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Robert McDowell's Herbal Treatments 21 October 2007 Herbal Help for Humans and their Companions5 Things Couples Should Do To Improve Their RelationshipRelationships that work well are usually because two people have committed to consistent and ongoing conversation. When couples want to improve the quality of their connection they need to improve the quality of their conversation and often the quantity as well! 1. A daily ritual - it's good for couples to have a daily ritual in which they share the highs and lows of their day. This is not a problem-solving time, nor a whinge, but simply a time to keep your lover and best friend filled in on the details of your day. It's ideal for it to be over food or drinks where both parties are feeling relaxed and happy. 2. Practice listening - quality conversation takes place when there is quality listening. Listening is a skill that most of us can improve. Eye contact is essential as well as continual acknowledgement that you are hearing what the other person is saying. The icing on the cake would be your capacity to be able to summarise and repeat back what you have just heard or understood. This acknowledges that you value the person you're listening to, even if you don't understand or agree with what has been said. Being heard makes a person feel highly valued and esteemed. 3. Asking the right questions - it's easier to listen when you have asked a sincere question that you would like the answer to. Don't wait for your partner to just share randomly but rather be specific with your questions. It also acknowledges that you care about the details in your partner's life. 4. Schedule time for fun - in the mundane happenings of life, fun doesn't always just happen. We need to make time for fun and plan activities that we both enjoy. We may not share the same interests but we can gain great enjoyment out of participating in something that our partner enjoys. Don't be predictable. Occasionally plan something that's way out of left field for both of you and laugh your way through the process. 5. Schedule time for intimacy - many couples complain that their love life is lacking. Often this is because it's not on the schedule and it's left to chance. Children and business will take up all of your extra moments so plan for the things that really matter to you! We recommend that couples plan 12 hot nights a year (but not to restrict it to this number!). Give yourself a goal and have a laugh in the process. (Author unknown - with thanks) This week we feature:-
Feline - Hemangiosarcoma Hemangiosarcoma is much less common in cats than in dogs, hemangiosarcoma in cats arise about 50% of the time in the abdominal organs and about 50% of the time in subcutaneous tissues. Hemangiosarcoma is a malignant cancer of the cells that form blood vessels. Because these tumors start in blood vessels, they are frequently filled with blood. Consequently, when a blood-filled tumor ruptures, it can cause problems with internal or external bleeding. Hemangiosarcoma is considered to be a very aggressive tumor and can spread rapidly to other organs. In cats, it occurs in older animals and there is no breed predisposition. Since this is a cancer of the blood vessels, it can start anywhere. In cats, this cancer occurs about half the time in internal organs (usually the spleen and liver) and half the time in the skin. These tumors usually spread to the lungs, liver, spleen and heart. Signs of this disease are usually the result of the tumor rupturing, which causes bleeding. This may occur without any warning, and the symptoms will depend upon where the tumor is located. As humans we are rapidly polluting our environment and food, subverting our natural exercise and recreational needs as well as our community and family support systems more than at any previous time in history and we are now clearly paying the price. So it is with cats. I prepare a specific herbal Hemangiosarcoma Cancer Support mixture of concentrated extracts of: Oats, Comfrey, Wormwood, Yarrow, Nettle, Rue and Red Clover along with appropriate Bach Flower Remedies. This mix is given in conjunction with Maritime Pine super antioxidant http://www.herbal-treatments.com/cat_maritime_pine_bark_extract_pycnogenol.html which is derived from the Maritime Pine and together they have the potential to slow down and reverse the development of Hemangiosarcoma. This type of tumor can have an impact on the heart and lung function. Please keep an eye out for symptoms such as coughing, difficulty with breathing and lethargy. Canine - What is the best type of raw food? The best food for your dog may vary depending on his individual needs. The basic diet, however, should consist of mostly succulent, raw, meaty bones with the addition of some organ meat, plus a little muscle meat , throw in a raw egg , portion of mashed banana or 1 dessertspoon of yoghurt. Some people feel that vegetables can provide additional nutrition. However because of the design of the dog's teeth and his digestive system he probably won't be able to derive much nutrition from fruits and vegetables unless they are cut very fine, mashed , or lightly cooked. A good way of serving vegetables/fruit is the fibre remains from making your own juices, mixed with minced raw meat. http://www.herbal-treatments.com.au/articles_digestive_system_ofadog.html Equine - Stomach Ulcers We treat a lot of horses with stomach ulcers very successfully