Chester's Home Remedies

Keep Those Annoying Bugs Away, Herbally!

2008-05-08T21:31:00.003-04:00

It's that time of the year again. The mosquitos are out in full force around my place and mowing season has just begun. Instead of covering yourself with chemical deterants, try a few herbal ones instead. Basil leaves can be crushed and rubbed on your skin to scare away the pests. Also citronella and citrus essential oils also scare the pests away, however you must first dilute the essential oils with vegetable oil to not irritate your skin. Also, never ingest any essential oil, they can be poisonous!

Foods That Strengthen Your Bones!

2008-05-07T15:43:00.004-04:00

Most of the time that you think about bone-healthy eating, you think about milk and dairy products. These contain calcium, which we all know helps our bones stay strong. There are some other foods that provide excellent benefits to your bones, and they may surprise you. Broccoli contains high levels of calcium, as do dandelions and kale. Foods rich in Vitamin D, such as Avocado, helps the body turn calcium into bone. Boron-rich foods, like cabbage and parsley, also help the body maintain bone health. Black pepper is also well-known as a bone-health advocate as it contains many anti-osteoporosis compounds. Hopefully you can find ways to include these foods into your diet and, along with your milk, you will be helping your bones stay strong and healthy!

A Great Home Remedy for Swimmer's Ear

2008-05-02T21:23:00.002-04:00

Swimmer's ear is actually a fungal infection in the ear. Swimmer's ear causes pain and discomfort and can cause real damage if left untreated. A simple home remedy can be found using white vinegar. White vinegar is a well-known anti-fungal and has long been a favorite cleaning product of mine. White vinegar mixed with an equal part of lukewarm water can provide quick relief. Place a few drops in each ear one at a time and allow it to work its way in. Swallowing can help work the liquid into the ear. Drain the extra liquid and allow the ear to fully dry. A few applications and your swimmer's ear should be much better. If it does not heal quickly, see your doctor as infections some times like to spread and can become very dangerous.

Foods For Prostate Health

2008-04-23T23:26:00.003-04:00

When you look at the statistics about prostate issues with men, the numbers are extremely scary. The number one prostate issue with men is cancer. Over 50% of men between the ages of 40 and 60 have enlarged prostates. One in four men 50 years old have cancerous cells in their prostate. These numbers are extremely scary. Luckily there are many foods that help the prostate. If you are a man with concerns about prostate health, you need to increase your consumption of tomatoes, pink grapefruits, guavas, and watermelon which all contain high levels of lycopene. Lycopene not only reduces tumor size, but also helps reduce the chance of cancer. Also, adding Brazil nuts and pumpkins seeds to your diet can dramatically help. A diet rich in fruits also can provide dietary benefits to the prostate.

One Herbal Remedy For Bronchitis, Ear Aches, and Hemorrhoids...Seriously!

2008-04-18T22:15:00.002-04:00

The plant mullein has been a traditional remedy for bronchitis and bad coughs. However, the oil that can be derived from its leaves and flower also have the ability to break up mucous and phlegm. Mullein oil can also be used to help relieve ear aches and can be used on open sores, such as hemorrhoids, to sooth and help aid in healing. Simply place a few drops of the oil on a cotton ball and apply to either area. Make sure that you use a different cotton ball if treating both! The seeds of the plant are toxic, but how often do you come across one plant that can help with bronchitis, ear aches, and hemorrhoids! The leaves can also be used in teas to help with asthma and other lung problems.

Legumes Fight Cancer and Heart Attacks

2008-04-17T21:18:00.003-04:00

I hate legumes. I dislike the texture and flavor of almost all of them. I eat my chili bean-less. I even pick them out of dishes that I know that there is almost no chance that I would actually taste them in. I even dislike dips and spreads that are made out of them. I find this very unfortunate, because it turns out that legumes are extremely good for you. They contain genistein which is believed to prevent cancer and they actually help to keep blood flowing by reducing the clotting effects. This causes them to be great heart attack and stroke reducers. If you are at risk for a heart attack or stroke, or have already had a heart attack, definitely add legumes to your diet. If you know of a recipe that legume-haters (such as myself) enjoy, please let me know!

