Health Benefits of Aloe Vera

 

Aloe vera is a succulent household plant from a lily family. It has been used in herbal medicine thousands of years. Earliest records date back to Sumeria and Ancient Egypt. It is believed that Cleopatra used aloe vera in her legendary beauty regimen.

The plant is native to the African continent and has been widely cultivated throughout the world. It grows in the Arabian Peninsula; Eastern Africa, including Sudan; Western Africa, including Nigeria; throughout North Africa, including Egypt, Morocco, and Mauritania; Southern Spain and the Canary Islands, Madeira and Cape Verde; China, Mexico, United States, notably New Mexico, Texas, Arizona, and Florida; Australia and Barbados, to name the most important regions. The leaves are harvested to obtain the inner jelly-like section for health and beauty purposes.

Traditionally, Aloe vera plant has been used to cure many ailments and diseases, including constipation, fungal infections and candida, skin disorders, and even cancer. There are more than 700 scientific and clinical studies documenting efficacy of this plant. Both, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Ayurveda, use Aloe vera in their preparations.

Aloe vera contains more than 200 biologically active compounds such as amino acids; polysaccharides; antioxidants; vitamins such as the B vitamins, including B12, vitamin C, beta-carotene, choline, and folic acid; minerals including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, chromium, copper and manganese; unsaturated fatty acids and enzymes. All the compounds act in synergy to provide unique healing effect.

Aloe vera jelly can be applied to injured, inflamed, infected, burnt or dehydrated skin. it is anti-sceptic, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal, and anti-viral. It moisturizes and disinfects, and helps reconstruct damaged skin.

The precious jelly, however, can do so much more. You can use it for: 

• detox - the jelly helps clear and expel toxins form the intestines as well as from the liver; 
• immune system support - vitamins and polysaccharides, especially the acemannan in Aloe vera, support healthy immune system. Acemannan stimulates the action of the macrophages or the defense cells that are responsible for fighting infections within the body;
• alkalization - Aloe vera has the same pH as the human skin and can be used to heal the skin, but also internally to normalize the body pH;
• to improve digestive health - compounds in Aloe vera help reduce inflammation of the  stomach and the intestinal tract, and provide relief from heartburn;
• to prevent constipation - skin of the Aloe very leaves contain two laxative substances - aloin and emodin. Preparations containing these substances help improve regularity and prevent constipation; 
• to balance cholesterol - beta sitosterol in Aloe vera may help balance cholesterol levels in serum and thus promote cardiovascular health; 
• to regulate blood sugar - compounds in Aloe vera such as lectins, mannans, and anthraquinones help regulate blood glucose levels;
• to reduce weight - improved digestion, balanced blood sugar and healthy cholesterol levels together with some additional lifestyle changes, lead to weigh loss. Regular consumption of Aloe vera helps maintain optimal body weight;  
• to reduce inflammation - Aloe very soothes inflammation inside and out. 

There are many high quality, certified organic products on the market. Capsules are made mostly for internal use. Aloe vera juice or gel (jelly) are intended for both, internal and external, use. There are also cosmetic products containing certified organic Aloe vera juice. Such products usually help soothe and improve the health of skin, but are not intended of internal use. Choose wisely.

An Aloe very plant on a windowsill in a kitchen or in the garden is a perfect way to prepare for emergencies such as small burns or sunburn. Remember, however, that Aloe vera plant is toxic to cats and dogs. If you have pets, keep the plant in place where they cannot reach it.

By Dominique Allmon 
 

Dominique Allmon©2023

*This information is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Health Benefits of Gold, Frankincense and Myrrh

 Adoration of the Magi by Nikolaus Obilman, ca. 1466

Three Wise Men and Their Precious Gifts

On January 6th Christians all over the world celebrate Epiphany or the arrival and adoration of the Three Wise Men from the East that are also known as the Three Magi or the Three Kings. 

The Three Wise Men are mentioned only in the Gospel of Matthew. Very few details are given about these men in the Bible and much of what we know is left to speculation. The Holy Scripture does not say how many wise men arrived to pay respect to Jesus, but it is generally assumed that there were three visitors, since each brought a gift and there were three gifts: gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

In antiquity, these valuable gifts were often given to honor a king or a deity: gold was a valuable commodity, precious in itself, and worthy of a king; frankincense was a rare and precious substance that was burned as an incense; and myrrh was often used as an anointing oil. Ancient inscriptions show that these three items were also among the gifts that King Seleucus II Callinicus offered to the god Apollo at the temple in Miletus in 243 B.C.

Scholars believe that the three gifts also symbolized Christ's identity and his mission on earth: gold symbolized his divinity; frankincense his priestly role and righteousness; and myrrh, being a symbol of bitterness, suffering and affliction, prefigured his sacrificial death and embalming. 

Precious gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh

There is, however, a different interpretation of the meaning of these three gifts. These three precious substances have been known since Antiquity for their healing properties.

~ Gold ~

The earliest records of medicinal use of gold date back to Ancient Egypt where people ingested gold for mental, spiritual and bodily purification. As far back as 5,000 years ago Egyptian alchemists used liquid gold to make healing elixirs. They believed that gold could invigorate and rejuvenate the body, cure diseases, and help restore perfect health. Ancient Egyptians were also using gold in dentistry. Archeological finds document use of gold in dentistry as early as 2,500 B.C.

But Ancient Egyptians were not the only ones who used gold for therapeutic purposes. Gold was used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to restore health and prolong life. To this day peasants in China cook rice with a golden coin in order to profit from its restorative properties. 

Gold was also used therapeutically by the Indian Ayurvedic doctors, by the ancient Tibetans, by the Maya and the Aztecs, by the Arabs and the Persians. The Persian doctor Avicenna prescribed it to strengthen the heart. 

Medieval alchemists created Aurum potabile, a gold essence that was used as a life-giving, rejuvenating, balancing, heal-all potion throughout the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The process was very laborious and was kept secret. Famous doctors such as Paracelsus and Isaacus Hollandus reported incredibly successful use of Aurum potabile in therapy of many chronic ailments.Medieval doctors also used gold-coated pills to cure arthritis.

Over the ages gold never lost its popularity, but the 19th century brought an entirely different form of gold - the colloidal gold that was first produced in 1857 by British chemist Michael Faraday. Colloidal gold is a suspension of minuscule gold particles (nano-particles) in a fluid, commonly distilled water. In the 19th century colloidal gold was used to improve blood circulation and to cure alcoholism. Today it is often used to reduce dependency on such substances as alcohol, nicotine, caffeine and sugar. 

Colloidal gold seems to have a balancing and harmonizing effect on the human body. It can be used to restore libido, enhance the immune function, improve mental focus, and increase overall energy levels. 

Modern cosmetic industry re-discovered the use of gold for beauty. There are records that women in ancient Egypt, China and Rome used gold topically to prevent premature aging and heal skin conditions. Research shows that gold has the capacity to prevent depletion of collagen and the breakdown of elastin, it may help to regenerate healthy skin cells, calm inflammation, and  fight free radicals. 

