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From: Henriette Kress <[email protected]>
Newsgroups: alt.folklore.herbs,alt.answers,news.answers
Subject: Medicinal herbFAQ (v.1.37g) Part 4/7
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Date: Fri, 29 Dec 2000 12:17:16 +0200
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Summary: What you have always wanted to know (and ask on a newsgroup)(more often than once a month) about medicinal herbs
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==========
2.2 Herbs for specific things

==========
2.2.1 Herbs for mosquitoes and other bothersome bugs
-----
Actually this isn't medicinal - if you don't count doing something for the
bites. But it's asked every year come bug time, so I'm including it anyway.

-----
REPELLING THEM
-----
>I'd heard rumors of vitamins and herbs that naturally repel insects,
though I'm not sure which ones.. any help is greatly appreciated

From Aine Maclir ([email protected]):
There are a couple of things that I know of.

 1. Wear Citronella essential oil (which isn't the greatest smelling stuff
    around, but I guess it beats Off).
 2. Take the equivalent of 1500 mg of fresh garlic clove (a 15 mg capsule
    of garlic powder or 3 x 5 mg capsules) orally every day. Taking garlic
    will cause your skin to secrete a natural insect repellent.

For best results, do both. Don't wear perfumes or scented deodorants and
wear light-coloured clothing as darker colours attract bugs...this is
particularly true of blue denim jeans. To make sleeping more comfortable,
burn either an insect coil or a couple of sticks of citronella incense in
your cabin before going to bed, making sure that all the doors and
unscreened windows are closed, so no more of them get in.

If you do get bitten, applying a small dab of ammonia to the bite
immediately after being bitten can help ease the itching. And there's
always the old favorite...calamine lotion...if you're not going to be
anywhere that being coated in pink polka dots will be unfashionable (g).
Aloe vera and witch hazel will also soothe insect bites.

If you are going to be in an area that's also known for tics, just be on
the lookout for them whenever you've been in a wooded area and if you find
one stuck to you, use rubbing alcohol to make it let go and carefully
remove it with a pair of tweezers. Salt applied to a leech will get rid of
it (in case you're around water that has any of those "suckers" (g)).

I think that should about cover every blood-thirsty creature you're likely
to run into at a summer camp, recalling my own experiences. I've been on
canoe trips through Algonquin Park, Ontario (known for having some of the
biggest and thirstiest mosquitos, blackflies and leeches in Canada) and I
live in Saskatchewan, where we could make mosquitos our provincial bird!

From [email protected] (amethyst):
I've had good results taking B-complex supplements daily. Seems the bugs
like the odor of B-1 about as much as I like the taste of it. ;P

From starla lacy ([email protected]):
Here in Canada, we struggle with flies the size of horses! This essential
oil mix has always worked great for me:
3 parts lemongrass (or citronella)
1 part thyme
2 parts lavender
1 part peppermint (or eucalyptus)
Mix together in a new plant sprayer (you may dilute with springwater if
desired). This mix also has the advantage of smelling pleasant and is safe
for use around kids and pets.
Shake the mixture well before using if you decide to dilute it with water.

-----
From Henriette to above:
Remember to dilute essential oils in carrier oils (like almond, jojoba,
olive ...). The only essential oils you can use neat are lavender and tea
tree, and go easy on the tea tree. As a general rule you should not ingest
essential oils.

-----
From Mateo Rutherford ([email protected]):
I have used tobacco tea to kill lice and gnats. It is easy to prepare. Buy
a cigar or some rolling tobacco and boil the hell out of it in a liter or
so of water. When cool shlop it on your hair and cover your hair with a
plastic shower cap or something like that for 20 minutes then shampoo. One
application should be enough, but I would often do a follow up about three
or four days after the first application.

From [email protected] (Mach T. Fukada)
However, keep in mind that nicotine that is extracted from the tobacco is
also toxic to humans (people don't get too much of it when the smoke it
because it burns up). It should be used with care if there are cuts on the
scalp which may increase the rate that it is absorbed into the bloodstream

-----
> I was wondering if there are any herbals that can be taken to reduce the
attack of mosquitos. I happen to live in an area where they are abundant.

From [email protected] (Amy Winans) to above:
I do well know what you mean! Here's what I've gathered on that subject,
and keep (all) on hand as needed:

 1. You can join the rest of America and buy a caseload of Avon's Skin So
    Soft. I have about a dozen friends who worship it religiously.
 2. You can stock up on anything containing Citronella, although I fear it
    may still be too new to really know if there is Life for it after the
    Candles. I'm seeing a lot of oils and lotions saying it's in there,
    though.
 3. Continue to use the old standby's with DEET in them, like Off's
    Offtastic, or whatever, or Cutter's. Have heard personal testimonials
    on Cutter's.
 4. Investigate local ancient customs; as I discovered when I read the
    area's native Indians, the Karankawas, employed an effective remedy to
    a problem which was (unbelievably) much more horrid than it presently
    is; that is, they killed them an alligator, skinned him, liquified the
    fat and slathered it on! Kept quite a few things away, one of which
    WAS mosquitoes!

Seriously, though, there is probably something in that we could replicate
today with something similar but more sweet-smelling. So, if anyone has any
ideas, as well as things to ingest that might make your "scent" less
attractive to mosquitoes, please post!

-----
AND NOW YOU'RE BITTEN...
-----
From [email protected]:
Use lavender oil (small drop) applied directly on mosquito bites.

From Henriette:
Lush Stellaria media does the trick, too - just roll into a ball and let
the juice drop onto your bite(s).

-----
From Noel Gilmore ([email protected]):
Allow me to pass on my husband's rather simplistic (and annoying) remedy to
keep mosquito bites from itching and swelling...DON'T SCRATCH 'EM. For
years I suffered all summer while he did not and he would always tell me it
was because he disciplined himself not to scratch. Last year we went to the
Yucatan jungle for vacation and I couldn't bear to cover myself from head
to toe each day with repellent, so I asked him to help me remember not to
scratch, and I have to admit it worked!

From Tim Keenan ([email protected]) to above:
As someone who has lived and worked on the arctic tundra and in the boreal
forest for decades, I have to agree...I never use DEET or any other
repellent. If the bugs are so thick I can't breath without inhaling them, I
use a "SkeeterGuard" fine-mesh net jacket, with a net hood that zips across
the throat. Otherwise, I hit 'em if I feel 'em. If I don't feel 'em, I
hardly ever develop any reaction. If I have a reaction, usually if I get
bit somewhere where the skin is thin (over a wrist bone, etc.) I generally
ignore it and it goes away. I never get a bump _unless_ I scratch. This
goes for black flies, too. I think the best answer is to get bit early and
often, and you will become acclimatized to it. Rubbing and scratching
causes all sorts of local histamine response, which really aggravates the
situation.

From [email protected] (Janis Lane) to above:
I have been getting TERRIBLE spider bites. The doctor told me that I was
having a chemical reaction (arm was burning hot and swollen). He told me
the SAME thing..."do NOT scratch". I stopped scratching and it seems that
the bites are not swelling but are just turning to bruises. Any suggestions
for THIS?

From Sharon Rust ([email protected]) to above:
For spider bites I have used fresh papaya and when I haven't had the fresh
stuff papaya - pineapple enzymes, these work for bee and wasp and scorpion
stings as well. I chew up the enzyme tablet to make a paste and stick it on
the bite , the papaya I just stick a chunk on . When I use to live where
plantain (Plantago rotundifolia, or lanceolata) grew I used it for bites,
it seemed to work on bee, spider and mosquito bites. To use plantain I
would get a fresh leaf and chew it up with my front teeth, taking care not
to swallow the juices and then stick this wad of chewed up plant on the
bite(s). When my daughter and niece stepped into a swarm of yellow jackets
luckily it was in a field filled with plantain, I started chewing up and
applying the plantain to my daughter and my sister-in-law did the same for
her daughter, the bites on my daughter were disappearing but my niece was
getting no relief, so when I was finished with my daughter's bites, I
started applying plantain to my nieces, the ones that I worked on were also
disappearing , the key was that my sister-in-law was swallowing the juices
released from the plant and I was not. I suppose you could use a blender or
something but most of the time I feel that this is the fastest and simplest
way to treat a bite.

