Natural help for Seizures

Natural Help for Seizures/Epilepsy

A "Seizure", by definition, refers to a sudden malfunction in the brain that causes someone to collapse, convulse, or have another temporary disturbance of normal brain function, often with a loss or change in consciousness. Simply put, seizures are symptoms of a brain problem.

Seizures happen because of sudden, abnormal electrical activity in the brain or by fainting (fainting decreases blood flow to the brain). When people think of seizures, they often think of convulsions in which a person's body shakes rapidly and uncontrollably. Not all seizures cause convulsions. There are many types of seizures and some have mild symptoms. Seizures fall into two main groups. Focal seizures, also called partial seizures, happen in just one part of the brain. Generalized seizures are a result of abnormal activity on both sides of the brain.

Some seizures may be the result of another medical problem, such as low blood sugar, fever, medicines, infection, a head injury, accidental poisoning, or drug overdose. They also can be due to a brain tumor or other health problem affecting the brain. And anything that results in a sudden lack of oxygen or a reduction in blood flow to the brain can cause a seizure. In some cases, a seizure's cause is never discovered.

Most seizures last from 30 seconds to 2 minutes and do not cause lasting harm. However, it is a medical emergency if seizures last longer than 5 minutes or if a person has many seizures and does not wake up between them. Two thirds of people who experience a seizure never have another. One third go on to have recurring seizures (a condition called epilepsy.)

There are four types of epilepsy: Grand mal epilepsy, characterized by major episodes associated with loss of consciousness; Petit mal epilepsy, characterized by milder episodes, usually without loss of consciousness; Psychomotor epilepsy, characterized by different types of abnormal movements; and Autonomic epilepsy, which is associated with flushing, whiteness of skin, rapid heartbeat, high blood pressure, abdominal symptoms, and sweating.



Natural Help for Seizures:

• Consider a bowel cleanse to restore healthy bowel function. Proper bowel movements two to three times a day are also important.
• Sleep - Improvement of sleep patterns can help reduce the frequency of seizures. 
• Change Diet- Consider the Ketogenic diet.(under doctors care) -A high-fat, low carbohydrate diet can drastically cut seizures in children with severe epilepsy and could reduce the need for medication.
• Do not eat foods with: MSG (monosodium glutamate) , aspartame, maltodextrin, glutamate, glutamic acid, anything autolyzed yeasts, yeast extract, anything hydrolized, sodium caseinate, carrageenan, barley malt, malt extracts, and anything saying natrual flavors. 
• Omega-3’s and Fresh Fish- Fish oils may be helpful by their ability to stabilize neuronal excitability in brain and heart tissue. 
• Find a source of mediation to reduce stress – Yoga, Walks, Music, Breathing exercises for relaxation and stress control, or biofeedback to slow the brain waves. 
• Reduce or eliminate any kind of supplements that have a stimulant effect such as tyrosine, ephedra, guarana, citrus aurantium, ginkgo, sexual herbs such as horny goat weed and tongkat ali, and caffeinated products (cocoa, cola, some teas, etc.) 
• Increase Magnesium and B6.- Take this through the foods you eat. 
• Be Patient - Most diet and lifestyle changes can have immediate results or take up to 6 weeks for positive results. 

Essential Oil Help:
Anyone who has epilepsy should avoid the following essential oils as a precaution:
Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus), Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare), Hyssop (Hyssopus officinalis), Pennyroyal (Mentha pulegium or Hedeoma pulegioides), Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis), Sage (Salvia officinalis), Savin (Juniperus sabina), Tansy (Tanacetum vulgare), Thuja (Thuya occidentalis), Turpentine (Pinus species), and Wormwood (Artemisia absinthium)

Frankincense is the Essential Oil of choice for any kind of brain disorder. Frankincense has a molecular makeup that includes sesquiterpenes, that is able to cross the blood/brain barrier. These sesquiterpenes stimulate the limbic system of the brain and other glands within the brain, promoting memory and releasing emotions. Frankincense slows down and deepens the breath. The therapeutic properties of Frankincense oil are antiseptic, astringent, carminative, cicatrisant, cytophylactic, digestive, diuretic, emmenagogue, expectorant, sedative, tonic, uterine, vulnerary and expectorant.