Gold is non-toxic. It is well tolerated by the body and does not seem to interfere with other medications. 

~ Frankincense ~ 

Frankincense, also known as olibanum, is an aromatic resin obtained from the tree of the genus Boswellia in the family Burseraceae. The tree is native to Oman, Somalia, and Yemen. For ages, the resin was used not only to make perfumes and incense, but also as medicine.

The use of frankincense dates back to ancient Egypt where it was used in sacred ceremonies. Ancient Egyptians believed that frankincense could dispel demons and used the resin for embalming and mummification. They also mixed the resin with honey and chewed it to cure bad breath.

In Arabia and in Ancient China the resin was used to heal skin conditions, running nose, nausea, and even leprosy.  

Hippocrates used an ointment made from frankincense that could cure many skin conditions, burns, wounds and skin infections. The resin was also used to alleviate digestive problems, expel parasites, cure bronchitis, sore throat, catarrh, and cough, to mention only a few. 

In the Middle Ages, Hildegard of Bingen believed that the scent of frankincense had the power to stimulate the human brain and improve memory. Paracelsus also used frankincense to cure a variety of ailments. Both Hildegard of Bingen and Paracelsus knew about its capacity to cure skin diseases, respiratory diseases, digestive problems and diarrhea. 

During the Middle Ages frankincense was one of the most important remedies used to cure people. Its popularity as a medicine, however, dwindled at the end of the Middle Ages and people in Europe forgot about it. They could still enjoy the scent, though, since frankincense was burned ceremonially in Catholic churches all over Europe. 

Frankincense became popular again in the West in the mid-1980s after a German pharmacologist, prof. Phillip Theodor Ammon of Tübingen, brought it back from India where it was part of the Indian materia medica.

German researchers have discovered that Indian frankincense (Boswellia serrata) was a very effective analgesic and worked wonders against low-level inflammation in the body. There is hope that chronic diseases such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, atherosclerosis, asthma, eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, and maybe even cancer, could be successfully treated with frankincense. More research has to be conducted, but what was published so far is quite promising. 

~ Myrrh ~

Myrrh is the very aromatic resin from small, thorny tree species from the genus Commiphora in the family Burseraceae. Myrrh is native to eastern regions of Africa (Ethiopia, Somalia and Sudan), and the Arabian Peninsula, especially Oman and Yemen. Since antiquity myrrh was used to make perfume and incense, and like frankincense, it was also used as medicine. Myrrh was highly valued in Ancient Egypt, Mesopotamia, China, India, Ancient Greece and Rom. 

Ancient Egyptians used myrrh in religious ceremonies and funerals. The resin was used in embalming and mummification, and to heal wounds. 

In Ancient Greece, Hippocrates used myrrh to heal ulcers and wounds. The Romans believed that the scent of myrrh was an aphrodisiac. Roman ladies wore myrrh perfume to attract lovers. 

Myrrh became popular in Ancient China in the 7th century. It was used to heal wounds, to improve blood circulation, treat uterine tumors and other female health problems. 

During the pestilence pandemics in Medieval Europe doctors gave patients decay preventing pills made of myrrh, saffron and aloe. The Arabs used myrrh to cure contagious diseases. 

In Europe myrrh was used to disinfect wounds, reduce pain, and prevent inflammation. It was a popular remedy that could cure cough, bad breath, headaches, digestive problems, jaundice, gout, syphilis and even leprosy. 

Due to the scientific progress of the 19th century and the emergence of modern chemistry and medicine, myrrh became obsolete. 

Thanks to a growing interest in plant-based medicine during the last few decades, however, we have witnessed a comeback of this ancient remedy. Thanks to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, myrrh is often added to mouthwashes and toothpaste. It is used to disinfect wounds and to reduce inflammation in the mouth, but also to treat asthma, reduce pain, balance blood sugar, balance cholesterol levels, stimulate the immune system, treat systemic candida and fungal infections, improve digestion, and to heal inflammatory diseases of the digestive tract. There is even hope for cancer patients. An ongoing research is being conducted in many parts of the world. 

Both frankincense and myrrh, are used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and in Ayurveda. For centuries these resins have been used in China and in India. They are an important part of many herbal preparations that are used to treat a wide variety of ailments and diseases. 

Essential oils of frankincense and myrrh are used to make costly perfumes. They are also used in aromatherapy, but that, by itself, is a vast subject deserving an entirely new article.

  ~ Happy Epiphany ~

By Dominique Allmon

 

Dominique Allmon©2015 

 

 

*The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose or cure disease.

The Incredible Lightness of Being

"The Earth is a natural source of electrons and subtle electrical fields, which are essential for proper functioning of immune systems, circulation, synchronization of biorhythms and other physiological processes and may actually be the most effective, essential, least expensive, and easiest to attain antioxidant." - Dr. Joseph Mercola

Have you ever heard about "earthing?" There is an emerging research investigating the relationship between contact with Earth and our health and well-being.

I travel a lot by airplane and also spend many hours working at the computer. Despite an otherwise healthy lifestyle I sometimes feel "disconnected" from my own energy core. No amount of sleep or relaxation seem to help.

Last week I had my eureka moment. I was in Florida over the weekend and jumped into sea water. There were hardly any people on the beach. Only a few joggers dared the early morning breeze. 

I took a very long walk, barefoot. Everything was perfect. The sound of waves calmed my thoughts; the salty breeze nourished my lungs; the morning sun caressed my skin without burning it. It was a perfect morning that ended with a large bowl of freshly made fruit salad. 

The eureka moment came when I realized how energized I was after my walk. I love walking and walk whenever I have a chance, but I hardly ever walk barefoot. A two-hour walk on the beach did more for me than an eight hours of sleep in a super comfortable bed. 

I wasn't imagining things. The energy surge was very powerful and I wondered if this was how "earthing" really worked. 

Researchers believe that the electrons from the Earth have a powerful antioxidant effect on our bodies. Our immune system works best when our bodies have a constant supply of electrons. The easiest way to charge the body is to walk barefoot in grass, field, garden or forest soil, sand or even concrete, especially when they are wet. Moisture amplifies the conductivity.

When we walk barefoot we are establishing a contact between Earth and the body. This allows a free flow of electrons.

Researchers believe that earthing minimizes the consequences of exposure to potentially disruptive energy fields like electromagnetic smog or "dirty electricity" and may be especially beneficial to people who spent a lot of time working with computers or using electronic devices such as cellphones.

Studies show that earthing improves blood viscosity, heart rate, stress hormone levels, inflammation, detoxification and sleep. 

For most part of their evolutionary existence humans were well connected to Earth. They slept on the ground, used natural building materials, natural fabrics and either walked barefoot or wore leather shoes with leather soles. Rubber and plastic are relatively recent inventions. They are perfect insulators where they are needed but they prevent the flow of electrons between Earth and the human body. 

