Robert McDowell's Herbal Treatments
29 October 2005
Herbal Help for Humans and their Companions
Quiet timeThis time set aside for silence during the day is often called 'quiet time'. It's usually done first thing in the morning, but some people have been able to use their train or bus ride to work for it, or perhaps they slip off to a neglected cubbyhole of their workplace during coffee break or lunch. (I myself can't do that; I am still too easily distracted.) Quiet time, as with other devotional activities, can help give some divine rhythm to the daily routine.
That takes care of outside noise. But what about inside noise? Our own mind is constantly thinking about what to do, what's going to happen, what others are thinking, and what we aspire to or lust after. That sort of stuff is also noise, at least to our spirit. To turn that off, the ancients did something very simple : they breathed. That is, they breathed through their nose, slowly, deeply, using their diaphragm, focusing their mind on the act of breathing. The body reacts to this sort of breathing by relaxing; muscle tension fades away, and blood pressure drops. The mind reacts, too; as the body relaxes and the thoughts focus down on the one basic action we can't shut off, other thoughts and sensations are left behind. This leaves us free to hear God whisper to us.
This week we feature:-
- Canine - Canine Flu Virus
- Equine - Maritime Pine Bark and Cancer
- Human - Childhood Stomach Cramps
- Home Remedies - Stomach Cramps Reactions
- Reader Feedback
Canine - Canine Flu Virus USA
The whole question about viral and bacterial involvement in respiratory infection is one which has been skewed for a very long time as the medical profession had nothing but antibiotics to offer. Originally the justification was to give the antibiotics just in case a viral infection developed into bacterial one which is of course a possibility as the thickened mucus involved in a viral respiratory infection is an ideal breeding medium for bugs.
However after nearly 50 years of overuse of antibiotics in this manner we now have highly drug resistant strains of bacteria and the cracks in plan A are becoming obvious. Plan A being to give the dog an antibiotic to keep the 0wner feeling reassured that medical help was being given while waiting for the dogs own immunity to overcome the virus.
In fact of course it is the health of the immune system which is what is important. A dog with a healthy immunity will be able to deal with a viral infection quickly and easily and is also much less likely to develop a secondary bacterial infection.
My approach to treating Canine Flu Virus (and also Kennel Cough) is the same as for any respiratory infection.
I treat primarily the immune system and support the health of the other systems and tissues involved. I also encourage owners to allow the infection to run its course to some extent, as one of the immune systems responses hat of elevated temperature, is one of natures tools to destroy viruses. These fragile organisms are very temperature sensitive and are destroyed by elevated body temperature. (By the way they are also destroyed by camphor which saturates intra cellular fluids and kills viruses as they migrate from cell to cell.) There is a marketing opportunity here for camphor bags built into dog collars.
My herbal treatment programs reflect this multi directional approach as follows:
I include the following herbs extracted into an organic cider vinegar base as described on my website:
http://www.herbal-dogkeeping.com/dog_kennel_cough.html
- Fresh Garlic as a natural antibiotic and blood cleanser (high in iron and sulphur)
- Elecampane as a lung tonic to improve the oxygen uptake efficiency in the respiratory system (assists the immunity in oxidation processes involved in fighting both viral and bacterial infection)
- Fenugreek which is a powerful lymphatic system tonic and specific for the health of mucosal linings in the upper respiratory system (to support the health of mucus linings and help prevent secondary bacterial infection developing)
- Marshmallow as a demulcent also for the health of mucus linings especially in the bronchiales and lungs.
- Mullein is specific for irritated nasal passages.
- Nettle as a high iron tonic to assist the immunity generally.
- Maritime Pine to build up immunity at the deepest levels.
- Yarrow as an astringent tonic, blood tonic and a support to red blood cell production.
- Rosehips as the best upper level immunity tonic high in Iron, Vitamin C, Copper, Cobalt and as an adrenal and kidney tonic.
- Kelp to provide trace element support to the immune system and;
- Coltsfoot as a specific assistance to reduce a persistent cough.