To help prevent the onset of seizures:

• Apply 1 drop Frankincense, on the bottom of each Big Toe, or at the base of the neck and temples, each night.  
• Can also place 1 drop Frankincense under the tongue, each night. 

• Can also try Lemon and Orange, 1 drop each internally or on bottoms of Big Toe- In pseudoseizure, the two brain hemispheres start to fight or don’t communicate. This will help stimulate both sides of the brain. 
• Lemon is for Left-brain function.
• Orange is for Right-brain function.

When you feel a seizure coming on, inhale Frankincense, deeply. Basil has known to help too.

Important Note: Many Herbal Remedies can interact with seizure medicines, either diminishing seizure control or worsening side effects. Of course the effect is different depending on what kind of seizures you have and what seizure medicines you take. Always educate yourself. Search this site and other reputable sources for unbiased information about the herb, the disorder you want to treat, and all the other medicines you are taking. (One good source of information about many herbs is the website of the Integrative Medicine Service of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, found at http://www.mskcc.org/mskcc/html/11570.cfm.) After researching, consult your doctor. When you say that you've been investigating an herbal medicine, the doctor should be willing to hear you out. If your doctor says that it's OK for you to use the herbal product alongside your regular seizure medicine, go ahead, but don't take more than the recommended dose. If you experience any new side effects, don't ignore them—call the doctor. And NEVER substitute an herbal medicine for your regular seizure medicine. 

Help for Warts

Natural Wart Removal

A wart is generally a small, rough tumor, that can resemble a cauliflower or a solid blister. Warts are generally on hands and feet, but can be in other locations. Warts are common, and are caused by a viral infection, called the human papillomavirus(HPV) This viral infection can spread from one part of the body to other parts, and sometimes by contact with skin of an infected person, but not always. It is also possible to get warts from using towels or other objects used by an infected person. Human Papilloma Virus can easily penetrate the skin through cuts. At risk are people who walk barefoot or somehow get exposed to the virus.They typically disappear after a few months but can last for years and can recur. Although if left untreated, they can spread into clusters.

Essential Oil Help

Less Evasive Treatment:

• Tea Tree oil is the least evasive and serves as an antiseptic that will prevent any possible infections that might arise. It will immediately soothe the skin and clear out the ongoing infection. It can take longer than Oregano, but is easier to work with. It may dry out the surrounding skin because of the continuous use, but will not harm it.
• Apply 1-2 drops Tea tree oil to a cotton ball or pad and dab the wart 2x daily. The wart usually will disappear in 1-2 weeks.

Quicker, but harsher removal:

• Use a Q-tip and apply Vaseline around the wart. Saturate a clean Q-tip in Oregano oil and place directly on top of the wart. The trick is to not get the Oregano on the surrounding skin. Place a large enough, cloth bandage to cover the wart.
• Everyday, keep applying Oregano on top, through the bandage. Try not to get the bandage wet, but if it falls off, do it again. Remove the bandage in 3-5 days and the wart should fall off. (Repeat if necessary)
• Use duct tape to hold bandage on, if necessary.
• If there is an open hole, in the skin, exposed after the wart removal, apply Lavender to the hole until it heals to prevent scarring and infection.

Wart after 2 Days or Oregano application

Wart after 7 days of Oregano application

Wart after 9 days Oregano application

Wart after 11 days Oregano application

 

Wart after 15 days Oregano application

Wart after 20 days Oregano application.

Warning: Oregano is a “hot” oil and can cause irritation to the skin and mucous membrane; use sensibly and carefully. Avoid eyes and sensitive skin. Avoid use with children.

Lemongrass can also be used, if a fungus wart is suspected. Put a cloth bandage on top of the wart, drop 1-2 drops of Lemongrass through the bandage to keep it saturated 1-2x daily. It should fall off in about 1 week.

Internal Cleansing: If there are several warts to clear up, proceed with an internal body cleansing.

