Summer First Aid

With the heat of Summer almost upon us we need to be watchful for Heat Exhaustion!

Heat exhaustion is caused by over exposure to high temperatures or being over-active in hot weather.  Although heat exhaustion usually occurs outdoors, a person can be overcome in a hot, poorly ventilated room or workplace. 
Unchecked, heat exhaustion can lead to heatstroke, or what has been called sunstroke, this is a life threatening situation.
A heat exhaustion victim sweats, losing fluids and electrolytes, BUT the evaporation of the sweat prevents the body temperature to rise.  Other signs can include pale and clammy skin, weakness, nausea, headaches, and muscle cramping.  The victim will feel fatigued and if exposure continues with out slowly cooling the body and replenishing fluids, the victim may collapse or faint.
Remember that in heatstroke, sweating is absent or very slight, the pulse is rapid, the skin flushed, and the victim is lethargic or unconscious and usually shows signs of disorientation, they may even have a seizure.  Then the body temperature will escalate.
Treatment is important, move them to a cool, shady place that is preferably breezy.  Lay them down, loosen the clothing and place cold, wet towels on the forehead and the back of the neck.  Essential Oil of Peppermint cools the body from the core outward but never let is come close to the eyes, use on the back of the neck and the pulse points.  Essential Oil of Helichrysum will quickly oxygenate the body at the cellular level.  If you are in the mountains and have access to fresh aspen leaves they can be chewed on to help over come these symptoms.  Most mountain streams also have horsetail rods or watercress greens growing along side, they are great for rehydration and electrolyte balancing.
Give them small amounts of cool (NOT ICE COLD) fluids.  If possible add 1 teaspoon of salt per quart of liquid and give small amount at frequent intervals to help rehydrate the body.

Heat exhaustion is something to be constantly aware of during the hot summer activities. 

Be safe and have fun.

Crazy Chicory

Cichorium intybus, or Chicory has been used for thousands of years, both for its medicinal properties as well as its culinary delights.  This beautiful plant is a member of the very large compositae family and has a long history in the world.  Egyptian papyrus scrolls list it as a medicinal plant more than 6,000 years ago and herbalists of the Middle Ages relied on its healing powers to treat many complaints of the liver, gallbladder and spleen, as well as edema and weak hearts.  The medicinal effects of Chicory are similar to that of dandelion, helping to stimulate the appetite and support proper liver functions.  Chicory also promotes saliva and bile production, as well as proper elimination of uric acid making it a valuable herb for relieving gout and rheumatism.

But did you know that this crazy plant is considered a vegetable in Europe and has been used in many recipes since the fourteenth century?  This plant adds nutrients, visual appeal and flavor to many dishes.  It can be eaten either raw or cooked and contains protein, carbohydrates, inulin, and natural fructose.  The crazy little Chicory is an excellent source of vitamin A, folic acid,potassium, vitamin C, pantothenic acid and the trace minerals of copper, iron, magnesium, calcium, riboflavin, vitamin B6 and zinc.  Chicory root shoots, or endive are very edible and equally healthy.  Chicory not only aids in digestion, but it also helps to gently cleanse the intestines.  It can therefore be considered an excellent addition to a healthy diet. 

Chicory root was roasted and used as a coffee substitute in times of war and financial hardship.  The root has a bitter, coffee like taste but it lacks the volatile oils and caffeine.  Chicory grows wild almost every where, but it is also easy to cultivate.  Look for a plant with short stems and green serrated leaves that may look a lot like dandelions.  The leaves should be gathered in the spring and summer.  The plant's blue flowers are very attractive in salads and are edible.  Use the leaves in sandwiches, or mince and add them fresh to cottage or cream cheese for a delicious spread.  The leaves can also be used as a seasoning that will add depth to soups, salads and white sauces.  Chicory leaves are also a tasty complement to many fish and chicken dishes.

Chicory Miso Soup
1 lb of fresh young chicory leaves
4 minced cloves of garlic
2 Tbsp of good olive oil
1/2 cup of shopped onion
1 oz or about 1 Tbsp of minced, peeled, fresh ginger root
6 cups of vegetable or chicken broth
1/4 cup of red miso paste
2 large peeled, sliced parsnips
1 good size piece of peeled, chopped Chicory Root
1-2 Tbsp of apple cider vinegar
feta cheese
croutons
chives  (optional)

Saute the garlic, onions and ginger in the olive oil until slightly translucent in a medium soup or stock pot.  Stir in the vegetable or chicken broth and miso paste.  Bring to a boil.  Add the parsnip and chicory root and simmer until the roots are soft.  Add the chicory leaves and 1 Tbsp of vinegar.  Taste and, if you wish, add more vinegar, 1 tsp at a time until the soup reaches your desired acidic flavor.  Ladle into bowls and add crumbled feta cheese and a few croutons as garnish.

