Thymus vulgaris

Action: Antiseptic, antibacterial, antispasmodic, diaphoretic, carminative, vermifuge, rubefacient, fungicide.

Systems Affected: Lungs, stomach, intestines, general effects on the whole body.

Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried flowering plant, dose 1-5 grams by infusion.

Thyme has a long history of culinary, medicinal and other uses. Native to the Mediterranean region, it was used by the ancient Egyptians as part of their embalming process for the dead. The Greeks burnt it on their altars and used it in cooking. The Romans did the same and also used it as a cosmetic. The Arabs still use it daily as a condiment: Za'atar, made from powdered Thyme mixed with roasted sesame and coriander seeds and salt, is eaten with bread.

Thyme has a powerful antiseptic action. The volatile oil contains thymol, widely used in pharmaceutical and cosmetic preparations, mouthwashes and toothpastes (it is the chief ingredient of Listerine). It disinfects wounds, fights bacteria in the urinary tract and destroys intestinal worms (including hookworms and ascaridis).

Thyme controls nervous and spasmodic cough, clears out phlegm and is healing to respiratory passages irritated by inflammation and infection. An infusion (sweetened with honey) is frequently used for throat and bronchial problems such as acute bronchitis, whooping cough, sore throat and laryngitis. For coughs and spasmodic complaints the fresh herb is preferred. Thyme is also of benefit in stimulating appetite and for diarrhoea and chronic gastritis.

Externally its antiseptic action is useful as a mouth wash and as a cleansing lotion for the skin. It is often employed in baths to relieve respiratory distress and skin diseases, and to stimulate circulation in rheumatic subjects. A strong infusion (100 grams of the dried herb to a liter of water) is added to the bath water: the volatile oil is absorbed through the skin and by inhalation as it vaporizes from the water.

Thyme will destroy fungal infections of the skin such as athlete's foot and skin parasites such as scabies and pubic or head lice. For these purposes the tincture (prepared from 100 grams of the dried herb to 500 ml of brandy) or essential oil is used.

The dried leaves, powdered and applied as a snuff, are useful for treating nose-bleeds. The infusion is used daily as a tonic to the scalp to prevent or arrest falling hair.

Thyme can be used for a wide range of conditions where its antiseptic action is required. It is particularly beneficial in gastro-intestinal, respiratory and skin complaints.

Cautionary Notes: Thyme may be used freely externally but should not be taken in excessive doses internally, 15 or so grams of the dried herb being an adequate daily intake when prepared as an infusion. Very large doses taken for extended periods of time may produce toxic symptoms and possibly over-stimulation of the thyroid gland.

*55/66/5*

Althaea officinalis

Action: Demulcent, emollient, vulnerary, diuretic, galactagogue.

Systems Affected: Lungs, stomach, intestines, kidneys, bladder, mucous membranes, general effects on the whole body.

Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried root, dose 2-5 grams by cold extraction or decoction. Dried leaf, dose 2-5 grams by cold extraction or infusion.

Marshmallow, which is grown in some parts of the world as a decorative Marshmallow, which is grown in some parts of the world as a decorative garden shrub, has a long medicinal and culinary history. It was regarded by the Greeks as a panacea (its botanical name derives from the Greek altho, meaning 'to heal') and the Romans considered it a delicious vegetable. An erect hardy perennial growing to 5 meters in height, it is native to Europe and the temperate zones of western Asia. It occurs wild and is also commercially cultivated, being widely used in both folk medicine and modern medicine.

Marshmallow is the best source of easily-digested mucilage. Renowned for its demulcent properties, it is a first class remedy for any irritation or inflammation of the respiratory system, alimentary tract or urinary organs. _ ,

Internally it is used to soothe and heal irritation and inflammation of the mucosa in bronchitis, colds, irritating cough, laryngitis, gastritis, enteritis, gastric and duodenal ulcer, constipation, cystitis, urethritis and bladder stones or gravel.

It is specifically indicated for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcer, and for respiratory catarrh with irritating cough.