• Follow a juice and water fast/cleanse for 3 days. (Dr. Christopher has a good one, http://www.herballegacy.com/Three_Day_Cleanse.html)
• Also take a Liver Cleanse each morning http://theresanoilforthat.blogspot.com/search/label/Liver%20Cleanse
• There are also several good Total body cleanses on the market. Allow your body 5-10 days for a good clean out of the system.
• After the cleanse, Take Rosemary oil, internally. 3-4 drops in a capsule, then filled with carrier oil for 1-2 weeks, 2x daily. 

Natural help for MS

Natural Help with Multiple Sclerosis

What is Multiple sclerosis or MS?

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks the central nervous system. MS affects the ability of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord to communicate with each other. Nerve cells communicate by sending electrical signals called action potentials down long fibers called axons, which are wrapped in an insulating substance called myelin. In MS, the body's own immune system attacks and damages the myelin. The resulting damage interferes with nerve impulses and can lead to symptoms such as muscle weakness, loss of vision, and a variety of other neurological impairments.

What does it mean to have an autoimmune disorder. Auto-Immune Disorders arise from an overactive immune response of the body against substances and tissues normally present in the body. In other words, the body attacks its own cells. 

Symptoms of Multiple Sclerosis

• Numbness and weakness of limbs.
• Extreme fatigue.
• Eye trouble.
• Loss of balance and co-ordination.
• Loss of bladder-control and speech difficulties

A Lifestyle Change is a Must:

· Begin by “cleaning” your Internal System.

· Follow a juice and water fast/cleanse for 3-5 days. (Dr. Christopher has a good one, http://www.herballegacy.com/Three_Day_Cleanse.html )

· Also take a Liver Cleanse each morning http://theresanoilforthat.blogspot.com/search/label/Liver%20Cleanse

· After the cleanse, follow a diet that consists of Whole and Raw foods.

· Raw fresh unsalted butter, homemade cottage cheese and soured milk and unfiltered honey are beneficial.

· Cabbage, carrot, cucumber, radish, tomato and red beet, all fruits and berries and liquid whey have special value in the treatment of Multiple Sclerosis.

· Any whole, live, raw foods. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, and a small amount of fresh fish or chemical free chicken.

· Avoid all refined flours, cereals, processed foods and meats, animal fats, and refined sugar.

· Absolutely NO diet soda pop. Aspartame, in diet pop, can mimic MS symptoms.

· Large doses of Vitamin B1, Vitamin B3, and Vitamin B6 and Vitamin F and Vitamin E can be used successfully.

· Omega-3 fatty acids and Bromelain help with MS inflammation.

· Avoid overwork and fatigue.

· Massage the weakened muscles and set the joints through normal range of motion everyday.

· Hot baths, hot mineral baths, cold showers in the morning and evening, swimming and exercises are other useful measures. 

Essential Oil helps:

• Use Essential oil bath treatments for inflammation: http://theresanoilforthat.blogspot.com/search/label/Bathes%20and%20EO's
• For specific areas of inflammation, apply 2-3 drops per la Pain blend or Birch oil.
• Can also mix 2-3 drops of Basil, Lavender, Peppermint, and Geranium in a Tablespoon of Carrier oil (Olive or grapeseed oil)

• Massage on Lower back on both sides of spine in a downward motion.
• Using the same combination of oils, lightly massage the abdomen, starting just below the navel and massaging in a clockwise spiral out to the edge of the rib cage and the pelvis.
• Massage bottoms of feet (arch area), palms of hands and upper part of the ears with same combination, undiluted.

· 1-2 drops Frankincense on the temples, under the tongue, daily.

· Also, rub 1-2 drops Helichrysum italicum at the base of the neck, daily.

• Frankincense is the oil of choice because of its ability to cross the blood brain barrier. It has a powerful effect on neuromuscular issues and is an immune stimulant.
• Helichrysum has the ability to reduce inflammation, while it soothes and calms. It increases the lymphatic drainage, and is the go to oil for nerve issues.

