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THE ACADEMY OF HEALING NUTRITION

Holistic Health & Counseling Practitioner Professional Certification Course

Chinese Herbs and Home Remedies Natural approach to many modern aliments Chinese Herbal Medicine Home Remedies Woman’s Health issues

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Study Guide 4

Natural Healing: Chinese Herbs and Home Remedies Contents

The Way of Chinese Herbs 6 Categorizing Herbs 6 Use of Chinese Herbs 8 Chinese Herbal Recipes 9 Qi and Blood 10

Recipes for Nourishing the Blood 11 Liver Qi 13 Liver Yang 13

Recipes to Supplement Liver Qi 14 Additional Tonic Recipes 16 Recipes to Eliminate Heat, Cold, Wind, & Phlegm 17 Recipes for Invigorating Qi 18 Seasonal Chinese Herbal Recipes 19

Spring: Supplement and Harmonize Wood 20 Summer Recipes: Supplement and Harmonize Fire 22 Autumn Recipes: Supplement and Harmonize Metal 22 Winter Recipes: Supplement and Harmonize Water 23

Home Remedies 26 Treatment With Home Remedies 26

Acute Conditions 26 Chronic Conditions 27

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Acute Conditions: A Closer Look 29 Cuts 29 Burns and Scalds 29

Using Home Remedies 30 Home Remedy Treatment Types 30

Water 30 Bath Therapy 31 Bath Recipes 32

Compresses 36 Cold Compresses 36 Hot Compresses 36 Compress Recipes 37

Plaster and Poultice 45 Plaster and Poultice Recipes 45 Points to Remember when using Compresses and Plasters 53

Mud and Clay Packs 53 Hot Treatments 54

Hot Treatment Recipes 56 Tea and Tonic Recipes 57

Home Study and Review 58

Dietary Advice for Specific Conditions 59 Arthritis 59 Glucose Intolerance 65

Hypoglycemia 65 Diabetes 66

The Cause of Diabetes 67 Hyperglycemia and the Pancreas 67

Dietary Advice for Specific Conditions Part 2 70 The Physiology of the Digestive System 70 Problems and Diseases of the Digestive System 72

Candida Albicans (also called Thrush): 72 Coeliac Disease 73 Colitis: 73 Constipation: 73

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Diarrhea: 73 Diverticulosis 74 Duodenal Ulcer: 74 Flatulence: 74 Gallstones: 75 Gastroenteritis: 75 Irritable Bowel Syndrome: 75 Malabsorption: 75 Overacidity 76 Pancreatic Insufficiency: 76 Peptic (Stomach) Ulcer: 76 Stomach Ulcer 76 Stomach Cramps and Swelling 79 Hernias 80 Worms 81 Colds 82

Expansive Colds 83 Contractive Colds 83

Coughs 84 Mucus Cough 84 Dry Cough 85

Sore Throats 85 Tonsillitis 86 Fatigue 87 Hyperactivity 89 Emotional Imbalances 92


Dietary Advice for Specific Conditions Part 3 94 Headaches 94

Migraines 94 Environmental Headaches 95 Muscle Contractions 95 Cluster Headaches 95 Organic Headaches 95

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Posttraumatic Headaches 95 Exertion Headaches 95 Expansive Headaches 96 Contraction Headaches 96 Hypertension (High Blood Pressure) 97 H.I.V. AIDS and Other Immune Deficiency Diseases 99


Dietary Advice for Specific Conditions Part 4 103 The Heart 103

Circulation 104 Pulse rate 104 Blood Pressure 105

Conditions of the Blood 108 Cerebral Hemorrhage/Thrombosis (Stroke) 108 Abnormal Blood Pressure: Hypertension and Hypotension 111 Hemophilia: 111

Vitamins for Good Blood 112

Eating for Women’s Health: Female Conditions & Ailments112 Stagnant Blood 112 Menstrual Irregularities 113

Dysmenorrhoea 113 Recipes for Cold Dysmenorrhoea 114

Dysmenorrhoea Caused by Stagnation of Qi and/or Blood 114 Recipes for Dysmenorrhoea Caused by Stagnation of Qi and/or Blood 115

Dysmenorrhoea Caused by Liver Qi Stagnation (Excess) 115 Recipes for Dysmenorrhoea Caused by Liver Qi Stagnation 115

PMS 116 PMS Caused by Stagnation of Liver Qi 116

Recipes for PMS Caused by Stagnation of Liver Qi 118 PMS Caused by Deficiency of Spleen Yang and Kidney Yang 119 PMS Caused by a Deficiency of Blood and Yin 119

Recipes for Building Blood 119 Menopause 122

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Menopause and Traditional Chinese Medicine 123 Women’s Herbs: Specific Nutrients for a Healthy Menopause 124 Food Guidelines for Menopausal Women 127

Recipes for Menopausal Women 128 Women’s Health Considerations 130

Pregnancy 130 Post Partum 131 Care for Children 131 Osteoporosis 132

Recipes for High Calcium Soups 132

A Closer Look: Maintaining A Natural & Healthy Pregnancy133 Stages of Pregnancy 134 The Early Months of Health 135 Problems During Pregnancy 136

Anemia 136 Leg Cramps 137 Constipation 137 Varicose Veins 137 Stretch Marks 138 Harmful Products During Pregnancy 138

Sugar 138 Alcohol 138 Cigarettes 139 Drugs 140

Yin and Yang Conditions 140 Abnormal Bleeding 140 Miscarriage 140

Natural Procedures Following Delivery 140 Diet and the Mother 141 Lactation 141 Baby Food 142


Appendix: Food Energetics Chart 144

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Natural Healing: Chinese Herbs and Home Remedies Disclaimer: The suggestions contained within are lifestyle suggestions. By no means should this information be construed as medical advice. You need to be aware of the difference.

The Way of Chinese Herbs

In Chinese Medicine, herbs are plant, mineral and animal substances that reorganize the body constituents (qi, moisture and blood) within organ networks and oust the adverse climates (wind, heat, cold, dry, damp).

Categorizing Herbs

Herbs are used for both prevention and cure. Not all herbs have specific influences on particular organ networks. The categories and qualities most pertinent in categorizing herbs include its:

Nature: Warm, cool or neutral

Taste: Sour, bitter, sweet, salty and pungent. The actions related to these tastes are as follows:

• Sour: Astringent action that concentrates qi downward.

• Bitter: Eliminative action that discharges qi downward.

• Sweet: Nourishing action and harmonizing that slows qi down.

• Salty: Softening action that dissolves congealed qi.

• Pungent: Stimulating action that accelerates and raises qi.

Aroma: Aromatic herbs, such as musk, are drying and therefore dispel wind and phlegm.

Configuration: Shape, texture, and moisture. Related to the idea of like cures like, as discussed earlier in the Doctrine of Signatures.

Color: Affects organs, e.g. yellow relates to stomach and spleen (5 element theory).


Properties: Tonifying, consolidating, purging, and dispersing indicate the potential of an herb to produce a particular result in the body. These properties are further explained as follows:

• Tonify: To augment, support, strengthen, and replenish. Strengthens metabolism and absorption and generates blood, moisture and qi. Tonics generally act primarily on the spleen and secondarily on the lungs. Tonifying herbs increase what benefits and constitutes an organism (qi, moisture and blood). They preserve life and sustain health. Tonifying herbs are often added to dispersing and purging formulas to protect the righteous qi of the body.

• Consolidate: To gather together. Concentrates qi, moisture and blood, relieving patterns of leakage and slackness. This is done to prevent the loss of normal substances by inhibiting excess sweating, mucous discharge, urination, diarrhea or hemorrhaging. The goal is to astringe by restraining and tightening without hardening or drying, giving tissue more tone.

• Purge: To expel. Rids the body of accumulations that have become obstructive, eliminates noxious substances and counters severe or chronic patterns or stagnation. These herbs work through the lungs, skin, bowels, nose, uterus, stomach and bladder. Purging herbs are used for chronic accretions that persist such as tumors, cysts, boils or other hardening tissue. If a person is deficient, purging herbs are often combined with tonifying or consolidating herbs.

• Disperse: To move. Dispersing redistributes qi, moisture and blood throughout the body, disseminating them from one part to another and relieving patterns of stagnation and over concentration. They assist with internal and peripheral circulation and promote fluid metabolism and peristalsis as well as eliminate muscle spasms and remove air trapped in the chest and abdomen. Dispersing herbs also help dispel noxious accumulation or intrusions of heat, cold, dampness and wind.

An example of categorizing an herb:

Herb: Fresh Ginger Root

Color and Aroma: Yellow, fragrant and sweet = Earth

Taste: Pungent and spicy = Metal

Configuration: Warm and juicy, warms and moisturizes cold and dry digestion and respiratory conditions such as flu with a cough, chills, diarrhea, or dry cough.

Properties: Decongests qi, relieves cramps and indigestion. Dispels wind and phlegm (fever, cough, dizziness). Roasting ginger lends more


warming and drying action, and is good for water retention, poor circulation and chilliness.

Herbal properties are identified according to the theory of correspondence. For example, if a lack of qi manifests as fatigue, shallow breathing, and inertia, then an herb that improves these symptoms is one that tonifies qi. If this qi deficiency is accompanied by a pattern of spleen weakness manifesting as flabbiness, indigestion and bloating, and this same herb also benefits these complaints, it is recognized as one that tonifies qi and strengthens the spleen. All herbs affect qi, moisture and blood but not all herbs have specific influences on organ networks.

Chinese medicine views illness as an imbalance of body constituents, meaning that ailments arise when there is insufficient qi, blood and moisture or when these constituents are too dense, unruly or sluggish and a dysfunction of organ networks ensues.

In Chinese medicine, we correlate symptoms, or patterns of distress, with categories of interpretation, or patterns of disharmony. For example: Sam is tired, irritable, has dry skin, a flakey scalp, brittle hair and is tense. This is because he is deficient in his blood, which undermines the function of the liver and heart and disturbs the spleen.

Use of Chinese Herbs

Chinese herbs are used mainly for: Toxicity, Excess, Mucous, Phlegm, Cholesterol, Heat, Yeast infection, Wind, Chemical pollution, and Depletion.

They help restore wholesome digestion, and increase qi, moisture, and blood as well as reinvigorate organ functions. If our organism hasn’t detoxified, eliminative therapy is suggested.


