Houses of Healing

Instant Herbal Remedy for Bug Bites and Stings

In the spring and summer your kids – and you too- are more likely to be running around outside barefoot or rolling and playing in the grass. Getting a bug bite or sting can put an end to these happy times. This bug bite and sting herbal remedy never fails to work and to get the kids quickly ready for more outdoor adventures. 

To squelch a bug bite or sting: Quickly find a broad leaf plantain leaf - easily found as they are in almost all grassy areas. It is low growing, dark green and broad, with “ribs” on the leaf – please look it up in a plant identification book if you are not sure.  

Chew up the leaf – the action of salvia activates its sting stopping powers. (If you are afraid to chew it up then bite on it and mix it with some of your salvia.) Place the chewed up plantain leaf on the bug bite or sting. Almost immediately the stinging will stop. You or your child can hold the plantain mass in place while you go inside and get the rest of the remedy. 

Find your comfrey tincture (you do have a good herbal first aid kit, right?), a big Band-Aid (my kids preferred using a gauze pad and first aid tape - so much more dramatic). Leaving the plantain mass in place, secure it with the Band-Aid or gauze and first aid tape. Once secured, dribble some comfrey tincture under the dressing and on the sting. The comfrey is soothing and cool and takes away any lingering pain, stinging or discomfort. Leave on until it falls off later that day or the next morning. If it is a particularly bad bite or sting, you may need to put a fresh plantain/comfrey dressing on the next day. 

This remedy has never failed and prevents infections from the bite or sting. The best thing is how much it seems to empower the children (and adults too!). If someone around them gets a bug bite or sting the kids are the first ones to find the plantain (so be sure you teach them to be able to accurately identify it) and they show up beaming and full of compassion – “Don’t worry. It’s OK --we have the plantain!”

Are you at risk because of a Vitamin D Deficiency?

Worried about:

Cancer

Diabetes

Depression

Osteoporosis

Chronic pain

These and a host of other common health problems are all are associated with a lack of Vitamin D.

Vitamin D deficiencies are very common, particularly in northern climates. Lack of sunshine, wearing clothing, and use of sunscreens inhibits the natural creation of Vitamin D in the skin.

Having optimal Vitamin D levels is a simple and inexpensive health change that can affect a:

78% reduction in type1 diabetes in children

33% reduction in type 2 diabetes

72% reduction in number of falls in the elderly

42% reduction in multiple sclerosis in women

And those without adequate Vitamin D levels are at risk for:

200% increase in type 1 diabetes in children

30-50% more cancers

Optimal levels of Vitamin D result in a 77% reduction in cancer incidence.

Life Extension Foundation research shows that achieving adequate Vitamin D levels in the US population could prevent as many as ¾ of all cancers in as little as four years.

Research also reveals that 275,00 American lives could be saved each year if a nationwide program to get adequate vitamin D levels was implemented.

Low levels of Vitamin D have been identified as a “health crisis emergency”. Everything should be done to ensure that everyone achieves optimal Vitamin D status.

“Because of convincing evidence of benefit and the strong evidence of safety, we urge those who have the ability to support public health – the media, vitamin manufacturers, and policy makers  - to undertake new initiatives that will have a realistic chance of making a difference in terms of vitamin D nutrition.”
--American Journal of Clinical Nutrition

A review article in the July 19, 2007 edition of the New England Journal of Medicine documents that those with less than optimal Vitamin D levels have increase incidence of:

Autoimmune diseases

Osteoarthritis

Depression

Hypertension

Pulmonary disorders

Schizophrenia

Cardiovascular diseases

In addition, low levels of Vitamin D have been related to:

Osteoporosis

Muscle weakness

Hypothyroidism

Non-specific musculoskeletal pain

Chronic low back pain

Fibromyalgia

Stroke

Between 40-100% of elderly people in the US and Europe have insufficient or deficient levels of Vitamin D. Even children and young adults who supplement with 400 IU of Vitamin D and consume Vitamin D rich foods can be low in Vitamin D.

And don’t count on sunlight exposure to increase your vitamin D levels.

Vitamin D levels can remain low in some people despite abundant exposure to sunlight. 51% of individuals who had a mean of 11.1 hours per week of total body skin exposure with no sunscreen used still remained low in Vitamin D levels. Tanned skin loses its ability to manufacture Vitamin D and as we age our ability to convert vitamin D in the skin becomes further diminished.

Your Vitamin D status can be assessed by having your blood tested. Vitamin D testing identifies Vitamin D deficiency as a potential cause of numerous health problems. Further testing monitors Vitamin D levels during supplementation to ensure adequate levels are achieved and protects against possible overdosing and toxicity.

