Birch tree water, a Divine nectar.

I must say it, this year has been fuller of great discoveries than all my other years put together. I consider myself lucky for smallest of things I come to know and share. But birch water, I believe, has nothing to do with the word " small" and I hope after reading this post you will agree with me !

Birch water it is. 
In the past I wrote about birch but used in gemmotherapy. It was and is one of my loyal friends on the path for the last few good years. 

Since late last year my doctor (and good friend ) was telling me to wait for the spring and she will give me birch sap / birch juice. I was in the dark all this time and wasn't somehow interested in finding out what it really looks like or its benefits. So spring came and birch sap was given to a not knowledgeable me. 

Now let me explain how sap comes to life. Its basically tapped from birch trees in spring. A small hole is done in the tree and then its fantastic nectar collected. But, so I hear, the tree must be respected and not more that 1 l collected from one tree at a time. Sadly I read this is not really the norm and trees are being dried up to 5 l at a time. 
Sad.

Fresh birch water is sweet, thin syrupy watery liquid; what I received was a bit sour as it had some time since its collection but not to worry  it keeps well for 6 months in the fridge and can be used.

Birch tree, also named the tree of life originates in Siberia but grows also in hills and plain areas. Birch water/ birch sap/ birch juice is one of the best things you can drink.

The birch water has restorative and detoxifying properties.The traditional virtues of birch and its efficient removal of toxic substances from the liver and kidneys have been known and appreciated for ages. There are very few phytotherapeutic ingredients that are capable of targeting the body's two major cleansing and purification systems at the same time. And birch water is one of those few.

Birch juice has natural carbohydrates, organic acids, fruit acids, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, zinc, sodium, iron, copper, vitamins of B group, vitamin C etc. 





What diseases can birch water cure? 

"All  of them ! "  was the answer of Napoleon Bonaparte's doctor after the campaign in Russia where he had the opportunity to observe the benefits of birch water as it was being used by the Russian peasants.


I will list below some of the uses and benefits of birch sap :

• neuroblastoma, neurosarcom. The betulinic acid ** is the main active ingredient in birch water and has a cytotoxic effect in malignant cells of the tumor formation of the nervous system. Treatment : 250 - 500 ml a day, 3-6 weeks.

• nervous breakdown, impaired memory and concentration, fatigue. A cure of three weeks, half a liter a day, with extraordinary regenerative effects on the nervous system.

• melanoma. Researchers at Medical University of Illinois concluded that some types of tumor cells triggers a process of self-destruction under the influence of birch sap. When taken internally it slows the growth of melanoma but also of other types of tumor cells. Sap treatment is 3 to 6 weeks as it may be purchased fresh. Drink 0.5 - 1 l a day.

• cancerous disease in general - there are several studies that highlight the anti-tumor effects of birch sap and in particular of its bark.  (again betulinic acid ). There have been positive results in ovarian cancer, lung cancer and breast cancer. Treatment is 0,5 l to 1 l per day in adults or as a replacement of sap, birch bark decoction  ( 0,5 to 1 l in adults per day). This treatment can be followed in combination with other therapies, natural or allopathic as there is no incompatibility between the two. 

• rheumatism - birch sap can be administered less than one liter per day for three weeks to treat successfully joint pain. 

• kidney stones. Cures of 20 days, first day 0.5 l and slowly increasing, reaching 1 l on the 5th day, this quantity that will be drank for 10 days, after which the amount will be gradually decreased by 100 ml each day, reaching  0.5 l of sap again on the 20th day. This treatment is used by the French doctors to dissolve and eliminate kidney stones.

• urinary tract infections. Birch contains active ingredients with a  strong diuretic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial effect thus making it a good remedy in treating and preventing urinary tract infections. Drink sap, one liter per day, 14-21 days. 

• eliminates cellulite
• helps maintaining kidney and liver health, highly effective detoxifying agent.

• eliminates toxins that only liver can process : alcohol, saturated fats, food coloring,additives, pesticides, remnants of industrially- processed foods, over-cooked fat and preservatives.

• waste only kidneys can eliminate : excess salt, uric acid, phosphates, certain medicine, urea and ammonia. 

• excellent with liver ulcer, headaches, bronchitis, cough, radiculitis, rheumatism.
• tonic action. 

• External - 

1. psoriasis - has  anti inflammatory effects. Compresses with birch sap are placed and held in place for an hour.
2. allergic eczema ( compresses, applied twice a day, each for 30 m).

I am on my third week of drinking birch water and I am beyond happy with this discovery. I must note I am drinking it only in the mornings, on empty stomach ( always to be taken on an empty stomach and at room temperature ) and I am only taking 100 to 200 ml a day. This was what I was advised to have by my doctor as I am taking it for gentle detox and its regenerative effects.

