There are general guidelines for treating ADD / ADHD / Autism regardless of age. The following 5 bullets are essential:
- Eliminate gluten
- Eliminate dairy
- Eliminate all dyes or food coloring
- Eliminate refined sugar or as much as possible
- Eliminate all artificial sweeteners, additives, and processed foods
In medicine, what can cure can cause, and what can cause can cure. Therefore, one or two small sips of coffee (a stimulant) can help mellow an overactive mind and improve concentration (can also cure a headache).
Supplements:
- Fish oil – must have a minimum EPA:DHA ratio of 2:1
- Ganoderma lucidum (mycelium and spore forms recommended)
- Mycelium – targets cognition (helps balance communication and information processing; helps balance over-stimulated neurological conditions)
- Spores – the extra-strength version of the mushroom (promotes detoxification; strong anti-inflammatory (i.e. brain inflammation) and acts synergistically with mycelium)
- Recommended brand (USDA certified organic) can be ordered here:
Any condition that falls within autism-spectrum disorder is likely under a heavy toxic burden (heavy metals, glyphosate, etc.). It is advised to work with an ND or MD who is experienced with chelation and the removal of chemical toxins. The following ways will help reduce a toxic burden:
- Infrared sauna (SaunaRay brand is free of toxic glues/chemicals released with heat)
- Exercise that promotes sweat.
- Cilantro (helps eliminate heavy metals).
- Spirulina (helps eliminate arsenic).
- Increase organic non-starchy vegetables (promotes elimination/ detoxification).
- Castor oil liver (enhances detoxification) and belly rubs (enhances elimination) – use organic castor oil in a dark glass bottle (fats store toxins (i.e. plastic bottle) and light damages oils (i.e. clear bottle)).
- Coconut oil + fiber (causes bad cholesterol to bind to fiber which is eliminated via feces; cholesterol contains toxins the body needs to eliminate).
- Increase water intake to promote elimination (General: women = 2L/day; men = 3L/day).
- Drink only reverse osmosis (RO) or distilled water or use a Berkey water filter with added fluoride and arsenic filters. You must remineralize RO or distilled water before drinking (use mineral drops (e.g. Concentrace) or add a tea ball (cold water extraction) high in minerals (e.g. stinging nettle or a tea grown from volcanic soil), otherwise your body will leach minerals from your bones to re-mineralize the water.
Additional:
- 1-5 minutes a day of deep breathing (recommended app: Stop, Breathe, Think) to promote relaxation and relieve any underlying anxiety
- Ensure adequate daily protein intake to stabilize blood sugar (0.8-1g per kg of lean body weight)
- Switch from simple carbohydrates to complex carbohydrates (slows down the conversion of sugar to glucose) to maintain a more stable state of energy. Google simple and complex carbohydrates for a complete list.
- Be aware of EMF. Keep your cell phone away from you and turn it off at night. Turn off all wireless signals at night or even better – only use cables for internet connectivity.
Be sure to consult your ND or MD as to whether any of the above suggestions are right for you.
Posted in ADD/ADHD, Autism, Home Page
Tagged ADD, ADHD, Alternative, arsenic, artificial, Attention Deficit Disorder, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, Autism, Autism-Spectrum, berkey, Cell phone, cilantro, Cognitive, color, concentrace, cure, dairy, deep breathing, Disorder, distilled, dye, EMF, energy, exercise, fat, fiber, fish, fish oil, fluoride, Food, Functional, Ganoderma, General, gluten, Health, heavy metals, herb, Home, infrared, lucidium, Medicine, Mental Health, mercury, mobile, mycelium, natural, naturopath, nettle, nutrition, oil, Olive oil, remedy, reverse osmosis, sauna, SaunaRay, spirulina, spore, sugar, Tea, volcano, water, Wireless
If health issues won’t sway you away from the use of chemical contraceptives, perhaps the following link will (it’s a pretty good summary):
http://www.theguardian.com/science/2008/aug/13/medicalresearch.medicaladvicefortravellers
Smell ya later.
Posted in Home Page, Romance, Sex Health
Tagged birth control, contraceptive, danger, harm, Health, MHC, natural, naturopath, oral, pheromone, pill, sex, wrong partner
For vegetarians and vegans who have a hard time getting iron into their diet, consider this:
Take an iron skillet and simmer up a tasty tomato sauce. The tomatoes contain Vitamin C, which is acidic, and will thus leach iron from the pan and into the sauce.
FYI: Increasing ones iron is a slow process that often takes months to accomplish.