More Reasons To Listen To Your Body

2008-04-11T22:25:00.004-04:00

I recently had the opportunity to spend some time with Dr. Goodman, our guest writer. He told me about how the human body will give insight into which elements that it requires and which ones it does not. By placing a single drop of any liquid-delivered nutrient (such as potassium, chromium, and magnesium) under your tongue, you will immediately know whether or not your body needs it. If you do in fact require more of the nutrient, it will have no flavor and seem like a drop of water. But when you do not need the nutrient, you will experience a strong, bad flavor. I tried this with a number of different nutrients. The experience was quite amazing. The nutrients that I did not need instantly gave me a dry feeling in my mouth and I found the taste to range from a strong metallic taste to a strange burned food taste. When I tasted nothing, he put a few drops in a glass and when we were done, added some water and I gave my body exactly the nutrients that it needed right then. It was truly amazing and a great insight into that body's ability to tell us what it needs. Try it, and let me know if you found it as amazing as I did!

Coconut Oil to Promote Weight Loss

2008-04-07T23:13:00.003-04:00

It is true, coconut oil can help you lose weight. Many people who suffer from obesity due so because of low metabolism and thyroid problems. Coconut oil actually helps increase metabolism and can help raise body temperature. It also contains medium chain fatty acids that have been shown to help reduce body weight. Coconut oil also contains antimicrobial lipids that may help with compromised immunities. It also has been suggested as a method for helping with heart problems.

Herbal Cures For Menstrual Cramps

2008-04-06T23:14:00.002-04:00

My wife suffers from servere menstrual cramps about every fourth period. She still has them for the rest, but never as severe. Besides the Evening Primrose Oil, we have had great success with making teas from the leaves of both the raspberry plants and the strawberry plant. The fruits of these plants contain many extremely healthy ingrediants and may also help with the cramps, but the leaves are rich in vitamins, minerals, and ellagic acid, which is a known cancer preventive. Raspberry tea also can help with other premenstrual symptoms.

Herbal Remedies For Intestinal Parasites

2008-04-04T21:35:00.003-04:00

If you travel, and sample to local food and water, you may have experienced intestinal parasites. Once they get in you, expect stomach pains, diarrhea, and horrible flatulence. Luckily there are a few safe herbal cures for these little pests. Papaya is both an antiparasitic and an antiseptic and its seeds contain carpaine. Cinchona bark is also a great treatment because it contains quinine, the antimalarial drug that is also effective as an antiparasitic. Finally, the relative of black pepper, Cubeb, is also shown to be an effective antiparasitic.

Dr. Goodman on Cleansing Your Liver

2008-03-26T17:01:00.002-04:00

Most people change the oil and filter in their cars at least twice per year. However, they do not cleanse their body’s filter (the liver) even one time in their lifetime.

The liver is designed to cleanse itself. It can be overwhelmed by a lifetime of bad habits. It will then not be able to perform properly. This means that the blood stream will be full of toxins that eventually wear the body down. A toxic congested liver leads to all kinds of health problems including cancer. It is a fact that just about every kind of cancer has its origins in the liver and /or the kidneys.

These toxins also create allergic individuals because the filter is clogged. Molecules that should not be in the blood stream wind up there. The body then releases histamine as a defense against these foreign invaders. This reaction is identical to an allergic reaction. Slowly, but surely, your body will react to just about everything. Just as the engine in your car will ultimately fail if the oil filter becomes totally clogged. You will become arthritic, asthmatic, and possibly face adrenal failure as well if your liver is neglected.

Your liver can indeed regenerate if it is given the chance. Some of the foods that will help to cleanse the liver are: onions, garlic, kale, broccoli, brussel sprout, beets, cabbage…you get the idea. Most folks are not willing to do this type of eating 3 months out of every year. But, it will help if you added one or two of the aforementioned to your diet on a regular basis. Using these as concentrates in supplement form will also help detoxify the liver.

