• HOMEOPATHY FOR BODY, MIND & SPIRIT
• HOMEOPATHY FOR ARTHRITIS
• REPEL INSECTS NATURALLY
• EAR INFECTIONS IN CHILDREN
• LIVER TOXICITY

 

Karen Guenther, RHN, DHMS

HOMEOPATHY FOR BODY, MIND & SPIRIT  

Humans innately know that the physical and mental/emotional states are not separate entities.  We have always made the connection between the physical and mental/emotional by using expressions such as, ‘this is eating away at me’, ‘getting on my nerves’ and ‘pain in the neck’.

 

In fact, ongoing emotions and stress such as fears, anger, grief and anxiety can manifest as disease eventually if they are not dealt with.  Important factors to consider are how stressful situations are dealt with and how they are perceived.  For example, one person who suffers from grief due to loss of a family member may express his/her emotions by crying and talking to friends about it, while another may suppress the grief while refusing to talk about it and becoming a workaholic.  The cause of the grief is the same, however the reactions are completely different.

Similarly, one person who receives a compliment about having lost weight may be flattered, while another may be offended and interpret it to mean that they looked too heavy before.

 

We need to ask ourselves why we feel a certain way or what is the cause?  However, sometimes the cause is not known or recognized.  Triggers could be past life events, or even events or emotions in the mother during pregnancy may be transferred to the child and form the basis of certain fears etc.  The body’s cells do not forget events; they have a memory. 

 

When the precise homeopathic remedy (the similimum) is given, according to a person’s mental, emotional and physical symptom picture, it stimulates the healing process on all levels.  Homeopathic remedies are made up of natural substances, such as plant, mineral or animal material.  These highly diluted substances work on an energy level to help the body heal itself. 

 

Acute remedies may be given in acute situations, such as Arnica for shock and trauma (both physical and emotional), and Ignatia when there is grief with sighing and often hysterical reactions.  These remedies do not apply in every situation however.  There are numerous homeopathic remedies and the remedy that matches the total picture should be prescribed.  Homeopathic remedies can help the person cope with life’s stresses and in turn help promote the reversal the disorders which have been created over the years.

HOMEOPATHY FOR ARTHRITIS

Arthritis is one of the most common chronic illnesses, especially Osteoarthritis.  The symptoms as well as the causes can be many: nutritional deficiencies, toxins, joint trauma, poor diet, free radical damage and hereditary predisposition.  Osteoarthritis is a gradual deterioration of joint cartilage, creating painful, stiff joints and bone spurs.  With age, less of the cartilage-repairing enzymes are produced.

 

Conventional medicine uses non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as Aspirin and Naprosyn to control pain and inflammation.  The problem with these drugs is that they can only be used for short periods of time due to their various side effects.  Side effects include intestinal tract damage such as ulcers, allergic reactions, easy bleeding and bruising, ringing in the ears, edema and at worst kidney and liver damage.  In addition, the use of NSAID’s is actually damaging to the joints because they inhibit cartilage repair and accelerate cartilage destruction.

 

The human body has the innate ability to heal itself, especially when supported naturally.  A combination of natural supplements such as Glucosamine Sulfate together with homeopathic remedies help to stop the progression of cartilage destruction, thereby reducing arthritis symptoms and increasing flexibility and tissue elasticity. The homeopathic remedies are prescribed based on the individual’s specific symptoms and enable the body to heal itself.  These deep-acting remedies are made out of substances such as plant, mineral or animal material and are effective for a wide variety of conditions and symptoms.

 

REPEL INSECTS NATURALLY

Finally spring is here and we look forward to the warmer weather after a long cold winter.  Unfortunately, along with the warmer weather come insects such as mosquitoes, black flies and wasps.  We are increasingly aware of potentially dangerous mosquito bites, due to the media reports of the threat of West Nile Virus.

 

Commercial insect repellents, although very effective contain harmful chemicals known as DEET.  DEET is able to deteriorate synthetic fibers and it is therefore banned in certain places in the world.  When applied to the skin, it is absorbed into the bloodstream and becomes another toxic burden to our bodies, especially with frequent use.