Birch sap should be used with caution by pregnant women and during lactation and less than 200 ml a day. Birch is not suitable for children with allergies. 

People that are allergic to aspirin should avoid taking birch. 

Because of the effect it has on the kidneys, birch should not be used by those in renal crisis nor by people with decompensated heart disease. 

Please take advice from your  (homeopathic*) doctor  before taking birch water.

Health is attained step by step. With mindfulness. 

** Wikipedia

Betulinic acid is a naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpenoid which has antiretroviral, antimalarial, and anti-inflammatory properties, as well as a more recently discovered potential as an anticancer agent, by inhibition of topoisomerase.

Stinging nettle - Urtica Dioica, the herbal panacea

I know I've been away, life has a way with me...  it happens and gets me all busy and travelling. :D !!
But to my defense I've been thinking about what else I want to write here and I have so many things I want to share, I can't wait !
I have two "projects" regarding my health, one is a  water detox and the second is the homeopathic collagen & ubichinon injections for my skin ( my skin was badly affected by cortisone and I am trying to restore it's collagen levels ). I will be documenting both journeys and I'm hoping for interesting things to be learnt and experienced and of course... results !

But for today the topic on my mind is the stinging nettle. I used to love this plant but just cooked as a meal, it didn't even cross my mind to wonder about nettle as a whole plant and its healing properties.
Basically its been like a stranger to me and I didn't know much about its health benefits but now that I know I can't be silenced no more !

Few weeks back we had a holiday with my doctor and her family and whilst strolling in the forest we came across nettle and we decided to pick some for ourselves. I can't even begin to explain the stings I endured, better said, my fingers did and  for couple of days after, but it was well worth it and enjoyable...somehow ?!
Soo... we boiled them carefully and  I had one glass  every morning from the juice that resulted. And I must confess I was left impressed.

So this post is about this fantastic plant that deserves much more attention !

Nettle has been used for centuries to treat allergy symptoms, particularly hayfever as it contains biologically active compounds that reduce inflammation. Dr Andrew Wiel M.D. author, says he knows of nothing more effective than nettle for allergy relief.  In Europe is a common ingredient in many herbal drugs for rheumatic complaints and inflammatory conditions.

Stinging nettle is : an astringent, diuretic, tonic, pectoral, rubefacient, nutritive, anti-rheumatic, anti-allergenic, haemostatic, stimulant, decongestant, herpatic, febrifuge, anti-allergenic, kidney depurative/nephritic, expectorant, anti-spasmodic and anti-histaminic.

Nettle leaf is among the most valuable herbal remedies, because of its nutrients, its traditionally used as a spring tonic. It is a slow acting nutritive herb that gently cleanses the body of metabolic wastes.
Its one of the safest alternatives, especially in the treatment of chronic disorders that require long-term treatment.
Has a gentle, stimulating effect on the lymphatic system, enhancing the excretion of wastes through the kidneys.



Nettle is :

• wonderful blood builder and purifier
• excellent for anemia and fatigue, especially in women
• promoting the process of protein transamination in the liver
• beneficial during pregnancy due to rich mineral value and vitamin K
• beneficial during labor to ease pains and to increase milk production in lactating women
• recommended for premenstrual syndrome because of its toxin ridding activity. When liver is sluggish, it processes estrogen slowly, contributing to the high levels that cause or aggravate PMS.
• restorative remedy during menopause
• an astringent that helps with excessive menstrual flow 
• diuretic, increases the secretion and flow of urine. This makes it invaluable in cases of fluid retention and bladder infections.
• anti-lithic and nepridic, breaks down stones in the kidneys and gravel in the bladder
• similar to dandelion leaf, promoting the elimination of uric acid from joints with an alkalizing diuretic activity. In an open multi-clinical trial of 219 patients with arthritis, nettle leaf was compared to NSAID therapy, demonstrating a similar reduction in pan and immobility, with excellent tolerability.
• a styptic ( an arrestor if local bleeding ) effective remedy for nose bleeds, applied locally or sniffed.
• an astringent that proves useful in hemorrhoids, diarrhea, and bleeding in the urinary organs.
• good for treating mouth and throat infections
• useful to correct symptoms of gastrointestinal excess, such as gas, nausea and mucus colitis.
• used as an anodyne to relieve pain of burns and scalds.
• a helper to clear catarrhal congestion. The seeds are an excellent lung astringent, particularly useful for bronchitis and tuberculosis.
• recommended remedy for goiter and to reduce body weight.
• anthelmintic, expelling worms and other parasites. 
• fantastic as a rinse for the hair. This will regenerate hair growth and restore original hair color. Its widely used by the personal hair industry in anti-dandruff products and scalp conditioners. For example Clariol uses more than 40 tons of nettles a year as a hair conditioner.
• recommended for : allergies ( hay fever, seasonal allergies, asthma, hives)
• beneficial for neurological disorders - sciatica, neuralgia, MS
• lowering blood sugar
• beneficial for celiac disease
• recommended for loss of muscular power
• lessening nausea
• helping with osteoarthritis 

The leaf can be used as a diuretic, for arthritis, rheumatism, rheumatoid arthritis, high blood pressure and allergic rhinitis.