==========
2.2.2 Herbs for migraines
-----
by Eugenia Provence, [email protected]

What are migraines? A whole variety of headaches associated with vascular
constriction and dilation make up the unpleasant world of migraines. The
two most common are classic migraine and common migraine. They may first
appear in childhood, but usually in the late teens or early twenties. More
women than men are subject to them, and they frequently end after
menopause.

Classic migraines start with warning signs (called the aura by medical
folks). Before the headache begins, you may temporarily lose some of your
vision, see flashing lights and feel very strange altogether, maybe even
feeling a burning sensation or muscle weakness.

The pain usually begins on one side of the head, but can spread. The
headache may take hours to develop and several days before it goes, leaving
a desire to sleep (replacing the desire to die!). You may experience nausea
and sensitivity to light and noise.

I've had only one of this kind and never want another. I thought I was
losing my vision (along with my wits and my lunch). Other symptoms may
include muscle numbness, tingling, scalp tenderness, dizziness, dry mouth,
tremors, sweating and chilliness.

Common migraines don't begin so dramatically, but a few hours or days
before onset, you may feel tired, depressed (or paradoxically) have a burst
of energy, be anxious or feel hyper. The common migraine may begin more
slowly and last longer than the classic type. Except for the aura, the
symptoms are the same.

What causes migraines? The exact range of mechanisms producing migraines
isn't well understood, but is believed to be an upset in serotonin
metabolism that causes dilation of cerebral arteries, followed by vascular
spasm in extra-cranial blood vessels.

Migraine triggers are as varied as the individuals afflicted by them. About
70% of sufferers have family histories of migraine.

Food triggers are common, and can be nearly anything. Some of the most
frequent food triggers are anything aged, canned, cured, pickled or
processed or that contain tyramine or nitrites. Aged cheese, bananas,
caffeine, chicken livers, MSG, alcohol (especially red wine,) yeast
products (including bread), chocolate, red meat, shellfish are common, but
the list is extensive and individual. Try eliminating these first. If that
doesn't work, see if you are sensitive to citrus, lentils, nuts, any kind
of green beans or peas, vinegar or yogurt.

Stress, strong emotional reactions and fatigue may be triggers, in addition
to compounding the symptoms. Weather or altitude changes may contribute to
them. There's a hormonal trigger for some women, causing migraines prior to
or during menstruation or when using birth control pills or estrogen
replacement therapy. There seems to be an association with sluggish liver
function from eating too much fatty food or heavy drinking.

How can they be prevented or treated? If you can catagorize your migraines
as being related to physical stress or emotional upheaval, stress reduction
techniques, meditation and biofeedback have been found to be helpful, as
have acupuncture and bodywork. Chiropractic or Osteopathic treatment may
help if there is a structual problem in the neck. Again, it's very
individual and complex issue, and you may need the assistance of a
professional conventional or complementary practioner.
HERBAL THERAPIES:

  * To ease pain, David Hoffmann suggests that at the first sign of attack
    equal parts of Black Willow, Meadowsweet, Passion Flower, Valerian and
    Wood Betony may be helpful.
  * For migraine associated with stress, use equal parts of Hawthorne
    berries, Lime Flowers, Wood Betony, Skullcap and Crampbark.
  * Nervine tonics, such as Oats and Skullcap are appropriate long-term
    therapy, accompanied by Siberian Ginseng as an adaptogen.
  * Massage Lavender oil into the temples at first sign of an attack.
  * If the migraine is accompanied by nausea or vomiting, Chamomile,
    Meadowsweet or Peppermint may help.
  * If migraine is associated with hormonal problems, long-term treatment
    should include herbs to try to balance the hormonal system. Vitex,
    Black Cohosh, or Wild Yam may be useful.
  * European herbalists emphasize the importance of liver support in
    migraine treatment. Herbs like Burdock, Dandelion root or Milk Thistle
    would be ideal.

The following delicious Migraine Tea from Ana Nez Heatherly of Gatesville,
Texas, appears in the July 1995 Mother Earth News. She prepares a cold
infusion of:

6 parts Rosemary leaves 4 parts Peppermint leaves
4 parts Lemon Balm leaves 4 parts Sweet Violet
3 parts Feverfew 1/2 part sweet Violet Flowers
-----
Please also check the 'Feverfew and migraine' -entry (2.1.9) above; and
then you could search the net for the Natural Migraine Treatment FAQ by
Catherine Woodgold <[email protected]> - archive
name: medicine/migraine/natural-cures.

==========
2.2.3 Herbs for vivid dreams
-----
From Colette Gardiner, on mugwort (Artemisia vulgaris) as a dream enhancer:

[Artemisia vulgaris, mugwort.] [Artemisia vulgaris, mugwort.]

There's quite a bit of info out there about this topic, probably recently
discussed on this list as well. I've used it to induce more vivid dreaming
for years and have seen strong effects in many people. Some people have
been known to wake up in the night cursing loudly and toss the pillow
across the room, they were dreaming so vividly. A bundle of it hanging near
your head at night works as well as a pillow of the cut and sifted stuff
available in stores. It's also useful as an incense or in incense blends
before any divinatory work such as tarot, rune reading etc. Just take a
small amount of the dried herb and toss it on top of a wood stove or on a
small charcoal disc that's been lit (available in magic stores or sometimes
in catholic supply stores). Mostly I'd recommend simply getting some and
trying it out for yourself. I've heard a lot of stories over the years from
students who've used it.

Other herbs for vivid dreams:
Plantain- Plantago majus or P. lanceolata - tea in evening.
Watercress - Ingested at daybreak to increase dreams that evening.
Peppermint - Mentha spp. burned as an incense at sunset and thru the
evening for visionary dreams.

-----
From Dennis McClain-Furmanski ([email protected]):

Calea zacatechichi (Dream Herb) is a shrub from the Chiapas region of
Mexico, related to the mint family. It has been used by the Chontal people
as a divinitory for many years. Traditional use as a tea brings about a
drowsy dream state, in which answers to questions are revealed and lost
objects are located.

Clinical testing in double blind studies have been shown to induce sleep
and vivid dreaming, with the subjects reporting profound meaning in the
dreams.

Preparation is almost invariably as a tea. However, zacatechichi is
intensely bitter and soapy tasting and little can be done to mask the taste
(though mixture with the sweetener herb Stevia or preparation by taking
Miracle Berry which makes everything taste sweet sound like reasonable
suggestions). My experience has been to mix a rounded teaspoon of
zacatechichi with an ounce of kava kava and preparing it as normal kava.
The berries/seeds seem to have more effect, though the leaf material itself
is potent.

Little empirical or pharmacologic data exists so far, one notable study
being Lilian Mayagoitia's (1986) "Calea Zacatechichi: Psychopharmocologic
Analysis of an Alleged Oneirogenic Plant" in vol. 18 of the Journal of
Ethnopharmacology.

-----
Please also see the entry on Kava kava, 2.1.11, above.

