The Christmas season is a time when peppermint (candy) is ever popular.  When I was a little girl, as much as I liked candy, Christmas candy was my least favorite.  It reminded me of medicine, though without other choices, I’ll admit, I still ate it.  I now realize those Christmas candies were spiced with herbs like anise, fennel, ginger etc.  But the herbal candy that was always a treat was the abundant peppermint.  Many years passed before I learned that peppermint wasn’t a candy, but was actually a powerful and useful herb.

I’ll never forget back when I was in high school and totally ignorant about diet, healthy foods or herbs.  At the time my mother was being introduced to herbals teas and such and asked me if I’d like some peppermint tea.  My response was that I was not interested in tea that had peppermint added to it.  Boy, did I have it “bass ackwards”.

Peppermint is an awesome green leafy herb that grows profusely and has a great number of healing properties.   Although it’s classified as a stimulant it also has the dual ability of soothing you.   It’s used to treat indigestion, flatulence, respiratory problems, headache, nausea, fever, stomach and bowel spasms and pain.  Not to mention, peppermint oil keeps the mice away.

We’ve all used toothpaste and mouthwash laced with Peppermint oil.  This multi-purpose herb is an antiseptic and as such is very useful for dental care.  It removes bad breath and helps teeth and gums deal with germs.  Peppermint is also found in soaps, lotions, and many other beauty products.

Over the years I have used peppermint tea to aid in digestion and to just have a soothing and relaxing experience.  So during this season when the candy canes abound, be reminded that the real unadulterated herb (minus the sugar) can be taken to address any number of concerns, or sipped as a tea to both relax and invigorate you.

Have a cup of tea for me and tell me how has peppermint peppered your life?

Happy Holy days!

Colloidal Silver – The Rediscovery of a Super Antibiotic?
Colloidal silver appears to be a powerful, natural antibiotic and preventative against infections.
How It Works
The presence of colloidal silver near a virus, fungus, bacterium or any other single celled pathogen disables its oxygen metabolism enzyme, its chemical lung, so to say. Within a few minutes, the pathogen suffocates and dies, and is cleared out of the body by the immune, lymphatic and elimination systems. Unlike pharmaceutical antibiotics, which destroy beneficial enzymes, colloidal silver leaves these tissue-cell enzymes intact, as they are radically different from the enzymes of primitive single-celled life. Thus colloidal silver is absolutely safe for humans, reptiles, plants and all multi-celled living matter.
Ingesting Colloidal Silver
Taken orally, the silver solution is absorbed from the mouth into the bloodstream, then transported quickly to the body cells. Swishing the solution under the tongue briefly before swallowing may result in faster absorption. In three to four days the silver may accumulate in the tissues sufficiently for benefits to begin. Colloidal silver is eliminated by the kidneys, lymph system and bowel after several weeks.
Chronic or Serious Conditions
1 teaspoon of 5 ppm. colloidal silver equals about 25 micrograms (mcg.) of silver. 1 – 4 teaspoons per day (25 – 100 mcg.) is generally considered to be a “nutritional amount” and is reported to be safe to use for extended periods of time. Amounts higher than this are generally considered “therapeutic amounts” and should only be used periodically.
In cases of illness, natural health practitioners have often recommended taking double or triple the “nutritional amount” for 30 to 45 days, then dropping down to a smaller maintenance dose. Amounts from 1 – 32 ounces per day have reportedly been used in acute conditions.
If your body is extremely ill or toxic, do not be in a hurry to clear up everything at once. If pathogens are killed off too quickly, the body’s five eliminatory channels (liver, kidneys, skin, lungs and bowel) may be temporarily overloaded, causing flu-like conditions, headache, extreme fatigue, dizziness, nausea or aching muscles. Ease off on the colloidal silver to a smaller amount and increase your distilled water intake. Regular bowel movements are a must in order to relieve the discomforts of detoxification. Resolve to reduce sugar and saturated fats from the diet, and exercise more. Given the opportunity, the body’s natural ability to heal may amaze you.
Topical Uses
Some have used colloidal silver in a nasal spray mister – to reach the sinuses and nasal passages. Spray bottles have been used for topical use on kitchen and bathroom surfaces, skin, sore throat, eyes, burns, etc. Colloidal silver is painless on cuts, abrasions, in open wounds, in the nostrils for a stuffy nose, and even in a baby’s eyes because, unlike some antiseptics, it does not destroy tissue cells. It’s excellent as an underarm deodorant, since most underarm odor is caused by bacteria breaking down substances released by the sweat glands!
Some Common Uses of Colloidal Silver
Natural health practitioners have for years recommended taking one tablespoon daily, for four days, to establish a level, then one teaspoon daily for maintenance (proportional to body weight for children). After six weeks, a pause of several weeks has also been recommended by some natural healing arts doctors. Also, colloidal silver can be applied directly to cuts, scrapes, and open sores, or on a bandage for warts. It can be applied on eczema, itches, acne or bug bites. To purify water, add one tablespoon per gallon, shake well and wait six minutes. Mixed this way, it’s tasteless. It is not an allopathic poison.
Veterinary and Garden Use
Colloidal silver has worked just as well on pets of all kinds. Used in proportion to body weight, it should bring the same results. In the garden, field or greenhouse, add enough to the water or soil – and the plants will do the rest.
Colloidal Silver in Advance of Illness?
When the possibility of germ exposure is higher, colloidal silver can be taken orally each day or applied topically when there is a skin problem. It’s like having a second defense system. The silver acts only as a catalyst and is stabilized. It is non-toxic, except to one-cell plants and animals, and is non-addicting. It also apparently kills parasites because they have a one cell egg stage in their reproductive cycle.
Older folks reportedly feel younger because their body energies are used for other uses than constantly fighting disease. Digestion has also been reportedly better. Medical research has shown that silver promotes more rapid healing, with less scar tissue, even in the case of severe burns. Successes have been reported in cases that previously have been given up by established doctors. Colloidal silver is tasteless and won’t sting even a baby’s eyes, and won’t upset your stomach.
More Than 650 Diseases Helped?
Colloidal silver has been reported to kill 650 micro-organisms, many of which are associated with human diseases. This does not automatically mean that taking colloidal silver will “cure” diseases “caused” by these germs. Colloidal silver only kills micro-organisms when they are in contact with it for a sufficient period of time.
The basic guideline that has been recommended for using colloidal silver is that it usually “works” if you can get a high enough concentration to the “affected area”. Some will want to experiment with “higher amounts” (such as 8 or more ounces at a time) to find out what it takes to accomplish this. Do not use colloidal silver if you are allergic to contact with silver metals, or if you notice any digestive upset after use.
The following is a partial list of the more than 650 diseases that colloidal silver has been reputed to be successful against: acne, AIDS (Reference 8), allergies, appendicitis, arthritis, athlete’s foot, bladder inflammation, blood parasites, blood poisoning, boils, burns, cancer (References 2, 4, 7), candida, cholera, colitis, conjunctivitis, cystitis, dermatitis, diabetes (Reference 1), dysentery, eczema, fibrositis, gastritis, gonorrhea, hay fever, herpes, impetigo, indigestion, keratitis, leprosy, leukemia, lupus, lymphangitis, Lyme disease, malaria, meningitis, neurasthenia, parasitic infections: viral, fungal and bacterial pneumonia, pleurisy, prostate, pruritus ani, psoriasis, purulent opthalmia, rhinitis, rheumatism, ringworm, scarlet fever, septic conditions of the eyes, ears, mouth, and throat, seborrhea, septicemia, shingles, skin cancer, staphylococcus and streptococcus infections, stomach flu, syphilis, thyroid, tuberculosis, tonsillitis, toxemia, trachoma, all forms of virus, warts, whooping cough, yeast infection, stomach ulcer, canine parovirus and other veterinary uses, and fungal and viral attacks on plants. Simply spray diluted silver on the leaves and add to the soil.
INDIAN IN THE MACHINE – 2012, AMAZING SKY PHOTOGRAPHY, IONIC FOOT BATH PLATES, COLLOIDAL SILVER, LISTEN TO THE RED SHAMAN, NATIVE AND UNIVERSAL SPIRITUALITY… SEE WHY INDIAN IN THE MACHINE WEBSITES REACH OVER 60000-100000 PAGE VIEWS MONTHLY! ORDER BULK COLLOIDAL SILVER AT INDIAN IN THE MACHINE. 4-250ML BOTTLES OF COLLOIDAL SILVER FOR $120 INCLUDES S&H TO CANADA, US, CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA, AND EUROPE: INDIANINTHEMACHINE@YAHOO.CA
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Article from detox canada
http://www.detaxcanada.org/c%20silver.htm