 The root is recommended as a diuretic, for prostate problems and natural remedy to treat or prevent baldness.

An infusion of the plant is very valuable in stemming internal bleeding, arthritis, rheumatism and skin complaints.
Taken orally, products made from nettle's aerial parts may interfere with the body's production of prostaglandins and other inflammations-causing chemicals. Chemicals in nettle aerial parts are also thought to reduce the feeling of pain or interfere in the way that nerves end pain signals . All of these effects may reduce the pain and stiffness of arthritis and other similar conditions.
A solution made from the plant may be applied to the skin to relieve joint pain and muscles aches.

Drinking nettle leaf tea or juice is the best way to use nettles. To make tea, combine 2 teaspoons dried leaf with 1 cup hot water and allow it to stay for 10-15 minutes. Drink 3 cups three times a day. If in severe pain drink one cup every two hours until the symptoms are starting to lessen. 

To apply topically put 2, 3 fresh leaves ( auch ! ) on small joints such as fingers or 4-6 to larger joints, two to three times a day. Remove them a minute or two after application, once multiple stings have occurred. Fresh leaves can be reused as long as they keep stinging and don't rot.

I have been so impressed with nettle's benefits and how good I felt after drinking the nettle juice that I packed some nettle tea in my kitchen and soon will start a two week nettle tea competition with myself.
Some of you may know that for my lupus nephritis stage IV of 2010 I had six dosages of chemo. Since then I have tried to detox my body as often as I could, my liver needs it and my body still needs it so I am doing it as often as I can. I am not a vegetarian ( yet?! ) so I still love meat and that  means uric acid and waste that needs to be flushed often.

Of course whatever I am taking as natural remedies are not only for chemo, cortisone & imuran detox but to supply my body ( and spirit ) with love and care made by Mother Nature. It's one of my ways to learn self love, step by step. Taking care of the body, taking care of the Soul.




Health is attained step by step. With mindfulness.


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Neem - the miracle herb

Neem has been used for thousand of years and has been widely documented in the ancient herbal healing science of India, Ayurveda. It is one of the most studied herbs of modern times, with hundreds of scientific papers been written about it. The result of both traditional review and modern scientific evidence is that Neem is truly a miracle herb.

Azadirachta indica, also known as Neem, Nimtree, and Indian Lilac, is a tree in the mahogany family Meliaceae, native to India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka.
Neem is a fascinating and versatile plant and using neem has many benefits.Some of these benefits we are listing below.

Benefits :

• anti-septic
• anti-inflammatory 
• antiviral ( ex against measles )
• antifungal
• antibacterial
• analgesic
• anti-microbial
• effective with gastrointestinal problems (ulcers)
• supports the liver
• effective with acne, psoriasis and eczema 
• effective topical fungal and viral conditions such as nail fungus, athlete's foot, warts, cold sores, chicken pox.
• anti-histaminic, treats itching skin ( ex, bee stings and mosquito and spider bites.)
• lightens scars and pigmentation
• moisturises skin and keeps it supple 
• oil is high in Vitamin E, rich in emollients and fatty acids, soothing dry skin, cracked cuticles, damaged skin ( safe on children)
• can decrease blood sugar level and prevents adrenaline as well as glucose-induced hyperglycaemia.
• antibacterial action against Gram-negative and gram-positive microorganisms, including tuberculosis and streptomycin resistant strains. ( oil from leaves, seed and bark)
• anti-cancer
• antioxidant

From Neem is  used  - the seeds, leaves and flowers.(others parts also, but not mentioned here as not important in the context).

Seeds for neem oil, the most popular neem plant product, kernels can contain as much as 50% oil. Used in many skin care products, soaps shampoos, lotions, creams etc. Other benefits are written above.
Warning : seed oil can be toxic and should not be ingested.

Leaves are used for skin care products, hair oils, neem toothpastes and mouth washes. The leaves  cleanses the blood and supports the liver.
Flowers are lovely, sweet, honey like smell, neem honey is very popular. The flower oil is also used in aromatherapy and has calming and restorative effects.

Now, please let me add something to this post and maybe it's something should have been added some time ago : I have had the opportunity not only to experience a so-called chronic disease ( for me a so-called, others are free to name things and diseases as they choose) but also to live in a south Asian country for few good years and then few more in Middle East. This gave me the opportunity to engulf in this part of the world's culture and to have access to their alternative medicine. They were practically on the shelf, naturally, at the chemist and in people's mind and culture. Not something that I had to google, imagine, sweat and pray for. Of course, I am not and will not forget my homeopathic doctor that opened my eyes to a myriad of  possible remedies.
Neem was one of the remedies that was easily available under all possible ways, I used it firstly for my face and then as an oil for hair and then during my medical needs, internally.

