| GENERAL HEALTH, PRENATAL, IMMUNE BOOSTER Reliv - Your all-in-one multivitamin, herbal, mineral supplement. Reliv has no drug interactions and there is no dosing caution (you cannot overdose). It is also safe even with most food allergies. It is effective for boosting your immune system, energy levels, and overall bodily function by nourishing your body at the cellular level. It is especially effective for people with CF because its formulation is easily digestible so that you absorb 95% or more of it (people with CF often only absorb about 10-15% of most vitamins). It is an excellent prenatal, preconceptional supplement as it has all the folic acid and iron you need. Most women experience less morning sickness with this supplement than with other prenatal vitamins. Click www.reliv.com for more information. Click here for ordering and connection with other people with CF who are taking Reliv. Mucinex - the brand name of the expectorant Guaifenesin. This is a great product for the thinning of mucus (cervical, pulmonary, etc.). It is only the mucus thinning agent and does not have the unpleasant taste and side-effects of cough syrups. You can adjust your doseage to what you need whether 600mg twice daily or 1200mg twice daily or somewhere in between. It is not recommended to take more than 1200mg every 12 hours. CONSTIPATION, DIARRHEA, BOWEL IRREGULARITY Fibrestore - For the effective regulation of bowel movements (constipation or diarrhea). This product from Reliv International is quite effective and has the added benefit of containing both soluble and insoluble fibers, therefore not only regulating bowels but also keeping your circulatory system flowing freely. The amount needed to regulate your system will be individual, but as with the other Reliv products there is no overdose concern. Witchhazel (see "Pregnancy, Post-Natal, Menstrual" below) can be used to soothe a bottom sore from constipation or diarrhea. Sometimes the cause of diarrhea, constipation or other gut problems (such as excess gas, nausea, belching) can be attributed to an imbalance in flora. This is quite common after a round of antibiotics, but can occur at other times as well. To restore the good bacteria and balance your gut flora see remedies under the heading "Yeast Overgrowth." INFECTIONS GENERAL Garlic, Echinacea and Vitamin C - If you choose not to take Reliv, these three will be your best bet for fighting off an oncoming virus and for boosting your immune system to fight other infections. Take two garlic pills (or 1 clove raw garlic, crushed), two Echinacea pills, and 1000mg Vitamin C four times daily. Make sure you do not stop this regemine too soon. You may need to take it several days past feeling better to make sure that your infection is truly irradicated. For babies, you can open, burst, or crush the pills and put them in applesauce. Be careful if you use fresh, raw garlic that all the pieces are swallowed promptly. Garlic is very potent and if left on the skin can burn. You may also crush fresh garlic and cover it with olive oil. Let this sit for at least 24 hours and up to 2 weeks. The longer, the stronger. You can rub this oil on your feet and have the garlic absorbed directly into your blood stream for aggressive treatment. Green Tea - green tea has many immune boosting properties and is good for use anytime and for any kind of infection or inflammation. It does contain caffeine, fo you may need to be mindful about how much or at what time of day you drink it, especially if you are nursing, as caffeine can enter your milk. KIDNEY, BLADDER Cranberry - For the treatment of Urinary Tract Infection (UTI), bladder or kidney infections. Take at least two Cranberry pills (much more potent than cranberry juice or cranberries) four times daily with doubled Reliv shakes or garlic, echinacea, and vitamin C. It is best to begin this treatment at the first signs of an infection (fatigue, feverishness, achiness, back ache, burning with urination, cloudy urine). UTIs are a common malady of pregnancy. This treatment usually works faster and is safer than antibiotics especially for pregnancy, and does not have the unpleasant side effects of antibiotics. For babies with UTIs you can open the capsules and pour the contents into applesauce. Water - Increase your intake of water to 80 ounces or more a day, instead of or in addition to other fluids. Avoid sodas, coffee and other dark or sugary drinks. SINUS Neti Pot - The Neti Pot is a small vessel used for irrigating the sinuses. It can be found at health food stores. Make a solution of 8 ounces luke-warm water (preferably filtered and/or boiled so as to be free from as many contaminants as possible) and 1/4 teaspoon non-iodized salt (iodized or sea salt may be too strong and cause irriation). While standing over a sink or basin place the spout of the pot in one nostril and tip your head to the side and forward so that the solution flows freely out of the other nostril. You should be able to breathe and the solution should not go down your throat, though it wouldn't be harmful. You may or may not need to repeat with the spout in the opposite