Chinese Herbal Recipes

Tonify Qi & Moisture, Disperse Moisture, & Activate Digestion

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) astragalus root 1/4 cup uncooked white rice

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) codonopsis root 7-8 cups vegetable or chicken stock

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) dioscorea rhizome 2 cups finely chopped carrots

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) lotus seeds 2 cups finely chopped yams

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) poria curls 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms (soaked and slivered)

12 soaked and pitted red dates 1/2 cups finely chopped spinach leaves

3/4” (approx. 2 cm) chopped fresh gingerroot

Place the astragalus and codonopsis in a muslin bag or tie them in a bundle with string. Break the dioscorea, add the remaining herbs and the rice in the stock and simmer for 1 hour. Add the carrots, yams and mushrooms to the herbal stew and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the muslin bag (you may remove the codonopsis and cut it into small pieces and add it to the stew). Add the spinach and cook another 5 minutes. Season and serve.

To Treat Congested Earth

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) astragalus root 1/2 cup brown rice

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) lotus seeds 7-8 cups vegetable stock

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) poria curls 1 cup chopped radish

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) white peony root 2 cups chopped beetroots

12 soaked and pitted red dates 1/2 cup soaked and slivered shiitake mushrooms

.5 oz (15 gms) dried tangerine or orange peel, soaked & slivered

1/2 cup finely chopped spinach

3/4” (approx. 2 cm) piece of fresh gingerroot

Follow the method for tonifying qi and moisture.


To Treat Damp Earth

2 oz (approx. 60 gms) astragalus root 1/2 cup pearl barley

2 oz (approx. 60 gms) poria curls 7-8 cups vegetable or chicken stock

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) corn silk (in muslin bag)

2 cups chopped carrots

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) lotus seeds 1/2 cup chopped turnip

12 soaked and pitted red dates 1/2 cup soaked and slivered shiitake mushrooms

3/4” (approx. 2 cm) piece fresh gingerroot

1/2 cup finely chopped parsley or coriander leaves

Follow directions for Tonifying qi and moisture.

To Treat Dry Earth

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) polygonatum rhizome

1/2 cup uncooked brown rice

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) lotus seeds 7-8 cups vegetable stock

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) poria curls 2 cups chopped carrots

12 soaked and pitted red dates 2 cups chopped zucchini

3/4” (approx. 2 cm) piece of fresh gingerroot

1 cup chopped tofu 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves

Follow directions for Tonifying qi and moisture.

To Treat Cold Earth

Follow the basic recipe for Tonifying qi and moisture recipe but delete mushrooms and spinach and add more gingerroot, .5 oz (15 gms) cardamom and 1/2 cup rice wine.

Qi and Blood

Qi (yang) is the commander of the blood (yin), and blood is the mother of qi. Qi is active and etheric; it is yang relative to blood. Blood is dense and nutritive; it is yin relative to qi. Qi and blood constitute the basic building blocks of the body’s fundamental substances. They are not only logical extensions of yin and yang, they are also profound symbols of bodily function.

Qi and blood share a close relationship. Qi leads the blood, while blood anchors the qi. When qi is weak it may fail to produce blood. When blood is lost (through hemorrhage) qi is lost as well. Therefore qi and blood deficiency frequently occur together.

In the context of symptomatology the relative qualities of yin and yang are encapsulated in syndromes that are called deficient qi and deficient blood.


Deficient qi means energy levels are low. When these levels become further depleted, cold sets in, which results in yang deficiency. Deficient blood means that the volume of fluids, blood in particular, is low. Serious over-heating results in yin deficiency.

Qi and Blood Deficiency Symptoms: Loose stool, abdominal bloating, Food sensitivity (spleen identification symptoms), Heavy menstruation (spleen failing to hold blood in the vessels), Insomnia, Dreaming, Anxiety (heart blood Deficiency), Fatigue, Pale tongue, and Pale complexion (general qi deficiency signs).

Blood Deficiency Symptoms: Pale lips, nails, conjunctiva, tongue and complexion, Dry lusterless skin and hair, Spots in the visual field, Postural dizziness, Mild tics, Tremors, Numbness in the extremities, Scanty or absent menstruation, Blood deficiency is closely associated with the heart, Insomnia, Vivid and prolific dreaming, Palpitations, Anxiety, panic attacks, and timidity.

Blood is a dense (more yin) form of qi. It has nutritive and moistening properties. Health is reflected in the quality and luster of the hair, nails and skin. Blood also lubricates and softens the tendons and ligaments, enabling smooth, unrestricted movement of muscles and joints. Blood is primarily associated with the heart and liver.

Recipes for Nourishing the Blood

Congee of Glutinous Rice and Donkey-hide Gelatin

2 oz (approx. 60 gms) glutinous rice Brown sugar

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) donkey hide gelatin

Make a congee with the glutinous rice. Put in the pounded donkey hide gelatin when the congee is cooked. Mix thoroughly while cooking until it boils 2-3 times.

Indications: Take in morning on empty stomach. Note:: This kind of congee should be taken intermittently. Taking it without intermission may easily cause fullness sensation in the chest and shortness of breath. Those who suffer from weakness of the spleen and stomach and insufficiency of yang and qi should not eat this congee.


Candied Ginger, Jujube and Longan

8 oz (approx. 250 gms) longan 8 oz (approx. 250 gms) honey

8 oz (approx. 250 gms) jujube Ginger juice

Wash longans and jujubes, put them into a pot and add enough water to cover. Bring to a boil, then simmer until 70% cooked. Add ginger juice and honey and mix thoroughly. Continue to cook until done. Cool and put it in a bottle and seal the bottle. Take 3 times daily, eating 6-8 longans and 6-8 jujubes each time.

Recipe for Supplementing Blood

Improves circulation, enhances reproductive capacity and nutrifies blood. Fortifies kidney, liver and heart organ networks (sweet, sour, astringent foods).

1/2 cup soaked black beans 7-8 cups chicken or vegetable stock

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) cooked rehmannia root

1/2 cup of peanuts with skin

.5 oz (15 gms) ligusticum rhizome 1/2 cup pine nuts

2 oz (approx. 60 gms) lycci berries 4 TBSPs rice vinegar

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) longan fruit

3/4” (approx. 2 cm) sliced ginger root Side Dish

12 soaked and pitted red dates White or brown rice

6 soaked and slivered shiitake mushrooms English Spinach

3 cups of water Carrots

Drain the black beans and simmer in water and stock for 1 hour or until tender. Combine the cooked beans and bean water with the herbs (except the red dates) and simmer for 60 minutes. Add the dates and mushrooms to the stock and simmer for another 30 minutes. Roast the peanuts in the oven until golden brown. Roast the pine nuts for 5 minutes. Add the peanuts, pine nuts and vinegar to the herbal stew, season the taste and serve with white or brown rice. Serve with spinach and steamed carrots.

For added flavor you may use any of the following condiments: Tamari/Shoyu, rice wine vinegar, roasted sesame oil or seeds, parsley, basil, Shallots, garlic, and coriander. If still bland use 2 TBSPs rice wine (Shao Xing), 1 TBSP tamari, and 1 tsp roasted sesame oil.

Indications: For acute conditions: Twice the first day and once the second. For chronic conditions: One serving per day over three days.


Liver Qi

Etiology: Liver qi is an excess. It usually manifests as emotional imbalance such as anger, depression, irritability and frustration. However, an excess of any emotions can cause liver qi stagnation.

Symptoms: Brown and dark, purplish, or blue-green tongue; wiry pulse.

Pathology Picture: Premenstrual tension, Heartburn, Premenstrual syndrome, Dysmenorrhea, Conical depression, Fibrocystic disease, Sensations of lumps in the throat, Lumps in the neck (including goiter), Distention or lumps in the flanks, groin, or breast regions.

Pathologies if Liver Qi Invades the Spleen: Vomiting, Nausea, Acid eructation, Abdominal distention, Flatulence, Diarrhea.

Treatment Principle: Spread the qi and relax the liver, mind is the primary way to treat.

Foods to Avoid: Coffee, Alcohol, Heavy red meats, Spicy foods, Chemicals, Drugs, Food additives and preservatives (MSG BHT), No overeating. Many people who are liver qi stagnant tend to eat excessive amounts of garlic, cayenne or green chili sauce because this gives them a rush of circulating qi. This is too spicy for them.

Recommended Foods to Relax the Liver: Chicken liver, Mussel, Beef, Plum, Celery, Nori, Black sesame, Mulberry, and Kelp. If the liver qi has invaded the stomach and/or spleen, foods that strengthen the middle burner should be eaten. This is more common in men than women.

Recommended Foods to Activate Qi: Basil, Garlic, Ginger, Bay leaf, Dill seed, Black pepper, Leek, Beetroot, Lychee, Coconut milk, Longan, Cabbage, Marjoram, Rosemary, Peach, Safflower, and Shallots.

Liver Yang

Cause: If liver qi is not treated it may devolve into excess liver yang. This is usually found in middle-aged men. Problem stems from a willful, arrogant and headstrong self, not from what they eat.

Symptoms: Heat and yin deficiency: Headache, Palpitations, Irritability, Lumbar soreness, Vertigo, Flushed face, Weakness of the lower extremities, Blood shot eyes, High blood pressure, and Insomnia.

Pulse: Wiry and rapid

Tongue: Red

Treatment: Sedate liver yang, tonify liver yin. If there are no signs of yin Deficiency, but more signs of yang excess with a stronger, fuller pulse this is Liver Fire Blazing Upwards. Therefore it is sufficient to eat foods that are cooling and that lower rebellious qi.


Recommended Foods to Cool and Suppress Liver Yang: Lettuce, Watercress, Celery, and Seaweed. Note: If there is also a yin deficiency eat foods that nourish the yin of the kidneys, the root of liver yin.

Recipes to Supplement Liver Qi

Liver congestion occurs when heat and wind plus stagnation of qi and blood persist. Foods that clear heat, moisten dryness and disperse qi and blood resolve this congestion.

Liver depletion occurs with deficiency of blood and qi along with stagnation of blood and qi, requiring foods that nourish qi and blood and move qi and blood.

For more recipes, refer to Congee section, specifically liver, radish, and sweet rice, in final Recipes Chapter.