It has helped in more than one way and I am thankful  that I knew back then it was a possibility and that I had the opportunity to use Neem. I hope it will help you too in your journey to health and enthusiasm !

Please note, once again, all  natural remedies or homeopathic medicine have been taken under a doctor's attentive care. Please consult a homeopathic doctor and please do not discontinue your medication as it can be dangerous. Neem can be taken in parallel with your medication and does not interfere with it.

Health is attained step by step. With mindfulness.

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Swedish bitters

I'd been drinking this as a tea today, I totally and completely and utterly think it's...bitter to say the least ! And I'm being kind.
This is not funny especially I am not a tea fan, I only drink if obliged. I know it has fantastic benefits but I am just not that into drinking tea...
The only two times I drank tea like serious, medical need mode was few years back as a detox, 2l a day of a special plant mixture and now, this swedish bitter tea, given  by my homeopathic doctor.
All in all, as I like to know as much as possible, always hungry for information and knowledge, I googled after reading the pack and hmm, I like what I found out so I dare say, let's remember all of us about swedish bitters and learn some more about it !

The Swedish bitters original formula is believed to go back to ancient Babylon and Egypt, but was first attributed to Paracelsus, a Swiss Renaissance physician, botanist, alchemist, astrologer and general occultist.
The recipe then circulated throughout the Middle Ages until the 18th Century, when Jonathan Samst a Swedish doctor blended the mixture of herbs that we now know as Swedish Bitters.
The recipe was subsequently abandoned until the 20th century, when the Austrian botanist Maria Treben reintroduced it.

Ingredients of Swedish bitters (  alcoholic / non-alcoholic):

• angelica root ( the most important)
• carline thistle root
• camphor
• manna
• myrrh
• rhubarb root
• saffron
• senna leaves
• theriac venetian
• zedoary root

Extended upto 22 ingredients : 

• archangelica, aloe barbadensis, lycopodiaceae, pimpinella, carlina acaulis, veronicae herba, althaea, gentian lutea, acorus calamus, cinnnamonm amphora, kandis, viscum album, commiphora, juglandaceae, rhei radix, carthamus tinctorius, sennae folium, ginkgo biloba, theriaca, potentilla erecta, artemisia absinthium, zedoariae rhizoma.

And if you managed not to get bored in the middle and skip altogether the names of the plants  let me congratulate you on your fine latin !  Ok! No need to feel regrets and go and read them again.  :D

So, bitter substances have almost been completely eliminated from the modern diet and this elimination has caused some disturbance with our bodies digestive system. Bitter substances have the ability to improve kidney and liver function, improve bile, reduce bloating and flatulence, improve metabolism and prevent acidification of the body.

This herb mixture has a wonderful healing power. Benefits :

• promotes biliary, pancreatic and gastric secretion
• disinfects intestinal tract
• soothes digestive tract
• relieves bloating, flatulence, gas, cramps and nausea
• promotes appetite
• restores natural acid balance in the stomach
• stimulates liver function
• gentle laxative
• anti-anemic
• treats rheumatic pains. Drops taken morning and evening and moistened cloth applied to the aching parts
• general detox
• helps in recovery after illnesses
• helps in normal functioning of respiratory system
• maintains normal concentration of cholesterol and fats in the blood
• stops the early aging 
• reduces exhaustion
• promotes vitality
• tonifies and regenerates
• when used externally alleviates inflammations of all kinds if applied on spots, wounds, cuts, bruises, scars and contusions

Caution : is very bitter, yes, if taste is unbearable, you can try and dilute in a warm infusion or with fruit juice, but ideally, it's best taken alone.

Side effects : keeping strictly to the recommended dose is unlikely to produce any side effects. Not recommended for pregnant women or children under 12 and in the case of ulcer. Do not use if you experience abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting, or if you have developed diarrhoea.

Internal : dilution can be done with hot or cold tea, juice or water to avoid irritation of the stomach, one tablespoon per cup of tea or warm water. For optimum results you should drink it 30 minutes before meals. For well being drink one cup morning, one in the evening.

External : moisten a cotton ball and apply to designated area. Keep compression overnight if possible.

I'm going to list here the ingredients of my bitter swedish tea for anyone interested or curious : angelica, milk thistle, burdock, cardamom, caraway, thyme , coriander, clove, fennel, European ash, bay laurel, English marigold, stemless gentian, spiny cocklebur, lemongrass, juniper, marjoram, chamomile, rosemary, senna, Bethlehem, birdweed, european centaury, common nettle and ginger. 

