Symptoms of the flu are similar to those of a cold, but usually include a higher temperature and an all-over feeling of achiness. The runny nose, sore throat, and watery eyes that are charactaristic of a cold may or may not be present with the flu.

Like colds, the flu is a highly contagious viral illness that spreads rapidly from one person to another. Because the structure of the flu virus changes every two or three years or so, the disease normally occurs in epidemics, as the population is exposed to a new type of flu virus.

Colds and flu are most likely to strike when a person’s immunity is low as a result of inadequate rest, overwork, poor nutrition, or stress. You are more susceptible at these times because your defenses are too weak to fight off invading viruses.

HELPFUL TREATMENTS

Since there is no cure for the common cold, or for the flu, assisting the body in fighting the infection is the best course of action. Sleeping and resting, drinking lots of liquids, and avoiding sugar and sweets will help your immune system to recuperate. Taking supplements of vitamin C, beta-carotene, and zinc can help. The herbs echinacea, goldenseal, and licorice root are helpful as well, because they fight viruses and strengthen immunity.

Essential oils can help fight colds and flu in two ways. First, they can ward off illness or hasten recovery by boosting immunity. Second, they can ease many of the discomforts of colds and the flu when used in baths, chest rubs, compresses, and inhalants, as well as in the diffuser. Essential oils that can help are basil, benzoin, bergamot, black pepper, clary sage, elemi, eucalyptus, fennel, frankincense, ginger, helichrysum, juniper, lemon, marjoram, myrrh, orange, palmarosa, pine, rosemary, rosewood, tea tree, and thyme.

At the first sign of a cold or the flu, take a Cold- and Flu-Fighting Bath. Then prepare an Inhalant for Cold and Flu and use it in a steam inhalation or inhale it directly from the bottle. Massage Cold and Flu Chest Rub onto your chest, throat, and back. Then get in bed! If you have a fever or chills, you can apply a Compress for Chills or Fever

(choose cool water for fever, hot water for chills). Drink lots of liquids. Disperse Cold-Combatting Diffuser Blend throughout your room. Repeat this entire treatment once or twice daily for several days or until symptoms subside.

HOME REMEDIES BLENDS

The home remedies blends below are essential oil formulas you can prepare at home.

Cold- and Flu-Fighting Bath

3 drops lemon oil

3 drops tea tree oil

2 drops elemi oil

1 drop marjoram oil

1 drop myrrh oil

Disperse the essential oils in a bathtub filled with warm water. Soak in the bath for twenty to thirty minutes, taking care not to become chilled. Repeat as necessary.

Inhalant for Colds and Flu

8 drops bergamot oil
4 drops rosewood oil
3 drops ginger oil
3 drops helichrysum oil
2 drops basil oil
2 drops black pepper oil
2 drops eucalyptus oil

Add all the oils to a small glass bottle with an airtight cover and blend well. You can inhale the mixture directly from the bottle, apply two drops to a tissue, or add three drops to a bowl of steaming water and lean your face over the bowl for five minutes while inhaling the steam.

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Cold and Flu Chest Ru

1 ounce carrier oil
4 drops pine oil
3 drops eucalyptus oil
2 drops frankincense oil
2 drops rosemary oil
2 drops thyme oil
1 drop ginger oil

Place the carrier oil in a dean container, add the essential oils, and blend. Massage the oil over your chest and back several times daily until your symptoms subside.

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Compress for Fevers or Chills

1 quart hot or cool water
2 drops orange oil
2 drops pine oil
1 drop black pepper oil
1 drop ginger oil

Pour the water into a two-quart glass bowl (use cool water for fever, hot water for chills) and add the essential oils to the water. Soak a clean cloth in the water and apply it to your chest or forehead as needed.

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Cold-Combating Diffuser
20 drops orange oil
10 drops eucalyptus oil
10 drops juniper oil
10 drops pine oil
6 drops basil oil
6 drops rosewood oil
4 drops ginger oil

One by one, drop the essential oils into a small glass bottle with an airtight cover. Turn the bottle upside down several times or roll it between your hands for a few minutes to blend the oils, and add some of the mixture to your diffuser. Run the diffuser as necessary.

Poor or sluggish circulation detracts from health and can contribute to many illnesses and diseases.

Sluggish circulation can result from clogged arteries, constipation, excess weight, illness, incorrect posture, lack of exercise, low blood pressure, poor diet, a sedentary lifestyle, or failure to eliminate toxins properly. Symptoms may include cold feet and hands, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, dull-looking skin, fatigue, a high cholesterol level, poor memory, shortness of breath, and varicose veins.

