BUTTERBUR (PETASITES OFFICINALIS [HYBRIDUSJ) – INTRODUCTION

During the past few years butterbur, or Petasites, has proved itself as a valuable remedy, one that has achieved quite astonishing results. Since it is a strong remedy, the mother tincture is not usually tolerated by the average patient and it has to be potentised to lx or 2x, or even higher. If the patient, for example one suffering from a tumour or cancerous growth, notices a very strong reaction, he will have to take the remedy in a weaker potency. Let me add that this reaction is a sign of having made the right choice, that the remedy is appropriate. All that is left to do is to ascertain the potency that is tolerated by the patient. To find the individual tolerance, it will be necessary to ignore the usual directions; instead, add one drop of Petasites to a glass of water (200 ml/7 fl. oz) and take frequent sips during the day. After 8-10 days the body will have become used to that particular strength and the dose can be increased, using one drop to 100 ml (3.5 fl. oz) of water. Continue taking this dilution for eight days, then add one drop to 50 ml. In time, the body will tolerate Petasites in even stronger doses.

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CARE OF THE FEET – INTRODUCTION

What long and faithful service is rendered by our feet! We take it for granted that they will support the whole weight of our body and take us wherever we want to go every day of our life. Nevertheless, as a rule we neglect the daily foot bath that they so urgently need and deserve. For the feet perform not only a mechanical but also an eliminative function, although this may generally be ignored. Everyone knows about perspiration of the feet and although it can become offensive and unpleasant when excessive, so that we would like to get rid of it, it does have a purpose. Suppressing this perspiration can have extremely serious consequences. Granted, it is most disconcerting when others become aware of the strong odour, and cases have even been known where smelly feet led to a divorce. Excessive sweating of the feet should really be looked upon as being the action of a safety valve of the body; when it reaches the point where it becomes embarrassing the sufferer should do something about stimulating the kidneys and the skin by natural means. For if you try to suppress foot sweat, the toxins will remain in the system and cause havoc, leading to various ailments. The types of problem that might arise from such action, together with some suggested alternatives for dealing with excessive foot sweat.

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OUR TEETH -BASIC RULES FOR CARE OF THE TEETH (GENERAL INFORMATION)

Arthritis may develop, possibly leading to rheumatoid arthritis and other serious ailments, all stemming from granulomas or abscesses. Some of the other problems attributed to them include cardiac pains and troubles, palpitations when walking upstairs or uphill, kidney and liver dysfunctions, as well as other organic upsets – all without our knowing what the cause might be.

American doctors are generally credited with the discovery of these problems emanating from germ-ridden dead teeth. The sad thing was that in the case of articular rheumatism, rheumatic fever, some dentists short-sightedly extracted not only the dead teeth with their abscesses, but also all the good ones. This, of course, was wrong, although many doctors worldwide followed this method. The error was later recognised, but not before a lot of damage had been done.

An acquaintance of mine, a railway employee, was forced to have all his excellent teeth extracted because a doctor had decided that they were the cause of his heart trouble. He was unwilling to have this done, but gave in because he was afraid the insurance company would refuse to continue his policy. Unfortunately, the removal of his teeth did not cure his heart problem. A nature cure did eventually succeed in doing so, but, alas, nature treatments, however effective, could not bring back his extracted teeth.

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NATURE DOCTOR – HEALTHY HABITS

It is certainly unwise to expose oneself to the danger of cancer because of some so-called pleasure. Think of the terrible suffering cancer of the larynx or lungs can mean. If you have ever had to watch a victim of this tragic condition slowly dying in agony, no doubt you will muster the courage and consider it your urgent duty to warn others of the dangers. Honest records and statistics show that by far the greater percentage of the above-mentioned kinds of cancer occur in smokers and those who work with tar.

It is not difficult to admit that smoking does not quite agree with a young person to begin with. This is a fact. Still, the tiniest bit of inherent cowardice may cause the young person to overcome the natural aversion to smoking because he does not want to be different from his peers – he does not want to be an outsider. Nor does he fancy being teased; above all, he wants to appear grown up and so imitates the adults.

