Spice it up – A few healthy benefits from adding herbs/spices to your Holiday Baking
Boost the flavor of your favorite baking dishes with herbs and add those extra health benefits to keep your families’ immune system strong. On my website: www.drdebsherbals.com I have 66 cooking and baking herbs for each one that you select a detailed description on the health benefit will come up, but here are a few of my favorites.
Cayenne: This herb is wonderful for winter colds, congestion, infection, and inflammation. It adds warmth and breaks up congestion, clears sinuses and serves to activate other herbs.
Turmeric: It is a potent natural anti-inflammatory that works as well as many anti-inflammatory drugs but without the side effects. May aid in fat metabolism and help in weight management.
Garlic: (powder, granules or fresh) Garlic can help you lower your bad cholesterol (LDL). Cholesterol is a fatty compound that travels in your blood and may put you at risk for heart disease. Garlic strengthens the immune system as well as helps to fight chest congestion and coughs. Garlic is an anti-fungal and anti-bacterial. The Allicin which is a sulphuric compound is considered a natural antibiotic. Garlic is a good source of vitamin B6 which is needed for healthy immune and growth of new cells. Vitamin B6 can also assist with mood swings and improve your cheery disposition.
Thyme: is a natural medicine that is used for treating chest and respiratory problems. It serves as an effective cure for bronchitis, coughs and chest congestion as well. The herb helps reduce symptoms of irritable bowel and colic. It helps in preventing chronic gastritis as well. It effectively fights against bacterial, fungal and viral infections.
Dill: stimulates the secretion of bile and digestive juices. This also stimulates the peristaltic motion in the intestines and helps relieve constipation. Dill has long been associated with the management of insulin levels. As a well-known carminative, dill can help prevent the embarrassing condition of excessive gas. An anti-inflammatory herb, meaning that it helps to reduce the inflammation and the associated pain of diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, gout, and arthritis.
Rosemary: been believed to have memory-enhancing properties. The aroma of rosemary is said to improve your mood. A popular natural migraine remedy for centuries. Rosemary boosts the immune system thanks to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties. Rosemary is often used to help treat digestive problems such as upset stomach, constipation, indigestion, and almost any other digestive related problem.
Oregano: Prevents heartburn, reduces gas and indigestion, helps to clear parasites from the body. Can soothe a cough and calm down asthma symptoms. Helps to treat and prevent seasonal allergies. Anti-inflammatory properties and can be used effectively for headaches, flu, sprains, strains and swollen glands. Beneficial for chronic fatigue syndrome. A natural treatment for yeast overgrowth. Oregano is rich in fiber and will improve the flexibility of joints.
Teas: this holiday season instead of bringing a bottle of wine as a hostess gift, what about a selection of healthy teas? There are also 61 teas to choose from on my website.

What should I have in my Herbal Medicine Chest
Make a list of common issues you and your family experience: skin issues, headaches, colds, anxiety, persistent coughs… think of all the things you routinely find yourself needing to treat and include all first aid things you keep on hand.
I have a book “Healing with Teas” on my website: www.drdebsherbals.com that lists about 160 different symptoms and suggests herbs that might heal those symptoms. They can be enjoyed as a tea, used as a tincture, put in capsules many available as essential oils.
Here are some favorites that you may want to have on hand
Comfrey – absolutely essential for healing cuts, bruises, burns, and sprains; the roots are great made into tea for your bath as it will soften and heal skin. (use as a poultice, salve or in the bath)
Calendula – great for all skin issues (softens, cleans, heals), anti- inflammatory, antifungal. (use as a tea, salve, lotion or poultice)
Thyme – strong antiseptic, antibacterial, antifungal, and antispasmodic properties.
Sage – sore throats, antiseptic, immune booster, colds, and treats nervous exhaustion (use as a tea)
Peppermint – stimulating, refreshing; good for relieving indigestion, tension headaches, and spastic complaints of the gastrointestinal tract. (Use as tea or essential oils)
Aloe Vera – soothes cuts and burns, nourishes and moisturizes skin. (Available already bottled or have a nice plant growing in your home and use fresh leaves)
Rosemary – good for digestive ailments, increases circulation, colds and flus, mouthwash, dandruff, and may ease depression and fatigue. (Use as a tea or essential oil)
Black Currant Tincture- Anti-inflammatory, Powerful Anti-oxidant actions that have been found useful in reducing the effects of arthritis and improving allergies by enhancing the immune response mechanism.
Lomatium Anti-viral Tincture– A powerful anti-viral take at first sign of cold or flu.
Feverfew/lavender Tincture – Great for headaches – works wonders on migraines as well
Marshmallow Root Tincture – my favorite for any type of stomach upset. I even use for babies with colic.
Echinacea or Immune Tonic – never hurts to boost the immune system. Best to start about September as all the flu season and those nasty colds are on their way.

