|
|
Robert McDowell's Herbal Treatments 16 July 2006 Herbal Help for Humans and their CompanionsMORE ON LAUGHTERLaughing makes us feel good for a reason. Studies have found that laughter boosts the immune system and also triggers the release of pleasure-inducing neurochemicals in the brain. The immune system, which contains special cells that are responsible for defending the body against infection, have been shown to increase during the act of laughing. In the central nervous system, the brain releases powerful endorphins as a result of laughing. Endorphins are natural, morphine-like compounds that raise the pain threshold, produce sedation and induce euphoria (commonly called a "natural high"). In other words, we feel better when we laugh because endorphins reduce physical and mental pain. While this may be a wonderful feeling, laughing has other benefits: During a laugh, respiration, heart rate and blood pressure temporarily rise - this causes oxygen to surge through the bloodstream that then results in lowered blood pressure. It burns calories - laughter is sometimes called "inner-jogging" - a hearty laugh gives the muscles of the face, chest, shoulders, stomach and diaphragm a good workout. Laughter also helps to create a positive mood; it allows the expression of happiness and the release of anxiety. Humor eases tension and is a great antidote to a stressful situation. In a sense, laughter is a temporary vacation from everyday problems, bringing us to a paradise in which worries do not exist. Humor and laughter are a natural safety valve that shuts off certain hormones that are released during stressful situations. Laughter is not just a pleasant experience - it just may be the best medicine! This week we feature:-
Feline - Melanomas I recommend supporting your cat's immunity and recovery by using the two mixes I prescribe for the treatment of melanoma in dogs. It works equally well in cats. These are described on my website at: http://www.herbal-treatments.com/cat_maritime_pine_bark_extract_pycnogenol.html And http://www.herbal-dogkeeping.com/dog_skin_tumours.html You will need the Internal Melanoma support mix as well as the Melanoma external ointment. Rub the ointment into the scab twice daily. A 12 week supply of these two products comes in the form of concentrated herbal extracts which may be mixed with food. The dose for the Maritime Pine and Melanoma support mix will be 5 drops twice daily. As cats are fussy eaters, start him on 2 drops of each twice daily and gradually increase the dose to 5. I also recommend you have a look at the article on the rise of canine cancer on the following link as the article is also relevant for cats: http://www.herbal-dogkeeping.com/article_theriseof_canine_cancers.html Consider a natural and raw diet. If you work hard to boost his system now that the cancer has been removed, you have a real chance of pushing him into a very long and healthy remission. Canine - Little white dog - or Shakers Syndrme Usually the tremors decrease or disappears when the dog is relaxed or at rest. I suggest we begin with the nervous rehabilitation mix as a starting point to treat the nervous system response to stress. As well as Dr Bach's rescue Remedy, it is essential for any dog with this condition. http://www.herbal-dogkeeping.com/dog_nervous_rehabilitation.html Make sure that you dose your dog twice daily with the Tonic & up to 4 x a day with the Rescue remedy. Dose the rescue remedy also prior to any event that you know sets off the tremors. The tonics can be added to food. Make sure his diet is also as raw & natural as possible. I recommend that you place your dog on a diet of raw meat and bones i.e. beef/mutton bones with meat on them or raw chicken necks and wings, mince; definitely no processed food and snacks. You can also add some freshly cooked vegetables and rice. If your dog is not already on this type of diet, then I suggest that you introduce it slowly. The following articles discuss dogs' diets and why it is important to keep it natural and simple; http://www.herbal-dogkeeping.com/articles_digestive_system_ofadog.html http://www.herbal-dogkeeping.com/articles_give_your_dog_abone.html Equine - Anhydrosis - The Puffs Although not specifically a skin condition, this ailment is where the horse is unable to sweat in extreme heat and humidity, and therefore cannot handle a normal working program. It is usually a condition that occurs in tropical climates - particularly if the horse is moved from a cooler climate to a tropical one. However, exactly the same inability to sweat can manifest in temperate weather where it may be less obvious, and even remain undiscovered if the animal is not worked hard. A horse's fluid and electrolyte balance and his ability to cool through the evaporation of sweat are critical. It is a lot to ask that one adjust from either cold dry or hot dry weather to hot humid overnight. In the first instance - if you are moving a horse between extremes, give him time to acclimatise, or move him during the winter rather than in the heat of summer. Also, if the horse has been on commercial electrolytes, take him off them long before he is moved to get his kidneys back to working properly so he can cope with the extra demand in the tropical climate. Then put him back on commercial electrolytes and extra salt when he first arrives, and then wean him off again - going back to natural 'electrolytes' . If commercial electrolytes are used judiciously in special cases like this and not given as a routine, all horses would be better off! Helpful Herbs The herbs that stimulate the lymphatic system and the sweat glands are Fenugreek and Horsetail. Make up two cups of each up into a tea to be added to the horse's drinking water twice per day, and do this for 6 weeks before moving if there are any suspicions as to the horse's ability to sweat freely whatsoever. Continue the treatment for a further month in the new environment. Preparing Mint tea for your horse and having Mint growing alongside the water trough is another useful diaphoretic tonic that promotes sweating. Keep Kelp and Sea Salt freely available to the horse and give Rosehips as part of his regular feeding regimen. Human - Rosacea Rosacea is a combination of weakened surface blood vessels and imbalances in the flushing response which accounts for redness and sensitivity and herbal tonics are well placed to ameliorate the condition. When I treat it I use herbs to reduce skin and circulatory sensitivity while at the same time strengthening the blood vessel walls. The fenugreek is a good lymphatic tonic and will be useful as a home remedy for this condition. The rosacea mix I make up is not shown on the website but it works to strengthen the peripheral blood vessel walls and to help the autonomic nervous system manage the flushing response better. This response is the ability to direct blood supply to the skin both to dissipate heat as you do when hot and as an emotional response. The herbal mix contains the following; Yarrow, Rue, Nettle, Chamomile, Prickly Ash, Horse Chestnut and Comfrey with the Bach Flower Remedies Scleranthus, Walnut and Larch. Home Remedies - Hot Flushes Risk factors Include more Magnesium and Potassium as they regulate body temperature, vaso dilation of blood vessels, sea vegetables, wheat bran/germ nuts bananas, molasses, rye brewers yeast, dark green vegetable, whole grains,. increases secretion of hormones. sea veg, bananas and sun flowers. Reader Feed Back Thankyou for the following messages. Look out for my replies in future newsletters . If any of our readers would like to contribute to this forum please do so, we'd love to hear from you. 1. Health query: Is red wine really good for you?... As I drink a bottle a night. (And never get a hang over... plus, feel GREAT the next day?!) 2. Hi! And a big thank you for all my wonderful newsletters! I was wondering what you thought about wheat and dairy products in the human diet, there seems to be so many conflicting statements. We value your feedback so much that we are making it easier for you to send us a sentence or two. Please fill in the form below and click 'Submit' Wishing you and your companions the best of health and happiness. Yours Truly, Judith Burton for Robert McDowell |
Read Previous Newletters Herbal Treatment Lists for : People Horses Dogs Other Animals Useful Links: Herbal-Treatments.com Ask a Question Articles Testimonials Free Health Test |