When you wear shoes with rubber soles you are completely disconnected from the Mother Earth. To re-establish the connection take off your shoes as often as you can and walk barefoot, if only in your backyard. I am certain, you will notice the difference in no time!

By Dominique Allmon

Dominique Allmon©2014

The Heart Chakra

The heart chakra or Anahata is the fourth of the seven chakras in the energy body. It is believed to be the seat of love and compassion which is located at the level of the physical heart, at the center of the chest.

The heart chakra is dedicated to overcoming separation and division. When the heart center is blocked, there is a sense of alienation from others. When the heart center is open and flowing, you feel connected at a deep level to all beings in your life. 

The Law of Giving and Receiving governs the heart chakra. Love can take many different forms at different stages of life. The love of child for her mother is different than a mother’s love for her child. A friend’s love is different than that of a passionate lover or the love of a student for his teacher. However, the common thread in each of these expressions of love is the impulse to unify - to overcome separation. This is the true nature of the heart. 

Every act of giving is simultaneously an act of receiving. Each time you welcome a gift into your life, you are providing the opportunity for someone to give. Just as a healthy physical heart receives blood from the periphery which it then oxygenates and pumps back out, your emotional heart stays healthy by receiving and giving love in all its forms.

If you have an under active chakra, you may possess these traits:

• Low self-esteem
• Low self-confidence
• Lack of concern for others
• Respiratory and circulatory disorders
• Heart disorders

If you have an over active chakra, you may possess these traits:

• A tendency to always feel responsible for others
• A dominating personality
• You tend to be over controlling in relationships
• Respiratory and circulatory disorders
• Heart disorders

If any of these symptoms sound familiar to you, you may have an unbalanced heart chakra. Meditation and mindfulness will help you work on correcting these tendencies. You will not only be able to balance the energy flow in heart chakra, but also express your emotions in a free and honest way. Simple heart opening yoga exercises will support this process.

Article and image source unknown, but greatly appreciated

Can Graviola Cure Cancer?

 Graviola (Annona muricata)

Last year my Spanish neighbor Miranda told me that she was diagnosed with stage IV renal cell carcinoma. Her kidneys were infested with tumors and she was told she had six to nine months to live but had to accept the classical anti-cancer therapy that included chemotherapy, surgery and radiation. Her two sisters and a younger brother had the same disease, the conventional cancer therapy, and they did not make it. 

Miranda is a diminutive, good-natured  lady in her mid-fifties. The diagnosis did not change much of her outlook on life. A Spanish Catholic, she decided to put her life into God's hands and was playing with the idea of dying without allowing the horrible chemotherapy to destroy her. 

Miranda is a lucky lady. She has at least three natural health "obsessed" neighbors: a therapeutic masseur and two herbal medicine aficionados, both using graviola on regular bases as an "insurance" against cancer.

I see Miranda from time to time, but do not have the courage to ask about her disease. She still has her wonderfully thick hair and does not look incredibly sick. In fact, it seems to me that she is somewhat improving. And always smiling!

A neighbor told me that Miranda decided to completely change her lifestyle. She detoxified her body and changed her nutrition just a bit to begin with. She embraced massage therapy to calm her nerves and reduce the stress. And, after one of the herbs-loving neighbors made a suggestion, she started taking graviola. Her enormous tumor was surgically removed from her left kidney, but the best thing was, the metastases in her lungs disappeared completely and so there was no need for chemotherapy.

Each cancer case is individual, each immune system reacts differently to stimulation, but Miranda is the first person I have ever met who recovered from cancer with natural means.

For years I have been drinking graviola infusion made of organic graviola leaves. I kept graviola extract and a few other nature's wonders in the back of my mind for the horrible eventuality. If I were ever to be diagnosed with cancer this would be what I would opt for. Knowledge may save your life, I told myself years ago. It can save the lives of others if you share it with them. This is what my other neighbor did and saved Miranda a lot of pain.

I checked the Internet and found that graviola is surrounded by controversy and I advise caution when you decide to use it as a cure. But one thing must be said, graviola was used by native people of South America to cure many ailments and can be still used to improve one's immune response. Like with anything on the market you must consider the purity of the product and the real content of the herb before you buy a supplement or a tincture. 

~ Health Benefits of Graviola ~ 

Graviola (Annona muricata), also known as soursop, is an evergreen plant native to Central and South America. It grows in Mexico, Cuba, the Caribbean, Colombia, Brazil, and Venezuela, among others. Graviola is also cultivated in parts of Africa and in Southeast Asia.

Graviola plant produces fruits with edible white pulp and indigestible black seeds. The fruit pulp is used to make smoothies, juices and desserts.

The fruit is rich in Vitamin C; B vitamins including B1, B2, B3, B5, B6 and folate; minerals including calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, iron, and zinc; and choline.

Indigenous natural medicine uses all parts of the graviola plant: fruit, bark, leaves, roots, and seeds, and attributes different healing properties to each.  

The fruit, for instance, is used to rid the body of the intestinal parasites and worms. It is also used to bring down the fever, increase mother's milk after childbirth, cure diarrhea and dysentery. The bark, leaves and roots are used as infusion that is considered to be anti-spasmodic, hypotensive and sedative. Crushed seeds of the fruit are used against internal and external parasites, including worms and head lice. A tea made of leaves is used to control diabetes, strengthen the liver, and calm the inflammation of the mucosa.

Graviola contains many active compounds that have been studied by scientists since the 1940s. Of great interest to scientists is the group of chemicals called Annonaceous acetogenins. Graviola produces these compounds in its leaves, stem, barks and seeds. Three independently conducted studies demonstrated that these compounds have significant anti-tumor properties and selective toxicity against various cancer cells without harming the healthy cells in the body. Many of these acetogenins were selectively toxic to cancer cells at very low doses. Studies published in 1998 describe active compounds in graviola as having strong anti-tumor, anti-cancer, antiviral and antiparasitic properties. 

While ongoing studies produce even more promising results, there are some who dismiss graviola claiming that there is no successful research proving graviola's efficacy against cancer. Moreover, inferior graviola products are being sold all over the Internet and spectacular claims are being made without much justification by people who take advantage of those who suffer from cancer. 

Like any herb, graviola does not come without side effects and contra-indications. Graviola should not be taken by pregnant women, people with low blood pressure. Since graviola is a potent antimicrobial agent, it can kill off the friendly bacteria in the gut. Supplementation with probiotics may be necessary with prolonged use of graviola products. 

No interaction with pharmaceutical drugs has been reported so far, but since graviola is a cardiac depressant and vasodilator, it may potentiate anti-hypertensive and cardiac depressant drugs. 

Supplementation with CoQ10 during the graviola therapy may render graviola supplements less effective. CoQ10 increases levels of ATP. Graviola, on the other hand, blocks transfer of ATP to cancer cells. ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is a primary source of intracellular energy. In order to survive, reproduce and grow, a cancer cell needs large amounts of energy. When acetogenins in graviola block the energy flow to a cancer cell, the cell can no longer grow and is destined to die.

