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Herbal & Naturopathic Healing
Experiences The following page is a list of tried and true remedies that have worked over the years. As I am not a doctor, I am merely recording them here on this website for the personal reference of family and friends. I am not advocating any type of medical treatment for anyone. For that, you would need to consult with qualified experts. Critical Links
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Inspirational sources for this work have included the key medical works of Maimonides/ Dr. Moshe ben Maimon (Mishneh Torah: Sefer HaMadda 'The Book of Knowledge": Chapter 4, Medical Aphorisms, and the Regiment on Health). In addition, I also studied "The Body Type Diet" (Dr. Abravenel), "The Life Transforming Diet" (David Zulberg), Fit For Life (Harvey and Marilyn Diamond), Talmudic & Yemenite MSS. Most importantly, we have tested this stuff out on myself (and family) for many years. We were all part of this living experiment. As all of this material would take weeks to fully record (and re-record), this paper is not meant as an exhaustive study.
Warning: Friends and family should be aware of potential allergies and/or sensitivities to certain things mentioned below. In addition, consumption of certain herbs (in quantity) can cause liver damage. Be aware that certain herbs are naturally toxic to humans. The majority of herbs mentioned below can be tolerated in large quantities. When that is not the case, I have made a note of it.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ACTUAL REMEDIES Acid Reflux Disease: One of the best and simplest ways of stopping reflux is to take ordinary baking soda (NOT baking POWDER). It will alkalize the body, making it more unfriendly for pathogens. Take 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in a glass of water every 4 hours. Elevate bed frame at >10 degree angle. This uses gravity to put a significant dent (or elimination of) nightime reflux. To address the root cause, you need to change the way you eat, and add (and subtract) certain foods to your diet. I recommend fresh (pulpy) aloe vera juice on a daily basis. Stop eating cooked acidy foods. Find / Search (press continuously to find more instances) Arthritis:
Bad Breath: Consumption of cool ginger tea helps to reduce bad breadth.Sometimes, post-nasal-drip can sometimes cause bad breadth, because there is too much bacteria sitting (at most times) on the back of the throat. Don't overdue your antioxidants - which can cause that. A good gargle with some type of essential oil or extract based mouthwash can do wonders for bad breadth. Light solutions of water (like Toms), which integrate minute amounts of mint, aloe, menthol and even. grapefruit seed extract are mild, sensible solutions. This is especially true when the person is able to carefully swallow a tiny bit of the rinse (after the 3rd or 4th time after dispensing it), so it is sure to hit the right region of the throat. Many times, this type of rinsing is also thereaputic for the inflammation of the throat, which may also be contributing to the problem. Of course, what you put in your stomach has a direct effect on your breadth. Bacteria in Stomach: See Stomach Bacteria Beef: only Grass Fed. See Meat Section Bruises: The next time my child slams his/her finger in the door (heaven forbid), I will never run for ice again. There is nothing better for most types of injuries than a dab of "OLBAS OIL" analgesic cream. I know from experience that it immediately (and naturally) takes down the swelling, even as it stops the pain (all in a matter of seconds). Ice is one big, painful waste of time (in my comparative estimation). It is very inefficient (to say the least). Oxygenated "Olive Gold O3" is also a very effective (albeit temporary) way to deal with muscular & joint pain. However, the effects of this remedy seem to be (more temporary), when compared to Olbas Oil. However, this stuff is super effective in loosening the muscle knots in the neck and back. However, it is not meant as a cure. While my experience in comparing the two remedies is not thorough, that is the first impression I have experienced. Cancer: Stop sleeping inside of electromagetic fields. In general, don't sleep along walls that have not been tested with an EMF detector, as high voltage cables are almost always located there. This is problematic - even when the electricity is not powering a device. I've confirmed this with a detector. There is a ton of evidence (many have tried to suppress) directly linking EMF with cancerous tumors - especially in the brain. There may be walls that are safe, but this needs to be verified with a detector. Liposomal Vitamin C: May kill many forms of cancer. Be careful not to overdue - and cause a systemic crisis. Oregano Oil: MUST BE PURE Mediterranean-Sourced (concentrated) Oregano Oil: May kill cancer and bacteria. But unconfirmed. Be careful not to over due. One drop in mouth - under tongue - per day. Some oregano-people claim that cancer is ultimately related to fungus. However, I think it is more complicated than that. Cayenne (Capsaicin): Recently, my boss had blocked arteries and required stints. After all that, his doctor still grimly recommended that he sign up to be placed on a heart transplant list. The pressure was