Lord Buddha’s Delight Casserole

6 dried Chinese mushrooms (covered in water and soaked for 1 hour)

Oil for deep frying

6 cloud ear tree mushrooms Roasted sesame oil

1/2 can sliced water chestnuts

1/2 can sliced bamboo shoots Braising Liquid

1 lb (approx. 500 gms) braised gluten or seitan

2 TBSPs tamari

Lettuce leaves 4 TBSPs sherry

12 dried lily pods 1 tsp honey

8 oz (approx. 250 gms) snow peas or broccoli

1/2 cup stock or mushroom soaking liquid

8 oz (approx. 250 gms) firm tofu

Slice the mushrooms and cloud’s ears finely. Line a large casserole dish with fresh lettuce leaves. Add all ingredients into the casserole except for the snow peas, tofu, and oil. Mix the braising ingredients together and pour the liquid over the casserole. Bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer covered for 30 minutes. Cut the tofu into bite size cubes and deep-fry them. Add the snow peas and tofu to the casserole and cover and cook 5-10 minutes longer. Drizzle with sesame oil before serving.


Braised Soybean Sprouts

1 cup soybeans sprouts Pepper

1 TBSP sesame oil Tamari to taste

Sea salt

Wash the sprouts and remove the roots if there are any. Heat wok, add the oil and sauté the sprouts for 30 seconds. Remove from heat and stir in the other ingredients to taste. Serve hot.

Cucumber and Mung Bean Thread Noodles

8 oz (approx. 250 gms) bean thread noodles

1 tsp rice honey or 1/2 tsp honey

1 TBSP sesame oil 1/2 tsp prepared mustard

2 sliced, seeded and peeled cucumbers 1 TBSP toasted sesame seeds

2 TBSP slivered ham or bacon Sea salt to taste

1-1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar

Boil four cups of water and add the noodles. Soak 5 minutes or until soft. Drain. Heat wok, add oil and sauté the cucumbers and ham for one minute. Add remaining ingredients. Mix in the noodles and sauté for 1 minute longer. Taste and adjust seasoning.

Chicken and Hwang Qi Soup

Strengthens stomach, spleen, reduces hypertension and treats diabetes.

Chicken for boiling 1-2 TBSP cooking sherry, mirin or sake

.06 oz (2 gms) astragalus (hwang chi) Shallots for garnish

2 cups of water Sea salt to taste

1 tsp ginger juice or to taste

Stew the chicken in 4 cups of water for one hour. In a separate saucepan, cook the astragalus in 2 cups of water until it is reduced to one cup. Add the herbal mixture and other ingredients to the chicken and cook until there is no smell of alcohol remaining. Serve only the broth.


Spinach with Creamed Crab Sauce

4 oz (approx. 125 gms) crab meat 1/2 cup soymilk, milk or cream

1 lb (approx. 500 gms) fresh English spinach, washed and stemmed

1 tsp arrowroot

4 TBSPs sesame oil 1 TBSP water

Sea salt to taste

Clean the crabmeat, chop finely and place in a saucepan with the milk. Set aside. Chop the spinach. Heat skillet, add the oil and salt and sauté the spinach on a high heat for a few minutes, then remove from pan and drain off excess liquid. Simmer the crab and milk for a few minutes. Mix together the arrowroot and cold water and stir into crab meat cooking until thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning. Spread the spinach on a platter, spoon the craft sauce over it and serve hot.

Additional Tonic Recipes

Tonify Qi and Blood, Disperse Blood, Dispel Heat

.5 oz (15 gms) peony root, covered/soaked in boiling water

1/8 oz (approx. 7 gm) chrysanthemum flowers

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) codonopsis root, covered/soaked in boiling water

2 bay leaves

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) lycii berries 4 TBSPs lightly toasted sesame seeds

12 red dates, soaked and pitted 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

6-1/2 cups vegetable or chicken stock 1 TBSP roasted sesame oil

2-3 cups sliced leek, white and pale green portions only

1/4 cup rice vinegar

1/8 oz (approx. 7 gm) carthamus flowers 1 TBSP turmeric or 1/8 tsp saffron threads

2 cups sliced celery 12 soaked and slivered black or shiitake mushrooms

1 cup cubed eggplant

Simmer the peony, codonopsis, lycii and red dates in the stock for 1 hour. Add the vegetables and mushrooms to the stock and simmer an additional 30 minutes. Combine the carthamus and chrysanthemum flower and bay leaves in a muslin bag and add to the stock. Add the sesame seeds, pine nuts, sesame oil, rice vinegar and turmeric or saffron and simmer 5 minutes. Remove the bag, taste and adjust seasoning and serve.

For Blood Congestion

As above, however, delete lycii berries, vinegar, pine nuts, and leek. Add 1/8 oz (approx. 7 gm) liqusticum rhizome, 1/2 cup rice wine, 1 cup chives.


For Qi Congestion

Follow Tonify Qi and Blood, Disperse Blood, Dispel Heat recipe, making the following changes: delete codonopsis, eggplant, pine nuts. Add .5 oz (15 gms) dried tangerine peel (1 oz (approx. 30 gms) fresh), 1 cup chopped radish, 1/2 cup uncooked brown rice (cook with herbs 1 hour), .5 oz (15 gms) sliced fresh ginger root.

For Heat

Follow Tonify Qi and Blood, Disperse Blood, Dispel Heat recipe, making the following changes: delete vinegar, saffron/turmeric, leek, eggplant, bay leaf, pine nuts. Add 2 beets, 1 cup mashed tofu or chopped tomato, 1/8 oz (approx. 7 gm) dried honeysuckle flowers, 2 tsps marjoram.

For Wind

Follow Tonify Qi and Blood, Disperse Blood, Dispel Heat recipe, making the following changes: delete vinegar, carthamus flowers, and leeks. Add .23 oz (7 gms) peppermint or marjoram, 1/2 cup chopped shallots.

Recipes to Eliminate Heat, Cold, Wind, & Phlegm

To Dispel Heat

The following foods, when eaten individually or together, cool the body, reduce inflammation, and neutralize toxins. Theses foods benefit the liver, lungs, heart, small intestine, gallbladder, large intestine and bladder:

Radish Mung Bean sprouts

Tofu Cucumber

Burdock root


To Dispel Cold

This mixture warms the body, stimulates circulation, and benefits the lungs, spleen, kidney, stomach, and large intestine.

1.6 oz (approx. 50 gms) fresh gingerroot 1 cup mustard greens

.3 oz (approx. 8 gms) cardamom seeds (grated)

1/2 cup of chives

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) fresh coriander 1/2 cup rice wine or vinegar

Mix all ingredients and consume.

To Dispel Wind

Soothes the nerves, relaxes the muscles, promotes perspiration. Benefits liver, lung, and gallbladder.

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) Pueraria root 2 whole shallots

.5 oz (15 gms) Chrysanthemum flowers, steeped

1 cup celery

.5 oz (15 gms) peppermint or .3 oz (approx. 8 gms) rosemary leaves


To Dispel Phlegm

Helps expectoration and elimination of excess mucous. Benefits lung, spleen, stomach, large intestine, and gallbladder.

.5 oz (15 gms) tangerine peel (1 oz fresh) 1 diced fresh pear

.5 oz (15 gms) tangerine peel (1 oz fresh) 1 cup daikon radish

.5 oz (15 gms) apricot or almond seeds 2” (5 cm) piece of gingerroot


Recipes for Invigorating Qi

The following foods invigorate qi, enhance the resistance of the organism and the function of immunity, build up the physique, increase adaptability to the environment, and strengthen the function of tissues and organs in the body.

Ginseng Congee

.3 oz (10 gms) cut ginseng (root) 3 oz (100 gms) polished short grain rice


Soak the ginseng in clear water for 40 minutes and then put it in a clay pot. Bring to a boil, then lower heat and simmer for 2 hours. Wash the rice and combine it with the ginseng decoction to make the congee.

Indications: Take twice daily in the morning and evening. Do not take radish or tea during the course of taking the gruel.

Astragalus Congee

.65 oz (20 gms) cut astragalus root 3 oz (100 gms) polished short grain rice

.3 oz (10 gms) sliced dangshen Sugar or honey to taste

Soak the astragalus and dang shen in water for 40 minutes. Decoct them in the water to get about 30 ml of condensed extract. Make a congee with the rice; when cooked add the condensed extract. Cook 15 minutes more.

Indications: Take with sugar twice daily in the morning and evening. Precautions: Eat congee for 3-5 days in a row, then eat 2-3 days later. Avoid radish and tea during the course of the congee.

Chicken Stewed with Astragalus Root

1 free range chicken .5 oz (15 gms) cooking rice wine

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) astragalus root Sea salt to taste

2 cut shallots Freshly ground pepper to taste

.3 oz (10 gms) sliced ginger root

Scald the chicken in boiling water until the folds on the skin spread out. Wash it in cold water and drain. Put the astragalus in the chicken’s abdominal cavity. Put the chicken in a small food steamer, add the shallots, ginger slices, cooking wine and sea salt. Cover the steamer tightly, put it in a big food steamer and cook over a strong fire for 2 hours. Remove from the steamer, take out the astragalus roots, remove the shallots and ginger root, stack them on top of the chicken, season it with pepper before serving.

Seasonal Chinese Herbal Recipes

Through the law of correspondence, the foods for each season benefit the organ network associated with it:

• Spring recipes assist the liver in moving and discharging qi and blood.

• Summer recipes assist the heart to circulate blood and eliminate heat.

• Autumn recipes aid the lung in tightening the surface (skin) and moistening the qi.


• Winter recipes support the kidney in storing, replenishing and concentrating essence.

• Recipes that benefit the spleen are good throughout the year, since the spleen generates qi and blood and harmonizes the interaction of all organ networks.

• Herbs that provide resistance to wind, dampness and cold year-round include Astragalus, White Peony, Dioscorea, and fresh Gingerroot.

Spring: Supplement and Harmonize Wood

Liver congestion occurs when Heat and Wind plus stagnation of qi and blood persist. Foods that clear heat, moisten dryness and disperse qi and blood resolve this congestion.

Liver depletion occurs with deficiency of blood and qi along with stagnation of blood and qi, requiring foods that nourish and move blood and qi.

Remedial principle: Tonify blood and qi, disperse blood, and dispel heat.