Forget the harmful cleaners, break out the club soda and newspaper to those windows for a healthy non toxic alternative to clean your windows, stainless steel, and mirror cleaners!

Pour a little club soda on those fabric stains, for a non toxic stain lifter.

Rid your windshield of road grime, bird droppings and more by using a spray bottle or pouring some club soda directly on your car’s windshield.

You can make the cleanup in a cast iron pan a lot easier by pouring some club soda in the pan while it’s still warm. The bubbly soda will keep the mess from sticking.

Club soda also helps loosen rust, and is great for relieving nausea or indigestion. Forget those expensive jewelry cleaners, try running your emeralds, diamonds and sapphires through club soda for a few hours.

At this time of year you may suffer from an upset stomach.  Don’t get indigestion and heartburn confused.  Indigestion refers to an upset tummy usually caused by over indulgence whereas heartburn refers to a burning sensation in the stomach caused by too much stomach acid, infection in the stomach or you may have an ulcer.  These problems are essentially opposite but are often treated the same.  Indigestion is helped by taking a stomach-acid supplement but if you took it when you had heartburn – wow that would be a bad reaction.  Antacids are the usual prescription.  There are lots of natural antacids such as raw potato grated or juiced.

In the medical world most stomach complaints are treated with antacids that can cause great discomfort in the digestive tract.  If you lack stomach acid then your food will not pass through into the small intestine and can stay in the stomach well into the next day.  The pyloric sphincter is a valve that shuts off the stomach from the small intestine and is only activated if the degree of acidity is obtained.  Drinking water or fruit juice during a meal can cause further problems.

So when the silly season approaches and we over indulge with food and all sorts of drink we put a tremendous strain on the digestive system.  A lot of people will suffer from indigestion or heartburn and you need to treat this sensibly.  The herb slippery elm, which is the ground up bark off a specific type of elm tree is an interesting herb as it has a protective ability and coats the whole digestive tract making it useful for both conditions.  Otherwise use bitters like Gentian and Ginger – just a few drops before or after meals is very helpful.

The best foods to avoid are the gluten foods, especially those lovely white, soft and light bread rolls.  They take a lot of acidity to break down the gluten in these products and thus digestion may become very sluggish.  As we get older we make less and less hydrochloric acid in our stomachs – at age 20 its around 180mg/hour; at 40 it drops to 100mg/hour; at 55 its around 75mg/hour and at 70 it drops to 50mg/hour.  So if you are aware of this it’s very important to eat small amounts all through the day and try to avoid those large meals that you usually have at parties.

Talking from experience! Christmas can be a challenging time for sensitive bellies. There’s a really fab cure for indigestion which i now use to help aid digestion from all the rich food and excesses:

It’s called Umeboshi paste, is a japanese red paste and is made from pureed Umeboshi (pickled apricots). In Japan its referred to as Japan’s alka seltzer. you take it by mixing a teaspoon of the paste in with a small cup of warm water. Take after your meal or if your stomach is feeling a bit sensitive and it truly works wonders!! You can also use it for upset stomachs if you feel a stomach bug coming.

You’ll be able to find in your local health food store or purchase online. Try it and let us know how you feel!!

If you are having problems with heartburn and indigestion and are really looking for solutions to make your lifestyle much more enjoyable then read on for tips on how to get rid of heartburn now.

Heartburn is a common complaint, but there are ways to effectively control that painful burning. With your choice in a heartburn home treatment, you can keep your heartburn away.

There are things you can do as a treatment for chronic heartburn. First of all, after eating, avoid bending over and lying down, as both can increase the incidence of heartburn.

Drink a small glass of water that is just warm (or herb tea) after eating can help dilute the stomach acid.

Also, saliva is a great help for chronic heartburn treatment. Saliva neutralizes stomach acid. It also helps with peristalsis – the movements that scoot the food along the digestive tract, including moving food from the stomach into the small intestines. How can you increase saliva? Chewing gum! You might try sticking in a piece of gum right after a meal and see if it helps.

for more in formation on how to get rid of heartburn quickly and naturally go to  how to get rid of heartburn tips.

Need a tonic for holiday headaches and  indigestion? Try ROSEMARY TEA! Add a sprig of rosemary to a cup of hot water, cover and let steep for 10 minutes.  Yummm!

