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Ailments A - Z |
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Many customers have found our herbal products very useful for a wide variety of conditions since 1999 when we first began.
We have collected together information and advice about the most common and widespread ailments that we have had personal experience of and listed these from A-Z.
Click on any ailment to go to the item in the list. Alternatively, simply scroll down the list to find what you are interested in.
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1. ACNE ROSACEA
Recommendation: KUSWERA ZURO™ cream; SIMBA™ capsules
Acne Rosacea is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition, which is completely different to its relative 'acne vulgaris' (the more common form of acne). It affects women more than men and often doesn't flare up until middle age. Characterised by redness and enlargement of the nose due to swelling of sebaceous glands, it can also cause facial flushing, which is brought about by sudden dilation of the tiny capillary blood vessels supplying facial tissue.
Too much sun and hormonal changes can trigger Acne Rosacea. It accounts for about 1-3% of hospital consultations and affects thousands of people. Although this is not a life threatening condition, it can be very debilitating, especially for people who have never had skin problems.
How to use KUSWERA ZURO™ on Rosacea
Apply "KZ" sparingly twice daily, morning and evening, to affected areas, working well into the skin.
We have many customers who also benefit from taking SIMBA™, the African Potato tuber, an effective natural anti-inflammatory.
Diet
Avoid, or cut down on, the following:
- Chocolate
- Cows milk
- Sugar (including sugary drinks)
Eat lots of raw fruit and vegetables
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2. ACNE VULGARIS
Recommendation; PIMPLE PACK - contains THEMBA™ cream and African Tea Tree oil!!
If you suffer from acne, or even just the occasional spot, then you'll know that the affected skin is going through a trauma that makes it red and swollen. The last thing it needs is to be bombarded by harsh chemicals, especially when there are very effective natural alternatives around.
How to use the PIMPLE PACK
Morning and night at the very least, use the African Tea Tree Oil first by diluting a few drops in a little warm water and dabbing it onto the spot with a clean cotton bud. Then apply a small dab of THEMBA™ Herbal Skin Cream and work it really well into the affected area.
When you are away from home, use the travel pot of THEMBA™ by itself as many times a day as you like. Be sure to use clean fingers to rub the cream in.
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3. ALLERGIES
see also **Immune System problems**
Recommendation: SIMBA™ capsules
An allergy can often be due to a flaw in the immune system where the body over-reacts to an allergen, which is a substance that causes allergic reactions. Against these the body produces anti-bodies to fight off invaders. If we are 'allergic' such defence mechanisms over-react. When our immune system encounters an invader, it triggers a release of histamine from certain cells in order to destroy or disable the offending agent.
Depending on the allergic response, different parts of the body are affected. An unruly immune response to pollens in the upper respiratory tract results in sneezing, itchy eyes and a runny nose. The same pollen can cause a reaction in the lower respiratory tract with wheezing or asthmatic reactions.
SIMBA™, the African Potato tuber, is rich in plant sterols and sterolins (natural plant fats). These work by normalising the immune response and reducing certain immune factors that cause the release of histamine, resulting in the alleviation of allergic symptoms.
Researchers have shown that certain immune cells secrete factors that reduce IgE. This is the antibody that causes histamine to be released. Plant sterols and sterolins can help to slow down the overproduction of IgE. They also naturally increase the production of Gamma interferon. Gamma interferon is the immune factor that, among other things, shuts off the IgE production, thereby reducing allergic responses and stopping histamine release.
Inflammation is another result of allergies. Plant sterols and sterolins reduce Interleukin 6, an inflammatory agent known to cause damage to bronchial tissues during asthmatic attacks.
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4. ANKYLOSING SPONDYLITIS
Recommendation: SIMBA™ capsules
A chronic inflammatory condition attacking joints of the spine and sacroiliac. A genetic factor may be involved but this can also be caused by an abnormal immune response to infection. Sufferers report persistent pain and stiffness in buttocks and lower back and it can also be associated with poor chest expansion. It is worse on rising and after inactivity and rigidity develops in the neck and back over the years.
Customers have reported success using SIMBA™ in treating this condition.