HELPFUL TREATMENTS

Daily exercise, such as doing aerobics, taking a brisk walk, or doing yoga will stimulate circulation. If you are overweight, losing the excess weight will probably help. Eat a healthy diet centered around fresh vegetables and fruits, whole grains, and legumes.

Drink eight to ten glasses of water daily Massaging and brushing your skin will encourage circulation to extremities and to the surface of the skin.

There are many essential oils that stimulate circulation, including basil, benzoin, black pepper, cedarwood, coriander, cypress, fennel, geranium, ginger, juniper, lavender, lemon, marjoram, myrrh, neroli, orange, palmarosa, peppermint, pine, rose, rosemary, thyme, vetiver, and ylang ylang. Apply a few drops of Circulation-Boosting Body-

Brushing Oil to your body and brush your skin every morning to invigorate your circulation. Then take a Circulation-Boosting Bath. Apply Circulation-Boosting Body Oil once or twice daily to your entire body, especially to your extremities.

As your circulation improves, your blood cells will bring more nutrients into the tissues and take away wastes more efficiently. Your health will begin to improve at the cellular level, and your entire body will function better.

HOME REMEDIES BLENDS

The home remedies blends below are essential oil formulas you can prepare at home.

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Circulation-Boosting Body-Brushing Oil

2 ounces carrier oil
6 drops rosemary oil
4 drops lemon oil
4 drops palmarosa oil
4 drops thyme oil
2 drops basil oil
2 drops fennel oil
1 drop black pepper oil
1 drop ginger oil

Blend all the ingredients together well in a clean container. Apply a few drops to your skin and brush.

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Circulation-Boosting Bath

2 drops cypress oil
2 drops juniper oil
2 drops peppermint oil
2 drops pine oil
2 drops rosemary oil

Add the essential oils to a bathtub filled with warm water. Soak in the bath for twenty to thirty minutes.

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Circulation-Boosting Body Oil

2 ounces carrier oil
8 drops rosemary oil
6 drops lemon oil
4 drops orange oil
3 drops geranium oil
2 drops benzoin resin
2 drops myrrh oil
1 drop ginger oil
1 drop vetiver oil

Add the essential oils to the carrier oil and blend. Apply the oil to your skin as needed to stimulate circulation.

Note: Rosemary and peppermint oils are extremely stimulating. If you plan to use any of the above blends before going to bed at night, you may wish to omit these two oils from the formula so that they do not interfere with your sleep.

Toothaches commonly occur when decay erodes the tooth enamel (the outer covering of the tooth) and the dentin (the body of the tooth), the two layers that surround the pulp. A toothache may also be caused by gum disease, poor dental work, infection or inflammation of the pulp, death of the tooth’s nerve, injury to a tooth, a loose tooth, loss of a filling or crown, or receding gums. A sinus infection can sometimes cause pain that mimics a toothache as well.

HELPFUL TREATMENTS

If you develop a toothache, you should consult your dentist as soon as possible. Failure to the treat the underlying cause of a toothache could result in the loss of the tooth.

Home remedies can provide temporary relief until you visit your dentist. Essential oils that help ease toothache pain include chamomile, myrrh, peppermint, and tea tree. Apply one drop of any of these or a drop of Toothache Oil to the tooth and the surrounding area to ease the pain. For additional relief, apply a Toothache Compress on your face near the aching tooth.

To soothe teething pain in babies, chamomile oil is one of the safest and most effective remedies.

Massage Baby’s Teething Blend onto the affected gum area.

HOME REMEDIES BLENDS

The home remedies blends below are essential oil formulas you can prepare at home.

Toothache Oil

1/8 ounce carrier oil
6 drops tea tree oil

4 drops chamomile oil
2 drops myrrh oil

2 drops peppermint oil

Place the carrier oil in a clean container and add the essential oils. Gently turn the container upside down several times or roll it between your hands for a few minutes to blend. Apply one drop on the aching tooth and the surrounding gum, as needed.

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Toothache Compress

1 quart hot water

2 drops chamomile oil
1 drop peppermint oil

Pour the water into a two-quart glass bowl and disperse the oils in the water. Saturate a clean cloth in the water and apply the compress to your face near the aching tooth. Repeat as often as necessary.

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Baby’s Teething Blend

1/8 ounce sunflower oil
1 drop chamomile oil

Add the chamomile oil to the sunflower oil and blend. Massage a drop into your baby’s gums as needed.