==========
2.2.4 Herbs and weight loss
-----
From Patricia Harper <[email protected]>:

Many herbs are used for temporary weight loss, including some that you can
buy at an herb store. However, there are many herbalists who consider
weight loss formulas to be harmful, and will not make them for their
clients. Typically, herbal diet pills use herbs with the following
properties to cause weight loss:

 1. Stimulants: encourage the body to burn more calories.
 2. Diuretics: cause the body to excrete water through excess urine.
 3. Cathartics: cause evacuation of the bowels, reduce calorie consumption
    by impeding full digestion.
 4. Appetite suppressants: reduce hunger by expanding in the stomach,
    altering mood, or satisfying taste.

They may also use herbs to increase perspiration, (more "water weight"
loss), and kill pain, or balance nerves.

Some formulas are definitely going to be better balanced than others, but
in general, we are not talking here about gentle herbs that nourish and
support you, as you bring your habits into balance. Herbal weight loss
formulas may have drastic physical effects on your body. "Effective" diet
pills --herbal or not-- are potent, depleting, and temporary, if effective.
They do not cure overweight conditions.

There are herbs which can be used as supplements while you diet, but weight
loss involves your whole lifestyle. Why not consider using herbs to change
your lifestyle?

Instead of just using dried, capsulated, herbal products, start including
*whole* herbs in your life. Eat them everyday, as fresh as possible, (e.g.
take walks, check out the vegetable stand, or tend a garden), everyday.
Instead of taking a capsule, eat a handful of fresh parsley. Experiment
with tasting each of your favorite culinary herbs made up as "diet" tea.
Collect dandelion leaves, plantain, mints, lettuce, whatever, and whip it
up in your blender as special diet "green drink." Almost no calories in
most herbs.

Also, get to know specific weeds and plants in your neighborhood. Learn
their names and uses; look at them. Watch how they grow, Think about their
growing condition and responses to it. You can even keep a journal noting
everything you learn about each plant. Spring is the perfect time to bring
herbs into your lifestyle.

Eating and living with herbs can bring you a lifestyle which may be more
conducive to weight loss.

==========
2.2.5 Herbs to make you sleep
-----
Also see Valeriana (2.1.1).
-----
> I REALLY need some herbs to take for insomnia. My doctor says I am in
excellent health, and I am not depressed, but insomnia has been a terrible
problem for me since I was a child. Can anyone recommend some herbs to me
that either taste good-ok (not valerian--it smells so bad to me :( ) OR
tell me how to make a herbal sleep pillow?

From [email protected] (The Literate Tomboy):
Rub a little lavender oil under your nose and breathe deep as you lie in
bed...

From [email protected] (darin)
Organic chemistry textbooks. It was a surefire thing in college.

From [email protected] (sherree moore)
Okay, I've been lurking around reading the herbal newsgroup and I JUST have
to give my remedy for insomnia. When I can't sleep I make a tea from
chamomile (of course), valerian, hops, and a smidge of passion flower.
Works every time. Of course, this combination might become a bit too much
every single night! Therefore, a hops pillow might help. Make a small
pillow and fill it with hops. Really doesn't smell bad at all. Oh yes, the
tea is an acquired taste, but honey helps.

[picture of Humulus lupulus, hops] [picture of Humulus lupulus, hops]

From [email protected] (Carl Mork):
The various mints are good in tea for making you relax. I make a nice mix
of peppermint, cat mint and apple mint to brew up the tea. A pillow is
simple to make. Use the same mints plus lavender. There are other herbs
that are used for sleep, but those are the ones I know from practical
experience.
The mix for tea and pillows should be to your taste. Oh and I suggest honey
in the tea.

==========
2.2.6 Aphrodisiacs
-----
From Peter L. Schuerman <[email protected]>:

Try this:
2 parts safflower (or 1 part saffron)
2 parts hibiscus flower
2 parts rose flower
in tea (1 tsp. per cup) or capsules (1-2 OO caps).
According to Ayurvedic philosophy, the floral structures of plants have
their medicinal effects on the reproductive system. This formula is made of
three flowers; the first is an aphrodisiac, the second exerts an influence
on the sexual chakra and the third exerts and influence on the heart chakra
and acts to harmonize the blend.

From Back in Black <[email protected]>, to above:
If you find the effect of this mixture too overwhelming (depending on your
constitution, it might be) you can also add 1 part myrrh to soften the
effect. Without the myrrh, it has quite a punch, with the myrrh, it has a
much more diffuse effect, spread throughout the entire body rather than
being so focused on the lower two chakras (or at least, those are the
effects it had on me).
Personally, I couldn't stomach this mixture as tea -- capsules are
preferable -- but it's also not bad in vanilla yogurt, if you don't have
capsules.

==========
2.2.7 Herbal Abortives and Birth Control
-----
Disclaimer. This is not anything you should try at home without supervision
from a knowledgeable herb person.
-----
From Colette Gardiner <[email protected]>:

Current and reliable information on herbal birth control is rare. In the
Western tradition much information on birth control as well as safe
birthing techniques was destroyed during the European Witch hunts circa
1450-1700. Having such knowledge was proof positive that you were a witch.
Other historical information is often incomplete, with only a local common
name, or no exact dosages. Researchers often discard supportive techniques
such as fasting or ritual as mere superstition. Current studies tend to be
anecdotal rather than strictly lab controlled data. This does not mean they
are not of value, but again pertinent info may be missing. Such as was the
woman pregnant in the first place? Anecdotal info can give us ideas on
where to start and what the possibilities are. They have also shown us that
herbal abortives are not themselves without side effects, often severe. All
herbal info on abortives should be thoroughly researched before use. Some
herbalists feel that herbal abortions are more dangerous than clinical
abortions. Abortive herbs are toxic and do have side effects. They are not
safer because they are natural. Clinical abortions are certainly more
effective. Most importantly an herbal abortion should never be undertaken
unless a women is willing to follow up with a clinical abortion if the
herbs fail.

EFFECTIVENESS

Varying success rates have been claimed for herbal birth control. Estimates
vary from 20%-80%. It is important to remember that most of these rates are
based on the incidence of successfully bringing on a delayed period, not in
aborting a definite pregnancy. Since many herbs seem to work the best close
to the time of the first missed menstrual period, many women have not had a
pregnancy test at the time they took herbal abortives. Studies on the
success rate of herbal abortives in non-confirmed pregnancies is quite high
(70%-80%). Success rates with confirmed pregnancies is substantially lower,
20% or less. Also there's not as much research on herbal abortives with
confirmed pregnancy.

SPECIFICS

Rina Nissim, founder of the Dispensaire des Femmes in Switzerland claims a
success rate of 60%-80% in women who believed they were pregnant
(non-tested). Their method involved the use of at least two herbs at a
time. Generally one emmenagogue (bleeding stimulator) with an oxytocic
(uterine contraction stimulator) for no more than six days starting as soon
as a woman's period is late. They have found that starting the herbal
regimen later than six days overdue drops the success rate to 20%.

In a survey I conducted (appendix A) with a small group of women there
appeared to be a high success rate (about 75%). However only one of the
women had a positive pregnancy test, so actual success rates were certainly
much lower. My experience with women where there has been more complete
information, such as positive pregnancy tests and follow up leads me to
guess at a realistic success rate of 20% at this time. In a highly quoted
New Mexico study, Cotton root bark had a very high success rate, with a
fairly low toxicity. However it appears that very few of the women were
actually pregnant based on blood tests and screening.

Less info is available on prevention of pregnancy with herbs. In an
informal study (appendix B) by Robin Bennett with Wild Carrot Seed used on
a semi- regular basis as an implantation preventer she had a 98% success
rate with few side effects. There is also a much quoted seven year study
involving one hundred women in Alaska that also claimed high success rates
for wild carrot seed. But no one seems to have any specifics on it.