Natural help for IBS

Natural Help for Irritable bowel syndrome

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a common disorder that effects the lower or larger part of the intestinal tract (colon). In IBS, the normally rhythmic muscular contractions of the digestive tract become irregular and uncoordinated. This interferes with normal movement of food and waste material, and leads to an accumulation of mucus and toxins in the intestines. This accumulated material sets up a partial obstruction of the digestive tract, trapping gas and stools. IBS involves abdominal pain and abnormal bowel movements. Emotional stress often makes the symptoms worse. Despite these uncomfortable signs and symptoms, IBS does not cause permanent damage to your colon. It is not the same as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), which includes Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

The main cause of IBS is unknown, but many experts believe it is stress related. Although, after an acute gastrointestinal infection, the risk of developing IBS increases. The overuse of antibiotics, antacids, or laxatives, which all disturb the bacterial microflora of the bowel, may also be a factor. Because there are many causes of diarrhea that give IBS-like symptoms, other intestinal causes should be ruled out. These include parasites, gastrointestinal infections, lactose intolerance, helicobacter pylori, and coeliac disease. There is no real cure for IBS, although when other intestinal problems are ruled out and treated, IBS is no longer an issue.

Symptoms

Symptoms range from mild to severe. IBS symptoms may be worse in those who have anxiety and depression. Although, it is important to understand that these conditions do not cause IBS.

Symptoms may include:

· Abdominal distention

· Swollen or bloated, Gas Abdomen

· Abdominal pain that:

-Comes and goes

-Is reduced or goes away after a bowel movement

-Occurs after meals

· Chronic and frequent constipation, usually accompanied by pain

· Chronic and frequent diarrhea, usually accompanied by pain

· Emotional distress or Depression

· Whitish Mucus in the stool

· The feeling of an incomplete bowel movement

· Loss of appetite

· Women with IBS often have more symptoms during their menstrual periods

Natural Help

The goal of treatment is to relieve symptoms and support the Digestive Tract. Lifestyle changes can be helpful in some cases of IBS.

· Begin by applying regular exercise and improving sleep habits.

· Do not eat right before going to bed. Wait 1-2 hours after eating before lying down.

· Find a Stress Relief program (Emotional stress does not cause IBS. But people with IBS may have their bowels react more to stress. So, if you already have IBS, stress can make your symptoms worse.)

-Yoga and Meditation may help

-Practice deep breathing exercises. Shallow breathing reduces the oxygen available for proper bowel functions.

· If IBS has been a chronic issue, consider a Colon Cleanse before beginning any support supplements, like the Probiotics and Digestive Enzymes.

sAerobic Bulk Cleanse (ABS) from Aerobic Life Industries, is recommended to clean the colon wall of excess mucus and slow down food reactions.

sUse Aloe Vera in conjunction with any Colon cleanse, as it is healing to the digestive tract. Dink ½ Cup Aloe Vera Juice up to 3 times daily on an empty stomach.

· Dietary changes can be helpful. (However, no specific diet can be recommended for IBS in general, because the condition differs from one person to another.)

sIncreasing dietary fiber can be beneficial, as it will regulate bowel movements (Add foods with fiber to your diet a little at a time to let your body get used to them. Too much fiber at once can cause gas, which can trigger symptoms in a person with IBS.)

sSome foods that may help are kidney beans, lima beans, whole-grain bread and cereal, broccoli (raw), cabbage, carrots (raw), peas, apples, and peaches.)

sUse a supplemental Fiber, on a daily basis. Alternate Psyllium powder, oat bran, and ground flax seeds.

sAvoid foods and drinks that stimulate the intestines. These increases secretion of mucous or prevent the absorption of nutrients.

sSuch as caffeine, Dairy, animal fats, processed foods, chocolate, fatty foods, spicy foods, and sugar free chewing gum.

sBe mindful, when eating *Hot Foods and counter their affects with *Cold Foods.

· Increase water intake: The body needs water to work properly, including the flow of the intestines. Drinking at least half your body weight in ounces is important.

· Probiotics can be beneficial in the treatment of IBS, taking 10 billion to 100 billion beneficial bacteria per day is recommended for beneficial results. However, further research is needed on individual strains of beneficial bacteria for more refined recommendations.

s A number of probiotics have been found to be effective including: Lactobacillus plantaru and Bifidobacteria infantis.

s Some yogurt is made using probiotics that may help ease symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome.

· Iberogast: The multi-herbal extract Iberogast was found to be significantly superior to placebo via both an abdominal pain scale and an IBS symptom score after four weeks of treatment.

· Add Calcium and Magnesium. Vitruvian Natural health's Vitamin and Mineral Tea will give your body the needed nutrients for support.