 

Luckily there are some natural precautions and steps you can take to help ward off mosquitoes.  First of all, consider the clothing you wear outdoors.  Avoid colours which are dark or bright or which have a floral pattern as insects are attracted to these.  Instead wear whites and pastels and avoid loose fitting clothes.  Other factors which attract mosquitoes include: carbon dioxide, estrogens, warmth, moisture and perspiration, perfumes, strong or sweetly scented suntan lotions, cosmetics, hairspray and shiny jewelry.

 

Nutritionally, try to avoid drinking alcohol since it causes the skin to flush, thereby attracting insects such as mosquitoes and horseflies.  Eating garlic and onions daily (in salad dressing for example) is quite effective.  The resulting odour can be reduced by eating some parsley or drinking chlorophyll water.  Incorporating nutritional yeast in your meals, also helps to repel insects.  Foods which are high in the B vitamins, especially vitamin B1 (thiamine) are very useful as mosquitoes do not like the scent that thiamine gives off from the skin.  Foods high in this vitamin include: brown rice, brewer’s yeast, wheatgerm, eggyolks, poultry, organ meats, unrefined blackstrap molasses and fish.  Alternatively, supplementing with a B-complex or thiamine before going outdoors will help.  Avoid eating sugary foods since these give off a sweet smell from the skin.

 

Various herbs and essential oils are effective against insects.  The most commonly used ones are citronella, tea tree oil, oregano oil and pennyroyal.  Oregano oil is highly effective yet very potent and may cause a slight burning sensation on the skin unless diluted with a vegetable oil.  Most other essential oils should also be applied in moderation on a few exposed areas of the skin and diluted with a vegetable oil.  A few drops of Pennyroyal can be applied to the fur of your pets to guard against insects and fleas.  Lavender oil is useful for various skin ailments such as wounds, insect stings and sunburns.  A combination of these can be found in naturally prepared insect repellents from health food stores.  They need to be applied frequently in order to maximize effectiveness.  Other useful herbs and essential oils to repel insects and to help against the toxic and venemous properties of bites are:  thyme, lavender, myrrh, goldenseal, peppermint, rosemary, clove oil, nutmeg oil, mint, eucalyptus, cajeput, bergamot, feverfew, rose, geranium, savory, basil and sage.  The herbs can be grown in the garden as well.  Many herbs/oils should however be avoided in pregnancy.

 

Karen carries a 100% pure , chemical-free shea butter cream (with essential oils optional).  Shea butter is derived from the nut of the Karite tree fruit and it is very healing, soothing, moisturizing and anti-aging. As well, she carries ‘Finally’, a natural body lotion f with essential oils from Liferoot, which is ultra-moisturizing yet light.

 References: 

1.        Duke, James A. Ph.D.  The Green Pharmacy.  Pennsylvania: Rodale Press. 1997.

2.        Balch, James F. M.D. & Balch, Phyllis A. C.N.C.  Prescription for Nutritional Healing.  New York: Avery Publishing Group. 1997.

3.        Goldberg, Burton.  Alternative Medicine, The Definitive Guide.  California: Future Medicine Publishing Inc. 1999.

4.        Alive Magazine. www.alivepublishing.com.  Self-help conditions search.  Insect Bites, Causes.

5.        Idem.  Insect Bites, Nutrition.

6.        Idem.  Looking Good Naturally.  Summer Skin Safety.  2000.

NATURALLY TREATING CHILDREN’S EAR INFECTIONS WITH HOMEOPATHY

Otitis Media (middle ear infections) is the most common reason for visits to the physician in most western countries.  Children are especially prone to these infections because their Eustachian tubes are smaller and are more horizontally located than those of adults.  A middle ear infection may be either viral or bacterial, and more than half are viral based.  Often, the Eustachian tube becomes blocked from swelling during a cold for example, preventing fluid from properly draining out of the middle ear, which in turn can become a breeding ground for bacteria. 

In conventional medicine, parents are often faced with treating their child’s otitis media with antibiotics, which disrupt the balance of the intestinal flora and inhibit the body’s own resistance to infection.  These infections tend to recur as antibiotics only offer a temporary solution, instead of strengthening the child’s resistance.  In addition, since many of these infections are viral, antibiotics will be ineffective.  Then, if antibiotics fail to eliminate the ear infection, excess fluid is removed from the middle ear via an incision into the eardrum (myringotomy).  Subsequently, tubes are inserted to help drain the fluid.  Failing that, an adenoidectomy may even be suggested.  These procedures are quite invasive.