Marshmallow combines well with Coltsfoot, Horehound and/or Liquorice for the treatment of pulmonary complaints. It can be used with laxative herbs for chronic constipation associated with dryness and lack of fibre. It is protective and healing in the irritations associated with diarrhoea and dysentery. Used in combination with other diuretic herbs such as Celery seed or Parsley root, it relieves irritations of the kidneys and urinary tract, its demulcent action aiding the smooth expulsion of stone and gravel.

Marshmallow is high in minerals, especially calcium. The powdered root is excellent for enriching milk in nursing mothers and will increase the milk flow. Heat the powdered root in milk and drink freely.

Externally the decoction of the root is used as a mouthwash for abscesses and gingivitis, and as a gargle for sore throats and tonsillitis.

Applied as a poultice on a daily basis, Marshmallow root is highly effective in treating blood poisoning, septic wounds, suppurating ulcers, abscesses, boils, burns, bruises and eczema. The powdered root applied to moist surfaces draws out and absorbs all moisture.

Concerning harvesting preparation of the plant:

All parts of the plant (roots, leaves and flowers) contain mucilage, but the roots (which are strongest in effect) and leaves are generally preferred. The root is gathered in autumn, the leaf in midsummer when the plant is in flower. The root is normally peeled before drying but this is not essential.

Since the infusion and decoction tend to be gelatinous, the cold extract method can be used to prepare the herb: to make one dose place 1 or 2 tablespoons of the dried root or leaf in a cup of cold water. Let stand for eight hours, then strain. It may be taken cold or slightly warmed up.

Marshmallow is completely safe to use and is in fact consumed both as a medicine and as a vegetable. The roots are boiled and then fried with butter or oil. The young tops are eaten in spring salads.

Mucilage is used as a botanical, herbal and pharmacological term to describe substances which swell when water is added to form a viscous fluid. Mucilaginous plants are fairly widespread throughout the world, but only a few, such as Marshmallow, Mullein, Comfrey, Flax (Linum usitatissimum) seed and Iceland Moss (Cetraria islandica), contain sufficient quantities to be medicinally useful.

Mucilage forms a fine layer on the surface of the mucous membranes, thus protecting them from irritants and soothing inflammation. But because mucilage is not absorbed, its effects remain purely local. It is, however, highly effective in treating many inflamed and irritated conditions of the mucous membranes: for example, irritating cough, laryngitis and bronchitis in the respiratory system; heartburn, gastritis, colitis, enteritis and ulcers in the digestive tract; cystitis, vaginitis, urethritis and stones and gravel in the urogenital organs.

Mucilage also has a slightly laxative action, as it tends to loosen the contents of the bowels, absorbing water from them in the process. For this reason seeds with a high mucilage content such as Plantain and Flax are widely used as laxatives.

As Mannfried Pahlow points out in Living Medicine, one other effect of mucilage is to weaken the sense of taste, especially in relation to sour or acidic food. Thus, 'although raspberries contain less sugar and more acid than redcurrants, they are richer in mucilage and therefore taste sweeter'.

*38/66/5*

Galium aparine

Action: Diuretic, antipyretic, alterative, astringent, vulnerary.

Systems Affected: Kidneys, bladder, blood, lymphatic system, skin.

Preparation and Dosage (thrice daily): Dried flowering plant, dose 2-5 grams by infusion.

An annual herb native to Europe, Cleavers is now widespread as a weed in many parts of the world. Of straggling habit, the plant is noted for the clinging nature of its stalks and seed capsules. Covered with fine bristles, they freely attach themselves to any animals or humans brushing past.

Cleavers is an excellent herb for all kidney and bladder complaints. It is recommended for painful urination associated with cystitis or urethritis, suppression of urine, and especially for obstructions of the urinary organs, such as stones and gravel.

A powerful diuretic and mildly laxative, it is useful in reducing weight and treating fluid retention.

Cleavers is also used internally for its alterative effects to treat skin diseases and eruptions (including psoriasis), and for its beneficial effects on the lymphatic system (being specifically indicated for enlarged lymph nodes).

The herb reduces body temperature and blood pressure slightly, antipyretic qualities which are useful in treating fevers.

Externally, Cleavers is used as a soothing and healing ointment tor wounds, ulcers, scalds and burns.

The roasted seeds provide an excellent coffee substitute and a permanent red dye is obtained from the roots.