Menu:

Argentinean Churi-Pan Sandwiches:grilled chorizo and fresh rolls with chimichuri-fresh parsley, garlic, rosemary, red wine vinegar, olive oil, salt, red pepper, lemon.

Lamb Shank Stew: carrot, celery,onion, potato, parsley

Fig and Anise Bread: with rosemary, agave butter

Gouda Stuffed Dates: wrapped in bacon on a rosemary sprig

Polenta Rosemary Cake: with a sweet rosemary balsamic sauce

1/2 cup corn meal

1/2 cup flour

2 yolks

butter

1 T rosemary

3/4 cup sugar

1/2 cup yogurt

Bake at 350F for 50 minutes

Salmon: olive oil, garlic, butter, rosemary, thyme, salt and pepper

Tonic:

Red Wine: Cupcake Malbec

Hot Toddies: bourbon, lemon, honey, hot water

Medicinal/Nutritional Benefits:

Si tu n’aimes pas, ne mange pas. Notre corps a l’air d’avoir trouvé une technique de détection de l’indigestion à venir par un moyen très simple : « berk ». Tout ce qui m’écœure me rend malade – brownie au faux chocolat à base de faux beurre, poulet masala sans poulet, mutton biryani qui pue… Et à l’inverse j’aime à penser que mes envies de chocolat ne visent qu’à remplir mes besoins en fer.

I hope everyone had a Happy Thanksgiving with lots of love and good food.  We certainly did!  We are very blessed to have wonderful kids with wonderful spouses, and the 6 of us really enjoy being together. As usual, there was tons of good food, and, as usual, we – thankfully and gratefully – ate too much!

Here’s the secret to NOT suffering after the Thanksgiving meal, or any meal for that matter…Young Living Di-Gize essential oil blend. It is a true blessing, and MUCH better for you than the “pink stuff”.

You can take Di-Gize internally (make a capsule or chug it down in orange juice or NingXia Red wolfberry juice) or you can massage it on to your belly or use as a compress on your stomach.  Personally – we prefer to take internal essential oils a few drops in an ounce of juice and drink it.  It’s easier and quicker – in our opinion.  Depending on the taste of the oil/oil blend we are taking, we either sip it and enjoy the flavor and aroma, or we toss it down like a shot of cheap whiskey (not that we know what cheap whiskey tastes like, but you get the idea…).

If you know you are going to pig out and overeat at Thanksgiving, a birthday party or a Super Bowl football party, you can take a dose prior to the meal.  If you end up unexpectedly stuffing yourself, certainly take some Di-Gize as soon as you can.  It may take 2 doses to get to complete comfort, depending on the individual person, how much and what you ate and drank. 

Check out the ingredients in Di-Gize (and then stack it up against Pepto Bismol or other generic pink stuff) and you’ll understand how it can relieve digestive problems including indigestion, heartburn, gas, and bloating. It also combats candida and parasite infestation (do NOT underestimate the importance of these last two properties, especially the candida).

Di-Gize can also save money! Take, for example, Gas-X Ultra Strength softgels which cost (as of 11/2009) $14.70 for 50 softgels, which is 25 to 50 doses depending if you take 1 or 2. Compare this to Young Living Di-Gize essential oil blend, which costs $42.11 retail to as low as $32.00 as a wholesale customer. In a 15 ml bottle, there are 300-320 drops, which is 150-300 doses, depending on if you use 1 or 2 drops. Using 2 gelcaps and 2 drops as a dose – to get equal comparison, you would need to buy 6 boxes of Gas-X to equal the amount in one 15ml bottle of Di-Gize.

• 150 doses of 2 caps of Gas-X = $88.20 (Gas-X is more than twice the cost!)
• 150 doses of 2 drops of Di-Gize = $42.11

Ingredients in Di-Gize essential oil blend:

1. Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) is antiseptic and combats intestinal parasites and urinary tract infection. It is antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory, anti-infectious, and prevents fermentation.
2. Ginger (Zingiber officinale) has been traditionally used to combat nausea and and gastro-intestinal fermentation. It is antispasmodic, antiseptic, and combats indigestion.
3. Peppermint (Mentha piperita) is one of the most highly regarded herbs for improving digestion and combating parasites. It relaxes the smooth muscles of the intestinal tract and promotes peristalsis. It kills bacteria, yeasts, fungi, and mold.
4. Juniper (Juniperus osteosperma and J. scopulorum) works as a powerful detoxifier and cleanser and amplifies kidney function. 
5. Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) is antiseptic and stimulating to the gastrointestinal system. It is antispasmodic, antiseptic, and used for flatulence and nausea. It promotes digestion and prevents fermentation.
6. Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus) has been documented to have powerful antifungal properties. It is a vasodilating, anti-inflammatory, and improves digestion.
7. Anise (Pimpinella anisum) is antispasmodic, antiseptic, stimulates and increases bile flow. Combats spastic colitis, indigestion, and intestinal pain.
8. Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin) is powerful digestive aid that combats nausea. Antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and reduces fluid retention.

Do yourself a favor. Before next Thanksgiving, or your next big pig out fest, get some Di-Gize!  Better yet, get some and keep it on hand.  It is good for you and improves your digestion in many ways!

For more information on DiGize oil, please go to the Essential Oils section of our Blog Pages on the home page. DiGize will be a subcategory within, and will give you technical data, additional resources and information on how to order this oil.

photo by CarbonNYC

Overeating is a common holiday problem.  Especially on a day like Thanksgiving where the meal is large, and heavily starch-based.  Fortunately there are easy home remedies and natural treatments to alleviate the indigestion caused by overeating.  Many of these remedies can be found at home, already in your cupboard, if not, it might be wise to stock up on before the big day.

We’ve all done it, had too much turkey, stuffing and pie and ended up with a belly ache, or indigestion.  While the best cure for overeating is to be mindful of your appetite and stop when you are full, its hard to do on Thanksgiving.  Especially when everything tastes so good and there is just so much food.

Usually indigestion will go away on its own if you just rest, but sometimes the discomfort is too great and you need a little help.  Try these easy to find remedies.

Walking: A little gentle exercise is the best cure for an overfull stomach.  If you live in an area where the weather permits a leisurely stroll, go for it.  Don’t exert yourself too much, or you’ll defeat the purpose.  Strenuous exercise shuts off blood supply to the gut.  Go at a slow pace, if you have any toddlers in the family, take them with you, their slow pace is perfect for digestion.

