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Alternative HealthBe Your Own Herbal Expert, Part 6By Susun S WeedVibrant, passionate, and involved, Susun Weed has garnered an international reputation for her groundbreaking lectures, teachings, and writings on health and nutrition. She challenges conventional medical approaches with humor, insight, and her encyclopedic knowledge of herbal medicine. Unabashedly pro-woman, her animated a lectures are engaging and provocative. Susun is one of America's best-known authorities on herbal medicine and natural approaches to women's health. Her four best-selling books are recommended by expert herbalists and well-known physicians and are used and cherished by millions of women around the world. Herbal medicine is the medicine of the people. It is simple, safe, effective, and free. Our ancestors used — and our neighbors around the world still use — plant medicines for healing and health maintenance. It's easy. You can do it too, and you don't need a degree or any special training. Ancient memories arise in you when you begin to use herbal medicine — memories which keep you safe and fill you with delight. These lessons are designed to nourish and activate your inner herbalist so you can be your own herbal expert. In our first session, we learned how to "listen" to the messages of plant's tastes. In session two, we learned about simples and how to make effective water-based herbal remedies. The third session helped us distinguish safe nourishing and tonifying herbs from the more dangerous stimulating and sedating herbs. Our fourth session we focused on poisons in herbs and entered the herbal pharmacy to herbal tinctures, which we collected into an Herbal Medicine Chest. Our fifth session found us still in the pharmacy, learning how to make and use herbal vinegars for strong bones and healthy hearts. In this, our sixth session, we remain in the herbal pharmacy and turn our attention to herbs in fat bases. We'll explore fresh infused oils, ointments, salves, and lip balms, essential oils, and even herbal pestos. Herbal Oils: Infused vs. Essential I make and use many infused herbal oils. I use little or no essential oils. Why? Infused herbal oils use a small amount of plant material; essential oils require tons of plant material. Infused herbal oils are safe to use internally or externally; essential oils are poisonous internally and problematic externally. Infused herbal oils are good for the skin; essential oils can cause rashes, burns, and other skin reactions. Infused oils are used full strength; essential oils are diluted before use. Infused herbal oils have subtle scents; essential oils have powerful scents. The scent of an essential oil can kill gut flora just like antibiotics do, according to Paul Bergner, director of the clinical studies program at the Rocky Mountain Center for Botanical Studies. He told me that breathing the oils puts them into the blood stream very quickly and can be a major disturber of intestinal health and contributor to poor immune functioning. Massage therapists are embracing Natural Scent Therapies such as growing live aromatic plants in their treatment rooms and using pillows of dried aromatic herbs instead of essential oils. Their skin and their immune systems are thanking them for the switch. Making Infused Herbal Oils To make an infused herbal oil you will need the following supplies: Harvest your plant material in the heat of the day, after the sun has dried the dew. It is best to wait at least 36 hours after the last rain before harvesting plants for infused oils. Wet plant materials will make moldy oils. To prevent this, some people dry their herbs and then put them in oil. I find this gives an inferior quality product in most cases. Coarsely chop the roots, leaves, or flowers of your chosen plant. Fill your jar completely full of the chopped plant material. Add olive oil until the jar is completely full. (Patience and a chop stick are useful tools at this point.) Tightly lid the jar. Label it. Put it in a small bowl (to collect seepage and overruns). Your infused oil is ready to use in six weeks. Fresh Plants That I Use to Make Infused Oils Arnica flowers (Arnica montana) Using Your Infused Herbal Oils I use my infused herbal oils to heal and ease the pain of wounds, bruises, scrapes, sprains, burns, rashes, sore muscles, insect bites, and aching joints. I make my infused oils into ointments, salves, and lip balms. I use my infused oils in rituals, to anoint. I use my infused oils after bathing, to moisturize. I use my infused oils as stunning salad dressings. I use my infused oils as sexual lubricants. I use my infused oils to nourish my scalp and hair. I apply my infused herbal