Medicinal Benefits of Aloe Vera

The medicinal benefits of aloe vera are many and varied. Aloe vera has astringent properties in that it causes contraction of the skin, blood vessels and other body tissues stopping. Aloe vera has the ability to soften the skin, kill fungi, and induce the body to increase the production of new cells to replace dead cells on wounds etc. Aloe vera can therefore be used medicinally both internally and externally.

Aloe vera juice has been shown to get rid of harmful gems and promote the growth of beneficial flora or bacteria. This makes aloe vera a herb of choice to help the body to cure or heal itself of Irritable Bowel Syndrome, colitis and stomach acidity. Aloe vera also helps in improving or helping digestion. The enzymes in aloe vera will facilitate the digestion of foods that we eat.

Aloe vera is also known for its antiviral abilities. A component of aloe vera known as aloe emodin is known to incapacitate some viruses from functioning. Aloe has been shown to be viracudal against influenza virus, herpes, simplex virus type 1 and 2 and varicella-zoster virus and pseudorabies virus.

Aloe vera is also an immune stimulant through its iridium and rhodeum which dramatically increase the production of disease fighting white blood cells and microphages and T cells. Aloe vera enlarges the thymus gland by forty percent and it is the thymus gland that is responsible for the production of T cells.

Aloe vera also acts a detoxifier, cleanser and vermifuge to the body increasing your health and ability to fight infection. Aloe vera cleanses the body of dead cells and also helps the body to build more cells to replace these dead cells. This process helps the body heal itself of wounds, lesions, ulcers and damage caused by radiation.

Verbascum Thapsus Health Benefits

Verbascum Thapsus

Verbascum Thapsus also called Great or Common Mullein is a member of the family of mullein. Verbascum Thapsus is native to Northern Africa, Asia and Europe. Verbascum Thapsus health benefits are many and varied from medicinal and are presented below.

Verbascum Thapsus Health Benefits

Verbascum Thapsus or Mullein has the following health benefits:-

• Verbascum Thapsus has antiseptic properties and is rich in soothing mucilage.
• Its main use is for coughs, colds, influenza and respiratory infections when taken as an infusion.
• It is also recommended for colic, digestive upsets, nervous tension and insomnia.
• Infused oil made from the flowers is also applied to sores and  chapped skin.
• The infused oil is also used to relieve earache by pouring drops into the ear.
• The Verbascum Thapsus plant leaves has also been used to make hair dyes.

The other name for verbascum thapsus is Aaron's rod. Verbascum Thapsus health benefits can be utilised by taking verbascum thapsus as a tincture, infusion, tablets, capsules and syrup on top of being taken as an infused oil.

Cold Bath

Below is and article on the benefits of short cold bath. It is one of the most effective ways of boosting immune system in spite of its discomfort for many people. In an age of h1n1 influenza virus and other influenza viruses such chicken flu e.t.c it is a natural remedy we cannot do without. Let us try it and we won't regret. 

Agatha M. Thrash, M.D.

Preventive Medicine

There are hydrotherapeutic measures which, because of their ease and effectiveness, are very useful in the treatment of many different types of disorders. Everyone should become acquainted with the effective and simple uses of moist hot and cold applications. The short cold bath is one such treatment. It is easy to perform and has a wide application in a number of conditions.

How to Do the Bath 

The technique for the short cold bath is very simple. An ordinary bathtub is filled with tap water which will vary from 35° to 70° depending on the climate and the time of year. The length of time the patient stays in the water is judged by the water temperature: the colder the water, the shorter the time spent in the water. The length of time should vary from 30 seconds to three and a half minutes. Some people find it easier to have their first cold bath at a higher temperature, perhaps around 80° or 88°, and each succeeding one five degrees cooler until a bath temperature of at least around 50° is achieved. Others find it easier to start the bath at about 80° and gradually reduce the temperature of the water while applying active friction to the skin with a loofa sponge, a brush, a coarse washcloth, or even a scratching motion of the fingernails. The friction greatly increases the ability to tolerate the cold. Therefore, if one can get settled in the cool tub of water, turn on the cold tap, or add ice to the water while applying vigorous friction to the skin, one can expect to tolerate the cold quite easily. If a brush is used with circular stroking to apply the cold water to other parts of the skin, it usually can be well tolerated.

Use an ordinary kitchen timer or a stop watch. Set it at the appointed length of time and finish the treatment with a coarse towel rub-down. One should immediately wrap in a robe, go promptly to bed, and allow the treatment to "react" for about 30 minutes. After the reaction time there will be an increase in the circulation to the skin, and a hastening of the blood flow through the internal organs.

Metabolic Benefits 

1. Removal of toxins: With the beginning of the bath there is a momentary congestion of the internal organs with blood, and at the time the bath is finished there is an increase in blood flow, somewhat similar to damming up a small stream and then breaking the dam. The water then rushes forth, carrying with it debris, etc., that may have accumulated for some time upstream. A similar reaction can be expected in the short cold bath, a flushing of the system of toxic wastes.