Fennel:  a great digestive aid, fennel seeds help stimulate the body’s own digestive processes, and helps an over laden stomach process food.  Fennel is also known as a carminative, meaning it helps dispel painful gas.  If your are too full, bloated, and a little nauseous, chew on a handful of fennel seeds.

Bitters: you know the stuff you dash into cocktails like the Manhattan?  Bitters were first made as a digestive aid.  The main ingredient, gentian, is a common European herb.  It is used to stimulate the liver to produce more bile, an important factor in digesting fats,  and encourages the digestive tract to secrete more enzymes.  A small amount of any bitter flavor on the tongue jump-starts a sluggish stomach.  Just take a few dashes of bitters in a bit of water.  Rest and try again if the symptoms don’t change in 30 minutes.

Dandelion: Using the same logic as above, bitter dandelion leaf is a great alternative if you don’t keep Bitters in your liquor cabinet.  Why not get some fancy dandelion greens for the Thanksgiving salad?

Cider Vinegar: Sometimes indigestion is caused by a lack of sufficient stomach acid.  In this case a tablespoon of cider vinegar in water is a great cure.  Try this remedy and if it doesn’t help switch to one of the others above.

Bao He Wan:  you probably don’t have this remedy in your medicine chest unless your family is familiar with Chinese medicine.  But this patent remedy is a classic formula for what Chinese medicine calls food stagnation, sound familiar?  Bao He Wan is a formulation of several common herbs like Hawthorne berry, radish seeds and orange peel. It helps with the digestion of starches, fats, and proteins.  If you don’t know where to get Chinese Patent formulas in your town try this website.

Happy Holidays and enjoy this seasons bounty, just not too much.

Ten tips on how to eat well and live healthy:

1.   Do not eat until you are genuinely hungry.  When you are hungry our stomach will tell us that it needs food.  This means the stomach is empty from the previous meal and is ready to digest a new meal.  If you eat when you are not hungry or continually eat and mix semi digested foods with new ones, it will cause the mixture to stay in the stomach pouch for a longer time.  This causes purification and fermentation of foods leading to health problems.

2.   Do not over eat.  The stomach has a limited capacity for food and needs some space for mixing and digestion.  If it is completely full, it cannot function properly.  The stomach is located beneath heart, and when the stomach is full it expands and applies pressure on the heart.  The process leaves very little space for the heart to beat at its proper pace.  Too much pressure can cause the heart to palpitate or to beat at irregular intervals.  Always stop eating before you feel full.  It takes approximately 20 minutes for the stomach to let your brains know you are in fact full and that it is best at that time to stop eating.

3.   Take liquids before solids.  Foods that are less difficult to digest and require less time should be eaten first.  After the easier swallow food has been consumed, start with harder to chew foods that need more time for digestion.  The food, which is more solid and has the lower water content, should be taken after the food, which has highest water content.  Soup and vegetables should be taken before the main meal.

4.   Do not drink while you are eating.  Water, juices or carbonated drinks should not be taken with a meal as they dilute the stomach juices and enzymes and interrupt digestion process.  This causes gas, bloating, pain, constipation and toxicity of the whole body.  Undigested food goes into the intestines and then into the colon where it putrefies and ferments to create more gas and acid, which is then re-absorbed, into the bloodstream.  Water and all kinds of drinks can be taken half an hour before and about two hours after the meal.

5.   It is best to chew each bite of food 20-30 times.  Chewing food is a very important process in proper digestion.  Dieticians recommended chewing solid food to the extent.  This ensures for proper breakdown and causes the food to change to the more liquid for before making for a more simple digestion process.  Many problems and diseases are caused by not chewing food adequately.

6.   Do not mix different food groups together and try to eat a single food group at one time.  There are different groups of food in nature, for instance fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.  Most of the food we consume is complex, but in order to have better digestion it is best not mix proteins with carbohydrates or fats with proteins.  For example, the traditional North American dish of steak   and potatoes in not a good mixture for healthy digestion and nutrients absorption.  If a potato, which is carbohydrate, gets served with vegetables it makes an ideal food combination.   Carbohydrates and vegetables also make a good combination.  A proper combination of the right foods makes for over all healthy digestion.

7.   Do not eat any processed or manufactured foods.  Any food that has been altered by the process using heat or the adding of chemicals to preserve or add flavor or is vitamin enriched is not healthy to eat.  For example, white bread does not have any food value left in it nor do cold cuts which are full of chemicals and coloring.  All added chemicals are hazardous to your health.

8.   Add lots of fiber to your meals.  The human digestive system is a long tube which should be filled with a large amount of fibrous foods.  Fiber absorbs water and cleans the digestive track.  A lack of fibers in your diet causes many kinds of disorders and diseases; from constipation to cancer.

9.   Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.  Our body is made up of 65% to 70% of water.  Without an adequate amount of water, the body does not function optimally and there is a general lack of energy and concentration.  All nutrients and vitamins must be dissolved in water in order to be absorbed into the bloodstream.  The amount of water to be drink is based on the body weight of the individual; for each kilogram of weight, one ounce of water is needed.  Note that too much water is also not recommended as it flushes the nutrients out of your body. 

10.   Exercise.  Exercising makes the muscles strong and keeps the bones dense.  It stimulates the lymphatic system keeping the fluids moving so it works better at keeping us healthy.  Our lymphatic system is responsible for waste collection and immunity protection.  It does not have a pumping system like our bloodstream has to the heart; therefore, the speed of fluid movement is very low.  Regular exercise keeps the continual appellation of toxins through the lymphatic system removing them from the body.

Until next time… Stay healthy

Katarzyna

Growing a person has been going well with the exception of the recent onset of this burning sensation in my chest better known as heartburn.

For the love.

Initially, I refused to believe that my food choices could possibly contribute to this annoying, sleepless irritation.  After all, why would I want to give up my diet of unlimited chips and queso and Junior Mints?  I mean, who does that? 

Apparently me. 

That’s right folks.  I’m on day three of eating healthy.  And, inhaling Zantac and Tums.  If I make it to the weekend choosing an apple over that dark chocolate goodness with a soft minty center, then that is nothing short of a miracle.

And, my sweet John Henry has already asked me twice, “Mom, are you hurting?”  He follows it up with, “I prayed for you.”

Seriously, could I be more blessed?  My kids are such sweet reminders that regardless of my current discomfort, I’m going to have another little person who lights up my world.

