The Bach Flower Remedies are dilute essences of plants. Unlike chemical mood-altering drugs, the flower remedies-while effective-are gentle and easy to use.

Although beneficial and benign, these natural flower essences have remarkable emotional and mental balancing effects. Because they act quite gently, they can be used whenever you think they may help your child to feel better. When choosing a Bach essence, match your child’s overall temperament, personality, and fears, as well as the particular emotional distress he is experiencing. If no single remedy seems to address all of these concerns, you may combine up to three remedies. (Although there is no danger in blending more than three remedies at any one time, their effectiveness can be diminished in a blend that is too complicated.)

Choosing a Remedy

Once you have identified the primary emotional distress your child is experiencing, use the table on pages 31-34 to find an appropriate remedy. Match the child’s personality, temperament, fears, and upset with the suitable Bach Flower Remedy. Bach Flower Remedies are available at many health food stores. If you cannot get them at a store near you, you can obtain them through Ellon Bach USA, Inc. (644 Merrick Road, Lynbrook, NY 11563; telephone 516-593-2206) or Homeopathic Educational Services (2124 Kittredge Street, Berkeley, CA 94704; telephone 510-649-0294).

Administering Bach Flower Remedies

Bach Flower Remedies are essences of flowers that come in tincture form. The bottled remedy you buy at your health food store is called the mother tincture, and is the most concentrated form available. There are two different ways you can administer a Bach remedy to your child.

• Place a drop of the mother tincture into a small glass of noncarbonated spring water and have your child sip this over a period of a few hours. For added benefit, teach him to swish the mixture around in his mouth before swallowing it.
• If you prefer, you can make a diluted mother tincture. Fill a two-ounce glass bottle with spring water. Add three drops of mother tincture and shake gently to blend. When using a diluted mother tincture, give your child two droppersful, three times daily.

After giving your child a flower remedy, observe his response. As his emotional response and behavior change, the need for a particular remedy may cease to exist. Give a remedy until the situation has been resolved. Once your child’s mood and emotions have been gently altered, you may need to select another remedy to complete and sustain the alteration. If your child’s destructive emotions have eased sufficiently and his emotional and mental state has come into balance, discontinue the remedy.

Of all the Bach Flower Remedies, the overwhelming favorite of many parents is Rescue Remedy. This is a premixed combination remedy made from the essences of cherry plum, clematis, impatiens, rock rose, and star of Bethlehem. It is useful in many crisis situations, such as after hearing bad news, before a test, before going to the dentist, after falling down and getting hurt, or after waking up from a night mare. It helps to restore balance and relieve apprehension. It will help calm a child who is crying, afraid, panicked, or tense.

Rescue Remedy is particularly good in acute situations in which the cause of your child’s distress is not clear-when a child begins crying and feeling intensely frustrated for no apparent reason and refuses to be consoled. Put two or three drops of this remedy in half a glass of water and give it to your child to sip as needed, or administer as you would any other Bach Flower Remedy.

Bach Flower Remedies are dilute essences of plants that treat emotional, mental, and physical distress. As with homeopathic remedies, choosing a flower remedy involves dose observation of your child’s emotional state, and then finding a remedy that matches your observations. Many parents report that these gentle preparations are excellent for alleviating stress and easing a sick, uncomfortable, or unhappy child.

From Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child by Janet Zand, N.D., L.Ac., Robert Rountree, MD, Rachel Walton, RN, ©1994. Published by Avery Publishing, New York. For personal use only; neither the digital nor printed copy may be copied or sold. Reproduced by permission.

Diarrhea is when you pass stool many times a day, and it is watery and loose. (Passing stool is called having a “bowel movement.”)

Diarrhea is one way your child’s body fights infection. Diarrhea can also clean out your child’s intestines when he or she eats something bad. Children get diarrhea often, especially mild diarrhea.

Breast-fed babies have many soft bowel movements in a day. They may pass stool every time they eat. Twelve or more bowel movements a day is OK. This is not diarrhea. Bottle-fed babies don’t have as many bowel movements. Even so, 1 or 2 loose stools is not diarrhea. In a baby, diarrhea is many very runny bowel movements.

Many things can cause diarrhea:

• Infection by viruses, bacteria, or parasites (A virus is the most common cause. Your child may also throw up, have a fever, have a runny nose, and/or feel very tired. Children can catch these viruses at school or daycare.)
  
• Eating too much of foods they are not used to
  
• Food poisoning
  
• Allergies (Example: milk allergy)
  
• Getting upset
  
• Taking too many laxatives (Example: Teens trying to lose weight sometimes take laxatives.)
  
• Taking some medicines (Example: Antibiotics )
  
• Drinking bad water or food while traveling
  
• Catching an infection from someone else who has been travelling

Watch out for dehydration.

Dehydration is when your body doesn’t have enough water. This is very important if your child is throwing up, too. Dehydration can happen very fast in babies and young children.

Is the person with diarrhea a baby or young child? Does the baby or child have any of these problems with the diarrhea? Sunken eyes Dry skin and dry mouth Crying that has no tears Dry diaper for more than 3 hours in a baby Passing no urine for more than 6 hours in a child Feeling weak and tired Easily upset or cranky
Does your child have any of these problems with the diarrhea? Blood in the stool Very bad pain in the stomach Acts very sick
Has the diarrhea lasted 48 hours or more? And or does your child have a fever of 101oF or higher? Or has your child thrown up just water 3 or more times?
Has your child taken any medicine? (Medicine your child takes may not work because of the diarrhea. Or an over-the-counter medicine may be giving your child the diarrhea.)
If your child is a baby, are they getting the diarrhea more than 8 times a day?
Did the diarrhea come after bad constipation? (Constipation is when you can’t go to the bathroom.) Does your child often get stains on their underwear?
Has your child been near someone with bacterial diarrhea? (Bacterial diarrhea usually happens to people travelling in other countries.) Or did your child get diarrhea after they ate or drank something in a different country?
Does your child go to a day care center?

• Don’t give your child any solid food or milk (except breast milk).
  
• Give your child plenty of clear liquids.
  
  • Give 2 ounces an hour to babies.
    
  • Give 4 ounces an hour to children between 1 and 5 years old.
    
  • Give 5 ounces an hour to older children.
  
  
• You can buy Pedialyte or Lytren at most drug stores. They have liquid and minerals. Doctors recommend them for babies.

• Here are some other clear liquids:
  
  • Sport drinks like Gatorade, Power Ade, All Sport
    
  • Clear broth
    
  • Sodas like ginger ale, flat cola, 7-Up, or Sprite (Mix them half-and-half with water.)
    
  • Weak tea with sugar
    
  • Popsicles
    
  • Jell-O (liquid or solid) Don’t use red Jell-O. It can look like blood in the stool.
    
  • Mix 5 teaspoons of sugar and 1/2 teaspoon of salt with 4 cups of water. (Don’t use too much salt.)
  Note: Water by itself is not good for children with diarrhea. Give other liquids, too.

• Don’t give your child very hot or very cold liquids.
  
• Don’t give your child apple juice. Apple juice can make children’s diarrhea worse.

• Give your child as much to drink as they want. Call the doctor if you are not sure.
  
• Call the doctor if your child shows signs of dehydration:
  
  • thirsty
    
  • muscle cramps
    
  • confused or dizzy
    
  • weak

When the diarrhea starts to get better, follow these tips:

• Feed your child a B.R.A.T. diet. B.R.A.T. stands for ripe Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. Give these foods to your child before you try any others.
  
• Feed your child small amounts of soft foods like crackers or cooked potatoes. Don’t give milk or other dairy foods to older children for 1 or 2 days. But do give breast milk or formula to your baby.
  
• Don’t feed your child high-fiber foods like whole-grain bread, bran cereal, or raw fruits and vegetables. Wait until the diarrhea is gone.
  
• Don’t let your child exercise too hard until the diarrhea is all gone.

• Don’t give your child Kaopectate, Pepto-Bismol, or any other medicine that has salicylates, if they are under 19 years old unless your doctor tells you to. These medicines, like aspirin have salicylates which have been linked to Reye’s Syndrome, a condition that can kill.
  
• Follow these tips if the diarrhea was caused by an infection:
  
  • Make sure your child washes their hands after they use the toilet.
    
  • Give your child paper towels to dry their hands.
    
  • Have everyone at home wash their hands often, so the infection doesn’t spread. Be sure to wash your hands after changing diapers or washing your child.
  
  
• Store and cook foods carefully to keep them fresh. (This is one way to avoid food poisoning.)

