Herbal Help for Humans and their Companions

Red Wine and Antioxidants
(Thankyou to one of our readers who prompted this article)

Each of us are very distinctive individuals with our own metabolism and temperament which influences the way we respond to different foods and drinks and emotional situations. There is no blanket statement of right or wrong that can cover for everyone. Please read the following information, do more research and make up your own mind.

We are all aware that for many, wine can be a mild natural tranquilizer, it can serve to relieve tension, sedate and act as a mild euphoric agent to the convalescent and especially the aged.

Red wine is a rich source of biologically active phytochemicals found in plants. Particular compounds called polyphenols found in red wine, such as catechins and resveratrol, are thought to have potentially beneficial properties including anti oxidant, anti coagulant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Recently, researchers have found that moderate red wine consumption may be beneficial to more than just your heart. One study found that the antioxidant resveratrol, may inhibit tumor development in some cancers. Another study indicated that resveratrol aided in the formation of nerve cells, which experts believe may be helpful in the treatment of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

Polyphenols are antioxidant compounds found in the skin and seeds of grapes. When wine is made from these grapes, the alcohol produced by the fermentation process dissolves the polyphenols contained in the skin and seeds. Red wine contains more polyphenols than white wine because the making of white wine requires the removal of the skins after the grapes are crushed. Red wine contains high levels of resveratrol, as do grapes, raspberries, peanuts, and some other plants.

The flip side is that:-

It's important you only drink one or two standard glasses of wine a day. Anymore and you risk the downsides of excessive alcohol intake: damaged liver, raised blood pressure, potential damage to the heart, kidneys and brain. Over consumption of alcohol can also cause impotence and infertility, while during pregnancy it can damage the foetus.

The British Heart Foundation warns that while moderate drinking may have a beneficial effect on health, too much alcohol is risky and can harmful effects.

Over a long period consumption may increase exposure of breast cancer for pre menopausal women.

Studies showed that alcohol drinking may increase triglycerides and result in weight gain due to its empty calories. Other studies also suggested that alcohol consumption is associated with cancer risk.

The American Heart Association cautions people NOT to start drinking if they do not already drink alcohol. If you already drink alcohol, do so in moderation.

Grapes, many other fruits and vegetables and regular physical activities offer the same benefits for heart as seen in alcohol.

Also, people with high blood pressure, enlarged hearts, liver disease or anyone with a family history of alcohol abuse shouldn't be downing this daily dose.

Hear more bad news about alcohol http://www.advance-health.com/redwine.html

I recommend alcohol free days just to look after your precious liver that carries out 39 different functions in our body.

If red wine is not for you than the same benefits can be obtained from a maintenance dose of grape seed extract or other antioxidants such as Maritime Pine bark.
http://www.herbal-treatment.net/maritime_pine_bark_extract_pycnogenol.html

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This week we feature:-

• Feline - Kidney Failure
  
• Canine - Heart Felt Fascinating New Testimonials
  
• Equine - Chronic Sinus Infection
  
• Human - Herbs and Home Remedies for Boils
  
• Reader Feedback
  

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Feline - Kidney Failure

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Step 1.
Place your cat on the Kidney rehab mix. This is very efficient and effective for restoring health and balance to the kidneys and entire urinary tract system.
http://www.herbal-dogkeeping.com/dog_kidney_weakness.html
Dosage:
As cats are fussy eaters, start with 2 drops of the mix added to a smelly food like sardines or into a small amount of condensed milk twice daily and slowly build up to 5 drops twice daily.

Once your cat is taking the full dosage without a fuss, proceed to step 2.

Step 2.
I'd also recommend buying Rosehip & Dandelion tea: Combine 1 teabag of Rosehips and 2 teaspoons of Dandelion granules in the same cup of water. This is a great tonic for the kidneys and liver. The trick is to get the cat to consume it; add a little (not the whole cup) each day to the main meal. Try your best.

Also purchase Dr Bach's Rescue Remedy locally and add a good squirt to the water bowl every day.

The Rescue Remedy is tasteless.

Keep the diet raw and natural; there is a lot of information on the web on home made diets for cats and dogs and for special needs cats like yours.

Try this web link:
http://www.2ndchance.info/homemadediets.htm

Start with the kidney rehab mix. Once your cat is accustomed to the taste and taking the full dose of 5 drops twice daily, gradually include the Rosehips and Dandelion. This will ensure that your cat will happily take his/her treatments without fuss or avoidance.

1 thing at a time and in small amounts is the key to change in cats.

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Canine - Heart Felt Fascinating New Testimonials

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Willy's Recovery After Cushings	Carissima fights Hemangiosarcoma	A Tumor Doesn't Stop Allie	Ruby Comes Through Hemangiosarcoma
Goldies Itch and Other Problems	"The Miracle Of Ben: Surviving Seizures, Pancreatitis and IBS"	"Casey Lives Well with Spindle Cell Cancer and Herbs"	Pancreatitis and Old Age Does Not Stop Kurt
Our Battle with Equine Lymphoma	BJ's Sinus Cavity Problems	Cosmo - The Energetic Older Dog	Percy Smells Better
Bailey Fought the Good Fight with Lymphoma	Mable Overcoming Mast Cell Tumors	Baby’s Dignity Restored with Incontinence Mix	My Best Friend Winnie fights Lymphoma

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Equine - Sinus/Chronic Nasal Infection

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When allergic rhinitis has become a chronic infective or sinus problem the situation is that the mucous membranes which line the sinus cavities are actually breaking down and constantly inflamed and/or infected.