Wood Element Harmonizer

.5 oz (15 gms) peony root 4 TBSPs toasted sesame seeds

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) codonopsis root 1/8 oz (approx. 7 gm) carthamus flowers

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) lycii berries 1/8 oz (approx. 7 gm) chrysanthemum flowers

12 red dates, soaked and pitted 2 bay leaves

6 1/2 cups vegetable or chicken stock 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

2-3 cups sliced leek, white and pale green portions only

1 TBSP roasted sesame oil

2 cups sliced celery 1/4 cup rice vinegar

1 cup cubed eggplant 1 TBSP turmeric or 1/8 tsp saffron threads.

12 soaked and slivered black or shiitake mushrooms

Simmer the peony, codonopsis, lycii and red dates in the stock for 1 hour. Add the vegetables and mushrooms to the stock and simmer an additional 30 minutes. Toast the sesame seeds lightly. Combine the carthamus and chrysanthemum flower and bay leaves in a muslin bag and add to the stock. Add the sesame seeds, pine nuts, sesame oil, rice vinegar and turmeric or saffron and simmer 5 minutes. Remove the bag, taste and adjust seasoning and serve.

For Blood Congestion

Follow above recipe, substituting the lycii berries, vinegar, pine nuts, and leek for 1/8 oz (approx. 7 gm) liqusticum rhizome, 1/2 cup rice wine, and 1 cup chives.

For Qi Congestion

Follow first recipe, deleting the codonopsis, eggplant, pine nuts, and adding .5 oz (15 gms) dried tangerine peel (or 1 oz fresh), 1 cup chopped radish, 1/2 cup uncooked brown rice (cook with herbs for 1 hour), and .5 oz (15 gms) sliced fresh ginger root.

For Heat

Follow first recipe, deleting vinegar, saffron/turmeric, leek, eggplant, bay leaf, pine nuts, and adding 2 beets, 1 cup mashed tofu or chopped tomato, 7gms dried honeysuckle flowers, and 2 tsps marjoram.

For Wind

Follow first recipe, deleting vinegar, carthamus flowers, and leeks, and adding 1/8 oz (approx. 7 gm) peppermint or marjoram, and 1/2 cup chopped shallots.


Summer Recipes: Supplement and Harmonize Fire

Heart congestion occurs when heat and dryness cause blood heart stagnation and agitation of the spirit. Cooling, moisturizing, dispersing and calming foods are indicated. Depletion of the heart results from deficiency of qi and blood along with stagnation of blood and restlessness of spirit. Foods that nourish the blood and qi, activate circulation and calm the Spirit are needed.

Remedial principle: Tonify qi, moisture, and blood; promote circulation of blood, clear heat, soothe the spirit.

Fire Element Harmonizer

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) codonopsis root .5 oz (15 gms) lycii berries (Chinese wolfberry)

.5 oz (15 gms) carthamus flowers 1 cup cubed beetroot

6-1/2 cups vegetable or chicken stock 1 cup cubed carrot

2 oz (approx. 60 gms) lotus seeds 1 cup corn kernels

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) longan fruit 1 TBSP roasted sesame oil

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) lily bulbs 3 TBSP coarsely ground sesame seeds

Tie the codonopsis with string. Place the carthamus flowers in a muslin bag and set aside. Simmer all the herbs except for the carthamus in the stock for 1 hour. Remove the codonopsis cool and cut into 3/4” lengths (approx. 2 cm) and return to the stew. Add the beetroot, carrots and simmer for 15 minutes. Add the carthamus, corn and sesame oil and simmer another 10 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning and serve using the sesame seeds as a garnish.

For Blood Stagnation

As above, but delete longan, lily, beets. Add 1 tsp turmeric, 1/8 oz (approx. 7 gm) ligusticum rhizome, 1 cup chopped chives, and 2 cups chopped eggplant.

For Heat

Delete longan fruit. Add .5 oz (15 gms) honey suckle flowers (place in a bag and simmer 5 minutes).

Autumn Recipes: Supplement and Harmonize Metal

Lung congestion occurs when wind, heat and phlegm obstruct qi. Foods that clear wind, heat, and phlegm disperse qi and replenish moisture when indicated. Depletion of the lung occurs when qi becomes deficient and qi and moisture become stagnant. Foods that tonify qi and disperse moisture and qi are needed.

Remedial Principle: Tonify and disperse qi and moisture, eliminate heat, wind and phlegm.


Metal Element Harmonizer

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) astragalus 5 cups vegetable or chicken stock

.3 oz (10 gms) dried tangerine peel or .65 oz (20 gms) fresh

1/2 cup uncooked rice

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) bei sha shen (glehnia root)

1 cup chopped turnip

.5 oz (15 gms) American ginseng root 2 cups chopped yam

.5 oz (15 gms) xing ren (almond or apricot seeds)

1 chopped fresh pear

1/4 cup finely chopped fresh gingerroot 2 cups sliced shallots

Place the astragalus and dried tangerine peel in a muslin bag. Cover the bei sha shen and ginseng with boiling water, soak for 20 minutes and cut into bite size pieces. Simmer the herbs in the stock for 1 hour. Add the rice to the herbal stew and simmer for another 10 minutes. Remove the muslin bag. Add the turnip, yam, pear and shallots and place in a covered casserole dish. Bake in a 400°F pre-heated oven for 15 minutes. Remove the cover and bake another 15 minutes. Season to taste and serve warm.

For Heat

As above, delete ginger and shallots and add .5 oz (15 gms) mint or 1 oz (approx. 30 gms) fresh.

For Stagnation of Moisture (Phlegm)

Delete bei sha shen and yams, and add 1 oz (30 gms) lily bulbs and 3 chopped carrots.

Winter Recipes: Supplement and Harmonize Water

Kidney congestion occurs when heat and cold obstructs moisture leading to an accumulation of dampness. Foods that disperse moisture and purge dampness are used combined with either warming or cooling ingredients.

Depletion of the kidney occurs when essence or vital warmth becomes deficient. Foods that replenish essence and warm the body are needed. Herbs that help the kidney consolidate qi and essence without generating heat and dampness include dioscorea, lotus seed, and cornus.

Remedial Principle: Tonify qi and essence; disperse moisture; eliminate cold.

Water Element Harmonizer

.5 oz (15 gms) dioscorea rhizome 2 TBSP sweet chili (pasilla)

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) lian zi (lotus seeds) 1 tsp ground hot chili (to taste)


1 oz (approx. 30 gms) gou qi zi (lycii berries)

1 clove garlic, finely chopped

.5 oz (15 gms) shen di huang (rehmannia) 1 cup diagonally cut string beans

.5 oz (15 gms) shan zhu yu (cornus fruit) 1/2 cup roasted peanuts

3/4” (approx. 2 cm) piece of minced fresh gingerroot

1/2 cup chopped coriander or parsley leaves

1/2 cup kidney beans (soaked overnight) 1 tsp sea salt

Break to dioscorea into 1/4” (1 cm) pieces. Simmer all the herbs, except the parsley or coriander, with the kidney beans, chili and garlic in the stock or water for 1-1/2 hours. Add the string beans and peanuts and cook for another 15 minutes. Add the parsley or coriander and sea salt to taste.

For Congestion of Moisture

As above, however, delete lotus seeds, lycii, peanuts, and sea salt. Add 1 oz (approx. 30 gms) corn silk (in muslin bag) and 1 cup sliced celery.

For Cold

Delete ginger and add 1 tsp grated cardamom and 1 tsp grated dried ginger.


Recipe to Supplement Qi

Invigorates organ networks of the spleen, lung and kidney. Energizes, increases immunity, builds vital capacity.

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) astragalus root 3/4” (approx. 2 cm) piece of minced ginger root

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) codonopsis root 7-8 cups vegetable stock

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) dioscorea rhizome 1 peeled and cubed turnip

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) lotus seeds 2 peeled and cubed yams

12 soaked and pitted red dates 1/2 cup chopped parsley

Tie the astragalus and codonopsis in a bundle with string or place in a muslin bag. Simmer all the herbs in the stock for 60 minutes. Add the vegetables (bland, sweet, starchy vegetables) and simmer till tender. Season to taste and garnish with parsley.

Recipe to Supplement Moisture

Supports vital fluids, eliminates thirst, softens skin and lubricates mucous membranes. Moisturizes the spleen, lung, kidney and heart (sweet, bland, sour and juicy foods).

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) polygonatum rhizome

1-1/2 TBSPs sesame oil

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) American ginseng root

2 cups green beans, sliced 3/4” lengths (approx. 2 cm)

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) lily bulbs 2 cups diced potatoes

12 soaked and pitted red dates 8 oz (approx. 250 gms) diagonally cut firm tofu, deep fried

1/2 cup soaked wheat berries 2 TBSPs tamari to taste

7 to 8 cups vegetable stock 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds

Soak the herbs for one hour or longer before cooking. Slice the polygonatum into 3/4” lengths (approx. 2 cm). Simmer the wheat berries and herbs in the stock for 1 hour. Heat wok, add the 1-1/2 tsps of the oil and sauté the potatoes for 10 minutes. Add 1/3 cup of the herbal broth, cover and cook until tender. Remove the potatoes to a saucepan. Heat 1-1/2 tsps of the oil and sauté the beans about 4-5 minutes. Add 1/3 cup of the herbal broth and cook till the broth evaporates, then add the beans to the potatoes. Add the tofu to the beans and potatoes along with the tamari and a few TBSPs of water. Cover and simmer 2-3 minutes or until the tofu is warmed through. Serve the vegetables and herbal soup as separate dishes and garnish with sesame seeds as well as seasonings such as tamari and roasted sesame oil.


Home Remedies

"Let your foods be your medicines and your medicines be your foods." –Hippocrates, a Greek physician considered to be one of the forefathers of medicine

Self-responsibility grows from the conscious decision to take care of yourself and to seek all avenues available to you, rather than blindly accepting orthodox medical treatment. Learning about and using home remedies is one way we can do this.

Despite efforts to maintain a level of optimum health through diet, exercise and balanced lifestyle, there may be times when the body becomes out of balance due to environmental and emotional changes.

For thousands of years home remedies have been used in all corners of the world to alleviate chronic and acute illnesses. The benefits of home remedies include:

• They aid in treatment of acute/chronic disease

• They are simple, easy and effective--relief can be gained fairly quickly

• They are safe, and have little or no side effects (remember to never forget contraindications, i.e. for ginger compresses)

• The cost is low when compared to high priced medications

• They supply the body with what it needs by using ingredients that it recognizes and can easily assimilate

• A stronger bond is built in the home, and trust in your own abilities grows as you learn how to take care of yourself and others

The disadvantage of using home remedies is:

• The overall impact of home remedies is useless if the lifestyle that brought on the condition is not changed

Treatment With Home Remedies

Using home remedies begins with defining the treatment method, which is based on the assessment of the symptoms. In order to define the treatment method you must understand the difference between acute and chronic conditions.