But, then?  Momma is done.  D-O-N-E.  I will work those particulars out with Mr. Takle at a later, more private setting.  No sense in frightening him right now.  Especially, since he will eventually read this.  And, I’m sure he’d prefer me not discuss such personal matters here.  If I had a dollar for every time he’s followed up a comment or situation with “Do NOT blog or Twitter this”…..Well, I’d have a lot of dollars.

Oh, the stories I could tell.

But won’t.

‘Cause I’m pretty fond of being married.

Know what I mean?

My mom watches Dr. Oz to get healthier.  She has irritable bowel syndrome, and on one of the shows he says what foods can cause problems. Which is basically carbonated drinks and fried foods. That’s pretty much all my mom eats/drinks. Now she refuses to stop eating/drinking those things.  Basically, my mom wants to get healthier but doesn’t want to take the proper steps to get there.  -jeenyus1

Apparently, because of him there has been a serious influx of women mistaking indegestion for a heart attack because he claimed that 200 women died last year from misdiagnosing themselves.   Unfortunately, now my ER doctor buddy has like 2 women a day coming in thinking they are having a heart attack after a pizza lunch or something.  What an asshole. The only thing he’s offering is fear.

How would YOU describe the taste of Bubble Gum to someone who has never tasted it before? -CalvinClimb

Sweet, like a combination of fruits you’ve never tasted.

When you think about it, there’s not a huge difference between a PS3 and a 360 controller. -floridan18

The XBox controller just feels like a toaster oven in my hands. It’s bulky, heavy and requires batteries.   There’s a huge difference for my needs, personally. Doesn’t make it better, just makes it my preference.

Are there any commercials on TV you can’t stand?  I hate that Trident Layers commercial.  No one accepts gum as form of compensation.  No one.   -ceilingcatyay

Thanks to my DVR, I don’t have the problem of watching commercials very much.  But some might sneak in during live sporting events.  The new Snuggie one with the synthesizer theme song and they’re raising the roof throughout the commercial is pretty ridiculous.  “Raising the roof” hasn’t been appropriate since 1998. And they’ve got it all over this commercial like it’s the new dance craze.

Know what pisses me off? Telemarketers that call you and put you on HOLD.  Seriously? You’re going to call me with some annoying sales pitch, and you want me to hold the line while you find someone to give it to me? -andyiceberg

Are you kidding? This is where you hang up. Never has there been a greater invitation to disconnect the line, return the phone to its dock and go about your day. Either that, or get a cell phone.

So it’s been nearly a decade and I still have not seen a valid explanation for World Trade Center 7 collapsing days after the attacks. -Argentiny

And you will continue to not get a valid explanation because you have already invalidated the truth.

Mad Men is just a soap opera for elitist douchebags.  -mnstip

It’s really about romanticizing the era. Theres a lot of nostalgia to be had on that show for us older folks. Not only all the accounts that the agency collects (whom all but a handful are companies bankrupted long ago, like Martinsons coffee, the Dumont network, and stuff like that) but in the way people treated each other, how men treated women. Also, how you could slap some strangers kid in public and it was okay because the kid was being a douchebag, or how you went on a picnic and left your trash piled up and drove away. It’s a window to a different time in the world that some people view as a better time.

Do fat bitches make you rage? -tombstonedave

Only when they are upset at people for finding them unattractive and they get all high and mighty about how everyone is beautiful on the inside or some garbage.  Hey fat people, you are not entitled to other peoples infatuation because Oprah or any equally powerful fat/ugly person says you are pretty when they’ve never met you.  Additionally, some people think Melissa Joan Hart is unattractive, and she’s not fat, so it might just be the way you look, not just your fatness.  Thanks.

Do you hold your penis while urinating? -Crow754

At a urinal or outside, no. Otherwise, yeah.

The Lemon

As we move into the winter months, and closer to the peak of the cold and flu season, the lemon seems an appropriate and beneficial fruit to highlight for the first installment of “Fresh Fruit Fridays.”\

Lemons are high in citric acid, and perhaps the most beneficial fruit in the citrus family, because of their high level of antioxidants and their ability to fight off germs and bacteria.

Lemons can also relieve indigestion and stimulate the liver. Believe if or not, lemons contain a significant amount of calcium, as well as folate and potassium.  Lemons contain beta crypotothanzin, a carotenoid that fights heart disease and is believed  to help prevent cervical cancer.

The following recipes—a vinaigrette, couscous, and juice—feature a significant amount of lemon juice. Keep in mind that when juicing lemons, the Vitamin C dissipates quickly, and should be consumed within minutes of juicing. Lemon juices sold in supermarkets usually are enriched in Vitamin C to counter this depletion.

Lemon Couscous with Fresh Parsley, from Spices of Life (page 26) by Nina Simonds (full of recipes that specifically target ailments)

Ingredients:
1 ½ medium lemons
6 cups water (or amount indicated on the couscous package)
3 cups quick cooking couscous
1 tablespoon fruity virgin olive oil
1 ½ tablespoon salt
¼ teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1 cup minced fresh parsley leaves

Using a vegetable peeler, remove the lemon peel in strips. Bring two cups of water to a boil. Add the lemon peel and cook for a minute to remove the bitterness. Drain, and blot dry. Mince finely. Squeeze the juice from the 1 ½ lemons and set aside.

Bring the 6 cups of water to a boil in a large pot of casserole with a lid. Add the couscous and cook for a minute, stirring with a spoon or a fork. (Or follow the cooking instructions on the package.) Cover and remove from the heat. Let sit for 10 minutes. Fluff the couscous lightly with a fork to separate the grains.

Add the olive oil, lemon peel and juice, salt, and pepper, and stir with a fork to mix. Let the couscous sit for 5 to 10 minutes, then add the parsley and fluff with a fork. Taste for seasoning, add more salt if necessary, and serve warm or at room temperature.

Lemon Vinaigrette, from Vegetarian Cooking for Everyone (page 184) by Deborah Madison

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon finely chopped lemon zest
Salt and freshly milled pepper
1 shallot, finely diced
5 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil or to taste

Combine the lemon zest, ¼ teaspoon salt, and shallot in a small bowl. Let stand for 15 minutes, then whisk in the oil and season with a little pepper to taste. Taste and correct the balance, adding more if needed.

Jay’s World Famous Lemonade from The Juiceman’s Power of Juicing (page 6 by Jay Kordich

4 apples
¼ lemon with the skin
Crushed ice

Cut the apples into narrow wedges, and slice the lemon. Process the fruit in the juicer. Serve over crushed ice.