nostril. Grapefruit Seed Extract - also known as GSE, this is effective in killing and inhibiting the growth of Pseudomonas and other gram negative and gram positive bacteria as well as fungi. It is very potent and not to be used in the nose in full strength. You can safely and comfortably add about 5 drops to the saline recipe above. It can also be diluted and ingested. LUNGS Cinnamon - pour ground cinnamon into a small pot of water and boil. Inhale steam deeply for the anti-inflammatory benefits. ALLERGIES Raw, local honey � honey is naturally clean and ready to eat straight from the honeycomb. Large manufacturers pasteurize it simply to make it easier to process (raw honey is thick, heated honey pours faster and easier), but it isn�t necessary and actually diminishes the nutritional value. Local honey is the key to treating your outdoor allergies. Honey made locally, contains small doses of the pollens in the area. By taking 1-2 Tbs each day, you slowly desensitize yourself. Some grocery stores may carry raw, local honey, but if not, search the phone book, farmers� market or health food store (if you don�t want to pay health food store prices, look for their product and call the company directly.) Do not give honey to a baby younger than 12 months. Honey will keep indefinitely if covered, though it may crystalize, if so, just warm it slightly and stir. YEAST OVERGROWTH Recommendations Keep area clean and dry. After bathing, hold blow dryer (set on cool) 6 to 8 inches from the area until thoroughly dried. Wear loose-fitting cotton clothing and white cotton underwear to allow for free circulation of air. Launder clothing in unscented detergent, and avoid fabric softeners. Cotton underwear can be microwaved to destroy yeast. Wet the garment, wring it out well, and microwave it on high for 30 seconds. from Prescriptions For Nutritional Healing p.535, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. (You can also not to wear underwear at all when yeast or another rash is present.For infants, using white cotton diapers without any plastic lining or going bare is helpful. When dealing with yeast, wash things that come into contact with the affected area with a vinegar rinse and dry on as high a heat as possible or hang in the sunlight to kill remaining bacteria. Also, you need not wean because of an infant's oral yeast infection or yeast on your breast. Treat as recommended here and consult your La Leche League leader for any additional help--ed.) Acidophilus - For the rebalancing of intestinal flora. If and when you must take antibiotics, Acidophilus is a must for replacing the good bacteria in your gut that is killed along with the bad. Acidophilus is found in live-cultured yogurt, but you'd have to eat a lot to get the amount you need during a round of antibiotics. Yogurt is better for daily maintenance. During an imbalance, you will probably need Acidophilus pills in enteric coating. This allows the delicate acidophilus bacteria to survive your stomach acids and get into your gut. You can take several pills every few hours as there is no risk of overdose. Be sure to start this as soon as you know you will be taking antibiotics and continue it for approximately a week after completing the antibiotics. You can also open them and coat your mouth if you get yeast infections in your mouth (thrush). If you have a baby with thrush, on antibiotics or you are breastfeeding during antibiotics you can buy the powdered kind to coat your baby's mouth or put it in applesauce or on a banana to get it into their gut. You will need to do this frequently because of the fragility of the bacteria and the likelihood of it being broken down in stomach acids. Make sure that any Acidophilus you buy is refridgerated and that you continue to keep it refridgerated, otherwise the bacteria will die and not be of benefit. Homeostatic Soil Organisms (HSO) - For the rebalancing and maintenance of intestinal flora. If and when you must take antibiotics or if you are prone to yeast overgrowth, HSO is valuable for prevention and treatment. It is heartier than acidophilus in surviving stomach acids, but does not set up permanent colonies (is transient). HSO and acidophilus work wonderfully together. Take 1/2 teaspoon twice daily while on antibiotics or 1/4 teaspoon once daily for maintenance. HSO are sensitive to light and must be kept in a dark place and refridgerated to remain potent. Kefir - a fermented drink made from milk which contains beneficial bacteria to restore balance to gut flora. A bit like a liquid yogurt, Kefir can be purchased premade or made at home easily and cost-effectively with starter (see Kefir Starter from www.urbanhomemaker.com), but is more nutrient-dense. It is better than many other cultured milk products because is is not heated before adding the starter and the very fine curd is easily digested. People who are lactose-intolerant can tolerate Kefir. Leftover Kefir can be used to start the next batch to save starter. Any flavors or fruit can be added to taste. Tea Tree Oil - Parts Used: Essential oil. Actions and Uses: Good for disinfecting wounds and healing virtually all skin conditions, including acne, athlete's foot, cuts and scrapes, fungal infection, herpes outbreaks, insect and spider bits, scabies, vaginitis, and warts. Can be added to water and used as a gargle for colds and sore throats, or as a douche for yeast infections. Comments: Caution: If irritation occurs with topical use, use should be discontinued, or the tea tree oil diluted with distilled water or with primrose or vitamin E oil. Not recommended for internal use except under the careful supervision of a health care professional. Tea tree oil is effective against fungal infections and herpes, and has a healing effect. It is especially beneficial when used as a douche. tea tree oil suppositiories, used with alternating hot and cold sitz baths, are also effective. from Prescriptions For Nutritional Healing pp.77, 534, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. (Put a dozen drops of the oil in a bath and soak the affected area--ed.) Vinegar - Antifungal, it can be used to topically treat yeast overgrowth. or a cup or two of vinegar in a bath and soak the affected area. Calendula - Parts Used: Flower petals. Actions and Uses: A natural anti-inflammatory and skin soother. Also helps to regulate the mentsrual cycle and lessens fever. Useful for many skin disorders, such as rahses and sunburn, as well as for neuritis and toothache. Good for diaper rash and other skin problems in small children. Comments: Generally non-irritating when used externally. from Prescriptions For Nutritional Healing p.66, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. (For topical relief of yeast overgrowth as well. The cream is preferable over ointment for soaking into the skin and allowing air to continue to reach the affected area. There are several brands (we like Earth Friendly Baby) that carry it as a diaper rash treatment, but it is also good for adults. Gentian Violet - An anitseptic for external fungal infections (yeast). Clean the affected area and apply directly or with a cotton swab. It may be easier to control application with a cotton swab. It is recommended once or twice daily, but we have noticed that it is often so effective that it does not need to be reapplied so frequently. It does stain skin (though, it will wash and wear off the skin in a day or two) and anything else, so be careful. PERINATAL (during, before and after pregnancy), HORMONAL IMBALANCE, MENSTRUAL Vitex or Chastetree Berry Extract - (these are two names for the same herb) For the balancing of hormones and regulation of erradic menstrual cycles. It is effective in balancing the hormones of both men and women. Take 400mg two to three times daily for eight to twelve weeks, thereafter take 400mg once daily. Vitex works gently and is most effective with long-term use. It may not make a woman's cycles exactly four weeks apart, but it will generally help her body to develop and regulate its own rhythm. Red Raspberry - Parts used: Bark, leaves, roots. Actions and Uses: Decreases menstrual bleeding, relaxes uterine and intestinal spasms, and strengthens the uterine walls. Also promotes healthy nails, bones, teeth, and skin, Good for diarrhea and for female disorders such as morning sickness, hot flashes, and menstural cramps. Also heals canher sores. Combined with peppermint, good for morning sickness. from Prescriptions For Nutritional Healing p.76, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. Evening Primrose Oil - Parts Used: Oil from seeds. Actions and Uses: Helpful in treatment of alcoholism, arthritis, hot flashes, menstural problems such as cramps and heavy bleeding, multiple sclerosis. skin disorders, and many other disorders. Comments: A natural estrogen promoter. from Prescriptions For Nutritional Healing p.75, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. Witchhazel - Parts Used: Bark, leaves, twigs. Actions and Uses: Applied topically, has astringent and healing properties, and relieves itching. Good for hemorrhoids and phlebitis. Very useful in skin care. from Prescriptions For Nutritional Healing p.78, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. Sarsaparilla - Parts Used: Roots. Actions and Uses: Increases energy, protects against harmful radiation exposure, regulates hormones, and has diuretic properties. Useful for frigidity, hives, impotence, infertility, nervous system disorders, premenstrual syndrome, and disorders caused by blood impurities. Comments: Also called Chinese root, small spikenard. from Prescriptions For Nutritional Healing p.77, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. ANEMIA, LOW IRON LEVELS Floradix Iron and Herb - For the treatment iron-deficiency anemia. Some people may suffer with chronic anemia while others may only experience it after extensive lab-work or illness and women may experience anemia during menstruation or postpartum. Chronic or periodic spells of fatigue and weakness possibly accompanied by feverish spells or claminess can be signs of iron-defiency. Depending on your level of anemia and how often you suffer, you may choose to use only one of the remedies listed or use them in cooperation continually or periodically. Floradix Iron and Herb is a combination of plant juices that are high in iron and iron absorbtion aiding attributes. Take one Tablespoon Floradix up to three times daily. Floradix (like Chlorophyll) can be taken in juice or another drink. Liquid Chlorophyll - For the treatment of anemia. Liquid Chlorophyll is the juice and essences of spinach, which is high in iron. It is very concentrated so that you would have to eat many bowls of spinach to get this amount of iron. It is very well absorbed (like Floradix) because of its liquid state. Take one Tablespoon Chlorophyll up to four times daily. It is also high in calcium (an added benefit), has a mild flavor and is dark green in color. You may like to drink it in a dark drink, as I did, so that you don't see the green. It can stain if you spill it, so be careful and wipe up any spills quickly. Spirulina - Recognized the world over as the most promising of all microalgae, sprulina is an immediate food source...Spirulina contains concentrations of nutrients unlike any other single grain, herb, or plant. It contains gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), linoleic and arachidonic acids, vitamin B12...iron, a high level of protein (60-70 percent), essential amino acids, the nucleic acids RNA and DNA, chlorophyll, and phycocyanin... Spirulina is a naturally digestible food that aids in protecting the immune system, in cholesterol reduction, and in mineral absorption. A person with hypoglycemia may benefit from using this food supplement between meals because its high protein content helps stabilize blood sugar levels. from Prescriptions For Nutritional Healing p.60, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. (Spirulina contains 58 times the iron of raw spinach and 28 times that of raw beef liver. It also contains more beta-carotene than any other whole food and is very high in chlorophyll. It is made up of 65% proteins and amino acids and is the richest source of natural antioxidants of any whole food. It contains all the B vitamins and is an extraordinary facilitator of other vitamins. Dried Spirulina can be mixed into other drinks or foods (yogurt or applesauce) or you can take Spirulina tablets. I prefer the dried formulation mixed into My Reliv shakes because I know that I am digesting more this way. It is nutrient-dense so as to improve overall health and supports the needs of pregnant and/or nursing mothers as well as the nutritional and energy demands of parents with CF--ed.) Click Spirulina.com for more information. Vitamin B Complex - For use alone or in conjunction with iron supplementation. Vitamin B aids the absorbtion of iron. Take one Vitamin B Complex up to three times daily. For some whose anemia is mild or Vitamin B deficiency based, this supplement alone will be enough. Some doctors prescribe Vitamin B-12 shots for those with pernicious anemia. For others using Vitamin B will allow their body to absorb their iron supplements more fully. Yellow Dock - Parts Used: Leaves, roots. Actions and Uses: Acts as a blood purifier and cleanser, and tones the entire system. Improves colon and liver function. Good for anemia, liver disease, and skin disorders such as eczema, hives, psoriasis, and rahses. Combines with sarsaparilla, makes a tea for chronic skin disorders. Comments: Also called curled dock, sad dock. from Prescriptions For Nutritional Healing p.79, by James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. Dietary Changes - Additional iron may be added to your diet through dark, leafy greens (spinach, kelp, seaweed, red-leaf or romain lettuce), liver (which can be cooked, cubed and frozen, then taken as pills if you dislike liver) and cooking with an iron skillet. With additional iron in your diet, you may notice constipation, less if your iron is taken in liquid form than Fe (or slow Fe) pills. Avoid taking calcium supplements with iron supplements. The typical formulation of calcium in supplements inhibits the absorbtion of iron. Suggested Reading and Resources Prescriptions for Nutritional Healing by James A. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C. Taking Charge of Your Child's Health: Recognizing Symptoms and Treating Minor Illnesses at Home by George Wootan, M.D. Mommy Diagnostics by Shonda Parker Most Midwives, Chiropracters, many Doctors of Osteopathy (D.O.), as well as homeopaths and naturopaths are quite knowledgeable about achieving and maintaining wellness through nutrition and tradtional remedies. (Please Note: I am not a physician, midwife, chiropractor, naturopath or pharmacist. As such I am not prescribing any therapies. These are recommendations for further exploration. Please check with your own health care provider about drug interactions and the advisability of usage--ed.) |
| Things you can do at home to, remedy certain ills or attain wellness without antibiotics or prescription therapies |
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| Their fruit will be for food, and their leaves for medicine. Ezekiel 47:12b A merry heart does good, like medicine, but a broken spirit dries the bones. Proverbs 17:22 |