Cautionary Notes: Cleavers is a powerful diuretic and therefore should not be used where there is any tendency to diabetes.

*21/66/5*

By restructuring our old inappropriate beliefs with these positive new beliefs, it is virtually impossible to entertain a negative thought. And if a negative thought does appear on our inner movie screen, we can easily learn to recognize it and slide it off.

Without a negative thought we cannot experience a negative feeling. And without a negative feeling we cannot become depressed, fearful, unhappy, angry, anxious, resentful, guilty or frustrated nor can we experience any kind of downer or negative attitude or mood.

"Change your thoughts and change your life," is the slogan of the Science of Mind movement. As long as we are calm and relaxed we can change our thoughts in a second. But once a negative emotion is triggered, it can take hours or even days before we can calm down and become rational once more.

The emotional component in every case of cold or flu is now clear. Invariably, it consists of the same chain of events. By perceiving the world through negative beliefs, a negative thought arises which sets off a negative feeling which triggers the fight or flight response. Stress mechanisms are then put into effect that suppress the immune system and cause us to feel lonely, depressed, helpless, tense, uncomfortable and upset.

Yet each of us has the personal power to block this health-destroying chain reaction by refusing to think a negative thought. By doing so, we may not only prevent or lessen the symptoms of a viral infection. We may also prevent cancer, an ulcer, hypertension, rheumatoid arthritis or any one of a long, melancholy catalog of stress-related diseases and dysfunctions.

Undoubtedly you will hear such excuses as "I need to get angry so I can appreciate the calm periods" or "We can't feel happy unless we have blue periods to contrast them with." In reality, the only time we need to experience a fear-based emotion is when we are actually threatened by physical danger. Other reasons are mere excuses by people who prefer the stimulation of strong emotions to the seemingly unexciting alternative of inner peace.

If and when you do experience a negative emotion, let go of it as soon as you can. Never repress a negative feeling. The best way to calm down is to take a brisk walk or run or to do push-ups or sit-ups or any other type of vigorous exercise. Immediately you calm down, forgive the person about whom you upset yourself. Then forgive yourself for becoming upset. Take responsibility for what has happened and realize that no other person has the power to go into your mind and upset you. We upset ourselves by reacting when another person pushes our buttons. We can change our buttons by changing our beliefs.

*210\30\4*

Probably the most useful of all physical techniques is the ability to recognize the early warning signs of an impending cold.

These signs frequently precede onset of a cold by up to twelve hours. They are: the nose and throat feel dry and tight; and mild, tickling sensation exists in the throat; you feel less hungry than normal; and you may also have a mild feeling of being slightly below par.

As soon as these signs become clearly discernible, begin doing everything possible to retard progress of the cold and to build up immunocompetence.

Stop smoking and drinking alcohol. Begin drinking extra fluids such as water, juices, soups and teas. Minimize your upcoming schedule and work load. Stay calm and relaxed and avoid stress. Take a brisk walk, if you can, to stimulate the immune system. But after that, stay rested and conserve energy. Go to bed early, remain warm and comfortable. If you don't have to go to work, rest and recuperate at home. Read review of other physical steps we can take to relieve cold symptoms, to make ourselves feel better and more comfortable, and to shorten the duration of the infection.

*186\30\4*

Vaccines have been developed against influenza, pneumonia and some allergies. Thus far, efforts to produce a cold vaccine have been unsuccessful although scientists claim to have identified a relatively stable part of the cold virus's outer coat against which a vaccine may one day be developed.

By identifying the types and variants of influenza virus, scientists have developed an effective vaccine. But since the virus changes its antigen every year, immunity seldom lasts for more than twelve months. At present, the vaccine is also effective against only a single variant of the disease (a statement subject to future change).

Since influenza vaccine must be produced months in advance, and no one knows exactly which variant will predominate next winter, predicting which vaccine to manufacture is an inexact science. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) continually monitor new flu mutations throughout the world. Each spring, CDC representatives meet with influenza advisory committees to try to determine which strain of virus to include in next season's vaccine.