When cleansing the liver, it should be noted that a healing crises may occur. This means that you may experience small doses of illnesses that you have had in your lifetime. They can be more intense for some than for others. If the aches, constipation, pains, diarrhea, headaches, etc., get bad, you may have to slow down your treatment. While you are slowing things down, you must also do some light exercise, drinks lots of water and take fiber, like flax meal, to help the body continue to throw off toxins. Also, limit all alcohol consumption while cleansing your liver and limit the amount of prescription and non-prescription drugs that you take.

What supplements should you take? Standard Process is a highly respected company that carries the following supplements.
· Livaplex – two, three times per day
· Spanish Black Radish – two, three times per day
· Cholacol II – three, three times per day
· Cruciferous Complex – two, two times per day

All supplements should be taken with meals and a full glass of water. The regiment for using these supplements is three weeks on and one week off. If the symptoms from the liver cleansing become too strong, reduce the amount of each supplement and add another three week session at the lower doses. Always listen to your body, it will tell you what needs to be adjusted.

If you already have abnormal liver function, add Zimex Caps (four, three times per day) and Betacol (one, three times per day.)

Once this is complete, you may follow with a liver, gall bladder flush that I will describe in my next post.

What To Do When Your Hair Starts To Thin

2008-03-19T21:22:00.002-04:00

If you think that you are starting to lose your hair, there are a few herbal remedies that may help you avoid topical treatments or implants. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is formed out of male testosterone and is known to be a major cause of hair lose because DHT damages hair follicles. Saw palmetto and licorice both contain ingredients that reduce the amount of DHT that is created in your body. Both are available at most health food stores and will probably save you a lot of money verses the topical cremes or implants. Licorice can also be added to your shampoo to help topically. Also, massaging your scalp is also thought to help keep follicles healthy.

Herbal Remedies for Bad Breath

2008-03-18T20:44:00.003-04:00

There are a number of natural methods for treating bad breath or halitosis. Most of these treatments involve brewing simple teas out of common ingredients. Peppermint is both a great aromatic and a great antiseptic. Rinse your mouth with peppermint tea, but don't swallow it, peppermint can be toxic. Another great bad breath tea can be made by combining dried cloves, sage, and dill. Brew a pot and seal in a canning jar to use as a daily bad breath treatment!

Using Stinging Nettle to Cure Hives

2008-03-03T22:57:00.003-05:00

Even though stinging nettle will give you hives, it can also take them away. Hives occure when histamines are injected into your skin and the skin becomes red and itchy. Hives can also form from allergic reactions that come from food or drugs. Once you get hives, you want to get rid of them. A great cure for hives is stinging nettle, which can be purchased in capsule form at most health food stores. You can also make a tea out of the dried root of the stinging nettle plant, but the pills are much easier to take and don't have the risk of causing more hives. Take one pill about every two hours until the itch and redness of the hives subside.

Ways To Prevent Urinary Tract Infections

2008-02-28T22:05:00.002-05:00

Urinary tract infections cause great pain and may cause fever. There are a few dietary ways to prevent them, or to lessen the chance of ever having one. Both Cranberry and blueberry juice help prevent these infections and also help you not retain water. However, you must drink a few glasses every day. Another natural prevention for urinary tract infections is to consume yogurt with active cultures. These yogurt are now readily available and provide other great digestive benefits as well.

Tips For Dealing With Psoriasis

2008-02-27T23:35:00.002-05:00

For any of you that are dealing with psoriasis, you know the pain and discomfort that comes from the itchy patches. Here are two great remedies for you. Number one, bishop's weed. This plant inhibits cell division, a major cause of psoriasis, and has long been a traditional remedy. Try rubbing the plant on your outbreaks, these psoralen rich plants also benefit from sun exposure, so rub it on and get some sun! Second, try rubbing avocado skins with a little pulp left on it onto your worst patches. The plant provides a soothing, cooling sensation and can provide serious benefits to you. Humidifiers will also help greatly, psoriasis loves dry weather!