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ARTHRITIS AND GOUT – SUFFER

Sufferers from arthritis or gout are often frightened by the same argument, that tomatoes encourage their development. This view has been propagated by researchers whose experiments have been confined to laboratories, without the necessary field work. It is true, however, that green or unripe tomatoes are not good for the health, since they contain toxic substances that are only rendered harmless by the process of ripening. But is it not also true that unripe apples, or any other unripe fruit for that matter, are detrimental to the health for exactly the same reason? Of course it is. However, it is wrong to argue that such toxins are contained in ripe fruit merely because they are found in the unripe ones. In reality, tomatoes that have fully ripened on the plant are wholesome and contain at least five different vitamins which are essential for the human body.

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NATURE DOCTOR – LAWS WE SHOULD ALL TAKE NOTE OF 2

In accordance with the laws of nature, we may presume that in fifty years from now the Amazon Indians will no longer die from measles, since by then they will have developed the immunity which we already have. As long as the Indians retain their traditional lifestyle and can avoid the detrimental effects of an ever-encroaching civilisation, they will not have to worry about many of our other so-called ‘diseases of civilisation’ either. The number of deaths resulting from gout, diabetes, obesity, cancer and multiple sclerosis will continue to be negligible among the Indian tribes of the Amazon.

Physicians, biologists and nutritionists who are aware of these dangers advocate a return to a natural way of life and to eating natural wholefoods as a protection against modern diseases. Like a voice crying in the wilderness, they sound the alarm again and again, appealing to us to change our life-style to a more natural one. Notable among them was the late Dr Joseph Evers, who treated thousands of people suffering from multiple sclerosis. They all hoped to find some relief from their hard lot in life. Nonetheless, it would be better to do something about preventing the illness rather than painfully trying to overcome it, because in spite of every effort made and care given, a cure is not always guaranteed. Krankheitsgeschehens (Changes in the Development of Disease), which is published by Karl-Haug-Verlag, is so impressive that even a healthy person, after reading it, will change his life-style and diet without delay and almost subconsciously. Any reasonable person reading the book will take note of the clear and logical arguments presented by this experienced researcher. Dr Evers proves to the reader that nature has a greater share in increasing our life span than the achievements of orthodox medicine.

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MIDDLE EAR INFECTIONS

For a chronic middle ear infection with pus the following directions will help give the patient relief. Place an onion poultice behind the affected ear, but if relief is not forthcoming, change to a mustard poultice. If even this does not produce the desired result, you will have to resort to the Baunscheidt method (see page 439). It is always important that the inflammation, especially in chronic cases, is drawn away from the head by some form of stimulation therapy, so that the focus of infection is drawn from the inside to the surface. Inflammation in the ears, eyes and nose can be diverted to the neck or shoulders. Internal remedies are Belladonna 4x, five drops every two hours, and Ferrum phos. 6x, two tablets also every two hours. The patient takes one of these remedies every hour, say Belladonna first, an hour later Ferr. phos., then back to Belladonna again. For as long as the ear continues to discharge and suppurate, Hepar sulph. 4x is effective. When there is no more pus, Silicea 12x is indicated to stabilise the improvement. Follow up with one drop of St John’s wort oil and one drop of Plantago (ribwort juice) once daily into the ear. When the ear infection is accompanied by nasal catarrh and pharyngitis, which is most likely due to the germs spreading, use Cinnabaris 4x and Plantago. You can also put five drops of Plantago on cotton wool and place this in the ear, replacing it every day.

This treatment will heal even a chronic inflammation so that the hearing will return to normal. On the other hand, if the described treatment is not strictly followed, the patient’s sense of hearing will be endangered. The auditory nerve together with the intricate structures of the inner ear can be permanently damaged by bacterial toxins; the infection can actually cause erosion of the ossicles of the middle ear. When this happens, no treatment will restore the hearing apparatus. So never lose time in starting an intensive natural treatment as soon as problems with the ear begin to manifest themselves. Take into account the patient’s general state of health and adopt a natural diet. This will help nature to heal and regenerate.

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THE SENSATION OF TASTE 2

Simple experiments will tell you that there are different taste zones on the tongue. If the tip of the tongue is dipped in honey water, the sensation of sweetness is immediately apparent. A little further back on the periphery of the tongue the taste of salt is registered and even further back, also on the periphery, sourness is sensed, while zones registering bitterness are found across the! posterior section. The central part of the tongue is a neutral area, as it does not register any sensation of taste.