Some alkaloids extracted from the seeds and roots of graviola are neurotoxic and may cause neuronal dysfunction and degeneration leading to symptoms of Parkinson's disease. Their use is not recommended.

Many cancer patients and health practitioners are using extracts from leaves and stems of graviola as a complementary therapy in their cancer protocols. The suggested therapeutic use is 2000-3000 mg to be taken three times a day.

Contact certified health care provider, certified herbalist or certified nutritionist before you choose self medication with graviola supplements.

By Dominique Allmon

 

Dominique Allmon©2014

*This information is for educational purpose only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease. 

P.S. If you want to know what happened to Miranda, here is the latest news. As of November, 2021, Miranda was cancer free. No chemo! She was moving back to Spain. 

 

Interesting information about potential use of graviola for cancer patients at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

Selected graviola studies:

• Schultes, R. E. And Raffauf "The Healing Forest: Medicinal and Toxic plants of the Northwest Amazonia." Portand: R. F. Dioscorides Press.1990.
• Branch, L.C. and DaSilva I.M.F. “Folk Medicine of Alter Do Chao, Para, Brazil.” Acta Amazonica 1983; 13 (5/6): 737-797
• Mors, W. B., et. al. "Medicinal plants of Brazil." Algonac, Michigan, Reference Publications, Inc., 2000.
• Morton, J.F. “Caribbean and Latin American Folk Medicine and its Influence in the United States.” Q. J. Crude Drug Res. 1980; 18(2): 57-75.

More research articles can be found at the National Library of Medicine

The Ancient Tibetan Garlic Cure

 Organic garlic

Last year a colleague of mine told me that her grandmother makes her own garlic potion to stay healthy. She marinates garlic in alcohol for up to six weeks and when the potion is ready, she drinks few drops a day for few weeks. She repeats this cure every year and never gets sick.

I wondered if anyone else knew about the garlic cure and started an online search. To my surprise the search produced the "Tibetan garlic cure." The post showed up on several blogs and some bloggers claimed that this healing garlic recipe was inscribed on a clay tablet that was discovered in the ruins of ancient monastery in Tibet sometime around 1971. The formula was deciphered and translated to many languages by an UNESCO commission. 

Unfortunately, I do not have any better information and cannot verify this claim, but I know that the therapeutic properties of garlic were known in many cultures for centuries, and that many cultures use alcohol to prepare herbal liquors, tinctures and medicinal wines. The Chinese used therapeutic liquors for centuries; so did Hildegard von Bingen in Medieval Europe. Herbs, flowers, fruits, roots, and even small animals (such as snakes) or animal parts were preserved in alcohol. Alcohol potentiated the healing properties of used ingredients and allowed better preservation from spoilage. To this day Chinese pharmacies in Hong Kong and everywhere where Traditional Chinese Medicine is practiced, sell therapeutic wines. You can see a coiled snake or a ginseng root that has been preserved to extract the its highest healing potential.  

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a plant native to Central Asia. For thousands of years garlic has been used not only in cooking, but also as medicine. The Sumerians, Egyptians, Chinese, Tibetans, Indians, Ancient Greeks and Romans, all valued garlic's therapeutic qualities. They discovered garlic's potential to kill germs and used it as medicine to cure various infections, including typhus, dysentery, influenza, and cholera.

Modern research confirms what the ancients knew for ages. Garlic not only kills germs, it is also an effective herb that can be used modulate and strengthen the immune system. Scientists also found that garlic can also prevent cardiovascular disease and reduce blood pressure.  

Garlic seems to be a very healthy herb all by itself. Is it possible that preserving it in alcohol enhances its healing potential even more? 

Miron glass bottles with garlic tincture

To make the garlic solution you will need about 12 ounces (350 g) garlic, 3 ounces of 96% pure, food grade alcohol, and a tight closing jar. 

I decided to use a violet Miron glass jar. Miron glass blocks the complete spectrum of visible light with the exception of the violet part. At the same time it allows a certain part to be permeable for radiation in the spectral range of UVA, and infra red light. This unique combination offers optimal protection against the aging processes that are released by visible light, thus lengthening durability and potency of products. Scientists in Germany found that Miron glass enhances the therapeutic strength of products stored in it.

Making the Tibetan Garlic Cure

• Wash and sterilize the jar. Dry it carefully and set aside.
• Peal the garlic. I suggest you wear rubber gloves.
• Roughly chop the garlic cloves and transfer them into your clean jar.
• Slowly pour the alcohol into the jar making sure that the garlic is well covered. Add more alcohol if you find it necessary. 
• Tightly close the lid and place the jar in a cool, dark place. Allow the garlic to marinade for 10 days.
• After 10 days carefully open the jar and strain the garlic tincture through a sieve pouring it into a clean measuring jar. 
• Pour the clear liquid into a clean dark glass bottle and close it with a pipette stopper.  (I used Miron glass bottles)

This is how the Tibetan garlic should be made according to various websites. I changed the method a bit remembering that my colleague's grandmother kept her garlic in alcohol for at least three weeks. I allowed the tincture to mature even more when I transferred it into two small Miron glass bottles. I stored the bottles for another three weeks before I began the cure. 

There is a suggested way to administer the garlic cure beginning with one drop and breakfast on the first day and increasing the amount with each meal up to 25 drops on day eleven. Continue taking 25 drops per meal until the tincture is finished. Remember to shake the bottle before each use and take the tincture in 1/2 cup of milk that was warmed up to the room temperature.   

 

I am not sure that such "schedule" is necessary, although some homeopathic or alchemical principles might be involved here. I decided to take two drops with each meal, three times a day and I take it either in a spoon of yogurt or a spoon of honey to neutralize the strong garlic taste.  

 

The tincture is said to have incredible healing potential: 

• it may help decrease blood pressure
• it may improve blood circulation
• it may help regulate and balance blood lipids
• it may prevent the LDL cholesterol buildup in arteries
• it may help prevent thrombosis
• it may help speed up metabolism and stimulate fat burning in the body
• it may help detoxify the kidney and improve the kidney function
• it may help improve the function of the immune system
• it may help eradicate candida
  

These statements are based on the generally accepted properties of garlic. In many cultures the smelly bulb was used for centuries not only to spice the food, but also to cure countless ailments. Modern research shows that certain compounds in garlic may in fact be effective to prevent cardiovascular disease.

 

Many people use the Tibetan garlic cure to detoxify the body, clean the arteries from arterial plaque, balance sugar, protect against cancer, and to strengthen the immune system. The efficacy of this natural remedy was not tested in the lab, however, those who use it swear to it.

Dominique Allmon

Dominique Allmon©2014

 

*This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease. 