Q: Charger has the athletic ability I want for dressage. When I rode him at his previous owner’s, he seemed calm and willing to do what I asked, but since I brought him home he’s physically tense whenever we work. He rushes through everything. He prances and pulls on the bit when I ask him to walk. He’ll stop on command, then won’t stand still. I’m afraid he doesn’t have the mind for dressage, and I’ve wasted my money.

A: Don’t give up on him yet. With a little help, this horse may turn out to be everything you hoped for. One resource I recommend are Flower Remedies. Everything about Charger’s behavior since you brought him home indicates a need for the flower remedy IMPATIENS. Additionally, because his behavior has become habitual, there is a need for the “habit breaker” remedy CHESTNUT BUD, and the flower remedy WALNUT, which will act synergistically with CHESTNUT BUD to assist Charger in letting go of his old behaviors and adapting to a new, calmer way of being. Mix together equal parts of these remedies, and administer several times daily by adding several drops to his feed and treats, putting 15-20 drops in his water bucket, rubbing a few drops on his lips or nostrils, or squeezing them directly into his mouth. The flower remedies will do their work over a period of a few days, to several weeks. Continue them until his behavior changes.

Q: The two colts I bought last fall to raise and train as a team
are almost yearlings. They eat, sleep and play together. Both get
lots of attention, and the same amount of basic handling, but
they are turning out quite different. One is making steady progress,
while the other continues to be afraid of everything. Why is this
happening? What can I do?

A: Your fearful colt may have had one or more traumatic experiences
before you got him. His mother may have been a fearful, tense or
anxious mare. It’s possible you’ll never know why he’s so afraid,
but fortunately you don’t need that information to help him change. To
assist this young horse in achieving emotional well being, I recommend
Flower Remedies, and the stress-relieving preparation derived from five of the flower remedies.
For immediate stress, including the stress exhibited during training sessions, use the stress-relieving formula. Squeeze several drops of the concentrate directly into his mouth, or rub on his lips or nostrils every few minutes until the immediate stress subsides.

The following remedies can help relieve the negative emotions underlying
his behavior. They will do their work over a period of a few days
to several weeks. The flower remedy STAR OF BETHLEHEM
is indicated to assist in releasing any past trauma this horse may
have suffered. The remedies ASPEN and MIMULUS are indicated for the
horse’s unknown fears, and his known fears, respectively. The remedy
CHERRY PLUM can be added if the horse tends to loose control when
frightened. Mix together equal parts of these remedies and administer
several times daily. Put several drops on his feed, on treats, in
his mouth and on his skin behind and in front of his ears. Add 15-20
drops to a bucket of water. Continue until his fearful behavior is
resolved.

When you work with this youngster, breathe deeply and slowly. Speak
in a calm, reassuring voice, and praise even the smallest desirable
response. Have a clear mental picture of what you want him to do,
and don’t expect him to act fearfully. If you feel yourself becoming
angry or impatient, it’s time to end the training session for the
day.

Tellington-Jones Equine Awareness Movements, known as TT.E.A.M.TM,
are simple, yet very effective methods for turning off horses’ flight,
fight or freeze response. These easily learned techniques help focus
the animal’s attention, create self-confidence and actually teach
them to think in any situation, rather than simply react.

Q: Kelly and I love to ride together, but our horses do not. When we ride close enough together for conversation, my gelding constantly flattens his ears and tries to bite her gelding. He caught me off guard once and was able to turn and kick Kelly’s horse in the belly and just missed her. We have no idea why my horse acts hateful in this situation but not around other horses. I’ve disciplined him several times, but with no success. Now Kelly’s horse is getting nervous. Can you help?

Undesirable behaviors are very often an expression of pain or discomfort. Before you ride again, gently examine your horse’s body for painful, sensitive, and tense areas, especially his neck, back, girth area, and mouth, including lips, tongue, and gums. Do the saddle, bridle or bit rub, pinch or otherwise cause him pain? Is his back well padded? Is he clean and groomed where tack contacts his body? Animal behavior can also reflect emotions of people close to them. Tune into your own thoughts and feelings the next time your horse threatens hers.

Both horses can benefit from Flower Remedies. Your horse’s aggressive, apparently mean-spirited behavior indicates a need for the flower remedy HOLLY. His intolerance of the other horse indicates a need for the remedy BEECH. CHESTNUT BUD is indicated to help your horse break his habit of aggressive behavior, along with WALNUT, its synergistic partner remedy, to support him in adjusting to a new way of being. If you think it’s possible these horses were ever alone together where some traumatic event could have occurred between them, add STAR OF BETHLEHEM. Kelly’s horse needs STAR OF BETHLEHEM for the trauma of being kicked and threatened, and MIMULUS, the remedy for known fears, since what he fears is your horse. Mix together equal parts of these remedies and administer several times daily. Add a few drops to his/her feed and treats, squeeze directly into his/her mouth or rub directly on lips and in nostrils. You can also add 15 to 20 drops to a bucket of water.

Q: Two of us have just adopted five mares and a gelding recently found abandoned and starving. They ranged in age from three to about 15, are very thin, parasite infected, and some have open sores. Two have been physically abused. We’re starting with good food, shelter, and lots of love. How else can we help them?

A: In rehabilitating starved animals, avoid rich feed and harsh deworming compounds. A holistic veterinarian can suggest herbs and homeopathic remedies to gently eliminate parasites and address other conditions.

Flower Remedies can also help rejuvenate these horses. The flower remedy STAR OF BETHLEHEM is indicated for the traumas of starvation and abuse. The parasites, open sores, and likely toxic condition of their very stressed bodies indicate a need for CRAB APPLE, the flower remedy for cleansing. OLIVE will help those weak and exhausted from their ordeal. SWEET CHESTNUT helps ease suffering in animals who have reached the limits of their endurance. Mix equal parts of these remedies and administer several times daily as described above. Continue until conditions are resolved. Apply the stress-relieving formula, we use the brand-name “Calming Essence^TM“, in it’s cream form to sores daily.

Q: To get to the places where I can ride my horse we have to go by an old pump house at the side of our road. Every time we go by there,
Bucky jumps sideways and spins around, then goes on. I’ve fallen
off twice when he’s done it, and even though I hang on extra tight,
I’m afraid I’ll fall off again. He doesn’t act this way at any other
place. How can I make him quit?

A: What a frustrating situation! Did something once startle Bucky at or near the pump house? Was there a sudden loud noise? Did the door
fly open? Did a person unexpectedly appear? Perhaps the problem
comes from how Bucky sees the building. Horses’ vision is very different
from ours, and he may perceive the pump house as something quite threatening. It’s
also possible that it looks like (or smells like!) something from
his past that did scare him. No matter what caused his behavior originally,
it sounds like Bucky’s jump and spin routine has now become a habit.

The flower remedies, as discussed above in this column, can
help Bucky let go of this annoying and potentially dangerous behavior. In
order to assist in releasing any past traumas Bucky may have experienced
concerning this or other pump houses, give the flower remedy STAR OF BETHLEHEM.
The remedies ASPEN and MIMULUS can be given for both Bucky’s unknown
and known fears, respectively. To assist in breaking his habit of
reacting at this one place, you can give the remedy CHESTNUT BUD.
The flower remedy WALNUT can, by acting synergistically with the remedy
CHESTNUT BUD, help Bucky in letting go of his old behavior patterns
and adapting to new, saner ways of being.

Because you’ve had this experience with your horse so many times,
you now expect it to happen. Since you’ve fallen off a couple of
times, you probably have some fear, too. It’s very likely that your
fear and expectations increase as you approach the pump house. When
you “hang on extra tight” you create more tension in your body and
mind. It’s also likely that, the closer you get to the place, the
more you hold your breath. Bucky senses your tension and anxiety,
which gives added momentum to his undesirable behavior.

You can help yourself and your horse, too, with a couple of simple
techniques. First, it’s important to replace your mental picture
of Bucky’s jump and spin with a picture of Bucky walking calmly
and quietly past the pump house. Practice imagining his new behavior
a few times before you ride him. If the old picture keeps coming
back, distract yourself. How? Count backwards from 100. Sing a
song. Recite a poem. Count the number of hairs in his mane. Whatever
you choose to do, start doing it when you get on, and don’t stop until
you’re past the pump. And remember to breathe! Slow, deep breaths
will help you relax, and help your horse relax, too. If you begin
slow deep breathing before you mount, then continue as you ride, Bucky’s
breathing may even start to mirror yours, helping him to relax. Combine
these techniques with the flower remedies, and your problem
could be history soon!

The information in this column is not intended to replace veterinary
care. For all conditions requiring medical attention, see your vet
immediately.

