Robert McDowell's Herbal Treatments
14 November 2007
Herbal Help for Humans and their Companions
PMS - natural disaster or emotional compass?"What I realized this time round was that the issues that come up during the week are not manufactured. They're real, unresolved issues that don't hinder me in the day to day, but stop me cold when PMS forces me to take a hard look at them. It's not as if the emotional baggage, isn't there when I don't have PMS, it's that I can't see it when I don't have PMS.
So tonight, when I get home from my office job, I'm going to try to process what came up for me this month: I'm no longer getting much out of one of my friendships, and I want more fun. Could I possibly turn PMS into a tool for personal growth? A compass for the issues in my life that need tackling? Yay!
Of course, I suppose its easy to hypothesize that PMS is a blessing when I've just come out the other end."
read the rest at http://rootless.wordpress.com/2007/02/12/pms-natural-disaster-or-emotional-compass/
This week we feature:-
- Feline - Immune Booster
- Canine - Surgery Recovery
- Equine - Equine Influenza Results
- Human - PMS
- Home Remedies - Sage
- Reader Feedback
Feline - Immune Booster
The immune system works constantly to keep environmental disease forces at bay, including viruses, harmful bacteria, and external heat and cold. It also keeps our animal friend's normal control factors on course, keeping uncontrolled cell division in check. Our pet's immune system can get run down, making them susceptible to any number of dangers.
This formula addresses a weakened immune system which may include fatigue, recurrent illnesses, compromised immune system, recurrent upper respiratory infections, slow injury recovery as well as viral and bacterial infections.
The mix includes the following herbs ; MPB is a powerful antioxidant for general immunity, Liquorice for adrenal exhaustion and inflammatory conditions, Rosehips to strengthen circulation , St Mary's Thistle to boost the efficiency and health of the liver, Blue Flag and Kelp to maintain a healthy glandular and in particular thyroid function . Alfalfa will assist digestive issues and rebalance an acidic build up, while Skullcap calms the nervous system . This mix includes the Bach Flowers Rescue Remedy, Water Violet, Holly, Vine and Scleranthus.
Canine - Mammary Gland Recovery for Andrea
"Just want to give you a report about our border collie Andrea. Andrea has never looked so well and the amazing thing is how quickly she recovered after mammary gland operation in August. It was just incredible, after a fortnight, she just kept getting better and better. The change in diet and the herbs are both obviously working well.
Andrea's eyes are so shiny and bright, she got rid of the tartar on her teeth, she went and got her needles (parvo etc) a couple of weeks ago and had pounded on 1.5 kilos. The receptionist was gobsmacked when she saw Andrea. Andrea's coat is so shiny too and she has moisture on her nose and its so black, shiny and healthy looking and moisture around her mouth on the jaw line that she has never had before. In summary, Andrea has never looked so well in her life and I want to thank you for your compassion and help and your herbs. In fact, I can also say that our other 3 borders have responded to the change in diet too and look just like I have described above, our dogs have never looked so well in their life. In addition they have more energy, especially Mother dog at 9 years of age, who used to just sit around and sit around now she is a lot more active.
I just wanted to let you know how Andrea is progressing, as she is the one on the herbs, but I can tell you the receptionist at the vets the other week was speechless, she just stared at Andrea, as she couldn't believe how well she looked and she had pounded on 1.5 kilos which considering the loss of the cancer etc is wonderful.
Thank you sincerely ever so much and I am just so grateful I found your website on the internet and its wonderful you are providing this herb service to animals. In fact, someone I know living here at our caravan park used your herbs 12 years ago and got 2 and a half years more out of her dog who had bowel cancer.
Thank you ever so much,
cheers "
Equine - Equine Influenza Results
" Thank you for sending me the E.I. treatment. We live near Warwick in Qld. Unfortunately my horses were infected with E.I. a few days before I placed my order with you. I thought I would let you know how my horses are doing now.
I put my 2 mares with young foals, one was 2 weeks old and the other 4 weeks, on the E.I. treatment you sent me. The other horses, 2 older geldings, a dry mare and a yearling, were all given doses of Collodial Silver. I also added Fenugreek powder to their regular Rosehips. When E.I. was found at Morgan Park in Warwick I immediately doubled my mare's with foals Rosehips and doubled all the horses Apple Cider Vinegar as well.
I feel that my mares and foals recovered the quickest and were no way near being as sick as my older geldings were. They had bad symptoms for only 3 days after starting the E.I. Treatment. My foals did not falter, continued feeding, putting on weight and growing. There was only one day where one of my colts was a little lethargic but the next day he was bouncing around again.