I'm wishing you now a nice evening or day wherever you are and a "let's get bitter"  !

Health is attained step by step. With mindfulness. 

Vitis Vinifera - the old remedy

The grape ( Vitis Vinifera ) is a climbing plant with well developed tendrils, woody trunk twisted, which can reach up to 35 meters long, depending on species. 
There are over 8,000 species of grapes, whereby parts used are : leaves, fruits and seed
 ( oil).

By 1980, it was  accepted  the possible correlation between grape juice and wine consumption to human health and was verified by scientific studies. Since then Vitis Vinifera  has been studied worldwide, and the wine joined the list of so-called "functional", consumed in order to prevent disease and maintain health.

In homeopathy, Vitis vinifera is one of those "minor" homeopathic remedies which has been somewhat under-used in the shadow of much better-known remedies with a larger sphere of action.
Although it may be considered a complementary remedy, on its own it can break up immunological chain reactions. 


Vitis Vinifera, excellent for  :

• osteoarthritis
• anemia
• arthritis
  
  
• Crohn's disease
• rheumatism
• atherosclerosis

•  gout
• uterine haemorrhage in menopause
• as antioxidant
• as antitumor

• lipid lowering
• anti viral
• vasoprotective

• astringent, diuretic
• reduces arrhythmias
• improves  renal function

• decreases the platelet aggregation, preventing thrombus formation and reducing the incidence of stroke and heart attack
• increases HDL cholesterol and decrease total and low density LDL
• varicose veins and venous insufficiency 

The Vitis Vinifera  tea cools the intestines, relaxes the nerves and tones the heart. It has antidiarrheal action, hemostatic, antianemic ( rich in iron and stimulates the production of red blood cells), purifying and tonic.

The leaves are indicated as astringent, diuretic and vasoprotective.

The fruit has antioxidants, vitamins and is restorative, acts on the liver, kidneys and intestines due to the presence of potassium salts, pectic substances with detoxifying effects.

The natural grape juice is indicated for fatigue, in convalescence, anemia, detox, vitamin C deficiency and mineral deficiency.

Bud extract : Vitis Vinifera MG-D1 has action on the reticuloendothelial system*  and osteoarticular system, its indicated in acute rheumatism, improves evolution of diseases and prevents complications.

Actions of berries : fortifying, blood tonic, nourishing, stimulates kidney and liver function and thus works in elimination and cleansing, gentle laxative.




 A method and quite a popular one of cleansing the body of toxins is to do a grape fast. Its an old household remedy to cleanse and gently tonify the body.
2 kg of grapes should be eaten during the course of the day, every day, for two weeks with little to no other food. Best is to slowly diminish intake of other foods and then embark on this cure. I would suggest you eat other small quantities of veggies and just few days stay totally on grapes.
This method will release the water from the tissues, reduce fat, tonify the kidneys, purify the blood and cleanse the skin, will reduce rheumatic pains, heartburn and stomach burn.
Its fantastic for people with disturbed metabolism, water retention and circulatory complaints. Grapes are a restorative, nourishing food good for anemia and debilitating conditions. The dried grapes are nutritive and slightly laxative. 

You can take : 

• grape seed extract, 150 to 300 mg per day
• vine leaf extract - 360 to 720 mg a day
• Gemmotherapy, extract from buds: adults and kids after 7 years of age 2 ml in water, 2-3 times a day, before food. Children between 2 and 7 of age, 1 ml in water, 2-3 times a day, before food. If administered with other extracts, to be taken once a day. The duration should be between 1 to 3 months.

Complementary action : for the osteoarticular system : Bud extract from Blackcurrant - Ribes Nigrum & Buds of Pinus Montana.
For tonsils, pharynx problems : with bud extract from  walnut - Juglans regia 

I have not taken Vitis vinifera as gemmotherapy but I love grapes. My parents do annually in september several weeks of the grape diet. My parents are in their late 70's and had no side effects from it. Myself, I did try this diet just after my chemotherapy finished, I was on steroids, pretty chunky, I had edema and I couldn't tolerate eating just grapes, my "steroid hunger" didn't approve the idea so I can't really give you a feedback on it. 
I had friends with lupus that had the ambition to do it for two weeks and they had results and were pretty happy about it and they were doing it each year.
As always, in everything, I believe in good measure, don't overdo anything and I wouldn't, personally, just eat  grapes more than few days, I'd be mixing it with vegetarian light meals and I'd be listening to what my body is telling me every moment and act accordingly.

	Please always take advice from  your homeopathic doctor.

*Reticuloendothelial system, also called macrophage system, class of cells that occur in widely separated parts of the human body and that take up particular substances. These cells are part of the body's defense mechanism. An important function of these cells is destruction of worn-out or abnormal cells and tissues. The reticulum cells of the spleen play a major role in the destruction of worn-out red blood cells and the recycling of hemoglobin, the oxygen carrying pigment of the red blood cells. Disorders include anemia, malignant tumors or sarcoma in lymph nodes.  

Health is attained step by step. With mindfulness.

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Gemmotherapy: Blackcurrant the natural cortisone.

Recommended in the 18th century as an "Elixir of life", Blackcurrant  is one of the most widely applicable of the extracts known in gemmotherapy.
It is a very effective and potent tonic, it has been shown to have a salutary effect throughout the human body and acts like an "adaptogen", enhancing the effect of other plants with which it may be associated.
Ribes Nigrum belongs to the family of the Glossulariaceae and originates from Central and Eastern Europe plus parts of Asia.

The plant produces multiseeded black berries up to 1 cm in size, which ripen in July and August. In the 18th century, the abbot Bailly from Montaren, who was a professor at the University of Paris ( La Sorbonne ) described Ribes Nigrum as the "bush of a thousand virtues".

In the Second World War, the consumption of blackcurrants was recommended by the British government because of the high levels of vitamin C. Blackcurrant syrup was given out freely, especially to children, to make up for the lack of vitamin C from other fruit.

The primary effect is on the adrenal cortex, it has a cortisone-like effect because it directly stimulates the secretion of the adrenal cortex hormones; it is also a fast-acting anti-inflammatory substance, with no iatrogenic consequences.
Ribes nigrum mainly acts on the primary inflammatory phase of inflammation, but is effective in all stages of inflammation of the mucous membranes, such as in the airways, in the digestive tract and in the urinary tract. Ribes nigrum boosts the anti-inflammatory effects of the gemmotherapy agent Sequoia gigantea.

Some scientific research has been performed on the buds of RN at the faculty of Pharmacy at Lyon, where the anti-inflammatory properties of the buds were investigated. The buds significantly reduced the number of inflammatory cells in rats, which demonstrates the anti-inflammatory properties.
Another test perfomed in Lyon using the buds was the arthritis test. Administration of the buds normalized the elevated alpha-1-acid-glycoprotein and gamma globulin within 7 and 10 days respectively. Alpha-1-acid-glycoprotein is an acute-phase protein, the plasma concentrations of which rise significantly in the event of inflammation.

Some active ingredients in Blackcurrant :

• enzymes
• vitamin C ( 100 mg/g in fresh buds)
• amino-acids
• flavonoids
• fibers
• minerals
• phenolic acids
• anthocyanins
• carotenoids etc

Blackcurrant is a true natural concentrate :

• effective against allergies, migraines of allergic origin, urticaria, hay fever, eczema
• effect comparable to cortisone
• effective with diseases of the liver
• bud macerate is an anti rheumatic and a powerful anti-inflammatory. Remedy of arthrosis, gout, ligaments and tendons pains, painful joints. 
• stimulant of suprarenal glands, kidneys, pancreas, liver
• acts effectively at respiratory level in asthma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema, allergic rhinitis
• recommended to to tired people, lacking enthusiasm, combats drowsiness
• remedy for prostrate, osteoporosis, gastritis, lack of appetite
• recommended in hypo-tension
• acts efficiently by internal way against the after effects of insect bite ( anaphylactic shock).Few drops applied to the bite will reduce the sensation of pain
• chronic fatigue
• has antioxidant properties, better than bilberries, raspberries, redcurrants and cranberries.
• antiviral properties, active against herpes simplex. Active against type A and B influenza viruses as shown by a Japanese study.
• reduces oxidative stress on exertion
• stimulates lactation
• improves visual acuity. Carotenoids lutein and zeaxanthin are known antioxidants for the retina, the bioflavonoids and thocyanins and vitamin C protect the small blood vessels and increase the blood flow in the eye. Oral intake of RN improves the blood flow in the optic nerve head and the retina.
• is a promising supplement to anti-glaucoma drugs
• reduces muscle stiffness. Oral intake of RN at a dose of 7.7mg/kg can combat muscle stiffness.
• good for general drainage therapy
• helps in recovery following illness

Black currant should not be taken if you are on a prednisolone course ! 

Personally I have been using gemotherapy and specially blackcurrant for past 5 years with great success; it has brought me successfully off prednisolone and kept me at a bay from it. I dislike prednisolone and its horrible side effects and I do not wish to ever be in position to take it, for any issue whatsoever.
Blackcurrant has helped me find balance during my period of lupus and helped me keep balance after.
If you are not right now on prednisolone do discuss with a homeopathic doctor and your rheumy and proceed in taking blackcurrant even if you are in a remission. I believe in acting well in advance, detoxifying the body and keeping it healthy and in good balance.

You can take blackcurrant in any form you find fit and you homeopathic doctor approves, I have personally only used gemmotherapy as this was prescribed by my doctor.
You can go on courses of 3 months ( 50 drops in little water, 3 times a day, on empty stomach) or 4ml a day in combination with rosemary and/ or birch gemmotherapy. Right now, as I write this, I am on such a course for a duration of three months, in month number two.

Please do not interrupt your prednisolone unless otherwise medically indicated.



Health is attained step by step. With mindfulness.

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Dr Bach and The Flower Bach Remedies

Dr Bach studied medicine at the University College Hospital, London and obtained a Diploma in Public Health at Cambridge, he was a house surgeon and a casualty medical officer at University College Hospital.
He worked at the National Temperance Hospital and practiced for over twenty years in London as a Harley Street consultant and bacteriologist. After research in immunology, he developed an interest in homeopathy, and joined the laboratories of the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital in 1919.

He believed that illness is the effect of disharmony between body and mind and symptoms of an illness are the external expression of negative emotional states; in 1928 he began work on his own remedies made from plants. He was sure a new system of medicine could be found in nature so he left to work in Wales and the English countryside.
By 1932 he had discovered the first of his 12  remedies, in 1933 he began making the second group of remedies the 7 helpers; in 1934 he found the remaining 19 remedies that he needed to complete the series. All these were used on many patients who came to him for free treatment.

Dr Bach created a system of Flower Remedies, a system of 38 flower remedies to help mankind achieve joy and happiness. remedies that correct emotional imbalances where negative emotions are replaced with positive.



The Bach Flower Remedies is a simple system of healing that  can work in conjunction with herbs, homeopathy and medications and are safe for everyone including children, pregnant women, pets, the elderly and even plants.

Talking about myself, I had the luck to come into contact few years back with people that used the Bach Remedies, most likely, if my memory doesn't fail me, in 2010, through both my homeopathic doctor and my Healing touch/ Cranio sacral  therapist and friend. 
Both gave me small bottles of flower remedies more times than I can count and my God, this works, this works so delicate and efficient, so powerful and so intelligently! As I write this, I have on my bedstand two bottles, one almost finished and one to start, both with flower remedies. 
Both full of magic that helped me change  my emotional state, my subconscious programs, fears, anxieties, intolerance, pain, possessive nature and many more that may arise from this thing we call life and interaction with others and ourselves.

I can say wholeheartedly  that Bach Flower Remedies have been a true friend on my road to recovery, health and a different, more evolved, spiritual and most importantly balanced me.

Below I will list the 38 remedies with few words on each, for more info check the link at the end of the post and search for a practitioner that can help choose the right Remedies for you.

 In approximately two weeks ( the time to finish one bottle) up to 6 different Remedies in one small bottle mixed with water, 4-5 drops a day/ 5 times a day you can change and a lot !

 You just need a good practitioner to start with. ;)

The 38 flower remedies are :


Agrimony

Keywords: Addiction, unhappy, anxiety, insomnia
Human Indication: Mental torment behind a brave face. Appear care-free and humorous in order to                                     mask anxieties and unhappiness.Aspen
Keywords: Fear, worries, unknown fears
Human Indication:  Fears and worries of unknown origin.

Beech
Keywords: Intolerance, critical, lack of compassion
Human 
Indication:  When you need more tolerance toward other people.

Centaury
Keywords: Weak-willed,  bullied, unable to say no, imposed on, lack energy, tired, timid, passive, quiet

Human indication:  When you have a hard time saying NO and therefore easily get imposed on.

Cerato
Keywords: Confirmation, seeking advice, do not trust own wisdom or judgment
Human indication:  When you do not trust your own judgment in decision-making.

Cherry Plum
Keywords: Fear of losing control, temper tantrum, breakdown, abusive, rage, explode

Human indication:  When you are in deep despair and feel like you are going to “lose it.

Chestnut Bud
Keywords: Learning, repeating mistakes
Human indication:  Keeps repeating the same mistake, doesn’t learn from past mistakes

Chicory
Keywords: Possessive, over-protective, self-centered, critical, nagging, self-pity, easily offended, manipulating, demanding
Human indication:  When you find yourself manipulating and controlling your loved ones.

Clematis
Keywords: Daydreaming, dreaminess, withdrawing, lack of concentration
Human indication: When you have a tendency to live in your own dream world with little interest in the real world, accident prone, daydreaming.

Crab Apple
Keywords: Cleansing, poor self image, sense of not being clean, obsessive, poor self image
Human indication:  When you feel unclean or have a hard time accepting your own self image.
Cleansing: Use externally on ringworm, rashes and warts.

Elm
Keywords: Depression overwhelmed by responsibilities, despondent, exhausted
Human indication:  Feeling overwhelmed and depressed, there is too much to do and you don’t feel that you can do it all.

Gentian
Keywords: Discouraged, depressed
Human indication:  When you easily get discouraged when faced with difficulties.

Gorse
Keywords: Hopelessness, despair, pessimism
Human indication:  When you have the feeling of extreme hopelessness and despair.

Heather
Keywords: Talkative, demand attention, dislike being alone, lonely
Human indication:  Helps when you are preoccupied with own ailments and problems.

Holly
Keyword: Envy, jealousy, hate, insecurity, suspicious, aggressive, needs compassion
Human indication:  When you need to overcome the feeling of hate, envy and jealousy.

Honeysuckle
Keyword: Homesickness, nostalgia, bereavement
Human indication:  For over-attachment to past memories good or bad, can’t let go of the past, homesickness.

Hornbeam
Keyword: Weariness, bores, tired, needs strength, overworked, procrastination, doubting own abilities

Human indication: For weariness, mental rather that physical, the “Monday morning” feeling with a sense of staleness and lack of variety in life.

Impatiens
Keyword: Impatience, irritated, nervy, frustration, fidgety, accident-prone, hasty
Human indication: Suitable for people who are easily irritated and impatient. They speak and think quickly, and are energetic, but tense.

Larch
Keyword: Lack of confidence, depressed, discouraged, feeling of inferiority
Human indication:  When you need more self-confidence.

Mimulus
Keyword: Fear, blushing, stammering, shyness, timid, sensitive, lack of courage
Human indication:  Fear of known things such as fear of being alone, fear of spiders, fear of flying or fear of the dark.  Shyness is also a known fear.

Mustard
Keyword: Depression, deep gloom for no reason
Human indication:  When you feel depressed for no reason. Like a dark cloud that destroys normal cheerfulness.

Oak
Keyword: Exhaustion, overwork, workaholic, fatigued, over-achiever
Human Indication:  When you are exhausted, but keep struggling on.

Olive
Keyword: Lack of energy, fatigue, convalescence
Human indication:  When you are exhausted with no reserves of strength or energy.

Pine
Keywords: Guilt, self-reproach, humble, apologetic, shame, unworthy, undeserving
Human indication:  When you feel guilt and self-reproach, not necessarily based on any actual wrong-doing but destroys the possibility of joy in living.

Red Chestnut
Keywords: Worried, over-concern, fear
Human indication:  When you feel over-concerned and worried for others.

Rock Rose
Keywords: Frozen fear, terror
Human indication: When you feel terror, or after a nightmare. The feeling that you cannot react or move.

Rock Water
Keywords: Self repression, self denial, self perfection, overwork, self-sacrificing, opinionated
Human indication: Is indicated when you are too strict and set too-high standards for yourself, to the point of self-domination and self-martyrdom

Scleranthus
Keyword: Indecision, imbalance, uncertainty, dizziness
Human indication:  When you suffer from indecision, particularly when faced with two choices.

Star of Bethleem
Keywords: Trauma, after effect of shock, post traumatic stress
Human indication: For after effects of trauma or traumatic experience.

Sweet Chestnut
Keywords: Extreme mental anguish, hopeless despair, intense sorrow
Human indication:  When you feel hopeless despair, and you feel an intense sorrow and feel destroyed by it.

Vervain 
Keywords: Over-enthusiasm, hyper-active, fanatical, highly strung
Human indication:  For people who are strong-willed and highly strung with minds that race ahead of events.

Vine
Keywords: Domineering, inflexible, very capable, gifted, bullying, aggressive
Human indication:  For those who dominate others. They know better than everyone else and put others down.

Walnut
Keywords: Change, link breaker, menopause, puberty, moving, let go of the past, protection
Human indication:  Protection from outside influences and energies. Helps you adjust to major changes.

Water Violet
Keywords: Proud, aloof, lonely, anti-social, disdainful, condescending, self-reliant, private
Human indication:  People who feel lonely because they have a tendency to appear proud and anti-social.

White Chestnut
Keywords:  Repeated unwanted thoughts, mental arguments, concentration, sleeplessness, insomnia.
Human Indication:  When you mind is cluttered with thoughts or mental arguments. You may be unable to sleep because of the thoughts.

Wild Oat
Keywords: Cross-road in life, decision making, lack of clarity, drifting in life
Human indication:  When you are uncertain of correct path in life.  Helpful when you need to make important decisions.

Wild Rose
Keywords: Apathy, resignation, lost motivation, lack of ambition
Human indication:  For anyone who is resigned to an unpleasant situation whether illness, a monotonous life or uncongenial work.

Willow

Keywords: Self pity, resentment, short-changed, poor me, sulky, irritable, grumbling, bitterness, blame, complain
Human indication:  When you feel resentment, self-pity and bitterness.  You would like to regain a sense of humor and proportion.

Rescue Remedy


More info at : http://bachflower.com/original-bach-flower-remedies




Health is attained step by step. With mindfulness. 

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