Products in this column are included for the reader’s convenience. However,
inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by either the author
or this publication.

© Copyright 1995, 1996 by Penny Case

A: Look first at what Miz Kitty is eating. Cats always benefit from a diet of fresh whole foods supplemented with essential nutrients. The
intense stress of illness, medication and surgery greatly increase
an animal’s need for high quality nutrition without chemical additives. Both
Dr. Pitcairn’s Complete Guide to NATURAL HEALTH FOR DOGS & CATS by
Richard H. Pitcairn, D.V.M., Ph.D, & Susan Hubble Pitcairn, (Rodale
Press) and THE NEW NATURAL CAT by Anitra Frazier with Norma Eckroate
(Plume/Penguin,1990) offer comprehensive guidelines for meeting the
general nutritional needs of all cats, and the special needs of convalescing
animals.

To replace friendly intestinal bacteria destroyed by the antibiotics, your
cat will benefit from acidophilus. Acidophilus is available at natural
food stores in both liquid and pill form.

Another approach I highly recommend to help restore Miz Kitty’s vitality
are flower remedies. The flower remedy STAR OF BETHLEHEM
is indicated to help deal with the traumatic after effects of her
illness and surgery. The remedy OLIVE is indicated to help in overcoming
the exhaustion resulting from her ordeal. The remedy WILD ROSE is
indicated here to help deal with her “lack of interest” in life. Because
her prolonged illness and the accompanying stress are very likely
to have created a toxic condition in this cat’s body, we also recommend
CRAB APPLE, which is the flower remedy for cleansing. Mix together
equal parts of these four remedies and administer several times daily
until her vitality is restored. Add several drops to her food and
water, and squeeze directly into her mouth, or you can rub the drops
on her lips and in front of her ears where the fur is thin.

Q: My four-year-old cat Bart has very long fur. He used to love
for me to brush him. He would purr a lot and rub his face on the
brush. Then his fur started to get big mats. Now he tries to bite
and scratch me when I go to brush him. If I keep trying he runs away. My
mom says to cut the mats off, but Bart won’t let me. He looks awful. What
can I do?

A: Don’t blame Bart for running away–mats hurt! Cutting them
off is tricky, and you could accidentally hurt Bart pretty badly. Talk
to your mother about having the mats removed by a professional groomer
or at the vet’s. If Bart’s getting mats in spite of regular grooming,
he may need some changes in his diet. To help reduce Bart’s immediate
stress and ease his discomfort, give him CALMING ESSENCE^TM, a brand of the stress-relieving formula we’ve been using,
and like. Three to four drops of this can be put on your finger,
directly from the concentrate bottle, and rubbed into Bart’s gums,
then gently rubbed just in front of Bart’s ear where the fur is thinner. Repeat
every few minutes before, during, and after grooming, until his stress
eases.

(Extracted from Your Animals Emotional Health Column appearing in the November-December 1994 and January-February 1995 issues of Natural Pet Magazine. Reprinted with permission from the author.)

© Copyright 1995, 1996 Penny Case

A: Though I hadn’t yet determined the cause, I knew immediately how I was going to deal with the problem. Having dealt extensively with animal behavioral difficulties in the past, I described to Brandy’s owners a safe, gentle approach using homeopathic wildflower preparations, that always work wonders for behavioral difficulties as well as emotional and physical stress in animals.

This natural approach was developed in the early 1930’s by a British physician. After many years of observing patients, the doctor concluded that illness was the result of negative emotional, and psychological stress. Determined to avoid the use of harmful drugs, he searched in nature for a safe and effective way to restore emotional tranquility. Following years of research, the doctor, discovered thirty-eight flowering plants, trees, and special waters, preparations which have proved effective for over sixty years in relieving a wide range of emotional difficulties in both human and nonhuman animals.

Anxious to help, Brandy’s owners agreed to having me prepare a flower remedy mixture for her. Upon questioning, I discovered that neighbors whom Brandy had become attached to moved away. Based on this and further evaluation, I decided to give Brandy the following Flower Remedies:

STAR OF BETHLEHEM was given for the grief she may have suffered over the loss of the neighbor’s companionship; WILD ROSE was given for the indifference and apathy she was now displaying; and the flower remedy MUSTARD was given for her depression and deep despair.

Demonstrating how to prepare and administer the remedies, I combined 2 to 4 drops of all three remedies in a one ounce dropper bottle of spring water, them, lifting Brandy’s lip I administered several drops of this mixture in her mouth. Additionally, several drops of the mixture would be added to her water bowl. Her owner would continue this treatment four to five times a day until improvement was shown.

After four days, Brandy ate a small meal, and slowly began showing interest in her surroundings. Then, after one week, she began to seek attention and affection. Finally, she began to play again with the other animals.

One doesn’t have to be a professional to use any of these remedies. They are simple to use, completely harmless, and will not cause any side effects, even if the wrong remedy is given.

Q: Rocky, my mixed breed two-year-old male, has been through two obedience courses. Mostly he’s good except for one thing: He jumps on everybody! I’ve scolded him, corrected him, punished him, even put him in one of those harness’ to keep dogs from jumping, and he still jumps. Rocky’s plenty smart, so why can’t he learn not to jump?

A: Sounds like Rocky just loves to jump! The good news is he can learn to control himself and become a good citizen. One of the natural approaches we’ve found of particular value in dealing with animal behavior problems are flower remedies. These natural preparations can be used to safely and gently reduce stress, and assist in changing undesirable animal behaviors. The Flower Remedy CHESTNUT BUD will help Rocky learn not to repeat behaviors that upset others. The flower remedy WALNUT, which works well together with CHESTNUT BUD, can assist Rocky in letting go of his old patterns of behavior and adjusting to new way of greeting people.

Ten to twelve drops of each Flower Remedy, from the concentrate bottles, can be mixed into Rocky’s daily water. Additionally, three to four drops of each remedy can be mixed into a 1 oz. dropper bottle filled with spring water. Four to five drops of this mixture can be given to Rocky four to five times daily, directly into his mouth, on his food and treats.

Give Rocky these remedies for a week or so, then begin correcting him again. As you work with him, set aside your memories of past failure–they’ll only slow you down. Continue giving him the remedies, and your corrections, until he stops jumping. Remember to praise Rocky for even the smallest positive response.

• Urinary frequency.
  
  
• Urinary urgency.
  
  
• Nocturia (needing to get up at night to urinate).
  
  
• Hesitancy with decreased force of stream.
  
  
• Terminal dribbling (the final phase of urination as slow drips).
  
  
• Sensation of incomplete emptying.
  
  
• Overflow incontinence or total retention.
  
  
• Burning on urination, chills and fever indicate infection has set in.
  
  
• Possibly palpable distended bladder.
  
  
• Enlarged, rubbery prostate on rectal exam often with loss of median
  sulcus. The median sulcus is a vertical groove in the heart-shaped gland
  which tells the examining doctor that the gland is NOT enlarged or swollen.

Conventional treatment includes surgical removal of all or part of the prostate.
Most patients improve significantly after treatment but may be rendered
impotent. Surgery is not to be taken lightly



Important questions to ask your doctor include the “rule-outs”
which means you want to be sure that the diagnosis is definite and correct.
Possible problems that could mimic BPH are:

• Neurogenic bladder.
  
  
• Acute prostatitis.
  
  
• Chronic prostatitis.
  
  
• Carcinoma.
  
  
• Other obstructive pathology.

Now, onto the information about what you can do about this diagnosis. First,
remember, men do not die from this condition unless it co-exists with prostate
cancer. The first area of non-surgical, non-drug treatment suggestion is
“Physical Medicine” which means what you can do with exercise,
water, and manipulation such as massage. Any alternative practitioner worth
their salt will tell you that the first order of business is prevention.
But, since you already have the problem there are a few exercises that
can improve circulation to the general area as well as tone the bladder.
The first is a set of movements commonly called “Kegel” exercises
which involves pulling up rhythmically on the pelvic floor (all the muscles
around the scrotum and the anus) with the lower abdominal muscles as you
exhale, and keep pulling up on the squeeze until you need to take a breath.
Repeat 10 times, 5 or 6 times daily. This can be done very discretely
— nobody needs to know you’re doing this exercise. It’s perfect for commuting,
or while you’re sitting around waiting for someone or something, or in the
shower. The other set of exercises are too complex to explain here. They
involve an ancient Chinese energy moving technique called “Qi Gong,”
widely practised in China and around the world for all sorts of complaints,
as well as for prevention. So, back to prevention. Aerobic exercise, a
minimum of 3 times weekly for 20 minutes at your target heart rate, will
do wonders for not only the prostate gland, but for your heart, lungs, bones
and mental well-being.