Acute Conditions

An acute condition is a yang excess condition that indicates a very obvious problem and develops suddenly, quickly, and rapidly. When the problem is acute, patients will express what they're feeling by using descriptions such as:


• Throbbing

• Pulsing

• Burning

• Swelling

Acute conditions are always an immediate issue. They are self-limiting—not deep-seated. Given time, they will usually clear of their own accord. They generally lasts a day or two and then subside.

An acute illness has 3 definite stages:

1. The incubation period, where there may be no symptoms

2. The acute phase, when recognizable symptoms surface

3. The convalescent stage, when a person usually improves. 0. External symptoms such as cuts, burns, coughs, colds, food poisoning, fever, the flu, insect bites, broken bones, mucous, measles, toothaches, and chicken pox are all considered to be acute conditions.

Acute Condition Treatment Principle: Acute conditions indicate a concentration of heat in the affected area. To ease pain, disperse the amount of heat (yang) by the application of something cool (yin). For example, when a football injury has occurred you often see doctors reach for an ice pack to reduce swelling and ease the pain.

External home remedies that can be used for common acute symptoms of throbbing, pulsing, swelling, aches and pains include:

• Cool or cold water in the form of baths and ice packs

• Chlorophyll Plaster

• Tofu Plaster

• Buckwheat Plaster

• Raw Soybean Plaster

• Daikon or Turnip Plaster

Chronic Conditions

Chronic conditions are yin, therefore are more deep-seated than acute conditions.

They develop slowly, and continue for a long time. They are often accompanied by a general deterioration in health. Chronic conditions are hidden (i.e. in internal organs), passive, slow, and debilitating. The development of the condition does not take a predictable course; it is not possible to say how long it will last. Arthritis, heart disease, cancer and mental illness are all examples of chronic illness.


Chronic Condition Treatment Principle: Chronic symptoms appear deeper within the body. They are usually represented by deficient and colder symptoms (yin). To ease chronic symptoms, assist the organs to function better by using the opposite nature, which is warming (yang), as a tonifying and penetrating treatment.

External home remedies that can be used for common chronic symptoms include:

• Tonic drinks

• Hot water in the form of compresses or baths

• Hot/warming compresses, such as ginger compress taro compress

• Oil rubs (i.e. Ginger Oil)

• Massage

• Acupressure

• Do-In exercises (self massage)

• Moxa treatments1

For long-standing symptoms or chronic illness, we need to look at diet and lifestyle, for foods such as fats, cold drinks and foods all have great potential to hold the aches and pains in the body and therefore produce stagnated blood and energy. In addition to using home remedies and proper diet, exercise is needed to aid circulation.

Characteristics of Acute and Chronic Conditions

Acute (Yang) Chronic (Yin)

Development Quick Slow

Pain Sharp Lingering

Symptoms Obvious Hidden

Lifespan Short Persists

1 Moxa, originally used in Northern China, is dried mugwort that is burned on or above the skin. It is used to warm regions and acupuncture points to stimulate circulation. Its effects are warming and tonifying. It is excellent for chronic internal cold conditions, i.e. cramps, lower back problems, excessive cold feelings, and excessive damp.


Acute Conditions: A Closer Look

Cuts

When the skin is cut, blood coagulation and formation is the result. The two main functions of the blood coagulation mechanism are:

• Production of thrombin, which stabilizes the platelet plug

• Formation of fibrin, which, by rendering the platelet plugs permanent, mechanically blocks the flow of blood through ruptured vessels.

A cut falls under two categories for identification and treatment in orthodox medicine. They are:

• Incised wound: As the name implies, these are clean wounds with minimal damage sustained. They are the result of cuts with knives, broken glass etc.

• Lacerated wounds: The wounds are due to relatively blunt objects, and are associated with a certain amount of tearing so that the edges and surfaces of the wound are jagged and contain moderate amounts of devitalized tissue. This group includes most wounds seen in traffic accidents, industrial injuries, etc.

Steps for immediate treatment of cuts:

1. Apply direct pressure to wound with clean cloth

2. If possible, wash wound in clean water. You may add salt to the water.

3. Elevate injured part. 0.

Burns and Scalds

Most burns are caused by sunburn, irradiation, chemicals, electricity, and dry friction heat.

Treatment: Burns and scalds result in a skin temperature increase (yang). We address this by bringing that temperature down by applying cold (yin) water (yin) to neutralize this process. Salt may be placed in the water to aid in the contraction of the skin and decrease the formation of blisters.

To decrease the chances of infection, place honey and egg white over burn area to exclude air. This lessens the risk of infection by airborne bacteria.

Aloe Vera is a great topical treatment for minor burns. It has antimicrobial properties and is an effective analgesic. Anecdotal evidence suggests that it may decrease subsequent puritis (itching) and peeling. If you have a plant in the house, cut off the thorns, slit the plant open and either squeeze juice onto the burn or lay the exposed side of the herb onto the injury.


Using Home Remedies

When using home remedies your mental state is always important. Remind yourself to remain calm and not to panic; think clearly and assess the given situation.2 When you remain calm you can determine the seriousness of the problem. In considering which home remedy to use, ask yourself the following:

• What is the process the body has become involved in to bring itself back to balance?

• How serious is the condition?

o Does the person require hospitalization?

o Keep in mind that venomous bites (i.e. from snakes, spiders, and possibly even dogs) may require an anti-venom. Always remember we are treating minor ailments only—be sensible!

Home Remedy Treatment Types

Water

Water is probably the oldest of healing tools: it is easily available, either from tap, stream, sea, rain or tongue.

It can be used as ice, cold, lukewarm, hot, and steam in the form of packs, compresses, baths, sprays, and steaming.

An Overview of Water:

Cold water, in short applications, reduces fever, relieves pain and tonifies the system. In a compress, cold water warms up and increases circulation, thereby aiding metabolism and the elimination of waste matter. Long cold water applications are chills the body and slows things down. A cold footbath can relieve congestion in the upper body as blood rushes down to heat the feet.

Hot water, in the form of compresses or baths, relaxes the muscles and combats tension. It also increases perspiration and surface circulation by drawing blood to the area, thereby relieving congestion that is deep within the body. The eventual reaction to hot water will be cooling, as the perspiration evaporates. Unless care is exercised, a hot water application that is too prolonged can both weaken and chill the body. For this reason it is a very good idea to finish every hot shower with a few seconds of a cold one to provoke the body into a warming reaction.

Caution: Hot water treatments should never be used on open wounds or injuries, inflammations on the surface of the body, and sprains or broken bones, as they may make the condition worse.

2 Following a balanced diet aids in remaining calm, for you become more in tune with nature, which in turn gives clarity of thought and a natural response to any given situation.


Bath Therapy

Sometimes it is more appropriate to give a bath as a way of administering a natural remedy rather than giving a remedy by mouth or massage. This is especially true with children and babies. Because water has a soothing as well as therapeutic effect, it is an easy way to get certain substances absorbed into the body, either directly through the skin or by way of inhalation.

Adding herbs to the bath water helps the body to absorb the vital elements that may be missing at the time into the blood for easy distribution. Baths are especially good for itchy skin, eczema, colds, acute and chronic coughing, and chronic bronchitis.

When bathing, use soft lighting, i.e. as candles, to relax the optic nerve and help calm the body. Add favorite aromatherapy oil for relaxation.

General Preparation Method:

• It is best to brew your bath mixtures before adding them to the bath water.

• Combine the herbs or other plant material with cold water in an enameled, glass or clay saucepan (no metal). Bring to a boil and simmer

o 4 to 5 minutes for flowers or soft materials

o 10 to 15 minutes for roots, barks or twigs

Set aside and steep 3-4 minutes, covered. Strain and pour into the bath water.


Bath Recipes

Chamomile Flower Bath

For inflammation, cleaning wounds, itchy skin, eczema and catarrhal conditions.

Chamomile Flowers: 4 oz (125 g) for age 3 or under, 8 oz (250 g) for 4 to 7 years, 1 lb (500 g) for 7+ years

Bath water

Follow General Preparation Method described above.

Thyme Bath

For acute and chronic coughing.

Thyme: 4 oz (125 g) for age 3 or under, 8 oz (250 g) for 4 to 7 years, 1 lb (500 g) for 7+ years

Bath water

Use the same amounts as for chamomile flowers. Follow General Preparation Method described above.

Rice Wheat or Oat Bran Bath

Use for inflammation of the skin. This bath is especially effective for hives, eczema and hypersensitive skin.

Rice Wheat or Oat Bran: 1 lb (500 g) for age 3 or under, 1 1/2 lb (750 g) for 4 to 7 years, 2 lbs (1 kg) for 7+ years.

Bath water

Cotton sock, cheesecloth or muslin

Place the bran in a cotton sock, cheesecloth or muslin. Tie it into a bag and bring it to a boil in a large pot of water. Press the bag until a milky liquid comes out. Add all the boiled water and bran to tub as you are filling it. Gently wash skin.


Body Bath

This is a very relaxing bath and adjusts minerals back into the body.

Epsom salt Bath water

Add enough salt to running bath water to make a seawater concentration. Lay in tub for 15 to 20 minutes.

Oatmeal Bath

Use for inflammation of the skin. This bath is especially effective for hives, eczema and hypersensitive skin.

3 to 4 cups (15-20 oz) oatmeal Bath water

Cheesecloth, muslin or sock

Wrap oatmeal in a piece of cheesecloth, muslin or sock. Tie it into a bag and bring it to a boil in a large pot of water. Press the bag until a milky liquid comes out. Add all the boiled water and bran to tub as you are filling it. Gently wash skin.

Note: All of the above recipes may be used as footbaths as well. Decrease the amount by half for each age group (Refer to Chamomile Flower Bath recipe for age groups).

Rescue Remedy Bath

Beneficial for any situation where we lose balance mentally, including stress, emergencies, after receiving bad news, before an exam or job interview, etc. Helps induce relaxation, focus and a sense of calm.

2-3 drops of Bach Rescue Remedy Bath water

Add Rescue Remedy to the bath water as tub is filling up. Relax in bath water, inhaling deeply a few times while in tub.