There are two main classifications of sinusitis in the horse, primary and secondary. Primary sinusitis refers to when there is an inflammation or infection of the sinus of which the offending pathogen is usually just one type of bacteria and secondary refers to when there are many offending pathogens and the disease process is most commonly associated with a dental disease, facial fractures, tumours or sinus cysts.

The most common symptoms of sinusitis is a nasal discharge usually unilateral. Bad breath is another very common clinical sign. Sinus inflammation is uncomfortable for your horse and can affect his performance. Facial deformity , discharge from one corner of the eye, difficulty chewing food or laboured breathing may also be observed.

The horse's brain is a remarkably small structure and it is the sinuses that fill much of the head. The sinuses are air-filled chambers that are connected to the respiratory system. They are situated at the front and sides of the head, around eye-level. There are five sinuses on each side, most of which interlink and ultimately drain into the nasal passages.

An effective treatment therefore must include ingredients which genuinely rehabilitate and repair the mucous membranes because without this, there is no hope of restoring them to normal health and breaking the cycle of constant re-infection.

My Chronic Sinus mixture contains 7 herbs, 4 of which are directed at rehabilitating the damage done. The others are to clear the current infection, the waste products of past infection, and to reduce over-sensitivity. In cases where there has been a great deal of antibiotic therapy Colloidal silver may be required to deal with resistant infection created by the exposure to antibiotics.

The best approach is to start on a course of the Chronic Sinus Rehabilitation Mix, and to report back to me after about 6 weeks, so that I can provide further advice at that stage of the treatment.

The herbs used in this mix are Buchu, Fenugreek, Echinacaea, Horseradish, Garlic, Golden Seal, and Comfrey as well as the Bach Flower Remedy Olive. Chronic sinus infections are not a difficult problem to treat successfully with herbs but you need to follow a program for 6 months or more to heal such a case permanently.

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Human - Herbs and Home Remedies for Boils

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A boil starts out suddenly as an itchy, red, painful lump. They are sore to the touch. Usually within 24 hours, the lump fills with pus and takes on a round appearance with a yellow-white tip. There may be swelling around the boil as well as swelling of any lymph node near the boil. Lymph nodes are located in the neck, armpit, and groin area.

A carbuncle is larger and has several visible heads. A milder version of boils is folliculitis. This is an infection of hair follicles, these often itch more than hurt. The appearance is similar to acne pustules.

Boils and carbuncles are more likely to develop in those with underactive liver, lowered immunity, diabetes, especially when treated by injected insulin, alcoholism or drug abuse ,poor personal hygiene, crowded living arrangements, jobs or hobbies that expose them to greasy or oily substances, especially petroleum products. Boils may take from 10 to 25 days to heal. In most cases, a boil will not heal until it bursts and drains. This can take as long as 5 to 7 days. Since releasing the pus in a boil can lead to more infection, puncturing it at home is not usually advised. If you do lance it, or if it bursts, make sure to sterilize the surrounding area carefully, washing hands after touching the area.

Topical treatments:
1. Robert McDowell's Boil Ointment . Paw paw ointment with added Thuja, Golden seal, Calendula, Yarrow, Crab Apple and Rescue Remedy.

2. Moist heat - soak the area in Epsom Salt baths or compresses for at least 1 hour. A compress could be left on overnight. Use it at least twice a day or more. This can help the boil drain and improve the blood flow to the area.

3. Castor Oil or Clay Poultice - Apply castor oil soaked pad or make a paste of powdered Bentonite or green clay by mixing a few teaspoons of the powder with some warm water. Apply to the affected area and let it dry. Remove it from the skin with warm water. This will help draw out the infection. Only use this treatement if the boil is not too large.

Internal Treatments:
1. Blood Cleanser Mix http://www.herbal-treatment.net/herbs_abscess_toxin_elimination.html

2. Good bowel movement habits are important. Constipation or irregular bowel movements can aggravate skin problems because more waste must then be eliminated through the skin. Drink at least 8 cups of fluids a day, and eat plenty of fibre.

3. Diet - A good nutritious diet can help the immune system fight the infection. Maintain an overall healthy diet. This includes using fresh and unprocessed foods as close to the natural state as possible. Eat daily servings of leafy green vegetables, whole grains, fruit, and proteins with a minimum of animal fat. Keep the intake of sugar foods and refined carbohydrates (such as white bread and white rice) to a minimum.

4. Make a tea by mixing 3 cups of boiling water with 1 teaspoon each of Burdock and Echinacea and 1/2 teaspoon of Golden Seal. Simmer 5 minutes and steep 15 minutes. Drink 1 cup 3 times per day.

5. Homeopathically try :-

Hepar Sulph 6C: To facilitate the suppurative process and, to a great extent, prevent its subsequent extension.