Another aspect of physical medicine is the use of hot and/or cold water
to treat a complaint. Some hydrotherapy methods that have worked well for
BPH are hot foot baths, which can stimulate the returning circulation from
the legs as the blood comes back up to the heart, and alternating sitz baths.
This is a marvelous naturopathic technique for all sorts of pelvic complaints.
The idea is basically to sit in a warm tub for 3 minutes or so, then get
out and transfer your backside immediately to a basin (large enough to accomodate
said backside, up to the hips) filled with COLD water. No kidding; this
means chilled water with a tray of ice cubes dumped in. Stay in there about
1 minute, then back to the warm for 3 minutes, then back to the cold, and
so on back and forth at least 3 times. The warm water relaxes the blood
flow and the cold contracts it, thereby enhancing vigorous circulatory flow
to the pelvis. Envigorating and highly effective. Also, inexpensive and
you probably have all the tools you need at home right now. A big basin,
a bathtub, hot and cold running water and a freezer with ice cubes in it.
That’s it.



It may be useful to treat the spine at the levels where the nerves serving
the pelvic area emerge. This is called Spondylotherapy and might consist
of using percussion (gentle tapping) or a sine wave current over the spinal
levels T12 or L1, L2, L3. Scoliosis or other spinal misalignments can sometimes
exaggerate protate problems. Make sure your vertebrae are all lined up.




Some people have greatly benefitted from gentle prostatic massage weekly.
Some men are actually able to perform this themselves, but the less limber
may request the therapist to instruct your spouse in the technique. It
feels good!



If you know a doctor or licensed therapist with physical medicine equipment,
ultrasound over the perineum or diathermy over the lower abdomen may help.



A critical area of health care which is finally getting deserved recognition
is the whole field of nutrition. It’s true that you are, indeed, made out
of what you eat. Think about it. The following list of supplements are
provided because it may be difficult to get these nutrients through “regular”
eating:

• Zinc 60 mg daily for one month, then the dose might be reduced. This is the MOST important nutrition to heal the prostate gland.
  
  
• Copper
  
  
• flax oil 2 Tbsp q.d.
  
  
• glycine 200 mg q.d.
  
  
• glutamic acid 200 mg q.d.
  
  
• alanine 200 mg q.d. (Dumrau, 1962)
  
  
• Selenium 100 mcg q.d. (Webber, 1985)
  
  
• Vitamin E 800-1200 I.U. q.d.
  
  
• prostate protomorphogens (glandular material from other mammals, usually cow or pig)

To begin you self-help program from “regular” food, the following
eating principles should be considered:

• vegan diet
  
  
• low sugar, low fat diet of unsaturated fats
  
  
• calorie percentages: 70% complex carbohydrates, protein 12-15%, fat 15-18%
  
  
• low cholesterol (another brochure is available on this topic)
  
  
• low Sodium/Sodium-restricted diet
  
  
• vegetarian cleansing diet or short fasts

Specific therapeutic foods to consider are:

• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: vegetable, nut, seed oils, salmon,
  herring, mackerel, sardines, walnuts, flaxseed oil, evening primrose oil,
  black currant oil; at least 1 tablespoon (RAW, cold-pressed, not used to
  cook!) daily

  
  

• estrogenic foods: animal products, apples, cherries, olives, plums,
  carrots, yams, nightshade family, peanuts, soy products, coconut, brown
  rice, barley, oats, wheat

  
  

• foods rich in Zinc and Vitamin E: squash seeds, almonds, sesame seeds,
  tahini, kelp

  
  

• raw pumpkin seeds: 25 seeds four times daily

  
  

• anise, tangerine, cherries, figs, litchi, sunflower seeds, mangos,
  seaweeds

  
  

• high fiber foods

For folks willing to make fresh juices:

• carrot
  
  
• carrot and spinach
  
  
• carrot, beet, and cucumber
  
  
• carrot, asparagus, and lettuce
  
  
• lemon juice in warm water

Of course there’s the what you SHOULDN’T eat category…Please strongly consider avoiding:

• coffee, alcohol, saturated fats, strong spices, spicy food, dairy
  products, fatty foods, fried foods, coffee, caffeine

• Apis mellifica: prostatic inflammation; discharge of prostatic fluid;
  sexual desire increased or diminished; frequent and long-lasting erections

  
  

• Argenticum metallicum: chronic enlargement in old men

  
  

• Argenticum nitricum: chronic enlargement in old men; burning in spot
  in anterior of rectum

  
  

• Baryta carbonicum: enlargement in old age

  
  

• Cannabis indica: sensation in anal region as if sitting on a ball

  
  

• Chimaphilia: tenesmus, frequent urination and general discomfort

  
  

• Conium maculatum: chronic hypertrophy with difficulty in voiding
  urine, stops and starts; leading remedy

  
  

• Ferrum picricum: one of the best remedies in the aged

  
  

• Lycopodium: pressure in the perineum near the anus while urinating

  
  

• Pulsatilla: inflammation; excessive increase of sexual passion, almost
  like priapism, with frequent and prolonged erections, ardent desire for
  coition

  
  

• Sabal serrulata: chronic/acute enlargement with difficult urination
  or burning while urinating

  
  

• Solidago: chronic enlargement; obstructed flow of urine

  
  

• Staphisagria: frequent urging to urinate with scanty discharge in
  a thin stream or by drops; burning during and after urination with urging

  
  

• Sulphur: escape of prostatic fluid, chiefly when urinating and while
  at stool

  
  

• Thuja occidentalis: frequent pressing to urinate with small discharge,
  patient strains much; stitches from rectum into the bladder; discharge of
  prostatic fluid in am on waking

Another extensively researched area of healthcare which provides benefits
without drugs, radiation or surgery is the vast field of botanical medicine.
This ancient healing art most likely began by observing animals in the
wild treating themselves for wounds, bites, rancid food and the like. Botanical
medicine is the therapeutic use of medicinal plants in a variety of forms
(tea, decoction, tincture, poultice, cream, salve, ear drops, etc.) to restore
the body and mind to full health. The following list of medicinal plants
(sometimes called “herbs” — the word drug comes from an old Flemish
word, “droog,” which means dried plant) are useful for BPH. Please
don’t use them without consulting a well-educated herbalist or naturopathic
physician. It is extremely rare for even the most open-minded of medical
doctors to have adequate training to dispense medicinal herbs.

• Agropyron repens (Triticum repens)

  
  

• Chamaelirium luteum (Helonias): prostate aches as if sitting on a
  ball

  
  

• Cucurbita pepo (squash and pumpkin): specially grown varieties; decongests
  prostate, tones bladder and sphincter

  
  

• Delphinium staphysagria (toxic): to assist other indicated remedies
  
  
  
  
• Echinacea purpurea

  
  

• Equisetum arvense: specific for; combines well with Hydrangea arborescens
  
  
  
  
• Galium aparine: prostatic irritation in aged

  
  

• Serenoa serrulata: specific for throbbing, aching dull pain, discharge,
  irritation with dysuria and dribbling in aged; may combine well with Equisetum
  arvense and Hydrangea arborescens

  
  

• Urtica dioica (leaf and root): activates metabolism

Chinese herbs are most often not only from plant species unknown in the
West, but used quite differently than Western herbs. For one thing, a Traditional
Chinese Medical (TCM) diagnosis describes the effect of the “problem”
on the patient, rather than describing the “problem” (such as
BPH) itself. A number of TCM diagnoses might be given for BPH, such as
Damp Heat in the Lower Burner. This concept will be briefly discussed below,
under the Acupoint section. It is impossible to give an intelligible treatise
on Traditional Chinese Medicine here. Please refer to the list of General
References to begin your studies of this vast and comprehensive topic.
However, in case you know a qualified Chinese herbalist, or Certified/Licensed
(through the NCCA) acupuncturist with a good grasp of herbs, the following
list may provide you with a guideline to discuss with the practitioner.