Sinusitis can be allergic in origin. Hay fever and food allergies, especially an allergy to milk and dairy products, can cause allergic sinusitis. An injury to your nasal passages or chronic insult from emposure to cigarette smoke, environmental pollutants, fragrances, and other irritants can cause or contribute to sinusitis, as can the presence of tiny growths called polyps in the nasal passages. Exposure to dampness and the consumption of certain foods, such as wheat, dairy products, sugar, and refined carbohydrates, may make a person more susceptible to sinusitis.

HELPFUL TREATMENTS

If you are prone to sinusitis, investigate the cause of the problem. Experiment with an elimination diet to see if food allergies may be involved. Dairy and wheat products are two of the most common

troublemakers, so it is probably best to start by eliminating them from your diet. Also, as much as possible, avoid contact with noxious chemicals, environmental pollutants, and synthetic fragrances.

During an attack of sinusitis, eliminate dairy products, sugar, and wheat from your diet. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids. If your sinusitis does not improve within several days, you should consult your health care practitioner. Medical treatment may be required to dear a stubborn infection.

Home remedies can help to clear sinusitis by combatting infection, opening up nasal passages, reducing congestion, and relieving pain and discomfort. Basil, benzoin, cedarwood, eucalyptus, ginger, helichrysum, lavender, marjoram, peppermint, pine, rosemary, sandalwood, tea tree, and thyme oils soothe sinus inflammation and ease discomfort.

For instant relief, breathe Sinus Inhalant directly from the bottle whenever necessary. Prepare a Sinus Steam Inhalation several times daily. A Sinus Foot Bath will also help to open sinuses and restore normal breathing.

HOME REMEDIES BLENDS

The home remedies blends below are essential oil formulas you can prepare at home.

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Sinus Inhalant

10 drops eucalyptus oil

10 drops lavender oil

5 drops cedarwood oil

5 drops peppermint oil

3 drops helichrysum oil

Drop the oils into a small glass bottle with an airtight cover. Blend by gently turning the container upside down several times or rolling it between your hands for a few minutes. Breathe directly from the bottle as needed.

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Sinus Steam Inhalation

1 quart steaming water

2 drops eucalyptus oil

2 drops tea tree oil

1 drop ginger oil

1 drop thyme oil

Pour the water into a two-quart glass bowl and disperse the essential oils in the water. Hold your head over the bowl. If possible, drape a towel over both your head and the bowl to capture the steam. Breathe in the vapors for five to ten minutes. Repeat as necessary.

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Sinus Foot Bath

2 drops pine oil

1 drop basil oil

1 drop ginger oil

1 drop rosemary oil

Add the oils to a shallow tub or foot bath filled with warm water. Soak your feet in the water for fifteen to thirty minutes. Repeat as needed.

Hay fever is an acute type of allergy usually caused by airborne pollens. Trees and grasses are the typical culprits in this condition. Symptoms of hay fever include itchy eyes, mouth, and throat; watery eyes; sneezing; nasal discharge; and headaches.

Some people are allergic to molds, pollens, and dusts. Others react to certain foods such as wheat, milk, peanuts, eggs, or shellfish. Certain cosmetics or chemicals and even bee stings bring grief to many. The best way to treat an allergy is to avoid the offending substance. When that isn’t possible, herbs can help check the watery eyes, nasal discharge, and coughing that occur with some allergies.

In addition to those herbs listed in the recipes below, other helpful herbs for allergies include agrimony, goldenseal, ground ivy, and marigold.

ALLERGY TEA #1

1 teaspoon barberry root

1 teaspoon Oregon grape root

1 cup of water

Combine the herbs in a pan and cover with the water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer for 3o minutes. Strain. Take one-third cup three times daily.

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ALLERGY TEA #2

1 teaspoon oxeye daisy leave

1 teaspoon pearly everlasting flower

1 teaspoon yerba Aante leaven 3 cups boiling water

Combine the herbs in a glass container and cover with the water; steep for 3o minutes; strain. To use, take one-half to one cup every six hours.

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ALLERGY TEA #3

2 tablespoons nettle leave

1 teaspoon Oregon grape root

2 cup boiling water

Combine all the herbs in a glass container and cover with the water; steep for 3o minutes; strain. Take one-quarter cup three times a day.

Symptoms of vaginitis can include a burning sensation, discharge or dryness, itching, and an unpleasant odor. Poor hygiene, sexually transmitted diseases or infections, and the use of products such as artificially fragranced bath oils or bubble baths, commercial douches, birth control devices (especially the diaphragm), spermicides, tampons, and vaginal deodorant sprays are all factors that can lead to or promote the development of vaginitis.