And a poem to end on:

So Much Depends
on a lemon that is
not really a lemon

the name of which escapes me now
after the fact

the not-
lemon for the Jewish holiday
the holiday that has the
name that I can not remember either

the holiday when one hopefully
invites strangers
or friends to dinner

in their home
but not
their actual home,
but in a cabin/ shack/
lean-
to kind of structure
outside their actual home
but the purpose I recall!!

To remember the forty years in the desert.

The not-
lemon is very important to the
nameless- to me holiday
I learned about in
a film, the same film
I learned about the
nameless- to me
holiday

In the film the man
the rabbi
the holy man
buys a
very expensive not-
lemon because a
stranger slipped an
envelope full of
bills under
the door of
the actual house
that the man’s wife
the rabbi’s wife
the holy man’s wife
the holy woman discovered and
sang and
praised God and
paid the bills with.

The holy man and
the holy woman’s strangers
are old friends of the holy man
before he was a holy man

They are thieves, skinheads,
they cut up the not-
lemon and make a salad.
The man the rabbi
the holy man is devastated.

This is not just a not-
lemon,
It is a beautiful not-
lemon,
an extremely expensive not-
lemon for prayer
not salads.

(Photos by Martjusha, Delire Lucide and Piccolina)

Nearly every health concern from cancer to ulcers can be traced back to your digestive system. Whether it’s the obvious problems that come with indigestion such as bloating, heartburn, gas, irregularity or more serious immune issues, it all comes down to what’s going on inside your gut. Not only is your digestive system responsible for breaking down foods and sending critical nutrients into your bloodstream, it’s also where most of your immune system resides.

Everything entering your mouth or nose can reach the GI tract. So everything we breathe, eat, or drink creates a potential invasion into our internal environment. If pathogens survive the trip through the acids and enzymes of the upper part of the GI tract, they find the perfect permanent home in the colon. As a result, the colon is often the seat of many chronic problems. When you take into account many of our society’s current habits, it’s easy to understand how pathogenic bacteria can easily gain a strong foothold right there in your gut.

For instance, we now consume less fiber and more refined carbohydrates than at any other time in history. Both of these habits slow bowel transit time (allowing toxins to sit in your body for far too long) and help provide fuel for harmful bacteria strains. On top of that, excessive use of antibiotics and NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen) has become widespread, which throw off the delicate balance of good, necessary bacteria in your gut.

It’s no wonder that most people in this country complain about no energy and are constantly sick. Their imbalanced colons support colonies of pathogenic bacteria, which are constantly spewing toxins into their system. Their immune system is in a constant fight just trying to keep things under control.

Now for the good news, It’s not that hard to turn all this around enjoy comfortable digestion, and get your immune system armed and ready for any invasion. It all comes down to balancing the bacterial flora in your gut. There is no doubt that proper digestion, absorption, elimination, and immune response; all dependent on bacterial flora; must be maintained if you want to remain healthy. Every day, groups of individuals are exposed to the same pathogens; but not everyone gets sick. A strong immune system response determines your ability to fend off premature aging, sickness, and disease. And a strong immune system requires the proper flora in the bowels.

That’s surprisingly simple to achieve by eating certain types of foods, you can feed your body the healthy, good bacteria it needs to keep your immune system strong and your digestive system running well. You can also do a Natural Colon Cleanse to clear out the bad bacteria in your digestive tract, intestines and colon.

It’s baffling why conventional medicine hasn’t been able to grasp or accept this concept. Obviously, the pharmaceutical companies stand to make a lot more money selling antibiotics and other medications than recommending a daily dose of fruit or vegetables.

With impending digestive threats all around you, you should take every precautionary measure to boost your immune system and keep your GI tract clear in order to ensure optimal health.

Most bankers have loud indigestion.

Nuff Said.

G Day is Gallbladder day. Mark is scheduled for surgery tomorrow at Riverview Medical Center. He is getting his gallbladder out as they feel that the gallstones are the cause of his stomach issues (ie: bloating and indigestion).

We are still unsure what time the surgery will be. Mark is supposed to call the hospital at 5PM today. They will tell us what time we should report to the hospital.

The surgery is scheduled to be done laparoscopically. From what I understand, based on my own limited knowledge and research, the procedure is pretty standard. They say it is a minimally invasive procedure, and recovery is much shorter than “open surgery”. Of course, if it is determined that the surgery cannot be performed laparascopically, then they will have to do it the “old fashioned way”.

If the surgery goes as planned, Mark will be able to come home Saturday sometime. Unfortunately, he did not ask questions. He found out nothing about how long the surgery will last, what the surgery will entail, possible complications, and recovery time. He never asks questions. His attitude is “it is what it is”. That certainly does not help someone like me who likes to know. I am a firm believer in “knowledge is power” (not ignorance is bliss!!).

Mark wanted me to “just drop him off” for the surgery, and come pick him up on Saturday when he was ready to go home! Can you even believe that? Anyone who knows me, would know that I can’t do that!!!!

I would never be able to live with myself. After all, I have to put myself in his place, if I was having ANY TYPE of surgery, I would want him to be there for me. I would not want to be left alone in a hospital to fend for myself.

So, I would have taken the time to be with him regardless of what he said. Besides, how would I go to work and actually concentrate while I waited for news? Geez, that is so not me!!

When Belle had her surgeries (getting spayed, and her two knee surgeries), I was a total mess until I knew that she was okay. I did go to work, but it was tough. Even after I got the call(s) that she was fine and recovering, I just wanted to go be with her, and I worried the ENTIRE night!

So tell me again, how in the world, would I work while Mark was having an organ removed?

UPDATE:
The hospital called Mark to firm up his surgery. They went over his medications. He was told that the procedure would be about an hour and half. They would fill his belly with CO2. He would have some bloating and pain (pain killers would be prescribed!!), and if all goes well, he can come home on Saturday.

Guess what time we have to be there? It is not 11AM, or 12 noon like they first said!! We have to be there at 6:00AM!! Oh my goodness, I am sooo not thrilled about getting up at 4:00 in the morning. Gonna have to try to get ready tonight by getting the coffee ready so it’s good to drink by the time I go downstairs. And getting my clothes out so I can just shower and “pour myself into jeans and shirt!”. Probably should pack a snack for breakfast (for eating WAY after the sun comes up!). And something to drink (like water) because the coffee will be flowing through my veins long before we get to the hospital.