• 15 g of Polygonum cuspidatum (hu zhang cao): Lower Warmer Damp-Heat

  
  

• Prostate Gland Pills (patent): Xue (Blood) Stagnation with Lower
  Warmer Damp-Heat

  
  

• Akebia 14 (patent): Lower Warmer Damp-Heat

  
  

• Xiao Ji Yin Zi: Xue (Blood) Heat

  
  

• Persica and Rhubarb C. (Tao He Cheng Qi Tang): Xue (Blood) Stagnation
  with Xue (Blood) Heat: pain on pressure on left lower quadrant, constipation,
  and urinary stoppage in strong constitution

  
  

• Rhubarb and Moutan C. (Da Huang Mu Dan Pi Tang): Large Intestine
  Damp-Heat: Pain on palpation of right abdomen, constipation, urinary stoppage
  in strong constitution

  
  

• Cinnamon and Hoelen F. (Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan): Xue (Blood) Stagnation
  
  
  
  
• Kai Kit Pill (patent): Qi Xu (Deficiency) with Yin Xu (Deficiency)
  
  
  
  
• Rehmannia Eight F. (Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan): Kidney Yin Xu (Deficiency)
  with Kidney Yang Xu (Deficiency)

Another aspect of TCM is the use of ultra-fine “needles” which
are inserted just below the skin to remove blockages in the “vital
force,” known as “Qi” (pronounced chee). Again, the following
treatment suggestions can ONLY be applied by a qualified acupuncturist.
After assessing the whole person and palpating, consider these patterns:

Kidney Xu (Deficiency); Liver Qi Stagnation; Damp-Heat; Shi (Excess) of
the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel) and/or Xu (Deficiency) of the Yin
Qiao Mai (Yin Motility Vessel); Shi (Excess) of the Ren Mai (Conception
Vessel). Once the “pattern” of dysfunction is determined, the
following acupoints may be considered. Each of the more than 400 primary
acupoints is located on a very specific place on the body’s surface, along
one of the 12 major or 2 “extra” meridians, and relates not only
to the local area, but to an organ system, a sensory system, a color, a
mood and may also have other special applications.

• Bladder 18
  
  
• Bladder 19
  
  
• Bladder 23
  
  
• Bladder 47
  
  
• Bladder 28
  
  
• Conception Vessel 4
  
  
• Conception Vessel 3
  
  
• Spleen 9
  
  
• Spleen 6
  
  
• Kidney 7

So, you think all of this has been quite esoteric. Now for something even
“further out” from mainstream medicine, with growing numbers of
followers, which likely indicates there’s something to it.

Color therapy is used ost often with thin pieces of colored plastic (“gels”)
over home or office light sources, such as a lamp. The following colors
are listed for BPH:

• lemon (helps to dissolve blood clots; acts as a chronic alterative)
  on front of body

  
  

• orange (acts as a decongestant) and indigo (an astringent, antipyic, antiemetic, and hemostatic) between genital and anal areas

  
  

• indigo and violet on prostate

  
  

• alternate blue and yellow on kidneys for 10 minutes each

  
  

• drink blue treated water

  
  

• violet on chest

A growing number of progressive thinkers like to use semi-precious stones
for their healing. The stones may be held, or placed on the affected body
part, or placed into the bottom of your drinking water. Consult someone
who knows about “healing rocks” for more ideas. Here are a few
used in BPH:

• Coral
  
  
• Pearl
  
  
• Diamond
  
  
• Topaz
  
  
• Topaz, Coral
  
  
• Carnelian
  
  
• Citrine
  
  
• Ruby
  
  
• Garnet

The mind is by far the most important aspect in your total well-being.
Psychospiritual approaches to healthcare are being used increasingly even
in the most conventional of settings. The following ideas about the origins
and treatment of BPH should provide some food for thought:

• Sexual disturbances associated with chronic masturbation, prior STD’s,
  extramarital affairs with unexpressed guilt feelings and long standing unhappy
  relationships.
  
  
• Unhappiness
  
  
• Prostate represents masculine principle.
  
  
• Mental fears weaken the masculinity. Giving up. Sexual pressure
  and guilt. Belief in aging.

• discovering the walnut
  
  
• sun’s entry

• I accept and rejoice in my masculinity.
  
  
• I love and approve of myself.
  
  
• I accept my own power.
  
  
• I am forever young in spirit.
  
  
• It is safe to be a man.

Closing thoughts:

• What is the symptom preventing me from doing? What is the symptom
  making me do?

Prostatitis

This condition is defined as an acute or chronic infection of the prostate
gland. It is generally caused by infection by chlamydia, gram-negative
enteric bacteria or neisseria gonorrhea. Signs and symptoms are different
for acut versus chronic presentations and may include, for acute bacterial
prostatitis (often seen in young males and those receiving catheterization):

• High fever with chills.
  
  
• UTI with frequency, urgency, dysuria or burning, nocturia.
  
  
• Occasional hematuria.
  
  
• Low back/testicular/perineal pain.
  
  
• Obstructive symptoms when voiding may occur.
  
  
• Boggy, markedly tender prostate.

Chronic bacterial prostatitis, the most common cause of recurrent bacteriuria
in males, may often be asymptomatic except when there are frequent UTI (urinary
tract infections). Other findings may be:

• Bacteriuria (bacteria in the urine sample)
  
  
• Bacteria found in prostate secretions.
  
  
• Prostate may feel normal on palpation, but could also feel tender
  and boggy and produce significant secretions.

Acute nonbacterial prostatitis is typically seen in young, sexually active
men. The symptoms are the same as bacterial prostatitis but no bacteria
are present. Nonbacterial prostatitis treatment is harder for conventional
physicians to treat because drugs often do not help. Make sure your doctor
is sure your condition is neither BPH nor cancer.

Here are some treatment suggestions. With the physical medicine, the approach
is similar to treating BPH:

• sitz bath: alternating (discussed under BPH)
  
  
• short cold bath
  
  
• hot foot bath: with cold compress to pelvic region
  
  
• hot enema: up to 103 degrees F may be used three to four times a day
  (great for acute cases)

Eating principles include, for acute prostatitis:

• increased fluids
  
  
• short fruit or vegetable juice fast
  
  
• vegetarian cleansing diet

And for chronic prostatitis:

• hypoallergenic/rotation diet (this means figure out your allergic
  foods and avoid them, or use them sparingly).

Extra supplements to consider:

• Zinc 50 mg daily
  
  
• essential fatty acids, such as found in flax, olive and safflower oils
  
  
• bee pollen 3 tabs daily
  
  
• evening primrose oil
  
  
• Magnesium 400 mg daily
  
  
• Vitamin E 800 I.U. daily
  
  
• Vitamin B-complex
  
  
• Vitamin B6 50 mg daily

The Western botanical approach is much the same as for BPH, because the
gland is targeted for increased specific nutrients and for enhanced blood
flow. However, because of the differing approaches to diagnosis, the Traditional
Chinese Medicine herbal formulas are somewhat different than those given
for BPH:

• Dianthus F. (Ba Zheng San): Bladder Damp-Heat: dark turbid scanty
  difficult painful urination, dry mouth, yellow greasy tongue coat; may be
  urinary retention and lower abdominal distention and pain

  
  

• Gentiana C. (Long Dan Xie Gan Wan) (available as patent); Gentiana
  12 (patent): Liverand Gall Bladder Invaded by Damp-Heat: difficult and painful
  urination with a sesnation of heal in the urethra, red tongue with yellow
  coat, bitter taste in mouth, irritability

  
  

• Lotus Seed C.: Kidney Yin Xu (Deficiency) with Empty Fire Blazing (Hsu, 1980, p. 164; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 306)

  
  

• Tokora C. (Bei Xie Fen Qing Yin) (if chronic add ligustrum (nu zhen
  zi), lysimachia (jian qian cao), cuscuta (tu si zi) and plantago (che qian
  zi)); Kai Kit Pill (patent): Kidney Failing to Grasp the Qi, including chronic
  prostatitis ; frequent urination with cloudy, dense, milky or greasy urine

  
  

• Hoelen and Polyporus F.: chronic prostatitis

  
  

• Moutan and Persica C.; Prostate Gland Pills (patent): Xue (Blood)
  Stagnation: inflammation and pain in the lower abdomen

  
  

• Blue Citrus (patent): Groin swellings

  
  

• Akebia 14 (patent): Prostate inflammation

The differentiation of acute vs. chronic prostatitis is essential to proper
treatment and should be fairly obvious from the presentation. After assessing
the person and palpating, consider these patterns:

Kidney Xu (Deficiency); Kidney Yin Xu (Deficiency) with Empty Fire Blazing;
Kidney Failing to Grasp the Qi; Bladder Damp-Heat; Liver Qi Stagnation;
Xue (Blood) Stagnation; Liver and Gall Bladder Invaded by Damp-Heat; Spleen
Xu (Deficiency); Shi (Excess) of the Ren Mai (Conception Vessel); Shi (Excess)
of the Yang Qiao Mai (Yang Motility Vessel); Shi (Excess) of the Chong Mai
(Penetrating Vessel).



