Herbal Help for Humans and their Companions

Anxiety, breathing and stance -what do they have in common?

External stress and pressure as well as internal chemical and emotional conflict cause anxiety, and our body reacts by tightening the chest and stomach muscles. We often hold our breath and lock our knee joints in an attempt to stay in control which worsens the situation. This further restricts respiration and produces shallow, rapid breathing. Shallow breathing numbs our feelings and traps the anxiety inside, blocking smooth energy flow, which in turn triggers more physiological or psychological stress and then possibly down into depression.

One of the best ways to handle any episode of emotional stress is simply to feel the feelings but make sure you keep breathing. Breathing naturally , but what is that you ask.

The entire autonomic nervous system takes its cue from our breathing patterns. By changing our breathing we can influence millions of biochemical reactions in our body, producing more relaxing substances such as endorphins and fewer anxiety-producing ones like adrenaline and higher blood acidity. Mindfulness of the breath is so effective that it is common to all meditative and prayer traditions.

Extreme forms of emotion are often immobilizing, limiting and dangerous to one's health and well being. Anxiety and depression can be physically debilitating and cause chronic illness . Standing with knees slightly bent with tail bone tilted gently forward. Or supported by a small round pillow sit near the edge of a fairly hard chair with feet flat on the floor. Both of these positions need an erect but not locked and stiff posture. Be "tallest" with your chin slightly above the horizon and slightly tucked in.

Let your tongue lightly touch the roof or your mouth and your jaw relax. Relax your belly. Let it hang down!

Nose breathe a long slow deep 4 second in-breath. Then slow down the exhale so it lasts at least 8 counts. NEVER tighten the belly to extend the exhale. Simply slow the speed of the out-breath. ALWAYS keep the belly relaxed.

Feel better? Calmer? Energized? Calm and energized at the same time? Anxious? If anxious try to lengthen the exhale count while keeping the inhale count the same or smaller. A 20 count exhale should be eventually attainable but for some it might take weeks or months to develop. You should eventually feel a calming and energizing throughout your entire body.

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This week we feature:-

• Feline - FIV
  
• Canine - Trembling Dogs
  
• Equine - Sciatica
  
• Human - Herniated Disk
  
• Home Remedies - Borage
  
• Reader Feedback
  

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Feline - Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) - New Product

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FIV, Feline immunodeficiency virus is the cause of feline AIDS, it is not the same virus as HIV, the cause of human AIDS. It is a virus, much like feline leukemia, which causes an impaired immune system. It can be a fatal disease, and because it lowers an animal's immune system, secondary infections like pneumonia, lymphoma, anemias or other infections usually cause the pet's death. However its possible for a FIV-positive cat to live for many years without any signs of illness.

Risk factors for FIV include age, gender, illness, and time spent outdoors. Older cats are more likely to be infected as are more aggressive male cats that may roam and fight with other cats . Sick cats and free roaming cats are much more likely to have FIV. Transmission is primarily via deep, penetrating bite wounds.

These factors make Feline AIDS quite common and generally is passed on through cats saliva . This is good reason to make sure cats are locked up at night. There is a vaccination that can be given (to prevent the cat contracting the disease) and I am sure that your vet has explained this to you.

FIV is really a problem of the immunity and as a herbalist I can dramatically improve the Cat's immune system. This without compromising any other medication.

Obviously FIV also effects organs within the body, namely the blood and lymphatic systems. On top of this the medications commonly prescribed also place a heavy load on the metabolism in general.

I can prepare tonics which support the critical organs and systems within the body.

There will be three mixes in the program.

1. I would recommend in the first instance a course of my Maritime Pine Antioxidant. This can be found and is described at:
http://www.herbal-treatments.com/cat_maritime_pine_bark_extract_pycnogenol.html

2. I can also make up a special mix to help manage the FIV symptoms. This mix includes Violet Leaves, Comfrey, Nettle, Echinacea, Hypericum along with Pine , Centaury and Gorse.

3. FIV can very well cause a respiratory infection cause by the HIV virus breaking his immunity down and would respond well to my Human Family Flu preparation to be found on my website at;
http://www.herbal-treatments.com/herbs_flu.html

5 drops twice per day mixed into smelly food like sardines or something to get her started will clear the infection and if continued will build up the immunity. It would all be fixed within half the bottle. Cats will need to be kept inside of a night time and of course during winter to make sure they are at less risk of contracting any secondary infections.