Menopause – understanding change
So of course this is the time of life when our hormones change.
During our menstruating years; at the beginning of the month estrogen levels rise which coats the wall of the uterus. Technically this means that we have pelvic inflammation, to have inflammation the hypothalamus and pituitary send a signal to turn DOWN the blood calcium to allow for that inflammation.
When we begin our cycle Progesterone kicks in, two events begin; one, the beginning of your period and two the hypothalamus and pituitary send a signal to turn back UP the blood calcium.
At the end of the cycle Testosterone kicks in and we begin that cycle.
As we go through menopause our bodies require less hormones. The need for estrogen decreases, the progesterone increases so that we no longer bleed and we get a form of testosterone from our adrenal glands called DHEA.
It is important to note that the liver is partly responsible for getting rid of the excess hormones the body no longer requires, one way that it does that is to increase the heat in the liver (hot flash). So one way to improve the hot flashes is to have a bit of hot fluids, hot water, tea, or coffee this really is an easy way to help with those heat waves.
Vaginal dryness: As we go through the change the tissues in the vagina may be deficient un Progesterone this occurs quite often as we get exposed to estrogen in so many food sources. As that estrogen is higher than we NOW NEED it lowers the progesterone, so supplementing with a natural progesterone cream will help with this
Loss of Libido: This too is often linked to the hormone change. We have a fluid with a non-detectable odor called a pheromone that triggers the limbic system and creates sexual desire as we experience that dryness often the progesterone cream will help with that as well
Osteopenia/Osteoporosis: I usually recommend women as you are going through the change to take a supplement that has Calcium, Magnesium and Vitamin D3. The reason being again, goes to the exposure of estrogen in our foods. After menopause when the body signals to turn DOWN the blood calcium, now we no longer have the rest of the cycle to turn back up the blood calcium that is why women are so prone to this versus very few men.
What’s up with these mood changes? So when we were having our cycles the whole PMS and mood swings are often related to when the testosterone kicks in. So as we go through the change and DHEA takes over, supplementing with a bit of homeopathic DHEA might be just what your body needs. Again, if the estrogen is rising the progesterone and the DHEA bot lower.
And finally – I am not sleeping! In traditional Chinese medicine they say that our hormones do the most work in the hours of 1-3AM which of course is right in the middle of our sleep pattern. Two things happen: the first is those darn night sweats since the liver is trying to get rid of the excess hormones. The second is the adrenals trigger adrenaline “Hey let’s speed this up” so that adrenaline is famous for waking us up now the brain won’t be quiet. Supplementing with homeopathic adrenal gland or having a natural sleep remedy on hand will help with that.

Over the next months you will see some changes on the Website for labeling on my products. I just attended a very good conference in Oregon that brought up some very valid points on the wording for labels. The FDA makes some very valid points on the verbiage that I myself have on my labels. Of course I have the FDA statement, but that is generic and I want to be sure that all labels are intended for health and not misleading.

*This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any disease or illness. If medical conditions are present or become present, consultation with a qualified health care professional is advised.