The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition states that the “minimum Vitamin D blood levels needed to reduce disease risk is 30 ng/mL” and that it is rare for members of the US population to achieve this.

To account for the significant individual dose response variability, an optimal strategy is to achieve a serum Vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) level of around 60 ng/mL. Depending on your current Vitamin D levels you may need to take up to 5,000 IU or more of Vitamin D to achieve this optimal disease prevention level.

The good news is that Vitamin D is inexpensive. That's why testing for Vitamin D will never be popularized by the media - because there is no expensive drug to push.

But it is important to remember that it is the amount of Vitamin D in the blood that determines disease risk – not the amount of Vitamin D consumed. Excess fat in the body can lock up Vitamin D and prevent utilization.

State of the Art Vitamin D Testing

Until recently, a test for Vitamin D levels meant a trip to the doctor and a blood draw. But now, a few drops of blood from a quick and almost painless prick of the finger with a few spots of blood placed on special collection paper are all that is needed. This can be done at home. It’s convenient, quick and suitable for all populations from pediatric to the elderly.

Your blood spot sample is sent to an independent laboratory for analysis. You’ll have accurate results in just a few days.

Blood spot testing ensures that you achieve optimal levels of Vitamin D and avoid the multiple risks associated with low Vitamin D levels.

The fee for the test is only $135. To order the Vitamin D Blood Spot Assay

Your Vitamin D Blood Spot Assay and complete instructions will be mailed to you. When the results are in, you’ll get an exclusive session by phone with me to help you interpret and integrate the results of your Vitamin D Bloodspot Assay at no additional charge.

I will give you your top 3 strategies for addressing the test results. You will get specific recommendations based on your test information and options for further treatment.

Our secure servers use "bullet-proof encryption" to take your order, so your information is safe. But, if you prefer, you can phone in your order to 434-263-4996.

More Functional Health Tests

Herbal Remedies for Spring Allergies

As spring bursts onto the scene with all of its lovely color, vibrancy, light, and new growth you may- unfortunately - experience an array of discomforting symptoms. Your eyes may tear, you may have a scratchy or draining throat, your nose may be constantly itchy and you may be always be on the verge of a sneeze or experience repeated sneezing – welcome to spring allergies.

Seasonal allergies are usually accompanied by “stuffiness”, sneezing, watery eyes, excess drainage, runny nose, excess mucus. These symptoms are the body’s attempts to flush out an offending allergen. For those with seasonal allergies these symptoms can get out of hand and result in feeling miserable.

Herbs can be added to your medicine chest of remedies to help make your change of season more comfortable and enjoyable. Before deciding which herbs to include as part of your spring allergy relief program, it is wise to check with a practitioner familiar with herbal health care.

Bioflavonoids to the Rescue

Bioflavonoids are an important constituent found in many flowers, leaves, and fruits that help bring relief for seasonal allergy symptoms.

Bioflavonoids help prevent the formation of histamine. Histamine is one of the substances released by the body in an attempt to get rid of the offending foreign particle - the allergen. It is a hormone that causes tearing eyes and runny noses as the body attempts to flush out the offending allergen. Histamine prompts the body to quickly get rid of the allergen by activating the common allergy symptoms such as itchy and watery eyes, runny and congested nose and sinuses, and swelling and inflammation.

Increasing your intake of bioflavonoids helps prevent the formation of histamine (as opposed to commonly used over the counter anti-histamines which interfere with histamine’s action after it has been produced). Herbs that help alleviate sneezing, watery eyes, and runny noses contain substances that prevent the formation of histamine. Without histamine, your seasonal allergy symptoms can be significantly reduced. Many bioflavonoids are also anti-inflammatories, which decrease the swelling of tissues caused by reacting to an allergen.

Anti-allergenic and bioflavonoid rich herbs include German chamomile, lemon balm, Baical skullcap, mints, anise, ginger, peppermint, spearmint, feverfew, milk thistle, and yarrow.

Hawthorn is an anti-histamine herb that blocks the release of histidine decaroxylase needed to convert histamine in the body. Licorice, ginkgo, cinnamon, cardamom, rosemary, many mints and the essential oils of orange, tangerine, lemon are antihistamine and anti-allergenic and help relax the nasal passages and airways. German chamomile may slow allergic reactions by increasing the adrenal glands’ production of cortisone, which reduces lung inflammation and makes breathing easier. These herbs can be taken as teas or in tincture form.

Herbal Baths and Teas Help Soothe Irritation

Essential oils of chamomile, clove, caraway, and lemon balm contain natural antihistamines that can be useful for soothing itchy hives. Mix a few drops of the essential oil with an ounce of carrier oil such as almond or olive and apply to hives. Never apply the essential oils directly to skin as they can be caustic. Never take essential oils internally unless directed by a health care practitioner.

