We have just moved into time of year that corresponds to the Spleen and Stomach according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. This means that the energy of those organs flourishes now and is at its strongest – or should be. This time lasts from approximately July through mid-September, and while these organs' effects are most strongly felt at the end of the season, now is the time to protect these organs and keep them strong.

The Spleen and Stomach are partners in the Earth Element. This is the most
prevalent and influential element of all five (the others being Metal, Water, Wood and Fire). First of all, it encompasses the organs of digestion and good digestion is a major key to health. But secondly, the energy of the Spleen and Stomach surfaces at the end of all the other element seasons, so that the last two weeks of every season is a mixture of its native element's energy plus the Earth Element energies.

For example, we just finished the Heart and Small Intestine season that ran
from mid-April to near the end of June. For the last two weeks of this time, these Fire Element energies were influenced by the Earth Element energies as they surfaced at that time. This means that along with Fire signs of palpitations, for instance, indigestion signs may have been present as well.

The Earth Element influence and its organs are influential in many ways. The Spleen is responsible for the assimilation and transportation of nutrients
throughout the body (metabolism). As this occurs on all levels, Spleen Qi not
only controls food and fluid metabolism, but also cell respiration and other
similar metabolic functions.

The Spleen opens to the mouth and manifests on the lips. It rules the sense of taste, lymph and saliva along with muscle tone and development, the flesh and limbs. Spleen Qi is in charge of keeping the organs in place and the Blood in vessels. The flavor associated with the Spleen is sweet, meaning that a little sweet strengthens the Spleen while too much weakens it.

The Spleen hates to be damp (externally in the environment or internally in the
body), as this interferes with its ability to transform and transport food and fluids. As well, excessive sitting and the emotions of worry, melancholia, nostalgia and obsession target the Spleen. Conditions involving any of the above factors both indicate a Spleen/Stomach imbalance and can likewise cause one.

A weak Spleen causes poor digestion, low appetite, gas, bloatedness, acid
regurgitation, loose stools, undigested food in the stools, malnutrition, weakness
in arms and legs, fatigue, poor muscle development, edema of abdomen, hips
and thighs, blood spots under the skin, easy bruising, lack of sensation of taste,
prolapsed organs, frequent bleeding, abdominal distension, obsession, worry,
and anemia.

To tonify Spleen Qi, use herbs such as ginseng, astragalus and dioscorea
(Chinese wild yam). To tonify Spleen Yang, warm it with a heating herb such as dried or fresh ginger, give a yang tonic such as psoralea. To transform Spleen dampness, give herbs like agastache or cardamom.

The best way to treat and protect the Spleen and Stomach (digestion and
metabolism) is through diet. Foods that are cooked and warm in temperature
most closely match our own digestive fires and so metabolize and assimilate
easiest. This means that although it is hot outdoors, the intake of raw foods,
salads, juices and fruits should be limited and balanced with cardamom or fresh
ginger. Likewise, iced drinks and foods (ice cream, etc.) also need to be limited
and balanced with warming spices to protect the digestion. Doing so will promote
good digestion throughout the year and prevent those late season Earth Element
experiences of gaining weight without being able to lose it (one of the “delights”
of late summer for most!).

We have now moved into the "Heart time" of the year. It runs from about mid-April through June and encompasses the traditional Chinese medical concept of the fire element and the organs of Heart and Small Intestine. At this time of year everything is surging upward and outward. This includes not only our own outdoor activities, but the body’s energy as well. The Heart time of year is represented by the energy of summer, even though it may not correspond to what we think of as summer calendar-wise.

Summer is the essence of life, growth, heat and activity. Not surprisingly, the fire element and its organs, Heart and Small Intestine, correlate with summer. With the sun at its zenith, nights are short and days are long. Our energy is expansive now, flowing outward to act on the plans and seeds sowed in spring. Similarly, the body’s heat, or “inner fire,” starts rising close to the surface, cooling us inside. We are motivated now to pursue sports, gardening, yard work, hiking or other outdoor activities. We feel compelled to get things done, work and socialize. With increased heat, circulation and joy (the Heart’s emotion), we generally feel more optimistic, find it easier to work on relationship issues, and experience increased sex drive.