Lavender Foot Bath

Lavender is warming. It relieves muscle tension, has a calming effect, is good for cold sensations, and relaxes the nervous system. Use for cases of weak circulation, kidney infections, and insomnia.

5 to 10 drops essential lavender oil Warm water

Add lavender to warm water. Soak feet for 10 to 15 minutes.

Ginger Foot Bath

Ginger is warming. Use for cases of rheumatism, arthritis, and gout.


3” piece fresh ginger Warm water

Slice ginger and add to large pot of water. Bring to a boil then simmer for 10 to 15 minutes. Soak feet for 10 to 15 minutes.

Ginger Body Bath

This is for cold sensations where you want to warm and move chi. It is excellent for menstrual cramps. Do not use for hot conditions and high blood pressure.

1 lb (1/2 kilo) fresh ginger, grated (use 1/4 kilo for less sever diarrhea)

Cotton bag

2 gallons (7.5 liters) water

Use ginger water left over from a ginger compress. Add to full bath. This is a very relaxing bath as well as stimulating.

Note: Do not use too much ginger! Refer to Ginger to a boil under Ginger Compress recipe.

Hip Baths

Stimulates metabolism, especially sexual metabolism. Absorbs body odor and cleanses, dissolving animal fats and mucous deposits. Recommended for women’s reproductive problems.

Place water in bath, fill with hot water to navel level. For best results take this bath as hot as possible. Sit in bath, and keep shoulders covered so as not to get cold. Take bath 10 to 20 minutes before bedtime. Do not take immediately after eating. Keep hips warm after moving out of bath.

Salt Hip Bath

Indications same as Daikon Hip Bath: Enables the body to discharge fats accumulated in the body. Note: If a person is weak, they should not stay in the bath too long or it will be quite debilitating.

2 handfuls of sea salt Cotton bag

Place salt into small tub of water. Add very warm water. Follow Hip Bath instructions above.

Ginger Hip Bath

Ginger is warming and promotes circulation. This is an ideal bath for severe diarrhea.


1 lb (approx. 1/2 kilo fresh ginger, grated (use 1/2 this amount for less severe diarrhea)

Cotton bag

2 gallons (approx 7.5 liters) water

Finely grate fresh ginger and place it in the cotton bag. In a large pot bring water to a hot temperature—do not boil. Place bag of ginger in pot. With back of wooden spoon, press the bag against the side of the pot to squeeze out ginger juice. Simmer ginger for 5 minutes or until water turns yellowish and gives off a strong ginger aroma. Pour water into hip bath. Add more water and sit in it, with water as hot as possible. When taking a hip bath, sexual organs and abdomen should be immersed in water.

Dried Daikon Hip Bath

Enables the body to discharge fats accumulated in the body. Note: If a person is weak, they should not stay in the bath too long or it will be quite debilitating.

4 to 5 bunches of Daikon, radish or turnip leaves

1 handful of salt

3 quarts (approx 3 liters) water

Dry daikon, radish or turnip leaves in the shade on the clothesline until they turn brown and are brittle to the touch. To prepare the water, take 4 to 5 bunches of leaves and boil in water. Lower heat and simmer for 30 minutes to 1 hour, until water turns brown. Add salt, stir well, and add to bath water. Follow Hip Bath instructions above.

Steam Baths and Saunas

These methods enable the body to discharge fats accumulated in the body. Recommended for people who have consumed high amounts of animal fats and meat proteins.

Sand Bath

Burying oneself in sand is an ancient way of removing toxins from the body. It is used extensively in Asia and Mediterranean countries. Because sand is very alkaline, it pulls toxins and acids out of the body. It can also replace minerals in the body by osmosis.

Cool Bath

Cool baths are used for acute illnesses that happen outside the body and are mainly associated with the symptom of heat. Cool Baths can be used to treat fevers, poison ivy, itching, rashes, inflammation, bleeding, stomachaches, ulcers, and hemorrhoids.


2 cups of salt in cool bath Cool bath water

1 cup of baking soda (for itch rashes) Cornstarch

Prepare a cool bath and place salt in bath. For itchy rash also add baking soda. After bath, place powdered cornstarch over body.

Cold Salt Ocean Bath

The ocean is ideal for cleansing due to the unlimited number of nutrients that are readily absorbed into the body. The sea contains about three and a half percent salt. Most of it is common salt (sodium chloride), but many other elements and ions are present in appreciable amounts and some (magnesium and bromine) are commercially extracted. There are even traces of gold in the ocean. So if you have the opportunity, swim in cold ocean water. It’s good for you!

Compresses

Compresses are external applications to the body using water or other liquids as a base and adding or infusing other substances. They may be applied with or without pressure. The compress may be wet, dry, hot or cold. It is placed onto a specified area of the body; a wrapper is used to secure and seal the healing properties in place. Wrappers for compresses should be made from materials that are porous and soft, such as cheesecloth, muslin, or cotton (natural fibers).

Cold Compresses

A cold compress has an anti-inflammatory, and calming effect. It reduces both local heat and circulation. Apply at the height of an inflammation.

To apply a cold compress, immerse a cotton towel, piece of linen, or some other porous natural material in cold water. You can float ice cubes in the water or wrap them in the compress. Fold material several times until it is a suitable size and place directly on the affected area. Change the compress when it starts to get warm.

Another way to use a cold compress is to stimulate inflammation. This compress is essential at the beginning of an inflammation when the body's defences are reacting slowly. It is applied cold in the same way as above, but leave the compress in place when it starts to become warm. When its warmth becomes intense, cover compress with a hot water bottle to enhance the warming process. Once the body is improving, switch over to cold compresses.

Hot Compresses

A hot compress is primarily for relieving pain. Have two porous cloths ready to use in succession, so that treatment can be constant. Immerse the first cloth in very hot water and wring it out well. Lay it on the affected part of the body, changing the compress every few minutes or as it starts to cool. Cover the compress with a wool cloth to help retain the heat. Continue the application for approximately 30 minutes unless otherwise specified.


If a patient (child or adult) exhibits symptoms of being feverish in the lungs, build periphery by using compresses on ankles and wrists. Use hot compresses for high fever.

Compress Recipes

Sage Tea Wash

For use after sweating or using a compress.

Sage Water

Prepare tea by boiling sage in water. After tea cools a bit, wash the whole body with the tea, which cleans the sweat.

Ginger Compress

Stimulates blood and body fluid circulation. Use for chills, fatigue, and body aches.

1.3 oz (40 gms) ginger (about the size of a tennis ball), grated

10" x 10" piece of cheesecloth, muslin, handkerchief, or clean cotton sock

2 to 3 quarts (approx 2 to 3 liters) water Clean towel

Finely grate fresh ginger and place it in the center of the fabric. Gather edges up and tie with string to form a bag. In a large pot bring water to a hot temperature—do not boil. Place bag of ginger in pot.

With back of wooden spoon, press the bag against the side of the pot to squeeze out ginger juice. Simmer ginger for 5 minutes or until water turns yellowish and gives off a strong ginger aroma. Remove from stove and bring pot near to where person is to be treated.

Have the person lie face down on floor with the area to be treated well exposed. If it is a cool day, make sure the patient is well covered and kept warm on all parts of the body not being treated.

Fold cotton towel. Place middle of towel in ginger water. Hold both ends, remove towel from ginger water and squeeze excess back into pot. Towel will be extremely hot; unfold to allow excess steam/heat to escape. Check the temperature by placing the towel very lightly against your cheek. If you can tolerate the heat it is the correct temperature for your patient. Refold towel and apply directly on area to be treated. To retain heat, place a wool dry towel over the top of the compress.

Replace compress every 3 to 4 minutes, or when it becomes cool. Treatment generally lasts 20 minutes. Treatment may need to be longer depending on condition (acute or chronic). Treated area will become quite red.


Indications: Ginger compresses are indicated for areas of stagnation that manifest themselves as inflammation, pain, swelling and stiffness. Ginger compresses allow the stagnated areas to free up and disperse the stagnated energy. The overall best location for the ginger compass is on the back over the kidneys.

How it works:

The elements of a ginger compress include:

• Strong heat (very yang): Heat dilates blood and activates the movement of stagnated fluids. Strong heat penetrates deep into tissues and body. Ginger compresses aid the kidneys, liver and lungs.

• Ginger (yang): Ginger is very warming. It assists in the dispersion or break up mineral crystallizations. Ginger easily moves stagnated yin substances such as mucous and fat accumulation Ginger opens blood vessels, further increasing local circulation. As the movement of stagnated liquids begins to move, tissues get cleaned and nourished with fresh blood.

Stagnation and deposits are caused by our way of life and eating habits (especially eating an excess of meat, cheese, butter, sugar, eggs, milk and lack of exercise). Additional ways to increase circulation include:

• Exercise: do-in massage, walking and cycling all increase circulation and metabolic rate.

• Chew foods thoroughly; be watchful of overeating.

• Shiatsu massage.

Ginger Compress Indications:

Acute and chronic pains can be relieved by ginger compresses. Use:

• For rheumatism, arthritis, backache, menstrual cramps, intestinal cramps, kidney stone attacks, toothaches, stiff neck, stiffness in joints. If pain increases diagnosis may be incorrect.

• For asthma—compresses may be used for long periods, even hours.

• Where there are hardened deposits and accumulation of fats, proteins or minerals, i.e. kidney stones, gallbladder stones, cysts (breast cysts, ovarian cysts), benign tumors such as uterine fibroids.

• To aid in release of muscle tension, especially in neck and shoulders.


• Where tissue damage has occurred, i.e. broken bones. Depending on the condition also consider other treatments such as taro plaster for symptomatic conditions.

Ginger compresses are a wonderful treatment for symptomatic conditions, however they do not remove the basic cause and other treatments may be necessary.

Ginger Compress Contraindications:

Ginger compresses are of a yang nature. The nature of ginger moves deep into the body. Do not use on situations characterized by yang, i.e. never use ginger compresses:

• On the brain. Use alternatives, such as a warm facial scrub for sinusitis caused by headache.

• On babies.

• On pregnant women.

• On inflamed appendix or a lung affected by pneumonia. These may be caused by the consumption of yang foods.

• Where there is a strong fever.

• On cancerous tumors. It can increase the size of tumors and speed up acceleration of tumor. Note: Licensed natural healers may administer ginger compresses, but it should be for no more than 5 minutes.