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6. ATHLETE'S FOOT
Recommendation: SIMBA™ capsules
Athlete's foot is a fungal infection of the foot caused by parasites on the skin called dermatophytes. Dermatophytes can be divided into three groups according to their favourite hosts:
- fungi preferring soil (geophile)
- fungi preferring animals (zoophile)
- fungi preferring humans (anthropophile)
Athlete's foot is usually caused by anthropophile fungi. The most common species are Microsporum, Epidermophyton and Trichophyton. These account for 90 per cent of all skin fungal infections, commonly referred to as ringworm.
The medical terms for athlete's foot are tinea pedis or dermatophytosis palmaris, plantaris and interdigitalis - the latter indicates that, in addition to the soles and toes of the feet, the palms of the hands can also become infected.
Causes
Athlete's foot is a common condition in young people and adults. The fungi love warm, moist places with the result they are primarily a problem for people who wear tight-fitting trainers or don't dry their feet properly.
The condition is contagious. It can be spread by direct skin-to-skin contact and indirectly through towels, shoes, floors, etc.
Symptoms
There are two variants of the condition.
1. The infection is caused by one of the most common fungi. A red itchy rash in the spaces between the toes (often between the 4th and 5th toes initially) and possibly small pustules. Often a small degree of scaling and the infection can spread to the rest of the foot and other parts of the body.
2. Infection of the soles of both feet by Trichophyton rubrum (less common)
The skin reddens and its furrows become marked, resembling chalked lines. If the condition is not treated, a similar rash may appear on one or both palms. After a while, the rash becomes scaly, resembling eczema.
Treatment
+ Wash the feet every day and allow them to dry properly before putting on shoes and socks
+ Use a separate towel to dry your feet
+ To avoid passing the infection on you should not share these towels with anyone else
+ Wear socks made of cotton or wool, and change them at least twice a day or when they have become damp
+ Avoid wearing shoes which are made of synthetic materials
+ Wear sandals or leather shoes instead
+ Powder the feet and the inside of the shoes with an antifungal powder
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8. BITES & STINGS
Recommendation: THEMBA™ cream
An insect sting typically causes an intense, burning pain. This is quickly followed by a patch of redness and a small area of swelling (up to 1 cm) around the sting. This usually eases and goes within a few hours. A generalised reaction usually develops within 10 minutes of a sting. It can be fairly mild, for example, a generalised itchy rash and some mild facial swelling. In some cases it is severe and life-threatening, for example, severe difficulty breathing and collapse. A severe generalised allergic reaction is called anaphylaxis and is a medical emergency.
THEMBA™ can be helpful used as for bites and applied hourly until the reaction calms down.
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9. BURNS & SCALDS
Recommendation: THEMBA™ cream
Scalds are caused by moist heat, burns by dry heat but their treatment is the same. There are six degrees of burns; anything beyond the first degree (skin not broken) and second degree (blisters and broken skin) should receive hospital treatment.
For minor scalds and burns apply THEMBA™ immediately and continue to apply sparingly, at least twice daily, until healed.
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10. CANDIDA or "Thrush"
Recommendation: FILISA™ capsules
Thrush (Candida albicans)
The fungus Candida albicans is present in most people, and lives in the mouth and digestive system. It usually lives in harmony with us and rarely causes problems. Thrush is an infection caused by this yeast like fungus. Small numbers of Candida also commonly live on the skin and around the vaginal area. These are usually harmless. The immune system and the harmless bacteria that also normally live on the skin and in the vagina generally stop Candida from thriving.
However, in certain situations, such as during illness when the immune system is compromised, or when using antibiotics or undergoing chemotherapy, the fungi can multiply and cause thrush symptoms.
Intertrigo is another yeast infection of skin folds caused by Candida albicans. It affects areas of the body that have skin touching skin such as the armpits, groin, and under breasts or fat folds, where the environment is warm and moist.
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11. CHOLESTEROL
Recommendation: SIMBA™ capsules
The build-up of cholesterol in the artery walls is called "arteriosclerosis" and it narrows the arteries so that the flow of blood to the heart is restricted or blocked. With less blood, the heart gets less oxygen which may cause chest pain, heart attack, or even death.
Cholesterol build-up is the most common cause of heart attack. Heredity, diet, age, gender, weight, smoking and physical activity can all affect blood cholesterol levels. Other risk factors, such as smoking and high blood pressure, can compound the effect of cholesterol as a risk factor for coronary heart disease. Heart disease has the highest death rate of all diseases today.
