Herbal Medicine

[Sachita]

Originally Posted by kannon

the chamomile tea won't make me too sleepy?

I've heard that kava kava can be toxic to the liver. But the studies I've read said the actual root is not toxic to the liver. I guess some farmers or buyers use the stems which is toxic. I take kava kava, and relaxation techniques (deep breathing) positive reinforcers before I give a presentation. The combination really seems to help me.

It should not. But I never say never because people have different reactions to herbs and foods. To date I have not found anyone that it does. In fact many people enjoy it in the morning. Once you get over the hump try adding a little lemon or mint. It has a very calming effect but not sedative.

If you have some depression, imbalances that you feel are causing undue stress then also try taking extra niacin. there is a non-flush version and you can take 2000 mg per day which is over the daily allowance but I promise you it will help.

I have a very stressful life. I don't know how I do it sometimes. Between my farm, my business, family commitments, etc I can get a bit crazy! Wellness means a combination of tools (food, herbs, vitamins, nutrition, exercise and rejuvenation (meditation or prayer) It seems that once one thing goes out of whack there is a domino effect and everything does. Often we are our own worse enemy.

But I do believe natural and holistic should always be the first option. It is for me.

[Sachita]

I wanted to add something about kava kava which is also used for pain, headaches, etc. Like aspirin sometimes you just need to take it but over time it can cause problems. This is also true with certain plants and herbs. If you have a chronic problem you need to address the whole nature of it and not masking the symptoms. One of the downfalls of our society today is that we turn to pharmaceuticals as the quick fix, instance cure without allowing ourselves to see the long term effects this drug will have on our body and organs. Its rare to find a human who says, "I have arthritis and I am working on a long term plan to cure it." instead they will accept that they have a chronic pain issue, take anti-inflammatory drugs that have long term effects on their liver and overall well being. Pain alone can break your body and spirit.

But I do believe that herbs and plants (eating, juicing, whatever) is the key to optimum health and longevity. It's just not always easy to obtain for some or maybe lack of knowledge.

[Inuus]

I have recently had an interest in herbal medicines homeopathy etc. Not for me though for my dog. Harder to find information for treating animals.
My dog is on Reishi 2 caps 2 times a day, Astragalus 2 caps one time per day, Zeolite 13 drops daily, along with Safflower oil 2 times daily. Its quite the concoction but I mix it with soft food(I open the caps and empty them into the mix). I chose these herbs(not sure if that is the correct term) etc for their tumor reducing properties. My dog has had chemo and been in remission for 2 years but recently we believe the cancer has returned. Since chemo isnt as effective the second time around I decided to try a different route. She hasnt been on this long but I figured no harm in trying and I researched and made sure they all are compatible together.

[AtLast]

Originally Posted by Inuus

I have recently had an interest in herbal medicines homeopathy etc. Not for me though for my dog. Harder to find information for treating animals.
My dog is on Reishi 2 caps 2 times a day, Astragalus 2 caps one time per day, Zeolite 13 drops daily, along with Safflower oil 2 times daily. Its quite the concoction but I mix it with soft food(I open the caps and empty them into the mix). I chose these herbs(not sure if that is the correct term) etc for their tumor reducing properties. My dog has had chemo and been in remission for 2 years but recently we believe the cancer has returned. Since chemo isnt as effective the second time around I decided to try a different route. She hasnt been on this long but I figured no harm in trying and I researched and made sure they all are compatible together.

My favorite local pet store is owned by a lesbian couple that are involved in homeopathic and herbal care for pets. They have a great referral list at the store for accupunturists, herbalists, etc. Also, the store has many products in stock and organic foods, etc. Many books. And the best line of safe pet toys. So far, it has remained open through the recession. My dog would be so upset if it closed. Me too.

[Passionaria]

The lovely thing about natural and herbal medicines are their are so many traditions to draw from, and so many ways to go about healing. Each person has to choose what resonates for themselves. Different cultures can use the same herb in different ways, and get results. I think it has to do with some innate intelligence in the plant itself.

I know herbalists from many traditions, and we can have some interesting conversations about the way we use the same herbs. I think it is these types of conversations that keep the medicine dynamic, alive, and growing. Especially withing the Western herbalist traditions here in America, because it is such a mixing and blending of cultural traditions and backgrounds, so there is a recreation of the medicine in some ways. I think it's beautiful.

On another note, I am experimenting with homeopathic and Bach flower remedied for my pets as well, and find they respond well to it. Pretty cool stuff. I am excited about the way natural medicines are blending into the western Veterinary world. I think in some ways animals like children are easier to treat, because they don't get in the way of their own healing

[Passionaria]

Just a clarification about Kava, I am referring to the eastern energetics, not western views, no offense meant. Stress affects the liver qi, and causes it to rebel and attack other meridians and organs systems, hence the stomach issues that arise following stress. In eastern medicine we would calm and move the liver qi, energetically, not add more stress to it. So many ways to view herbs as I said, and I am not a Western practitioner. What counts, is that it works for you! It's good to see you all sharing. Blessings,
Pashi

[Sachita]

cancer is really tough and I lost my Rottie to it. It was painful for both of us. I give my boxer (boxers are prone to cancer) extra Vitamin C. Sometimes its a hard call to decide the right course because you want what is best. I think that if one of my dogs now was diagnosed with cancer I would try the Gerson Therapy which is juicing and veggies along with vitamin therapy. Maybe not pure juicing but smashed up raw organic veggies or whatever I could get them to eat. I don't know if it would work but our systems are a lot a like and I am afraid I'd have to give it a try.

I had another dog who had really bad skin problems with severe outbreaks. She would chew her poor paws raw and bloody. While researching candida for myself it clicked in me the she might have a yeast problem. I treated her with herbs to kill the yeast and changed her diet to raw veggies, boiled chicken and a very small amount of rice. She lost weight but she also cleared her problem. Then slowly we started added a grain free dog food. She had been in and out of vets like crazy taking all kinds of harmful steroids and antihistamines.