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Essential Nutrients for Healing

Digestion is key to health and with the great American diet, I find many clogged livers, spleens, gall bladders, kidneys, bladders & stomachs. The liver, gall bladder, stomach, kidneys, bladder and spleen areas are our nurturing centers of the body.

When food is not digested properly through the nourishing center, the body does not get nourished. Hence, deficiencies begin to occur. This is why healing the nurturing center is the most important part of beginning the healing process.The most common deficiencies I find when we are not digesting properly are one or more of the B-complex vitamins, Vitamin E and the minerals Magnesium and Calcium. This would account for It is the B-Complex that handles our energy, our stress levels and our ability to sleep. The more deficient in this essential vitamin complex, the more symptoms you will manifest.

Vitamin E is essential to healthy arteries, as well as the skin and brain. When the gall bladder is not functioning properly, Vitamin E is very hard to absorb even with taking a vitamin E supplement.And need we say more about calcium and magnesium? The problem with calcium and magnesium is not how much we get in our diets, but how efficiently we absorb it. The same is true for all nutrients.

Absorption is key. The problem with America is that we have been made to believe that dairy is our only source of calcium. This is so far from the truth. Although dairy is very high in calcium, it is also very high in proteins that tend to be indigestible to the human body... hence, the high amounts of calcium never get absorbed, thereby creating a deficiency. Let's keep in mind that cows have four stomachs, a feat that most of us do not possess. So why should cow's milk be so digestible to the human body. In reality, it's not. It can cause great problems to the body including digestive upsets, cramping, and diarrhea as well as sinus and mucous problems.

So, where should we get our calcium and magneisum? Seeds, nuts, fresh dark green herbs and bitter, leafy greens (the more bitter the better). Seeds are the easiest source. According to muscle testing, 1/4 to 1/2 tsp. of sesame or poppy seeds daily will give you all the calcium necessary for absorption if the digestion/filtration system is working properly. Or simply try eating three almonds a day. Although they don't appear exceptionally high in calcium or magnesium, the absorption rate is wonderful if you get your digestion working.Nature did not make this hard for us... we did. By the choices we made in determining what is good for our body. Try it.. you're gonna love it. Keep a jar of sesame seeds on your kitchen counter and simply sprinkle a few each day on your morning meal. Or grab a small handful of almonds for your afternoon snack. The seeds will also give you your needed amounts of Vitamin E on a daily basis as well as unsaturated fatty acids, magnesium, potassium, phosphorous and zinc. What's better than that?

For those who are extremely thin and have a hard time putting weight on, a diet that includes goat yogurt, goat cheese or goat milk may be extremely beneficial. Goat products give you the benefit of a good fat and protein that is very digestible to most of us. Sheep products can also be used.For a B-complex deficiency, a yeast-free high B-complex (50 to 100 mgs. daily) will assist the body in handling this problem.

Also, make informed decisions to reduce your stress in your life. Although most of us don't want to admit it, we are ultimately responsible for our own stress and as we have found in life, only the one responsible can change it. Take this responsibility seriously.

The list of glands and organs explains further symptoms that may appear should the specific gland or organ not be working efficiently. There is also a basic description of their primary use along with the foods to avoid and the possible herbs to use to begin the healing process.

I have also included a listing of the emotions associated with each problem and the flower essence, which could help balance this particular emotion. If you do not recognize yourself as having this negative emotional imbalance, don't just jump into the flower. Instead, recognize how you do feel and begin with a more appropriate flower for you to begin peeling your layers of emotion.As you peel emotional layers, you will start to recognize the different emotions you have been stuffing and eventually, you will get to the original imbalance, which caused the condition to begin with.

(Refer to our website section entitled, "Healing the emotions with flower essences for further information.)

The Stomach

Acidic conditions are rampant in America, mainly because we abuse the foods that cause the condition. With an acid stomach there will always be lots of gas. When it gets really out of control, heartburn may develop. Those who have chronic stomach issues tend to have a nervous and fearful constitution.  There is a good reason for this; fear is acidic.

Foods to avoid to heal the Stomach
No oranges, orange juice or caffeine. Substitute with coffee substitutes, herbal teas, and pure water and very small amounts of other juices! Remember, essentially, all we really need to drink is pure water. The rest should be used sparingly.