After a thorough physical exam, the doctor should consider acupoints from
the following selection (quite different from those for BPH):

• Governing Vessel-4
  
  
• Urinary Bladder18
  
  
• Urinary Bladder-23
  
  
• Urinary Bladder-47
  
  
• Urinary Bladder-28
  
  
• Urinary Bladder-57
  
  
• Large Intestine-11
  
  
• Large Intestine-4
  
  
• Lung-7
  
  
• Conception Vessel-4
  
  
• Spleen-9
  
  
• Kidney-7
  
  
• Kidney-6
  
  
• Liver-3
  
  
• Liver-2
  
  
• Gall Bladder-34

Typically each acupuntrue session involves placement of 4 to 20 “needles”
based on the diagnosis. These needles very rarey cause pain; the unusual
sensation is that of the Qi (vital force) “grabbing” the needle,
which often causes a dull ache or momentary twinge.



And now let us consider a very different modality, from a different culture,
but that, like acupuncture, works with your vital force. This is the science
of homeopathy. The most often chosen homeopathic remedies for prostatitis
are somewhat similar to those chosen for BPH, but with a stronger slant
towards healing inflammation due to infection, which is the key element
differentiating prostatitis from BPH.

• Aconitum napellus: initial stage

  
  

• Belladonna: throbbing

  
  

• Chimaphilia: with hypertrophy of prostate, frequent urination and
  discomfort

  
  

• Conium maculatum: with enlarged gland

  
  

• Ferrum picricum: best remedy for prostatic enlargement and inflammation
  in the aged

  
  

• Lycopodium: enlarged prostate and inflammation, when there is pressure
  in the perineum near the anus while urinating

  
  

• Sabal serrulata: inflammation and enlargement when the gland is hot,
  swollen and painful; in senile cases

  
  

• Spongia tosta: hypertrophy, spermatic cord and testicles are red
  and swollen

  
  

• Thuja occidentalis: hypertrophy and inflammation, frequent pressing
  to urinate with small discharge, discharge of prostatic fluid in morning
  on waking

Flower essences most frequently chosen for prostatis are dill or garlic.



Healing colors are, for acute prostatitis, turquoise directed towards
the front of the body and blue, which promotes relaxation, lowers high temperatures
and reduces inflamed tissue when directed towards the gland as much as possible.
For chronic postatitis use lemon (helps to dissolve blood clots). With
enlargement of the gland (BPH), plus infection (prostatitis), orange acts
as a decongestant and indigo acts as an astringent (to tonify boggy tissues),
antipyic (reducing pus formation), and hemostatic (reducing bleeding and
inflammation.



Psychospiritual metaphors and correlations for inflammation to consider
revolve around the “inflammatory” feeling of fear, especially
as it expresses through anger. Examples of this kind of thinking are often
described in a telling manner: inflamed thinking; seeing red; seething with
anger and frustration about conditions in one’s life. Remember too that
the prostate represents masculine principle.



If you have an astrological bent you may want to look at what’s going on
with conjunctions with your birth chart indicators: Perhaps Mars, Pluto,
or a planet in Scorpio are afflicted.



And the all-important mental connection, true for almost all disease, includes
the power of the spoken word, spoken lovingly to yourself. Consider the
following affirmations:

• (for inflammation) My thinking is peaceful, calm, and centered.
  I am willing to change all patterns of criticism. I love and approve of
  myself.

  
  

• It is safe to be a man.

Those who are prone to inflammations are attempting to avoid conflicts.
Questions that arise may be useful to explore in a more conventional psychotherapeutic
context:

• What conflict in my life am I failing to see? hear? feel?
  
  
• What conflict am I dodging? What is my relationship to it?
  
  
• What conflict am I failing to admit to?

Prostate Cancer

Finally, the most serious diagnosis for the prostate gland will be briefly
discussed. As a very general rule of thumb, carcinoma (cancer) is usually
best treated with a COMBINATION of conventional therapies (in fact one of
the most effective chemotherapy regimes is the one for prostate cancer,
in terms of relatively few side effects and a good cure rate, especially
with early detection) and supportive complementary treatments, which will
be discussed below.



Prostate cancer is very rarely seen in males under 50 years old, and is
rated third in cancer deaths in male patients over the age of 65 (behind
lung and colon). Most are adenocarcinomas. They are associated with benign
prostatic hypertrophy (BPH), but there is no specific causative link. Cancer
can be tricky. Signs and symptoms may not present at all. Or you might
experience urinary frequency, urgency or needing to pee during the night.
A physician will often find a firm, hard prostate on rectal digital exam.



The role of healthy eating can not be overemphasized in both prevention
and reversal of cancer. In general, the eating principles with prostate
cancer are based on alkalinizing the system. Alkaline fasts must be undertaken
under physician supervision — a physician well versed in therapeutic fasting,
and with a good grip on nutritional biochemistry.



Therapeutic foods to consider are:

• pumpkin seeds (raw) dosage: 25 four times daily
  
  
• anise, tangerine, cherries, figs, litchi, sunflower seeds, mangos, seaweeds
  
  
• Zinc-rich foods, squash seeds, almonds, sesame seeds, tahini, Vitamin
  E rich foods, kelp

Additional supplements, geared towards resolving malignancy, as opposed
to specifically towards the prostate, are:

• Vitamin A (high doses, under physician guidance)
  
  
• Selenium
  
  
• Zinc

The botanicals listed are, again, geared to halting the progression of cancerous
growth, and to ameliorating the side-effects of chemotherapy. They are listed
alphabetically, and with their particular restorative function. For doses
and duration please consult a qualified herbalist or naturopath.

• Avena sativa: nervous debility of convalescence

  
  

• Baptisia tinctoria: for tumorous or malignant conditions

  
  

• Berberis aquifolium: dyscrasiae due to cancerous cachexia

  
  

• Conium maculatum (toxic): pain of cancer

  
  

• Echinacea spp.: increases interferon production, purifies blood
  

  
  

• Gentiana lutea: bitter: promotes appetite, improves digestion in
  chronic debility

  
  

• Phytolacca decandra (toxic): carcinoma, adenoma; hard, swollen lymph
  nodes, especially in the pelvic region

  
  

• Rumex crispus: early stages of cancer; to prevent

  
  

• Taraxacum officinale: loss of appetite, weak digestion

  
  

• Trifolium pratense: alterative; purifies blood, cancerous diathesis;
  with daily use: patients are slower in developing carcinoma after excision
  

  
  

• Viola odorata: malignant disease, neoplasm in alimentary canal; after
  tumor extirpation to protect from metastases. Combines well with Galium
  aparine

  
  

• Viscum album (toxic): tumor-inhibiting effects reported, main use
  as follow-up therapy after surgery or radiation. Extracts available: Iscador
  (Weleda), Phenesol (Madaus), Helixior

The famous “Hoxsey” herbal formula for malignancy also deserves
mention here. It is comprised of:

Glycyrrhiza glabra, 12 g.

Trifolium pratense, 12 g.

Arctium lappa, 6 g.

Stillingia sylvatica (toxic), 6 g.

Berberis aquifolium, 6 g.

Phytolacca decandra (toxic), 6 g.

Rhamnus purshiana, 3 g.

Rhamnus frangula (toxic), 3 g.

Xanthoxylum americanum, 3 g.

To mix up the formula, combine the dry herbs, place in 3 cups of water and
simmer for 10-15 minutes. Cool, strain and store in a dark glass jar.
Dose: use 2-4 tbsp. tea in a third cup water adding 1-2 drops of saturated
potassium iodide and 5-11 drops strong iodine (Lugol’s) solution. Take
four times daily, with food, and again before bed.



Traditional Chinese Medicine therapies will not be discussed in great detail
here because it is critical to not hope that they would suffice, alone,
to treat cancer. However, the following guidelines towards understanding
a TCM diagnosis are offered:

• Zeng Ye Tang plus chrysanthemum flower (ju hua), trichosanthes root
  (tian hua fen), glehnia (sha shen), dioscorea (shan yao) and moutan bark
  (mu dan pi): Large Intestine Dryness: oral side-effects of radiation therapy:
  dryness that is worse at night, irritability, dry tongue, rapid thin pulse
  

  
  

• Dang Gui Ji Xue Teng Tang: Qi Xu (Deficiency) with Xue Xu (Blood
  Deficiency): leukopenia or thrombocytopenia during radiation therapy or
  chemotherapy

  
  

• Hoelen Five Herbs F. (Wu Ling San): side-effects from radiation.
  
  
  
  
• Ji Xue Teng Qin Gao Pian (patent): increases white blood count.
  
  
  
  
• Ci Wu Jia Pian (patent): Qi Xu (Deficiency) with Kidney Jing Xu (Essence
  Deficiency): enhances immune system, helps protect body from radiation;
  inhibits metastasis.