Itchy hives can also be relieved by taking an herbal bath. Dried antihistamine herbs such as thyme, German chamomile, basil, fennel, and tarragon can be mixed together and made into a soothing bath for allergy relief for skin reactions. To make an effective herbal bath use a quart glass jar and fill the jar one-third way of the dried herb mixture. Pour in boiling water to fill the jar. Put a cap on the jar and let it sit for at least one hour. If you want a stronger bath, you can let the mixture sit four to six hours. Strain out the herbs and pour the remaining herbal liquid into the bath. Soak and relax.

These same bath herbs can be used to make an anti- allergy tea to help relieve those worrisome symptoms. To make a tea use one teaspoon of the herbs to one cup of boiling water. Steep for 20 minutes. Drink one to three cups a day.

More Herbal Allergy Helpers

An allergic response can cause tissue lining the sinuses to swell, which can block the outlets of the sinuses to the nose. When this happens mucus build up in the sinuses can cause headaches and mucus draining from the back of the nose into the throat (the common postnasal drip). Using an over-the-counter anti-histamine with these symptoms can thicken the mucus even more so that it can not drain. It is better to help dilate the sinus passages and thin and liquefy the mucus so that it can drain easily. Hot chili peppers are very effective at draining thick, congested mucus and relieving these symptoms. Herbs such as ginger, yarrow, lemongrass, chickweed, red clover, fenugreek can be effective decongestants that thin and liquefy the congested mucus.

To help relieve the scratchy, sore throat that accompanies seasonal allergies herbs that soothe and coat the mucus membranes - demulcents- can be effective. Demulcent herbs include: marshmallow, malva, slippery elm, and violet. If a cough accompanies the sore throat, you can try plantain, wild cherry bark, or horehound all of which act as excellent cough relievers. Plantain also supports the adrenals, acts as an anti-spasmodic and helps expel mucus.

Nettles helps to prevent the excessive release of inflammatory substances such as leukotrienes. Leukotrienes are one of the natural body substances released when an allergen enters the body resulting in an inflammatory response. This leads to irritated and swollen mucus membranes that secrete excessive mucus. Nettles is also anti-allergen, enhances the immune system and increases the body’s ability to handle stress.

The herb ginkgo contains ginkgolides that interfere with the chain of events that results in allergic reactions. Phytochemicals found in ginkgo biloba block the action of platelet-activating factor that activates immune cells responsible for inflammation. Several studies suggest that ginkgo improves the ability to tolerate allergens. Follow label directions on the bottle as far as dosage is concerned. Avoid taking in excess as excessive ginkgo can lead to diarrhea, irritability, and insomnia.

Another helpful herb to use to increase the body’s ability to resist reacting to allergens is milk thistle. Milk thistle protects the liver and improves its ability to clear antigens from the body and strengthens mucus membrane integrity while providing bioflavanoids.

Herbs can be a definite benefit in helping you enjoy the early days of spring and move energetically and free from allergy symptoms into the warm days of summer.

Before taking any herbs always learn about the herb you are taking to be sure it is compatible with you and check with a knowledgeable herbal health care provider. Enjoy!

Check out my Catalog of Organic and Wildcrafted Herbal Products.

Healing with Forgiveness

Our cells are constantly eavesdropping on our thoughts and being changed by them. A bout of depression can wreak havoc with the immune system; falling in love can boost it. Despair and helplessness raise the risk of heart attacks and cancer, thereby shortening life. Joy and fulfillment keep us healthy and extend life. This means that the line between biology and psychology can't really be drawn with any certainty. A remembered stress, which is only a wisp of thought, releases the same flood of destructive hormones as the stress itself. --Deepak Chopra

For true healing to occur - and not merely just a shift in symptoms-, you have to be attentive to your mind, your emotions, your psychology, your environments, your relationships, and your spirit.

Practicing forgiveness can enhance your feelings of well being and improve your health. This is especially true with regards to being forgiving to those close to you. Research shows that adults who practice forgiveness experienced less anger, less stress, more optimism, and better general health.

Negative memories may induce bitterness and negative thoughts about the past. When these negative memories predominate, the emotions of contentment, satisfaction, serenity and peace are not experienced and that sense of happiness about the past is not available.

To help ensure survival, negative emotions tend to get our attention and predominate in our focus until we undo them with some positive emotion. When negative memories about the past are fostering negative emotions, the way out is to rewrite the negative memories.