SAFETY

In general many herbal abortives are mildly poisonous to potentially fatal
in large doses.
Almost all women report at least one of the following side effects:

  * Increased bleeding
  * Dizziness and nausea sometimes extreme enough to cause fear.
  * Visual disturbances
  * Sweats or chills
  * Diarrhea

Less commonly reported side effects:

  * Incomplete abortion
  * Irregular cycles for 1-3 months

The above can also occur in clinical abortions.

  * Kidney irritation
  * Breast Lumps (Tansy)

Almost all women reported heavier bleeding and clotting than normal and
felt that this was an indication of an aborted pregnancy. While this is
indeed a sign of aborted pregnancy it's also common with use of
emmenagogues. Common sense would indicate that when using emmenagogues
there would be the chance of hemorrhage, but it appears to be a not very
common side effect compared to the other effects. Most side effects appear
to be of short duration. I do know of one case where a women experienced
severe long term endocrine imbalance after using herbal abortives.

SERIOUS SIDE EFFECTS

The most serious side effects seem to occur when women use herbal
abortives, remain pregnant and attempt to carry to term. There is a high
enough rate of reported instances to call for extreme caution.

  * Incomplete or low implantation of the placenta
    (reported frequently by many practitioners)
  * Premature detachment of the placenta before or during birth

Consequences of these side effects can be severe and potentially fatal.
Severe hemorrhage can and does occur under these circumstances. In one case
a women lost 1/3 of her blood volume before bleeding could be stopped.
Treatment consists of total bed rest and staying close to a hospital. The
risks to both mother and fetus are extreme.

  * A few isolated reports of toxaemia possibly related to herbal
    abortives.

ONE FINAL VERY SUBJECTIVE NOTE

Clinic workers who see many clinical abortions note that women who used
herbal abortives on their current pregnancy seem to have darker, thicker
blood with more clotting.

USE OF HERBAL ABORTIVES AS A LABOR FACILITATOR

A few of the herbs that are used as herbal abortives maybe safely used in
the last trimester of pregnancy under specific conditions to help
facilitate healthy labor. While safe if properly used they should not be
used unless a problem exists and only with the help of a practitioner.

HERBAL SPECIFICS

There are two main types of herbs used as abortives. Emmenagogues and
oxytocins.

EMMENAGOGUES

Emmenagogues stimulate blood circulation to the pelvic area and uterus and
help to stimulate menstruation.

  * Vitamin C - no buffers or fillers. Dose: 500 mg every hour for 12
    hours up to 5 days.
    Toxicity: possible kidney irritation, loose bowels.
  * Ginger - Zingiber officinale, Dose: 1 oz. fresh or dry root to pint of
    water.
    Toxicity: possible light-headedness.
  * Pennyroyal - Mentha pulegium & Hedeoma pulegiodes, Dose: 1/4 cup of
    herb to 1 quart water once a day for no more than 6 days.
    Toxicity: nausea, numbness in hand and legs, liver irritation, kidney
    and bladder irritation, diarrhea, The essential oil is fatal
    internally. Contraindications: kidney conditions.
  * Angelica root - Angelica archangelica, Dosage: 1/4 cup herb to 1 quart
    water as tea. Tincture - 10-20 drops every two hours. Dried root less
    toxic than fresh.
    Toxicity: irritant to kidney and liver, not studied as much as
    pennyroyal. Contraindicated in diabetes as it raises blood sugar
    levels.
  * Mugwort Leaf - Artemisia vulgaris, Dosage: 3 teaspoon per cup tea, 3
    cups per day, for no more than six days.
    Toxicity: higher doses can cause liver damage and convulsions. Nausea.
    Contraindications: Uterine inflammation or recent pelvic infection.
  * Black Cohosh Root - Cimicifuga racemosa, Dosage: 3 teaspoons per cup,
    4 times a day. Tincture 20 drops every 6 hours.
    Toxicity: Diarrhea, dizziness, headache, decreased pulse rate,
    tremors, fatalities can occur in large enough doses.
  * Tansy - Tanacetum vulgare. Note: Do not confuse with tansy ragwort,
    Senecio jacobaea, which is a poisonous plant known to cause death in
    cattle thru liver failure. Dosage: Tea, 4-8 teaspoons per qt. sipped
    throughout day. 10 drops tincture in warm water every two hours til
    bleeding commences, for no more than 5 days.
    Toxicity: breast lumps, possible hemorrhage, liver irritant. Essential
    oil is fatal - do not ingest.

OXYTOCIC HERBS

They imitate oxytocin in the body to stimulate uterine contractions and
release prostaglandin hormones. All oxytocic herbs are toxic to some
degree. Women can experience very painful contractions. They are generally
hard on the liver. Women with a history of liver disease such as hepatitis
may wish to avoid them all together.

  * Blue Cohosh root - Caulophyllum thalictroides, Dosage: Tea - 3
    teaspoons herb per cup, 3 cups per day, tincture - 20 drops every 4
    hours, for six days or til bleeding commences. Toxicity: nausea,
    vomiting, headaches, convulsions in large doses, kidney and liver
    irritant, Contraindications: low blood pressure. Some of the
    constituents of Cohosh are more soluble as tincture.
  * Angelica - see emmenagogues.
  * Cotton root bark - Gossypium herbacetum, Dosage: 12 teaspoons per
    quart, 1/2 - 1 quart thru day. Tincture 10 drops every few hours til
    bleeding commences, for no more than 6 days.
    Toxicity : seemingly low based on the New Mexico study. Cotton is a
    heavily sprayed crop with pesticides that are only used on non food
    crops. Those pesticides can cause liver irritation, and other
    problems. Organic cotton root bark may be difficult to find.

OTHER HERBS USED

  * Wild Carrot Seed - Daucus carota, used as a preventative. Dosage: 1
    teaspoon a day chewed and washed down with fluid. Believed to work as
    an implantation preventor by making the uterine lining unsuitable. See
    appendix B.
    Toxicity: So far appears to be low toxicity, long term effects
    unknown. Identification must be absolute as many wild members of this
    family look similar and can be fatal.
  * Trillium root - Trillium spp. Dosage: tincture 30 drops 3-4 times a
    day. Tea 3 teaspoons per cup, 1 quart per day. Trillium root is used
    by midwives to facilitate softening of the cervix and is often used as
    a labor adjunct in the case of rigid os or as a preparatory agent
    before trying to induce labor with stronger herbs. It occasionally
    will start labor on it's own. As an abortive there is not a lot of
    current use info on effectiveness and side effects. Trillium root
    should only be harvested from garden grown plants as it is rare in the
    wild due to habitat destruction by logging and urban growth.
  * Parsley - Petroselinum spp. Used as a fresh plant vaginal insert for
    24 hours. Personally I have heard of no cases of even bringing on a
    delayed period with this method.
    Toxicity: low.

Misc. Herbs listed as abortives: Agave, Osha, Mistletoe, Rue, Peyote, Sweet

flag, Papaya seed, Feverfew, Motherwort, Wood Sorrel, Damiana.

The above is by no means an exhaustive list, many mild emmenagogues are
listed as abortives in literature both scientific and folkloric: Marjoram,
Oregano, Beet, Celery, Papaya fruit, Peppermint, Valerian, etc. While they
may help facilitate onset of a slow period, such as the type where there's
cramping and pelvic heaviness but bleeding has not yet commenced, it's
doubtful they would act as abortives.

Dosages mentioned above may be on the conservative side in many cases.
However, since the serious side effects show up at higher doses it's best
to be cautious. I've seen better results with tea than with tincture and
with mixing 2 -3 herbs together in a blend. Herbal abortives effects may be
enhanced by a day of fasting, working with ritual, and massage of the
uterine acupressure points along the ankles several times a day for at
least ten minutes at a time. Again the success rate is very low for actual
pregnancies.