Luckily, homeopathy offers a gentle yet very effective alternative to the above.  Whether it is in the acute or the chronic phase, there are various remedies to treat it naturally, such as Aconite, Belladonna or Pulsatilla to name a few.  Great importance is placed on the various symptoms, such as, colour and consistency of any ear or nasal discharge, thirst or absence thereof, if the left or right ear is affected, what ameliorates and aggravates the condition, and any mental/emotional symptoms that might accompany the illness. After the acute phase has been addressed, the goal is to prevent the ear infections from recurring by strengthening the child’s whole constitution with a remedy chosen specifically for the individual child. 

What a parent can do at home......

For babies 6 months and older, 1-2 drops of either mullein oil or 1 drop lavender oil with 1 drop eucalyptus oil can be placed in affected ear while child is lying down on side.  This can help to ease the pain and inflammation.  Refrain from using these eardrops in case of a perforated eardrum however.

Vitamin C supplementation:  0-6 months: 40 mg daily, 6-12 months: 60 mg daily, 1-2 years: 100 mg daily, and 3-4 years: 150 mg daily.  This has a mild anti-inflammatory action and helps to boost the immune system.

Essential fatty acid supplementation:  Omega 3 EFA’s are essential, yet the body does not produce them on it’s own.  Omega 3 EFA’s have a natural anti-inflammatory and immune boosting action.  Cod liver oil has the added benefit of it’s naturally occurring Vitamin A and D, needed for healthy immune function.  Give ¼ tsp daily in winter to a baby up to age 2, and ½ tsp to children age 2-4.  Breastfeeding mothers should take the EFA supplement themselves and this will ensure the child receives it in the breastmilk.

Eliminate cow’s milk from child’s diet as it is mucus producing and a common allergen.  Replace it with goat’s milk or almond milk.  With homeopathic treatment, cow’s milk sensitivities can often be diminished.

If baby or child drinks out of a bottle, be sure to prop him or her up, instead of lying down flat.  The sucking action while lying down flat will aggravate the condition as the fluid will drain directly into the middle ear.

Massage child’s ear to help keep the Eustachian tube open by gently drawing a finger behind the ear, downwards and behind the jawbone.

Ear infections are much less common in breastfed babies than in bottle fed babies due to the immune boosting benefits in breastmilk.  The World Health Organization now recommends that a child be breastfed for at least 2 years in order to obtain the maximum immune boosting benefits.

Acknowledgement of certain dietary measures will provide a good start to enhancing a child’s immune system, and with professional homeopathic care, ear infections can be effectively treated and eliminated for good.

 

References:

Castro, Miranda.  Homeopathy for Pregnancy, Birth, and Your Baby’s First Year.  New York:  St. Martin’s Press. 1993.

Zand, Janet, ND, L.Ac., Rountree, Robert, MD, Walton, Rachel, MSN, CRNP.  Smart Medicine For a Healthy Child.  New York:  Penguin Group Inc. 2003.

                                                LIVER TOXICITY, A CHAIN REACTION

The liver is the primary organ of detoxification.  According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the overloaded liver and kidneys is what ages us.  When they are overloaded, the blood becomes dirty with toxins, causing poor circulation and a decreased capacity to carry oxygen and nutrients, resulting in undernourished cells.  As a result of a toxic liver we become unwell in various ways such as: obesity,  frequent infections, fatigue, nervousness, poor concentration, hormonal imbalances, high levels of bad cholesterol, poor thyroid function, cancer, degenerative diseases and the list goes on. 

But what causes liver toxicity?  Both internal and external factors.  Externally, we are bombarded with so many toxins in our world that we cannot escape them, such as air and water pollution and toxic chemicals sprayed on our crops, etc.  Some examples of toxic heavy metals are found in ordinary household products:

   Aluminum:  found in regular processed table salt and seasonings, antiperspirants and toothpaste.