2. Another good reaction of the short cold bath is an enhancement of the immune system. The short exposure to cold in a treatment, in contrast to long exposure to cold when working or sitting in a cold room actually increases the activity of the immune system. Complement, opsonin, and other blood and tissue weapons are made more ready to fight germs with the use of the short cold bath. The number of white blood cells in the bloodstream is momentarily increased, thereby increasing the vigilance of these cells. 

3. The metabolic rate is increased by the short cold bath which tends to "burn" toxic products of metabolism along with foodstuffs. The digestion is at first slowed and after an hour or so will be increased. The bath should not be taken immediately before or after a meal. 

4. The short cold bath may be used for a large variety of afflictions: colds (both prevention and treatment), influenza, bronchitis, fevers, skin rashes, constipation, overweight, to treat excessive menstrual flow, prevent too many menstrual periods, a number of chronic diseases such as lupus, psoriasis, muscle disorders, multiple sclerosis, reduced circulation, anemia, sluggish digestion, and for diuresis.

One should not take a cold bath if there is acute high blood pressure. One should never take a cold bath when the body is cold or when one is tired. Shock and collapse are nicely treated by bathing the extremities only with cold water, but the trunk should not be bathed. Many skin diseases can be best treated by the short cold bath, as it is one of the best ways to improve circulation to the skin. In hyperthyroidism avoid cold exposure as the thyroid may be stimulated by cold; but in hypothyroidism cold baths are treatments of choice.

Simple Remedies For Various Infections

Agatha M. Thrash, M.D.

Preventive Medicine

HYDROTHERAPY

Useful in all types of pain to stimulate circulation, to decrease inflammation particularly in joints and muscles, to bring sedation, to treat local or systemic infections such as pneumonia, pyelonephritis, bronchitis, influenza, colds, abscesses, or diseases of the digestive tract.

Materials:

4 Fomentation packs 12" x 32" (4 thicknesses of toweling—best material 50% wool, 50% cotton)

4 Fomentation covers (36" x 36" - blanket material)

Towels, washcloth in cool water to sponge face, large basin of hot water for foot bath, plastic sheet to protect bed, canning kettle to heat packs

Set of 3-4 fomentations 5 minutes each

Cold application between each fomentation 30 seconds each

Begin with heat and end with cold

Use cool sponging for face and cold compress to forehead

Simultaneous hot foot bath

Avoid incomplete reactions by keeping person warm and resting after treatment.

HOT FOOT BATH

Influenza, colds, headache, sinusitis, local inflammation of feet, pain, pelvic congestion.

Materials: Foot tub or container large enough to submerge both feet above the ankles, cold compress, towel, sheet and blanket, pitcher, check original material.

HOT HALF BATH

Influenza, colds, muscle pain, pain and spasm in arthritis, stiffness, fatigue, viral infections.

HOT AND COLD CONTRAST BATH

Congestive headaches, sprains, strains, trauma, poor circulation, skin ulcers, infections (2-6 x per day to stimulate local defenses against infection), osteoarthritis, congestion.

HEATING COMPRESS

Throat—sore throat, tonsillitis, laryngitis

Chest—chest colds, pneumonia, cough

Safety precautions when using heat

Avoid heat to the area that has decreased sensation or markedly decreased circulation to the area: diabetics, paralyzed, unconscious persons, peripheral vascular disease, bleeding (unless used very hot).

Use milder treatments to the young or aged.

Avoid incomplete reactions by keeping person warm and resting after treatment.

HERBS and their uses 

Aloe Vera —internally—peptic ulcers, colitis—externally—burns, dermatitis

Buchu—cystitis, urinary tract infections, diuresis

Catnip—sleep, nausea, colic, diarrhea, nervousness

Chamomile—indigestion, gas, fever, to increase appetite, colic

Goldenseal—healing to mucous membranes, fever blisters, colitis, infections on skin

Hops—sedative, sleep

Mint—nausea, slight stimulus

Mullein—cough, chest problems

Red Clover—tonic, menopause

Red Raspberry—pregnancy, menopause

Slippery Elm—cough, colds, soothe stomach

Comfrey—externally—skin ulcers, burns, bruises, moisturizing and cleansing to skin larg

CHARCOAL AND ITS USES

To reduce inflammation, to absorb poisons

Internally—sores in mouth, gum infections, sore throat, gas, indigestion, ulcers, colitis, diarrhea, poisonings, infections—vaginal, kidney, and liver

Externally—impetigo, dermatitis, lacerations, insect and snake bites, eye infections, pain

Poultice:

3 tablespoon flaxseed or 2 T cornstarch. Mix, bring to a boil long enough to thicken.

1 Tablespoon charcoal

1 cup of water

Slurry water: 

1 tablespoon charcoal, allow to settle

4 cups of water

Use the clear tap or distilled water for drinking