Health Benefits of Spices

Spices are used in cuisines all over the world to enhance taste and flavor of the dishes. Already a very small amount of spice or spice mixture can dramatically improve an otherwise bland dish. 

 

Since ancient times people utilized seeds, roots, barks, leaves, and other fragrant parts of plants to add flavor to their food and to preserve it. The earliest written records come from the Assyrians who wrote around 2300 BC that the gods drank sesame seed spiced wine before they created the earth. Spices were also used for medicinal purposes throughout the world. Their antibacterial and carminative properties seem to have been widely known. Phytochemicals in spices are responsible for their specific flavor and aroma, a characteristic that made them attractive in the first place.

In Antiquity and during the Middle Ages spices were treated as luxury goods and were as precious as gold. Because of their rarity, almost magical properties were attributed to them in Europe. They were very often used as aphrodisiacs. Spice trade changed the history of many regions. It was very lucrative, but not without dangers. Great fortunes were made. Trading institutions such as the British India Company or the Royal Dutch Company contributed to the exponential economic growth on the one hand, and to the colonial expansion and exploitation on the other.

Modern science is continuously researching the healing properties of spices. Scientists were able to identify and isolate bio-active ingredients in spices, such as sulfides, thiols, terpenes, aldehydes, and others. It was discovered that some spices can help digestion, improve cardiovascular health as well as cognitive function. Some compounds found in spices are potent anti-carcinogens. Others are able to relieve inflammation, control blood sugar, and strengthen the immune system. Spices stimulate appetite and have strong anti-bacterial and anti-vermicidal properties. They display very strong antioxidant activity. In fact, they are considered to have more antioxidant compounds than fruits and vegetables.

Medicinal properties of commonly used spices:

• Allspice derives its name from the fact that it smells like a combination of many spices, especially cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. It is also known as pimento, because the Spaniards mistook it for piper nigrum, or black pepper. Allspice is the only spice that is native to the Western Hemisphere. The evergreen trees grew wildly in the rain forests of South and Central America and are now cultivated in Mexico, Jamaica, and other Central American countries. Allspice is used for its carminative and digestive properties. Like cloves, it also contains eugenol. It has warming, blood vessels diluting properties and can be used as a treatment of arthritis and to soothe sore muscles. However, the essential oil of allspice can irritate the skin.
• Anise is a plant from the family Umbelliferae  also called Apiaceae and is native to the Eastern Mediterranean and South West Asia. Its essential oils deliver the fragrance and flavor of licorice. Anise was traditionally used to aid digestion. It has strong carminative properties and can also be used as a mild expectorant. It is popularly used in cough medicines and to freshen the breath. It has antiseptic and antispasmodic properties.
• Cardamom, known in India as the queen of spices, comes from the ginger family. It is a very aromatic, old spice that was native to Southern India since ancient times. Today, cardamom is also cultivated in Nepal, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Mexico, Guatemala, and Central America. Entire pods and the seeds are used in cooking and for medicinal purposes. Cardamom is well known for its stimulating and carminative properties. It is used to treat a variety of digestive problems, including indigestion, constipation, stomach ache, and dysentery. The seeds are traditionally chewed in India after a meal to aid digestion. Cardamom is also used to treat teeth and gum infections, to heal throat infections, and to break kidney and gallstones. The Arabs attributed aphrodisiac properties to it.
• Chili is a member of the Capsicum family. Known for its "hot" taste and flavor, chili is rich in vitamin C. The red fruits are rich in beta carotene. The active compound, capsaicin, seems to have a positive effect on the blood levels of cholesterol. It also works as an anticoagulant. Both aspects are valuable for people who wish to prevent cardiovascular disease. Capsaicin has thermogenic properties and may increase metabolism. Applied topically, it gives relief from arthritic joint pain.
• Cinnamon is a spice derived from the inner bark of a tropical evergreen tree from the Laurel or Lauraceae family native to Sri Lanka. Cinnamon was greatly valued for its carminative properties and was used to treat nausea and flatulence. It is used to treat a number of digestive disorders. Used alone or with other spices it can alleviate diarrhea. It is a warming spice that has been used to treat colds and circulatory problems. It was used traditionally to treat toothache and bad breath. Recent research has demonstrated that cinnamon may considerably reduce blood sugar, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. It is important to know that cinnamon contains volatile oils that can be toxic if it is consumed in large amounts over a long period of time. It is suggested to supplement with Cinnulin PF which is extracted from cinnamon in a process in which the toxins found in whole cinnamon are filtered out.
• Cloves are the highly aromatic, unopened flower buds of an evergreen tree native to India and Indonesia that is also cultivated in Zanzibar, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, and Pakistan. Cloves are widely used in Indian and Mexican cuisines, and are one of the flavors associated with Christmas throughout the Western world. Cloves are well known for their carminative properties. They help to increase the secretion of the hydrochloric acid and improve peristalsis. In Traditional Chinese Medicine they are considered to be a warming spice. Cloves are used in dentistry for their analgesic properties. The active compound eugenol constitutes up to 90 per cent of the essential oil extracted from dried cloves. It has antiseptic and analgesic properties, but can also be toxic when ingested even in small amounts.
• Cumin are the seeds of a plant from the carrot family. Its origins are in the Mediterranean, but it is now cultivated in India, China, Indonesia, and Japan. Cumin's history dates back to the Old Testament. It is used in cuisines of Asia and the Middle East, but also in Central and Eastern Europe where it is added to dishes that are considered to be difficult to digest. Cumin is regarded as a good source of iron and manganese. It contains compounds that help with digestion and prevent bloating.
• Ginger is the root of the plant Zingiber officinale that was first cultivated throughout Asia and which later spread to West Africa and the Caribbean. The active compound in ginger is called gingerol. Gingerol is a powerful antioxidant that has demonstrated cancer fighting properties. It is generally used to prevent motion sickness and nausea. Ginger is used to ease digestive problems and colic. However, it is strictly contraindicated for people with gallstones as it increases the bile secretion. Ginger has anti-inflammatory and blood thinning properties. It can also decrease lipid levels in serum thus helping to prevent cardiovascular disease.
• Nutmeg is the seed of the evergreen tree Myristica fragrans native to the Spice Islands (Mollucas) and is now cultivated in the Caribbean. The tree produces two spices - nutmeg and mace. Used in small doses, nutmeg can relieve a number of digestive disorders such as indigestion, flatulence, and diarrhea. It helps to alleviate nausea. The essential oil containing myristicin found application in cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries, where it is used to produce cough syrup and toothpaste. Myristicin taken in large doses is toxic. It can cause hallucinations, convulsions, nausea, vomiting, and even death. These effects will not be experienced even with the most generous culinary use of the spice.
• Pepper or piper nigrum, commonly known as the black pepper, is a flowering vine from the family Piperaceae, native to the monsoon forests of the Malabar coast of Southwest India. For a long time it was called the King of spices and highly valued as such. Like many other spices, pepper has not only been valued in the kitchen as a seasoning, but widely used as medicine. It was used to cure many digestive disorders, but also to treat colds, insect bites, joint pain, lung and liver dysfunction, tooth decay, toothache, and oral abscesses. An alkaloid compound found in pepper called piperine was found to enhance the absorption of selenium, beta carotene, vitamins of the B group, as well as other nutrients. Piperine is often added to nutritional supplements to enhance their bio-availability. Pepper contains small amounts of a mildly carcinogenic compound called safrole. When consumed in large quantities it is known to irritate the intestinal tract.
• Saffron is a spice derived from the flower of the saffron crocus, a species of crocus from the iris family of Iridaceae native to West Asia. A saffron crocus bears three stigmas which are dried and used as a spice. Saffron is considered to be the most expensive spice in the world. It takes about 75,000 blossoms to produce one pound of it. Saffron has been used to induce sweat, to suppress spasms, and to promote menstruation. The spice has been recognized for its carminative and sedative properties. It contains many active compounds, especially carotenoids, including alpha and beta carotenes, zeaxanthin, and lycopene. The high content of zeaxanthin makes this spice useful in preventing macular degeneration. The most recent studies conducted in Australia and in Italy demonstrated that the vision of patients with macular degeneration improved considerably after ingestion of saffron. Saffron appears to affect the genes regulating fatty-acid content of the cell membrane, and this makes the vision cells stronger, more resilient, and more resistant to damage. Japanese researchers found that two compounds found in saffron - crocetin and crocin - are able to improve memory and learning skills in laboratory animals. These findings indicate that saffron extract may be useful in the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders and related memory impairment. However, saffron used in high doses may be detrimental to health. It can stimulate uterine contractions and should not be used therapeutically by pregnant women. Moreover, in doses higher than 12 g it may cause kidney damage, paralysis of the central nervous system, and possibly even death.
• Star anise is an evergreen plant native to South China and Vietnam. The star shaped fruits are harvested and dried before they can ripen. The dried seed pods have a flavor similar to anise and have been used for centuries in both cooking and medicine. Like anise, star anise contains anethole. It has been used traditionally as a carminative, to relieve colic, and to promote digestion. It has some stimulating and diuretic properties. In China, where it is an ingredient in the famous Five Spices Powder, star anise is used to relieve gastrointestinal disorders, relieve cough, increase libido, ease birth, increase the milk production in new mothers, and to relieve menopausal problems. Star anise is well known for its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial, expectorant, and antispasmodic properties. Used externally, it can help relieve back pain and rheumatism. A caution is advised as it can cause dermatitis in sensitive individuals. Star anise contains an active compound called shikimic acid which is used by the pharmaceutical industry to produce the famous antiviral medicine called Tamiflu. The Chinese star anise, Illicium verum, should not be confused with the Japanese star anise, Illicium anisatum, which is highly poisonous and normally used as incense for its purifying aroma.
• Turmeric is a perennial plant from the ginger family Zingiberaceae. It is one of the oldest spices native to Southeast Asia and currently also cultivated in Australia, Peru, and the Caribbean. Turmeric has many uses. It was applied to alleviate digestive problems. Known for its antiseptic and antibiotic qualities, it was used to disinfect and heal infected wounds. Turmeric's active compound curcumin has been subject to extensive research. Studies demonstrated that it has a very strong antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-amyloid, and anti-inflammatory activity. Numerous clinical studies are underway to study curcumin's effects on pancreatic cancer, colon cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. Combined with piperine, curcumin may prevent the growth and proliferation of breast cancer.