Posted in Anemia, Home Page, Prescription Foods, Supplements/Vitamins
Tagged Alternative, Anemia, ascorbic acid, Cooking, Health, iron, natural, naturopath, nutrition, tomato, vitamin c
When it comes to coughing, honey is just as or more effective than over-the-counter medications.
Do not give honey to children under 2 years of age.
Schizophrenia has been linked to mothers having low phosphatidylcholine levels during pregnancy. If you are pregnant, consult your N.D. about your phosphatidylcholine levels.
Posted in Home Page, Pregnancy, Prescription Foods
Tagged Alternative, Food, Health, natural, naturopath, phosphatidylcholine, Pregnant, prevention, Schizophrenia
Ginger root (Zingiber officinale) – The tried, tested, and true nausea remedy that is completely safe for pregnant women. Best served in a tea (in my opinion).
Drink up.
Posted in Home Page, Nausea and Vomiting, Pregnancy
Tagged Alternative, Ginger, Health, morning sickness, natural, naturopath, nausea, pregnancy, relief, remedy, vomiting, Zingiber officinale
Nat mur (Natrum muriaticum) is one of the most common homeopathic remedies prescribed for cold sores. Try a low potency to start (30CH), or better yet – seek the advice of your ND.
Posted in Cold Sores, Herpes, Home Page, Mouth, Wounds/Sores/Burns
Tagged Alternative, cold sore, Health, Herpes, homeopathic, homeopathy, nat mur, Natrum muriaticum, natural, naturopath, remedy, treatment
Yes, you can prevent a cold from impacting your performance by taking an amino acid called glutamine. The theory is that it will prevent your body from breaking down skeletal muscle to fuel the fight.
Posted in Exercise, Home Page, Sore Throat & Colds
Tagged Alternative, bodybuilding, cold, Common cold, exercise, glutamine, gym, Health, natural, naturopath, weightlifting
For people with dementia, coconut oil is a prescription food. Why? Their brain can’t metabolize glucose (fuel) normally. Coconut oil is a medium-chain triglyceride (fat) that can be broken down into keytones – an alternate fuel source for the brain that IS normally metabolized in a person with dementia! Go see your ND regarding proper coconut oil dosage and use.
Posted in Dementia, Home Page, Prescription Foods
Tagged Alternative, coconut oil, dementia, Food, Health, keytone, metabolism, metabolize, naturopath, triglyceride
Applicable for oozing injuries/wounds:
If the wound can be covered by a band-aid, apply organic, unpasteurized honey to the bandage and cover the wound. If the area is large (especially in the case of a burn), apply the honey to a sterile gauze, then cover with a sterile linen, and then wrap in plastic. Change the bandage twice a day. If you see black dots appearing after a while, don’t freak out, they are most likely hair follicles growing back. This remedy has been successful since ancient Egypt.
Posted in Home Page, Skin, Wounds/Sores/Burns
Tagged Alternative, Burn, Egypt, Health, Home Remedy, honey, injury, natural, naturopath, oozing, prevent, pus, scar, stiches, wound
From my nutrition class:
- Fish oil is great for treating ADD/ADHD.
- Fish oil that is DHA is useless (for ADD/ADHD).
- Fish oil that is EPA is the good stuff.
- Select a ratio of EPA:DHA that is at least 2:1.
- Talk to your ND on proper dosage.
Fin.
Posted in ADD/ADHD, Home Page
Tagged ADD, ADHD, Alternative, DHA, EPA, fish oil, Food, Health, natural, naturopath, nutrition
Nat mur (Natrum muriaticum) – try a 30CH potency and use as per label.
Posted in Canker Sores, Home Page, Homeopathics
Tagged canker sore, heal, Health, homeopathic, homeopathy, nat mur, Natrum muriaticum, natural, naturopath, naturopathy, remedy
It ain’t tasty, and it ain’t fun. It’s garlic (Allium sativum)!
Take one small garlic clove. Peel it, cut off the ends, and then pop it in your mouth. Gently crush it with your teeth from time to time. The volatile oils released are very powerful bug killers that will search and destroy the enemies of your oral pharynx (and other places).
May also be used to keep people away when you need some alone time.
Posted in Home Page, Sore Throat & Colds
Tagged Allium sativum, Condiments, Cooking, essential oil, Garlic, Health, Home, Lemon, lozenge, natural, naturopath, Produce, Shopping, sore throat, Streptococcal pharyngitis
Ho/He Shu Wu (Polygonum multiflorum) is a Chinese herb known to restore hair color, and is named after the herbalist Mr. He, who used it to maintain his own jet-black hair color well into his seventies. It is one of few Chinese herbs that rebuilds kidney essence, and is considered an adaptogen (stress manager) in the West.