Hormonal imbalances, certain drugs (especially antibiotics), and poor nutrition are often contributing factors.

A yeast infection occurs when Candida albicans, a fungus commonly referred to as yeast, multiplies uncontrollably in the vagina. This often happens as a result of a change in the normal acidity of the vaginal environment. Symptoms of a yeast infection include leukorrhea (a thick, white, even cheesy-looking vaginal discharge), a burning sensation, irritation, severe itching, and sometimes pain or discomfort during intercourse.

Antibiotics, birth-control pills, diabetes, pregnancy, excessive douching, steroids, and a diet high in alcohol, dairy products, refined carbohydrates, sugar, and yeast products are all factors that can create or contribute to the development of the type of highly acid internal environment in which the yeast organism flourishes. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly deficiencies of the B vitamins, can also be a factor.

HELPFUL TREATMENTS

Many doctors treat vaginitis with antibiotics (for bacterial vaginitis) or fungicidal preparations (for yeast infections). Unfortunately, if you take an antibiotic for bacterial vaginitis, it can actually increase the likelihood that you will then develop a yeast infection, because antibiotics destroy the beneficial bacteria that keep candida under control.

There are a number of precautions you can take to prevent vaginitis. First, always wash yourself thoroughly with a mild, unscented body soap and gently pat yourself dry. Wear cotton underwear. Avoid using fragranced bubble baths and bath oils, commercial douches, fragranced detergents and fabric softeners, deodorant tampons or sanitary pads, scented toilet paper, and vaginal deodorant sprays. Reduce the amount of sugar, cheese, dairy products, and foods containing yeast from your diet (if you already have a yeast infection, or are prone to recurring yeast infections, eliminate these foods entirely). Wipe from front to back following bowel movements. Always urinate before and after intercourse and after bathing.

If you have recurring yeast infections, they may be a sign of a systemic candida infection, which may require more than a localized cure (see CANDIDIASIS). Also, because a yeast infection can be passed back and forth between sexual partners, it may be necessary for your partner to receive treatment to completely clear up a yeast infection. Avoid sexual intercourse until symptoms subside completely.

Home remedies can relieve some of the discom forts of vaginitis. Some essential oils that are useful for vaginitis are benzoin, chamomile, juniper, lavender, myrrh, and tea tree. If you begin treating vaginitis when the symptoms first appear, you may halt the infection, or at least minimize the severity, the discomfort, and the duration of the symptoms.

Take a Vaginitis Sitz Bath at the first sign of symptoms and repeat once or twice daily thereafter, as needed. You can use Vaginitis Douche either alone or in conjunction with the baths. Tea tree oil suppositories, inserted vaginally, can help fight a yeast infection. These are available in many health food stores. If you are unable to find tea tree oil suppositories, you can use one or two drops of lavender or tea tree oil dropped onto the tip of an unscented tampon instead. If the area surrounding the vagina is tender or raw, apply Vaginitis Soothing Oil. If symptoms persist for more than one or two weeks, consult your health care professional.

HOME REMEDIES BLENDS

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The home remedies blends below are essential oil formulas you can prepare at home. For a quick review of general guidelines for using essential oils, see page 91.

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Vaginitis Sitz Bath

2 drops juniper oil

2 drops tea tree oil

1 drop chamomile oil

1 drop lavender oil

Add the oils to a shallow tub filled with warm water. Sit hip-deep in the water for fifteen minutes. Repeat once or twice daily, as needed.

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Vaginitis Douche

1 quart warm water

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

2 drop lavender oil

2 drops tea tree oil

Add the vinegar, lavender oil, and tea tree oil to the warm water and mix well. Fill a douche bag or syringe with the mixture and douche. Repeat one to three times weekly, as necessary.

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Vaginitis Soothing Oil

1 ounce jojoba or sunflower oil

3 drops tea tree oil

2 drops lavender oil

1 drop chamomile oil

In a clean container, add the essential oils to the jojoba or sunflower oil and blend. Apply the oil externally to irritated areas several times daily, as needed.

Sunburn is usually a first-degree burn. Second-degree burns go through part of the skin layers under the epidermis, in the dermis. They are extremely painful with swelling, blistering, and seeping of fluids. A third- degree burn destroys the nerves and blood vessels, so there is little pain at first, but excruciating pain later. The skin may be charred black, white, yellow, or bright red. Fourth-degree burns penetrate the body to destroy underlying muscle, bone, and internal tissue. Loss of body fluids, electrolyte disturbances, and danger of infection are typical.