Herbs and supplements that are beneficial to the Stomach
My favorites include aloe vera gel, which comes in capsules or liquid form. This will coat the stomach and assist in healing. Another favorite is marshmallow, which will also coat the stomach and comes in capsule or bulk tea form. Whichever you decide, start with a dose at every meal in the beginning until relief is experienced and then back off slowly to two times a day and finally just once per day for quite some time, until you feel your are healing the problem.

There is also a tissue salt that is a favorite called Natrum Phosphate. The tissue salts all have a direct effect on healing, and it is Natrum Phosphate's job to balance out the body's acidity. These are small homeopathic pellets that may need to be taken frequently in the beginning (4 pellets 3 or 4 times a day) and then again, backed off slowly until you are down to one dose per day. This type of healing can work only if you begin to trust your own judgment. We have been told for so long how to do everything, we have forgotten how to listen and pay attention to our own bodies. This will come back and when it does, enjoy it. You will know when and how to reduce the potencies based on how you feel.

Calming the nervous system may prove very beneficial to those with a nervous constitution including herbs like Chamomile, PassionFlower and Valerian. The tissue salt Kali Phosphate helps to nourish the nervous system and can be used as often as needed.

Physical symptoms of an Acid Stomach
Acidic conditions can manifest in the physical body as gas and heartburn.

Negative emotions that aggravate an acid stomach
Fears and anxieties affect the acid level of the body. People who have chronic acid issues tend to have a nervous constitution. The fear flowers are: Aspen, Cherry Plum, Larch, Mimulus, Red Chestnut, Rock Rose, and White Chestnut.

A person with a nervous constitution may also lean toward the flower essence Vervain. The Vervain personality focuses on one particular issue and tends to handle them with stress and tension. When the vervain personality gets on a mission, they have a hard time letting go of it. They waste energy by putting out more than they actually have. Vervain is actually an exhaustion flower. The exhaustion comes from wasting our limited resources on only one issue.

The Skeletal System

The bone structure of the body allows flexibility and strength. When we clog our joints, we limit our selves and our ability to move.

Foods to avoid to heal the Skeletal System
Avoid foods that can clog the system including refined flours and sugars, hydrogenated oil, cow dairy products, caffeine and chocolate, and artificial ingredients including artificial sweeteners. It is imperative that the digestive system is working properly for the skeletal system to remain clean and healthy (see the section on healing the liver/spleen, gall bladder, bladder and kidneys and stomach).

Herbs and supplements that are beneficial to the Skeletal System
There are many herbs used traditionally to help with inflammation of the joints. Some of these include ginger, turmeric, bromelain, capsicum or cayenne, and stinging nettle. There is a lot of talk lately about Glucosamine Chondroitin as being helpful for joint pain. I find that the liquid formulas will help relieve some of the digestive problems associated with the pill form. And our customers have had great results using Natures Plus Glucosamine Chondroitin w/MSM cream externally.

A high Magnesium to Calcium ration supplement can also be helpful. I find that some people with joint pain may be deficient in one of these supplements. The problem comes from the inability to absorb the nutrients, which essentially comes from an unhealthy digestive system. Therefore, healing the digestive system is essential to healing joint health. Zinc and Potassium can also play a role in healthy joints. Increasing nuts and seeds in the diet can also increase these nutrients. Bitter greens and fresh green herbs can also be helpful.

The tissue salt Ferrum Phosphate helps with inflammatory conditions has proven very helpful in helping to calm inflamed joints.
Flax oil supplements help to lubricate joints.

Physical symptoms of Skeletal Imbalances
Physical symptoms of clogged joints can include pain, swelling and immobility.

Negative emotions that aggravate an Skeletal System
The joints hold the emotion of guilt. Guilt stops us in our tracks from becoming who we are. Thereby, it also stops us in our tracks in the physical body creating the manifestation of immobility in our joints. The flower essence for guilt is Pine.

The Pancreas

The pancreas can get very complicated as it can create serious conditions that I am not in a position to deal with. However, remember that the pancreas controls our sugars and if you are finding yourself craving sugars or carbohydrates more than you should, there are some things you can do to help with this condition. Balancing a proper diet is the most important way to heal this body part.