I am hoping that his 6AM appointment means that his surgery is scheduled for somewhere close to that time. Maybe 7AM? That would be good. I know how hospitals are. They are all about “Hurry Up and Wait”. I so hate waiting.

I will bring my Blackberry and my Kindle, and I will pass the time reading, and surfing the internet. Maybe even a blog entry if I get motivated!!

I am hoping for a good outcome. That is all I can do!

CAYENNE
Capsicum frutescens
A natural stimulant, cayenne seemingly aids circulatory function by feeding the necessary elements info the cell structure of the arteries, veins, and capillaries so that these regain some of the elasticity of youth, allowing the blood pressure to adjust itself to normal.  It also simulates the digestive system, and it has been used for treatment against stomachaches, cramps, gas, indigestion, loss of appetite, diarrhea and various fevers. Rich in carotenoids and vitamins C and E: these antioxidants are thought to protect against free radicals and reduce the risk of cancer.  Cayenne also appears to be useful in enhancing the activity of various immune systems.  Capsaicin, the active ingredient in cayenne, seems to be able to deaden painsensing nerves, even when the cause remains present.

CINNAMON
Cinnamomum verum
Long coveted as a healing aid for stomach upset, heartburn and gas, chronic diarrhea, rheumatism, kidney ailments and abdominal pain cinnamon has been used by homeopathic medical practitioners for diarrhea, hemorrhage and cancerous tumors.  For years Asians have promoted its use against heart problems, dental pain and urinary problems, believing that can kill certain bacteria and fungi, improve digestion and help to regulate blood sugar.  Said to fortify the immune system, cinnamon has been used to stimulate the respiratory and circulatory system, alleviating bronchial coughs, relieve menstrual discomfort and calm the central nervous system.

FENNEL
Foeniculum vulgare
One of the oldest medical plants; fennel have reportedly been in use for over 4,000 years.  Alleged to stimulate the movement of food through the stomach and intestines, it is useful as a digestive aid, and seems to remedy mild spasms in the stomach and intestines, a feeling of fullness, and intestinal and gastric distress.  It also claims to have a calming effect on bronchitis and is a superb remedy for coughs and stubborn mucus.  In Asian medicine, fennel is recommended for instances of anemia, bloating, heartburn, vomiting, diarrhea, hernia, and skin diseases.

FO-TI
Polygonum multiflorum
This herb has been known and honored in Asia for centuries as a tonic for kidney and liver functions and it is believed to be a natural antioxidant and free-radical scavenger.  It has been shown that it has the ability to strengthen tendons, ligaments, bones, the lower back, and the knees.  It also has been reported to prevent premature aging, as well as being beneficial in decreasing blood sugar levels in diabetics, and can act as a natural diuretic.  High cholesterol, heart conditions, poor circulation, insomnia and chronic bronchitis are among all the conditions that Fo-Ti alleges to help.  Providing strength, resilience and stamina. Fo-Ti is usually recommended as a superior herb for athletes, offering increased energy while rejuvenating the body and acting as a natural anti-inflammatory.

GINKGO BILOBA
Ginkgo biloba
Ginkgo biloba is the most powerful antioxidant known today and as such is said to help prevent degenerative conditions of the heart, arteries, eyes, ears and other organs, as well as shielding the brain from the effect of stress, toxins and aging.  For hundreds of years, traditional Chinese physicians have used ginkgo biloba to treat impotence.  It is thought that ginkgolides act by reducing inflammation around small airways in the lungs, and in doing so can offer some aid to asthma and allergy sufferers.  Ginkgo biloba is the most broad-spectrum medicine that is known today.  It contains so many different active ingredients that no single one of them can account for all of the extract’s healing powers.  Instead, they act synergistically – creating an overall effect that is greater than the sum of all of its parts.

GOTU KOLA
Centella asiatica
Rich in vitamins A, B, E, G, and K as well as magnesium, Gotu Kola has long been helpful in the treatment of asthma, bronchitis, heart problems, dysentery, insomnia, eye conditions, exhaustion, inflammation, high blood pressure, diarrhea and problems with urination.  Often referred to as, “food for the brain”, taken on a regular basis, this herb has become known as the “key to longevity” in humans, and seems to be able to enhance intelligence and improve memory, increasing mental and physical power, combining stress and improving the reflexes.  Gotu kola nourishes the nervous system, especially the brain, boosting energy levels, helping to fight depression, and reducing sleep disorders. Contemporary Western herbalist have long cited the wound-healing actions of Gotu kola.

GUARANA
Paullinia cupana
Guarana figures prominently in the social and medicinal culture of the Amazonian Indians.  The seed of guarana has for hundred of years been uses as a general tonic and treatments for many ailments.  It holds fast to the claim that it has stimulating effect on the body, as well as having the ability to dispel pain.  Guarana has also developed the reputation of being somewhat of an aphrodisiac.  South Americans reportedly have used guarana to treat a long list of ailments such as: chronic or infectious diarrhea, headaches (including migraine), pain associated with rheumatism or menstruation, water retention (using as diuretic or “water pill”) and hence as an aid in weight loss, fever, malaria, heat stress and many other ailments.

To be continued…

Until next time…Stay Healthy

Katarzyna

Beating Stress With Nutrition

For most of us, stress and food go hand-in-hand. Food can give us the feelings of power, control and satisfaction that we need in stressful situations. It’s no surprise that when our stress levels go up our resistance to ‘comfort’ foods goes down.

 

Adrenaline is produced during times of intense stress. That gives you a burst of energy, but your blood-sugar level drops after the crisis is past.

 

Certain foods increase the physical stress on your body by making digestion more difficult, or by denying the brain essential nutrients. Stress itself can cause bad digestion. Drinks can have just as great an effect — caffeine and alcohol both put a considerable strain on the body.

With a sensible diet it’s possible to reduce the effects of stress.  Here are some ways to avoid some common problems and protect your health… 

• Bloating. As we all know, bloating is unpleasant, and stressful in itself. It could be triggered by wheat products (bread, pasta, cakes and biscuits) and dairy products (milk, cheese, butter and cream), so try cutting out each food group for a couple of weeks to see if the problem eases.
• Caffeine dependency. Relying on caffeine to keep you going is a bad idea. It raises stress hormones and can lead to insomnia and dehydration, affecting your body’s ability to handle stress. There are many delicious caffeine-free alternatives, such as herb teas.
• Hangovers. No one functions well with a hangover, so drinking heavily will lead to trouble the following day. This does not mean that you need to avoid alcohol completely, just be aware of its effects, and resist using it regularly as a coping technique.
• Cravings. These often hit during the ‘post-lunch dip’, and increase at hormonal times and under stress. To curb your cravings, include small portions of the craved item into your usual diet, rather than trying to resist completely. Or distract yourself by getting involved in something else, and the craving may pass. Keep healthy food nearby, and do not wait too long between snacks.
• Sugar highs and lows. Although the brain needs glucose to enable it to perform effectively, very sugary foods cause your blood sugar level to spike and then plummet, leaving you sleepy and lethargic. This can lead to another sweet craving, and the cycle continues.