oils directly to the body. I rarely take infused herbal oils as internal medicines although it would be safe to do so. I use my infused oils to make salves, ointments, and lip balms. Making Salves, Ointments and Lip Balms When herbs are infused into animal fat, they form a natural salve, without need of thickening. But herbs infused into oils are drippy and leaky and messy. They need a little beeswax melted into them to make them solid. The more beeswax added, the firmer the oil will be. A little beeswax will make a soft salve. A medium amount will make a firm ointment. And a lot will make a stiff lip balm. Pour one or more ounces of infused herbal oil into a saucepan or double boiler. Grate several ounces of beeswax. Put a small fire under your oil. When it is slightly warm, add one tablespoon (more or less) of grated beeswax. Stir, preferably with your finger, until the beeswax melts. Test the firmness by dropping a drop on a china plate. It will solidify instantly. Too soft? Add more beeswax, a little at a time. Too hard? Add more infused oil (if possible) or plain oil. Pour your finished salve or ointment into wide-mouthed jar. Pour lip balms into little pots or twist tubes. Pestos The simplest pesto is green leaves pounded with salt and garlic. I don't put cheese or nuts into my pestos when I make them, as these ingredients spoil rapidly. I use a mini-size food prep machine for the "pounding." A blender will work, too, but watch that you don't burn out the motor. The oil in a pestos both preserves the antioxidant vitamins in the fresh green herbs and also softens the cell walls so minerals become more available. With the added health-benefits of garlic, herbal pestos are great medicine as well as superb eating. Basic Herbal Pesto Stays good for up to two years in a cool refrigerator; up to five years in the freezer. Start with half a cup of extra virgin olive oil. Add 2-4 coarsely-chopped cloves of garlic. Add a good sprinkle of sea salt. Add a large handle of prepared herb leaves and blend. Continue adding leaves and oil as needed. Perhaps more garlic and salt? Blend. When all is blended to a fare thee well, pack your pesto into a skinny jar. Leave some space between the pesto and the top of the jar and fill this with olive oil. Cap, label, and refrigerate. Green Herbs for Pesto Catnip (Nepeta cataria) Coming up In our next sessions we will learn how to make herbal honeys and syrups, how to apply the three traditions of healing, and how to take charge of our own health care with the six steps of healing. Experiment Number One Make three or more infused herbal oils from different plant parts, such as leaves, roots, and flowering tops. (See list for suggestions of plants to use.) Experiment Number Two Make several infused oils from the same plant at the same time using at least three different kinds of oils and animal fats, including ghee. Label carefully. After six weeks, decant and compare Experiment Number Three Make a salve, ointment, or lip balm. Beeswax is sold at farmer's markets, health food stores, and craft shops. Experiment Number Four Treat at least three injuries with an herbal oil or ointment that you have made. Record your observations. Plantain, yarrow, calendula, or comfrey are good choices for this experiment. Experiment Number Five Make an herbal pesto. (See list for suggestions.) Further study 1. Buy a small bottle of essential oil. Also buy the plant the oil is make from. Lavender and mint are good choices for this experiment. Smell the plant, then smell the essential oil. How do you feel afterwards? Taste the plant, then taste a drop of the essential oil? What do you perceive? Put a drop of the essential oil on your skin; rub the plant vigorously on your skin. Are there differences? Extra credit: Make an infused oil of the same plant and repeat this experiment using your infused oil in addition to the essential oil and the plant. 2. Use organic animal fat to make an herbal preparation. Keep the fat barely warm — in the sun or by a pilot light — until it is infused. No need to add beeswax. The fat will solidify at room temperature. Advanced work * Read about the production of essential oils. * How is a hydrosol different from an essential oil? * Can you make a hydrosol? (Jeanne Rose is a good resource on this.) Study with Susun Weed in the convenience of your home! Choose from three Correspondence Courses: Green Allies, Spirit & Practice of the Wise Woman Tradition, and Green Witch - includes audio/video tapes, books, assignments, special mailings, plus personal time. Learn more at http://www.susunweed.com or write to: Susun Weed, PO Box 64, Woodstock, NY 12498. For permission to reprint this article, write to: susunweed@hvc.rr.com.