still way too high. This all had to do with his alarming blood pressure. After much praying and desperation, he tried taking Cayeinne pepper capsules. According to the testimony of my boss, this is the only significant lifestyle he made (at that time). His Doctor was dumbfounded after reading his charts during the next visit. To quote the doctor: "I don't know what in the world you've been doing...but whatever it is, keep it up!". His circulation had shown a significant return to normal. His blood pressure is now running a bit low at 100 over 60, with a heart rate of 60. Warning: Cayenne can really wipe out your stomach. I tried cool Cayenne pills, but had to quit, do to a burning sensation in my stomach. Ajinomoto Research Institute for Health Fundamentals, Kawasaki-shi, Japan. The biochemical and physiological indices were monitored in 44 subjects after 4-week capsinoids (capsaicin analogues with low pungency) intake. The subjects were randomly assigned to 3 groups: CSNs3 (3 mg/kg of capsinoids), CSNs10 (10 mg/kg of capsinoids) and the control (placebo). Measurements were performed in the morning on overnight-fasted subjects. The oxygen consumption (VO(2)), resting energy expenditure (REE) and fat oxidation increased slightly compared to pre-administration values without any adverse effects, although the increase was not significant. The increase in fat oxidation was positively and significantly correlated with the body mass index (BMI). A meta-analysis was therefore conducted on a subgroup consisting of subjects with BMI >or= 25 (n=28). As a result, not only VO(2) increased significantly (p<0.05) in the CSNs10 group, but also REE in the CSNs10 group and fat oxidation in the CSNs3 and CSNs10 groups tended to increase (p<0.1). Consequently, a capsinoids intake would be able to enhance the energy expenditure and fat burning in humans, particularly those with high BMI. PMID: 17284861 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE] Also see this study: Keeping in mind that Lipo Oxidation is the beginning of Arthrosclerosis School of Human Life Sciences, University of Tasmania, Launceston, Tasmania 7250, Australia. Laboratory studies have shown that the resistance of isolated LDL-cholesterol or linoleic acid to oxidation is increased in incubations with chilli extracts or capsaicin--the active ingredient of chilli. It is unknown if these in vitro antioxidative effects also occur in the serum of individuals eating chilli regularly. The present study investigated the effects of regular consumption of chilli on in vitro serum lipoprotein oxidation and total antioxidant status (TAS) in healthy adult men and women. In a randomised cross-over study, twenty-seven participants (thirteen men and fourteen women) ate 'freshly chopped chilli' blend (30 g/d; 55% cayenne chilli) and no chilli (bland) diets, for 4 weeks each. Use of other spices, such as cinnamon, ginger, garlic and mustard, was restricted to minimum amounts. At the end of each dietary period serum samples were analysed for lipids, lipoproteins, TAS and Cu-induced lipoprotein oxidation. Lag time (before initiation of oxidation) and rate of oxidation (slope of propagation phase) were calculated. There was no difference in the serum lipid, lipoproteins and TAS at the end of the two dietary periods. In the whole group, the rate of oxidation was significantly lower (mean difference -0.23 absorbance x10(-3)/min; P=0.04) after the chilli diet, compared with the bland diet. In women, lag time was higher (mean difference 9.61 min; P<0.001) after the chilli diet, compared with the bland diet. In conclusion, regular consumption of chilli for 4 weeks increases the resistance of serum lipoproteins to oxidation. PMID: 16923216 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE Children's Bruises and Injuries: see bruises Cinnamon: There are many scientific studies (see next paragraph) that espouse the many benefits that come of natural cinnamon. To date: I am still in the initial phases of verifying the benefits of cinnamon. During a recent lung infection of family, I verified that the inhalation of hot steam (mixed with Cinnamon) temporarily relieved a deep cough. However, I am convinced that the consumption of raw onion is what really knocked that infection out of the body, by liquefying the mucus. Studies have shown that just 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon per day can lower LDL cholesterol. Several studies suggest that cinnamon may have a regulatory effect on blood sugar, making it especially beneficial for people with Type 2 diabetes. In some studies, cinnamon has shown an amazing ability to stop medication-resistant yeast infections. In a study published by researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture in Maryland, cinnamon reduced the proliferation of leukemia and lymphoma cancer cells. It has an anti-clotting effect on the blood. In a study at Copenhagen University, patients given half a teaspoon of cinnamon powder combined with one tablespoon of honey every morning before breakfast had significant relief in arthritis pain after one week and could walk without pain within one month. When added to food, it inhibits bacterial growth and food spoilage, making it a natural food preservative. One study found that smelling cinnamon boosts cognitive function and memory. Researchers at Kansas State University found that cinnamon fights the E. coli bacteria in unpasteurized juices. Common cold: There are many approaches to dealing with the common cold. Many of them overlap with the way in which a flu is treated. Search this page for multiple references of the following (irregardless of what section they appear in below):