General Lifestyle Suggestions for Summer Health

While the fiery energy of summer pulls us into activity, we need to guard against over-activity and over-excitement, as these injure the Heart and deplete our trust fund’s energy reserves and rob our bodies of their vital Essence needed for the rest of the year. If we experience low energy now, it’s often because we didn't rest sufficiently during winter, or we’re overly active. Tiredness, exhaustion and “burnout” result, particularly if we go from dawn to midnight, accomplishing many different tasks, socializing more, working out a lot, skipping meals and snacking instead, having more sex and fitting in vacations, house repairs and yard work with everything else.

Summer is actually the time to protect your energy, especially for those who already have low energy. Thus, rest during the hotter hours of the day (this is siesta time in many countries), pace yourself, delegate, prioritize, moderate activities and exercise, and eat three regular meals daily. Take Siberian ginseng to enhance endurance and immunity.

Dressing in summer seems easy - the fewer the clothes the better. Yet, regularly baring midriffs exposes the Kidneys and abdomen to Coldness, ultimately depleting Essence and metabolism respectively. Those who frequently feel cold should maintain body heat by covering up on cooler summer days. Air conditioning can lower immunity and cause colds or chills, especially if kept too high, or if indoor/outdoor temperatures differ extremely. If air conditioning is a must, keep it at a higher temperature to more closely match that of the outdoors, and wear a sweater.

Summer Ailments and Dietary Suggestions

Because our fires are closer to the surface, we can easily overheat through over-exposure to the sun, heated environments, or hot-natured foods. Lighter, easier to digest foods are appropriate now, such as fruit, salads, grains and legumes. Red meat and excess meat eating should be kept at a minimum, if eaten at all.

People with Excess Heat often feel worse in summer and are generally tired, sluggish and easily overexcited or impatient in hot environments. Many are easily prone to heat exhaustion, headaches, arthritis, colds, allergies, hypertension, chest pains and palpitations. Eating too many hot, spicy, greasy, fried foods, red meats, alcohol, sugar, or caffeine, or smoking tobacco, aggravates these symptoms. Instead, eat fresh vegetables, salads, fruits, legumes, white meats, mung beans, watermelon, soy bean sprouts and room temperature herbal teas.

Drinking excessive amounts of cold and iced drinks causes Stomach Heat (any season) with headaches across the forehead, bad breath, bleeding gums, ravenous hunger, extreme thirst (especially for cold drinks), constipation, nausea, vomiting, sour regurgitation, or mouth ulcers. In fact, iced drinks taken with fatty or fried foods causes cholesterol according to the Chinese because cold drinks “encapsulate” fat, making it indigestible and turning it into fatty deposits in the blood vessels. Although we like iced drinks in the West, they also ultimately create this Heat because the body has to increase metabolic warmth in order to digest them. People who live in hot climates mostly drink hot teas and eat spicy foods since these make the body sweat, ultimately cooling it.

Other people eat excessive amounts of cooling foods in summer, such as salads, raw foods, iced drinks/foods, juices, smoothies, melons, soymilk and too much fruit. Since these cool the digestive soup pot, they cause poor digestion and assimilation, also known as Spleen Qi deficiency, resulting in undigested food in the stools, gas, bloatedness, sleepiness after meals, low immunity, weakness, tiredness, nausea, loose stools, or diarrhea. Thus, if you tend to feel cold, even in summer, limit intake of cold foods, eat all cooked foods, add spices (such as ginger and cardamom), increase protein (such as red and white meats) and drink warm herbal teas. Balance fruit intake by eating its seeds (like watermelon), or a piece of its peel (these are ancient Asian secrets to “keep the doctor away”).