Ideally if a woman wished to use herbal abortives I would recommend finding
a clinic that does early pregnancy testing of the type that can detect
pregnancy within a few days of conception, preferably one that can see
women on a walk in basis so you don't have to wait for an appointment. Then
if you are not pregnant you can use a mild emmenagogue such as marjoram,
without stressing your body. Since early testing is not 100% accurate and
if you are fairly sure you are pregnant, you may wish to use one of the
less toxic abortives such as Vitamin C. Since most of the abortives are so
hard on the body they should only be used in cases of confirmed pregnancy.
Why put your liver thru more stress than it already gets in today's world?

APPENDIX A

SURVEY ON HERBAL BIRTH CONTROL AND ABORTIVES

Colette Gardiner

Of the 10 women in the study:

None had used herbs preventatively as contraception
6 had previously been pregnant
8 could tell very accurately when they ovulated
8 of the women had used herbal abortives
1 women had delayed ovulation time with herbs use
1 women was a practitioner who counseled about herbal abortives
6 of the women had side effects

6 of the 8 women who used herbal abortives brought on a delayed period with
herbs. Only one of these women had a confirmed pregnancy, but all the women
felt they were pregnant. Two of these women were a few weeks late. A few of
these women had unsuccessful herbal abortive attempts at other times.

Time Frame Abortives Used:
Brought on period with herbs at:
Three weeks overdue - 1 women
Two weeks overdue - 1 women
When period was due - 4 women

Many of the women reported friends who used herbal abortives successfully,
but I did not use those accounts in my survey. In general the second hand
reports were very similar to the survey results.

A practitioner reported that several women in her area were drinking
sassafras tea as a contraceptive. She didn't give details on safety or
effectiveness.

One women reported that either Vitamin A or Goldenseal seemed to delay
ovulation. I've heard no other instances of this.

My next project is to do a larger survey on herbal abortives with women who
have had a positive early pregnancy test. For info or to participate
contact me at:
[email protected]
or
P.O Box 10914
Eugene,Or.
U.S.A. 97440

APPENDIX B

Wild Carrot Seed as an Herbal Contraceptive

Survey conducted by Robin Bennett
In Robin's info she stresses that it was a small study, and that she did
not use scientific, double blind methods etc.

In her survey there were three dosage regimes
1) Every day
2) Daily for 7 -8 days surrounding ovulation
3) For 7 days following intercourse

The dosage for all women was one teaspoon daily chewed and washed down with
fluids. Half of the women in the study used it as their only form of birth
control. The study lasted for one year. Out of the ten women in the study:
one became pregnant and had a clinical abortion. She became pregnant when
she used the seeds for only three days around ovulation instead of the
recommended 7-8. She had a clinical abortion. Two other women suspected
they were pregnant and used herbal emmenagogues to bring on their period.
One of these women was using the seeds daily. The other women was using
them for 7-8 days surrounding ovulation. One of the women discontinued seed
use in order to become pregnant and did. There were some mild side effects
such as gas and slightly earlier periods. Some women felt that anything
less than the full dose actually enhanced fertility. None of the women
reported any symptoms of uterine irritation and subsequent exams showed no
signs of it. In her handout Robin mentions some lab studies using WCS as an
implantation preventor in mice, but did not give details.

Her address:
Robin Bennett
R.R. 2 - Box 301
Garrison, N.Y.
U.S.A. 10524

-----
From [email protected] (Allissa Gaul): the lab studies are:

  * Comparitive Physiology and Ecology, 9:70-74, "Abortifacient effect of
    carrotseed extract and its reversal by progesterone in albino rats",
    by Kaliwal, BB, first author.
  * Journal of Advanced Zoology 7:36-41, "The estrogenic efficacy of
    carrot seeds" by Kant, A., et al.

==========
2.2.7.1 Herbal Abortives and Common Sense
-----
Somebody wrote:

>> A friend of mine does not use birth control. Is there an natural form
for the abortion process?

Somebody else tried to be helpful:

> Here is a formula that is intended to induce a miscarriage:
> 20 drops blue cohosh
> 20 drops black cohosh
> 20 drops pennyroyal
> Measure the tinctures into a cup of warm water ...

And finally some Common Sense; Jonathan Treasure <[email protected]>
replied to above:

It is debatable whether using herbal medicine to cause uterine rejection of
a conceptus is any more "natural" then an a D&C. Herbs can be potent and
potentially dangerous - just because they grew out of the ground doesn't
confer the status "natural" on anything they may be used for especially
when the only alternative is orthodox procedural medicine. However the
answer is YES, herbal abortion is possible, in certain circumstances.

It would however be quite insane to take a recommendation from an internet
list and simply believe that is the end of it....we are not talking about a
common cold here. The reply giving cohosh/pennyroyal recipes was just plain
daft - how late is she, how old is she, what is her general health,
nutritional status, psychological state, emotional strength, domestic
situation, support network etc etc etc etc etc. All these questions come
before some generic formula can be given. Then the formula given was not
related to strength of tincture, dried or fresh plant used, etc. The dose
pattern given was potentially excessive. It might harm or her or it may not
work at all. Would you then write to this list again? Grow up! I would urge
your friend to consult someone who is experienced in the herbal management
of ob/gyn if there is a real need (e.g. legality/finance) to go this route.

==========
2.2.8 Herbs and female infertility
-----
By Roy Upton ([email protected]).

There are a number of options to try for <this person>. I have worked with
infertility for many years with a decent degree of success. As I do not
know what is specifically the cause of <this person's> infertility; i.e.
inability to conceive, incompatibility with sperm, low level infection,
inability to maintain the pregnancy due to insufficient progesterone
levels, etc. I will provide some general rules of thumb. Most of what I
will outline is based on traditional Chinese medicine.

Gynecological imbalances are considered to be associated with poor pelvic
circulation which prevents the gynecological system from being as healthy
as it can be. Most botanical formulas are geared to promoting pelvic
circulation. The most commonly used are formulas that include at least four
herbs; Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis), Ligusticum, Rehmannia, and White
Peony. This is a classic Chinese formula known as Dang Gui Four and can be
found in any Chinatown and some health food stores. There are many
variations of this formula. Another is called Women's Precious, or Eight
Precious Pills. Either would be a good general formula to try. They should
not be used during bleeding, menses, and generally not during pregnancy.

Another botanical to use in conjunction with any Dang Gui-based formula is
Chaste berry (Vitex agnus-castus). Vitex is a progesterone agonist which
can help to minimize the risk of miscarriage. In addition, it can also
stimulate ovulation. It works specifically by enhancing pituitary function,
thus improving ovarian function. A few other herbs that I add either to the
Dang Gui formula or to the Chaste Berry are False unicorn, Partridge Berry
and Cramp Bark. I sometimes recommend a thyroid glandular as well, and
insure the woman is not anemic or borderline anemic.

The basic protocol is to utilize the Dang Gui Four formula in conjunction
with Chaste Berry throughout the month except during menses. We could get
fancy and give one formula during the estrogenic phase of the cycle, and
the Chaste Berry for the progesteronic phase, but this is seldom necessary.
I use custom- blended teras or ready made commercial formulas. My
suggestion would be to go to a health food store, TCM practitioner or
naturopathic physician and ask which are the best Dang Gui/Chaste Berry
products available. You have to be diligent in getting a decent product.
There are many Dang Gui products consisting of only Dang Gui, or which are
not put together that well. There is also a lot of bogus chaste berry
floating around on the market, especially that available from Chinatown.
One of the more popular capsuled products is 85% millet, and is largely
ineffective.

