Health Tips
Water
Water is the body's most important nourishment. An easy way to see how much water you need each day is to divide your body weight (in pounds) by 2. That's the minimum number of ounces you need each day. If you exercise or sweat heavily, your body requires even more water. For example, a sedentary 150-pound person requires 75 ounces of water daily. An active person may need 100 ounces or more. Drinking a refreshing glass of water is easy, and so good for you!
Fortunately, there are many simple measures you can take to improve your health. Here are some more tips that you can do at home:
Castor Oil Packs
Supplies:
- ~12x12 wool flannel cloth, when folded to 4 thicknesses
- ~Castor oil
- ~Heating pad or hot water bottle
- ~Plastic wrap
- ~Towel
Directions:
~ Saturate the cloth in castor oil so that it is wet but not dripping.
~Lie down and apply the cloth to the abdomen making sure to cover the areas of the liver (just under the ribs on the right side) and the cecum (near the hip bone on the lower right side).
~Place the plastic wrap over the cloth to protect other items from getting soiled with the castor oil.
~Set the heating pad on top at a temperature that you can tolerate well.
~Wrap the towel around your waist to keep the pack securely in place.
~Get comfortable and relax for 1 to 1½ hours. Repeat this treatment as needed.
~I recommend: 3 - 4 times a week for general constipation. Nightly use for periods of minor abdominal discomfort.
Miraculous? Castor oil is often called "the oil that heals." In the Middle Ages the castor bean plant was referred to as the Palma Christi, the palm of Christ. Many believe that the "miraculous" healing powers of this plant are due to its vibratory qualities, but the truth is still unknown.
Did you know Castor oil packs are beneficial for:
~ Increasing elimination
~Stimulating the cecum
~Releasing colon impaction
~Stimulating the liver and gallbladder
~Dissolving gallstones
~Reducing flatulence
~Increasing lymphatic circulation
~Improving assimilation of foods
~Reducing swelling and inflammation
~Coordinating liver and kidney function
~Reducing nausea
~Dissolving and removing adhesions and lesions
~Relieving pain
~Stimulating organs and glands
~Increasing relaxation
Castor oil packs have been recommended for many ailments such as:
Appendicitis · Arthritis · Cancer · Colitis · Constipation · Epilepsy · Gallstones · Gastritis · Migraine · Hepatitis · Hernia · Hodgkin's · Hookworm · Impaction · Sluggish liver · Neuritis · Cirrhosis · Multiple sclerosis · Lymphatics · Cerebral palsy · Sterility · Ringworm · Parkinson's
Reference: The Oil That Heals by William A. McGarey
Hydrogen Peroxide Baths
Our bodies eliminate toxins through four major organs: the colon (assisted by the liver), kidneys, lungs, and skin. Hydrogen peroxide baths help to cleanse and purify our skin. Hydrogen peroxide destroys toxins, organisms, and even pulls out the residues left by soap. In other words, it makes one of our major eliminators of toxins-our skin-more effective.
Hydrogen peroxide does all this and is environmentally friendly too, leaving its only by-products: water and oxygen.The first time you bathe with hydrogen peroxide, be sure to notice the residue left behind after the bath. You just might be amazed!
Supplies:
~2 quarts hydrogen peroxide
~Bath tub
Directions:
~Pour 1 quart hydrogen peroxide into a hot bath making sure to mix it well to avoid burning your skin. Be careful not to get any bath water in your eyes.
~Immerse yourself into the water and wait 5 minutes. If there is no reaction to your skin, add the second quart and stir well. Relax and soak for 20 to 25 minutes.
~Caution: If irritation occurs, rinse yourself off with clear water immediately. You may want to try again using 1 pint hydrogen peroxide. Women with vaginitis often experience temporary irritation and should begin with the lower dose. Always use caution when exiting a tub. Lightheadedness may occur.
Other Uses: Hydrogen peroxide (3%) is excellent as a facial toner and as a mouthwash.If you suffer from athlete's foot, try a nightly foot soak in 3% hydrogen peroxide until the condition clears.
Constipation
Constipation is often thought of as infrequent bowel movements that are hard and difficult to eliminate but it is also incomplete elimination. Ideally you should have a bowel movement about 20 minutes after each meal. In other words: one meal in… one meal out.
Causes of Constipation
The most common cause of constipation is dehydration. That's right, we're just not getting enough water. To figure out how much water you need, take your body weight and divide it by two. That's the minimum number of ounces of pure, fresh water you need each day.