using Slippery Elm and Chamomile mix at the following link on the website: http://www.herbal-treatments.com.au/horse_stomach_ulcers.html Add rosehip tea to the diet in case any of the ulcers have bled as this is a great source of iron and vitamin C. You can steep 2 - 4 dessertspoons in 1 litre of boiling water, allow to cool, place 1/2 in AM feed and the remainder in PM feed daily. The rosehip granules are found at the following link: http://www.herbal-treatments.com.au/horse_rosehips_granules.html You can also add further chamomile tea to the feed as it is very soothing for the gut, and its benefits are described on the following link; http://www.herbal-treatments.com.au/horse_chamomile_flowers.html You make this up and add to the feed in the same manner as the rosehips. If there is in any pain, please stay clear of Bute as this is a major cause of ulceration in the stomach and will only add to the problem. I have an anti-inflammatory that is natural and safe to use with no side-effects and it is found at: http://www.herbal-treatments.com.au/horse_anti_inflammatory_healer.html Below are some interesting articles pertaining to stomach ulcers that you may like to read at the following links: http://www.herbal-treatments.com.au/articles_equine_stomach_ulcers.html http://www.herbal-treatments.com.au/articles_bute_debate.html Human - Blushing And Rosacea Blushing is a common and embarrassing problem for many people. Blushing can be a precursor to Rosacea. Rosacea often begins with easy blushing and flushing of the facial skin. Eventually, redness will persist around the nose area, extending to the rest of the face. The latest on rosacea is that it can be triggered by a diminshed amount of hydrochloric acid in the stomach as well as fewer pancreatic enzymes , both essential for digestion. You could find a good "digestaid" such as Eagles brand or use apple cider vinegar, 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with 2 teaspoons of raw, organic honey . Mix with 1 cup of boiling water 3X a day . This will assist digestion. Avoid trigger foods and drinks such as alcohol, coffee and spicy foods as these can provoke red flushes. Blushing is a chronic problem and therefore requires a long period of changes to help the body come back into balance. It is also associated with emotional issues, nervousness and anxiety. I suggest a mix of nervines and blood cooling herbs such as Oats, Vervain, Skullcap, Hops, Sage, Zizyphus, Black Cohosh, St Johns with the Bach Flowers Larch, Chestnut Bud, Aspen and water Violet. Home Remedies - Millet (Maiden Hair Fern Tree) Millet is one of the oldest foods known to humans and possibly the first cereal grain to be used for domestic purposes. Although millet is most often associated as the main ingredient in bird seed, it is not just "for the birds." Creamy like mashed potatoes or fluffy like rice, millet is a delicious grain that can accompany many types of food. As with most grains, millet is available in markets throughout the year. Millet is used in various cultures in many diverse ways: The Hunza's use millet as a cereal, in soups, and for making a dense, whole grain bread called chapatti. In India flat thin cakes called roti are often made from millet flour and used as the basis for meals. In Eastern Europe millet is used in porridge and kasha, or is fermented into a beverage and in Africa it is used to make bread, as baby food, and as uji, a thin gruel used as breakfast porridge. It is also used as a stuffing ingredient for cabbage rolls in some countries. Millet is highly nutritious, non-glutinous and like buckwheat and quinoa, is not an acid forming food so is soothing and easy to digest. In fact, it is considered to be one of the least allergenic and most digestible grains available and it is a warming grain so will help to heat the body in cold or rainy seasons and climates. Millet is tasty, with a mildly sweet, nut-like flavor and contains a myriad of beneficial nutrients. Although oats have been widely publicized for their heart-protective properties, millet is a grain that should also be included on your list of heart-healthy choices because of its status as a good source of magnesium. Magnesium has been shown in studies to reduce the severity of asthma and to reduce the frequency of migraine attacks. Magnesium has also been shown to lower high blood pressure and reduce the risk of heart attack. Reader Feedback "Bass" had Stomach Ulcers I just wanted to write and thank you for all your help and advice that you and your team have given me for my horse Bass who was suffering from stomach ulcers. As you suggested I gave him a 3 month treatment each day of Slippery Elm Bark powder along with the Chamomile and Rosehip tea. Within the first few weeks he was like a different horse. He went from being dull and generally uninterested in me and his pasture buddies to the comical life and soul of the pasture. He is now a happier and more comfortable horse and it shows in his work and general personality. In the last few months he has literally blossomed. Although I felt certain that his ulcers must be gone due to his new happier self, I decided to take him to the vets to get scoped just to be sure!! Much to the surprise of the vet clinic, all 4 of his ulcers are gone and his stomach lining looked in perfect health. Thanks again, I can't tell you how different he is!! Kate 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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