New studies are being published in medical journals and alternative health publications on a regular basis. Many conditions can be improved and prevented by simply adding these natural ingredients to your meals. Add some spice to your life and boost your health and vitality. After all you are what you eat! Remember, however, that some spices are very potent and should be used with caution. They can interfere with some medication. Some phytochemicals in spices have been shown to demonstrate mutagenic, carcinogenic, and allergenic properties. Some spices used in therapeutic doses may disrupt growth and the development of the embryo. Used in moderation, however, spices are beneficial. As with everything else, common sense is essential.

By Dominique Allmon

Dominique Allmon©2013

*Information in this article is for educational purposes only. It is not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure a disease. A caution is advised. Contact your health care provider before beginning any self medication.

The Beauty And The Rose

Rose - the queen of all flowers

Since ancient times rose has been a symbol of love, beauty, and sensuality. No other flower is so universally known and appreciated.

In ancient Egypt roses were considered to be sacred and were used in offerings to the goddess Isis. Remains of roses were found in Egyptian tombs were they were used as the funerary wreaths.

Cleopatra is believed to have perfumed the sails of her ship with rose water when she sailed to meet Marcus Antonius. The legend has it that the chamber of their first encounter was carpeted with rose petals. No wonder the Roman commander lost his mind.

In ancient Greece the rose was consecrated to the goddess of love Aphrodite. Romans continued this tradition and offered this lovely flower to Venus. The rose was omnipresent in ancient Rome. Rose water and rose oil were the symbols of luxury and were used to stimulate the senses during lavish banquets at the Roman court. The Patricians decorated their mansions with roses and wore rose garlands around their necks.

The flower was also used in Greece by the Eleusian Mystery schools. Temples were decorated with roses and the aspirants wore a rose before their initiation. The flower was to remind them of silence and secrecy they were sworn to. This tradition known as "sub rosa dictum" goes back to Alexandria and the Alexandrian hermetic tradition where rose was dedicated to Horus/Harpocrates, the god of silence.*

The rose as a symbol of silence was later adopted by the Rosicrucian Order and by the Freemasons. The adepts were sworn to secrecy and were not allowed to reveal any information about proceedings of the Orders.

Since the ancient times roses were valued for their medicinal properties. Roman historian and naturalist Pliny the Elder recorded thirty two conditions that could be relieved with roses. Rose petals, rose leaves, and rose hips were used internally and externally. Young rose buds were used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to promote the movement of the Qi energy within the body, to cure digestive disorders, and to alleviate gynecological disorders.

In Europe, a 12th century mystic Hildegard of Bingen used roses to heal the lepers. A century later, Crusaders returning from the Holy Land brought the Damascus rose to France. The species, Rosa gallica officinalis, also known as the  Apothecary's rose, was cultivated for medicinal purposes and gave rise to the entire industry whose center was the town of Provins. Grasse - another town in Provence - became the world capitol of perfume after the first perfume was created there by Molinard during the reign of Catherine de Medici to perfume the exquisite leather goods and camouflage the bad smell that resulted from the tanning process. The delicate rose, however, was not in the center of the perfume industry that sprung up there. The perfume makers in Grasse mostly used lavender, myrtle, thyme, rosemary, orange blossom, wild mimosa, and jasmine that were harvested from the surrounding fields. 