Depending on the location, extent, and cause of your burn, you may need emergency medical care. Burns of the face, palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and joints can cause serious problems, no matter how small their size or what their degree of severity is. A burn in any of these areas should always be checked out by a physician and watched. If a second-degree burn is larger than the size of a quarter, you should seek professional medical advice. Third- and fourth-degree burns are always medical emergencies, and professional help should be sought immediately. All burns should be watched until thoroughly healed for signs of infection.

BURNS DIETARY MEASURES

Burns greatly increase the body’s need for protein and energy, as the injured tissues’ requirements skyrocket and your metabolism speeds up. Eat lots of lean, high-quality protein foods.

A diet high in green and yellow vegetables helps to provide enough beta- carotene and vitamin C, which are important in the healing process.

Eat pumpkin seeds and oysters to supply much-needed zinc.

Drink lots of filtered water to replace fluids lost through the burn.

NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS FOR BURNS

The following vitamins and other supplements are recommended for burns:

Beta-carotene, a precursor to vitamin A, helps burned skin to heal. It is also an antioxidant that fights free radicals, which are increased by burns. Take 10,000 to 25,000 international units daily.

Calcium is a vital mineral that needs to be replaced following a burn. Take at least 1,200 milligrams a day if burns cover 30 percent or more of the body, particularly if you are immobilized.

Vitamin C may decrease fluid loss after a burn, and is an important antioxidant. Take 1,000 milligrams daily. Vitamin C can also be applied topically. Mix 2 tablespoons of powdered vitamin C in 1/2 cup aloe vera gel and apply it to the affected area.

A study conducted at the University of Texas Burn Unit found that levels of vitamin E were at only 25 percent of normal after severe burns. To replenish this vital antioxidant, take 400 international units daily. To reduce scarring, vitamin-E oil or cream can also be applied twice a day once the burn has healed.

Zinc helps in wound healing. Take 50 milligrams daily

Free-form amino acids supply dietary proteins. Take a free-form amino-acid supplement as directed by the manufacturer.

BURNS HERBAL TREATMENT

Aloe is the most important herb for mild burns. Applying aloe vera gel directly from the fresh plant eases the pain and keeps the burn from turning white and blistering. Some people prefer commercial preparations because they smell better and go on more easily and neatly. Aloe gel works on several enzyme systems to decrease pain, reduce inflammation, speed wound healing, and stimulate new skin-cell growth. It also has antibacterial and antifungal properties, and increases the amount of blood bringing healing resources to the areas of burned tissue. Aloe is strong enough to relieve burns

caused by radiation therapy for cancer. Many people keep an aloe plant on the kitchen windowsill in case of burns from cooking.

Calendula cream can be applied directly to a burn for soothing relief of pain, as well as for its antiseptic properties and prevention of scarring.

Comfrey cream can also used to help increase tissue regrowth and for its healing properties.

Echinacea stimulates the immune system to prevent and fight infection, which is common after a burn. Take 1 to 2 teaspoons of tincture of echinacea immediately after a burn. You can also apply a few drops directly to the burn to benefit from echinacea’s mildly antiseptic properties.

Gotu kola, taken orally with vitamin C supplements, helps to speed healing of skin tissue by stimulating collagen synthesis.

Plantain is one of the most popular American folk medicines for burns. Juice from the fresh leaves of the plantain is very soothing when applied directly to mild burns.

St. John’s wort oil is frequently helpful for reducing pain, inflammation, healing time, and scarring of first-degree burns. To make the oil, steep 1 to 2 teaspoons of the dried herb in a few ounces of vegetable oil for several days. Or you can apply a few drops of St. John’s wort tincture to a burn.

AROMATHERAPY FOR BURNS

Combine 4 ounces of aloe vera juice with 1/8 teaspoon of lavender essential oil in a glass spray bottle. Shake it and spray on the affected area as often as needed to soothe burned skin. For additional cooling relief, the bottle can be kept in the refrigerator.

Lavender oil alone can be dripped directly on the wound. It is said to have remarkable pain-relieving and burn-healing powers. Remember never to ingest essential oils, though, as even a small amount can be toxic.

Tea tree oil also soothes and sterilizes burns.

HOMEOPATHY FOR BURNS

The homeopathic remedies listed here are useful for different types of burns. The usual recommendation is to take one dose every thirty minutes, up to a total of three doses.

• Apis mellifica 12x or 6c helps to heal a burn that bubbles and resembles a bee sting.