Summer Herbs for Balance

The cooling and drying qualities of the bitter taste strengthen the Heart and Small Intestines and eliminate excess fluid and cholesterol from the blood. Spicy herbs, such as those used in chilies and curries, open the pores and create perspiration to cool the body. Herbs such as mint, lemon balm, chrysanthemum, hibiscus, red clover, violet leaves, honeysuckle, borage, rosehips and green tea also cool the body and make refreshing summer drinks. Hawthorn and longan, because they nourish the Heart, are good now as well. Don’t take ginseng or other strong warming tonics during summer (unless you’re weak) because they’re too heating and stagnating now, potentially causing headaches, chest pains, stomachaches, or excessive thirst and sweating.

No matter where you live – snowy Michigan or sunny Florida – Spring is upon us. In nature, this energy is represented by sap rising and buds bursting. Likewise, these same energies stir within as we feel drawn outdoors and into more activities. While it is nearly time to enjoy warmer weather, it is also one of the two most susceptible times of the year to catch colds and flu. 

Although your internal body heat is rising toward the surface (like the trees' sap), the air is still cool and it’s important to remain warmly dressed outdoors. The shining sun and hint of warmth encourage us to shed heavy clothes and act like it’s summer. Yet, this is exactly how those spring colds and flu begin. This is also the windy season and exposed necks invite pathogens to invade the body. Foil that flu bug by wearing a scarf outdoors and keep those layers on.  

Likewise, refrain from eating cold foods and drinks (iced drinks and foods, juices, raw foods, salads, soymilk) until summer arrives. Continue eating cooked foods and protein until your body adjusts to fluctuating temperature changes. Add in a large variety of cooked vegetables, dark leafy greens, some whole grains and cooked fruit and you will stay well through this vulnerable time. 

Read on for more of my favorite spring health tips!

Dandelions

To enhance your health, add dandelion to your diet to cleanse the liver. Dandelion greens, roasted dandelion “coffee” and dandelion in grain drinks are all ways to imbibe this herb.

In Europe, dandelion root is roasted and combined with chicory root to brew dandelion "coffee." This full-bodied drink does exactly the opposite of coffee: it clears heat toxins and congestion from the Liver rather than puts it in. Further, while coffee (and caffeine in general) robs the Kidney’s trust fund of inherited energy, dandelion helps them in their proper function of filtering fluids. 

Keep those dandelion "weeds!" Clean your physical house by turning your dandelion weeds into a nutritious cooked salad. These slightly bitter greens are high in iron, potassium and Vitamin A. Add a touch of lemon juice and flax oil for a dish potent in vitamins and minerals.

Bitters

Bitter tasting herbs can make a drink to stimulate bile production, aiding appetite, digestion and elimination. Europeans regularly sip a small glass of bitters before meals. Combine 1/4 ounce each powdered roots of dandelion, burdock, gentian, sarsaparilla, yellow dock and fennel seeds, and 1/8 ounce dried citrus peel and licorice with 1 quart rice wine, vodka or good quality red wine. (Add 1/8 tsp. each of nettle and seaweed and you have a hefty mineral tonic as well!) Soak for two weeks, shaking the mixture daily. Strain, then take 1 tsp. before meals. 

Roses

Make fresh rose petals into a tea and drink 3 cups a day to treat PMS, depression and menstrual irregularities. Alternatively, chop rose petals finely, mix with honey and eat freely as is, or as a tasty spread on bread or crackers. Rose petals are calming, regulate Liver energy and harmonize the Blood. 

Spring Cold and Flu Tea

This powerful antiviral tea mimics an effective Chinese remedy that quickly clears colds and flu: Combine 1/2 ounce each dandelion root, forsythia fruit and isatis leaf in 1 quart water and simmer covered 20 minutes. Add 1/2 ounce honeysuckle flowers and simmer another 10 minutes. Strain and drink 1 cup every 2-3 hours until symptoms are gone. 

Spring Allergies

Spring winds often begin the allergy season. Those who sneeze frequently and have allergies often benefit by taking milk thistle. This herb clears the Liver, which in turn calms sneezing. Take 2-4 capsules, or 1 tsp. powdered seed with water, 3 times a day.  