  
  

• He Che Da Zao Wan (patent): Kidney Yin Xu (Deficiency)

  
  

• Ling Zhi Feng Wang Jiang (patent): Qi Xu (Deficiency) with Xue Xu
  (Blood Deficiency)

  
  

• Chih-ko and Curcuma C. (patent): All tumors

  
  

• Blue Citrus (patent): Groin swellings

Homeopathic remedies that might be chosen are:

• Conium maculatum: stony, hard prostate, inability to have erections
  but high sex drive; intermittent urination in old people; urine flows and
  stops; weight like a stone in perineum

  
  

• Crotalus horridus: cancer with hematuria

  
  

• Iodatum: incontinence of urine; complete prostration of strength
  and general emaciation; worse from external warmth

  
  

• Psorinum: discharge of prostatic fluid before urinating; several
  organs flabby, torpid; aversion to coitus

  
  

• Selenium: lot of sexual activity that led to debility, masturbation;
  worse in hot weather, after sleep and anything that causes relaxation; involuntary
  dribbling

  
  

• Sulphur: offensive sweat around genitals

  
  

• Thuja occidentalis: pain, burning on urination or ejaculation; lot
  of sexual problems; frequent and urgent desire to urinate

Flower essences to consider:

• aloe vera
  
  
• dandelion
  
  
• mallow

Colors to work with:

• lemon (helps to dissolve blood clots; acts as a chronic alterative)
  
  
  
• indigo (an astringent, antipyic, antiemetic, and hemostatic) on area
  
  
• orange (acts as a decongestant) on area may further reduce mass.

Metaphors and correlations to ponder:

• The prostate represents the masculine principle.

  
  

• Loss of sexual function after surgery is more likely to be related
  to the patient feeling unattractive, to lack of information, or to lackof support in dealing with postoperative psychological reactions than to surgical loss of sexually-responsive tissue. Many sexual problems will
  be solved by just the chance to discuss them; patients need to hear that
  their sexual concerns are completely normal.

  
  

• Comprehensive cancer management should include members of the medical
  discipline who provide holistic and humanistic treatment. One team member
  should be both a qualified sex therapist and psychotherapist. This individual
  should be introduced to patients at the onset of treatment, be involved
  in a preoperative assessment, during hospital stay, and during the post-operative
  period.

Influenza is very contagious and is spread by contact with an infected person. A person is contagious from about two days before symptoms occur until about the fifth day of the illness. Symptoms of influenza include chills, fever, headache, achiness, fatigue, and lack of appetite.

Treatment is generally directed at alleviating symptoms, which can make the sufferer truly miserable. Although the illness generally runs its course in three to four days, complications such as encephalitis, pneumonia, croup, or seizures can occur. If any of these develop, your child will need immediate medical attention.

WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR ABOUT INFLUENZA If your child develops a very high fever, if she has a seizure, or if you notice any changes in her level of consciousness or mental function, seek medical advice immediately. These may be signs that she is developing encephalitis. A child with influenza who has a high fever is at risk for having a seizure. If your child has a seizure, call your physician immediately. If your child shows signs of increased respiratory distress, such as an increased respiratory rate, gasping, wheezing, nasal flaring, or a pale or bluish color to the skin, call your doctor. Your child may have developed pneumonia and needs medical attention.

Conventional Treatment

The cornerstones of treatment for influenza are fever control, rest, and plenty of fluids. Acetaminophen (in Tylenol, Tempra, and other medications) or ibuprofen (Advil, Nuprin, and others) can tee used to reduce fever and alleviate achiness.


Note: In excessive amounts, acetaminophen can cause liver damage. Read package directions carefully so as not to exceed the proper dosage for your child’s age and size. Ibuprofen can cause stomach upset in some children. To avoid this problem, try giving this medication with food.

Do not give aspirin to a child or
teenager with the flu. The combination of aspirin and viral infection is
associated with Reye’s syndrome, a dangerous disease affecting the brain and
liver.

Because influenza is caused by a virus, antibiotics have no effectiveness and are not used. A drug containing amantadine hydrochloride (Symmetrel) is sometimes used in epidemics known to be caused by influenza type A. This drug is effective only if started in the first two days after the onset of symptoms, and it is not used in younger children.

Dietary Guidelines

If your child doesn’t feel like eating, it’s best not to force food. Suggest juices, applesauce, soups, and herbal teas.

All fluids, including soups, help alleviate a respiratory illness. Fluids help to thin secretions, making it easier for the body to clear them. If secretions are thick and dry, they are more difficult to expel. Offer your child diluted juices, homemade lemonade (hot or cold), and lots of nourishing broth and homemade soups. Miso and chicken soup are good choices.

Avoid giving your child dairy products, which have a tendency to increase and thicken mucus.

A child with a cold and fever may get dehydrated and constipated. Flush your child’s body with as much fluid as she can take. The constipation will probably resolve once your child starts feeling better and resumes eating a normal diet.

Nutritional Supplements

For age-appropriate dosages of nutritional supplements, see Dosage Guidelines for Herbs and Nutritional Supplements.

Bioflavonoids have potent antiviral properties, and can be useful at any stage of an infection. Give your child one-half dose, five times a day, for five days to one week.

Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties and helps to ease the course of a respiratory illness. Choose a supplement made without sugar, and avoid chewable forms, as these can erode tooth enamel. Give your child one-half dose, five to six times a day, for five days to one week.

To help boost your child’s immune system, give her a 5-milligram chewable zinc tablet or lozenge, twice daily, for five days to one week.


Note: Excessive amounts of zinc can result in nausea and vomiting. Be careful not to exceed the recommended dosage.

Herbal Treatment

For age-appropriate dosages of nutritional supplements, see Dosage Guidelines for Herbs and Nutritional Supplements.

Give your child the Chinese botanical formula yin qiao at the first sign of the flu. This remedy is not helpful after the third day of symptoms. Give your child one dose, every two hours, while the symptoms are acute.


Note: The liquid extract is the preferred form because it contains no aspirin. The tablet form should not be given to a child under four years of age.

To help your child rest and relax, give her one dose of chamomile tea, twice daily.

The antiviral echinacea and antibacterial goldenseal both stimulate the immune system. Goldenseal also helps to soothe mucous membranes. Give your child one dose of an echinacea and goldenseal combination remedy, three times daily, for five days.

Garlic helps to detoxify the body. Give your child one capsule or one fresh clove of garlic, three times a day, until she is better.

Ginger tea is excellent if your child’s stomach is affected. Give your child one dose as needed.

Homeopathy

At the very first sign of influenza, give your child 1/3 tube of Anas barbariae (marketed under various brand names, including Oscillococcinum) every hour, for a total of three doses.

For the child who feels chilly, restless, and weak, choose Arsenicum album. This is for a child who feels worse in a cold room, but wants something cold to drink. She will have a red nose with runny nasal secretions that burn the nose and upper lip. When ill, she wants to sit in bed with books, magazines, and a television. This child wants to be left alone, but will demand attention and reassurance every once in a while. When comforted and cuddled, she will quiet down and go to sleep. Give this child one dose of Arsenicum album 30x or 9c, four times a day, for up to three days.

Bryonia is helpful for a child with a headache, cough, constipation, thirst, and irritability. Give this child Bryonia 30x or 9c, three to four times a day, for up to three days.

Eupatorium is helpful for the child who complains of a severe aching deep in her bones. She feels sore “everywhere.” Give this child one dose of Eupatorium 12x or 6c, three to four times a day, for up to three days.

Give Gelsemium to a child who has heavy, droopy eyes and feels weak and tired, with aches and chills up and down her back. This child wants to be alone. Give her one dose of Gelsemium 12x or 6c, three to four times a day, for up to three days.

Mercurius solubilis is for a lingering flu that just doesn’t seem to go away. This child may have a sore throat, bad breath, and tender, swollen glands. Give her one dose of Mercurius solubilis 12x or 6c, three times a day, for up to three days.

Rhus toxicodendron is for the restless child who complains of achy, stiff muscles. Give her one dose of Rhus toxicodendron 30x or 9c, three times a day, for up to three days.

BACH FLOWER REMEDIES

Impatiens helps to ease a child who is whiny,
impatient, and tired of being sick. Give the remedy three times a day for three
days.
(See BACH FLOWER REMEDIES.)

Acupressure

For the locations of acupressure points on a child’s body, see ADMINISTERING AN ACUPRESSURE TREATMENT.

Bladder 11, 12, 13, and 14 clear and balance the respiratory system.

Large Intestine 4 controls the head. This acupressure point relieves congestion and headaches.