The cholesterol problem
Despite its bad reputation, a certain amount of cholesterol is necessary to sustain life. The body uses cholesterol to form cell membranes and it is also an ingredient in various hormones. The body produces about 1,000 milligrams of cholesterol each day, to maintain health. Food provides another source of cholesterol, which comes from saturated fat found in animal products, including egg yolks, meat, fish, poultry and dairy foods. Just like oil and water, cholesterol and blood don't mix. So the liver manufactures special carriers called lipoproteins to ferry cholesterol around.
Total cholesterol level is made up of Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL), High- Density Lipoprotein (HDL) and Triglycerides.
- Low-density lipoprotein, or LDL, is the major carrier of cholesterol to body tissues and when there's too much LDL in the blood, cholesterol may find its way into artery walls. Some people call LDL "bad' cholesterol.
- High density lipoprotein, or HDL, apparently collects loose fragments of cholesterol from the blood and transports them to the liver for repackaging or disposal. Some people call HDL "good" cholesterol, because it clears the bloodstream of cholesterol.
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12. CFS - CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME
Also known as ME/Myalgic Encephalitis
Recommendation: SIMBA™ capsules
CFS is a debilitating illness that can potentially ruin previously happy and fulfilled lives. It tends to strike otherwise fit and healthy people and sufferers are left with weakened immunity, impaired digestion, compromised adrenal function, food allergies and aching limbs.
A chronic neuromuscular illness that appears to follow infection by enteroviruses with viral material in the muscles. May follow influenza and/or periods of stress that devastate the immune system. The function of the immune system is to arrest the action of viruses and bacteria but, when it ceases to act, the body intelligence cannot tell the difference between a normal reaction and an alien one. It begins to attack it's own weapons of defence - the antibodies.
Many customers have benefited from taking SIMBA™, the Afican Potato tuber.
Diet
- Low salt and fat
- High fibre
- Wholegrains
- Fresh fruit & vegetables
- Fish oils
- Avoid, or cut right down on, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, yeast and dairy products
- Tranquillisers that decrease physical and mental activity should be avoided
- Avoid food/drink with any additives.
Supplements
+ High strength multi-vitamins
+ Beta carotene
+ Vitamin B12
+ Vitamin C
+ Zinc
+ Ginseng can be of value as an anti-depressant
+ Evening Primrose Oil - clinical trials show that this can help to treat symptoms
+ Liquorice can be of benefit and ties in with one of the latest theories about the underlying causes of CFS. It contains glycyrrhizinic acid which supports the adrenal glands, often affected in CFS.
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13. COLD SORES
Recommendation: THEMBA™ cream
Cold Sores affect the face, mouth and eyes. They usually appear around the mouth where they ulcerate and form a scab.
How to use THEMBA™ on Cold Sores
Use Themba when the tingling is first felt. If the cold sore develops, apply small amounts of Themba every hour throughout the day until the sore heals.
Other things you can do
- Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables
- Eating natural, live yoghurt can be beneficial
- Avoid too much coffee, chocolate, nuts, wholewheat products and oatmeal which are high in the amino acids arginine.
- Take a good lysine supplement (Arginine aids the growth and reproduction of the herpes virus while lysine inhibits it)
- Cold sores may indicate a deficiency of calcium and medical research has shown that people with cold sores may be low in B12. Folic acid may also help
- Replace your toothbrush after an attack
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14. CUTS & SCRAPES
Recommendation: THEMBA™ cream
A cut is a minor injury which permits the escape of blood and may thus lead to infection. If the wound is a small puncture, wash with soap and water and dry well. Wipe with distilled extract of witch hazel or dilute a few drops of tea tree oil in some warm water and apply.
Apply THEMBA™ and leave uncovered unless the cut is deep.
Alternatively, if the wound needs covering, apply some THEMBA™ to the bandage or plaster before dressing. Continue to apply THEMBA™ sparingly at least twice daily until healed.