The foods to avoid to heal the Pancreas
Eliminate white refined sugars and honey from your diet. Instead replace with the good sugars...switch to more complex sugars including pure maple syrup, barley malt, rice malt, molasses, sucanat, organic pure cane juice crystals or stevia. Your pancreas will thank you. Decrease carbohydrates to one or two per day and increase proteins like beans, nuts & seeds as well as chicken, turkey or fish. Protein in the form of goat or sheep milk products such as cheeses, yogurts or milks is very good for this body type. Limit your fruit intake to two per day, preferably once in the morning and once at night. Eat lots and lots of fresh vegetables. This is essential to feeling full and not feeling as though your are missing something in life. Use only high quality oils such as Extra Virgin Olive Oil. If you have a hard time gaining weight, using a protein drink with soy milk or goat milk can also help.

Herbs & supplements that are beneficial to the Pancreas
Chromium seems to be the product of choice for the pancreas. You can also find sugar craver's formulas that seem to work very well for many people who have uncontrollable cravings for sugars and carbohydrates.

Physical Symptoms of Pancreas Imbalance
Besides sugar cravings, those with a pancreas imbalance also may crave carbohydrates. Sugar imbalances can create two different body types… one that stores and becomes obese; another that is tall and lanky looking, and finds it hard to put weight on.

Negative emotions that aggravate the Pancreas
The pancreas is affected by the same emotions as the bladder and kidneys, namely disappointments, which is why one will affect the other. More specifically, this body part holds the emotion of disappointment with other's choices. The lesson comes from learning to accept with no expectations. This is one of our hardest lessons in life. But when you learn to balance this energy from disappointment to acceptance, you will find that everything that you do get in life will be given as a gift. That which we receive that has not expectation attached to it becomes pure joy and appreciation.

For those with sugar cravings, the Agrimony flower can help balance this emotional dysfunction.
Vervain can also be useful for a person who handles situations with stress and tension, thereby using sugars or carbohydrates as a calming device.

Muscular System

The muscular system affords us movement and mobility. Along with the muscles, the ligaments and tendons are involved in this system. Sometimes it is hard to distinguish between a ligament and a bone when pain is involved in the area of the joints.

The foods to avoid to heal the Muscular System
Healing the muscular system is dependent upon our ability to digest and absorb. Therefore, a healthy digestive system is imperative to keep our muscles strong, mobile and pain free. (See the sections on healing the Liver/Spleen, gall bladder, kidneys, bladder and stomach.) Foods that are essential to eat are those high in calcium, magnesium, zinc and potassium. You will find nuts and seeds can be beneficial in all of these nutrients, especially almonds, sesame seeds and poppy seeds. Dark leafy bitter greens as well as fresh green herbs can help keep an adequate supply of these nutrients in the body. It is important to introduce a little of any of these foods daily into the diet. Seeds play an important role in our healing process and are not given the attention they deserve on a daily basis.

Herbs & supplements that are beneficial to the Muscular System
Magnesium and Calcium are essential to muscular health along with zinc and potassium. I believe we can get an adequate supply of these nutrients in our food if we are digesting properly. That is key to health. For those who experience muscular pain, a supplement of magnesium, or higher magnesium to calcium ratio, may be very helpful to get any deficiencies back into balance.
The tissue salt, Magnesium Phosphate, helps to nourish the muscular system. The tissue salt, Natrum Mur, might also be helpful if the sodium to potassium ratio is out of balance. This could cause swelling and cravings for salty foods. Muscular weakness can be a symptom of Natrum Mur deficiency.

Physical Symptoms of Muscular Imbalance
Muscular weakness and muscular pain, cramping and shooting or darting pains in the muscular system can all be indication of an imbalance in the muscular system.
Negative emotions that aggravate Muscular System

The muscular system holds the emotion of intolerance. The flower essence for intolerance is usually Beech. The Beech personality type is easily irritated, critical and judgmental. Sometimes the Beech personality directs this energy at everyone he/she meets; others may direct it at one individual; still others may direct it at themselves. Those who direct it more inwardly will usually experience greater concentrations of pain within the system.

The negative Beech personality often manifests in the 5th chakra area as neck and shoulder pain and stiffness. The Beech personality may also manifest throat pain, laryngitis, tightening of the jaw, teeth and gum problems.

Mucus Membranes

Sinus, Bronchial, Ear and Lung Infections

It seems that every time you turn around, someone is complaining about a sinus infection, a cold, or bronchial infection. Most of us will have our excuses in order… pollen, mold, dust, etc. But no one seems to understand what the language our bodies are really trying to tell us. Depending upon where the clogging takes place in the mucus membranes, a person can begin to "see" what the emotion or energetic imbalance is speaking to.