Liver Cleanse

Cleansing the Liver in spring is an excellent way to remove stored toxins and winter’s accumulated fat. Blend and drink a mixture of 8 ounces water, 8 ounces apple juice, 1-4 cloves garlic and 1-4 tblsp. olive oil each morning on an empty stomach for four days in a row. Follow with a cup tea decoction of 1/4 ounce fennel seeds and 1/4 ounce dandelion root. If appropriate for your body, also fast on warm apple juice and green vegetable juice, and take 1-2 “00” capsules cayenne powder 1-3 times daily. 

Spring Kicharee

Kicharee, a traditional dish of India, is called the “food of the gods” and by legend is said to cure all illnesses if eaten exclusively for 10 days. Balanced in cooling and warming energies, it is highly assimilable. Kicharee is a great food to fast on for three to 10 days in the spring as it detoxifies the Liver and Blood and neutralizes acids without causing nutritional deficiencies. Turmeric decongests and cools the Liver and purifies Blood, cumin warms and stimulates digestion, coriander aids digestion, mung beans detoxify and cleanse Blood and ghee stimulates digestion.

While the traditional recipe just uses rice, mung beans, ghee and the spices, here several vegetables are added: burdock to cleanse the Liver and Blood, carrots to support digestion and fluid metabolism, shiitake mushrooms to strengthen Blood and immunity and support Liver function and kelp and dark leafy greens to detoxify the Liver and provide important minerals. For those with weakness, low energy, poor appetite or lowered immunity, use chicken stock. 

• 3 cups water or chicken stock
• 1/2 cup rice
• 1/2 cup mung beans
• 1 small strip kelp, washed
• 1/3 tsp. turmeric powder
• 1 tsp. coriander powder
• 1 tsp. cumin seeds or powder
• 2 Tblsp. ghee (clarified butter) or sesame oil
• 1 onion, diced
• 4 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1 burdock root, scrubbed and thinly sliced
• 1 carrot, thinly sliced
• 1 cup chopped dark leafy greens (dale, collards, dandelion, mustard)
• Seasonings: salt, lemon juice 

Cook rice, beans and kelp in water or stock for 45 minutes. Brown spices in oil. Stir fry onion, mushrooms, burdock and carrot in spiced oil. Boil greens in an inch of water for five minutes and strain. Combine all ingredients together. More water or stock may be added to make soupier, if wanted. Add any desired seasonings. 

For a good ‘romp in the hay’ this Valentine's Day, be sure the hay is oat straw!

Wild oat straw and its seeds foster the right balance of relaxation and enhanced libido for both men and women.

Sowing your Wild Oats

For their aphrodisiac effect, it’s the milky sap of the green unripe grain (shown at right) that gives the most ‘bang for the buck,’ so to speak. Wild oats have been known to act as a noticeable sexual stimulant for horses and other animals, which seems to suggest that they have the same effect on humans of both sexes. Avena sativa extract contains an amorphous alkaloid which acts as a stimulant to the nervous ganglia producing an increase of ‘ready to go’ excitability of the muscles in horses and humans.

Testosterone means increased sex drive

One of the main effects of testosterone is increased libido. While often associated with males, testosterone is also produced in women’s ovaries. Studies show that a low libido in either sex is most likely caused by low testosterone.

Let’s get something straight here: no herb contains identical human hormones. Claims that wild yam, dang gui  or black cohosh contain estrogen are false. Similarly, wild oats contain no human testosterone. Considering that only 2% of human testosterone is in a free state, the remaining 98% is in a state bound to protein molecules. It is thought that Avena sativa acts to increase libido by freeing bound testosterone. 

Because Avena sativa is a restorative, (as opposed to Viagra which is contraindicated by men who are at risk for cardiovascular disease) it is an effective and safer alternative to male-female virility drugs. Besides, not accounting for the placebo effect which is likely to be considerable with any intended sex drug, Viagra has been found to work on only 42% of the men who take it, according to published studies.