Although the direct relationship between forgiveness and improved health is still not well established, holding onto bitterness, resentment and hurt from the past can seriously dampen the energy you have available for creating an upward spiral of positive energy. Forgiveness undoes the bitterness, resentment, and hurt about past transgressions that block or reduce the feelings of happiness about the past. Forgiveness is a simple (if not always easy) choice for rewriting memories of past upsetting events and opening the door to the emotions of contentment, satisfaction, serenity, and peace – and improved wellbeing.

If you are stuck in an unforgiving mode we can talk about tools, techniques and programs that can help you find your way to forgiveness and increased health and well being. You can give me a call at 434-263-4996 or email me at maryann@evenstaronline.com

Symptoms of Peri-Menopause

Here is a quick checklist to find out if you might be peri-menopausal and need to take special care to manage your moods and retain your memory and learning skills.

"There is nothing particularly brilliant about denying your biology" -- Janet Kinosian

Do you have these symptoms?

Hot flashes, night sweats, perspiration and/ or chilly sensations

Sensations of numbness and/ or tingling of skin

Insomnia, sleeplessness, and/or restless, fragmented sleep

Fatigue, feeling of weariness of mind and body with desire for rest; disinclination to make further effort

Vaginal dryness

Irregular menstrual bleeding

Changes in frequency of menstrual cycle
Irritability, feelings of anxiety or apprehension

Feeling of depression, sadness, unhappiness and / or being miserable without any obvious reason

Pain affecting joints and/or muscles

Headaches of any kind

Dry skin

Urinary problems

Digestive problems

Sexual / desire changes

Quickening or acceleration of heartbeat or a fluttering/pounding heartbeat in a sitting or resting position

Sensation of "crawly skin"

Forgetful, scattered and/or suddenly disorganized

Clumsiness and /or uncoordination

Difficulty remembering past events and/or learning new material

Slow to recall a name or to find the right word

The more symptoms that you have experienced the more likely it is that you are entering peri-menopause. It may be time for you to take some steps to shift your health and self-care focus to provide adequately for your new hormonal and well-being needs.

At Evenstar, we are dedicated to helping you make your Perimenopause Passage the best time of your life. We offer Functional Health Tests, Personal Coaching and comprehensive Mood & Energy Wellness Programs that are specific to the Perimenopause Passage.

Find out more at www.evenstaronline.com/perimenopause.html

Herbal Acne Remedies

Acne is one of the most prevalent and most difficult skin problems to treat. Not only does acne cause physical discomfort and blemish it also can be the cause of stressful angst and embarrassment leaving the acne sufferer with less than positive feelings about themselves.

Standard treatments range from various over-the-counter and prescription drugs, ultraviolet radiation, oral anti-biotic treatments, hydrocortisone based lotions, oral contraceptives and a variety of abrasive topical treatments.

Acne is often thought of as a teenage affliction but men and women in their 20s, 30s, and 40s make up half the acne population. Young children and elderly adults don’t seem to get acne. Teenage acne is equally distributed between girls and boys but adult acne is more common in women.

The medical establishment blames acne on a combination of hyperactive oil glands in the skin, hormones, and a tendency for cells lining the pores to clog. Research by Nicholas Perricone, however, shows that acne is actually the result of a cascade of inflammatory reactions in the body.

An inflammatory response - created by eating pro-inflammatory foods, high levels of stress and not getting adequate and restful sleep - creates inflammation on a cellular level. Cellular inflammation accelerates the aging process, as well as the onset and course of many diseases like cancer, cardiovascular disease, arthritis, and acne.

As Perricone states in his book The Acne Prescription, “Inflammation always comes first and it is the inflammation that is the cause of the clogged pore …” His research points to the fact that acne is a systemic inflammatory disease – which means that it happens from the inside out.

Herbalists have traditionally treated acne from the inside out. Rather than relying simply on external topical treatments to rid the skin of acne, herbalists have sought to rebalance key internal processes:

Hormone production

Immunity

Detoxification

Liver health

Lymphatic health

Digestive health

Bowel function

Skin health

The new – and the traditional – approach to acne is to treat it as a systemic imbalance in the body - as an inflammatory response supported or prompted by imbalances in several different body functions.

A “one treatment works for all approach” to clearing up acne doesn’t work, so how do you know what’s behind your breakouts and which treatment approach will work best for you? A through diagnostic evaluation mapping out your own personal imbalances can help target effective treatments for your situation. Successful treatment of acne calls for a multi-tiered, individually designed approach including:

Diet

Supplements

Herbs taken internally

Topical treatments

In addition to an anti-inflammatory approach, there are some time honored herbal approaches that have been shown to be helpful when used as part of multi-modality program.

Burdock – a deep cleansing herb that may help the liver and skin more effectively cleanse waste and toxins. A liver that is not functioning at its best is sluggish in breaking down and clearing out hormonal by-products that can worsen acne. Burdock has strong liver purifying and hormone regulating actions with a special affinity for the skin.

