Ear infection: Acute Otitis Media- Inflammation of the Middle Ear

Since entering my third semester in my ongoing studies for my associates degree in Complimentary Alternative Medicine I have learned a lot about the human body and how it's fascinating when it comes to fighting against bacteria, viruses, and other diseases.

 

This week I learned about the ear nose and throat, mainly about the inflammation of the middle ear also knows as earaches. This can be caused by bacterial or a viral infection in the middle ear is often associated with an upper respiratory tract infection. This is most common in children, the mucus and fluid build up in the middle ear and provide resistance due to poor diet, stress, lack of sleep, or faulty elimination.

 

Symptoms of an ear infection:
Usually, the first sign is persistent severe ear pain. There may be some hearing loss, fever, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may all occur in young children. Infants and toddlers my repeatedly pull at their earlobe.

 

Wellness protocols:
Always ensure if you have a child with these conditions get diagnosed first by a healthcare provider. If they prescribe antibiotics in several cases, natural healing methods can supplement allopathic treatments.
A diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables, fresh juices, quality proteins, and whole grains is vital to build up the resistance to infection. Restrict dairy products to one or two servings per day and avoid completely during an ear infection. Avoid sugar, white flour, and processed foods, which provide calories but little micronutrients. Sleep is vitally important.
The nose, throat, sinuses, and teeth should also be examined to check for secondary infection, which will complicate the picture.

 

*Do not put any substances in the ear if the child has ear tubes inserted or if there is a possibility that the eardrum is ruptured.

 

• High doses of Vitamin C supplements
• Gently massage over the Eustachian tube in a downward direction.
• stimulate blood flow and drainage of the middle ear by applying hot (but not boiling), then cold towels over the ear and Eustachian tube. Apply hot for 3 minutes, then cold for 30 seconds.
• Propolis is a natural and effective antibiotic and can be given orally and used within the ear. Use 3-drops of propolis tincture to 7-drops of boiled water. Place a few drops in the ear three times a day. Mix the propolis with garlic or halibut oil for increased effectiveness.

 

Herbal Protocols:

• Warmed garlic and clove oils mixed can be dropped into the ear and are antiseptic and soothing.
• Warm Mullein oil is effective when 2-drops are placed into each ear. Be sure the mixture is not too hot. Test on your inner arm first before applying.

Homeopathic Remedies for Childhood Earaches:

• Belladonna 30c: Sudden, bounding pain, sudden high fever, red face; Often children wakes in the middle of the night screaming.
• Chamomilla 30c: Nothing pleases them, can't be consoled, will often throw toys after crying for them.
• Pulsatilla 30c: weeping, wants to be carried all the time.

Herbal Formulas:

Garlic Oil
8oz garlic, peeled and minced
olive oil, warm, sufficient to cover
Warm the oil in a bowl over a pot of water or using a double broiler. Never put oil directly over heat as it can easily catch fire.
Place the garlic in a large jar.
Add sufficient oil to cover the garlice
Shake and then place in a warm place for two to three days
Strain through cotton or muslin, bottle, and keep refrigerated
Use 10 drops three times a day

Chamomile Ear Blend
1/2 oz Chamomile (German) or (Roman)
1 Cup Boiling Water
1/2 Cup almond oil
1/2 Cup vegetable glycerin


Prepare an infusion of chamomile using the chamomile and boiling water. Strain and add the almond oil and vegetable glycerin. Shake the mixture well. Soak cotton wool in this mixture and insert into the ear.


Ear Blend
1oz distilled water
1oz calendula tincture
1/4oz propolis tincture
1 to 2 drops of fresh nasturtium juice (optional)
Measure the qualities with a syringe. A few drops of the juice from crushed Nasturtium leaves can be added. Use 4-5 drops in the ear, four times a day.

Natural antibiotics to stockpile now: 10 herbs and foods that kill superbugs

 

 

Today's crop of antibiotics are becoming less and less effective. This is becoming more and more of an issue each year during the flu season.