All this sounds pretty complex but all the ingredients are safe and natural all work in harmony with your dogs own immunity to both deal with a current infection and to build up the immunity after brush with the flu to healthy levels essentially providing immunity against future infections.
What I am saying is that the current Flu epidemic is not a new problem at all. It is just the same old problem of respiratory infection, viral and bacterial.
The only difference is that the secondary bacterial infections are now more drug resistant than ever before and that generally the modern dog has a much lower immunity generally in the 21st century than ever before, due mostly to human interference with its natural diet and lifestyle.
Equine - Cancer Treatment always includes Maritime Pine Bark
http://www.herbal-horsekeeping.com/maritime_pine_bark_extract_pycnogenol.html
Maritime Pine Bark Extract is my primary immune system tonic for all my equine cancer patients for it is due to failings within the fundamental levels of the immune system that cause all cancerous processes to get started.
My standard approach to all cancers involve using the Pine Bark alongside a specific cancer support formulation directed at the particulars of each type of cancer.
For horses I recommend 20 drops twice daily as the standard dose when taken as a supplement.
For horse cancer cases I normally recommend starting for the first month at double the supplement dose rate to give an initial boost to the free radical management in the horses body before reducing back to the supplement dose.
Maritime Pine Bark is a specialist antioxidant that is nearly 25 times more powerful than Vitamin C and as such clears free radicals generated by a strenuous workout at a phenomenal rate.
Human - Child hood Stomach Cramps
Stomach cramps are muscular contractions of the strong muscle that forms the wall of the stomach. The stomach is meant to contract rhythmically at times to mix food in stomach acids and to protect the stomach wall lining from acid attack by stimulating mucus production from the lining.
A cramp is where the regular contractions are replaced by a spasm. Coffee does this to some people.
The peristaltic motion is controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system and this in turn is supported by the herb chamomile.
I suggest you make up this herb tea and dilute some favorite fruit drink 50:50 with the tea so it is palatable to your children and have them drink this habitually to see if the cramp response goes away.
Stress does not necessarily mean emotional stress, there is a metabolic stress associated with a growth spurt . At certain ages children are eating more to keep up with this growth which can create this.
Emotional anxiety can also cause stomach discomfort, it is important that you sort out any worries that your child may have at school, where they are cared for or anything they may have overheard on the news or parent talks.
http://www.herbal-treatment.net/herbs_stomach_cramps.html
Home Remedies - Stomach Cramps
Forgo feeding frenzies. Eat slowly, chew your food well, and don't guzzle down drinks. Need help slowing your chomper speed? Try changing your eating environment. Instead of eating over the kitchen sink, set a place at the table. Add soft music and candlelight and you can't help but slow down.
Graze, don't gorge. Stomachs are very sensitive to overstuffing.
Hold off on eating if you're upset. Anxiety and eating don't mix.
Stick with noncaffeinated drinks. Coffee and colas make a tense stomach only worse.
Go easy on cold fluids. Too much of your favorite icy cold beverage, downed too fast, can send your stomach into temporary but painful spasms.
Fill up on fiber. Fiber helps food move through the digestive system more quickly and so may reduce stomach and intestinal cramping.
Give your guts a time-out. Allow a half-hour or more for big meals to move through your stomach before you engage in heavy-duty activities.
Then speed things up with a little walk. If you're feeling full after a sumptuous repast, try "walking it off" before you resort to antacids. Light exercise, especially walking, helps speed the movement of digested food through your bowels.
Reader Feed Back
Dear Folks,
In case I have forgotten to tell you, your attention to me and my Patches is unbelievable. Here in America we do not get this type of treatment. I sure hope the outcome for Patches is a good one, but whatever it may be you have been wonderful.
Thank you for your time and patience.
Lorraine
I will keep you updated on Patches well-being and I am certainly going to start her on the diet you recommended.
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Wishing you and your companions the best of health and happiness.
Yours Truly,
Judith Burton for
Robert McDowell
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