Burdock contains inulin, which helps remove bacteria in the skin and some research suggests that burdock has anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties. The root is most often used and promotes sweating and urination.

Dandelion – stimulates liver and digestive function and promotes bile flow. The liver is the major organ in the body that helps get rid of toxins and excess hormones, including those that are related to acne breakouts. Dandelion root is anti-inflammatory and may help get rid of skin bacteria associated with acne.

Dandelion leaves are vitamin and mineral rich – and make a tasty green veggie. The vitamins and minerals in dandelion greens are thought to support and maintain healthy skin.

Calendula – is a traditional skin remedy. It is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory and boosts immune function. Calendula is used both externally and internally to reduce inflammation and speed wound healing. Calendula is considered to be the best herbal tissue healer for skin problems. Calendula is on par with witch hazel as an astringent and is one of the best antiseptics.

Chasteberry - If you are a woman and your acne has a hormonal link, chasteberry might be just the thing for you. Chasteberry has a long history of balancing women’s hormone problems. Chasteberry appears to regulate higher progesterone levels that are related to acne outbreaks. Chasteberry may be called for if your acne occurs along with PMS and if acne reappears as you enter menopause.

Sarsaparilla - has long been used to clear up skin problems. Sarsaparilla appears to work to clear up acne by balancing hormones and improving the function of the lymphatic system.

Yellow Dock – another favorite herbal remedy, clears skin problems by improving digestion and regulating bowel movements. Herbalists have long noted a connection between constipation and skin problems.

Oregon Grape and Goldenseal – Both of these herbs contain berberine, which is a potent anti-bacterial agent and may help rid the skin of bacteria related to acne. Plus, both of these herbs work to improve digestion and liver function, helping the body get rid of toxins.

Oregon grape is particularly effective for all types of skin problems. It stimulates bile secretions and is a glandular tonic. Through its stimulatory and regulating effect on the liver and gallbladder, it is useful in overcoming problems with constipation. It is what herbalists call a blood purifier and promotes healthy functioning of the spleen and lymphatic system. Through its combined actions it can work wonders to restore a clear, smooth complextion.
Caution – Do not use either of these herbs internally during pregnancy.

Herbs for External Treatment:

Reduce inflammation – cat’s claw, nettles, cleavers, licorice, chamomile, chickweed

Deep pore cleaning – ginseng, ginkgo

Antibacterial/ antifungal – echinacea, white willow bark, calendula, goldenseal, blue flag, nettles, cleavers. Lavender kills germs on the skin, stimulates new cell growth and helps heal acne scars.

Astringents –calendula. Witch Hazel is an old fashion remedy that kills bacteria and helps remove excess oil on the skin.

Common Sense for Making Health Care Decisions

"I guess you don't think I should take antibiotics do you?"

As an alternative health care practitioner, this is a question people frequently ask, fully expecting me to say that I don't think they should take antibiotics.  Actually, I make no categorical judgments against antibiotics. Used at the appropriate time, in the appropriate manner, antibiotics can be an absolutely crucial part of a improving your health and well-being.  The important point is to figure out what the appropriate time and manner is for you.

Health Care Protocols

The way we approach our health and well-being is based partially on the paradigm through which we view what it means to be healthy, and how we achieve health. By definition a paradigm is a pattern, model, mold, ideal, or standard.  A paradigm is not made up of practices and techniques (although certain practices and techniques may seem more in alignment with particular paradigms).  A paradigm is rather more like a particular way of being which structures your thoughts and actions as you view things from a particular point of view.  It is a way of understanding and analyzing that defines how you view the world, - even so far as what you think is possible.

Western medicine follows protocols based on a particular paradigm about health which defines the actions, techniques and practices that it deems most successful in achieving health and welt-being.

For the most part, Western medicine prides itself on being based on the scientific method. The scientific method is generally thought to be superior to other paradigms because it purports to be objective and free of personal, subjective biases.  This objectivity is assumed to give a more exact, truthful view of what's happening.  In order to promote this independent view of reality, much effort goes into following procedures that protect against subjective, personal interpretation.  There is a reliance on machines and technology to assure exact measurements, accurate analysis and consistent repeatability.  Diagnostic testing, technology and machine measurements are routinely trusted over and above fallible human judgments.  The intellect is honored above other ways of knowing because truth is seen as fixed and replicable.  Analytical, linear thinking is relied upon to reach the one exact cause of a problem and, by eliminating that cause the problem, disease, or illness can be eliminated.

Disease and illness are viewed as something that is either broken and in need of being fixed, or as an invasion by some dangerous outside agent, such as bacterial or germs, which need to be eliminated. Health is defined as the absence of disease.