Depression: See Exercise, St. John's Wort Diet: Please study the sources listed here... Exercise: Anyone who seriously desires to reap a genuine quality and quantity of life must exercise (briskly) once a day (at the very least). Exercise means movement that "results in deep breathing at a faster than normal pace." Dr. Moshe ben Maimon (of blessed memory) spoke of exercising before meals, in order to warm up the body. I understand that is not always possible. Either way, I prefer to briskly exercise at night (after the full digestion of the evening meal) at least once every day. This is in line with Dr. Moshe's optimal time for exercise. The short term and long term benefits of exercise are too numerous to mention here. THERE IS NO REMEDY ON THIS ENTIRE PAGE that is more recommended than regular exercise. According to Dr. Moshe ben Maimon, exercise starts slow, and then increases in pace. Excercise - by definition - means you reach your target heart rate for a limited period of time and try to hold it (no more than 30 seconds) - and than slowly slow down to catch your breath. Repeat this series many times. Try to work up to 7 or eight times, and this will exponentially beat out the benefits of any modern or ancient system - in my assessment. It's not easy. The key is every other day (at least). Drink lots of spring water, even if you are not thirsty (before and after). Stretching and strengthening exercise is also important. Dr. Moshe ben Maimon speaks of exercise that influences the soul, even as it makes it happier. There are now many modern studies that confirm this connection. In fact, healing can (many times) work in reverse, as happiness caused by exercise can actually lead to phsyical and emotional healing. In today's world of increased stress, depression and anxiety, the concept of regular exercise can not be overstressed. Feet: Arch Support Fenugreek: Fenugreek
is being studied for its cardiovascular benefits. Researchers in India found
people who took 2 ounces of fenugreek seed each day had significantly
(around 14 percent) lower cholesterol levels after 24 weeks, and had lowered
their risk of heart attack by more than 25 percent. The same study showed
that participants with type 2 diabetes had significantly lower blood sugar
levels after eating fenugreek. Our family tries to eat "Hilbeh" (Yemenite
Fenugreek with fresh spices & lemon) once a week at the Sabbath meal. Gerd: See Acid Reflux Disease Headaches: 4- Check your Blood Pressure: Sometimes, this can cause headaches. And even if it is not the issue, nerve oriented preparations (either homeopathic or herbal) can sometimes relax the muscles, and stop a headache in its tracks. Relaxation formulas can be a part of this. Experiment and find out what works. Calmes forte, tramile, inositol works for many people. Don't over do it.
Heart, Attack: If one finds themselves in the middle of a really strong arrhythmia or suspects he/she is having a heart attack, there are two proven remedies that could save your life. This could be the difference between life and death, and allow you enough time to call the doctor. Either one of these remedies works (as a short term solution). Although both have been shown to help the heart (as part of a steady regiment of proper exercise and diet).
I have no experience or comments for nitroglycerin and the like. Heart Health: Animal fat, lack of cardiovascular exercise, lack of quality sleep, lack of quality nutrition and bad genes are a heart's worst enemies. In addition, many people have "trigger food sensitivities" that can set the heart into dangerous rhythmic patterns. For some, the combination of dark chocolate, artificial sugar and caffeine can do it. For others, it could be certain preservatives or nitrates in our food supply. Others are bothered by extremely fatty or oily fried foods. As stated elsewhere in this paper, the importance of the daily intake of certain minerals can not be overstated. Minerals like readily absorbed Magnesium are crucial to the maintenance of a healthy or damaged heart. In most heart-related cases, CAFFEINE needs to be shut off. Use ginger tea for a simulative effect instead. For preventative heart information, see SERRAPEPTASE and EXERCISE sections above... Heartburn: See Stomachache Honey:
Warning: People with sensitive tummies should be careful about the consumption of honey. Low Energy: Raw Ginger slices or hot ginger tea. Lung / Respiratory Infection: see Sinus & Related Problems Meat: Beef: Anyone who eats meat that is not grass-fed (in today's times) takes his life into his hands. No matter how repressive it seems, you must not purchase meat from the local kosher butcher - unless it is grass fed. The ultimate quality of meat has little to do with kashruth, when we are dealing with how the animals were fed. IN ADDITION, hormones, steroids and anti-biotics must be avoided at all costs too. But again, even without these harmful substances, it must be grass fed. I believe that eating grass-fed beef is extremely healthy for people (provided you don't go overboard). I think that 99% of all kosher beef sold in America is poison. The other problem today is GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms). Most of the FEED today (like most corn) contains GMO's. Thus, the danger of eating grain-fed beef is compounded exponentially. Menstruation: Suppressed: a Hot cop of Ginger Tea works every time. Muscle / Joint Aches / Back / Spine:
Mucus: See Sinus Problems Onion: Raw Onions For Respiratory Condition Sinus & Related problems: I have personally been plagued by painful sinus problems for years. However, it is worthy to mention that allergies can mimic sinus symptoms - and should also be considered. Things like air-quality can confuse the two conditions. Therefore, if you have a suspicion of allergies, start working on things like air-ducts, micron filters and odors in the house. Sometimes, a good dusting of the house (where the dust is collected and not spread) and the addition of a super-high-powered air filter will solve the problem. Also, covering your bed with allergy sheets and pillow casing is a must. If you have carpet, you may want to opt for tile. BEFORE beginning any of the treatments, I strongly suggest you thoroughly remove all the furniture from your room, and mop your tile with a strong vinegar solution. I'd recommend doing this every 4-5 months. In my experience, aged (unaddressed & hidden) dust becomes EXTREMELY poisonous in the air (over time). The smell alone (which may be undetectable to many) is enough to poison your sinus cavities without your knowledge. G-D only knows how many people could cure themselves by doing a rigorous, regular cleaning with strong vinegar. DO NOT USE BLEACH (ever). Regarding sinus issues. The effectiveness of these remedies relates to the causes of the irritation. If dust or mold is involved, it must be removed: 1- Serrapeptase really helps sinus problems. However, I find that certain brands are better than others, or perhaps the body builds a tolerance (over time) where it is less effective. 2- While oregano oil has been helpful (at times), I didn't see it as a long term solution to the problem. In fact, its effects seem to diminish over time. Also, I found that the effectiveness of oregano oil comes and goes over time. MUST BE PURE Mediterranean-Sourced (concentrated) Oregano Oil: May help. But unconfirmed. 3- After years of experimentation, I was able to significantly dent my sinus issue by doing the following things (besides what is listed in the first paragraph of this sinus section): I cut down on the consumption of milk products. Even though the milk we drink is hormone, pesticide and anti-biotic free (according to labels), I believe that an underlying milk allergy can cause (contribute to) these issues - in many individuals - without their knowledge. In addition, milk is known as a substance that can create or contribute to a build up of mucus in our system. Dr. Moshe ben Maimon (in Hilchoth De'oth 4:9) says that cheese should only be consumed periodically, and in small quantities. He also notes that all animal fat is bad. He also notes that any food that has a foul odor should be avoided. Then, I started consuming an occasional raw onion - which works wonders for my sinus & respiratory problems. I am convinced that it helps my sinus problem in many different ways. During previous respiratory and sinus infections, I am convinced of the following: The consumption of one really strong uncooked onion (with other foods) turned much of the harmful mucus (which was plaguing my entire body in all locations) into a thin, watery, more liquefied form of waste, which allowed for quicker and easier (natural) elimination through all of the natural outlets. Without the onion, my thick mucus would not have gone anywhere. But even more to the point, I suspect that raw onion is a strong body/ blood cleanser (and lipid destroyer) that is tolerated in large amounts (and over long periods of time). As always, one needs to be careful of the stomach lining, and should not over do anything in excess. Even one or two whole raw onions a week can accomplish amazing things for people with this problem. The onion can be disguised in other foods, to make it more palatable. But again, to hide it in mucus oriented foods makes no sense at all. During a recent lung infection in our family, I verified that the inhalation of hot steam (mixed with Cinnamon) temporarily relieved a deep lung-congested cough. However, I am convinced that the consumption of raw onion is what really knocked that infection out of the body, by liquefying the mucus. Olbas oil (on the temples and key points on the face) can sometimes (temporarily) stop sinus problems. This is also effective for headaches as well. Sleep Problems: I have heard of conditions like sleep apnea, insomnia & snoring (virtually) disappear, after losing weight. Spiritual Health of the body: Depression & Exercise , Depression of Saul: Healed by King David, Exercise, Music, Spiritual Weakness, Tefillin Soda: If you desire to commit suicide quickly (heaven forbid), then keep drinking soda (of any kind).. Sore Throat: In my experience, the onset of a sore throat is the key indicator of a coming cold. It is at this very time (says an old Mayo clinic study) that one should immediately swallow a readily