For more chronic sexual debility, one may need to take Avena extract on a daily basis over the course of several days to weeks. Over long term use, the benefit is more systemic, with oats being beneficial for lowering cholesterol (especially true of the high fiber cereal), restoring a burned out nervous system, and promoting an overall feeling of health and well being.

Avena sativa may even help your love life by getting rid of bad smoker's breath!

Bad breath is an instant turn-off and desire diminisher. This could be due to hyper-acidic Stomach Heat (as the condition is patterned in Traditional Chinese Medicine) or, very commonly, from smoking.

In the case of the latter, an effective remedy to help break the tobacco habit is Avena sativa extract. Simply take a dose of 20 to 30 drops of the liquid extract whenever you feel the urge for tobacco.

Planetary Herbal Formulas for Increasing Libido

I developed two special Planetary Herbals formulas, Avena Sativa Oat Complex for Men and Avena Sativa Oat Complex for Women.

Herbalists know that when taken in formula, herbs become more than a sum of any of its corresponding parts. When a formula is carefully blended, the sum combination of all the herbs working on different systems of the body, bringing into play hundreds of biochemical constituents, is stronger than a single herb taken alone.

Avena Sativa Oat Complex For Men has additional benefit for the prostate and the buildup of seminal fluid. It combines milky oat tops extract with saw palmetto berry, stinging nettle root, damiana, epimedium (“horny goat weed”), Asian ginseng, sarsaparilla, rosehip, cinnamon bark and ginkgo leaf extract.

Avena Sativa Oat Complex for Women combines milky oat tops with dong quai root, white peony root, ligusticum root, circuligo orchid, ginger, alfalfa, vitex seed, jujube fruit and cinnamon bark.

Remember, a healthy libido is a life-affirming indication of overall health and well-being. It is usually accompanied with a general zest and interest for life. Rather than simply trying to treat a problem such as erectile dysfunction, pain or lack of feeling during intercourse, or low libido, it is wiser to look to the cause in terms of diet, stress, emotional and other aspects that directly or indirectly contribute to our nature as vital sexual beings. Herbs such as Avena sativa can be considered a ‘special food,’ first for our nervous system overall and specifically for increasing sexual desire.

A libido as unwavering as the Himalayas? With the help of shilajit, perhaps!

Let’s face it, when people think about Valentine’s Day they think of sex. But rather than write about aphrodisiacs, I want to discuss a fabulous herb to nourish the kidneys, the root of sexual energy and power – shilajit (pronounced, she-la-jeet). 

Shilajit isn't actually a single herb; it's actually a medicinal organic substance. Composed of humus and organic plant material, shilajit is an exudate that’s pressed out of layers of rock in Nepal and other high mountains. Think of India as an island millions of years ago as it bumps into the Eurasian continent to form the Himalalyan mountains. As the land collides and the seabed pushes upward, it produces lush jungles that become trapped by layers of rock and soil. Gradually this transforms into humus, a dense, viscous and mineral-rich organic mass that becomes food for new plant life. This is shilajit. 

Over time the shilajit is exposed to freezing winters, hot summers and erosion from monsoon rains. In summer the shilajit “flows” out from between the cracks of layered rocks and the Nepali people repel down cliffs at 10-12,000 feet to collect it (in fact, it’s getting harder to find so people have to climb higher and higher as supplies are being exhausted at normal locations). Supposedly, it was discovered by observing white monkeys migrate there to chew on it during the summer months. 

If you’re thinking of petroleum now, you are not far off. Michael and I both remember watching trucks tar the streets when we were young and we’d see kids follow them to pick up asphalt bits to chew. In fact, its English name is “asphalt” and its odor and taste are strongly reminiscent of that and those days. 

It’s been said that “There is no disease on earth which cannot be cured by shilajit.” In fact, the word "shilajit" means “destroyer of weakness.” Certainly it is an adaptogen beneficial for memory and cognition, an immune support and anti-ulcer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. Its main indications are for the kidneys, genito-urinary tract and diabetes (it stabilizes blood sugar). As well, it potentiates the actions of other herbs with which it is taken.