In order to eliminate these dangerous elements, or fix the broken part, cures that employ the strongest, most active element, and are the most aggressive, are used to bring about the eradication of the disease as quickly as possible. Because these practices must be stronger and more aggressive than the disease they are removing, they tend to carry negative side effects that may be dangerous.  The use of such cures, of course, requires a highly trained expert to administer the prescribed program.

The practices and techniques of Western Medicine are totally congruent with this paradigm. The strongest, most active, most aggressive methods are used for eradication. The effort to win the battle in the fight over disease is a struggle for survival. Western medicine is an excellent, effective approach for emergency, life saving medicine - but these strong, active and aggressive methods are not well suited for rebuilding, recuperation and regeneration. Such intensive techniques are definitely not to be refused and abandoned because they do have an essential use in serious, emergency and life threatening situations.

What If It's Not An Emergency Or A Life Threatening Situation?

A problem arises, however, when such practices and techniques are used in situations that are not serious, emergency and life threatening.  How can you decide when it is time for you to use such aggressive techniques?

There is a logical decision making process that you can guide yourself through as you determine the level of treatment and remedies you need in a particular circumstance.

This process is not a means of self diagnosis, nor is it meant to replace the informed opinion of your chosen health care practitioners.  But rather it is a set of guidelines that empower you in understanding more about the choices that you have available to you - and it is a decision making checklist to move you through different levels of treatment until you reach the point where you feel that you are safely and effectively working with your condition.

Here is an orderly sequence of actions that can be applied to health care situations which assists in safely deciding which options to chose and when to chose them.

The Six Steps To Reasonable Health Care Decisions

1 - The process begins with the creative step of returning to the source of the problem, where self-correction can take place.  During this time you might rest, sleep or meditate.  It is a returning to the stillness and silence.  Even emergency medical technicians are often trained to simply be in the situation when they arrive at an emergency site - if only for a second or two - before they begin to assess the situation.

2 - From this point, you can proceed in an orderly fashion through becoming informed about what's happening to you and learning the pros and cons of your available options for working with your specific condition.

3 - The next step  is to begin nourishing yourself and regenerating, repatterning and rebuilding your body.

4 - Only after you have these steps in place do you look to the possibility of resolving your condition by pushing beyond the limits of your present state through stimulating or sedating.

5 - If these actions do not bring about the desired completion and integration, move into using remedies that act in a more drug-like manner overriding the current symptoms and giving the body time to be relieved of the stress of the symptoms long enough to activate and employ its own self-healing actions.

6 - The last step in the process would be to use techniques that break across your normal boundaries and flow patterns in the body.  These remedies are most often toxic to the body because they directly intervene in the natural energy flow of the body.  Surgery and chemotherapy are good examples of this step.

Taking All The Steps You Need - How To Help Yourself.

In a safe and complete system of care, all of these steps are addressed. If the actions are applied in sequence from the beginning to the point where the problem is resolved unnecessarily aggressive steps are avoided. Each step builds an expanding foundation of resources for the body to heal itself in the next step.

The steps are ordered according to the probability that they are likely to result in negative side effects.  Surgery and chemotherapy are more likely to create serious side effects than is collecting information.  You set a time limit that feels comfortable for you for moving from one step to the next.

How quickly or slowly you move through the steps depends upon the actual situation, your support system, past experiences, your body of knowledge, and gut feelings.  This creates a recognition of what your needs are for you at the time and the level of intervention needed to correct the problem.

It is not surgery or taking an antibiotic itself that is likely to cause the most harm, but rather that these more aggressive and potentially harmful actions would be used as a first step without due consideration and the support built into the proceeding steps.

By learning the intricacies of this decision making process you help take away the guess work, confusion, fear and the lack of power often present in health care decisions.

Consider these questions:

Are you intimated by your physician?

Do you feel unqualified to make your own health care decisions?

Do you feel that you could never know enough to make a medical decision outside of what your physician advises?

Do your have your personal health care team set up? Do you know the modalities and practitioners you want and need to best serve  your needs and have you chosen these practitioners?

Do you have access to health care information that is current, leading edge, relevant and understandable?

If you answered “yes” to any of the first three questions and no to either of the last two questions you might want to develop a more comprehensive plan for making health care decisions.

If You Want To Learn More

I hope this gives you some beginning guidelines. If you'd like to learn more about applying this Six Step Program of Self-Care to your situation give me a call a 434-263-4996 or email. There is much more about what practices, techniques, alternatives and support systems are most effective in each step and how you can prevent over-treating and under-treating. This will help bring confidence and understanding to your decisions.