Lastly, it is important to encourage those trying to conceive to look at
conception just as you would look at a garden. Before you ever plant a seed
you cultivate the soil. In this case, you do not want to attempt conception
for at least three cycles, ideally six cycles. Both the man and women
should be brought into this process by recommending the man use herbs that
increase sperm count and motility (Ashwagandha, Astragalus, Kidney tonics,
avoiding excessive sexual activity and hot tubs, etc.). The woman should
also be exercising regularly, focusing on improving abdominal tonicity.
Kegels are excellent exercises to try. This is to insure adequate tonicity
of tissue internally so implantation can hold.

Focusing on nutritional well-being is very important for obvious reason,
even if the women is not anemic. This basic protocol has worked in dozens
of women that I have worked with, with conception taking place anywhere
from 3 weeks to four months. I do not know of anyone specifically that it
has not worked for, but this may be due to the fact that if it didn't work
they may not have come back to me, or went on to try something else. I have
had several women who continued to use the Dang Gui formula even after
conception, one for up to six months because she forgot that I told her not
to use it during pregnancy. The reason it is generally contraindicated is
because it increases blood flow, something you do not want to do in
pregnancy. However, once the system is healthy and conception takes place,
nothing short of a strong abortive is going to dislodge the fetus. She had
a normal pregnancy, and the baby was apparently healthy and happy.

I hope this helps. Best of luck.

==========
2.2.9 Herbs, ADD, and replacing Ritalin
-----
>Does anyone know of any viable substitutes for Ritalin for ADD? I have
heard of a substance called Pycnogenol. Are there any other substitutes for
taking Ritalin? How long does a person need to take Pycnogenol in order for
it to take effect?

From [email protected] (Roy Upton):

I have seen at least 70 children weaned of Ritalin. I usually recommend
weaning off of Ritalin for a 2-3 week period, while administering the
herbs. Usually, the program consists of dietary modification, exercise, and
nutritional and herbal supplementation. Though treatment is similar,
differentiate between ADD and ADHD. ADD might be a direct result of
under/poor nourishment. The brain is the most energy intensive organ of the
body. If the body is deprived of energy, the brain is first to suffer. In
ADHD there is often a rapid heart beat that may have varying underlying
causes such as specific allergies.

DIETARY

  * Elimination of most simple sugars including fruit juices, foods with
    colors and preservatives. Concentrate on a whole foods diet.
  * Magnesium supplementation. Dosage based on weight, age of child.
  * I have used a combination of the following herbs with significant
    success (according to parents and teachers): Chinese zizyphus,
    chamomile, lemon balm, catnip, hawthorn berry, and gotu kola flavored
    with cinnamon, anise, and a touch of cloves. Usually this is prepared
    as a glycerite extract (approx. 1:3-1:5 concentration). 20 drops 2-3
    daily. I alternate this with Hawthorn berry syrup, 1 tsp 2 x daily.
  * Exercise is a must for ADHD.

In Germany, Chamomile tea, and small doses of valerian root are utilized.

I think it is important to note that ADD and ADHD is one of the most
frequently diagnosed conditions in children, and that is rising
dramatically, much to the concern of many practitioners who feel that the
diagnosis is handed out much too casually. I believe the makers of Ritalin
have done an excellent job of marketing. There have been a series of
articles (and a few books) I have seen over the past number of years on the
need to provide a "proper diagnosis" of these children rather than labeling
them as 'bad". Teachers have become the prime target for providing the
initial grounds for diagnosis. Oftentimes, a child will be diagnosed in
kindergarten or early grade school and not adequately reassessed for a
number of years. The inherent problem in both of these is obvious. I also
do not believe the diagnosis should be made until all lifestyle protocols
(including supplementation, diet, exercise, etc.) have been attempted and
failed.

I am of the firm belief, from many of the parents that I have seen, that it
is often the parents that primarily require the help, the children
secondarily. This is especially true of ADHD. Relative to the energy levels
of the majority of exhausted, "burned-out at the end of the work day"
parents, the majority of children are "hyperactive". We try to force them
to be little adults before they have developed the coping mechanisms or
social skills we design to stifle their natural impulses. We expect them to
sit still when they have boundless physical energy. We ask (tell) them to
pay attention to educational materials that mean little to them. This is an
indictment of our education system as well.

Also, the typical American child is raised on nutritionless foods,
challenged with numerous stresses, and spends an average of six hours a day
in front of the television, when they should be expending the physical
energy. While I believe that medicating, especially with amphetamines, is
beneficial for some, by-and-large, it should be a last resort.

I hope this is of some help.

==========
2.2.10 Herbs for sunburn
-----
From Howie Brounstein <[email protected]>:

I have found plant tannins to be the best sunburn treatment. Tannins are
found in most plants, and are particularly high in many plants. They bind
with alkaloids and proteins. This is helpful in the case of burnt skin ---
broken proteins. The tannins bind with the broken skin proteins to form a
layer of tanneoproteins, or was that proteotannins (it's a little late).
This layer is protective and soothing.

I generally throw some Manzanita leaves into water and boil. If you're
preparing a wash for sunburn and are primarily concerned with extracting
tannins, you can just boil it, no matter what the herb. You can wash the
sunburn with the tea when it cools.

Some astringents with tannins (to name a few):

  * Manzanita
  * Uva ursi (kinnikkinik)
  * Polygonum roots (bistort)
  * Heuchera (alum root)
  * Currant and Gooseberry Bark (Ribes)
  * Geum
  * Potentilla
  * Rosa's Bark and roots
  * Rubus (blackberry root)
  * Ceanothus bark and root
  * Cornus Dogwood Bark
  * Chimaphila Prince's Pine pipsissewa
  * Pyrola
  * Black Tea

[Arctostaphylos uva-ursi, bearberry.]

[picture of Ribes rubrum, red currant] [picture of Ceanothus sp., redroot]
[picture of Cornus albus]

These contain salicylates which may have some topical analgesic effects:

  * Willow Bark
  * Oak Bark
  * Poplar Bark
  * Meadowsweet (Filipendula)

[picture of Filipendula ulmaria, meadowsweet]

-----
From Satin <[email protected]>:

I use an aloe and comfrey lotion on sunburn. I am a strawberry blonde with
my red-headed Mom's complexion - I don't tan. It's either burn or nothing.
So I wear sunscreen and keep the aloe/comfrey lotion on hand.

-----
From Craige Roberts <[email protected]>:

For some reason, aloe vera hasn't proven to be the miracle for my skin that
it is for some people's.

One of the best burn treatments I know of is lavender essential oil,
applied neat. The aromatherapy literature is full of references and
documentation of its use in this connection and the impressive results.
Since lavender e.o. is quite benign and doesn't sting, this would be quite
good for a child. In my experience, the burning and redness begin to
subside quite soon after application. In contrast, the aloe takes much
longer and at least initially the relief seems to be due more to the
cooling effect of its evaporation.

Another therapy that has been used for burns, as well as infected wounds,
for thousands of years is human urine, or its derivative, urea. There are a
number of articles on this and other medicinal uses of human urine and its
derivatives in the contemporary establishment medical literature, such as
The Lancet and JAMA, for those who find this reassuring. (As usual, a
simple, inexpensive remedy doesn't receive the press or research money that
patentable, synthetic drugs do.) I haven't tried this myself on burns yet,
but apparently one applies urine or urea-soaked compresses to the affected
area, keeping them wet with fresh applications of urine. Though urea is
said to sting a bit, straight urine supposedly does not.

Craige Roberts

-----
From Mary Jo Gilsdorf <[email protected]>:

For burns, I find oatmeal poutices and cold tea bags works best to take out
the sting and stop the rash like effect. Also know some who swear by taking
two to three regular aspirins.