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15. DEPRESSION, STRESS, ANXIETY, GRIEF
Recommendation: FILISA™ capsules
There are more than 40 events that can create the range of human emotions associated with depression, stress, anxiety and grief. Death of a loved one, divorce, estrangements, career problems, financial changes and health issues head the list. Whether the loss was recent or long ago, it may still be limiting your ability to participate fully in life. All of these are extremely stressful to the body and can quite often give rise to the "I am out of control' syndrome.
Dr Schleifer of the Mount Sinai School of Medicine in New York says that evidence exists that such emotions are related to a suppression of white cell function. As long as one year may elapse before a normal blood pattern is regained. Grief is also known to make changes in hormone production and invariably centres on the reproductive system manifesting as a uterine or prostate disturbance.
FILISA™ (Sutherlandia Frutescens) contains an inhibitory neuro-transmitter called GABA which would account for the use of the plant for anxiety and stress and for the improvement of mood and well-being experienced by many patients. Sutherlandia has been traditionally used for centuries as a supportive treatment for emotional shock and stress. One of it's African names 'motlepelo' means 'bringing back the heart'
SIMBA™ (African potato tuber) contains phytosterols which are clinically proven for their ability to balance and regulate the immune system, thereby restoring normal immune functioning.
Following periods of acute stress our immune system can become imbalanced and this leaves the door open for opportunistic diseases and infections to attack the body when it is at it's lowest ebb. Never forget that 'disease' simply means your body is not 'at ease' with itself.
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17. ECZEMA
Recommendation: THEMBA™ cream; OSHANA™ cream
The word ‘eczema’ comes from Greek words that mean ‘to boil over’. ‘Dermatitis’ comes from the Greek word for skin and both terms refer to exactly the same skin condition. For simplicity eczema is the term generally used here, although the two words are interchangeable.
Eczema is an itchy inflammation of the skin associated to a varying degree with other features such as:
- redness of affected areas of skin
- generally dry skin, which is often thickened in the areas that have been scratched
- lumps or blisters in affected areas
- signs of superficial infection such as weeping or crusty deposits.
Bathing
+ Put two handfuls of oatmeal in an old sock and hold it under the running water. Then use the sock as a sponge on the body. This is the best skin softener that you can use.
+ Do not use commercial bath products, soaps or shampoos.
Diet
- Avoid cows milk. Goats milk has met with some success for this condition. Cut down on dairy products.
- Eczema sufferers can have a metabolic deficiency of linoleic acid which is found in evening primrose oil.
- Children with eczema often have low levels of serum zinc.
In General
- Avoid compounds with lanolin and coconut oil, which may contain coal tar.
- Don't use biological washing powders.
- Itching may be helped by chickweed lotion or nettle tincture (latter is not suitable for children under two years of age)
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18. FATIGUE
Recommendation: SIMBA™ capsules
General fatigue can affect us for all sorts of reasons. We may be recovering from a viral, bacterial or fungal infection or we may have physically pushed our body beyond it's normal limits. Fatigue can be the body's way of telling us to 'slow down'. Fatigue, when associated with other symptoms, can also be associated with impaired thyroid function, which can quite easily be checked by a doctor.
An increasing number of people also suffer from Seasonal Adjustment Disorder (SAD). Also known as the Winter blues, symptoms generally start in September and can last until April with feelings of fatigue and lethargy being very common and always at their worst during the darkest months. Bereavement and stress can also make us feel exhausted and unable to cope with everyday life. SIMBA™ can be helpful in this situation and is used to balance and regulate the immune system.
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19. GRIEF
see under **Depression, Stress, Anxiety, Grief**
Recommendation: FILISA™ capsules
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21. IMMUNE SYSTEM
Recommendation: SIMBA™ capsules
With the discovery of antibiotic resistant bacteria, it has become apparent that the only way we can defend ourselves is to strengthen our immune system. We all have an important internal army which, when it is working efficiently, can destroy bacteria, viruses, fungi, and even cancer cells, very effectively. Unfortunately, our poor immune system is suffering from bad nutrition (mainly due to the way our food is processed and manufactured and the additives in it), stress, and environmental toxins.
It has only been very recently that we have come to understand our immune system. All our body systems are intricately connected. Even our nervous system is connected to our immune system and this makes us aware of the importance of our thoughts and feelings. We know that loneliness results in immune suppressing action and that laughter and happiness increase and enhance the actions of our immune cells.