absorbale form of pure zinc. According to the study and my experiences, the consumption of zinc (at the first onset of a sore throat) can diminish the symptoms of an oncoming cold by as much as 50% or more. In many cases, a heavy (non-toxic) dosage of zinc can even eliminate the germ entirely. Other remedies for a sore throat include the classic recommendation to swallow raw (preferably organic) honey. I find it doesn't work as well in hot tea, which diminishes its antiseptic and antibacterial properties. Also, local honey is recommended. Many believe it contains local antihistamine-like qualities, that can only be found in the surrounding plant life (the bees interact with). St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum, also known as Tipton's Weed or Klamath weed): Used by the ancient greeks and native Americans, there has been both positive and negative studies on the effectiveness of St. John's Wort, as it pertains to the treatment of depression and anxiety. Based on personal observations, I am convinced that St. John's Wort does effectively help to diminish the symptoms of a strong depression and / or anxiety. Of course, this depends on the quality and strength of the herb. Stomachache, pain from acid / heartburn: Marshmallow root and / or pure (chewable) calcium carbonate (without any other unnatural ingredients) can do wonders to instantly alleviate the pain of a bad stomachache that is caused by too much acid in the system. Although in my assessment, too much calcium carbonate is actually bad for the stomachache. In addition, it is not really a good way to take calcium, and can effect the body's natural balance. Marshmallow root is know for it's anti-inflammatory properties. When addressing a burning (acidic) stomachache, a good amount of water should also be consumed with whatever remedy is being used. In most cases, the consumption of water speeds up the abilitity of the said remedies to reach the areas of inflammation. When I was younger, certain forms of licorice seemed to help. But in large quantities, licorice can be naturally toxic to the liver.. Stomach, Bacteria: The following herbs and foods are known to destroy harmful (sometimes painful) bacteria that can build up in our digestive systems (for a number of reasons). They can also cleanse the blood of harmful bacteria too.
Sugar, consumption of: Libraries of verifiable information have been written about the harmful effects of artificial/ processed sugar. Although even the consumption of natural sugar can be problematic, artificial sugar is Candida's best (yeast encouraging) friend. I believe there is also evidence linking processed sugar to cancerous tumor growth.
Tumeric (curcumin):
Hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of curcumin and capsaicin
in high-fat-fed rats: The beneficial hypolipidemic and antioxidant influences of the dietary spice compounds curcumin and capsaicin were evaluated. Curcumin, capsaicin, or their combination were included in the diet of high-(30%)-fat-fed rats for 8 weeks. Dietary high-fat-induced hypertriglyceridemia was countered by dietary curcumin, capsaicin, or their combination by 12%-20%. Curcumin, capsaicin, and their combination also produced a slight decrease in serum total cholesterol in these animals. Serum alpha-tocopherol content was increased by dietary curcumin, capsaicin, and their combination in high-fat-fed rats. Serum total thiol content in high-fat-fed animals and serum ascorbic acid in normal animals was elevated by the combination of curcumin and capsaicin. Hepatic glutathione was increased by curcumin, capsaicin, or their combination in normal animals. Hepatic glutathione and alpha-tocopherol were increased, whereas lipid peroxide level was reduced by dietary curcumin and combination of curcumin and capsaicin in high-fat-fed animals. Serum glutathione peroxidase and glutathione transferase in high-fat-fed rats were generally higher as a result of dietary curcumin, capsaicin, and the combination of curcumin and capsaicin. Hepatic glutathione reductase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly elevated by dietary spice principles in high-fat-fed animals. The additive effect of the 2 bioactive compounds was generally not evident with respect to hypolipidemic or antioxidant potential. However, the effectiveness of the combination was higher in a few instances. PMID: 17823620 [PubMed - indexed for MEDLINE Water:
Weight Loss: See Diet above: In my experience, there is nothing more harmful to the body...than to eat right before going to bed. Vitamins: Zink for Colds, B Complex for Energy: Yeast/Candida Overgrowth: Coming soon
*Arthritis patients may take daily, morning and night, one cup of hot water with two spoons of honey and one small teaspoon of cinnamon powder. If taken regularly even chronic arthritis can be cured. In a recent research conducted at the Copenhagen University, it was found that when the doctors treated their patients with a mixture of one tablespoon Honey and half teaspoon Cinnamon powder before breakfast, they found that within a week, out of the 200 people so treated, practically 73 patients were totally relieved of pain, and within a month, mostly all the patients who could not walk or move around because of arthritis started walking without pain.
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