Herbal Remedies For Bronchitis

2008-02-20T22:54:00.004-05:00

Having recently suffered a bout of bronchitis, I felt encouraged to write about what worked for me. First off, The Chef And Doctor's Soup For Colds, which I have written about before, provided instant relief for many of my symptoms. I had a fever and chills and was experiencing extreme chest congestion and coughing. The soup provided relief for all of these symptoms and helped start me towards the road to recovery. (SIDE NOTE: We are working with Dr. Goodman, the creator of the soup to provide an international source for the soup through this site.) Second, make a tea out of honeysuckle and forsythia. These ingredients have been used for generations to cure bronchitis. Also, eat a lot of foods full of garlic. Garlic is both antibacterial and antiviral, and a diet with a lot of garlic in it will also help prevent a lot of colds and the flu.

The Home Remedy For Toothaches

2008-02-20T22:41:00.003-05:00

Toothaches are one of those pains that seems to stop us in our tracks. The pain is unbearable and most over-the-counter treatments only last a short time or only relieve a little of the pain. The first thing that you need to do to stop the toothache is to call your dentist. Describe the pain to them and schedule an appointment. Leaving dental issues to solve themselves or just go away is not an option. Second, apply clove oil directly to the tooth. Cloves contain eugenol, a great local anesthetic. Clove oil is available at most health food stores and will provide almost immediate relief without any dangerous side-effects.

Lemon Balm for Sleep and Stomach!

2008-02-17T22:13:00.003-05:00

To make a great stomach soother and sleep-aid, make a tea with 4 teaspoons of dried lemon balm in a cup of boiling water. Lemon balm contains terpenes, chemicals long studied in Europe that act as a sedative. The addition of the stomach soothing chemicals really adds the one-two punch to using lemon balm as a sleep aid. I have found that even mild stomach discomfort keeps me awake, and lemon balm tea really helps!

Herbal Remedies For A Loss In Libido

2008-02-13T22:32:00.004-05:00

With Valentine's Day upon us, I was trying to think of what I could possibly write about. Nothing came to mind, so here is a few natural ways to help a lack of sexual desire. Chocolate can truly help, really it does so go buy her some! Chocolate helps improve mood and reduces pain which will make you feel good. Fennel has been shown to help both the male and female libido, do not use fennel oil especially if you’re pregnant as it will harm your unborn child! Ginger has also been used as a sexual stimulant as well as parsley, saw palmetto, and wild yams. There are also a lot of essential oils that have been used in aromatherapy that can help, such as jasmine and rose.

How a Tea Can Save Your Teeth

2008-02-09T21:41:00.000-05:00

As it turns out, green tea contains fluoride and a number of other compounds that help prevent tooth decay. Licorice also contains anti-decay compounds and it also contains an antibacterial compound. Brew green tea with a little licorice root in it to provide a little sweetness and to help save your teeth. Just avoid sweetening with sugar, or you'll undo any of the good that you have just done for your teeth!

Home Remedies For Canker Sores

2008-02-08T21:51:00.000-05:00

Canker sore hurt and provide a constant distraction. About all that Doctors can give you will stop the pain or inflammation, but there are a few herbal remedies. Goldthread, also known as Cankkerroot for soon to be obvious reasons, and Goldenseal have been used by Native Americans for generations to cure canker sores. You can make a tea out of Goldthread which will also help provide relief for a sore throat. Using a few teaspoons of goldenseal, boil in water and let cool. Use this as a mouthwash a few times a day to spped up the healing process.

Aloe - A Must Have For The Skin For Many Reasons!

2008-02-07T22:21:00.000-05:00

The aloe plant has always been promoted as a skin healing plant, but I feel that I need to explain the true benefits of the aloe plant. When you break open an aloe leaf the liquid contained within can help heal dry skin, burns, hives, poisonous plant stings, rashes, scabies and sunburns and can also help reduce swelling. Aloe also helps reduce wrinkles if used over a period of time and can help relieve the pain and inflammation of hemorrhoids. I feel the need to mention the aloe plant because they are extremely easy to keep. I have had an aloe plant growing in my window for years. They require very little care and rebound almost instantly from having their leaves removed. Why not keep an aloe plant in the house?