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Canine - Trembling Dogs

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Many dogs, mostly small breeds, tremble or shake for no apparent reasons. Most vets, when pressed, can think of obscure diseases that can cause such trembles but in most cases the dog tests healthy in every other area. Thus, no one has really been able to explain why some dogs shake and shiver even when they are warm and have no reason to be nervous.

If your dog shivers excessively or suddenly starts shaking it may be cause to consult your veterinarian (as sudden onset can be a symptom of pain or a nervous disorder) but if full body shivering or a foot or leg that trembles is something you've noticed from puppyhood then your dog's shaking is probably nothing to worry about. Although not explained, it has been noted that trembling legs occur more often in terriers and white dogs

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Equine - Sciatica

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Sciatica is simply an inflammation of the nerves out of the spine which are travelling down through the pelvis and into the legs.

In a young animal it will be a reflection of a blow to the spine or some sort of a twist or fall which has caused some of the spinal muscles to go into spasm and place pressure on the nerve bundles emerging from the spine.

This is a good case for Chiropractic or Acupuncture, even better if you have some person or Vet who is experienced with this. A good Chiropractor or Acupuncturist can get directly to the area involved and is probably better than laser therapy.

Giving Rescue Remedy is a good idea. Arnica externally is helpful.

My herbal suggestion, which does involve Arnica and Hypericum (to support the recovery of the myelin sheath of the nerve fibres involved) would be to add Hypericum to my standard Hoof Oil Preparation and use this to massage alongside the spine in the area of the hind quarters twice daily. This deeply penetrating heating preparation carries healing herbs directly to the problem area, improves circulation to those tiny muscles in spasm and allows them to release more easily. The Hypericum Oil which I would add to it will directly heal the inflamed nerve fibres

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Human - Herniated or Ruptured Disk Support Mix (New Product)

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Herniated Disks are most common in the lumbar spine - the part of your backbone between the bottom of your ribs and your hips.
The cushioning disks between the bones of the spine allow us to move our backbone.

When a disk between two bones in the spine presses on the nerves around the backbone, it's called a herniated disk.

As you grow older, your disks become flatter -- less cushiony. If a disk becomes too weak, the outer part may tear. The inside part of the disk pushes through the tear and presses on the nerves beside it.

Depending on which disk has been effected it can cause pain in both the back and the legs. In most people with herniated disks, the pain spreads over the buttocks and goes down the back of one thigh and into the calf. Some people have pain going down the outside of both legs. Some people's legs or feet may feel numb or tingly. Sometimes its described as feeling like an electric shock. Signals from the brain may be interrrupted as well causing muscle weakness. In an extreme medical emergency bowel and bladder problems may also occur.

The pain from a herniated disk is usually worse when you're active and gets better when you're resting. Coughing, sneezing, sitting, driving and bending forward may make the pain worse. The pain gets worse when you make these movements because they put more pressure on the nerve.

People with painful herniated disks often try to change positions to reduce the pain. You may have found that holding yourself up with your hands while you are sitting helps the pain. Shifting your weight to one side may also help.

My mix contains Comfrey, Yarrow, Horsetail, Rosehip, Mugwort and Parsley

Horsetail has a particular affinity with the Central Nervous System and building up the myalin sheath as well as repairing the bones of the spine.

Parsley targets spinal nerve plexuses. Parsley energizes and renews flow of nervous energy.

Mugwort which is another nervous system tonic which is used to support healing of any physical nervous system injury.

Comfrey is a well known support for healing of bones and connective tissue but also works to normalise other tissue in the body.

Yarrow is called for in trauma, it strengthens on all levels

Rosehips to ensure adequate circulation and tissue repair

Along with the herbs I add the Bach Flowers Oak , Scleranthus, Mimulus and Rescue Remedy.

It is wise to consult a phyiotherapist to become aware of postures and movement that supports your spine. Seek exercises to strengthen your back.

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Home Remedies - Evening Primrose Oil

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It grows all year round and seeds by itself. John Gerard the herbalist from the 1500's wrote in his decription of borage as bringing happiness and comfort. Borage flowers are renowned to relieve melancholy. The leaves are used for adrenal exhaustion, fevers and chest colds.

It is also a tonic and restorative to adrenal glands, useful when stress threatens to overwhelm you.

freeze the flowers and add them to drinks, add to salads.

make a tea or add a handful of leaves to home made juice.