Modern science confirms some therapeutic properties of roses. Scientists discovered that all parts of the rose plant contain healing substances, antioxidants, and vitamins. Rose hips, for instance, are very rich in vitamin C, vitamin K, vitamin E, beta carotene, malic acid, tannins, and zinc. Rose petals contain quercetin and other bioflavonoids, tannin, and vitamin C, among others. Rose leaves have astringent properties and are rich in antibacterial compounds. The rose hip seed oil is rich in omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. Dried rose petals and rose hips can be used to make delicious healing infusions. Remember, however, that only certified organic roses should be used for consumption.

The healing properties of roses were also exploited to make cosmetics. Early on it was discovered that rose oil, rose hip oil, and rose water could be applied to the skin to heal skin conditions and to beautify complexion.

Centuries ago people learned how to distill the essence of rose from rose petals. The precious rose attar or rose essential oil has a very complex chemical composition. More than four hundred different compounds have been identified so far.

 

Ce soir au jamais pefume by Annick Goutal

The essence has been used to make perfumes, perfumed oils, and pomades. To this day it retained its status as the costliest ingredient used by perfumers. The reason for it is the laborious process of harvest and distillation. It takes more than four thousand pounds of manually harvested rose petals to produce one pound of the essential oil. Some of the most expensive perfumes in the world were made with the rose essence. The legendary perfume Joy that was created for the couturier Jean Patou in 1929 by Henri Alméras, for instance, is a sensual floral scent that requires 10,000 jasmine flowers and 28 dozen Bulgarian roses to create one ounce of perfume.

Essential rose oil is used in aromatherapy to relax, sooth the nerves, and uplift the spirit.

The hydrosol part of the distillate is known as rose water and can be used externally as a soothing lotion for the skin or internally to help digestion. I love to drink a tiny cup of so called "white coffee" which is made of rose water and green cardamom pods.

To make this aromatic digestive drink boil cup of pure water with a teaspoonful of cardamom pods to release the aroma. Remove the cardamom pods. Add cup of rose water and bring it to boil. Serve after a heavy meal or whenever you need a help with digestion. Honey or brown sugar may be added to the drink to mask the slightly "soapy" taste, but I prefer to drink it unsweetened, just as it was served to me in a Lebanese restaurant in Egypt.

Dr. Hauschka Day Rose Cream

The anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties of rose oil make it a perfect ingredient in skincare. Modern cosmetic companies often use either hexane-extracted rose essence or a synthetic rose scent to perfume their beauty products or to make perfumes. Synthetic rose scent has no therapeutic properties whatsoever and may cause allergies.

There are, however,  few cosmetic lines that can be trusted. One of them is Dr. Hauschka. The German company applies holistic principles that have roots in the anthroposophic philosophy of Rudolf Steiner and makes, among others, the absolutely fabulous Rose Day Cream! This formulation utilizes the flower's aspects of strength and softness and its power to harmonize. The rose makes this cream a perfect product for all skin types. The Rose Day Cream is a particular blessing for people with sensitive or dehydrated skin and  for those with a complexion prone to redness. The delicate rose scent is soothing to the mind and never overpowering. The cream has a very pleasant texture and is easily absorbed by the skin leaving it nourished and well protected.

Dr. Hauschka developed a unique skincare concept which respects the skin's own metabolic processes. The best results can be expected when products are used as suggested.

In the production of many of its cosmetics Dr. Hauschka utilizes rose essential oil, rose water, rose wax, and rose petal extract. Based on the holistic philosophy, every single ingredient is used according to its individual effect and  its interaction with other ingredients. Only the purest ingredients are used and packaging is fully recyclable. Dr. Hauschka products are not tested on animals.

By Dominique Allmon

*Harpokrates or the Horus child personifies the new born sun. He was depicted as a child suckling his finger. This gesture, however, was misread as a sign of silence. Thanks to this misreading Horus became the god of silence.

The Beauty and the Rose by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.

An Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine

Countless volumes were written about the Chinese medical theory and the history of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Ongoing research in China and in the West is testing the efficacy of traditional treatments and the herbs used by the Chinese for many thousands of years. Chinese medicine finds new applications in the treatment of terminal cancer patients. Many chronic disorders that are hopelessly incurable in the West seem to improve considerably with the Chinese approach to disease. This article presents an introduction to a highly developed and complex medical system.

"When the mind is calm and stable, the vitality of life circulates harmoniously throughout the body. If the body is nourished and protected by this circulation of vitality, how can it possibly become ill?" From Huangdi Neijing also known as the Yellow Emperor's Classic of Internal Medicine

 

Chinese Traditional Medicine is one of the oldest systematized medical systems in the world. Its recorded history dates back to about 1,000 BC, but its concepts are much older and deeply rooted in the Chinese culture and the Taoist philosophical thought which originated in China more than 5,000 years ago. It is almost impossible to understand the concepts of Chinese medicine without a rudimentary understanding of the philosophy and cosmology of traditional China where immortality was considered to be the highest purpose of life. The Chinese medical ethics developed around this goal and physicians strove to preserve life and prevent disease. They received payment for as long as the patient remained healthy. 

Human body in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine regards human body holistically as a part of a greater whole. This attitude is based on Taoist philosophy and its understanding of the universe. Just as much as an individual has an effect on his or her environment, the environment in which he or she is immersed, has an influence on the individual. Everything we do has a consequence and manifests itself in the flow of energy. Our actions disturb the harmony in nature within and without. We must strive to restore balance and maintain the equilibrium. Symptoms of disease are seen in the context greater than the patient's body and are understood as a disturbance in the flow of energy. To heal means to restore the balance and harmony. 

The anatomical classification of a human body differs form the classification known to the Western medicine and there is no dichotomy between the body and the mind, and both, physical and mental illness, is regarded as a manifestation of an obstructed energy flow within the body and between the human body and the environment.