HAPPY, HEALTHY SPRING EATING!

Keeping a Pulse on Your Health

Have you ever wondered why a health care provider might be taking a reading of your pulse?  In main stream medicine, the radial artery, which can be found on each wrist is examined and many people think that this is somehow only related to the functions of the heart or respiration's however it doesn't end there.

Pulse diagnosis is a primary component of traditional Chinese medicine, as well as Ayurvedic medicine and has been practiced for more than 2,500 years.  This valuable tool can provide clues to the health of the internal organs and allow practitioners to them determine the best course of treatment.  The quality of the pulse allows the practitioner to identify many different areas of health and health related complaints.

A weak pulse can be a sign of an internal deficiency that is causing a loss of immunity and vitality.  This type of pulse is thought to be slow and weak if there are fewer than four normal beats per breath cycle and can indicate an illness that is caused by the body being to cold, or a possible viral infection.  A deep pulse is one that can be sensed only when firm pressure is exerted.  It indicates that an internal illness is becoming a chronic condition.  Assessing the depth, over all rhythm and strength can enable a practitioner of assess the flow of energy and determine the quality of yin and yang within the body.  The type of pulse explained above is suggestive of and imbalance of yin.

An imbalance of yang would be a when the pulse is considered rapid, or more than five normal beats per breath cycle.  This can signal an illness with symptoms such as the flu accompanied by fevers or heat.  This is when the body's defenses are triggered.  Some times these triggers can also be based in the "fight or flight" emotions.

Three unique levels of pressure are related to the pulse quality in each of the six pulse points.  These points correspond to an internal organ system.  A strong pulse indicates a state of excess, while a weak pulse may be a sign of deficiency.

The pulse is taken with the index, middle and ring fingers at three locartions along the radial artery, just above the wrist.  On the left arm, the first position relates tothe heart; the second point is linked to the liver; and the third position coincides with the kidneys.  On the right arm, the first position corresponds to the lungs; the second position relates to the spleen and the third point matches the kidneys.  The superficial level indicates external influences and suggest problems on the surface of the body.  The moderate level is where a normal, or harmonious, pulse should be detected.  The deep level suggests an internal problem, or infection.

The idea of yin and yang is central to the many different philosophies of alternative medicines.  An imbalance in these opposing, yet complememntary, forces can result in illness, pain and emotional trauma.  Monitoring the pulse for depth, overall shape and quality while paying attention to the depth, overall shape speed, length, rhythm and strength can help to assess the flow of enerby to and from each of the internal organs.

Take time to look, listen and feel the health and well being of yourself and your loved ones.  Take the time to check your pulse, you might learn a thing or two that you didn't expect.  Not to mention that it can be a very cost effective way to monitor your health.

More About Adrenal Fatigue & CFS

In my last post I talked about Adrenal Fatigue which can also be a contributing factor in CFS or Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. 

One British study has found that people with CFS had below normal blood levels of magnesium!  People with CFS as well as Adrenal Fatigue have enzyme deficiencies that hamper the cells' ability to convert food into energy and extra magnesium in the diet will improve these enzyme function.  Magnesium, like potassium, is pumped into the cell structures and so there should be higher concentration inside the cell than there is in the blood stream.  When the mechanism does not work properly, people with CFS and Adrenal Fatigue  will experience muscles aches and pains, as well as low energy levels, even hair loss and symptoms similar to those that are associated with thyroid problems.  Before starting magnesium therapy talk with your nutritional or health care provider as too much magnesium can cause loose bowels or diarrhea.  A chelated form of magnesium, called magnesium glycinate is more rapidly absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract and therefore it doesn't cause many digestive problems.  This type of magnesium tends to be drawn into the cells more quickly where it is needed the most.

The B-Complex vitamins help support the adrenal glands, as well as support the central nervous system, which in turns helps us to cope more efficiently with stress in general.  We use, or lose a lot of our body's stores of the B-Complex vitamins when we are stressed and so we need to be conscientious about replenishing them.  These vitamins are also involved in energy production, which makes them essential for people with Adrenal Problems and CFS.

Remember that everyone gets tired and feeling run down, but people with these problems aren't just tired once in a while.  People who feel like they are constantly exhausted, experience reoccurring flu like symptoms, such as painful lymph nodes or problems concentrating with bouts of confusion and forgetfulness should consider this as a possibility.  While children and older people are not immune to this problem, it will most commonly target people in their late twenties and thirties.  Working to boost your body's natural immune system is key!