• Arnica 200c is used to prevent shock associated with burns.

• Arsenicum album 30c is used to aid blistering burns that feel better when heat is applied.

• Belladona 30x or 9c helps to reduce severe redness and throbbing pain.

• Calendula lotion is antiseptic and prevents scarring, especially in second- degree burns with blistering. Add 10 drops of homeopathic tincture to 1 cup of cold water and apply it directly to the burn or to the dressing over the burn to keep it moist and cool.

• Cantharis 30c can be taken every ten minutes after the first Arnica dose for pain relief in second- and third-degree burns. It is good for burns that blister and feel better with cool compresses.

• Causticum 30c is best for second- and third-degree burns with blistering.

• Hypericum lotion is antiseptic, and is recommended for second-degree burns. Add 10 drops of homeopathic tincture to 1 cup of cold water and apply it directly to the burn or to the dressing over the burn to keep it moist and cool.

• Kali bichromicum 30c is recommended for deep burns that are slow to heal.

• Urtica urens 30c is good for minor, stinging burns.

• Urtica urens lotion can be used for first-degree burns. Add 10 drops of homeopathic tincture to 1 cup of cold water and apply it directly to the burn or to the dressing over the burn to keep it moist and cool.

Only about one-third of all pregnant women experience this discomfort, and it is almost always over by the second trimester. Studies show that those women who start out with daily morning sickness typically have very healthy babies, indicating that they had good hormone levels and placental function from the first trimester onward.

Symptoms: a feeling of queasiness on awakening, and in some cases, a need to vomit.

The waves of sickness usually subside as you take food and as the day wears on.

However, there are some women who are unable to stomach even the blandest food and for whom “morning” sickness continues until evening. When vomiting is severe, it may result in electrolyte imbalance and dehydration requiring IV therapy.

Don’t worry about not eating enough unless you are unable to take any form of food or drink at all for half a day. It is important to sip juice or eat some crackers to keep your body from burning fat for energy. If you use up your own reserves, you can cause a chemical imbalance, which can make the nausea worse.

Treatment:

NUTRITION: Eat frequently (perhaps six small meals daily) to avoid an empty stomach.

Low blood sugar aggravates the nausea, so you want to keep it level throughout the day, starting as soon as you awaken. You can keep a packet of crackers or a dry bagel on your bedside table. During the day, you can carry crackers, a bagel, or toast in your purse for regular snacking.

Drink your foods instead of eating them: it’s sometimes easier to tolerate a milk shake or vegetable shake or fruit shake instead of having to chew. You can freeze juices and suck on them as Popsicles, too.

Avoid simple sugars; eat complex carbohydrates.

Avoid any foods and odors that bother you. Since it is often the smell of food cooking that triggers the queasy response, get your partner or a friend to cook for you, or indulge in healthy takeout when you can.

Drink carbonated beverages, without caffeine. Ginger ale (which contains ginger, an herb that soothes the digestive tract) will promote the elimination of gas.

Eat when you feel well, no matter what time that is. If you can raise your blood sugar before you actually become nauseated, you may head off the sensation before it overcomes you.

SUPPLEMENTATION: Take your prenatal vitamin or the following supplements daily:

Vitamin A: 5,000 IU

Vitamin E: 400 IU

Vitamin B1: 1.5 mg

Vitamin K: 65 mcg

Vitamin B2: 1.6 mg

Calcium: 1,200 mg

Vitamin B3: 17 mg

Magnesium: 500 mg

Vitamin B6: 2.2 mg

Iron: 30 mg

Vitamin B12: 2.2 mcg

Phosphorus: 1,200 mg

Folic acid: 800 mcg

Iodine: 175 mcg

Vitamin C: 500-1,000 mg

Selenium: 65 mcg

Vitamin D: 400 IU

In addition, take Vitamin 136 (25 mg) with Vitamin C (250 mg) and Vitamin K (5 mg) twice daily. Ask your health care provider about Vitamin B6 injections, which help some women.

HERBS: Ginger (one capsule two or three times daily); wild yam root (1/2 to 1 tsp. of extract or one or two capsules twice daily). You can also make a tea made from equal parts of two or three of the following: chamomile, fennel, cinnamon, peppermint, raspberry. Eat dandelion greens or take 1/2 to 1 tsp. of dandelion extract three times daily.

AROMATHERAPY: A drop of lavender oil in the bath can be helpful; also single drops of ginger, fennel and peppermint oils mixed in an ounce of carrier oil and massaged into the skin will settle the stomach.