Our gut is also surrounded by powerful immune factors that ward off invaders such as bacteria and parasites that enter our body via food. Our skin is the largest immune organ, protecting us when it is intact and excreting immune agents that fight the bacteria when it is wounded. All of the entrances to our body contain potent immune factors in their secretions, to protect us.
We are born with immune cells that quickly destroy offending agents. These include macrophages and natural killer cells (NK cells) Macrophages devour foreign or abnormal looking cells, bacteria and fungi and NK cells target cancer cells and virus infected cells.
We must provide our body's immune system with the fuel to help it fight it's never ending battle. We should limit our sugar consumption (one teaspoon of sugar can inhibit immune cells for up to 6 hours) We should eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables (organic wherever possible), eliminating the 'bad' fats in margarine, oils etc helps enhance immunity, and we should try to limit our consumption of pesticides and fungicides which are known to inhibit immune function.
T cells are the generals in our immune army. They include helper T cells, cytotoxic T cells and suppressor T cells. . Helper T cells excrete proteins that regulate our immune function. There are two types of helper T cells. (Th1 and Th2) When these two cells are in balance we are healthy. When we are sick with CFS/Epstein Barr virus,cancer, colds, flu, or infectious diseases, such as Hepatitis C, HIV and TB, our Th1 cells are suppressed. When we have allergies, auto-immune disorders (such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, lupus,myasthenia gravis and MS) and inflammatory conditions such as osteo-arthritis and fibromyalgia, our Th2 cells are overactive and secreting too many inflammatory immune factors.
Researchers evaluating plant nutrients have found that plant fats, namely sterols and sterolins (also called phytosterols), optimise immunity by balancing T helper cells. This is a very delicate balancing act. Plant sterols and sterolins are effective at enhancing an underactive immune system or decreasing an overactive one.
In auto-immune conditions, the immune system becomes confused and starts attacking the body it is meant to protect. Complex sequences of events take place on a minute to minute basis as our immune system tries to protect us from invaders. The key to health is keeping these Th1 and Th2 cells in harmonious balance and plant sterols and sterolins appear to naturally balance the activity of these cells. These plant fats keep the Th1 cells functioning at their optimal level and keep the Th2 cells from overproducing antibodies and inflammatory agents. Inflammation decreases, pain subsides and damaged tissues begin to heal. Your body is now doing the work it is supposed to do in the correct way. It just needed a bit of help! Don't forget that the immune system is programmed for health, not disease.
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22. LUPUS
See also **Immune System**
Recommendation: SIMBA™ capsules
Lupus is a disease in which the immune system becomes overactive and can affect any organ of the body. Symptoms can be diverse, including for example fatigue, rashes, allergies, depression and kidney failure.
All ages and genders can be affected, but the commonest sufferers are young females, the peak ages being between 18 and 45.
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24. MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS
Recommendation: SIMBA™ capsules
A brain and spinal cord disorder with damage to nerve sheaths.
Nerve fibres are protected by myelin sheaths which, like an electric flex, insulates nerve structures. When damaged in different places, demyelination shows in the form of plaques which interfere with the transmission of nerve impulses and tissue nutrients.
Symptoms
Symptoms depend on the particular nerves affected and are not consistent (but generally include):
- pins and needles in arms or/and legs
- muscle cramps
- weakness of legs
- walking difficulties
- 'always tired'
- urinary,& bladder problems
- blurring of vision
- clumsy movements (ataxia)
- vertigo
Symptom free periods may extend for months even years, although relapses may be triggered by emotional crisis, physical injury, the pill, influenza and other infections.
MS seems to be more common in families that eat excessive meat, fat, butter and dairy products, but with too little vegetable fat. Linoleic acid levels in the blood of MS patients are abnormally low especially during relapse. Evening primrose oil is claimed to make up the deficiency. Interestingly, ethnic people with a diet wholly of fish (eg:Eskimos) seldom develop this disease.
Diet
+ A diet rich in essential fatty acids appears to arrest deterioration (MS Unit Central Middlesex Hospital)
+ High protein
+ Low fat (with oily fish)
+ Sugar free
+ Gluten free
+ Cholesterol free (avoid milk and dairy products)
+ Drink grape juice
+ Eat red beet
+ Use vegetable oils
+ Drink dandelion coffee.