I talked with some herbalists while I was there and heard some stories of people that had stopped taking traditional medicine due to the fact that they believed an herbal supplement would cure their condition. My advice has always been before stopping any medication you should discuss this with a physician. I also add to that statement that if you are on traditional medications you need to speak to a qualified herbalist to discuss interactions.

We all have choices in our health to make, of course as an herbalist I believe in “First Do No Harm”, so I will often use herbs to heal the body. As a cancer survivor I will be the first to also stand behind integrating medicine with traditional physicians.

With all the information out on the Internet unfortunately the wording that is in many of the natural products may be misleading to many people with serious conditions. Remember each of us is unique so having a consult with a practitioner or herbalist is important versus relying on the internet for information. Cancer and Heart disease would be in that category of course.

I stand by the premise that we do not live in a world where we can be all holistic all the time, so being in contact with a trained herbalist to help you understand where that illness may cross the line from when it would be safe to nourish the body to regain healthy balance, and when you might best be treated by a physician is important.

Understanding when herbal remedies may be appropriate I think is always important. So I just wanted to put a reminder on here that I welcome emails to answer your questions and see if I can help you to make better choices for your health. Drdeb2002@gmail.com

Stinging Nettle (Urtica Urens) – Roots, Leaves and Stems
Actions of the plant
1. Stimulant: Increases circulation to the body this includes blood and fluids. So if you were full of mucous you may want to stimulate circulation of the fluids to thin the mucous, bathing the tissues with fluids decreases inflammation as well (Elderly, diabetics, cold hands and feet)
2. Diuretic: this increases the output of urine. Remember that our kidneys remove many toxins from the body. These toxins include Uric Acid which causes gouty arthritis. (recurrent kidney and bladder infections)
3. Expectorant: This simply helps cause the expulsion of mucous and breaks up congestion similar to the stimulant actions. (colds, asthma and allergies)
4. Astringent: this means a cleanser very similar to antibiotics where you would cleanse the body of frequent illness or perhaps infection.
5. Tonic: A tonic is similar to a vitamin in simple terms you may take it for longer periods of time to nourish and improve health. (someone prone to being anemic or seasonal allergies)
6. Nervine: I noticed while typing these notes that this is not on your chart. Nettle contains Serotonin, a chemical that is vital for healthy brain function and regulates moods. Additionally, the stinging nature of the fresh plant applied in an oil base to the skin adds stimulation to the nerve endings this might be a great way to treat arthritis or neuropathy pain (caused by the nerve endings).
Medical uses and benefits of Nettles just to name a few
• A highly nutritive herb with a broad range of actions.
• Nettles have an alkalizing effect upon the body.
• Used to increase circulation.
• A specific for arthritis, rheumatism and gout
• Great for the joints.
• Used in pain and inflammation issues.
• One of the few herbs for the thyroid gland.
• A strong detoxifier of the skin.
• Being alkaline it neutralizes acids (like uric and sulfuric acids).
• Somewhat of a haemostatic (stops bleeding).
• Feeds the body nutrition, especially potassium and iron (although it is also full of minerals).
• Useful in circulation issues, somewhat of a vasodilator.
• Promotes the flow of urine and is useful for kidney stones.
• Shrinks swollen tissues.
• Excellent for pregnancy, nutrition, and for anti-abortive issues.
• Used in cases of bronchitis especially asthma, emphysema and C.O.P.D.
• Nettles are an expectorant (removes mucus) and have adaptogenic properties in aiding the body to build up immunity to allergies.
• Used for anemia.
• A great blood purifier and body regulator.