The foods to avoid to heal the Mucus Membranes
For chronic sinus or bronchial problems, avoid all cow dairy, oranges and orange juice. Both produce mucous. This is extremely important when beginning healing no matter how young or how old. Goat, sheep, soy or rice milk products can be subsituted for cow dairy. Be conscious of soy, however, as it too can be an allergen to some people.

For babies with chronic ear or sinus infections, if the mother is nursing she also should avoid these foods. A baby who is using a formula with a cow milk base should substitute with a soy formula. If soy is also a problem (which it can be in some cases) goats milk is very digestible as it is closest to mother's milk. However, goat milk is deficient in folic acid, so a folic acid supplement must be added to the diet in order to avoid folic acid deficiency. I often recommend to dilute the goat milk with 1/2 pure spring water which seems to work well for most babies. This is also helpful for children who can't seem to gain weight. The fat in goat's milk is a very good source for young children in need of good fats.

Eliminate regular wheat or white breads and substitute with sourdough or sprouted grain breads. Both are much more digestible to the body, thereby reducing mucous production.
Oranges and orange juice can also product mucus. Substitute with other choices such as grapefruit or lemon.

Herbs & supplements that are beneficial to Mucus Membranes
My favorite combination for this problem is Elderberry/Echinacea/Goldenseal combination. Many times, by taking one capsule three times a day for a few days will help to bring about relief. I always recommend slowly backing down to twice a day for a week or two and eventually just once a day until you are sure it is gone completely.

Elderberry, Echinacea and Goldenseal also come in tincture form for the younger children. It's safe and effective.

There are many homeopathic remedies that are combinations called (not surprisingly) "Sinus". Different ones work for different people so you will have to find the one that suits your needs.
Kali Mur is a tissue salt that can be helpful for chronic sinus issues. Kali Mur helps with sluggish conditions in the body, especially white discharges affecting the skin and mucus membranes. Coughs, colds, sore throats, bronchitis.. all illnesses associated with the mucus membranes may respond well to doses of Kali Mur.

If your sinus problems seem to be more associated with pollen or seasonal allergies that are aggravated with sneezing and watery eyes (more noticeable during the spring and fall only). Nettles and eyebright are the two herbs that are more apt to give you relief. Quercetin has been noted as effective for relieving these symptoms. The tissue salt Natrum Mur is also very effective for watery conditions especially if it is associated with lots of bouts of sneezing.

Physical symptoms of Mucus Membrane imbalances
When clogged the mucus membranes can cause sinus infections, ear infections, sore throats, headaches, lung infections and bronchial infections.

Negative emotions that aggravate the Mucus Membranes
Resentment is stored in the mucus membranes of the body. The flower essence for resentment is Willow. Dependent upon where the symptoms manifest in the body, a person can begin to zone into what their specific issues may be that may need healing.

Chicory can also play a role in resentment, more specifically associated with the victim menality role. These people tend to focus on what they don't have in life instead of what they do; they feel unappreciated; and often times end a positive statement with a "but" at the end.

Sinus more specifically relates to the resentments that come from abundance issues, in other words, focusing on what we don't have instead of what we do have. The positive aspect of sinus comes from appreciating that which we have in our lives.
The bronchial tubes hold the emotion of resentments of our own insecurities. In this energy, we focus more time on what we don't like about ourselves instead of what we do like about ourselves.

The lungs hold the energy of resentment from relationship issues. This is a very deep resentment. Most often the bronchial tubes will protect the lungs, but when we hold our resentments deep, even the bronchial tubes will have a hard doing their job.

Let's talk a minute about chronic ear infections in this country. Many, many times, these ear infections will begin when a day care is started because the mother has to return to work. It is easy at this point to blame the other children in the center giving the child a germ or disease. Let's look instead to the possibility that the child may be resentful of being left in the care of strangers. They may be resentful of being taken from the mother. Hence, the imbalance of resentment may come from the child focusing on not having his mother available.

The Liver and Spleen

The liver and the spleen are our filtration systems. This system's main function is to keep poisons from entering the body, which includes environmental chemicals and food source chemicals. In order to have a healthy filtration system, we have to keep it free of products that clog it. When the filtration system is clogged, you may feel very tired. You may have rashes that come out through the skin because the body will use the skin as a filtration system when the liver and spleen are stuck. A clogged liver and/or spleen can create a feeling of exhaustion as well as a feeling of flu-like symptoms. Another symptom of an unhealthy filtration system can be recognized as inability to think and focus. Pains and infections can also be a part of liver/spleen issues including headaches and sinus infections.