Some tips on improving your diet:

Adapted from an article by Jane Collingwood, PsychCentral

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Alveo is a blend of 26 herbs renowned for their extraordinary healing and strengthening properties.  These herbs have been widely used and their benefits documented for thousands of years.  Although, each ingredient has been chosen specifically for its role in the Alveo formulation, it is how they work synergistically that gives Alveo its potency.  The combination and unparalleled quality and quantity of each ingredient used in Alveo formulation ensures optimal benefit for you.

The information about the effects of some herbs has been derived from the sources and bases of independent experts, as well as from special literature and technological resources.

ALFALFA
Medicago sativa
Alfalfa leaves are rich in the green plant pigment known as chlorophyll, as well as protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals, and nutrients, and hence has been nicknamed as the, “Father Of All Foods”.  It has developed a reputation as a natural body cleaner, infection fighter and deodorizer.  High in fiber, alfalfa also contains eight essential amino acids.  Alfalfa is rich in iron, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, sulfur, sodium, potassium, chlorine and silicon, and is a good source of vitamins A, B1, B6, B12, C, D, K, and E. Traditionally, alfalfa has been used as a herbal remedy in the treatment of arthritis, gout, rheumatism, and is thought to have a cholesterol-lowering effect.  It seems to alleviate asthma and other allergies.  It may act as a preventive against cancer, and appears to be able to regulate high blood pressure.

ALOE
Aloe vera
Aloe has played a role in herbal medicine since 4th century BC, when it was externally applied to heal wounds, bruises and skin irritations.  An extract taken from the leaf was used internally as a tonic, purgative and jaundice remedy.  Modern medicine is consistently finding new users for aloe – for example: the fresh juice can be employed as a salve in the treatment of burns, sunburns and insect bites.  Aloe has been commonly used as a remedy for indigestion, hardening of the arteries, diabetes, menstrual problems, infections, tumors, skin diseases, water retention, in the alleviation of arthritis and as a cleanser for the liver, kidneys, spleen and bladder.

BLADDERWRACK
Fucus vesiculosus
Harvested from the oceans, bladderwrack is a seaweed. It contains both iodine and carotene which are necessary for proper thyroid function. Herbalists tend to agree that bladderwrack is effective in the treatment of an underactive thyroid gland, and is also useful in the treatment of goiter. Where obesity is associated with thyroid trouble, this herb is thought to be helpful in reducing excess weight. Bladderwrack is reputed to be helpful in the relief of rheumatoid arthritis, inflammation of the bladder, and as a remedy for high cholesterol and hardening of the arteries.

BLESSED THISTLE
Cnicus benedictus
Throughout the years blessed thistle has developed the reputation of being a bit of a cure-all and a potent anti-inflammatory, and it was even believed to have fought off the “great plague” in Europe.  It claims to have an ability to lower fever, dissolve blood clots, control bleeding, and reduce rheumatic pain.  It has also long been esteemed for controlling menstrual pain and regular menstrual cycle.  Also believed to offer relief for those suffering from headaches and migraines.  Blessed thistle seems to be genuinely useful in aiding digestive problems, aiding poor digestion (especially in the breaking down of fats), and revitalizing a sluggish liver.  Blessed thistle also seems helpful in alleviating stress and depression, strengthening the heart, healing a liver, and improving circulation.

BONESET
Eupatorium perfoliatum
The American Indians introduced the use of boneset to the early settlers for the treatment of colds, influenza, rheumatism, indigestion, constipation, and all kind of fevers.  There is a suggestion that boneset has the ability to rev up the immune system in response to infection and can clear the upper respiratory tract of mucus congestion, offering relief from colds and flu.  There is supporting evidence that as an anti-inflammatory, boneset lends itself to the treatment of arthritis and the possibility that the immune stimulants in boneset may have anti-cancer attributes.

CARDAMON
Elettaria cardamomum
For a centuries as a spice, cardamom is native to southern India and Sri Lanka, and is also grown in southeastern Asia and Guatemala.  Currently believed to be useful in the treatment of stomach problems, cardamom seems to improve the flow of bile out of the gallbladder, thereby preventing viruses from multiplying.  Herbalists also find cardamom useful against asthma, hemorrhoids, and bad breath, as well as beneficial in strengthening the body.

To be continued…

Until next time…Stay healthy

Katarzyna

Aloe was used to great effect by Greek and Roman physicians. Researchers have found that both the ancient Chinese and Indian used Aloe Vera.

In the Philippines it is used with milk for kidney infections.

Aloes are referred to in the Bible, and legend suggests that Alexander the Great conquered the island of Socotra in the Indian Ocean to secure supplies of Aloes to treat the battle wounds of his soldiers.

Aloe vera, being one of the most healing herbs, contains strong anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It is bactericidal, fungicidal, and virucidal. Aloe vera promotes cell growth and is strengthening to the whole immune-system. It is neurologically calming, acting also as a powerful detoxifying agent that helps to clean the morbid matter from the stomach, liver, kidneys, spleen, bladder, and colon. Aloe vera is very beneficial in case of coughs, ulcers, lesions, hemorrhoids, diabetes, cancer, headaches, arthritis, constipation, indigestion, asthma, IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome), and radiation. Being one of the best herbs to clean out the colon, it soothes all kinds of stomach disorders. Aloe vera promotes menstruation when it is suppressed. It expels pinworms after several doses. It helps reduce the effects of aging and increases the quality of life of the elderly. It is recommended for smokers and ex-smokers as it helps heal the chronic catarrh.

External use: Aloe gel is used for topical treatment of wounds, burns, cuts, sores, skin irritations, skin ulcers, itchy skin, eczema, acne, stings, insect bites, and joint problems. It helps prevent the formation of liver spots in aging skins. If aloe vera is applied regularly and for long enough it will often cause established spots to disappear. Aloe vera is one of the best anti-aging herbs available, helping to rejuvenate aging skin and combat wrinkles.