Posted in Hair, Home Page
Tagged Blond, Chinese herbs, Fallopia multiflora, Hair, Hair color, He Shu Wu, Health, Herbalism, Herbs, Ho Shu Wu, Human hair color, natural, naturopath, Polygonum multiflorum, Race and ethnicity in the United States Census, rejuvenate, restore
Okay, here’s what to do:
- Brew yourself the strongest batch of black tea you possibly can.
- Cool it down to a temperature your skin finds comfortable.
- Immerse a cotton ball or take one of the tea bags and place it directly on the ‘rhoid.
- Get comfy on your stomach and read a book or watch a movie to pass the time – keep it peaceful- nothing scary like The Hole.
No matter what the size the evil gremlins may be, the natural tannins of the tea will send these little minions back into the dark abyss from whence they came… and put an end to their evil, itch-filled assault on your anus.
High Five!
Posted in Hemorrhoids, Home Page, Pain & Inflammation
Tagged Alternative, Alyssa Milano, Anus, black tea, charmed, Health, Hemorrhoid, Herbs, High Five, itch, Jesus, natural, naturopath, pain, Piper, Prue, Rectum, Shannen Doherty, Shopping, The Hole
Here’s a topical treatment for hair loss courtesy of my botanical medicine professor:
1-3 drops of Rosemary oil (Rosmarinus officinalis) mixed into 1-2 tsp of almond oil (prevents the rosemary oil from burning, but you may find you do not need to mix).
After bathing, work oil well into the affected area of the scalp. Rosemary’s essential oil will help stimulate/activate the cells to function properly (produce hair).
Note: if you think you have a pathological condition responsible for your hair loss (i.e. redness, scaliness, flaking, oozing, bleeding) then please seek medical advice either by an ND or an MD before attempting this treatment.
Posted in Hair, Home Page
Tagged Almond, Baldness, essential oil, Hair, Hair Loss, Health, Herbalism, natural, naturopath, Rosemary, Shopping
Here’s a recipe for a mouth wash that is pretty much guaranteed to take your canker sores away. You will have to go to a health food store to buy them:
- 2 tsp Chinese Red Sage (Salvia officinalis var. rubia; leaves are preferred, but the root will also work (found at most Chinese herb stores); any of the other Salvia’s will also work
- 2 tsp German Chamomile (Matricaria recutita)
Add the herbs to a mug of hot water and let cool until comfortably warm. Then strain out the herbs (best to use a large tea ball), swish, rinse, and spit out. Repeat daily until you have a happy mouth. The two herbs carry out effective actions that kill bugs, lubricate, calm, and tighten the tissue, reduce inflammation, and speed up healing. It tastes terrible, and it works.
Enjoi!
Posted in Canker Sores, Home Page, Mouth, Pain & Inflammation, Wounds/Sores/Burns
Tagged Aphthous ulcer, Biology, canker, Flora and Fauna, german chamomile, heal, Health, herb, Home Remedy, Magnesium hydroxide, Mouth, mouth wash, natural, naturopath, Shopping, sore, Ulcer
Boiron, a homeopathic company, makes a remedy called Camilia. A classmate of mine who happens to be a mother of three swears by this remedy, as well as my very own sister who is a mother of two. Dan Conner (Roseanne) also suggests using frozen waffles for the little monsters to gum on, as the waffles are quite pliable and come with built-in drool cups.
Posted in Homeopathics, Teething
Tagged Business, camilia, Dan Conner, Health, homeopathy, natural, naturopath, remedy, Roseanne, Shopping, stop, Teeth, teething, Tooth
Sorry Degrassi fans, it’s not Joey, Wheels, or Snake to the rescue; Tea Tree (Melaleuca alternifolia) is nature’s real zit remedy. Simply drop Tea Tree oil on a cotton pad and apply to the affected area. You may need to dilute the tea tree into a bit of olive oil if you have sensitive skin. Personally, I have found the Holistica brand to be the strongest Tea tree on the market (as well as the biggest bang for your buck), but Nature’s Harmony and St. Francis run a close second. Most other brands ♫”will take your money and never give up.”♫
Posted in Acne, Home Page, Skin
Tagged Acne vulgaris, Australia, degrassi, Farm, Health, herb, Holistica, joey, Melaleuca alternifolia, nature's harmony, naturopath, Pimple, Skin, snake, st. francis, Tea, tea tree, Tea tree oil, wheels, zit, zits
If you are having surgery and would like to take something to help reduce the risk of infection, I strongly recommend consulting a naturopathic physician; they can suggest many things. However, if that is not an option, you can try a standard homeopathic first aid remedy known for treating post surgical infection – Calendula. Try a 30CH potency and use as directed.