Beat the Cold and Flu Blues with Herbal Remedies

Our approach to colds and the flu is comprehensive and holistic. Just as in our most comprehensive and integral health and wellness programs, it works best to look at the whole person, taking into account many different aspects of wellness health care and then nourish and support the body's own natural means of keeping itself well.

If you've been interested in a more natural approach to colds and flu and in taking better care of your whole self you should know:

Over the counter drugs that are designed to eliminate the symptoms of the cold - ease congestion, stop the cough, soothe the sore throat - actually interfere with the body's protective immune responses. The condition may seem to get better because of the masking of the symptoms but the body's natural immune response have been curtailed.

Over the counter cold remedies do nothing to fight cold viruses or boost the immune responses so they can have little effect on the duration of colds.

Of the five antihistamines commonly used to treat colds, research shows that only one of them may actually help dry a runny nose.

Researchers have found that over the counter drugs may have no benefit for preschoolers.

Decongestants can produce side effects like jitters and insomnia.

Mucus, tears, and saliva are saturated with IgA antibodies. Mucus is a genetically engineered antibiotic substance that contains specific antibodies to your current infection. Thus when you take an over the counter decongestant that dries mucus secretions during a cold or flu you may be reducing your immune responses and contributing to lengthening the duration of your infection. It might be better to take substances that thin and liquefy the mucus and keep it flowing freely with plenty of liquids. 

Herbs like licorice may deal with excess mucus through a moistening action, loosening mucus and making it flow more readily out of the body. Other herbs that may help to do this include marshmallow and slippery elm.

Echinacea and Goldenseal are probably the most frequently used herbs for colds and flu in the United States.

Clinically Echinacea is not generally considered to be a major herb for working with the flu although it is often used as an auxiliary herb.

Research suggest that Echinacea may be particularly helpful at the onset of a cold or flu. If taken early enough in the appropriate dosages it may contribute to heading off a cold or flu.

Once the cold is well established, though, Echinacea by itself is not the most effective herbal approach. After the cold or flu has taken hold Echinacea continues to be useful in combination with other herbs and it helps shorten the duration and severity of the infection. By itself Echinacea does not usually knock out a cold or flu.

Taking Goldenseal in the early stages of a cold or flu may actually make the condition worse by drying up the mucus membranes. This inhibits the mucus, saturated with antibodies to fight the bacteria, virus or other microbes, from working.

Clinically Goldenseal is used for subacute and chronic infections of the mucus membranes but it is not thought to be appropriate for use in the acute stage.

Goldenseal works as a cleanser and anti-inflammatory. It can be helpful at very specific times in very specific doses in a cold. But there is not a single study that shows that Goldenseal works as a cold fighter.

Even better cold & flu herbs ...

Black elder is another traditional herbal remedy that has been shown that it may have good effects on the flu. A recent clinical trail showed that a preparation of black elder ended cases of the flu within three days and also boosted the immune system responses.

Oregon grape can be used as a contemporary substitute for Goldenseal and may be much better than even Echinacea for use with the common cold.

Peppermint contains compounds that can relax the airways and open congested sinuses and nasal passages.

Ginger appears to fight inflammation and pain. It also appears to acts as an expectorant and have warming effects that can be helpful if you are chilled.

Yarrow seems to fight inflammation and muscle spasm and promote sweating. It has long been used against colds and flu.

Thyme is an expectorant and appears to fight microbes. Its flavonoids may help decrease smooth muscle spasm which may assists in opening tight airways.

Mullen is a demulcent which contains mucilagous substances that coat and soothe irritated respiratory linings. It may help to loosen a cough and fight viruses.

More natural herbal remedies ...

St. John's Wort has been shown in test tubes studies to inhibit influenza A viruses and parainfluenza virus but not rhinovirus (a cold virus).

Osha has traditionally been used in the Rocky Mountains as the most important plant for treating respiratory infections. Osha is used extensively to treat colds, flu, and bronchial infections. The tincture or tea is antibacterial.

Boneset is used as a traditional remedy for the flu. In the past Boneset was used as a major remedy for the flu, fevers, and as a general tonic. It has been used to treat both acute and chronic conditions. In one study the immune stimulating polysaccharides in Boneset were found to be ten times more potent than Echinacea polysaccharides.

An herbal bath may be an effective remedy for easing cold symptoms and increasing immune responses. It may help to nip them in the bud. During the bath the essential oils of the herbs are released by the hot water. These oils are believed to be absorbed through the pores of the skin and through the nose and mouth mucus membranes. Absorption through the mucus membranes may bring the oils into contact with the upper respiratory tract where they are able to exert their antibacterial effects.

All of the above mentioned herbal products are available from Evenstar Herbs.  Find what you need in my Evenstar Herbal Products Catalog. There is a special section of Herbal products for colds and flu.