HOMEOPATHY: Take one dose of a 6C or 30C potency that matches your symptom picture every 15 to 30 minutes three times, then one to four times daily, following the instructions on the bottle or tube. If you find no relief from your symptoms, this is not the appropriate remedy for your condition Examine yourself carefully, check the list again, and select a different remedy. If you still find no relief, consult with a homeopathic practitioner for further direction.

Use package instructions for dosage.

Arsenicum: vomiting with anxiety felt in stomach, can’t bear sight or smell of food, very thirsty, worse with cold food and drink, better with hot food.

Antimonium tartaricum: sudden spasmodic vomiting right after eating. Mucous in vomit.

Argentum nitricum: nausea and vomiting with burping. Craving for sweets, panicky nervousness, better in open air, worse with heat.

Colch: severe nausea from sight, smell or thought of food although craves food; thirsty; worse with motion.

Ipecac: nausea unrelieved by vomiting, excessive salivation, never thirsty, worse with warmth. (CAUTION: Only use the homeopathic ipecac–the undiluted variety is a very strong purgative and should never be used in pregnancy.)

Nux vomica: wants to vomit but can’t, or violent vomitting; worse with eating, constipated, irritable.

Sepia: vomiting but good appetite; indifferent, fatigued. Tabacum: nausea, chilly, profuse salivation.

MUSCULOSKELETAL TREATMENT: Manipulation of the thoracic spine (by a chiropractor, osteopath or naturopath) may help to relieve nausea.

ACUPRESSURE: Refer to the charts in Chapter 2 to find the following pressure points.

Pe6, middle of inner side of forearm.

St36, four fingers below kneecap outside shinbone.

1-It7, inside wrist crease in line with little finger.

CV22, in the hollow between the collarbones.

Or use sea bands, available at drugstores and travel shops. You can also order them from Bronson (a mail-order vitamin outlet; see Resources), to provide acupressure stimulation at wrists. These were developed to counteract seasickness.

VISUALIZATION: See Chapter 2 for an explanation of how visualization works. These exercises can be done by the woman alone or by the couple.

Sit or lie in a quiet place where you feel comfortable and close your eyes. See yourself as very open inside, a fence with many openings where air can pass through. As you take a deep cleansing breath, feel that you are ridding yourself of any discomfort you might have had.

Consider for a minute what you mean by “queasy.” Are you slightly uneasy, not totally sure that you know how to complete this journey to motherhood? What is it about pregnancy that makes you sick to your stomach? What can’t you stomach? What do you want to clear out of your system?

Feel the breeze blowing through you, making a passage for all your turbulent thoughts and feelings. In its wake comes a stillness and calm inside you. Take one more cleansing breath and allow your eyes to relax open.

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a chronic, debilitating illness, usually lasting several years or longer. It is believed to be a result of infection with the Epstein- Barr virus, which is a member of the herpes family of viruses and the same virus that causes infectious mononucleosis. Other herpes viruses include herpes simplex viruses (which cause cold sores and genital herpes) and varicella-zoster (which causes herpes zoster, or shingles, and chickenpox).

The physical symptoms of CFS are highly variable. They include lethargy or incapacitating fatigue, fever, sore throat, swollen glands, cough, diarrhea, digestive and intestinal problems, dizziness, fever, headaches, outbreaks of herpes or fever blisters, hot flashes (unrelated to menopause), insomnia, joint pain, menstrual problems, muscular aches and pains, nausea, recurrent sore throat, respiratory ailments, ringing in the ears, skin rashes, sweating or flushing (unrelated to physical exertion), swelling or dark circles around the eyes, tingling or numbness in different parts of the body, and weight loss.

There may also be mental and emotional symptoms, including anxiety, confusion, depression, difficulty concentrating, emotional stress, lack of interest in pleasurable activities, low self-esteem, temporary memory loss, mood swings, panic attacks, unexplained feelings of sadness or guilt, and thoughts of suicide.

The Epstein-Barr virus can be spread by kissing, sharing food, and other forms of intimate contact, including sexual contact. Once infected with the virus, a person remains infected for life, although symptoms may diminish or disappear if the virus goes dormant.

However, any weakening of the immune system can then reactivate the latent virus.

Most people who suffer from CFS have weakened immune systems and many have a history of mononucleosis. Other factors have also been implicated in CFS, including anemia; emotional imbalances; exposure to environmental pollutants and cigarette smoke; hypoglycemia; hypothyroidism; various types of infection; long-term antibiotic, cortisone, or steroid drug therapy; mental or physical stress; mercury poisoning from amalgam dental fillings; overuse of prescription, over-the- counter, or recreational drugs; intestinal parasites; and reactions to vaccinations.