How to determine what form you would administer: (Of course muscle testing would decide)
**1 cup of tea = 2 “00” capsules = 3 (30C) homeopathics
1. Tea: As you recall teas are eagle medicine. They swoop in to treat symptoms but the actions will remain in the body to have a tonic affect as well. I encourage parents to let their children drink this perhaps sweeten with some fruit juice because it is so rich in vitamins and minerals. I would chose a tea for most conditions as it is the fastest acting especially in the case of kidney/bladder problems. Someone who is very acidic would benefit more from tea to alkalize the body, one example would be someone who gets cold sores or bladder infections frequently you would encourage tea as your first choice.
2. Capsules: A convenient way of using nettle, not everyone has the time to enjoy or likes tea. Many that are having problems with frequent urination are hesitant to drink tea thinking that it will increase the urination. Another reason I might chose a capsule is that it will work as turtle medicine similar to a vitamin or supplement so if someone is prone to low energy or low thyroid I would recommend the capsules.
3. Tincture: The tincture is very similar to the actions of the tea. Keep in mind that because of the alcohol extraction that tinctures will enter the blood stream very quickly. So the tincture may be an excellent choice for pain and inflammation or to improve circulation. Nettle tincture can be used topically as well (see oil notes below)
4. Homeopathic: the strength that I use is a 30C. This means that if I take 1 grain of nettle and transfer it energetically (electronically) to 300 liters of water this is how I arrived at that dilution. So homeopathics are the safest way to use any herb as you can see there is NO real herb involved in a homeopathic only the energetic of the herb. This is the same as Bach Flower Remedies or even using Aroma therapy. As a matter of fact if you have a stuffy head or inflammation often just holding the bag of herbs will begin to heal you! Homeopathics come in many strengths: 1X = 1 liter of water, 1C = 10 liters of water; the reason that I mention this is several times on the internet I see that people comment on how strong a 200C dosage is, scientifically that really is incorrect.
5. Oil: This is a good way to point out how “like cures like”. It is only recently that I have begun to use the nettle in oil. So with that in mind when you hold the fresh plant you will begin to have skin irritation, stinging, burning, great for skinned knees, itching and redness; often as the body tries to get rid of the histamine reactions it will cause dry scalp possibly some eczema. SO when using oil topically you would use it for those very conditions. Remember that the tincture would also work the same here but the alcohol may be a little more drying than you would like. You could muscle test! Don’t forget we will be learning about making herbal oils that can also be used for your creams and salves.
6. Cream: this has the very same affects as the oil but of course it is a much easier and cleaner way of applying.
7. Salve: When looking at the healing affects of the oils, salves of course are oil with beeswax added so if you have someone who is a magnet for mosquitoes, bites from fleas, someone who gets rashes from playing in the grass; you get the idea having some salve handy might be a great choice. I have been considering adding this one to my first aid kit.

Growing Stinging Nettle
INSTRUCTIONS:
MODERATELY EASY TO GROW (IT’S THE HARVEST THAT WILL STING YOU!)
Things You’ll Need
• Nettle seeds or plants
• Potting soil and containers
• Plastic wrap
• Shovel
• Bagged cow manure fertilizer
• Heavy garden gloves and long sleeve shirts
1. Order seeds or plant starts from a nursery; or, go dig your own if you know of a place where they grow wild. Do this in early Spring.
2 . Start seeds indoors at room temperature. Use rich potting soil and barely cover the seeds. Cover the container with plastic and put it in a warm, dark place. The seeds sprout in 7 to 10 days and can be transplanted outside about a week after germination.
3 Dig a trench or set up containers outside in partial shade. Line with cow manure or other rich organic fertilizer.
4. Transplant your started seedlings or plants outside after all frost danger has passed. Space them roughly one foot apart.
5. Water abundantly and side dress with fertilizer frequently. Nettles love cow manure as a fertilizer.

Read more: How to Grow Nettle | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_2092214_grow-nettle.html#ixzz1ffUhnF35

I will be the first to tell you that I love Alternative Medicine, at the end of the day we are talking “Prevention”. I firmly believe that we no longer live in a world where we can be holistic all the time; we need to integrate traditional medicine and a licensed MD and compliment with some alternative care.

There are many different “natural modalities” that can compliment your health but it is important to understand the “scope of practice” that goes with those modalities. I will use myself as an example.