Anti-Aging SecretBy Roopa Chari, MD. & Deepak ChariThere are many different processes of aging, however it is the accumulation of acidic waste that creates many different symptoms. What is pH? It is a value ("potential of hydrogen") that indicates the acidity or alkalinity of the liquid by the measurement of the hydrogen ion concentration in a liquid. A pH value less than 7 is acidic and values greater than 7 indicate alkalinity. Pure water has a pH of 7 and is neither acidic or alkaline. Normally a healthy body produces and then eliminates acidic waste. You can help your body neutralize acidic wastes by eating the right foods that includes plenty of salad with raw fresh vegetables, chewing the food thoroughly, exercising, drinking plenty of water, breathing exercises, rest and emotional healing. It has been reported that an excess of acidic waste in the human body is one of the primary causes of disease, fatigue, weight gain, cancer and depression. The body then tries to restore its optimal pH by depleting minerals such as calcium, potassium and magnesium from the organs and bones. Carbohydrates, proteins and fats produce inorganic and organic acids. Proteins produce sulfuric acid and phosphoric acid. Carbohydrates and fats produce lactic acid and acetic acid. These acids need to be eliminated as quickly as possible. However, if these acids were directly eliminated through the kidneys or colon the organ would be damaged. These acids are therefore neutralized by mineral compounds and then safely eliminated. When the wastes are not completely eliminated from the body, reabsorption into the general circulation occurs which are then deposited into the body's tissues. The acidic waste in the tissues can then damage the joints, tissues, organs, glands and muscles. The body initially becomes acidic when stressed at any level including physically, emotionally and mentally. The standard American diet including caffeine, refined sugars, fast foods and processed foods promotes an acidic environment. The problem with processed foods is that it lacks the minerals essential to maintain an alkaline environment. Just as important as what we put into our mouth is the process of digestion. Ingesting acidic foods (i.e. eggs, beef, pork, chicken, fish, cheese, alcohol, margarine, artificial sweeteners, caffeine and sugar) affects the body's ability to produce adequate amounts of hydrochloric acid which breaks down food. Improper digestion of food contributes to more acid waste production. We should consume more alkaline forming foods including vegetables and fruits. For proper digestion it is also best to never combine fruits with proteins or carbohydrates. Fruits should be eaten 20 minutes prior to a meal or 2 hours after a meal. One of the main causes of fatigue is increased acidity in the blood. Overeating (especially of meat and dairy products) and overworking leads to acidity of the blood causing fatigue. In addition to our diets, exercise and movement affect the pH of the body. Walking, yoga and Tai chi helps to move the toxins out of the body and helps to establish an alkaline environment. The pH of the blood also affects our mental clarity since an acidic condition inhibits nerve action and an alkaline condition stimulates nerve action. In other words, one who has an alkaline blood pH can think and act properly. Rest is equally important as it allows our body to dispose of waste products. While we rest, our blood neutralizes harmful acidic substances and carries them to the detoxification organs (i.e. kidneys and lungs). The kidneys remove neutralized waste salts, ammonia, uric acid, etc.The lungs take carbon dioxide from carbonic acids therefore making the blood more alkaline. Breathing exercises assist in oxygenation and alkalization of the blood. Simply sit in a comfortable position and inhale through the nose for a count of 4 while the abdomen expands. Hold for a count of 8. Exhale through the mouth for a count of 4 as the abdomen gently comes back to its normal position. Do this slowly at least 3 times in a row. Our emotions have an affect on our body pH as well.Positive thoughts enhance your mood along with creating an alkaline environment. Harboring emotions such as anger, rage, guilt and resentment actually enhances acidity. Techniques such as Thought Field Therapy™, Neuro-Linguistic Programming™ and the Sedona Method assist the releasing process. Emotions such as love, joy and gratitude enhance an alkaline environment. It is very important to communicate your true feelings to your loved ones, friends and colleagues and be true to yourself. Purchase organic natural products (toothpaste, shampoos, cosmetics and soap) as they are absorbed through the skin and will contribute to a healthy pH. Finally and most importantly drink plenty of water (preferably alkalinized water) as our bodies are over 75% water and our blood is 90% water. Drink a minimum of 8 "eight ounce" glasses of water a day. By following these simple tips you will enhance the quality of your life and remain The Chari Center of Health is in Del Mar, CA. Please visit their website at www.charicenter.com. Dr. Roopa Chari is a Board Certified physician in Internal Medicine and is certified in Thought Field Therapy, Guided Imagery, Pranic Healing and the EPFX. Deepak Chari has a Master of Science Degree in Engineering and is a Certified Biofeedback Therapist. Mr. Chari is also certified with the EPFX, Hypnosis and Neurolinguistic Programming (NLP). The Chari's combine their experience and talents in the fields of Science and the Healing Arts with nutrition, remarkable mind/body techniques and the latest healing technologies in Quantum physics. The Chari's were recently featured on "The Learning Channel." Dr. Chari can be reached at (619) 275-8073 for appointments or please visit their website at www.charicenter.com
Healthy Indian Vegetarian CookingBy Mani ChariTomatoes are a member of the nightshade family and contain large amounts of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and iron. The red pigment contained in tomatoes is called lycopene which acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that can damage cells in the body. Studies conducted by Harvard researchers have discovered that men who consumed 10 servings of tomatoes a week can cut the risk of developing prostate cancer by 45 percent. Italian researchers have found that those who consume more that 7 servings of raw tomatoes lower the risk of developing colon, rectal or stomach cancers by 60 percent. Israeli researchers have found that lycopene is a powerful inhibitor of breast, lung and endometrial cancer cells. Research has also indicated that the lycopene in tomatoes can help older people stay active longer. New research is beginning to indicate that tomatoes may be used to help prevent lung cancer. Two powerful compounds found in tomatoes:coumaric acid and chlorogenic acid, block the effects of nitrosamines which are compounds that are both formed naturally in the body and are the strongest cancer causing agent in tobacco smoke. By blocking the effects of these nitrosamines, the chances of lung cancer are reduced. When buying your tomatoes, be sure to pick those with the brightest shades of red. These indicate the highest amounts of beta-carotene and lycopene. Raw tomatoes are very good for the health but cooking them releases even more of the benefits. Lycopene is located in the cell wall of the tomato, so by cooking the tomatoes, this healing compound is more fully released. In addition, cooking the tomato in vegetable oil allows your body to absorb the lycopene better. Tomato Soup Ingredients: Boil whole tomatoes in water for ten minutes (the tomatoes have to sink in the water). Take boiled tomatoes out of the water. Put tomatoes through a sieve so that only juice comes through into another pan without the seeds and skin. Add one-fourth cup of water to tomato juice. Add salt, turmeric, black pepper and sugar or honey to tomato juice. Let the tomato juice (soup) come to a boil. Roast the cumin seeds without oil in a small pan and then crush the seeds and make into a powder. When the soup starts to boil add the cumin powder, yogurt and mix. Let it boil for another thirty seconds. Garnish with chopped cilantro. Vegetable Kora Ingredients: For the vegetable stock: In a separate pan cook the lentils in 1 cup of water on medium heat for fifteen to twenty minutes. Then set aside. Heat the oil on medium heat. Add the cumin seeds and when the seeds start to pop add the sliced garlic and cook for 5 seconds. Then add the chopped onions and fry the onions and garlic for 30 seconds or until the onions are golden brown. Add the collard greens, kale, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and grated carrots. Mix them well. Add salt and turmeric and mix well again. Add the potato broth to the vegetable mix. Add the cooked lentils and mix well. Cover and cook on low heat for ten minutes and stir again. Then cover and cook for another 10 minutes. (If it is too dry add more water). This vegetable curry can be eaten by itself or with rice or bread. Mrs. Mani Chari is a professional Indian Classical dancer and musician. She introduced Indian vegetarian cooking at a University in Ohio and has taught cooking classes in San Diego and Los Angeles. She offers cooking classes where she teaches the cooking techniques and explains the health benefits of the spices and nutritional benefits of the dishes. Mrs. Chari can be reached at (619) 275-8073 or please visit their website at www.charicenter.com
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