Lung 7 helps to clear upper respiratory tract infections.

Massaging your child’s feet is comforting and helps to bring energy down from the head to aid healing.

General Recommendations

Begin treating your child’s influenza with homeopathics and herbs as soon as symptoms appear.

Encourage your child to take plenty of fluids.

Most children naturally want to sleep and rest when suffering through the flu, sparing body energy to fight the virus. A cozy bed and an open window banging in fresh air (when weather permits) will help. Keep your child from getting chilled.

See also COUGH; FEVER; SINUSITIS; and/or SORE THROAT if your child’s flu is accompanied by these symptoms.

Prevention

Flu vaccines are offered yearly. These are sometimes recommended by family physicians for people who are most likely to be exposed to or endangered by the illness, such as health care workers, the elderly, and people with chronic heart, lung, or kidney diseases. The flu shot may cause mild flulike symptoms. Also, since flu vaccines are formulated based on viruses that have caused outbreaks in the past, they may or may not be effective in preventing flu caused by this year’s virus.

Astragalus helps to build the immune system, and thus make your child less vulnerable to the flu. Give your child one dose, three times a week, during the flu season. You can give this herb in capsule form or added to soup.


Note: This herb should not be given if a fever or any other signs of infection are present.

American ginseng helps to boost the immune system and strengthen the body. Give your child one dose, in capsule form or in soup, once or twice a week, during the winter months.

Echinacea and goldenseal combination formula stimulates the immune system and helps keep the body clear of infections. A liquid extract is the preferred form. You can give your child one dose, twice weekly, during the flu season.

Give your child one dose of homeopathic Anas barbariae each week or every other week during the flu season.

Make it a rule to feed your child a low-sweet
diet and no fried foods. During the flu season, prepare lots of vegetable and
astragalus soup to help boost her immune system (see THERAPEUTIC RECIPES).

A child under emotional stress may fall ill more easily. Talk out problems and be supportive of your child during times of emotional turmoil.

Physical stress can also create bodily imbalances that make a child’s body more vulnerable to illness. Exposure to dust and chemicals, too much sugar and/or fat in the diet, even sudden and extreme temperature changes may add to your child’s susceptibility to illness.

Vitamin C and bioflavonoids, taken daily, help to prevent colds and flu. Give your child 150 milligrams of each daily during the cold season.

Dosage Guidelines

Diet

Herbal Medicine

Homeopathy

Bach Flowers

Acupressure

From Smart Medicine for a Healthier Child by Janet Zand, N.D., L.Ac., Robert Rountree, MD, Rachel Walton, RN, ©1994. Published by Avery Publishing, New York. For personal use only; neither the digital nor printed copy may be copied or sold. Reproduced by permission.

This current climate is a far cry from the amount of public interest and
media coverage of depression just four years ago in 1994 when we produced a
conference called “Healing Depression” in Santa Monica, California that
inspired this book. At that time, depression was still a taboo subject
socially, a frightening and mysterious condition that was treated medically
with powerful psychotropic antidepressants which had disturbing side
effects. The controversial antidepressant drug, Prozac, had been on the
market for several years and was just penetrating the public consciousness
and beginning to make headlines. There was little or no interest in, nor
knowledge of natural alternatives to treating depression.

Today, thanks to the barrage of media stories and a number of well known
public figures who have disclosed their battles with depression, including
television journalist Mike Wallace, actor Rod Steiger and novelist William
Styron, much of the social stigma surrounding depression has been removed.
Discussion of depression in our culture has become more commonplace, and
it can now be mentioned in the same breath as being “anxious” or “stressed
out.” Concurrently, there is an increasing public interest in natural
approaches to dealing with this health condition. Even conventional medical
doctors who have historically been known to only prescribe antidepressants,
are now responding to the public demand and are beginning to recommend
natural remedies like St. John’s wort for mild to moderate depression.

A National Health Problem

One in four Americans will experience some degree of clinical depression or
mood disorder during their lifetime, and each year over twenty- five
million people will be diagnosed with a depressive illness. Two-thirds of
those suffering from depression are women. However, the recent focus upon a
“silent epidemic” of depression among men indicates that these figures are
in need of adjustment.1

All told, it is estimated that depression will cost our economy more than
forty-four billion dollars, and an annual loss of two hundred million work
hours. These numbers may be deceiving, however, given people’s reticence in
the past to talk to their physician about depression. Today over 17 million
people, including teens and children, are currently on Prozac, the second
most commonly prescribed drug in America. Pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly,
the maker of Prozac, is now engaged in a major media campaign to raise
public awareness about depression and Prozac. With the rising tide of
awareness of depression, many who would have never considered themselves
depressed will be taking Prozac, or some other antidote, pushing the
statistics even higher.

And it appears we are bringing our children along for the ride. It is
estimated that close to 13% of teenagers and approximately 3% of children
under thirteen suffer from depression according to the Center for Mental
Health Services. Until recently, no one has wanted to recognize that teens
and children suffer from depression. To make matters more difficult,
childhood depression is hard to identify and diagnose because it is so
easily confused with other health conditions, and because children lack the
verbal skills to explain what they are experiencing. As a result they act
out their depression in the only way they know how–what we commonly
describe as moodiness irritability, anger and even rage.

Are we becoming a “Prozac nation?” Prozac, despite its ability to transform
personality, appears to be a short-term solution to a long-term problem.
FDA statistics reveal unsettling reports of adverse side-effects ranging
from loss of sexual appetite to suicide and death. These serious
shortcomings, the rising incidence of depression, and the growing
popularity of natural health care, clearly demonstrates the need for safe
and reliable drug-free treatments. It is no surprise then that the
antidepressant herb St. John’s wort, despite having been successfully used
for centuries, was barely on the radar screen in the United States four
years ago, but is now the number four-selling herb in the U.S. and is
outselling Prozac in Germany.

Where Does the Answer Lie?

We have spoken with an endless succession of people whose psychiatrist or
psychologist reflexively prescribed antidepressant medication for their
depression as the only available option. Modern medicine, with its focus on
treating disease with a single “standard of practice” has created a serious
situation for those being treated for depression in the class of
psychotropic antidepressant drugs. Many complain they have been on a
treatment merry-go-round for years, going from one antidepressant to
another, and are still seeking help. They report that they have had some
relief but at the cost of unpleasant and grave side-effects. Others,
however, have received virtually little or no relief, or have actually
gotten worse, and are becoming increasingly desperate.

Two things are clear. The human suffering resulting from depression is real
and impacts every aspect of one’s life–family, work, and relationships.
Secondly, depression is not an illness that can be reduced to a single
cause or a single cure, as demonstrated by the problems associated with the
succession of antidepressant drugs produced over the years. There are no
magic bullets for depression.

Where then does the answer lie to relieving the toll of human suffering
brought on by depression? We have discovered that there are many answers to
solving this complex malady. The key is in understanding the many
underlying causes of depression, and becoming aware of the variety of
natural approaches to its treatment.

Many of the solutions come from the world’s great systems of traditional
health care. Some have ancient roots such as herbal medicine, the oldest
form of health care on the planet, and the Greek medicine of Hippocrates.
Chinese medicine and Ayurveda, both of which have both been practiced
continuously for five thousand years, can rightly be called the original
systems of holistic medicine.

Other systems of traditional health care have more modern origins, such as
homeopathy and naturopathic medicine, each of which originated in early- to
mid-19th century Germany before taking root in the U.S. After having fallen
into obscurity for most of the 20th century due to the advent of miracle
drugs, both are now enjoying a major renaissance.

What all of these systems of traditional health care have in common is a
focus on health maintenance, prevention, treating the whole person,
reliance on natural therapies, and taking a more integrative,
multi-disciplinary approach to treatment in order to restore health and
internal balance. These systems also share another commonality–for most of
this century, each has remained outside the accepted standards of
conventional Western medicine, but are now becoming increasingly in demand
by people like yourself in search of solutions to their health problems.

In order to prevent illness and achieve optimum level of personal health,
it is important to be familiar with the tools that can help build a
wellness-based lifestyle, and become aware of all of your treatment
options. The approaches in this book represent the collective wisdom of
thousands of years of the great healing traditions as well as the best of
the emerging field of integrative medicine–nutrition, healthy lifestyles,
mind/body therapies, and spiritual practices.

We have brought together a team of nine leading experts from each of these
fields to present, for the first time, a comprehensive and integrated
picture of depression, including an understanding of its many causes,
prevention and time-tested natural approaches to its treatment. This team
of health professionals will provide an in-depth understanding of the
following primary systems of natural medicine: