ACV Benefits

ACV benefits are many and varied and they include cures for flu, acid redux, sore throats, gout, sinus infections, candida etc. But as I have pointed out in earlier posts, Apple cider vinegar should only be taken internally in small amount of at least a teaspoon or two three times a day and only when one is sick. This is because that studies have shown that long-term intake of apple cider vinegar ACV or any acetic acid in high dosages can lower potassium levels in the body as well as reduce bone density.

Studies have also shown that daily dose of ACV (apple cider vinegar)also helps in weight reduction by breaking down fat. It has also be shown that taking apple cider vinegar can lower high blood pressure in two weeks

Taking ACV also improves skin's complexion by giving a healthy rosy glow.

ACV (Apple Cider Vinegar) is also very effective in treating various conditions affecting pets such as dogs and cats. ACV can help in controlling fleas, barn flies and also brings a shine to their coat. ACV can also help cure arthritic conditions in pets.

Stinging Nettle

Stinging Nettle, urtica dioica is a weed that is found throughout the temperate regions in Europe and Asia. The leaves of nettles are very nutritious as it adept at robbing the soil of its minerals and vitamins that are then concentrated in the leaves. Nettle is used among other uses as an astringent, circulatory stimulant, anti-allergenic, anti-scorbutic and as a tonic. The sting in nettle is caused by hairs on the plant that contain histamine and formic acid.

How Nettle is Used

As A Tincture:  Take six dropperfuls of nettle leaf tincture at least three times a day for allergic skin conditions and hay fever. Take six dropperfuls of nettle root tincture 3 times a day for benign prostatic hypertrophy.

As a Cream or Ointment: This is used for treating minor cuts, skin rashes, eczema or piles.

As an Infusion: Take 1 cup of standard infusion of leaves to treat arthritis, rheumatism, gout and eczema.

As A Juice: Pulverise the whole nettle plant to extract the juice. Take 2 teaspoons of the juice as a tonic for debilitated condition and anaemia.

Lashing Fresh leaves and Stems: Some recent studies have show that lashing  arthritic joints with the fresh nettle plant though uncomfortable is very effective.

As A Compress: Soak a pad in infusion or diluted tincture of leaves to relieve arthritic or gout pain or sciatica and other tissue pain.

Russian studies show that nettle tea has anti-bacterial activity.  Mouthwashes and toothpastes containing nettle can reduce plaque and gingivitis.  Many oral health care products in health food stores contain nettle.

I would urge you to buy the nettle leaf tea below to experience the oral health benefits of stinging nettle on a daily basis.

Treat Gouty Arthritis Naturally

Gout is caused by excessive uric acid in the blood,tissues and urine. Uric acid can crystallize into needle shaped crystals in spaces in the joints resulting in pain. Foods such as meat and other foods rich in saturated fats contain a substance called purine which can lead to excessive uric acid production. These foods need to be avoided especially if one suffers from gout. Instead foods such as celery which have been shown to reduce uric acid in the body need to be eaten liberally.

While Gout arthritis is difficult to treat there have been cases where this disease has been defeated naturally. In an article entitled Gouty Arthritis by Anthony di Fabio from The Roger Wyburn-Mason and Jack M. Blount Foundation for the Eradication of Rheumatoid Disease AKA The Arthritis Trust of America there is a story of Sam Georges who managed to defeat gout by following an intensive natural remedies regimen devised by Agatha M Thrash of Uchee Pines Institute in America. Here is the story:-

The Case of Sam Georges

Agatha M. Thrash, M.D. from Uchee Pines Institute, Seale, Alabama describes 

her patient as a 59-year-old African-American who was a logger by trade 

working a crew of pulpwood men. For several years Sam Georges had had occasional 

minor problems with Gout, usually lasting one or two days. This greatest 

and present episode had lasted over two weeks. 

Sam's shoes had been cut to accommodate his painful feet, where toes were 

swollen and tender. Dr. Thrash reports that "His uric acid was high at 11.1 

(normal 3.9-9.0 mg/dl), his blood sugar was borderline, and his blood urea nitrogen 

was 41 (normal 6-23). Sam's cholesterol was 275, and triglycerides 224, 

while his HDL (High Density Lipids) cholesterol was only 28, with blood pressure 

of 218/108 and weight of 286 pounds."

Dr. Thrash placed Sam on a very strict diet without animal products -- no 

meat, milk, eggs, or cheese -- no visible fats such as margarine, butter, mayonaise, 

fried foods, cooking fats, salad oils and nut butters. He was advised to drink ten 

glasses of water daily, plus one glass per hour if he had active sweating, and 

allowed no food between meals, and only two meals a day -- breakfast and 

lunch. At supper time Sam was allowed a piece of fruit and a slice of bread. His 

food was to be taken salt free. 

In one week Sam's blood pressure dropped to 140/78, and his weight went 

down to 271 pounds. He said that he could now bend over and tie his own shoes 

and make them snug, wearing shoes without cutouts for his toes.

"Within three months Sam had lost 25 pounds, his blood pressure was 

stabilized at 138/72, and pulse at 72. He felt good and happy. At that point his 

salt intake was allowed at one-half teaspoon per day, but continuing his fat free 

diet.

"After 18 months Sam's blood pressure still remained steady, weight continued 

to come down close to 200 pounds, and Sam had no more episodes of 

Gouty Arthritis."

This shows that if one has to defeat gout arthritis then one has 'to take the bull by the horns' and make serious sacrifices in diet and lifestyle. As Dr Richard Schulze often points out if you are to defeat diseases you need to stop doing what is causing the disease and start doing what will cure the disease. I wish you all the best as you fight this incapacitating disease.