Join Our Healing Council

“ Every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you.”--Walt Whitman

Healing is an inter-relational activity. Even though each person has within themselves the power to heal themselves, healing is not a solitary activity. Throughout time, there has been the model of the healer and the one being healed - so it seems that healing involves at least two people partnering for the benefit of one.

Religion has long believed and science is now affirming that when a community – such as a prayer circle or group - comes together their combined power can intentionally influence the health and well-being of another. A Healing Council embodies one of the fundamentals of healing – You are not alone.

Join the Evenstar Healing Council. The only requirement to be a part of the Evenstar Healing Council is that at least once a day- preferably at 8:00 AM, noon or 5:00 PM Eastern time – you bring your attention specifically to your healing and to the healing of the others in the Healing Council.

Please perform whatever healing activity you choose – prayer, visualization, meditation, thought, affirmation, directing of attention or energy - for a few seconds or as long as you wish.

Participation in the Healing Council is totally informal. There is no sign up involved - only you need to know that you are part of the group and you can participate for long as you wish and can come and go from the Council as you wish. No names will be revealed and, of course, you have the option to decline to participate.

“Take care of each moment and you take care of all time.” --Buddha

Who's in Your Face?

I’m a big fan The Biggest Loser reality TV show.

It’s shocking that the US has the world’s most overweight population- almost 60 million people. Poor diet, too much stress, lack of vacations, sleep deficits – lots of reasons for this predicament.

But that’s not what I want to talk about today.

It is good to be inspired to lose a bit of weight, but here is the thing I find most interesting about the Biggest Loser - it is a great example of an effective change process.

Do you know what is the biggest factor accounting for the lack of success in making health and wellness changes? Take a guess.

Compliance.

The lack of following the recommendations given by your health care provider is the biggest reason for not achieving the health and wellness goals you want.

In one study, those who were compliant with a placebo protocol achieved better results than those taking the same placebo but who weren’t compliant with the protocol. Maybe compliance itself a valuable tool in and of itself for getting the results you are after.

Could it be that the biggest reason for the sad predicament of being the most overweight population is that we don’t have effective change processes that support compliance.

If you look at the Biggest Loser change process, you see several key things:

Contestants are isolated from their families, friends, etc.  – Yes, they lose their regular support networks but they are also taken out of habitual patterns and relationships. And habitual patterns and relationships actually support keeping you were you are – not intentionally but structurally. As Jillian (one of the trainers) observed - removing people from their families and friends helps to remove people from their enablers.

At the Biggest Loser Camp, contestants only do things that are related to their primary goal of losing weight. They don’t go to work. No cleaning house. No friend’s night out. There are no other distractions – it is all about losing weight. Talk about focus.

Contestants learn new strategies about how to take care of themselves in ways that are directly related to achieving their weight loss goal. They change how they eat, their physical activity, how they rest, how they push through obstacles. They learn to be different, do things differently, and they do different things.

The process has a beginning and an end. It doesn’t just drift on endlessly.

There is a huge payoff at the end and big prizes along the way. It is not just one big grueling process. Rewards work.

They have to face the harsh truth about what is happening for them. Big pictures of their fat selves surround them. They dress in outfits that reveal their gross shapes. Doctors tell them straight out what health risks they face if they stay fat. After highlighting for the contestants how fat they actually are and the risks involved, everyone and everything turns the attention to where the constants what to be.

And then there are the trainers – everyone has their favorite trainer but all the trainers share one common characteristic – they are in your face telling you what to do, when to do it, how much to do. 

The trainers are not at all interested in excuses about why you cannot do it. And the trainers are not that interested in how you think it might be done better. You do what they tell you to do and that is what it is all about.

It is evident that the trainers care about the people they work with and they develop some strong bonds with the contestants. But the trainers aren’t afraid to push their people to do what is needed to get the results. The most successful contestants are those who surrender to the process and enthusiastically partner with their trainer doing what their trainer is telling them to do.

Take home lessons:

If you want to get different results, you cannot be the same, doing the same things the same way.

Love your family and friends but realize that all aspects your current life are supporting you where you are. In order to get somewhere different just about everything in your current life will need to be transformed in some way.

Focus, focus, and focus – everything you do should in some way support the new results you want.

Build a grounded structure to your change process by setting realistic target dates and going for them.

Build in rewards along the way.

Give up being delusional. Tell yourself the truth about where you are and what is happening for you. Then place your sights on where you want to be.

Find an appropriate someone (health practitioner, coach, consultant, therapist, friend) who is congruent with your way of working, who you trust to know their stuff, who you relate well with, who supports your values and beliefs, and partner with them - then do what they tell you to do.  Be compliant and follow through.