Dr. Deb is mainly a nickname that comes from the early 1990’s when I began using herbs for animals it was Dr. Deb Doolittle. I do have a degree as “Doctor of Naturopathy” which means I have completed 4 years of natural medicine studies. At my office, I work as a “Naturopathic Practitioner”. A naturopath is an educator, one that can guide you to better health by suggesting diet and lifestyle changes, understand the physiology (the way the body works) to help you understand in simple terms. It is important to know that a practitioner does not diagnose, nor do they prescribe traditional medications, and they are not licensed by the State.

Additionally, I have completed a 2-year program for herbal medicine in addition to the 4 years for naturopathy, and have certification as a Master Herbologist. Many natural medicine people recommend herbs and supplements, so it is important to find out some background on the person recommending this type of treatment. “All natural does NOT mean safe” herbs are medicine as are over the counter supplements. Many may interact with the way your traditional medicines are working, as will many vitamins. So be sure that the person who is recommending natural supplements has sufficient training and experience to ‘educate’ you in the proper use. For myself I spend many hours every year studying possible interactions and learning how new medications work so that herbs can be used safely, over the years I have made many changes in my recommendations based on what works with my clients as well as the hours of studying. When in doubt, I will in fact suggest that you speak with a physician.

I have a lot of people call looking for a “natural doctor” and I explain the difference. The natural doctors that carry the initials, N.D. Are in fact Physicians (M.D.) that have achieved additional training in natural medicine and nutrition, they are licensed by the State, and can order lab testing, prescribe traditional medications as well as suggest supplements for you. This type of doctor can be located by going to the website: www.naturopathic.org and click on find Physicians.

Other wonderful natural modalities include Chiropractors or Acupuncturists; these are licensed doctors that manipulate the body. They have specialized training to help with injury and good health.

Massage therapy and Bowen therapy are complimentary to chiropractics. These people should carry a license by the State to be sure that they have proper training to work with the body. Any time you manipulate the body it can improve your health. The alignment of the body can affect the organs and internal working you want to be sure that this type of practitioner is qualified and licensed.

The list of natural healers could go on for pages, one good resource to look at is: www.fhawn.com (Foothill Health and Wellness Network). This is a group of local healers that come together to learn and share information with each other the website not only lists a lot of wonderful, serious minded healers but is also a good resource to read and understand what each person does, look at their qualifications, etc.

Just remember good health starts at home, even better when you are taking some responsibility to address those health issues you empower yourself to be healthy. If you have questions about natural health or practitioners, I am happy to educate and answer those questions for you at drdeb2002@gmail.com or (530) 622-1124.

American Association of Naturopathic Physicians
www.naturopathic.org

Kissed leaf is my good friend Julie. Here is a little about her.

KISSED LEAF© herbal creations are Conscientiously Crafted™ especially for you!
At KISSED LEAF©, we blend herbal infusions and culinary herbal blends as well as other specialized herbal products such as creams, soaps, and household products (soon!) with the intention of enhancing herbal experiences while benefiting health & well-being.
Our products are priced reasonably & we strive to keep shipping charges minimal.
All herbs & botanical’s used in KISSED LEAF© herbal creations are obtained from reputable growers, wild-crafted organic when possible, and hand blended in small batches to ensure freshness & quality. We do not use any ingredient that we would not use on ourselves, our family & friends, or our pets!
Please check back often & see what’s new!

Some information about vaccines for the Flu season. First of all we need to make our own choices here, this is just my opinion!

Before I list all of the information on the flu, let’s also be reasonable. Many of us are working in jobs that we are exposed to many sick people. Our children are also being pressured by the schools, if you have a child who is sick easily you may want to consider the vaccine along with this remedy.

I have several calls about being pressured to take the vaccine, I have a homeopathic remedy called Vaccininum Vaccinotoxinum is now available on my website under Homeopathics, this protects your body against the side effects of the vaccine without rendering it ineffective; keep in mind last year the vaccine made about 80% of the people who got it feel sickly. The feedback I got from those who used the Vaccininum along with the vaccine was that they had NO side effects.