Tasty Fruits That Cure Heartburn and Indigestion

2008-02-06T23:27:00.000-05:00

If you ever suffer from heartburn or indigestion, make sure you keep these fruits around the house: pineapple, papaya, and kiwi. These three fruits contain digestive enzymes and provide serious relief for heartburn. Try eating them with the types of meals that traditionally cause you to suffer from heartburn or indigestion. I'm sure that at least one of the three will go well with whatever you are having that is causing you grief.

Guest Author Dr. Goodman on Arthritis

2008-02-05T16:07:00.000-05:00

We have a special treat for our readers, Dr. Phillip Goodman, DDS, MS, PhD, has agreed to be a guest writer for Chester's Home Remedies! Dr. Goodman is not only a holistic Doctor, a nutrician expert, he is also the creator of The Chef & Doctor's Soup For Colds.

Arthritis is characterized by inflammation and/or pain in a joint or joints. Symptoms of chronic arthritis are pain, swelling, stiffness and deformity of one or more of the joints. Some people feel a sharp burning or grinding pain. Others compare the pain to a toothache. Let us look at the two most common forms of arthritis, Osteo and rheumatoid.

Osteoarthritis is related to the wear and tear of aging and involves the deterioration of the cartilage at the ends of the bones. The once smooth cartilaginous surface becomes rough. This results in friction. The tendons, ligaments and muscles holding the joint together become weaker thus creating pain, stiffness and deformity. Osteoarthritis rarely develops before age 40. It affects about 16 million people. It affects women at a ratio of 3:1 greater than men. Osteoarthritic joints make a popping, clicking, and banging noises.

What to do to help relieve the symptoms? Dietary considerations are paramount in helping to relieve the symptoms. Dr. Childers, a physician in the late 50’s, discovered a group of vegetables that exacerbated the osteoarthritis symptoms. They are called the nightshades, which include tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, potatoes, and tobacco. He also wrote a book call “Childers Diet: Arthritis.” The only way to find if these vegetables are affecting you is to eliminate them for 3 months (easier said than done). If you are still unsure after 90 days just eat as many of them as you are able and check to see if you get worse. Capsaicin cream placed topically will help with the pain but not regenerate the cartilage that has been damaged. Glucosamine sulfate with chondroitin and MSM at 500 mg 3 times a day, SAMe at 400 mg 2 times a day, ostarplex, chlorophyll complex and biost naicinamide at 1,000 mg 3 times a day along with Carlson’s cod liver oil at 1 tablespoon 2 times per day have been found to be very helpful.

Rheumatoid arthritis affects the synovial membranes that surround the lubricating fluid in the joints. The cartilage and the tissues in and around the joint as well as the bone surfaces are destroyed. The body replaces this damaged tissue with scar tissue. Therefore the spaces between the joints become narrow and sometimes fuse together. This type of arthritis can affect the entire body. Swelling, stiffness and debilitating pain are present. It can also manifest fever, anemia, weight loss and fatigue. It often occurs in people under 40 and affects young people. About 2.5 million Americans are afflicted with the disease as well as 70,000 young people between 6 and 18 years of age. Gout is another form of RA as well as ankylosing spondylitis. RA joints sound like crinkling cellophane.

What to do to relieve the symptoms? Food sensitivities are a major issue with RA. A good dietary source of information is Dr. Brenemans’ book “Basics of Food Allergies.” Milk and dairy (that includes ice cream folks) are major allergens. Another finding is that people with RA have hypochlorhydria, a lack of hydrochloric acid in the system. This hinders digestion and it manifests as immediate bloating, belching and burning after eating. Carlson’s cod liver oil 2 tablespoons per day along with 400I.U. of vitamin E (as mixed tocopherols), rumaplex, zinc, copper and ginger at 1,000 mg 3 times per day, niacinamide at 1,000 mg 3 times per day, selenium at 200-500 mcg daily have all been helpful. Capsaicin cream used topically has also provided relief.

As with most illness, cleansing your system is extremely beneficial. Through a liver, gall bladder and kidney flush the body will be better able to cleanse the blood to bring nutrients to the organs and joints. The sludge that forms in our joints is akin to never changing the oil in your car. Eventually the engine will seize up and die. Information on how to best cleanse your system will be provided in a future posting.