The foods to avoid to heal the Liver and Spleen
Avoid water that is treated with any chemical (this includes almost all public water systems). Make certain that your well is healthy. Water is our most important resource and we should drink four to six cups daily. Dark colored sodas should also be avoided.
Artificial sweeteners are chemicals and have to utilize the liver in order to get through the system. Natural sweeteners are a much better choice to the body including pure maple syrup, barley or rice malt, sucanat, Florida cane crystals, molasses, agave and the herb stevia. As a matter of fact, diabetics do exceptionally well on stevia and agave. (Word of caution, however. I find that the actual herb Stevia works best here. There are many processed stevias that don't test as well. The herb stevia is a green color).

Other artificial ingredients should also be avoided like colors and preservatives in food. They serve no purpose except to aggravate our filtration system.

Environmental chemicals should be limited. These include poisons, chemical fertilizers, polishers, chemical cleaners, and harsh perfumes. Basically, anything that has a chemical smell can do damage to an already over-burdened liver and spleen.

Not all, but many medications are filtered through the liver. Make sure you are familiar with side effects of drugs that you may be using.

Herbs & supplements that are beneficial to the Liver and Spleen
My favorite two herbs that help to de-clog the liver and spleen are dandelion root, burdock root or yellow dock root. I know that most people use Milk Thistle, but for the general cleaning in the beginning, dandelion root, burdock root and yellow dock seem to work more effectively. Burdock root and yellow dock root are more potent and should be considered when skin problems have erupted, as this is a clear indication that the clogging is considerable, or for people who have abused their liver over long periods of time. Dandelion root and yellow dock root are available in tea, capsule or tincture form. Milk thistle can be introduced after cleansing to help strengthen the liver/spleen area. Yellow dock root also helps detoxify the lymphatic system. It is helpful for chronic sinus and mucus membrane problems.

If the liver/spleen is very toxic, as you begin a detoxification program, you may feel ill for a day or two (something like you). If this should happen, begin very slowly, such as 1/4 cup of tea for a day or two and increasing slowly up to a full cup by the end of the week. If you are using a tincture, begin with one drop and work slowly up to five drops within a week or two. The important thing to remember is this is your healing journey and you can adjust it as you see fit. Red Clover can also be beneficial as a detoxifying herb especially when hormonal issues are also evident.

For very toxic systems, Michael's Products makes a few combination formulas that test out very well including one called L.V.R. and the other called Hepatic Factors. With severe digestive disorders, a tincture may be more appropriate to help get the herbs into the system more effective. Herb Pharm makes a combination called "Healthy Liver" that I often use in this case.When working with children, Herb Pharm makes a Dandelion Root Glycerite tincture that is safe and effective for all ages as well as pregnant moms.

Physical symptoms of Liver and Spleen imbalances
The most common complaints from those with liver and spleen imbalances include "I can't think or focus". An imbalance in this area will definitely aggravate our ability to learn, think or focus properly. Exhaustion can also come into play here along with the feelings of flu symptoms and skin rashes. Any skin rash is an indication of liver and/or spleen imbalance, including poison ivy! Do you ever notice how some people are so allergic to it and other's never get it.
Headaches and mucus membrane issues can signify liver/spleen imbalances.

Negative emotions that aggravate the Liver and Spleen
The liver is where we store our anger and frustration, so in order to heal a liver, you must work on transforming your anger back to joy. There are many reasons for anger, and the flowers that would assist can also be many. The anger flowers include: Agrimony, Beech, Chicory, Holly, Impatiens, Vine, Water Violet and Willow (refer to our website on "healing the emotions with flower essences.)

Our spleen stores our resentment and bitterness. The spleen is directly connected to our lymphatic system which in turn connects us to our mucus membranes. Hence, resentments eventually manifest in the sinus/broncial areas of the body. So in order to heal a chronic spleen condition, you must also heal your old resentments and bitterness. The flower essence for resentment and bitterness is Willow. Also, Chicory can be indicated for sinus/bronchial issues when the person is in a state of feeling victimized.

The flower essence Beech is helpful with throat issues especially swollen glands and sore throats.