Vaccininum Vaccinotoxinum 30C (30 pellets)

Vaccininum is also known under name Vaccinotoxinum and is a nosode from vaccine morbid matter. May be used in conjunction with other health therapies to offset vaccine reaction. Remedy is listed for skin ailments after vaccine reaction. Neuralgias (muscle pain ), skin eruptions, eczema.

This remedy has been found useful in counteracting allergic reactions to antibiotic treatment.

Kathryn Jones Health Counselor advocates health rights, alternative health care and the importance of education in making informed health decisions. (www.elixirs.com)

Nosodes are a safe alternative without whole molecules, live or active bacteria Avoid harmful vaccine preservatives and noxious material. Nosodes may be used in preventative applications.
Your Health Professional may have you use nosodes for dealing with chronic illness or vaccine damage.

Price: $8.00

Dosage: 3 pellets dissolved under tongue daily for 10 days

Definition of Influenza (Flu): Dorland’s Medical Dictionary

An acute viral infection involving the respiratory tract, occurring in isolated cases, epidemics or in pandemics striking many continents simultaneously or in sequence. It is marked by inflammation of the nasal mucosa, the pharynx, and conjunctiva (eye) and by headache and generalized myalgia; fever and chills.

The incubation period is one to three days and the disease ordinarily last for three to ten days. There are a number of distinct strains of virus each designated by a sub grouping of A, B, OR C. They are determined by their surface antigens noted as HN1, H1N1, H1N2, etc. (a surface antigen is a marker on a cell that allows the bodies immune system to deal with a virus).

TYPE A: the most common variety of influenza caused by the type A strain of virus, epidemics of this variety occur at 2 – 3 year intervals. The virus is caused due to an antigenic shift, (in simple terms impaired immune system). Some of these types are Asian, Spanish, Russian and so on.

TYPE B: this strain occurs at four to five year intervals. Equine, Bird, Swine, Hong Kong, and so on.

TYPE C: a type of influenza that occurs sporadically. This strain may occur at 1 year intervals and resurface many years later for a short duration

**Note** As you can see from the above our immune system is the key to fighting flu, thus good hand washing and good health. Because of the antigen markers it is my (Dr. Deb’s) belief that we should avoid the vaccines as they change our natural immune response. The current MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) outbreak is a good example of this. This infection is largely due to the over use of antibiotics. As the antibiotics have been handed out for every little thing now when we have a severe infection the body has also built up an immunity for the antibiotics to heal.

For the flu each new vaccine that is being created will eventually do the same thing, now we will have many mutated versions of all sub types of the influenza vaccine and eventually I do not believe that any of the vaccines will work for any of the strains.

Good Flu Prevention is to boost the immune system, a good tincture is Oregon Grape Root, what about having a daily tea party with the kids with some Nettle Tea? Oscillicoccinum is available over the counter at any pharmacy the box makes it appear that you need to take it before you get sick but trust me it works wonder if you wake up and your already feeling awful.

Oregon Grape Root (Tincture), Nettle tea (Teas) and Oscillicoccinum (Homeopathic) are available at my office, Taylor Chiropractic, 484 Main Street #14, Diamond Springs (next to Deb’s Frosty), Placerville Health Foods, 1252 Broadway, Placerville or on-line from my website: www.drdebsherbals.com. **If you click on the product the information for the herbs will come up for you.

September 19, 2012

Tea in my mind one of the most effective and powerful ways to heal at home. Herbal teas are a wonderful way to get the benefits of herbs, safely and easily.

The water in herbal teas plays a vital role in increasing the effectiveness of an herb. Of course water is essential for life itself. When the herbs are added to the water, the herb delivers its properties in a manner that is harmonious with your natural body process.

Unlike herbal capsules that never touch your taste buds, herbal teas follow the normal digestive process from your mouth clear through the entire system.