• Use extreme caution and for a short time (5 minutes) when using for inflammatory conditions.3 Be careful when applying it for: bronchitis, acute or chronic liver inflammations, kidney inflammations, prostrate infection, bladder inflammation, intestinal inflammation, boils and abscesses.

3 Usually not used for inflammations. In some cases, a ginger compress is used for 5 minutes to stimulate and relieve stagnation before applying a compress that has more drawing properties to it.


Duration of Ginger Compress Application:

Always be aware of the condition.

• Acute:

o Where there is stiffness: 1 treatment per day for 2-3 days

o Kidney stones and pain attacks: may be applied over a period of hours for

o Bladder inflammations: 2-3 times per day for 1 week to help relieve pain

• Chronic:

o Cysts: may apply daily; treatment period may span months

o Weak organs: apply every day for 3-5 days, break for 1 week, then reapply every day for a further 3-5 days

Rice Bran Compress (Nuka Compress)

Rice bran compresses are very nutritious for the skin. It is used for skin inflammations resulting from eczema, itchy skin, and allergies.

5 quarts (approx 5 liters) water 6 cups of rice bran

Cotton Bag

In a large pot bring water to boil. Place rice bran in a cotton bag and tie bag tightly. Place bag in water and shake from time to time until water becomes yellow.

Gently rub skin with bag (test bag temperature before applying). Note: compress is warm on the skin, but can be used as a cold and hot compress, as it has a smoothing action.

Tea Compress

This is an excellent compress for sties (inflamed swelling on the edge of the eyelid). When treating eye problems an experienced person should be consulted first.

Bancha tea Water

Salt Clean cloth

Roast or grill bancha until dark brown. Prepare as for drinking. Add five percent salt. Soak a cloth in this solution and apply to eye for 10 to 15 minutes, 3 times a day. Good for all eye diseases. Note: compress is warm on the skin, but can be used as a cold and hot compress, as it has a smoothing action.


Salt Compress

Good for burns. This is also a wonderful preparation for tense and tired shoulders after a hard days work: Sit quietly and place salt pack around shoulders.

2-3 pounds of salt (use cheaper salt—sea salt is too expensive for this preparation)

Cotton sack (may use a pillowcase; use 100% cotton only; nylon or polyester will melt when it comes into contact with the heated salt)

Heat salt dry (do not add water) and place in cotton sack and apply to painful area. Note: Do not discard salt; it may be used over and over again.

Variation: Can also be used as cold salt-water compress. In a large pot, add salt to 1 gallon (4 liters) water. Heat water—do not boil. Place middle of towel in salt water. Hold both ends, remove towel from water and squeeze excess back into pot. Apply to treatment area. Use until pain disappears.

Wood Ash Water Compress

Good for treatment of skin diseases.

Ash from fireplace Hot water

Cotton cloth

Place ash in hot water and stir. The ash will sink to the bottom. Use water as a compress or to wash the skin.

Konnyaku CompressThis compress is good for aches, pains, and rashes.

4.5 lbs to 6.5 lbs (2 to 3 kilos) Konnyaku (paste made from Japanese tuberose)

Cotton cloth

1/2 gallon (approx. 2 liters) water

Boil konnyaku in water. Wrap in two towels and apply to painful area. Note: compress is warm on the skin, but can be used as a cold and hot compress, as it has a smoothing action.


Clay Compress

For inflammatory relief, infection and swelling in cases of insect stings (for stings, the compress should be replaced hourly) and disorders of metabolism and congestion in the tissue and muscles.

Sterilized clay* Water

Vinegar Cotton cloth

This can be purchased or you can sterilize it yourself by heating the clay in the oven for 1 hour, then pulverizing it.

Mix the pulverized clay into a paste together with equal parts vinegar and water. It should be the same consistency as an ointment. Spread clay (amount to use is approximately the same size as the body part to be treated) onto a cloth and apply the compress.

Clay mixture can also be applied directly to the affected part until it dries and crumbles off. Any remaining clay can be wiped or washed off. Apply warm olive oil after treatment to lubricate the skin.

For applications to large body parts or the whole of the body, apply the paste approximately 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick and wrap body with a dry sheet or blanket. Follow above procedures for removing clay.

Cottage Cheese Compress

For fever to the head and pneumonia to the chest and lung areas.

Cottage cheese (enough to cover treatment area)

Cotton or linen cloth

Approx. 1/2 cup milk, depending upon amount made

Sheet or blanket

Few drops of vinegar

Place cottage cheese, milk and a few drops of vinegar in a bowl. Stir until the mixture thickens. Spread onto cloth and apply.

If desired, the mixture can be applied directly to the affected part. Wrap a sheet or blanket around the compress and leave on until the cottage cheese has dried and starts to crumble. Replace.


Chamomile Stomach Compress

Use for stomachaches, aches and pains.

Blanket and cotton sheet 2 1/2 TBSPs chamomile flowers

Tea towels and nappies (flannel) Boiling water

2 hot water bottles

Spread large blanket on area where patient will lay Spread cotton sheet over top of whole length of blanket. Rinse hot water bottles with cold water then hot water. Fold hot water bottle in half (it is easier to fill this way—less air), then fill with hot water. Squeeze air out and seal. Place water bottle on blankets, and fold over to keep blanket and cotton warm.

To prepare compress roll, fold nappies (flannel) in half lengthwise. Fold tea towel in half. Lay folded nappies on tea towel and roll them up tightly.

To make compress liquid, pour boiling water over tea in saucepan (fill pan about 1/2 full) and cover with lid. Steep for 5-10 minutes, then immerse center of cloth roll in bowl, making sure to leave ends out (so you do not burn your fingers when you pick it up to wring out). Note: Use liquid immediately—do not keep overnight.

Lay patient on their back on top of cotton and blanket. Wring compress towel to remove excess tea. Unroll towel and take out nappy (purpose of towel is to help hold in the heat). Unfold it and place over the tummy, then close up the blanket.

Keep patient still for 20 min to 1 hour. Patient may fall asleep. If patient is very ill, keep them still for one hour, remove compress and replace with hot water bottle.

Green Vegetable Compress

For infection, bruises, swelling, fever, and earaches.

Green leafy vegetables (using leaves)—amount depends upon size of treatment area

Cotton or cheesecloth

Flour as needed

Blend or chop and mash leaves into a paste. Add in a little flour if it is too watery. Place mashed greens onto cotton, forming a layer about 3/4” (2 cm thick. Apply to afflicted area and change every 2-3 hours or when it becomes warm.


Dry Chamomile Compress

Good for earaches.

Chamomile tea bag

Place teabag on ear.

Lemon Compress

Use for fever.

Lemon Long cotton strips

Warm water

Cut lemon in half and place in a bowl of warm water. Make slits in lemon while it is under water, then squeeze lemon by pressing it against the bottom of the bowl.

Roll up cotton strips, then soak in lemon water. Wring out excess liquid and place cloth under leg and wrap up, beginning at the inside foot arch to the outside of foot. Continue wrapping up to the knee. Cover foot and leg well, ensuring there are no gaps.

Tofu/Green Vegetable Compress

For fever, inflammation, and earaches.

Several leaves of spinach or cabbage 3/4 inch (2cm) piece of fresh ginger, grated

8 oz (250 g) fresh tofu

Chop or blend spinach or cabbage. Mash tofu and ginger until it becomes a paste, combine it with vegetable and apply directly to treatment area or use a cotton cloth to wrap it in before applying.

Tofu Compress

Use for fever.

8 oz (250 g) fresh tofu 3/4 inch (2 cm) piece of fresh ginger, grated

1 oz (30 g) flour

Squeeze the water from tofu. Mash it and add flour and grated ginger. Mix together and apply directly to the forehead or the back of the neck.


Sesame Oil and Ginger Compress

Use to improve circulation and nerve reactions, and relieve aches and pains.

Fresh ginger, grated Cotton cloth

Sesame oil

Mix equal amounts of fresh ginger and sesame oil. Dip a piece of cloth into this mixture and rub vigorously onto the affected area.

Plaster and Poultice

Plaster and poultices are similar to compresses but they are warmer and retain their warmth longer. They are applied to relieve a variety of ailments from congestion and inflammations to the draining of pus.

Plaster and Poultice Recipes

Potato Poultice (Uncooked)

For boils and drawing pus.

Potato, grated Gauze

3/4 inch (2cm) piece of fresh ginger, grated

Mix grated raw potato with ginger. Spread it 3/4” (2 cm) thick on gauze and apply directly to the skin. Change every four hours.

Onion Poultice

For earaches.

1 onion, finely chopped Cotton or gauze

Dry fry a finely chopped onion for a few seconds until hot. Wrap in a cloth and apply behind the ear. Bind to head with bandage.

Potato Poultice (Cooked)

For eczema, sunburn, and reducing puffiness.

Unpeeled potatoes Linen or cotton gauze

Boil potatoes. When cooked, mash them. Place between two layers of linen or cotton gauze. Make sure that the application is not too hot by testing it on your cheek. Apply to the affected area and wrap in a sheet or towel. Remove when cold.


Mustard Poultice

For coughs and chest congestion.

Dry mustard Paper towel

Hot water 2 pieces of gauze

Add hot water to dry mustard in a bowl, stirring the mixture well until it becomes a smooth paste. Place this mixture onto a paper towel, fold it over itself, and put it between two pieces of gauze. Apply this to the affected area. Do not let the mustard touch the skin as it can burn. Leave for 10-15 minutes to create heat.

Hot Salt Poultice

For diarrhea and the fever chills

Salt Kitchen towel

Pillowcase

Roast salt in a dry frying pan until it becomes hot. Put it into a pillowcase and wrap a towel around it. Allow the poultice to cool a little before applying it the abdomen. Change when the pack becomes cool

Flaxseed Poultice

For abscesses and inflammation.

1/2 to 1 cup flaxseed or linseed meal 2 pieces of linen or cotton

3/4/ to 1 1/4 cups water Sheet or blanket

Boil flaxseed in water, stirring constantly until it has formed a thick paste. Add more water or flaxseed as necessary, Spread between two pieces of linen or cotton and fold. Make sure the poultice is not too hot before applying. Cover poultice with a sheet or blanket, and remove when cool.

Fenugreek Poultice

For small external complaints and boils.

2 - 3 handfuls of fenugreek powder 2 pieces of linen or cotton

Water Sheet or blanket

Place fenugreek powder in saucepan. Slowly stir in cold water until thin paste is formed. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Apply as above.