Mary Jo

-----
From [email protected]:

Mary Jo writes that she knows some people who swear by two or three
aspirin: may I point out that taking aspirin even in small quantites (less
than 300mg) may be positively dangerous to hypertensive BP sufferers. OTOH,
aspirin is proving to be invaluable in the prevention of coronary occlusion
and CVA in normotensives; especially in diabetics and those suffering from
lipid dyfunction.

All burns are less painful and less damaging if the 'heat' is countered
asap, preferably by immersing the affected part in cold water and keeping
it there until help arrives.

N.B. It may be supposed that Heatstroke victims ( who are often also
suffering from sunburn) would also respond to cold water; but that is not
so; heatstroke victims should be placed in _tepid_ water as a first-aid
measure to reduce body-core temp until medical help arrives.

BTW, severe sunburn occurs to people with my skin type even when the sky is
overcast as I discovered after falling asleep on a Moroccan beach (January)
on a _very_ overcast day. Standing under a cold shower made me yelp and
shriek like a banshee; but later, the only 'peeling' was to nape of neck
and backs of knees.

==========
2.2.11 The gall bladder flush
-----
From: James Mally, N.D. <[email protected]>:

I am suspicious of gallstones that dissolve or that liquefy when passing. I
have done several gall bladder flushes myself using a formula from a book
titled "Encyclopedia of Digestive Disorders" by ? Roberts, of Roberts
formula fame. The flush involved taking divided doses of olive oil and
lemon juice every fifteen minutes over a two hour period to stimulate the
gall bladder to contract and release stones. The effects were very dramatic
- one time causing drastic elimination out both ends simultaneously. It
also made me lose my taste for olive oil for many years.

I also worked as a massage therapist in a clinic where a similar flush was
used for detox and cleansing. The "stones" people would pass needed to be
kept in the freezer or they would melt. I then read in a book the
suggestion that these "stones" were a product of saponification, the olive
oil mixing with the alkaline bile salts creating a soap (similar to mixing
lye and fat).

At naturopathic college I obtained a real gallstone from the gall bladder
of the cadaver we worked on in anatomy lab. It was as hard as a rock and it
would not dissolve in olive oil and lemon juice, even after several months.
I didn't try dissolving it in coke or ortho-phosphoric acid.

I believe it's possible that a gall bladder flush may cause stones to be
eliminated, but these stones will sink to the bottom of the toilet. The
"stones" that float and that are easily squashed are most likely soap. I
have heard of people passing hundreds of such "stones" which would imply
that they must have a huge gall bladder.

I still think there may be some benefit in the flush as it will thin the
bile by removing some of the bile salts so they won't be recycled.

Several areas for conjecture: I wonder if such a loss of bile salts would
cause any mineral deficiencies? Also has anyone done any blood tests for
direct and indirect bilirubin and/or any lipid panels before and after a
gall bladder flush? How about X-ray or diagnostic ultrasound of the gall
bladder before and after?

Maybe you could get harder "gallstones" to pass by doing a flush using a
more saturated oil such as coconut oil. :) Do not try this at home.

-----
From: Sara Klein Ridgley, PhD [email protected]

I tend to agree with you somewhat on the nature of the soluble stones.
However, when I did the cleanse both for myself and with clients, what I
found was both kinds were there. In several cases where the people were
scheduled for gallbladder surgery and we did the cleanse beforehand, there
was no sign of the stones upon ultrasound scan. One woman, who was 86 at
the time (11 years ago), collected the stones (that were rock hard) and put
them in a jar, and took them to her physician. She announced that "this
doctor from America (I was visiting another country when this happened...)
took my stones out". The doctor first thought that she was nuts, but when
she showed him the jar, he went white in the face. Then he ordered another
ultrasound and found the gallstones that were there the week before were
gone. This woman is still alive and kicking happily and in good health!

Regarding your second, very valid question regarding mineral depletion
following the cleanse, I have found that it CAN be the case, but not
always. I have noticed, for example, that many, many people who undergo
gallbaldder removal surgically, become depressed shortly thereafter. I also
have thoughts and "speculations" regarding the energy/spiritual factors
behind gallbladder problems, but that's another story..

I have used another flush, which is very simple, very safe, yet very
dramatic, and even old people with various ailments can do it safely.
However, I always like to observe, assist and take care that nothing
strange goes on (My control issues? maybe, or just caution...). This one
involves 5 days of preparation with eliminating all fat from the diet, and
it includes epsom salts, olive oil and freshly squeezed grapefruit juice. I
usually do a kidney cleanse prior to the liver/gallbladder flush, which
dramatically improves the body's ability to handle the flush.

-----
From: Michael Moore <[email protected]>

In the early 1980s, after recommending and teaching Robert's protocol, a
PhD physiologist STRONGLY suggested that these "stones" were probably
artifacts of the therapy. The next time someone passed some, I took them in
a cooler to a local Santa Fe medical lab I had a working relationship with.
They showed only traces of chenic and cholic bile salts, and had no
discernable cholesterol content. Their educated guess was that they were
saponified fatty acids...probably linoleic or oleic acid salts. They were
DEFINITELY not "gallstones". I have not recommended this grim regimen
since.

One of the great scams amongst 19th century medicine shows was this HUGE
capsule, made out of a colored and sealed gelatin capsule. It cost $1, and
was GUARANTEED to pass a tapeworm. Indeed, everyone who took one raved
about this long "worm" they passed.

The capsule contained a long coiled spiral of a thin strand of gutta percha
(crude rubber), dusted in Lycopodium. This was the "worm".

Robert's protocol, similarly, seems to result in the consistant passing of
"stones" consisting of saponified olive oil, acted on as well as possible
by the stressed digestive apparatus.

That doesn't mean that the shocked pancreas and gall bladder don't, on
occasion, vomit out a small cholesterol stone. But, as anyone who has
worked with cholelithiasis will vouch, this is risky stuff, since an
obstruction by a REAL stone of the biliary duct or common duct from the
gall bladder spasms may be just as likely. Most gallstones exist WITHOUT
symptoms. Most obstructions require surgery.

I find the tapeworm "pill" a safer phenomena-inducing placebo.

==========
2.2.12 Herbs for cough
-----
By Barbara Heller ([email protected]) and Carolyn Mohney ([email protected])

Coughs are one of the main signs of a respiratory tract disease and also a
very common symptom associated with a variety of physical problems. For
example, a cough may be the result of an infection, or a defensive response
to inhaled irritants like cigarette smoke, or an allergy symptom. Coughs
may also signify a more serious illness like chest tumors or lung
congestion from heart insufficiency. Chronic coughs, like any chronic
symptom, should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
(For an in-depth discussion of the various types of coughs, see Treatment
of Coughs with Herbal Remedies at Healthy Net; http://www.healthy.net/ )

In this article we will discuss the herbal treatment of "ordinary, common"
coughs. Coughing, itself, may be beneficial since it helps clear the
airways for us to breathe better. We generally treat the cough symptoms
when the cough is unproductive or it becomes irritating to the throat or
chest. We are partial to herbal treatments which are easily available and
have few cautions associated with them.

Herbal treatment will include teas and tinctures, steams, and cough drops
and syrups. The latter have more direct contact with the throat and are
locally soothing. Some are store-bought; others can be made at home from
garden or wildcrafted plants.

Common-sense aids for coughs include reducing ones exposure to irritants
like smoke, drinking more fluids and increasing moisture throughout the
household. Individual steam inhalation can be very helpful too:

  * Fill a basin with hot water and a handful of fresh or dried herbs (or
    3 drops of an appropriate essential oil). "Tent" a towel over your
    head and the basin so you can carefully breathe in the healing warmth
    and aroma. Suggested herbs include sage, eucalyptus, peppermint, or
    hyssop.