   Cadmium:  found in refined wheat flour, tobacco and drinking water. 

   Lead:  found in canned foods, toothpaste, newsprint. 

   Mercury:  found in talc powders, cosmetics, laxatives, fabric softeners and leather tanning products.

   Arsenic:  found in coloured chalk and insecticides used for produce.

Our children are not exempt from toxicity by any means.  A study in Michigan, USA of 4 year old children, showed 70% to have DDT toxins and 50% to have PCP toxins, with nursing being the primary source of exposure.  This does not mean that women should stop breastfeeding though, because it still provides so many essential nutrients and benefits, however cleansing the body of toxins before conception is ideal.  Recent studies on umbilical cord blood revealed over 200 dangerous toxins, many of them being carcinogenic.

Since the mid 1970’s, the Environmental Protection Agency has done studies on toxins found in fat tissue taken from samples of cadavers or surgeries.  Certain toxins were found in 100% of the samples, such as:  OCDD, styrene, 1,4-dichlorobenzene, xylene and ethyl phenol.  Toxins accumulate in the fat cells in order to protect our vital organs from the dangers of these toxins, therefore obesity as well as cellulite is a problem of toxicity. 

Internally, a poorly functioning digestive system is usually at the root of an overloaded liver.  Stress and anger compound the issue.  With our modern lifestyle many of us suffer from indigestion or heartburn, or eat processed foods such as refined carbohydrates, sugar, dairy (dairy is largely pasteurized today and the enzymes are therefore destroyed), meat and drink coffee or pop, which creates an acidic environment in the body.  An acidic body invites disease, and our diet today usually includes too many acid-producing foods.  In addition, enzymes are needed for all metabolic processes of the cells.  Nutrients such as trace minerals and amino acids are crucial to enzyme production in the body.  Refined foods and pasteurized dairy have no enzymes remaining to aid the digestive process.  Toxins are created inside our gut when our foods are not efficiently digested.  The food that was not properly digested in the stomach remains undigested in the intestines where it begins to ferment and decay.  Pathogenic bacteria begin to feed off of the decayed matter.  Our beneficial intestinal flora becomes depleted as the pathogenic bacteria multiply, leaving the bad bacteria to take over, which is called dysbiosis.  Beneficial bacteria are essential for good digestion and nutrient absorption.  When it is depleted, our immune system becomes weaker and a variety of health problems can start.  Each person has their own constitutional weakness that may be exacerbated by a poorly functioning digestive system. 

Let’s look at what our liver does for us.  It regulates the metabolism, produces and secretes bile for the digestion of fats, filters the blood, produces proteins for immune system functioning and blood clotting, produces and stores nutrients, manufactures cholesterol and certain hormones which it regulates as well.  So the liver has many big jobs that become impaired when it is overloaded.  The liver and digestive process requires a variety of nutrients in order to be able to detoxify and function properly.   Although food is widely available in the western world, most of us are deficient in nutrients due to nutritionally-deficient crops (from the use of herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers and poor soil quality from over-farming) in combination with a poorly functioning digestive system, and toxic overload.  For example, if the body is deficient in a certain trace mineral, it won’t receive the signal that it is satisfied.  This contributes to obesity because there is the urge to continue eating even though the stomach is full, and therefore certain cravings arise. 

HOW DO WE RID OUR BODIES OF THE TOXINS?

It is very important to do a deep body cleanse at least once per year, which includes some fasting, and to do maintenance cleansing more regularly to prevent the toxins from embedding into the fat tissue.  A nutritional cleansing system which rids the body of toxins as well as replenishes the body of essential nutrients is the key to effective cleansing.  Remember, the liver and digestive system requires a variety of nutrients to support the detoxification process, so cleansing must be supported by nutrients.  Considering that everyone’s needs may vary, speak to your natural health care practitioner about how to approach your cleansing goals.

Karen Guenther, BA, RHN, DHMS

References:

 Junger, Alejandro, MD.  Clean. NY:  HarperOne. 2009.

Natrajan, Becky, MD.  If’s And’s or Butts & Guts.  AZ.  2005

Jensen, Bernard & Anderson, Mark.  Empty Harvest.  NY:  Avery Publishing Group Inc. 1990.