An Adrenal Fatigue Primer

99% of the people on the planet will admit to feel overwhelmed by stress or exhausted for no reason at different times in their lives however, research has shown that 8 out of 10 Americans suffer from some form of adrenal fatigue.

Adrenal Fatigue is a decrease in the ability of the adrenal glands to carry out their normal functions.  These little glands sit like small "elf shaped caps" right above the kidneys and are designed to mobilize the body's "flight or fight" response to physical or emotional stress through the hormones that help regulate energy,  Their primary responsibility is to govern the body's adaptation to stress OF ANY KIND!  If they fail to respond or do not respond adequately, you may be experiencing adrenal gland fatigue.  Adrenal Fatigue can occur in people of either gender and at any age as a stand alone syndrome, or it may accompany another chronic health problem.  It can also develop as a result of taking corticosteroids.

The following are some of the most common symptoms of Adrenal Fatigue, having one or more would suggest that you need to further investigate.  This can be done with simple saliva hormone tests.

    *   Unexplained fatigue, especially during the morning hours
    *   Trouble getting up in the morning, even when you go to sleep at a reasonable hour.
    *   Feeling run down or overwhelmed, most of the time
    *   Experiencing Low Blood Pressure
    *   Decreased Sex Drive
    *   Immune weakness, or an inability to bounce back from stress or illness
    *   Insistent craving for salty snacks
    *   Experiencing reoccurring afternoon lows
    *   Being a "night person" or feeling best after about 6 p.m.
    *   Experiencing reoccurring bouts of mild depression

There are many simple life style changes a person can make to help combat adrenal fatigue such as taking extra antioxidants, including supplements that support liver detoxification to help rid the body of built up environmental toxins.  Avoid exposure to airborne chemicals such as perfumes, colognes and hair sprays.  Avoid the use of products containing fluoride and aluminum laureth sulfate.  There are many great herbs and essential oils that can help with this problem.  Take the time to ask and research!

Be very conscious of the times of day that you eat.  Always eat breakfast before 10 am and lunch between 11 and 11:30 a.m. then observe an early dinner hour between 5 and 6.  Be sure to finish your day off with a high protein, high quality snack shortly before bedtime.

Regular check ups with your dentist are very important.  Unresolved dental problems, even simple tooth decay that goes unchecked and unresolved are a common source of stress.  Remember that the B vitamins nourish and protect the nerves especially when combined with vitamin C, magnesium and zinc. 

Get regular exercise!  When you are tired and stressed, exercise may be the last thing that appeals to you, but exercise is known to decrease depression and help to regulate the body's hormone levels.  It doesn't matter what you do, just do something.  Don't overtax the body in the beginning!  Something as simple as deep breathing in the fresh air while bending and stretching is a great way to get the body started.

Rediscovering your health and vitality can present challenges, but the result are well worth the time and money spent.  For more great ideas and information go to http://www.adrenalfatigue.org/

The Muscular Marjoram

The Marjoram plant is a bushy perennial herb that grows mostly in the dry and sunny regions of the Eastern Mediterranean.  It has long been used for its culinary as well as its medicinal values.  The Essential oil of the of the Marjoram plant is extracted from the leaves and the flowering tops by a process of steam distillation.  It is a thick, pale yellow liquid and has a warm, slightly spicy scent that many people find very comforting.

Essential oil of Marjoram is used to treat stressed out muscles and joint pain due to over exertion, rheumatism and many types of arthritis.  Marjorams oil's sweetly spicy aroma strengthens the whole body. and can help to relieve symptoms of physical exhaustion and nervous tension.

The primary components of Essential oil of Marjoram have a long lasting, relaxing effect on the muscles of the body which make it a great choice for such things as headaches, menstrual pain, muscle cramps arthritis and rheumatic pain as well as swelling in the joints. 

Some great recipes for these conditions are as follows:
     Headaches,  Cool compresses made by adding 3 drops of Marjoram oil, 2 drops of Lemongrass oil &   1 drop of Peppermint oil  into a large bowl filled with 3-4 cups of cool water.  Dip a cotton cloth in the mixture, wring out the excess and apply to the back of your neck.  If you choose to use the compress on your forehead, be careful not to get in or too close to the eyes as the peppermint can irritate them.
     Muscle Cramps,  To help prevent muscle soreness and cramps after a workout or hard labor you can make a massage oil by combining 3 drops of Marjoram oil, 3 drops of Clary Sage oil, 3 drops of Helichrysum oil & 3 drops of Black Pepper oil with 1-2 ounces of sweet almond oil or any other of your favorite carrier oils.  You can then massage the blend into your muscles as often as needed.  This blend will also help reduce pain caused by strains and sprains.
     Menstrual Pain,  To ease the discomfort associated with this type of muscle cramp you can combine 3 drops of marjoram oil with 2 drops of Clary Sage oil and 3 drops of Jasmine oil into 1 cup of Epson's Salts or Sea Salt, stir well!  Pour the mixture into your running bath water and then soak for about 20 minutes.
     Peaceful Sleep,  To promote peaceful and restful sleep, add 5 drops each of Marjoram oil, English Lavender oil and Cedarwood oil to an aromatherapy lamp or diffuser and let it burn in your bedroom for an hour or two before you retire. 