Posted in First Aid, Home Page, Homeopathics, Surgery, Wounds/Sores/Burns
Tagged Alternative, Calendula, General, Health, Homeopath, infection, naturopath, Surgery
There is a specific homeopathic first aid remedy for sciatica following injury – Ruta graveolens. The standard practice for first aid potencies in homeopathy are 30ch and 200ch. As always, it is best to first consult a naturopathic or homeopathic doctor to determine whether Ruta is the right choice for you.
Posted in First Aid, Home Page, Homeopathics, Pain & Inflammation
Tagged Alternative, Health, Homeopath, homeopathy, naturopath, Ruta, Sciatic nerve, Sciatica
Got an animal bite, insect bite, or a simple sting? Ledum is the classic homeopathic first aid remedy used to treat such a case. Try a 30CH potency and take as directed or with increased frequency. Obviously seek medical attention if injury is severe or if you are worried about infection.
Posted in Bites & Stings, First Aid, Home Page, Homeopathics, Pain & Inflammation, Skin, Wounds/Sores/Burns
Tagged bite, Conditions and Diseases, First aid, Health, homeopathy, Insect bites and stings, Ledum, naturopath, sting, Wounds and Injuries
I am a big fan of using tinctures to conquer colds and sore throats, especially at their immediate onset. I tend to use Astragalus tinctures the most, which often include a combination of additional immune botanicals. Aside from that, you can easily find Ban Lan Gen tea at any store that sells Chinese herbs (more powerful if you can get it in tincture). I take these at the slightest sign of a cold or sore throat, or when surrounded by ill schoolmates, and nine times out of ten kicks the bug within a day. If you are already knee-deep into a cold, these will help get over it faster; however, do not expect the same miraculous result . Check out my other posts on warming socks and contrast showers for additional cold tips.
Posted in Home Page, Sore Throat & Colds
Tagged Alternative, astragalus, ban lan gen, cold, Common cold, Conditions and Diseases, Health, naturopath, Naturopathic, Shopping, sore throat, Streptococcal pharyngitis, Tinctures
Most sleeping remedies sold in health and grocery stores contain a blend of constituents. One of these constituents is Hops (Humulus lupulus), and yes this is the same Hops found in beer. While this is fine for female use, men should be aware that long-term effects of Hops can include the growth of male breast tissue, as well as a decrease in libido. So if you are a dude who has no desire to grow breasts, and just so happens to enjoy sex, then you may not want to hop to the isle for this sleeping aid (and maybe consider switching to hard liquor).
Posted in Home Page, Sex Health, Sleep
Tagged Alternative, Breast, Conditions and Diseases, Health, herb, Herbalism, Hops, humulus lupulus, insomnia, libido, men's health, naturopath, sex, sleep, Sleep disorder
Earlier this year I attended a seminar on ADD/ADHD, held by a panel of top Ontario naturopaths well-known for treating the disorder. The question was raised, “What are the keystones of treatment?” The answer shared by all panel members was not a treatment, but rather an elimination. “Top two things to do: Completely eliminate gluten and dairy from the diet!”
I will have more posts on this topic as I learn more.
Posted in ADD/ADHD, Home Page
Tagged Add Adhd, ADHD In Teenagers, Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, dairy, Disorders, gluten, Health, Mental Health, naturopath, Neurodevelopmental, Ontario, wheat
If you are planning on quitting smoking or any addiction, here’s an aid to help reduce the cravings. Homeopathic remedy: Tabacum. Start with 30CH and if no result then move to a higher potency (2ooCH, 1M, etc.).
If you feel you need more support, acupuncture treatments are also beneficial, and are safe to combine with homeopathy. Furthermore, botanical supplements prescribed by your naturopathic doctor (ND) will support your body through the withdrawal period. Contact an ND before booking and ask that all of these modalities will be used, as not all NDs practice Chinese medicine.
Posted in Acupuncture, Addiction, Home Page, Homeopathics, Smoking
Tagged acupuncture, Addiction, Alternative, botanical, Health, homeopathy, naturopath, Quitting, Smoking, Smoking cessation, Substance Abuse, tabacum, Tobacco
A correlation has been found between beta-carotene and lung cancer in smokers. Aside from its presence in various fruits and vegetables (typically orange colored ones), it is also found in food coloring: E160a. So if you have yet to kick the cancer stick, you may want to alter your diet and supplements. You may also want to check out my other tip on ending the habit.