Avoid coffee and caffeine stimulants.
+ Nerve sheaths require calcium. Herbs which increase calcium levels: oats, lobelia, horsetail
+ Evening Primrose oil makes good a deficiency of linoleic acid for efficient function of the brain (4 x 500mg capsules daily)
+ Omega 3 fish oil capsules may help (For Vegetarians: The herb Purslane is a rich source of non-fish EFA)
Vitamins & Minerals
- B complex
- Vitamin C (500 - 1000mg) daily
- Vitamin E (200iu) daily
- Some authorities recommend the maximum dosage of B12
- Dismutase enzymes (see SOD below) *
- Manganese and zinc
- Dismutase enzymes (SOD) *
A dismutase enzyme is a biologically active enzyme complex present in most human cells and capable of converting tissue-damaging oxygen free radicals (highly reactive cellular toxins) into less harmful substances that can be excreted from the body through the usual eliminatory channels.
Evidence shows that a number of chronic diseases including MS, diabetes, arthritis, even cancer, are the result of free radical damage. SOD is derived from a natural wheat sprout extract from specially cultured wheat that is hypoallergenic. It stimulates and supports the immune system, neutralises toxins and minimises tissue damage in wasting diseases and organ transplantation. Protecting oxygen levels in body cells, it allays the ageing process and alleviates circulatory disorders.
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25. NAIL INFECTIONS
Recommendation: THEMBA™ cream (topically), FILISA™ capsules
Nail infections
Onychomycosis is the name for any fungal nail infection. Tinea unguium (ringworm of the nails) is a common infection. The nails become malformed, thickened and crumbly. Not all nails affected like this are caused by fungal infections, but it is a common cause. Toenail infections are commonly linked with athlete's foot. Fingernails can be affected too.
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26. OSTEOARTHRITIS
Recommendation: SIMBA™ capsules
Osteo arthritis is the erosion of cartlidge of a joint with pain and stiffness. 'Wear and tear' arthritis of the over 50's affecting hands, knees, spine or hips.This condition is common in the elderly and menopausal women. Biochemical changes in the cartilidge stimulate overgrowth of bone cells (hyperplasia) which is an effort by the body to correct the disturbance. the aged sometimes suffer from a diminished supply of hydrochloric acid in the stomach, which is necessary for normal calcium metabolism. An effective substitute is 2 teaspoons of cider vinegar in a glass of water sipped before or during meals.
A good cod liver oil supplement such as Lambert's 1000mg, which contains 300mg Omega 3 fatty acids per capsule can be helpful. Cod liver oil is the chief of the iodised oils and can reach and nourish cartilidge by the process of osmosis. It's constituents filter into cartilidge, imparting increased elasticity which prevents degeneration.
SIMBA™, the African Potato tuber, is also beneficial due to it's potent natural natural anti-inflammatory properties. A low fat, low salt, high fibre diet with plenty of oily fish is recommended and lemon juice and other citrus fruits should be avoided. Lemon juice may remove some calculi from the body but later begins to remove calcium from the bones.
A hot epsom salt bath twice weekly could also be beneficial.
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27. PMS / PMT
Recommendation: FILISA™ capsules
PRE-MENSTRUAL SYNDROME
For 20 days a month, a woman may be perfectly happy and well balanced. For the next week or 10 days her whole outlook can be changed. From a capable, able to cope woman, she suddenly finds herself at the mercy of a bewildering diversity of symptoms, leaving her depressed and irritable and emotional.
- Hormones The two important female hormones, progesterone and oestrogen, are at their highest levels during the premenstrual period. Drugs that suppress them also relieve symptoms, indicating that they play some causal role.
- Neurotransmitters Each hormone is involved in the regulation of two neurotransmitters, serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid ( GABA). These brain chemicals have properties that protect against PMS symptoms.
- Progesterone and GABA Certain chemicals involved with the synthesis of progesterone may be responsible for some aspects of PMS. In one study, women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder had lower levels of progesterone and higher than normal levels of a progesterone derivative called allopregnanolone. This imbalance was, in turn, associated with lower levels of stress hormones, which have been associated with depression. Such imbalances also impair the responses of the neurotransmitter GABA, which may protect against anxiety.
