by the lower back, rub down the back and outside of the legs, all the way to the outside of the feet and stroke off the ends of the toes, at least 12 times. If one is detoxifying or overweight, more times should be done on this stroke.
If there is time, one can then massage the chest with both hands, making circular motions on the pectoral area, then the abdomen, making circular motion (in the direction of the intestines), also up and down on the lower back, squeezing the shoulders, and carefully massaging the face. One can also try masssaging the ears – pinching, gently rubbing and pulling, and massaging the soles of the feet.
Even just a few minutes spent every day invigorates the body and helps the flow of energy in the meridians, thus benefitting all the bodily organs and systems.
Thank you!
Did you see our signup dates? Mine was actually a bit over a year earlier but had to change my screen name. We’re the same FR generation. :-D
Thank you, dear Lj! I have been using coconut oil but I will switch to another oil as my feet are always icy cold (nerve endings problems).
Please add me to the list
I will add your name. I will be posting more on the thread very soon, this week.
Refined sesame oil is considered to be more warming, almond oil is also helpful, and you could add some warming essential oils (not too much). Spicy EOs like nutmeg, cardamom and ginger would be a nice blend. I used to get very horrid nerve pain in areas of skin, usually where the skin is thinner. It would last usually for a few days then go away. A friend made a salve with EOs of cinnamon, cardamom, clove, ginger and black pepper, in small amounts - it smelled great - and it took it away. I should make that up myself. That might help your feet.
I was already positively inclined towards EOs by posts in this discussion, but I didn't have any personal experience beyond the casual use of products containing tea tree oil. Like many, I had negative thoughts about multilevel marketing (or network marketing), the method by which this company gets products to customers. I got over that when I saw that the company has over 6 million members, 90% of whom are simply customers, not distributors, and 40% of whom get a monthly autoship delivery. People LOVE their oils.
I'm now signed up to be a distributor myself. I'm enjoying the additional training and mentoring that is provided by Jack and his associates, about both EOs and business. There's a new Zoom call practically every other day, multiple Facebook forums, and continuous WhatsApp communication with some of nicest and most helpful people I have run into. With all this support, people are rapidly advancing in their EO business, setting records.
Meanwhile, I'm learning more about essential oils, through personal experience, books, and online resources. The personal experience has been very interesting.
I've been fighting a prostate problem for years. Flomax, prescribed by a urologist, sort of worked, but the side effect -- unrelenting low energy -- made me give it up after six months. I tried natural supplements, including lycopene and beta sitosterol, but they made my urine and the toilet smell so bad I was unwelcome in our bathroom. Special foods -- tomato paste (for lycopene) and pumpkin seeds -- helped a little. A few weeks after I started using essential oils I was pleasantly surprised to find that I was peeing better than I have in years. Unfortunately, I didn't do this scientifically, so I'm not sure which of the several oils and blends I'm using had the effect.
There are many books, the most authoritative and encyclopedic of which is the Essential Oils Desk Reference. The most fun is probably one by pseudonymous author Lucy Libido, called There's an Oil for THAT: A Girlfriend's Guide to Using Essential Oils Between the Sheets.
There are many, many websites. An intriguing one I've been exploring lately is Oil-Testimonials.com which contains oodles of anecdotal information about successes with EOs. None of it constitutes science, or "evidence-based practice", but EOs seem pretty harmless, so some ideas may be worth trying. Based on one the recommendations there, I gave a couple of small bottles to a friend for her friend's Tourette problem. I hear that the Tourette problem showed significant improvement, but in this case it's worse than anecdotal. The person involved was so desperate she tried three different treatments at the same time, including EOs, CBD oil, and prescription medication, so it will be a long time, if ever, before we know what actually caused the improvement.
More important are the stories I've heard about near-miraculous improvements in long-term PTSD, ADHD, and even erectile dysfunction. Though far from "scientific", there is too much credible evidence to ignore. These oils may be as powerful as LJ's herbs.
Thanks for the ping. I really need to get back to this thread, much more calming than news. I have to do some other things right now but since you mentioned prostate, I have seen many men’s symptoms and numbers improve from “bad” to “symptom free” with a few things, the main one is Gokshuradi Guggulu. Works on kidneys, urinary system, prostate
Here is a link with info and I’ll copy a bit of it. Also eating pumpkin seeds daily is a fantastic source of zinc which is helpful, and cleaning up the diet especially from hydrogenated/partially hydrogenated oils, and cooking with very heated oil. Milk fat is much healthier.
I’ve used this for utis and a kidney infection, DH and several other male clients for prostate problems. Never seen it not work. Maybe in conjunction with EOs.
https://www.banyanbotanicals.com/gokshuradi-guggulu-tablets-10/
Gokshuradi Guggulu is a traditional Ayurvedic compound used to support the proper function of the genitourinary tract. It strengthens and tones the kidneys, bladder, and urethra as well as the reproductive organs. The main ingredient, gokshura, is renowned for its rejuvenating action on the kidneys and prostate. Combined with guggulu, triphala, and trikatu, it detoxifies the urinary system and supports healthy urinary composition.
Balancing to all doshas, Gokshuradi Guggulu revitalizes the genitourinary system by calming vata, soothing pitta, and eliminating excess kapha.*
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