 

Alexander Fleming, the creator of the first antibiotic, penicillin, back in 1945 when he received his Nobel Prize for medicine warned us:

"It is not difficult to make microbes resistant to penicillin in the laboratory by exposing them to concentrations not sufficient to kill them. There is the danger that the ignorant man may easily underdose himself and by exposing his microbes to non-lethal quantities of the drug make them resistant."

And while bacteria have been a part of "life" on Earth for humans since the dawn of time, constant exposure to antibiotics -- which kill even "good" bacteria -- is responsible for the rise of superbugs that are resistant to an increasing number antibiotic drugs.

 

I have used all except Pascalite and seen amazing results. A personal testimony was back in April just about my entire office got sick with this nasty cough that has lasted about 2-3 months for most of them. I felt my immune system start going downhill, so I bought collidale silver and started taking 1 tsp each day. I never even got sick or even a sniffle. With that in mind, and before you find yourself in dire need of something that will kill the superbugs, here are 10 herbs and foods that will do the job naturally:


-- Honey: In a recently released study, researchers from the Salve Regina University in Newport, Rode Island, reaffirmed that raw honey is one of the best natural antibiotics you can have.

Lead author Susan M. Meschwitz, Ph.D., presented the findings at the 247th National Meeting of the American Chemical Society.

"The unique property of honey lies in its ability to fight infection on multiple levels, making it more difficult for bacteria to develop resistance," she said.

Honey uses a combination of weapons including polyphenols, hydrogen peroxide and an osmotic effect. Honey is practically an ambidextrous fighter, using multiple modalities to kill bacteria.

-- Colloidal silver: As noted by Gregory A. Gore, in his book, Defeat Cancer:Silver was used 1,200 years ago by Egyptians, Romans, Greeks, sailors, and then by the pioneers who populated our country. They used it for various illnesses and to keep their foods and liquids from spoiling. Prior to 1938, before antibiotics, colloidal silver was used by doctors as their main substance to fight bacteria in a more natural way than through the antibiotics they use today. Antibiotics can harm our kidneys and liver functions. Colloidal silver promotes healing.

-- Pascalite: This is a type of bentonite clay found only in the mountains of Wyoming. It possesses remarkable healing powers. When it is used topically, it is known for its ability to draw infections from wounds in a matter of hours or days, thereby bringing about total recovery. The first recorded use of Pascalite was in the early 1930s when a trapper named Emile Pascal set his traps near a cold, clear mountain lake, where he had noticed a large number of animal tracks; after getting some of it on his chapped hands, he noticed some time later that it appeared to help them. So he continued to experiment with the substance and found that it had a number of topical uses, including for burns, minor wounds and infections.

-- Turmeric: This herb has been used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine for many thousands of years to treat a wide range of infections. The antibacterial and anti-inflammatory qualities have been known to be highly effective in the treatment of bacterial infections. It can also be used topically for MRSA and additional lesions of the skin.

-- Oil of Oregano: This is an essential oil known best for its bacteria-killing abilities, as well as controlling staph infections like MRSA. It contains antioxidant, antiseptic, antiviral, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic and pain-relieving properties. In 2001, Science Daily reported on a Georgetown University study which found that oregano oil's germ-killing properties were nearly as effective as most antibiotics.

-- Tea tree oil: This is also a very potent and essential oil that has been shown to be effective in killing antibiotic-resistant MRSA on the skin. One important note: Therapeutic-grade tea tree oil must be used undiluted if it is to be used for this purpose.

-- Olive leaf extract: This substance has been used for a number of centuries to battle bacterial infections and is now currently being used as well to fight MRSA infections in some European hospitals. It provides immune system support while fighting antibiotic-resistant infections.

-- Garlic: This tasteful seasoning veggie has been used for medicinal purposes around the world for thousands of years. It was even used in the 1700s to ward off the plague. It possesses very potent antibiotic, antiviral and antifungal properties.