FILISA™, Sutherlandia Frutescens, naturally contains GABA and can be used to help with the symptoms of PMS and also to relieve STRESS, ANXIETY and DEPRESSION.
FILISA™ is also used during BEREAVEMENT where it has been shown to help greatly.
FILISA™ can also help with the irritability and mood swings that can be associated with the MENOPAUSE
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28. PROSTATE problems
Recommendation: SIMBA™ capsules
Although it is not known why only some men develop prostate problems, it is clear that advancing age is the prime risk factor.
Age & Diet
Although it is not known why only some men develop prostate problems, it is clear that advancing age is the prime risk factor. Eating a diet that is low in fat and rich in fruit and vegetables (five portions per day) may well help to reduce the risk of prostate cancer and has been proven to bring other health benefits. Decrease your intake of coffee, alcohol, fried foods and sugar. A daily zinc supplement is also helpful. Exercise moderately.
How do plant sterols and sterolins help?
Plant sterols and sterolins (plant fats) have been shown to be effective at eliminating the symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hypertrophy (BPH).German urologists have been prescribing sterols and sterolins for prostate conditions, instead of prescription drugs, for over 20 years with excellent results.
Researchers evaluating these plant fats have found that they appear to optimise immunity by balancing T helper cells, the 'generals' in our immune system. The immune system protects us against attack from without and within. It targets viruses, yeast, fungus and bacterium, and seeks and destroys cancer cells.
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29. PSORIASIS
Recommendation: THEMBA™ cream; SIMBA™ capsules
Linked to an abnormal immune response and classed by many as an auto-immune
disorder, psoriasis can be a very distressing condition causing unsightly
red, scaly patches usually on the elbows, knees, feet, legs, scalp and lower
back.
An attack can be caused by acute illness,injury or by emotional upsets all
of which can have a devastating effect on our finely tuned immune system.
Skin cells go into a frenzy of overdrive. In non-sufferers it will take
around 45 days for the outside layer of skin (the epidermis)to replace
itself. In psoriasis, this process takes just a few days and results in a
build up of dead skin cells and the formulation of thick scales (also known
as skin 'plaque')
Psoriasis is a non-contagious condition and there is usually a history of it
somewhere in the family.
A combination of THEMBA™ herbal skin cream and SIMBA™, African potato tuber,
capsules have been shown to be very effective for this
condition. THEMBA™, used topically on the skin, heals and soothes and
SIMBA™, the african potato tuber, works to balance and regulate the immune
system. Please be patient and persevere with this treatment.
Bathing
+ Baths should not be taken hot, but tepid.
+ Fill an old sock or tights with bran oatmeal or elderflowers and infuse for half an hour in a pint of boiling water. Strain and pour the infusion into the bath. Use the sock/tights as a sponge. This will soften the skin naturally.
+ Do not use bath preparations unless completely natural.
Diet
Interestingly, Eskimos do not suffer from psoriasis because their diet is chiefly fish.
- Eat oily fish or use purslane, which is rich in EFA's for a vegetarian alternative
- Low fat, low salt and high fibre diets can be beneficial for skin disorders
- Dairy products should be eaten in moderation
- Drink Soya milk in preference to cows milk
- Low levels of essential fatty acids are frequently found in the blood of those suffering from chronic skin disorders. Evening primrose oil is a rich source of EFA's, particularly in conjunction with fish oils.
Itching
The high potassium and low salt content of bananas may help to reduce itching. For severe itching also try using nettle tincture.
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30. RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS
Recommendation: SIMBA™ capsules
A chronic disease of connective tissue, more common in women than in men. In Britain at least one person in 20 has it at some time. Generally thought to be an auto-immune disease where the sufferer's natural defence against infection attacks his or her own tissues and the body over-produces inflammatory agents such as Interleukin 6 (ILL6). The characteristic feature is a small knot or nodule of inflamed fibrous tissue: these tender nodules are often just under the skin. Most of the symptoms arise from inflammation of the fibrous connective tissue around the joints. Any joint can be affected, but the knuckle joints, knees and wrists tend to suffer most.
A cod liver oil supplement and diet as for osteo-arthritis. SIMBA™, the African Potato tuber, can be beneficial to restore normal immune functioning and help with inflammation.