On an emotional level, Marjoram oil is especially valuable during the grieving process, as it can comfort and relax both the body and the mind.

Baking Soda?! How Easy Is That?!

I found a really awesome article about the use of baking soda to fight the effects of the flu! Why is it that totally accredited information gets pushed under the carpet and swept aside for over 100 years? Oh, I forgot simple easy remedies don't make huge amounts of money! Read this and prepare to stare in shock and wonder “The proven value of Arm & Hammer Bicarbonate of Soda as a therapeutic agent is further evinced by the following evidence of a prominent physician named Dr. Volney S. Cheney, in a letter to the Church & Dwight Company:

“In 1918 and 1919 while fighting the ‘Flu’ with the U. S. Public Health Service it was brought to my attention that rarely any one who had been thoroughly alkalized with bicarbonate of soda contracted the disease, and those who did contract it, if alkalized early, would invariably have mild attacks. I have since that time treated all cases of ‘Cold,’ Influenza and LaGripe by first giving generous doses of Bicarbonate of Soda, and in many, many instances within 36 hours the symptoms would have entirely abated. Further, within my own household, before Woman’s Clubs and Parent-Teachers’ Associations, I have advocated the use of Bicarbonate of Soda as a preventive for “Colds,” with the result that now many reports are coming in stating that those who took “Soda” were not affected, while nearly every one around them had the “Flu.”
Further more the article went on to state this Testimonial:
My father was a veterinarian and as far back as I can remember (I was born in 1938 so my memory goes back to maybe 1943) he would take sodium bicarbonate dissolved in a full glass of warm water whenever he felt a cold coming on. I don’t remember him ever coming down with a full blown cold. He would treat my cold symptoms likewise and I responded equally as well. He also treated farm animals for various illnesses with sodium bicarbonate via a gastric tube and they recovered quickly. So I’ve known about the benefits of sodium bicarbonate from early childhood on. Glad to see that its benefits are being more widely touted. Although my father was a doctor of Veterinarian medicine, he sometimes referred to himself as an MD (Mule Doctor). Dr. David B Winter, DO"

This is all very valuable information coming from the horses own mouth, the Arm and Hammer Baking Soda Company, which sells aluminum free baking soda. Clearly they knew what they had in their hands one hundred years ago; and its long use in medicine sustains the companies published medical views:
“Besides doing good in respiratory affections, bicarbonate of soda is of inestimable value in the treatment of Alimentary Intoxication, Pyelitis (inflammation of the pelvis of the kidney), Hyper-Acidity of Urine, Uric Acid disturbances, Rheumatism and Burns. An occasional three-day course of Bicarbonate of Soda increases the alkalinity of the blood, assists elimination and increases the resisting power of the body to all Infectious Diseases.”

Magnesium chloride is the only form of magnesium that has been reported to increase immune system strength though all forms of magnesium need to be counted in this regard. When one adds magnesium chloride to ones baths, puts it on the skin like suntan screen, or takes it orally with sodium bicarbonate one supercharges their defensive perimeter or what is called the anti-pathogen factor in Chinese Medicine. Add Iodine, Selenium, Vitamin C and some healthy sun exposure or Vitamin D and we have the heart of army we need to array against viral invaders. Magnesium Bicarbonate – Ultimate Mitochondrial Cocktail is the name of one of my chapters that explains why both these essential mineral ions need to be present in sufficient concentrations.

Take 6 doses of 1/2 teaspoon to half a glass, or 4 ouces of cold water at two hour intervals during the first day of flu symptoms. take four doses at the same intervals on the second day. the third day take two doses in the morning upon rising and in the evening before going to bed. thereafter take each morning until flu is gone.

If you are using this recipe as a technique to help your body detox and cleans, and return to an alkaline ph then you could back it up to 3 doses daily for the full 7 days.  Stop for 15 days and then repeat if needed ONE MORE TIME then stop for 50 days before repeating the orginal dosage and days.

Please do not follow this for longer than 7 -10 days it could reverse the effects!