Some of the medicinal properties we look for in cough remedies include the
following: anti-tussives, which prevent coughing; suppressants, which limit
the coughing reflex; expectorants, which help remove excess mucous from the
respiratory system; and demulcents, which heal inflamed tissue. Herbal
antihistamines are helpful in the treatment of postnasal-drip coughs due to
allergies. Immunostimulants and antibiotics may be used to build up the
system and fight infection.

[picture of Echinacea purpurea, purple coneflower]
[picture of Verbascum phlomoides, mullein]
[picture of Tussilago farfara, coltsfoot]

Echinacea (angustifolia or purpurea), primarily in tincture form, is highly
recommended at the first sign of a cold, flu, or cough. Considered "the
herbalists herb" it receives high praises as an immunostimulant and
antibiotic. Revered by Native Americans, it is easy to grow in the garden
where its common name is the purple coneflower. (Note: wild echinacea is
being overharvested; consideration to its source is important.)

Mullein (Verbascum thapsus) is my specific favorite for coughs. Dr Weil, in
Natural Health, Natural Medicine, recommends tincture of mullein to relieve
chest congestion and dry, bronchial coughs. He also states that the plant
has no known toxicity. So it is a remedy I feel confident using with my
family. Whenever my adolescent daughter gets a cold or flu, it seems to
settle in her chest as a cough. This year we have treated the coughs with
mullein tincture and the symptoms diminished quickly. Mullein is a
beautiful biennial plant that grows wild in the Eastern US. In present-day
herbal medicine its primary form is as a tincture. Historically, Native
Americans smoked dried mullein and coltsfoot cigarettes as a remedy for
asthma and bronchitis. If used as a tea, it should be well-strained because
the small hairs of this fuzzy plant can be irritating.

Coltsfoot (Tussilago farfara), whose botanical name Tussilago means "cough
dispeller", is not surprisingly another very popular cough remedy. A nice
image of the flower is evoked by Grieve in her statement that it was
painted on the doorpost of the apothecarie's shop. This is the first
blooming wildflower in our area of upstate NY; it flowers before its leaves
appear. The flowers and leaves are used medicinally for their demulcent and
expectorant properties. Coltsfoot has traditionally been used to treat
coughs, whooping cough, asthma, excess mucous, bronchitis, and laryngitis.
Because of its low-level of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (the same controversial
substance found in comfrey), coltsfoot is recommended for only short-term
use. Use as a tea or a tincture.

Herbalist David Hoffmann (in his book The Complete Illustrated Holistic
Herbal) recommends a cough tea made of equal parts of mullein, coltsfoot,
and licorice:

  * An infusion of 1 tablespoon of the mixed herbs is steeped in one cup
    of water. Sip 3 cups of this brew throughout the day.

[picture of Glycyrrhiza glabra, licorice] [picture of Thymus serpullum]
[picture of Inula helenium, elecampane]

Licorice(Glycyrrhiza glabra) and marshmallow (Althea officinalis) are
included in cough remedy recipes for their demulcent qualities. They are
soothing herbs that reduce inflammation and add flavor. In additon,
licorice itself may have an anti-tussive effect similar to codeine for
cough suppression, without the side-effects of codeine. A reminder here to
be aware of the cautions of the various herbs added to a mix - in this
case, licorice may have its own side-effects. Specifically, it is not
recommended for continued use by people with high blood pressure.

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris), a very common culinary herb also has medicinal
properties qualifying it as a wonderful cough remedy. Thymol, thyme's
volatile oil with antiseptic, antibiotic, and expectorant properties, is
used in commercial cough syrups. At home, one can benefit from these
properties by drinking a hot tea of thyme or a mixture of thyme and
plantain; or by drinking a small amount of water with a few drops of thyme
tincture. Do not use thyme oil as a home remedy. Even a few teaspoonfuls
can be toxic. In Germany, thyme is used to treat coughs, whooping cough,
and emphysema.
"German medical herbalist Rudolph Fritz Weiss, M.D. writes: "Thyme is to
the trachea (windpipe) and the bronchia what peppermint is to the stomach
and the intestines."" (Quoted in M Castleman, The Healing Herbs).

Elecampane (Inula helenium) is also considered an important resource as an
expectorant and anti-tussive. It can be taken on a long-term basis and is
helpful for healing the irritating bronchial cough as well as for asthma.
Elecampane is a wonderful garden plant of tall stature that bears bright
yellow, sunflower-like flowers (one of its "nicknames" is wild sunflower);
it can also be harvested wild. A tea or tincture is made from the dried
root gathered in the fall.

[picture of Marrubium vulgare, horehound]
[picture of Hyssopus officinalis, hyssop]
[picture of Prunus virginiana, chokecherry, wild cherry]

Most contemporary herbalists recommend horehound (Marrubium vulgare) and
hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis) for treating minor respiratory problems -
coughs, colds, and bronchitis. In addition to horehound's expectorant and
demulcent qualities, as an antispasmodic it helps to relax the coughing
spasms so common with bronchitis. The added sweetness of horehound
candy/coughdrops that are available commercially make the very bitter herb
more accessible. Or one can obtain horehound's healing qualties with a tea,
tincture, or syrup. Hyssop is similar in chemical makeup and function to
horehound but is much less bitter. Both of these herbs mix well with
peppermint. Tea formulas for colds might also combine them with yarrow and
elder.

Some other herbs that can be helpful in treating coughs are: wild cherry
bark, violets, osha, bee balm, slippery elm, nasturtium, red clover and
plantain.

Wild cherry bark (Prunus serotina) continues to be a favorite ingredient in
cough and cold remedies, primarily due to its sedative effect on the
respiratory system. Susun Weed suggests a homemade violet flower syrup for
cough treatment which turns a beautiful lavender shade but is a very
labor-intensive remedy to make. Bee balm was another Native American remedy
for coughs and headcolds, drunk as a tea three times a day. The Peruvian
Indians utilized the natural antibiotic qualities of nasturtium leaves to
treat coughs. The leaves were eaten fresh daily or drunk as a tea. And
last, Native Americans also used slippery elm bark as a tea, gargle, or by
chewing on small pieces of the bark to soothe the annoying symptoms of a
cough.

[picture of Trifolium pratense, red clover]
[picture of Plantago major, broad-leaf plantain]
[picture of Plantago sp., plantain]

Red clover (Trifolium pratense) and plantain (Plantago major and
lanceolata) are two very common wildplants in the area we live and write,
the Northeastern US. Red clover is an expectorant and anti-spasmodic
especially good for children (over the age of 2) with whooping cough. A tea
of the dried flower tops is the most convenient; a tincture may also be
used. The expectorant and demulcent qualities of plantain are often used in
teas for bronchitis and whooping cough.

One cough syrup you can make at home is Kathy Kevilles Homemade Honey Cough
Syrup:

  * 1 tablespoon licorice root
    1 tablespoon marshmallow root
    1 tablespoon plantain leaf
    1 teaspoon thyme leaf
    1 pint water
    4 tablespoons honey
    4 ounces glycerin
    1/8 teaspoon anise essential oil (optional)

Prepare a triple-strength tea by simmering the herbs in water for 10
minutes, then steeping for 20 minutes. Strain the tea, then stir in honey
and glycerin while the tea is still warm. Add optional essential oil. Take
1 tablespoon at a time. Stored in a cool place, this syrup will keep for 2
weeks. In the refrigerator, it will keep for several months.
This recipe is suitable for children, but not for infants, who should not
have honey.

==========
End of part 4 of 7.
==========

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