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31. RINGWORM
Recommendation: THEMBA™ cream (topically), FILISA™ capsules
Ringworm (Tinea corporis)
This affects the body, often in exposed areas like the abdomen or on limbs, causing red patches. They are scaly at the edge with clear skin at the centre. The patches spread out from the centre. It can be caught from domestic animals.
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32. RINGWORM of the groin "Jock Itch"
Recommendation: THEMBA™ cream (topically), FILISA™ capsules
Ringworm of the groin (Tinea cruris)
This is called "jock itch" because it occurs in sportspeople. It causes an itchy, red rash in the groin and surrounding area and is commonly seen in men who have been sweating a lot. Often you also have athlete's foot, and scratching your feet followed by the groin may spread the infection.
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33. SAD
Recommendation: FILISA™ capsules
Often called "SAD Syndrome", "Seasonal Affective Disorder", "Seasonal Affected Disorder" or just plain "SAD Disorder",the terms 'Winter Depression' or 'Winter Blues' are also sometimes used for this condition, especially when describing milder types of SAD.
What is SAD?
Animals react to the changing seasons with changes in mood, metabolism and behaviour and human beings are just the same. Most people find they eat and sleep slightly more in winter and dislike the dark mornings and short days. For some, however, symptoms are severe enough to disrupt their lives and to cause considerable distress. These people are suffering from SAD.
How does it affect people?
Sufferers have to endure most of the following:
- Sleep problems - oversleeping but not refreshed, cannot get out of bed, needing a nap in the afternoon
- Overeating - carbohydrate craving leading to weight gain
- Depression, despair, misery, guilt, anxiety - normal tasks become frustratingly difficult
- Family / social problems - avoiding company, irritability, loss of libido, loss of feeling
- Lethargy - too tired to cope, everything becomes an effort
- Physical symptoms - often joint pain or stomach problems, lowered resistance to infection
- Behavioural problems - especially in young people
The symptoms tend to start from around September each year lasting until April, but are at their worst in the darkest months.
Who does it affect?
The standard figure says that around 2% of people in Northern Europe suffer badly, with many more (10%) putting up with milder symptoms (sub-syndromal SAD or the Winter Blues). Across the world the incidence increases with distance from the equator, except where there is snow on the ground, when it becomes less common. More women than men are diagnosed as having SAD. Children and adolescents are also vulnerable.
What causes it?
The problem stems from the lack of bright light in winter. Researchers have proved that bright light makes a difference to the brain chemistry, although the exact means by which sufferers are affected is not yet known. It is not a psychosomatic or imaginary illness.
What can help?
As well as opting for light therapy,in the form of a lightbox, FILISA™
(Sutherlandia Frutescens) can also help to deal with the depression and
anxiety associated with this seasonal disorder. One of the key compounds found in FILISA™ is GABA, an inhbitory neuro-transmitter, a lack of which can lead to depression. FILISA™ puts GABA naturally back in to the body and this accounts for the feelings of well-being associated with this remarkable supplement, which we also use for grief, panic attacks and PMT.
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36. VERRUCAS
Recommendation: THEMBA™ cream
A verruca (plantar wart) is a wart on the sole of the foot. Verrucas are slightly raised and circular in shape, with a thickened rim of surrounding skin. The surface may have black dots ('pepper-pot' appearance). There may be several verrucas or just one and are always highly contagious.
In children, verrucas tend to come and go quite quickly, but in adults they can persist for several years if they are not treated.
Verrucas are commonly contracted in communal places such as swimming pools, showers and changing areas. If you want to minimize the risk, wear flip-flops in the shower area.
How to use THEMBA™ on a Verruca
Apply THEMBA™ herbal skin cream regularly (at least twice a day) and try, if possible, to apply every hour or so. Be patient and persevere with this treatment. THEMBA™ is also effective in the treatment of cold sores, viral warts and shingles indicating that it may possess some anti-viral activity.
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37. VIRAL WARTS
Recommendation: THEMBA™ cream
Small rough tumour of the outer layer of the skin, warts are almost certainly caused by a virus infection. Warts can disappear spontaneously but the virus can lie dormant and resume it's activity at a later date. Warts can be very unpredicatable and there are many different types.
Warts of all types can be treated with THEMBA™ and the cream should be applied hourly, whenever possible.
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