And in fact, it has traditionally been taken with milk for libido and sexual power – voila! The Valentine’s Day connection! 

Recently, Michael found a pure brand of shilajit and all of us taking it noticed increased energy. One person’s ear ringing disappeared, while another experienced improved kidney function. Try Tattva or Banyan Botanicals as sources for obtaining it. 

In Traditional Chinese medical terms, shilajit, as a Kidney tonic – and probably an Essence (Yin,Yang and Blood) tonic – supports Kidney functions such as improved short term memory, reduced tinnitus, increased sexual drive and endurance, strong bones and so on. And because strong Kidney energy supports good lung function, it’s been reported to improve bronchial symptoms as well. It has a slightly warming energy, although it seems fine for use in those with yin deficiency and yin deficiency fire. 

The key about shilajit is only using the highest quality. The processing of raw shilajit is very important; otherwise it contains free radicals and possible mycotoxins and fungal toxins. Further, it needs to be a standardized extract containing at least 50% fulvic acids (its primary active ingredient) and 1% Dibenzo-alpha-Pyrones. Where shilajit is obtained also indicates its potency as it reflects the plants of that area. Some include abundant white clover, which makes it beneficial for the skin. 

Dosage is 300-500 mg per day, although some have reported taking 1,000 mg per day with excellent results. Since it stays in the blood for 12-14 hours, taking it twice a day is sufficient. If you experience detox reactions, usually loose stools or mild diarrhea, fatigue, headaches and skin rashes, then consume lots of water and decrease the dose until the symptoms disappear; after, gradually increase the dose again. 

Supposedly, shilajit needs to be taken for two months before realizing full results (and Valentine’s Day is only three weeks away), but those of us who recently tried it, experienced immediate improvement of symptoms along with increased energy. Imagine what will happen after two months! So get started on your shilajit today and have an even better Valentine’s Day!

No matter what name you give it (or what animal you name it after), we’re now full swing into the flu season. Michael’s written on the great benefits of onion poultice; how can I pass up touting one of my favorite flu/lung/cough herbs – garlic? So while you’re plastering your chest with an onion poultice, eat or drink some form of garlic as well. 

Garlic is said to be a cure for every ailment but the one it causes: bad breath! Its delightful fragrance comes from the presence of sulfur compounds, nature’s own antibiotic (but if you eat parsley after the garlic, much of its undesirable odor is eliminated). Garlic is a rejuvenating herb because it both stimulates metabolism and detoxifies. In fact, the body absorbs it so quickly that if you were to rub a clove on your feet, you would be able to taste it within seconds! 

Garlic is one of the very best herbs for respiratory conditions, colds, flu, sore throats, infections and earaches. Because it so powerfully heals lung ailments, I recommend it to most all patients with coughs or mucus (especially white or clear mucus).

I have found two methods to be particularly effective for lung ailments: garlic juice or garlic appetizer.  

Once when I visited my parents I developed walking pneumonia (and didn’t know it). I tried a variety of different herbs but had no results. Finally, I purchased a bottle of garlic juice at a chain grocery store and drank one teaspoonful every two to three hours. Within the first day I was well on the road to recovery and by the end of the third day, completely healed. 

Another time I had a terrible debilitating cough on Mother’s Day. My son and husband wanted to take me out to lunch to celebrate and since I didn’t want to disappoint them, I went along thinking I would keep them company but not eat. Luckily we found an Italian restaurant where, as we waited to order, a large appetizer of bread with raw garlic in olive oil sat on our table. Knowing garlic would help me, I coated several pieces of the bread with masses of the raw garlic dipped in olive oil and ate them with relish. By the time our meals had arrived, my cough was nearly gone and the next day I had fully recovered. I have seen had many a patient experience similar results using garlic juice or appetizer. 

Of course, garlic has TONS of other great medicinal uses. It’s a specific for regulating blood pressure, both high and low, and lowers blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels and plaque in vessels, thus treating atherosclerosis. The deodorized garlic capsules work well in this case, which is a blessing, for it is quite convenient and of course, odorless (in fact, the aged garlic may be superior for these actions).  