-- Echinacea: This compound has been used to treat aging and a wide variety of infections for centuries. It was traditionally used to treat open wounds, as well as blood poisoning, diphtheria and other bacteria-related illnesses. Today, it is used mostly to treat colds and flu.

-- Goldenseal: This is one of the most popular herbs sold on the American market and has recently gained a reputation as an herbal antibiotic and immune system enhancer. American Indians used goldenseal as a medication for inflammatory internal conditions such as respiratory, digestive and genitourinary tract inflammation induced by allergy or infection, according to Herbwisdom.com.

Benefits of Herbs in your daily diet

It's been some time since I have posted anything. I hope you are all enjoying the World Cup 2014, I know I have been!😊

I have just started my 2nd semester for my Associates with Complimentary Medicine. Last semester I had Aroma 203 and Herb 201. What an amazing class, filled with challenges, learning new remedies, and benefits of herbs that I started incorporating into my daily diet.

One of the herbs I would like to share with you is the amazing benefits of Parsley!

There are several varieties of parsley: the common plain-leafed, the curl-leafed, the broad-leafed or Hamburg that is grown for it's fleshly taproot, and the celery-leafed or Italian.

 

 

Most people think of parsley as a garnish, but there is so much more to parley than meets the eye!

 

 

Therapeutic Actions:

*Antimicrobial

*Antiperiodic (juice)

*Antispasmodic

*Aperient

*Aromatic

*Carminative (seeds)

*Digestant

*Diruetic (lithotriptic)

*Emmenagogue (seeds)

*Expectorant

*Febrifuge (seeds)

*Hypotensive

*Laxative

*Nutritive

*Stomachic

*Tonic

*Vulnerary

 

Parsley is chiefly used for it's beneficial influence on the liver, kidneys, pancreas, and gallbladder, although it's contraindicated for inflammatory kidney disease.

 

Fresh raw parsley juice is a specific tonic for the adrenal glands and is a powerful tonic to the whole nervous and circulatory systems. Again, take small doeses, perferably mixed with carrot and celery juices, and do not use the concentrated juice if the kidneys are inflamed. Parsley has a high mineral content, particularly in iron, makes it valuable for anemia and muscle complaints. This is great for women to take before and during menstration.

 

It is used for acidosis, adrenal gland exhaustion (which I have used and has helped), Amenorrhea, anemia, arthritis, asthma, baldness, colic, conjunctivitis, convalescing, coughs, cystitis, dandruff, to decrease lactation, difficult urination, dropsy, dysmenorrhea, dysepsia, fevers, gallbladder tonic, gout, gravel in kidneys, hair growth (stimulation), halitosis, head lice, hepatitis, high blood pressure, insect bites and stings, jaundice, kidney tonic, irritation, inflammation, menstrual obstructions, nephritis, obesity, obstruction of liver or spleen, paiinful urination, pancreas, tonic, prostrate inflammation, rheumatism, sciatica, swollen glands, and thyroid tonic.

 

Parsley also has the reputation of absorbing the odor of garlic, which makes it useful for garlic eaters who value their social lives. :) It can lower the risk of cancer, enhance our immune system, reduce inflammation and so much more!! Here is some insight...

 

Lower your risk of cancer

 

Parsley is rich in a flavonoid known as apigenin which has been shown to reduce certain cancers, such as skin, breast and prostate cancer. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant.

Enhance your immune system and conquer inflammation

Parsley's essential oils have been proven to suppress overstimulated immune responses, which makes it a crucial player in the fight against allergies and autoimmune and persistent inflammatory disorders. Eugenol, one of the oils found in parsley, has been shown to have anti-arthritic properties. This oil, combined with the anti-inflammatory benefits of parsley, can significantly reduce joint swelling. Parsley can help protect us from many disorders such as diabetes, colon cancer and asthma.

Improve your heart

Parsley contains a significant amount of the B vitamin folic acid, also known as folate, which reduces homocysteine (an amino acid that can damage blood vessels) in our bodies, thus lowering the risk of stroke, heart attack and atherosclerosis (thickening of artery walls).

