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Robert McDowell's Herbal Treatments 26 November 2006 Herbal Help for Humans and their CompanionsWhat does the herbalist mean by balance?A healthy Balance means that you are enjoying life- balancing the family time, the work time and time to look after your personal/health needs. When a person is out of balance they are often unable to concentrate, lack motivation to do things that they love to do, and possibly also are exhibiting the first signs of immunity break down by being susceptible to colds and flu. Stress- that is stress that is negative, is known to cause biochemical changes in the body that can lower the immunity. If this is left unchecked, the person may then proceed to develop the first signs of a deeper homeostatic imbalance. Read more at our new people page explaining traditional classical herbal medicine: http://www.herbal-treatments.com.au/herbs_for_people.html This week we feature:-
Feline - Ringworm Ringworm is an infection caused by a fungus that grows in the dead, superficial layers of the skin, hair or nails. It has nothing to do with worms. The scientific name for ringworm is dermatophytosis, and fungi which cause the disease are called dermatophytes. In the cat, the cause of more than 90 per cent of cases of ringworm is the dermatophyte Microsporum canis. Ringworm is contagious. Spores are the infectious stage of dermatophytes and are produced by M canis during an infection. Infected hairs are shed into the cat's environment. Cats may become infected either by direct contact with an infected animal or by exposure to a contaminated environment. However some degree of self trauma is probably required to enable fungal infection to develop. Typical skin lesions are discrete, roughly circular areas of hair loss, particularly on the head, ears or extremities of the paws. The hairs surrounding affected areas appear broken. The affected skin is often scaly and may look inflamed. Ringworm seems to be more common in young cats less than one year old, and long-haired cats. The reasons for this are unknown. It is speculated that young cats may have immature immune defence mechanisms which limit their ability to resist infection. In long-haired cats grooming is less efficient and the skin surface is more protected from exposure to the sun. I suggest both an internal mix & external ointment. Positive results should be seen in 2 weeks. External treatment apply twice daily. To one jar of Paw paw I add herbs Calendula, Yarrow, Thuja and the Bach Flowers Larch, Elm, Crab Apple and Rescue Remedy. This is one of our new cat descriptions, please see our site for others. http://www.herbal-treatments.com/herbal_treatments_for_cats.html Canine - Worms The simple answer is that there is no herbal treatment which will kill all worms and register a zero count in a blood test. Worms evolved along with dogs and if the dog's immunity is properly supported, any infestation will be controlled so that it does the animal no harm. The herb Wormwood (and many others) was used for hundreds of years to assist in managing worm loads in people and animals alike. These herbal wormers are safe for the host, have no side effects and discourage worms by making the dog's system healthier and discouraging worm reproduction. Chemical wormers are maybe more powerful than what you would want and work only because they kill worms quicker than killing dogs. They leave dead worms in the blood which can create problems, damage the immunity and the animal is more prone to new infestation. Assisting your dog to manage the worm loads is a much more realistic target and herbs do this extremely well. See: http://www.herbal-treatments.com/dog_heartworm_treatment.html Equine - Back Pain The only thing that builds muscle is lots of feed, and the correct work. If he is not getting the correct type of work, than he can not develop the correct muscles. Lunging is good to start with, but has to be done in a 15 m diameter round yard to be effective. I don't see how a lead pony can assist, as the whole situation of bad backs comes from a source of tension, and as a result- crookedness. A lead pony situation is only going to cause his neck to be at an odd angle to his shoulders and hips, and you would not be able to achieve any relaxation laterally, longitudinally or vertically in this situation. The energy to build muscle is not present either, because he would be on the forehand the whole time. Hormone injections are a disaster, and should not be used under any circumstance. This is a quick fix only, and long term effects can cause major problems down the track. The only way to develop the correct muscle is to use the classical system of dressage. If you already are trying this, then be sure to check that what you are doing is correct. Charles de Knuffy has two books that will assist your understanding of the muscular/skeletal development through classical training methods, which state that first and foremost the training should be therapeutic and rehabilitative. The books are :Training Strategies for Dressage Riders and Manage Patterns. See: http://www.herbal-horsekeeping.com/newsletter_18052002_retraining_horses_rehabilitation.html Although these books cover high school training as well, the fundamentals are always the same and Charles speaks in a language that is easy and comfortable to read. Create relaxation - rhythm, engagement and balance will follow. We have to however create circumstances for these events to occur. A 15m round yard is a good place start because the wall acts to bend the horse laterally , which in turn ensures that his spine is straight on the circle, and as the trainer in the middle you can create and support the engagement required for the rhythm to be maintained. Before long, you will have a horse that will relax through the back ( indicated by his neck and head stretching out and down ward ( never into the chest) and his hind feet tracking up into the forefeet foot prints. Lunging with out a round yard can cause untold damage. Our Tendon and Bone treatment can assist during this training to repair muscle tearing and damage created by tension. Human - Rosacea Rocasea is associated with chronic facial skin redness and pimples and occurs in more women than men in the age group 30 to 50 years. It is associated with an excess flow of sebum. Antibiotics can control the Rosacea and they do so by dealing with any secondary infections which arise because of the condition rather than controlling the condition itself. The fenugreek tea is a good lymphatic tonic and will be useful. It is considered now that Rocasea can be a result of Vitamin B's deficiencies (esp B2 )and low hydrochoric acid and other pancreatic and digestive enzymes. Avoid milk, trans fatty acids, margarines, coffee, alcohol, hot and spicy drinks and foods can stimulate the condition. As well an internal mix and prescribing an external spray (made from wheatgrass) may together with doetary consideratiions turn the Rosacea around. When I treat it I use herbs to reduce skin and circulatory sensitivity while at the same time strengthening the blood vessel walls. http://www.altivoe.com/herbs_scar_recovery.html The Skin Recovery Spray has significant healing properties beyond wound healing and I would certainly consider a program which alternated this spray say in the morning with my Skin Magic Cream in the evening. http://www.altivoe.com/herbs_skin_cream_magic.html Home Remedies - Antioxidants "Antioxidant" is a classification of several organic substances, including vitamins C and E, vitamin A (which is converted from beta-carotene), selenium (a mineral), and a group known as the carotenoids. Carotenoids, of which beta- carotene is the most popular, are a pigment that adds colour to many fruits and vegetables -- without them, carrots wouldn't be orange, for example. Together as antioxidants, these substances are thought to be effective in helping to prevent cancer, heart disease, and stroke. Antioxidants play the housekeeper's role, "mopping up" free radicals before they get a chance to do harm in your body. Researchers have postulated that antioxidants prevent the possible carcinogenic effects of oxidation. It is best to remember that vitamin and mineral supplements should never be used as substitutes for a healthy, well balanced diet! It is also important to note that we can "over- supplement" our bodies, taking much more than the recommended daily value of certain vitamins and minerals. Vitamins A and E are fat soluble, meaning that excess amounts are stored in the liver and fatty tissues, instead of being quickly excreted, creating a risk of toxicity. Your best bet is to eat a diet rich in fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, cantaloupe, and mangoes are great sources of antioxidants. Reader Feed Back We value your feedback so much that we are making it easier for you to send us a sentence or two. Please fill in the form below and click 'Submit' Wishing you and your companions the best of health and happiness. Yours Truly, Judith Burton for Robert McDowell |
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