HELPFUL TREATMENTS FOR CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME

Treatment for CFS usually includes a detoxifying program, elimination of contributing factors, stress reduction, measures to strengthen the immune system, and a healthy diet supplemented with vitamins and herbs. Many medical specialists consider stress reduction as important as nutritional therapy in fighting this syndrome.

There are a number of different essential oils that can can help with CFS by reducing stress, boosting immunity, and eliminating toxins. These include basil, bergamot, chamomile, clary sage, coriander, geranium, lavender, lemon, marjoram, orange, peppermint, rosemary, thyme, and tea tree. If you are suffering from CFS, bathe in Energizing Bath Blend daily Apply Therapeutic Body Oil for CFS over your entire body once or twice daily, and inhale Stimulating Inhalant for CFS as needed to energize you.

NATURAL HOME REMEDIES BLENDS

The natural home remedies blends below are essential oil formulas you can prepare at home.

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Energizing Bath Blend

3 drops rosemary oil

2 drops thyme oil

2 drops tea tree oil

1 drop peppermint oil

Drop the essential oils into a bathtub filled with warm water. Soak in the bath for fifteen to twenty minutes.

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Therapeutic Body Oil for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

2 ounces carrier oil

6 drops geranium oil

6 drops lavender oil

3 drops marjoram oil

2 drops coriander oil

2 drops thyme oil

Place the carrier oil in a clean container and add the essential oils. Gently turn the container upside down several times or roll it between your hands for a few minutes to blend. Massage the mixture onto your skin daily

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Stimulating Inhalant for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

8 drops geranium oil

6 drops basil oil

6 drops coriander oil

4 drops bergamot oil

4 drops rosemary oil

2 drops peppermint oil

Drop the essential oils into a small glass bottle with an airtight cover and blend. Inhale directly from the bottle as needed.

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Note: Geranium oil can lower your blood sugar level. Use it with caution (or omit it from the above blends) if you have hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Nowhere is the accomplishment of herbalism more evident than in problems related to the nervous system. Stress, anxiety, tension and depression are intimately connected to most illnesses. Few health practitioners would argue with the influence of nervous anxiety in pathology. Nervous tension is generally acknowledged by doctors to contribute to duodenal and gastric ulceration, irritable bowel syndrome and many other gut related pathologies.

We know also, from physiology, that when a person is depressed, the secretion of hydrochloric acid – one of the main digestive juices – is also reduced so that digestion and absorption are rendered less efficient. Anxiety, on the other hand, can lead to the release of adrenaline and stimulate the over-production of hydrochloric acid. This can result in a state of acidity they may increase the pain of an inflamed ulcer. In fact, whenever the voluntary nervous system interferes with the autonomic processes, illness is the result.

Herbalists rely on their knowledge of botanical remedies to rectify this type of human malfunction. The medical herbalist will treat a dermatological problem using ‘alternatives’ specific to the skin problem. Circulatory stimulants will then be applied to help in the removal of toxins from the area, with remedies to reinforce other organs of elimination, such as the liver and kidneys. Under such natural treatment, free of any side effects, the patient can feel confident and relaxed.

Conventional medicine has never taken up this approach. Here, the usual treatment of skin problems involves the suppression of all symptoms with steroids. However, the use of conventional antihistamines and benzodiazepines, often achieves less lasting benefit to the patient because of the side effects. These are usually drowsiness, increased toxicity and long term drug dependence.

Herbs, on the other hand, are free from toxicity and habituation. Because they are organic substances and are not man-made synthetic molecules, they possess an affinity for the human organism. They are extremely efficient in balancing the nervous system. Restoring a sense of wellbeing and relaxation is necessary for optimum health and for the process of self healing.

Naturally, the choice of treatment should be based on a proper health assessment. The herbalist will prescribe herbal remedies in a variety of different forms. Make the right choice and choose herbal remedies.

For more information on Natural Remedies please click on the link below.

http://budurl.com/HomeMadeMedicine

Home Remedies
Charles Silverman N.D., a Naturalist and Herbalist since 1979, His articles are
published on several web sites like ezinearticles.com and naturalhealthweb.com
and he is regularly interviewed by various publications and newspapers like the
Montgomery News of Alabama. All his knowledge has been transferred to his web
site and now to this amazing book, that takes advantage of the latest technology
in order to bring you the most complete guide for home healing ever made.