Despite this pooling of experience, they can still be wide of the mark. When the swine flu appeared in 1976 its generic make-up closely resembled that of the Spanish flu that caused the worldwide epidemic of 1918. The U.S. Government prepared to vaccinate all Americans against what seemed like a particularly virulent rogue virus. But it all turned out to be a false alarm and some people who received the vaccine experienced neurological problems.

Nor is flu vaccine entirely free of side effects. Between four and twelve percent of recipients have experienced mild flu symptoms for twenty four hours after injections. More rarely, people who are sensitive to eggs may develop a serious allergic reaction. Many people also experience pain and tenderness at the inoculation site.

Most vaccine in use today is bivalent, implying that it is effective against a variant of either A or B types. However, significant protection seldom lasts longer than six months and a person is still only immune to the mainstream variant Inoculation provides little immunity should a new subtype appear. And some researchers believe that vaccines tend only to serve to help promote evolution of new flu virus strains.

If you do decide to be vaccinated against flu, remember that it takes some fourteen days for the immune system to produce antibodies in response to the injection. For maximum protection, you should be vaccinated by mid-October.

The prescription drug Amatadine is also used to prevent Type A influenza in high risk populations. It can be taken up to two days after symptoms appear. However, Amatadine may cause side effects ranging from poor concentration to mild headaches, insomnia or irritability.

*158\30\4*

Assuming you do not have a fever, take a long, relaxing soak in a hot tub bath. If only a shower is available, let the water run as warm as you can stand with comfort, and allow it to flow over the back of your neck and shoulders and on down the back. Do not bathe or shower if you have a fever.

Prepare a cup of green or black tea, or a herb tea, and add a teaspoon of lemon juice. Sip it as you relax in bed. Then settle down comfortably and read the remainder of this book. Or read something else you enjoy.

Don't get up until you are certain you do not have the flu or a fever. Rest in bed for as long as your temperature remains above normal.

Step nine. Numerous experiments have demonstrated that immunocompetence soars when the body is deeply relaxed and the mind is calm and serene. In controlled studies, a measurable rise in immunocompetence has occurred in as short a time as one hour.

Ideally, this step should follow Step Eight and you should be lying in bed sipping a cup of hot tea with lemon and perusing the pages of this book. If not, remove your shoes and tight clothing and lie down flat on your back. Keep the arms and legs flat and support the head with a pillow.

Take six long, slow deep breaths. Take care to fill the bottom of the lungs first, before expanding into the top. Gradually slow the rate of breathing to four breaths per minute. Complete twelve or more long, slow, deep breaths.

Then, limb by limb, mentally relax your entire body. Relax each arm and each leg, the shoulders and torso. Then relax the forehead, eyes, cheeks, mouth, tongue, jaw and neck. Picture yourself as relaxed as a rag doll or a string puppet.

Now, imagine yourself in an elevator at the top floor of a 100-story building. Look up at the floor indicator above the door. It now displays the digital number 100. The elevator then begins to descend at a rate of approximately one floor every two seconds. Keep watching the indicator as it counts down the floor numbers from 100 to 1. Silently count along with the indicator as you look up at it. By the time you reach the ground floor, you should be in a delicious state of detachment from worry and pressure, with every muscle free of tension and with the mind calm and unruffled.

*134\30\4*

While beliefs that fit these patterns don't cause headaches directly, they cause us to perceive potentially stressful events in a stressful way.

For example: Julia's sister, acting as executor of their mother's will, keep for herself a handsome antique clock. Although it wasn't specifically mentioned in the will, Julia feels certain that her mother intended her to have the clock and that her sister was aware of this. As a result, Julia decides that she will never forgive her sister. A few weeks later, she begins to experience migraine headaches. Although she isn't aware of it, whenever she analyzes the past and begins to feel bitter and resentful over the clock, a migraine often appears soon afterwards.

We can easily see that this situation fits into several of the patterns that identify negative beliefs, such as unforgiveness, analyzing the past, wanting things, and so on.

Were Julia to let go of these beliefs, in all probability, her migraines would disappear. To let go of an undesirable belief, you simply let go of it. This is made much easier when we replace it with a

positive belief. Was Julia to genuinely adopt the positive belief: "I forgive and release forever anyone I have not forgiven, in particular my sister," her migraines would very probably disappear.

*110\30\4*