Posted in Addiction, Home Page, Smoking
Tagged beta-carotene, Cancer, Carrot, Cigarette, Conditions and Diseases, dye, Food, food color, Health, Lung, Lung cancer, naturopath, Smoking, Smoking cessation, supplement
Since 1988, homeopathy has been clouded in controversy. First it was scientifically acknowledged and published, then it was retracted through scandalous means. The following letter came up in class regarding the use of homeopathy during the 1918 flu pandemic that infected over 500 million people worldwide, and killed 50-100 million individuals.
The New England Medical Gazette,
Vol. 53, 1918
To the Editor: I have been so busy fighting ” Spanish Flu ” that I have found time for nothing else for several weeks. I want to tell you my experience with the disease, for I am proud of what homeopathy was able to do out here in this small city in South Dakota. In all, I treated 188 cases of Spanish Influenza. Of the above number I treated 169 cases from the initial fever and 19 cases … [in late] stage … [who] called me only when the disease got the best of them. Of the 169 initial cases I lost not one, neither did I have a relapse… Of the 19 late cases all but three recovered…. One lived but eight hours after pneumonia set in; one, two days; the third had endocarditis which ended the scene five days after a relapse. To recapitulate: I treated 188 cases and had three deaths. Among these 188 cases I had every variety of ” Flu ” and required a variety of remedies. I commenced every case with Gelsemium and Bryonia, which seemed to rob the case of its tendency toward pneumonia…. In not one case did I find it necessary to use any of the old-school remedies….
Yours truly, Arthur B. Hawes, M.D.
Bridgewater, South Dakota
Posted in Home Page, Homeopathics, Nausea and Vomiting
Tagged 1918, Alternative medicine, Bryonia, flu, Gelsemium, Health, homeopathy, influenza, Medicine, Naturopathic, naturopathy, South Dakota, United States
Believe it or not, ear infections are RARELY due to infection, which is why antibiotics do nothing for them. So, what then is the issue? For kids typically under eight years of age, the Eustachian tubes that connect the ear with the throat lay more horizontal than vertical in nature. As a result, fluid that needs to drain through the tube becomes backed up causing serious #$%*!!! ear pain. For adults, ear infections are usually the result of having a cold or allergy that congests the tube causing the fore mentioned profanity. So, what to do?
- Grab a medium to large sized onion.
- Cut in half (don’t worry about peeling).
- Steam for 5-10 min (or microwave for 50 sec). It should be firm (not fully cooked), but soft to touch.
- Wrap in clean tea towel so that only 1 towel layer covers sliced area.
- Cup ear with onion and hold until pain subsides. Careful, it’s hot!
Ok, so what’s the magic? The moist heat from the onion draws fluid from the ear, and warms up the mucus (onion sulfur compounds may help break up the mucus), therefore making the Eustachian tube easier to drain. Viola!
Secondary Option:I had chronic ear aches as a child, and would be taken to hospital. The MDs would pour cod liver oil in my ear followed by a cotton ball, and prescribe an over-the-counter pain killer. Seemed to help.
Posted in Allergies, Ear, Home Page, Pain & Inflammation, Poultices, Sore Throat & Colds
Tagged Conditions and Diseases, Ear, ear ache, ear infection, eustachian, Eustachian tube, Health, infection, naturopath, Naturopathic, onion, Otitis, Otitis media, Poultice
Make a tea using one or all three of these herbs:
Ginger, Peppermint, & German Chamomile.
Cautions: ginger can aggravate heartburn and increase the power of anticoagulant drugs. Peppermint and chamomile can also aggravate gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
Posted in Home Page, Nausea and Vomiting
Tagged chamomile, Conditions and Diseases, Digestive Disorders, Esophagus, Gastroesophageal reflux disease, GERD, Ginger, Health, herb, Matricaria chamomilla, Naturopathic, nausea, peppermint, vomiting
Worried about infection? To kill microscopic bugs, try spreading organic, unpasteurized honey on a wound or eating it to treat a sore throat. It will also help reduce inflammation and will speed up healing.
Do not give honey to a child under 2 years of age.
Posted in Home Page, Sore Throat & Colds, Wounds/Sores/Burns
Tagged antimicrobial, Food, heal, healing, Health, Health effects of honey, honey, infection, Naturopathic, Pain & Inflammation, Pasteurization, Shopping, sore throat, Sweeteners, unpasteurized, wound