The next most common cause of constipation is diet. The Standard American Diet is just that, SAD. Most of us eat too many refined carbohydrates, too much fat, alcohol, sugar, too many processed foods, and not enough fruits, vegetables, and fiber.
Surprisingly, gallstones may also cause constipation. In addition, drugs and medications can be very constipating, not to mention a sedentary lifestyle with little exercise. A very common but misunderstood form of constipation is diarrhea. Often diarrhea is caused from parasites, an irritation in the small intestines, allergies or a virus. The small intestines release the digested food quickly into the large intestine (or colon) for elimination. Instead of moving the fecal mater that is already present it typically passes around it leaving an incomplete evacuation.
Supplements To assist with regularity, our colons need four basic things:
~Probiotics- To assist the body in maintaining good bacteria, I recommend probiotics first thing in the morning. Make sure they contain a good spectrum of bacteria such as the acidophylus and bifida strains,
~ Fiber - There are many types of fiber on the market but they can be misleading, absorbing a lot of your body's water. I recommend Flax Lignans in the morning and evening.
~ Essential Fatty Acids (EFA)- I suggest eating nuts and seeds every day and supplementing with flax, borage, or fish oil of an evening.
~Water – drink a minimum of half your body weight in ounces each day.
Helpful Tips
Of course the first thing I'm going to tell you is common sense. Drink plenty of water between meals and modify your diet. A simple and easy guideline is as follows: Avoid Caffeine, Refined foods, Alcohol, and Processed foods. Avoid “white” food: bread, pasta, potatoes, crackers, white rice, etc. Eat fresh veggies for at least 50% of your food intake. Eat healthy snacks such as fruits, veggies, nuts and seeds. A light dinner such as whole, unprocessed grains and vegetables. Allow at least two hours after eating before going to sleep. Cleanse and detoxify your body through healthy eating, exercise, herbs, and colon hydrotherapy. Start today to live a healthier lifestyle.
Epsom Salts
Epsom salts are often used to cleanse and exfoliate the skin, making it soft and invigorated. They also has been used by many to ease sore and stiff muscles.
Supplies:
1 cup Epsom salts Water Towel or sheet (optional) Shower Directions:Pour one cup of Epsom salts into a small bowl, adding just enough water to make a paste. This is a messy job, so after you undress stand over a towel or sheet, or simply stand in the shower instead (without the water running). Smooth a thin layer of the paste onto your skin over your entire body. If you have a partner who can help, that's great, but if not then cover as much of yourself as you can. Wait until the mixture has dried; it forms a white film. Then shower or, better yet, soak in a warm bath and let the salt help ease your sore and tired muscles, too! Do not use soap to wash off the salt, as you may clog your pores.You will be amazed at how soft and smooth your skin will feel. I do this following a hydrogen peroxide bath.
Caution: Irritation will occur if you have any open wounds or have recently shaved.
Other Uses:
To rid your hair of hairspray and other buildup, combine one gallon distilled water, one cup lemon juice, and one cup Epsom salts. Seal the mixture and let stand for 24 hours. Work the mixture into your dry hair and let sit for 20 minutes, then shower and shampoo hair as usual.To add body, restore your hair's natural beauty, or add life to your hair, try this. Combine equal parts of conditioner and Epsom salts. Place in the microwave for 20 seconds. Work the mixture immediately through your dry hair. Let stand for 20 minutes, then shower and rinse off.For a cleansing bath, just add 2 cups Epsom salts, sit back and enjoy.
Dry Skin Brushing
Our lymphatic system is our body’s immune system. The lymphatic fluid can become sluggish over time and dry skin brushing can be a lymphatic stimulant. Skin brushing helps exfoliate and invigorate our skin too. It increases our blood supply to the area bringing with it nourishment and oxygen. Our circulatory system has its own pump (our heart) to move our blood through our bodies but our lymphatic system does not. It relies primarily on our movement to assist it. Typically, the more active we are the better condition our lymphatics are in. Skin brushing helps move our lymph fluid and gives us a jump-start on our health.Supplies: Natural bristle brush (do not use synthetic)
Shower
Directions: Always use a dry brush. Using a light touch make long strokes towards the heart, except on your abdomen where your strokes should be towards your groin. Start with your arms and work your entire body ending with your toes. Shower and enjoy the day!If you use a loofah pad instead of the natural bristle brush, place it in the washer and dryer prior to use the first time. This will loosen the fibers and make it more effective.Caution:Do not brush to the point of making your skin raw or sore. If irritation occurs you may be using too much pressure.