Ease urinary tract infections

Along with drinking cranberry juice, homeopathic experts list parsley as an antibiotic alternative to be used at the first signs of urinary tract infection. Be sure to check with a doctor if symptoms persist for more than a few days. ***THIS DOES WORK!!!***

Liver health

Two compounds found in parsley, apigenin and myristicin, boost the production of a liver enzyme which can detox our bodies. Additionally, a report on apigenin found that the compound also improves the effects of some drugs used to treat colon cancer. This is in line with a study published in February 2011 in the journal Clinical and Experimental Metastasis.

Fight bad breath

Parsley is chock full of chlorophyll, which has antibacterial properties. That is why people eat the parsley sprig from their plates after a meal. It fights oral bacteria that causes bad breath.

**Possible side effects**

Parsley can cause some side effects. Headaches can occur when first using parsley but often pass as your body becomes accustomed to the compounds. Also, higher levels of parsley can cause loss of equilibrium, so show care when walking until this side effect passes, should you experience it.

***Watch for signs of kidney damage when taking parsley supplements. These signs can include severe pain in the flanks, back pain, fever, abdominal swelling and blood in the urine.

In rare cases, seizures can occur when using high amounts of parsley supplements. Seizures can be either convulsions (writhing or jerking movements) or simply loss of awareness.

If any of these problems occur, visit a doctor or emergency room as soon as possible. Never hesitate to check with your primarycare physician before incorrporating herbs into your daily diet. Always look to see how long you should take an herb for as well. Some herbs you shouldn't take more than 7-14 days at a time with a rest period in between.

Sources:

Peterson, Dorene. "Module 7-Parsley. Herb201. Portland: American College of Healthcare and Science, 2013. 232-38. Print.

 

http://www.nutrition-and-you.com

http://www.naturalalternativeremedy.com

2014 ~ A New Year ~

Hello Everyone!

I just wanted to sit down and actually let everyone who reads this know how amazed I am reaching people all over the world. Thank you!

I realize I have been slacking on my blog and hopefully I will have some great things to share since I decided to go back to school for my Associates in Natural Medicine with a minor in Aromatherapy. Right now I am taking an Aromatherapy class and Herbal class. Once I am finished with school I hope to have an opportunity to study abroad then take my knowledge & passion to help others in a natural way that could be more cost effective as well as a natural benefit to their bodies. 

If there is anyone who reads this and would like to know something specific please hit the email icon at the bottom of the page and send me a message.  I am more than happy to try and help. 

Enjoy the 2014 year and all this year has in store for each one of you! 

Juliet 

No need to stress when the best way to spread cheer is Pampering yourself this year

Over the years I have learned to just relax when the crazy, busy season comes around. Realizing you make the Holiday's what you want, I have taken the anti-stress route. We deal with enough in our day to day lives that adding stress, sickness traveling through the air, the harsh cold weather drying out your skin, in-laws or family at your home for a long extended stay that you MUST take care of yourself in order to give to others. Here are some great little things you can do for yourself during the holidays.

 

Olive Oil Cleansing Lotion

1 teaspoon Liquid Soap

2 tablespoons Water

2 tablespoons Honey

½ cup Olive Oil

10 drops Sandalwood oil

5 drops Carrot Seed oil

 

Mix all ingredients together in a blender or by hand with a wire whisk until smooth and creamy. Pour into clean jar with a tight fitting lid and label. Put a small amount in the palm of your hand and massage into the skin of your hands. Work it into all the areas of your hands and wrists. Rinse with tepid water and pat dry. Follow with a small application of more oil massaged well into skin.

 

 Nail and Cuticle Treatment

1 teaspoon Jojoba oil

1 teaspoon Almond oil

½ teaspoon Vitamin E oil

10 drops Sandalwood

5 drops Myrrh 

Mix together and store in a clean container. Massage a small amount into your cuticles. Also works well for feet and toenails.