· Take a Digestive Enzyme to strengthen the digestive tract and give relief for IBS

• A combination enzyme will initiate cellular activity, while breaking down toxic substances so that the body can eliminate them without damaging the elimination organs.
• Choose an enzyme with the following combination:
• Protease: Digests protein into amino acids.
• Amylase: Digests complex carbohydrates.
• Lipase: Digests fats and denatured fatty oils.
• Cellulase: Digests fibers from soluble sources.
• Sucrase: Digests complex sugars and starches.
• Maltase: Digests disaccharides to monosaccharides.
• Lactase: Digests lactose or dairy sugars.
• Bromelain: Digests protein.

Essential Oil Help

Studies have been done on the use of Peppermint oil and is widely used for irritable bowel syndrome. It helps reduce the abdominal pain and bloating of irritable bowel syndrome, by blocking the movement of calcium into muscle cells in the intestines and easing excessive muscle contraction there. Peppermint is considered a carminative herb, which means that it is used to eliminate excess gas in the intestines.

The Essential Oils in Vitruvian Natural Health's per la DIGESTION blend are all supportive in helping combat IBS. Ingredients: Coriander, Dill, Peppermint, Fennel, Ginger Root, and Lemon.

· Rub 2-3 drops on the abdomen, clockwise each night. (Add Carrier oil for sensitive skin.)

· Can also take internally 1 time, each day. Add 2-3 drops to a capsule, and fill with carrier oil.

-Adding 1-3 drops of Essential Oil to drinking water will help with cell to cell communication and help hydrate the body better. Choose oils that support the digestive tract such as Lemon, Fennel, or Peppermint.

-Massage the abdomen with any one of the following oil: per la DIGESTION, Peppermint, or Basil. (If skin is sensitive, mix 2-3 drops in 1-2 teaspoons of carrier oil.) Always massage the abdomen Clockwise, which is the same direction as the digestive system flows.

-For Heartburn associated with IBS, drop 2-3 drops Lemon oil in mouth, swish it back and forth for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then swallow. This will send a message to the digestive system to stop producing stomach acid.

-Add 1-2 drops of Lemon, Peppermint, or per la DIGESTION to 1 cup warm water and 1 teaspoon honey for a Digestion Supportive and relaxing Tea.

-Incorporate a Liver Cleanse each morning to your daily routine. Mix together the following and ingest before eating:

· 1 drop Lemon oil

· 1 drop Peppermint oil

· 1 teaspoon FRESH Lemon juice.

-Oregano can inhibit or destroy bacteria associated with IBS, without destroying good Flora Bacteria.

· Add 2 drops Oregano to Capsule, then fill with carrier oil.

· Take 2x daily, with *Cold Foods for 7-10 days.

*Hot & Cold Foods:

Foods have energies that offer hot, cold, cool, warm or neutral properties and are used to help restore imbalances.
Symptoms associated with cold conditions can be warmed with warm or hot foods.
Symptoms associated with hot conditions can be helped with cool or cold foods.

Exterior conditions can be helped with foods that move outward, warming the exterior, promoting sweating and reducing fever, these are hot pungent & sweet foods. These are good winter foods because of their hot energy and include, black pepper, ginger, red pepper, cinnamon.
Cold foods that move inward are good in summer because they are energetically cold, bitter or salty and include banana, watermelon, clams, crab, kelp, lettuce.

Some typical foods and their thermal properties:

· Cold: Banana, Clams, Kelp, Seaweed, watermelon, tomato, grapefruit.

· Cool: Tofu, wheat, mushrooms, spinach, apples, strawberries, mango, (mostly green leafy vegetables and most fruit)

· Neutral: Beef, white sugar, rice, pork, carrots, apricots, beets,Chinese cabbage, carp, celery, chicken eggs, corn, figs, honey, kidney beans, anise, lotus, papaya.

· Warm: Chicken, raspberries, lamb, shrimp, garlic, coffee, cuttlefish, green onion, guava, organ meats, rosemary, seeds and nuts, wine.

· Hot: Black pepper, black cumin, cinnamon, ginger, green pepper, red pepper beef, nutmeg, mustard, curry.