It is noteworthy that the tongue is more accurate and reliable as a test organ than many chemical reactions. For this reason a winej merchant, or a tea, coffee or olive oil processing firm will pay more attention to their experienced ‘tasters’ than to the analysts in a chemical laboratory.

Imagine what life would be like without the 3,000 taste buds on our tongues. What would encourage us to eat and drink if there were no pleasure in it? If you have ever had to force yourself to eat without feeling hungry you can well understand the difference. We would also lose our incentive to prepare delicious meals for our families if there were no smile of approval and enjoyment on \ the faces of the happy eaters. Despite its small size, the tongue is endowed with many important functions, providing much satisfac- j tion and pleasure.

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COELIAC DISEASE 2

As regards fruits, finely grated raw apples mixed with mashed bananas are permissible. Bilberries, or blueberries, can also be served. When the acute stage of the disease has passed, a little grapefruit juice may be given. Bambu Coffee Substitute is beneficial, but only when it is taken in small quantities.

The quantity of food eaten should be kept very low. When the digestion has become somewhat normalised (noticeable in the consistency and colour of the stools) the amount of food can gradually be stepped up. Remember, however, too much food is worse than too little. Should any food item appear to upset the patient’s digestion, leave it out of the diet; the choice and combination of foods depends on the individual sensitivity of the patient. Once the stool appears normal again, the remedies can gradually be dispensed with and you may slowly try introducing other foods again. If a relapse occurs, you will have to return once more to the stricter diet. Almond milk has proved to be of great help in cases of relapse.

If these suggestions are faithfully carried out and you take the child’s individual sensitivity into account, patience and perseverance will lead to a complete cure. It should be remembered, however, that due to deficient digestion, which is caused by inadequate motility of the intestine, the ingested food will be only partly assimilated and particularly the absorption of minerals will be j insufficient. No wonder, then, that children who suffer from coeliac disease are very prone to fractures of the bones because of their considerable calcium deficiency. However, the susceptibility to i these complications can be reduced with a preparation of biological calcium such as Urticalcin. At the same time, this will help to curb the tendency to spasms which, in coeliac disease, are also attributable to calcium deficiency.

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REMEDIES 3

Calcium deficiency shows itself in various ways and can still be found quite frequently among small children. It prevents them from developing properly and makes them prone to catching frequent colds. If the mother wants an inexpensive, natural and good calcium preparation, she can make one up herself by doing the following. Pick some young fresh nettles, which can be found in most places, maybe right by the house or in the garden. Next, take some egg shells, which are on hand in practically every kitchen. People who live by the sea might like to use oyster shells instead. Crush the shells together with the fresh nettles and leave to dry in the air. Once pulverised, a light green powder will result. The child should take half a teaspoon of this 2-3 times daily. After a few months the teeth will improve and, in time, will become noticeably stronger. The bones will benefit also, and the susceptibility to colds and catarrh will diminish. If preparing this powder is too much of a bother, simply use Urticalcin, a ready-made calcium product containing stinging nettles.

If, in addition, the child has a deficiency of vitamin D, then you have the basic cause of rickets. Although serious cases of rickets, resulting in underdeveloped or deformed bones, are now extremely rare, less severe forms of rickets are still seen even today. It may seem strange, but children suffering from this mild form of rickets are usually very lively, react to everything quickly and their facial expression is almost too intelligent for their age. They tend to be precocious and always remind me of an apple that has grown ripe too soon. On closer examination the apple proves to be worm-eaten, and that is actually why it has ripened prematurely.

Such children who lack both calcium and vitamin D need help and can be helped. Homoeopathic or biochemical calcium triturations are excellent for this purpose, for example Calcarea phos. 6x, Calcarea fluor. 12x (for the teeth) and Silica 12x. The calcium preparation Urticalcin contains several calcium salts in various potencies, as triturations, as well as Urtica (as a vitamin D carrier), and is therefore also an efficacious remedy. Orange juice and cod-liver oil are rich in vitamin D and are highly recommended. Furthermore, carrot juice or the concentrate Biocarottin, which is made from fresh carrot juice, is another natural remedy for overcoming calcium deficiency.

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