Even though the other horses were a little slower to recover I feel that I saw an improvement in them after each dose of the treatment I chose for them. I did not yard any of the horses at any time. They all stayed out in their paddocks 24/7. All of them were lined up at feed times and no feed was left uneaten. I was very worried when I realised they had the flu but as each day went by I felt they would be ok. I kept a close eye on them all, fed them and made sure they had plenty of water. They all had increased thirst and were drinking plenty.
It is now over a month since they first showed symptoms. They have been fully recovered for the past 2 weeks - meaning no snot or coughing.
Thank you for helping us (my horses & I) through this. It wasn't pleasant but it's over for us now.
Thanks once more.
Yours sincerely, "
Human - PMS
http://www.herbal-treatments.com/herbs_dysmenorrhea.html
http://www.herbal-treatments.com/herbs_amenorrhea.html
Mild anxiety
These women suffer from mild anxiety, irritability and emotional behaviour . PMS-A is thought to be due to a hormonal imbalance; oestrogen levels are high and progesterone levels are insufficient. This hormonal imbalance is very common and is best addressed by encouraging the body to produce more progesterone.
The herb Vitex agnus-castus (otherwise known as chaste tree) is one of the main herbs used to regulate the menstrual cycle, especially where there is a deficiency in progesterone . Typically it is used from the first day of the menstrual cycle up until ovulation which falls around day 14 (in a 28-day cycle).
B vitamins are often a good idea as they play a role in the metabolism of oestrogen, as does magnesium. As the liver is where our hormones are metabolised another recommendation is to take the herb St Mary's thistle (often called milk thistle) as it aids normal liver function and has traditionally been used as a liver tonic.
And who'd have thought your mum was right - eat your brussel sprouts, girls! Foods such as brussel sprouts, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower help with the metabolism and excretion of oestrogen.
Carbohydrate cravings.
Symptoms such as increased hunger, sugar cravings, headaches, fatigue, heart pounding, dizziness or fainting . They tend to have an abnormal blood sugar level response in the five to ten days prior to menstruation. They need to be careful with their diet, avoiding as much processed food, sugar and alcohol as possible, particularly during the last two weeks of their cycle which is the time PMS occurs. Nutrients that are specific for this type of PMS include:
Chromium helps to improve glucose tolerance. Foods high in chromium include brewer's yeast, wholegrain breads and cereals, cheese, eggs, bananas, spinach, mushrooms and broccoli.
B vitamins are important for the metabolism of carbohydrates (vitamin B1 & vitamin B12), regulation of blood sugar levels (vitamin B3) . Foods rich in B vitamins include whole grains, brewer's yeast, eggs and wheat germ.
Fluid Retention
The major symptoms of this type of PMS include weight gain, fluid retention in the extremities, breast tenderness and abdominal bloating.
Again the herb Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus) can be used to address fluid retention and breast soreness.
Avoid eating excess salt as it contributes to fluid retention. It is also important to consume enough potassium. Potassium-rich foods include bananas and fresh fruits and vegetables. Vitamin B6 may be useful in this type of PMS as it may relieve breast tenderness and fluid retention. This important vitamin may also help with mood changes, irritability and fatigue associated with premenstrual syndrome.
The Blues
These women may experience symptoms such as forgetfulness, crying, confusion and insomnia. This is considered the least common type of PMS and may be related to an increase in breakdown of neurotransmitters in the brain in response to decreased oestrogen levels. The herb St John's wort may be useful in this category of PMS as it helps with low mood and feelings of sadness and/or tearfulness.
Essential fatty acids such as those found in fish oil and evening primrose oil are important for our bodies. In particular evening primrose oil is a rich source of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA). Low levels of GLA have been found in women with premenstrual syndrome (PMS). It is often worthwhile consulting with a healthcare professional such as a herbalist or naturopath who can guide you in choosing the most appropriate alternative therapies for your situation.
Things to avoid generally
Home Remedies - Sage
A wise lady once told me to eat one or two sage leaves each day on toast or chopped into salad.
Sage essential oil, Salvia officinalis, is a stimulating oil which helps to stimulate and balance the nerves and dispels tiredness and depression. Sage is excellent in adding the memory. Use in massage oils for aches, pains, rheumatism and over exercised muscles. Raises blood pressure. Steam for alleviating bronchitis, coughs, colds and other infections. Helpful during menopause, Sage helps control hot flushes, night sweats and balances the nerves and massage on tummy to help relieve painful menstruation. The thujone in the volatile oil has an antiseptic and antibiotic action and, when taken as a mouthwash, Salvia deals effectively with throat infections, dental abscesses, infected gums and mouth ulcers
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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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