A standard cup of tea is one teaspoon of herb, steeped in hot water 3 – 5 minutes. My preference when using teas to heal is to have 1 to 3 herbs only. I follow the rule that “less is best” in most cases for healing.

I will be posting some of my favorite herbs to use in teas for healing, if you have specific conditions and would like to drink some herbal tea to help. Please feel free to email me: dprock2002@yahoo.com.

With the weather changing and our fluids beginning to imbalance I have had a lot of calls this week with folks having Gout flare ups. Gout is actually a condition of too much uric acid; our kidneys are mostly responsible for getting rid of uric acid. Gout causes painful, swollen joints. Here are some herbs that would make a wonderful Gout tea. **Teas can be enhanced with sweetener’s (Honey, Stevia, and Agave) or a bit of lemon so they will taste wonderful.

The herbs are available in the “Loose herb section” of the website, we have quite a few herbs listed there click on “View” as a list to make searching easier.

Hawthorn (Leaf and Flower):

Not only is Hawthorn good as a Gout tea, but it is widely known to improve heart health, circulation to all parts of the body. Because it improves blood supply to the brain it also improves memory and alertness – so it is a wonderful tea to have in the morning before work.

Sassafras Root:

This is called the sweet root bark and is often used in tea blends for its flavor and aroma. It has wonderful cleansing properties and moves toxins out of the system quickly. It is the main ingredient in all herbal hangover remedies as well.

Nettle:

You can never say enough about nettle, it is one of my favorite herbs. Not only is it a wonderful way to cleanse the urinary system, but it is a natural anti-inflammatory so also improves the pain and swelling you may have with gout.

Well I didn’t want to have an empty tab here. So to get the news page started if you have ideas what you would like to read about please email me and I will get something up for you. dprock2002@yahoo.com

This week I am already seeing folks come in with flu-like symptoms. Every year about this time I communicate with other Naturopaths in Australia and New Zealand, they have flu season a bit earlier then we do. This year’s flu seems to be respiratory once again. So based on the symptoms here are some of my favorite remedies.

You can read the descriptions by clicking on the item in the “products” section. The remedies are available on-line, now you may also click that you would like to pick products up either at my office (Diamond Village Chiropractic, 484 Main Street #14, Diamond Springs CA 95619) or at Placerville Health Food Store (1252 Broadway, Placerville CA 95667). Orders will be available for pick up the Tuesday following the day you ordered.

1.    Lomatium Anti-viral tincture, you bet this is the worst tasting tincture (get a chaser). I have been using this herb for many years it is wonderful for colds, flues or any virus. The best part is that it is a root herb. This means it may take 3 doses a day for about 2 or 3 days to beat a virus you have going on, but your body remembers root herbs the next time you begin to feel a bit poorly it may only take a few doses to accomplish the same effects.

2.    Flu Plus with Influenzium, homeopathic; Rather than have the expense of buying a bottle of 100 tablets that you will most likely not need (the suggested shelf life by the company is 1 year) we repackage these into envelopes – the recommended dosage is to chew 1 tablet 3 times per day for 5 days. You may use this as flu prevention or take when you begin to feel flu symptoms. This is wonderful for children over 3 as well. I do use this for children under 3 please call or email me and I can assist you with dosage (530) 622-1124 or dprock2002@yahoo.com.

3.    Oregon Grape Root tincture; this is a wonderful way for the whole family to boost the immune system, it has properties very similar to Goldenseal which is a natural antibiotic. The difference here is that I do not recommend using Goldenseal as a preventive let’s keep that for when we have infections of a more serious nature.

4.    Mullein/peppermint tea bags: this tea is safe for all ages. If you have ever been into my office I will often tease that this is a “sponge for snot” (EWE) thankfully it tastes much better! Very effective in any mucous condition. Actually Mullein has wonderful benefits for the entire body so it is a win – win. Good for the kidneys, lungs, liver and tissues.