As well, raw garlic effectively improves weak digestion, stimulates circulation and treats arthritis, rheumatism, lower back and joint pains, genito-urinary diseases, nervous disorders, cramps and spasms and heart weakness. For any of these eat the raw cloves, or drink the juice or syrup. It may also be used in food poisoning due to shellfish.  

The Chinese use garlic as a preventative and treatment for parasites and intestinal worms, particularly hookworms, pinworms and ringworm of the scalp. Either insert an oiled garlic clove in the rectum, use garlic enemas (made from garlic tea), eat 3-5 raw cloves of garlic, 3-6 times daily, apply the paste (mashed garlic in sesame or olive oil) topically for ringworm, and in general, use heavy doses for these indications.  

Garlic is also good for amoebic dysentery, and an effective antibiotic for staphylococcus, streptococcus and bacteria resistant to standard antibiotic drugs. It is effective for vaginitis and leukorrhea (coat cloves in oil, wrap in muslin, saturate in olive oil and directly insert into vagina) and anti-fungal for the treatment of Candida albicans and yeast infections. 

Garlic

Allium sativum; Liliaceae;  da suan; Sanskrit: lasunam

Part Used: bulb

Energy, taste: hot; spicy

Organs affected: Lung, Spleen, Large Intestine, Stomach

Actions: expels parasites

Properties: stimulant, diuretic, diaphoretic, hypotensive, alterative, digestant, carminative, expectorant, antiseptic, antispasmodic, parasiticide, antibiotic, antibacterial, antifungal, anticoagulant, lowers cholesterol

Biochemical constituents: volatile oil (about 0.2%) including allicin and aliin, B Vitamins, minerals

Dose: 6-15 gm; Since the volatile oils hold its active ingredients, garlic must be taken fresh for acute ailments rather than deodorized in capsules. For acute conditions, take 1 tsp. every hour of syrup, oil or juice; 3-5 cloves, raw, toasted or as paste/day; 30-60 drops tincture, 1-4 times/day

Precautions: avoid in high doses during pregnancy; do not use with Excess Heat or Yin Deficiency with Heat signs, acute inflammations, or take with problems of the mouth, tongue or throat; prolonged direct contact to the skin of fresh garlic can cause irritation; excessive use can irritate the stomach

Other: purple-skinned garlic has a stronger effect against parasites; eat with food as a preventative

Indications: respiratory conditions, colds, flu, sore throats, infections, earaches, cough, high and low blood pressure, high cholesterol and triglyceride levels, atherosclerosis, weak digestion, poor circulation, arthritis, rheumatism, lower back and joint pains, genito-urinary diseases, nervous disorders, cramps, spasms, heart weakness, parasites, intestinal worms (particularly hookworms), pinworms, ringworm of the scalp, amoebic dysentery, staphylococcus, streptococcus, vaginitis, leukorrhea, Candida, yeast infections

This is where my favorite home remedy comes to the rescue. It is the time-honored onion poultice

1. Finely chop two or three onions (you may also add a few cloves of chopped garlic for increased antibiotic effect).
2. Steam these for a short while in a steamer.
3. Remove from steamer, place in a large bowl, and add a half cup of corn flour and a couple of tablespoons of apple cider vinegar to help hold the poultice together. Mix well.
4. Place the entire mash in a natural fiber cloth, large enough to wrap and keep the entire mash over an area roughly the size of your patient's chest.
5. Apply the wrapped mash to your supine patient, as hot as can be tolerated without burning, over the chest, from the base of the neck down as far as you wish.  If the cough seems more on the back then apply it over the upper back. (If you are putting the poultice on yourself, you might need assistance from a friend or family member.) 
6. Place a hot water bottle or heating pad over the top of the poultice to maintain heat for greater penetration.
7. Rest with the poultice on for at least 20 or 30 minutes. 

Fall Correspondences in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Diet and Lifestyle Tips to Prevent Fall Ailments

Fall Herbs for Balance