Key concepts in Traditional Chinese Medicine

• Qi (chi) is one of the most important philosophical concepts in Taoism. Qi literally means air, gas, or breath and is often translated as energy or energy flow. Although not really identical, this concept is often compared to the Greek pneuma or the Indian prana for a better understanding. Qi is the life force that permeates everything that exists in the universe. Obstructions in the flow of qi result in disease and illness. To restore health means to open energy blockages and restore the qi flow in the body.
• Jing Luo* or meridians are the channels through which the qi energy circulates in the body. Disease occurs when the flow of energy in the meridians is obstructed. Complex techniques were developed to open blockages and restore the flow of energy.
• San Bao or three treasures are considered to be the three elements sustaining human life. They are the Jing or essence, Qi or energy, and Shen or spirit, soul, or mind. Longevity depends on the properly nurtured body where everything is in balance and the essence jing is abundant. Depleted jing means premature aging, disease, and premature death.
• Jin Ye or body fluids are generated mostly in the digestive system from the nutrition that enters the body. In the body the fluids undergo multiple transformations until pure fluids are separated from the impure or turbid ones. The pure fluids are transported upwards to the lungs and excreted through the breath. The turbid fluids are transported downwards and excreted through the bladder. Multiple body organs are involved in the transformation of the fluids.
• Xue or blood is understood as a dense form of body fluids that are under the energizing influence of the qi. Xue does not only flow in the anatomical blood vessels, but also in the meridians because of its relationship with the qi energy. The Chinese developed a very complex theory of blood and its importance to health. Blood provides moisture and nourishment to the organs, bones, tendons, muscles, and the skin. Energized with qi, blood is the foundation for mental activity.
• Yin Yang represents another ancient concept in Chinese philosophy. Yin and yang are complementary, interdependent aspects of a greater whole. They do not represent duality or dichotomy, although in the West they are often understood as such, but are rather understood as polarities in the non-dualistic Chinese thought. They arise together and the harmony in the universe depends on the balanced flow or interplay between the two forces. In Chinese medicine, health is understood as a perfect balance between the two forces. Because these forces fluctuate constantly, even a healthy body undergoes changes under the influence of the external and the internal environment. Shift in balance is natural. When it becomes pathological it manifests itself as a disease. TCM doctor has to determine the reason for imbalance and bring it back.
• Wu Xing or the Five Phases also known as the Five Elements, is another concept central in the Chinese thought and was devised to explain the changes in the universe. In the Chinese medicine wu xing correspond with the organs of the body and represent natural cycles and patterns of change where one element affects another causing change in another one. The five elements are: earth, fire, metal, water, wood.
• Zang Fu* theory divides the body into five zang organs and six fu organs. The zang and fu organs do not exactly represent the anatomical organs in the body, but are rather generalizations of physiology and pathology of associated systems in the human body. The zang organs are responsible for the production and storage of essence: qi, blood, body fluids. The fu organs receive and digest nutrition, absorb nutrients, and eliminate waste. Health is understood as the perfect function and harmonious interplay between the organs. To restore health means to calm overactive systems or to energize those that are failing to function properly.

Diagnosis and treatment of disease

Like in the Western medicine, the Chinese doctors examine their patients, make a diagnosis, prescribe medication and treatment. The anamnesis (or gathering of the case history) involves:

• pulse diagnosis
• tongue diagnosis
• diagnosis of the feces and urine
• examination of physiognomy

A doctor of Traditional Chinese Medicine uses his senses to assess a patient's health. Everything that can be observed is useful for a diagnosis of disorder: skin color and texture, body odor, sound of the voice, breathing, etc. After the diagnosis is made, an adequate medication and treatment will be prescribed to restore the energetic balance within the patients body and with the environment. Medication in TCM is based on the more than 5,000 years old documented tradition. Chinese Materia Medica includes plants, minerals, and body parts of particular animals. A special diet will be suggested as certain foods may be detrimental to the condition of a patient, while others restore the balance and enhance the energy flow in the body.

Practitioner of TCM seeks to cure the symptoms of a disease and to eradicate the cause of it. Herbal medication may be sufficient in some cases, however to restore health, a particular treatment or a combination of treatments will prescribed by the doctor. Treatment may include:

• Acupuncture is a method of treatment unique to Chinese medicine. It was developed and perfected over thousands of years. Because disease is understood as an obstruction in the flow of qi along the meridians, acupuncture is used to restore the flow and create a balance within the body. To achieve this acupuncturist manipulates the energy flow with the help of thin needles that are inserted into the acupuncture points along the meridians of affected organ system. There are twelve main meridians and 400 acupuncture points that are recognized by the World Health Organization. Depending on the patients condition multiple acupuncture sessions may be necessary to remove the energy blockage.
• Moxibustion is a treatment in which mugwort herb or moxa is used to warm the area in the vicinity or directly on the acupuncture point in order to stimulate circulation. Depending on the diagnosis, moxibustion is used together with acupuncture to especially treat chronic health problems and health problems associated with aging.
• Cupping is a therapy in which heated glass cups are applied to the skin in the area where the energy is congested and does not flow properly. The cups create suction and draw the blood into the area. This treatment leaves the patient with dark bruises on the area of application, but is very effective for treating cold and flu as well as muscle injuries and headaches. Bruising depends on the severity of injury or congestion and disappears after a few days after the treatment has been completed.
• Tui na is a Chinese body work developed to restore the balance in the body. The therapist uses a wide range of massage techniques to manipulate the energy flow in the meridians. Tui na is often used in conjunction with acupuncture.
• Qi gong is therapy that combines breathing, movement, and meditation. It helps to restore and regulate the flow of qi in the body and to promote overall mental and physical health. The exercises were devised to promote longevity.
• Five elements nutrition is a diet based on the qualities of certain foods according to the Five elements theory. Depending on his condition, a patient is advised to follow a particular diet and to avoid foods that are detrimental to his condition. Emphasis is put on balance and energetic tendencies of certain foods and their interaction with the body systems.
• Herbal medicine uses thousands of herbs, minerals, and body parts of certain animals. After a diagnosis is made, Chinese practitioner prescribes the most efficient herb or a formula. Over the millennia, countless standardized formulas were developed to treat diseases and conditions. They are all based on the same energetic principles that underlay Chinese medical theory and are meant to restore balance in the body of the patient. Herbs may be added to food and eaten with stews or soups. They can be drank as teas, used in poultices, as tinctures, or as pills.

Chinese medical system was successfully used for thousands of years in China and other Asian countries where the Chinese established their colonies. It was brought to the West with the influx of Chinese immigrants. Its efficacy is legendary and its popularity is growing. As a holistic system, TCM is not only interested in alleviating the symptoms, but most importantly, it addresses the causes of the disease and seeks to restore balance and modify behaviors that disturb the inner and outer flow of energy. All aspects of existence are being addressed to align the body, mind, and spirit.

By Dominique Allmon

*This information is for educational purposes only and is not meant to diagnose, treat or cure a disease

Glossary

*Five Zang organs: heart including the pericardium, lungs, liver, slpeen, and kidneys. Six Fu organs: the gall bladder, stomach, large intestine, small intestine, bladder, and sanjiao* which represent three different areas of the body. There are also extraordinary fu organs that include the brain, bones, bone marrow, blood vessels, and uterus. Although they are named fu, their function is similar to that of zang organs.

*Jing luo or Meridians. There are twelve standard meridians and eight extraordinary meridians. The twelve standard meridians extend along the arms and legs. They are divided into yin and yang meridians and are assigned to particular organ systems in the body. The eight extraordinary meridians are not directly associated with the zang fu organs. They are rather described as storage vessels for the qi energy and are of great importance to the cultivation of immortality by the adepts of the esoteric art of Chinese alchemy.

*San jiao or triple warmer or triple burner represents an energetic model of the human body in which the body is divided into three areas. The upper warmer corresponds to the thoracic cavity and is responsible for the respiration. The middle warmer corresponds to the dorsal cavity and is responsible for digestion. Lower warmer corresponds to the lower dorsal cavity and is responsible for elimination. 

An Introduction to Traditional Chinese Medicine by Dominique Allmon is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License.