Sugar Scrub

1 teaspoon Sugar

Juice of ½ a Lemon

2 drops Spearmint oil 

Mix together ingredients and work into hands. Use as much water as necessary to make the desired consistency. Rinse well with cool water and follow with a moisturizer.

 

With any of these recipes, if you do them at night, you can add extra moisturizing by following them with Almond, Vitamin E, Apricot, or Olive oil. Massage well into skin and wear 100% cotton gloves to bed to keep the oil on your hands. Enjoy your time of pampering!

 

P.S. I want to say Thank you to everyone who takes the time to read my blog and try out new recipes. I hope you have enjoyed everything as much as I have enjoyed researching and typing it all out!

 

 

 

 

Gifts to give

The past few days I have received Holiday gift tips from Rocky Mountain Oils. I will share some of their tips and recipes for fun gifts to make for your friends and family. I am going to make a few of them this weekend to try out.

Sugar and Salt Scrubs:

 

Possible blends:

You can use any blend Rocky Mountain Oil sells, if it’s a scent your friend or loved one already likes.
A single oil is also a good choice. You might try: Lavender, Sandalwood, Blend of Rose, Jasmine, Rosewood, Palmarosa, Spearmint, or Peppermint.

 Blends:

10 drops Sandalwood and 6 drops Cardamom

5 drops each Peppermint, Lavender, and Tea Tree

4 drops Jasmine, 4 drops Ginger Root, 2 drops Cumin, 4 drops Neroli, and 6 drops Clary Sage

4 drops each Rosewood, Cedarwood, and Rosemary

3 drops Ylang Ylang, 2 drops Patchouli, and 3 drops Orange

 

For a sugar scrub add 1 Tablespoon oil (any kind of carrier oil you prefer), 1 cup fine Brown Sugar

 

For bath salts add 1 Tablespoon oil (any kind of carrier oil you prefer), 3 cups sea salt or unscented Epsom Salts

 
Add all ingredients to a ziploc bag, seal it and massage until oils including essential oils are completely mixed in.
Add to a cute jar with a lid. Label and wrap. They will love it!

www.rockymountainoils.com
www.mountainroseherbs.com

Holiday Kisses Lip Scrub

1 tablespoon Fine Brown Sugar

 

1 tablespoon Powdered Sugar

 

1 tablespoon Jojoba oil

 

10 drops Vanilla infusion (can substitute Pure Vanilla Extract)

 

3 drops Spearmint oil

Combine all ingredients in a ziploc bag, seal and massage bag until all ingredients are mixed together well. Store in a small glass jar with a lid. Lightly massage into the lips using circular motions, then rinse off. Use as frequently as needed. Discard after 6 months.

Also, if you are looking for another fun gift go to my previous post on Whipped Shea Body Butter. http://nelsonjuliet.blogspot.com/2012/12/whipped-shea-butter-recipe-for-hair-and.html I just made some this past weekend and packaged it in these cute little canning jars. GREAT Christmas present for the office, friends, or family!

Want to make your own Infused Olive Oil???

I made Infused Garlic oil, but you can add any kind of herb you would like.

 

Ingredients Needed

8oz fresh garlic (peeled and minced)

Olive Oil (warm and sufficient to cover)

 

*Note: If you try Rosemary, basil, Lavender, or any other kind of herb make sure you wash it well and chop it us so the oils from the leaves or flower can be absorbed by the olive oil.**

~Warm the oil in a bowl over a pot of water or a double boiler. Place the garlic or any kind of herb you would like to use in a large jar. Add sufficient oil to cover the herb. Shake and then place in a warm place for 2-3 days. Strain through cotton or muslin, bottle and keep refrigerated.


Last Christmas I made this for each of my co-workers as a Christmas gift and I was told by my boss that it was better than some of the olive oil shops she has go to for tastings. This is a fun and great homemade gift.

I buy Sciabicas olive oil- Marsala (I cook with this all the time, use for skin products for my face and dry skin in the winters)
http://sunshineinabottle.com/products/extra-virgin-olive-oil/marsala-1-gallon.html#.Uqs-eajn99A