Eranda fruit

Master herbalist, Klaus Ferlow, examines what herbalism actually is and gives a brief outline of the history of herbalism. Rather than a backup to normal orthodox medicine, herbalism should be primary healthcare.

MOST PEOPLE IN NORTH AMERICA

might not be familiar what herbalism is all about and I would like to inform you about the history of herbs and why it is very important for your health and well being. I would like to start by using the quote from Debra St. Claire, Master Herbalist (MH), graduated from the Dominion Herbal College, Burnaby, B.C., the oldest North American Herbal College since 1926 said in her

Pocket Herbal Reference Guide

from 1992:

“After the ability to synthesize medicine from inert substances such as petroleum and minerals was developed the therapeutic use of herbs diminished. The art of pharmacy turned to the production of drugs which could bring the quickest relief of symptoms, ignoring the reason that the symptoms appeared. As we look back, perhaps it is time to reconsider the path. The use of these substances has spawned a myriad of unexpected problems, such as suppression of the very signals that our bodies produce to alert us to a need of change. Pain itself is a call to action – a call to remedy an imbalance in our lifestyle. The proficient use of herbal therapy is directly connected to our ability to sense the first signal and to adjust our lifestyle accordingly.

It is when these signals are continually ignored that disease has a chance to set itself more deeply within our bodies.

I myself was honoured by the Dominion Herbal College for my lifetime of dedication to the cause of herbal medicine, as practitioner, manufacturer, author, promoter and defender of herbs and the practice of art and science in herbal medicine. I received an Honorary Master Herbalist Diploma November 25th, 2008 and I am only the 5fth recipient of this prestigious Award in their 86th history. “Herbs and plants are medical jewels gracing in the woods, fields and lanes, which few eyes see and minds understand.” Carolus Linneus, Naturalist 1707 – 1778 THE HERB AS HEALER A plant that is used as a medicine is referred as an herb, the Latin word herba, the Old French erbe, and the derivation of Middle English herbe. It can be pronounced with or without the initial “h-sound”.

Originally, the term herb only applied to non-woody plants. Later it came to be used to refer to any part of any plant used for flavouring or medicine. In the field of complementary and alternative health care, (CAM) – I really don’t like that term since we are dealing in traditional medicine and CAM as far as I am concerned should be used by the allopathic medicine – it is now used to mean any plant, in whole or in part, having nutritional and/or medicinal value. Individual or combined parts of plant that may be used include: seed, fruit, flower, leaf, stem, or root/rhizome. Herbalism, or phytotherapy, is the use of plants to support the natural healing ability of the body. Several types of herbal medicine systems are in use today – including Ayurvedic, Chinese, European, Native American, and Western Herbalism. Even though each system uses different morphologies, terms and herbs, each of these systems treat the whole body holistically; using the energy of the plants to work in synergy in each individual, in order to help the body to heal itself because the body itself is the best healer!

Herbs have a remarkable history of healing human beings and maintaining good health when properly used. Most herbs in their natural state are safe, and do not leave a residue in the body that could produce negative side effects. The opposite is with most drugs, synthetically developed in laboratories, even though some are extracted from plants. When these plants are not used in their natural state it can result in harmful side effects. Drugs tend to treat or mask a symptom or condition, while the use of herbals emphasizes that one could avoid getting sick in the first place because herbs help to balance and support the body.

The compounds in herbs work synergistically in the body to promote healing. All plants have therapeutic properties as they contain a variety of biologically active substances. Plants undergo photosynthesis, transforming carbon dioxide into energy rich substances. The resulting carbon chains are further transformed into a variety of compounds such as lipids, alkaloids, essential oils and tannins.

Through other biochemical process, minerals and nitrates are absorbed by the roots and transformed into vitamins, trace minerals and antibiotics. Herbs can affect biological systems in our bodies at the cellular and organ level. Ultimately these high levels of biologically active substances can produce pharmacological and therapeutic effects. The natural value of herbs is very high and organically grown herbs (without the use of chemical fertilizer, herbicides and pesticides spraying) offer maximum benefits. Herbal medicine represents a particular approach to healing which differs from allopathic medicine. Rather relieving single symptoms with a single active ingredient, herbs offer a holistic approach by striving to heal the entire body by treating the cause. Medicine can only be truly holistic if it acknowledges the social and culturacontext which the illness occurred, and then the desired healing takes place. The renewed interest in holistic traditional medicine, as well as a great number of other alternative complementary therapies, has encouraged changes within the existing medical profession. It is incumbent upon us all to seek out and utilize appropriate health alternatives. It appears that these opportunities will continue in the coming years.

It might surprise you that even today 80% of the total world population of 7 billion is still using herbs, herbal remedies and homeopathy for healing. This was also stated a few years ago by Chris Kilham, the medicine hunter, author, lecturer – he teaches ethnobotany at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst at his lecture at public health shows in Vancouver and Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. There are multiple ways to dispense herbs: aromatics, decoctions, hot or cold infusions, juices, creams, salves, ointments, liniments, lotions, soaps, shampoo, toothpaste, sprays, medicinal oils, conditioners, teas, poultice and fomentations, powders, perfumes, syrups, tinctures, extracts (alcohol or glycerine based), pills, tablets, capsules, and whole herb (dry or fresh) and for cooking. The herbalist takes into consideration the nature of the imbalance and the method to best take full advantage of the healing attributes of the specific herb. To increase effectiveness, herbs may be used both internally and externally.

OUR HERBAL HERITAGE Medicinal plants are mentioned in the Bible, and various herbs are mentioned throughout. “In the beginning God created the heaven on earth…and God said, Behold, I have given you every herb bearing seed, which is upon the face of all the earth, and every tree, in which is the fruit of a tree yielding seed, to you. It shall be for meat.” Genesis 1:29 “He causeth the grass to grow for the cattle, and the herb for the service of man.” Psalm 204-14″ The ancient Egyptians wrote their findings on papyrus. The Sumerians from Mesopotamia (modern Iraq) used tablets of cuneiform writing. Hippocrates was a famous Greek doctor. The Romans believed Greek doctors were the best. Galen was the doctor to the emperor Marcus Aurelius. Dioscorides was the emperor Nero’s doctor. We learnt about herbs used in ancient India and ancient China through a famous Arabic doctor called Avicenna who had read the writing. Throughout Europe and in the Middle Ages monks in their monasteries, grew and used herbs as medicines.

In Germany Hildegard of Bingen who was a abbess and a herbalist treated the sick with herbs. Voyages of discovery in the 15th and 16th centuries resulted in the pilgrims taking to America herbs they used in England. Then, over time, herbs native to America came to Europe and other parts of the world. In Britain, Nicholas Culpeter published a book to help ordinary people make their own herbal remedies instead of paying for expensive ones from doctors. Herbs have been used for uncounted time for various purposes like healing the sick and infirm. People thought that herbs keep the body in tune with nature as nature intended and maintain proper balance.

Many scientific studies still continue with modern research following up the lead of old folklore and herbal uses to help finding new western medicine. Man also been aware of the effect on the body, mind spirit and emotion. For example – flowers were utilized to attract love, food and protection. Fragrant plants were worn to heal the body and give you a sense of well being. The most costly flowers are offered to gods and goddesses and the use of aromatic incense is recorded from ancient times. When herbs are taken, the body starts to get cleansed and purifies itself. Unlike chemically synthesized, highly concentrated drugs that may produce many negative side affects, herbs can effectively realign the body’s defences. Herbs do not produce instant cures, but rather offer a way to put the body in proper tune with nature. Nevertheless you are now in charge of your own body and health! And remember: “For every disease we know Mother Earth provides a herb to health and grow!”

I come to the conclusion of my article by using a quote from Dr. Carolyn Dean, MD, ND, Herbalist Acupuncturist, Nutritionist from her book “Death by Modern Medicine:” “We must always remember that allopathy is only a medical model born of the industrial age, and to suggest that the oldest and most used healing arts in the world are secondary to allopathy is not only insulting but inaccurate as well. These traditional methods of restoring and maintaining maximum health, by virtue of their track record of safety and success, take second place to no other medical model.” My suggestion is you should try herbs, herbal remedies and homeopathic medicine (derived from botanical plants) so you can judge for yourself. But read all ingredients on the labels and avoid any harmful dangerous, hazardous chemicals.

For more information about them, please check these websites: http://www.positivehealth.com/environmental/hidden-dangers-lurking-in-your-cosmetics-and-personal-care-products http://www.positivehealth.com/article/environmental/fragrance-a-growing-health-and-environmental-hazard. Copyright © 2011 Klaus Ferlow References: Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D., Herb Bible, Simone & Schuster Inc., 2000 Jeanne Rose, Herbs & Things, Last Gasp, 2001 Joe Serrentino, How Natural Remedies Work, Hartley & Marks, 1991 Bernard Jensen, DC, Ph.D., Nutritionist, Herbs: Wonder Healers, Bernard Jensen 1992 Debra St. Claire, MH, Pocket Herbal Reference Guide, The Crossing Press, 1992 James A. Duke, PhD., The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook, Rodale Press Inc., 2000 James A. Duke, PhD., The Green Pharmacy, Rodale Press Inc., 1997 Terry Willard, Cl.H., Ph.D., Encyclopedia of Herbs, Key Porter Books Ltd, 2002 David Kessler, M.D., The Doctors Complete Guide to Healing Herbs, Berkley Books, 1996 John Lust, N.D. & Michael Tierra, C.A., O.M.D., The Natural Remedy Bible, Pocket Books, 1990 Peter Tompkins & Christopher Bird, The Secret Life of Plants, Harper Perennial, 1989 John Lust, N.D.,D.B.M., The herb Book, Bantam Books, 1974 Tompkins Peter, Bird Christopher, The Secret Life of Plants, Harper Perennial, 1973 Kilham, Chris, www.medicine-hunter.com

Maya Tiwari

Hamilton is blessed to be hosting renowned spiritual teacher, Mother Maya who is returning to New Zealand to offer Her Message for Healing and Peace.

Maya Tiwari, affectionately called “Mother” has led an extraordinary life. The inspiring life journey of this renowned spiritual teacher who is an Ayurveda pioneer, Vedic scholar, international author, and former top American fashion designer – has touched and healed the lives of thousands of people around the world. Maya is also a cancer survivor and has first-hand experience of how the ancient teachings of Ayurveda and yoga can heal even those who are extremely sick, back into vibrant health.

Mother Maya is the founder of the Wise Earth School of Ayurveda, and for more than twenty-five years has devoted her life to helping others find peace inside and out.

‘When we talk about healing we’re really referring to how we are sustained, what nourishes us: not only the food sources, not only the rivers and the skies and the environmental factors but more importantly that sense of wellbeing within.’ says Mother Maya.

Mother Maya goes on to say that ‘…health is a natural state of being; although that doesn’t guarantee that it is going to be there for every moment of our lives. These are the greater truths that we all share and that we all have in common, and when we look at it we need to preserve as much health, as much harmony, as much wellness as we possibly can.’

The events are being hosted by Kavita Parshotam of The Narrows Retreat, the magnificent homestead, formerly the old Ohaupo Post Office at 480 Airport Rd, immediately left past the Narrows bridge on the way to the Hamilton Airport.

DETAILS OF EVENTS IN Hamilton

Satsanga (gathering and talk)

7 – 9pm, Friday, March 9th, March 2012

Workshop (Living Ahimsa Meditation)

9.30am – noon, Saturday 10th March 2012

Workshop (Women’s Power to Heal)

1.30 – 4:30pm, Saturday 10th March 2012

Online registrations
www.LivingAhimsaRegistration.org

For more information, contact Kavita Parshotam at
Kavita@festinalente.co.nz, 07 856 5052 or 021 213 8215

Nausea and vomiting are not diseases, but symptoms of other illnesses, such as food poisoning, motion sickness, overeating etc

There is difference between the two. Nausea is uneasiness in the stomach causing feeling of vomiting. One does not necessarily vomit. Vomiting is forcibly or involuntary emptying of the stomachthrough the mouth. Both can be irritating and cause weakness and much discomfort.

Certain treatments can also cause nausea and vomiting such as chemotherapy in cancer treatment. Pregnant women may also experience both of them.

There are natural remedies to treat them. One needs to become aware of them and choose that suits them. At the same time it is good to consult a physician if they persist or their intensity of occurrence is very strong.
What remedies can we choose from? Let us be aware of some of them.

Home Remedies for Nausea and Vomiting
Let us have a look at some of the top nausea and vomiting home remedies –

• Non-carbonated syrup – It gives relief to the system. They contain carbohydrates which cool down the system
• Gingerroot – It is gives quick relief to nausea
• Vomiting – It gets rid of nausea
• Peppermint or chamomile tea helps to reduce nausea feeling
• Apple cider vinegar helps in morning sickness nausea
• Wheat germ mixed with milk gets rid of nausea
• Cooked rice water can also be drunk to treat nausea
• Stick to liquids if you feel like vomiting
• Bed rest helps
• No alcohol
• Do not control the vomiting
• Maintain your electrolyte balance
• Aniseed helps
• Yarrow tea
• Mint juice keeps the stomach in good condition
• Pineapple relieves much stomach disorders

Ayurveda for Nausea and Vomiting
Below are some of the primary nausea and vomiting ayurveda remedies that are effective -

• A mixture of cardamom and honey
• Nutmeg and cardamom in warm milk to be taken
• Cumin seeds and ground nutmeg in boiling water. Drink it
• Ginger
• Clove
• Fennel
• Other preparations are rasa, lehya, Choorma , Bhasma and Kashya

Nausea and vomiting can cause a lot of discomfort. Stomach disorders cause it. One should not stop vomiting, as it is body’s way of getting rid of bad stuff. Deal with them effectively. Home Remedies for Nausea and Vomiting helps in getting rid of the problem but if the problem is severe then go for a doctor’s advice as too much of Vomiting is not good for your health and the problem can become serious too.

Many illnesses can cause nausea and vomiting. Also they accompany some illnesses. The severity of the illnesses is judged by their intensity of occurrence sometimes. If one is suffering from them, it is good to get oneself checked up by a physician. They should not be neglected.

Nausea and vomiting are not diseases, but symptoms of other illnesses, such as food poisoning, motion sickness, overeating etc

There is difference between the two. Nausea is uneasiness in the stomach causing feeling of vomiting. One does not necessarily vomit. Vomiting is forcibly or involuntary emptying of the stomachthrough the mouth. Both can be irritating and cause weakness and much discomfort.

Certain treatments can also cause nausea and vomiting such as chemotherapy in cancer treatment. Pregnant women may also experience both of them.

There are natural remedies to treat them. One needs to become aware of them and choose that suits them. At the same time it is good to consult a physician if they persist or their intensity of occurrence is very strong.
What remedies can we choose from? Let us be aware of some of them.

Home Remedies for Nausea and Vomiting
Let us have a look at some of the top nausea and vomiting home remedies –

• Non-carbonated syrup – It gives relief to the system. They contain carbohydrates which cool down the system
• Gingerroot – It is gives quick relief to nausea
• Vomiting – It gets rid of nausea
• Peppermint or chamomile tea helps to reduce nausea feeling
• Apple cider vinegar helps in morning sickness nausea
• Wheat germ mixed with milk gets rid of nausea
• Cooked rice water can also be drunk to treat nausea
• Stick to liquids if you feel like vomiting
• Bed rest helps
• No alcohol
• Do not control the vomiting
• Maintain your electrolyte balance
• Aniseed helps
• Yarrow tea
• Mint juice keeps the stomach in good condition
• Pineapple relieves much stomach disorders

Ayurveda for Nausea and Vomiting
Below are some of the primary nausea and vomiting ayurveda remedies that are effective -

• A mixture of cardamom and honey
• Nutmeg and cardamom in warm milk to be taken
• Cumin seeds and ground nutmeg in boiling water. Drink it
• Ginger
• Clove
• Fennel
• Other preparations are rasa, lehya, Choorma , Bhasma and Kashya

Nausea and vomiting can cause a lot of discomfort. Stomach disorders cause it. One should not stop vomiting, as it is body’s way of getting rid of bad stuff. Deal with them effectively. Home Remedies for Nausea and Vomiting helps in getting rid of the problem but if the problem is severe then go for a doctor’s advice as too much of Vomiting is not good for your health and the problem can become serious too.

From:  http://www.instah.com/home-remedies/home-remedies-for-nausea-and-vomiting/

This is a weekly paper based on Ayurveda tweets shared by me and many of my Ayurveda friends on Twitter.   This is a easy way to ready what is going on.

You are also welcome to follow me on Twitter:

http://twitter.com/JohnVorstermans

To correct IBS, it is the GI-tract that needs attention.  The basic rules of Ayurveda for treating improper digestion are:

• Remove the cause
• Purify, to eliminate excess dosha
• Balance the dosha and rekindle digestive fire
• Rejuvenate, to rebuild the organism

There are the nutritional supplements which helps rectify imbalance of doshas.  However it is best to  consult a ayurvedic practioner as each individual body is unique and therefore requires modifications to diet and suppliments/herbs.  Herbs helps mainly in strengthening the digestive process and flushes away the toxins, having a more anti oxidant actvity.  Kaidara is a good herb as can be  Pippalysavam,  Dadimadi and Vaiswanara. Also thefollowing too are used to treat IBS.

Vrukshamla, Amlavetasa, Dadima and Badara in the form of powder along with trikatu (Pippali, Shunthi, Black Pepper), and mineralized salts added with sugar can be used with vegetables, pulses, cooked cereals.

Triphala, heralded by Ayurveda experts as a great herbal formulation, is the best natural remedy for IBS.  As the name suggests, Triphala is a combination of three herbs/fruits.  It is a combination of Emblica officinalis, Terminalia bellirica and Terminalia chebula.  Regular intake of Triphala either in powder form or as tablets/capsules readily available in the market will solve the problem of IBS to a great extent. But as is the case with any herbal formulation, Triphala takes sufficiently long time to act on the digestive system to give the much-needed results.  One has to continue the dosage for a reasonable time to get rid of IBS.

Besides the irritable bowel syndrome, Triphala has been found to work well as a blood purifier and laxative. It promotes good colon health, reduces weight, fights ulcers and is great for the skin.  Triphala controls gas formation in the digestive system and solves the problem of flatulence associated with the IBS.

Some Home remedies using Triphala:

• Students who are dull in studies may try Triphala formulations to sharpen their memory.  Regular intake of a teaspoon of Triphala powder acts on the brain, stimulates the nervous system and increases one’s memory power.
• Triphala tea is often prescribed by Ayurvedic doctors as a general body toner to improve one’s health. Its tea powder is readily available in the market. Follow the guidelines of the manufacturer while preparing the Triphala tea at home.
• Those suffering from dental decay and cavities may try Triphala mouth wash. Take a little quantity of Triphala powder, mix it with warm water and gargle.
• Ayurveda practitioners prescribe Triphala powder (a teaspoon) or tablets (twice daily) for IBS patients. It has to be taken after the meal

The general rules for an IBS diet and returning health are:

• No iced drinks along with meals. This weakens the digestive fire.
• Have plenty of water an hour after meals. This helps in digestion.
• Buttermilk (yoghurt and water blended in a mixture in the ratio of 1:3) is good to have with meals and in between.  Spice it up with a pinch of turmeric powder, rock salt, dry ginger, pepper or cumin.
• Eat with attention to the food. This aids in digestion.
• Avoid off-the-shelf, prepackaged food. Food with chemical additives, flavourings and preservatives tax the GI tract.
• Favour freshly cooked food. It is easier to digest.
• Favour well cooked vegetables and cereals over animal meat. This facilitates easy elimination of wastes.

Yoga Asanas

All Yoga asanas that strengthen the abdomen, strengthen the digestive system. Pashchim Uttana Asana, Shalabhasana and Maha Mudra Yogasanas of choice, but begin simple…