Chlorophyll Plaster

Chlorophyll is the green substance found in plants. It is the blood of plants. It is yin, and is associated with a cooling effect. Therefore it can absorb yang heat very well. It can also soothe or extinguish an inflammatory process (yang). When ingested through our food, chlorophyll helps oxygenate our blood and circulate oxygen to our cells.

This treatment is best used for a twisted knee, sprained ankle, headache, and where there is not a lot of swelling. To help reduce fevers, place on forehead, above ears, and at the back of the head and neck. Use for inflammation when tofu or taro plaster are unavailable.

Green leaves, chopped. Daikon is best. Do not use leeks or anything pungent.

Cheese cloth or paper towel

White flour

Chop leaves and crush in suribachi until they form a paste. Add 20% flour to hold the paste together. Spread on a towel 1/2 inch thick. Apply directly to skin. Leave for 2 to 3 hours.

Variation: use bottled chlorophyll (may be purchased as Green Magma) in place of green leaves. Pour into a bowl, add some water, then place either gauze or cheesecloth into water and wrap around affected area for a minimum of four hours or all night. After assessing condition treatment may be repeated until it improves (i.e. temperature is sufficiently reduced).

Buckwheat Plaster

Buckwheat plaster draws water from the body through the skin. It temporarily relieves fluid built up in abdominal or pleural cavity. Use for sprains or swollen knees, ankles and feet. Use hen bladder inflammation and urination is difficult by applying plaster to bladder area (several plasters in a row will be needed).

Buckwheat flour Cotton cloth

Warm water

Mix buckwheat flour and warm water to make a stiff dough. Knead dough, then apply directly onto skin 3/4 inch (2 cm) thick, and hold in place with cotton cloth.

Remove when dough becomes soft and watery (approximately 1-2 hours) and replace with fresh plaster. Best results are obtained if plaster can be kept warm, therefore a salt pack may be applied over plaster.

Tofu Plaster

Tofu is yin, and is therefore good for yang conditions. It absorbs fevers (note: see additional indications and contraindications below), extinguishes inflammatory processes whether they are causing fever or not, and decreases swelling already present, and prevents swelling in the same way as taro does.


Tofu Cheesecloth

10-15% White flour Thin cotton towel, gauze, wax paper or paper towel

5% fresh ginger root, grated

Squeeze out excess liquid from tofu in cheesecloth or towel. Crush tofu in suribachi, then add a small amount of ginger and white flour. Mix together well. It now will resemble a thick sticky paste. On a thin cotton towel, gauze or wax paper spread paste 1/2 inch thick. Place plaster on treatment area (this plaster needs to be in direct contact with the skin). Plaster dries very quickly, so if not using plaster immediately, apply another towel on top of plaster application—do not cover with plastic. The temperature of tofu plasters increases quickly, so it needs to be replaced every 20 minutes as needed. Plaster treatment may be repeated every 1 to 2 hours, or sooner, depending upon the condition.

For bronchitis, first apply a ginger compress, then follow with a tofu plaster. Continue treatment for 1 to 2 hours. Repeat process as required.

Tofu Indications:

Tofu is yin, and therefore the plaster is good for yang conditions. It is a better preparation than ice packs or cold towels, and does not produce secondary side effects. It may be used for:

• Treatment on the head

• Acute pneumonia or bronchitis where there inflammatory processes are causing fever. Note: if fever is deep in the body a ginger compress may be needed first).

• Any painful condition accompanied by fever

• Second or third degree burns to assist in scar healing and relieve pain. Apply continuously in the first 48 hours of burn. For heavy burns apply every day for several days.

• Sprains, contusion and concussion. The healing properties of tofu prevent swellings and intra tissular bleeding

• Brain hemorrhage, or any areas where there is hardening of the blood or clotting (continued on next page)

Contraindications:

• NOT FOR FEVER OF MEASLES OR CHICKEN POX unless temperature is over 105°F (40°C). Temperature should not be forced artificially to normal, but maintained within a safe range.


Mustard Plaster

Stimulates the blood and body fluid circulation and loosens stagnation. Can be used as replacement for ginger compress. Use where blood circulation has stagnated in the muscles around the neck and shoulders. Use for lung troubles, including bronchitis, mucous accumulation in the lungs, coughing and asthma. Plaster may be applied simultaneously or alternatively on the chest and on the lung area on the back. Provides relief of menstrual cramps and rheumatic pains.

1/2 cup ground mustard seeds, flour or plain mustard

Paper towels or wax paper

White flour 2 cotton bath towels.

Add warm water to mustard, stirring in one direction to form a thick paste resembling cream. Note: if treating children, add equal amounts of white flour.

Cut paper twice the size of area to be treated. Spread mixture onto paper and sandwich it between two cotton towels. Apply this "sandwich" to the skin area and leave on until the skin becomes red and hot, then remove. Do not allow mustard to get onto skin as it may cause burns or blisters.

This plaster will start to heat up after it has been applied. Mustard particles start to penetrate towel onto skin within minutes. Treatment may last 10-20 minutes, or until plaster becomes uncomfortable. The skin will appear red and warm after treatment. Pat skin with a warm towel. DO NOT RUB SKIN, as this may cause pain and rupturing of the skin.

Note: This is a safe plaster for children. However, if skin (child or adult) gets burned, treat with olive oil.

Treatment Duration: For acute trouble, apply 3 to 4 times per day. For chronic conditions, apply in the same way as ginger compresses.


Taro Plaster

Taro plasters draw out dead cells and toxin build up. Pus, which is stagnated blood that accumulates in abscesses, tumors, contusions, etc., can be drawn from the body through taro plaster methods. Taro prevents or decreases swelling formation due to contusions or sprains. See additional indications below.

Small taro potatoes--choose the freshest. If fresh taro is unavailable you may use dried taro, called Al-bi powder.

Cotton towel or cheesecloth

Grated raw ginger, or ginger powder Bandage

White unbleached flour

Note: To receive the best results and increase treatment benefits, you may want to apply a ginger compress for 3 to 10 minutes before Taro plaster. Do not do this automatically—always assess each individual case.

Wash and remove hair from skin of taro potato. Peel taro and grate it with a fine grater. As you grate, you will see a white, wet and sticky paste will appear—it looks like wet mud. Add ginger to the taro, using a ratio of 90-95% taro to 5-10% ginger. Mix thoroughly.

If past becomes too wet, white flour may be added to bind together. White flour is used instead of whole grain flour because of its binding agents. If you add too much flour it can be diluted with cool water (not warm).

Spread taro paste onto damp cotton towel or damp cheesecloth 1/2 to 3/4 inch (1.5 to 2 cm) thick. Place plaster directly onto the skin. Plaster must cover all areas of affected site. Apply another cloth over the top of this and then bandage the area and remain still for duration of treatment. Plaster is to be left on for 2, 3, or a maximum of 4 hours or until paste dries.

Remove dried plaster with warm water, taking care when applied to hairy areas of the body. There will be times when a ginger compress is required after the taro plaster, i.e. when the taro plaster becomes uncomfortable or when a new taro plaster is going to be applied.

Treatment Duration:

As always each person is treated as the individual that they are. In cancer patients, Taro plasters may be used for several weeks. In cases of less severity, plasters may be applied up to 3 times per day over a period of 1 to 3 weeks.

Precautions:

• If you need to dilute past with water—it is a cold plaster

• Due to the coldness of this plaster, warm towels may be placed over the plaster application if it becomes too uncomfortable for patient. Ginger compresses may be applied more frequently between taro plaster treatments to aid in warming the area


• Ulceration of the skin may occur if such items as a plastic or vinyl sheet are placed over plaster during application

• Always ensure that plaster stays in complete contact with skin. If plaster is wrapped in a cloth it will be useless

• When treating very yin people, they may experience itching in the area being treated. This may be due to a reaction with the amount of ginger added. If this occurs, decrease ginger and start again. If itching remains, add salt to the next preparation to abate itchiness. In extreme and very sensitive yin people, sesame or vegetable oil may be added rubbed lightly into treatment area before applying plaster. If itching still persists, only then may a fine piece of cheesecloth be placed onto skin before plaster.

• It is possible and probable that the skin area and Taro plaster will change color. The skin may become darker or even black. After many hours a blackness may appear on the taro paste. This is due to the oxidation process of the potato being exposed to the air.

Taro Plaster Indications:

Taro root is yin. It is able to open the pores of the skin. Applying a yang ginger compress treatment before applying taro plaster increases blood and tissue fluid circulation. The yin quality of taro reduces yang factors that may have attracted water; water will begin to disperse after taro application. When swellings decrease pain is relieved. If this treatment is applied immediately and continued over several days, the re-absorption of intra-tissular bleeding can be increased.

Taro is indicated for:

• Inflammations

o Caused by trauma, contusions, sprains, burns, and fractures. Taro plaster offers relief of pain and in certain circumstances is able to decrease inflammation.

o Of a non specific type including abscesses, boils, inflamed hemorrhoids, appendicitis, arthritis, rheumatism, sinusitis, pleurisy, neuritis, neuralgia and eczema.

o Cases have been recorded in which illnesses of mumps, tuberculosis, leprosy and pneumonia have been aided by using taro plaster.

• Tumoral diseases such as:

o Benign tumors, warts, fibroid tumors, ovary, breast, thyroid, and cysts (where external treatment can be used.)

o Cancer/malignant tumors. Taro plaster is widely used amongst cancer clients. Note: Ginger compresses may


increase spread of tumor and are not advisable, unless used under the guidance of a qualified natural healing counselor.

Raw Soya Bea Plaster

To reduce fever. Indications are the same as for tofu plaster. Apply in cases of fever or on any kind of inflammations or on painful areas.

1 cup raw soybeans Flour as binding agent

5 cups of water

Soak soybeans overnight in water. Mash the beans and add some flour. Apply this paste in the same way as a tofu plaster.

Daikon or Turnip Root Plaster

This plaster has a cooling (yin) effect. It will cool down pain and heal internal bleeding quickly. Apply to bruised areas. If bruise is large, treatment may be repeated for several days.

Daikon or turnip Flour as binding agent

Grate 1/3 of a daikon or 1/3 turnip. Do not use juice. Add flour to bind. Apply mixture directly on the area to be treated. Leave for 15 to 30 minutes, then renew the plaster.

Miso Plaster

A great home remedy for bleeding caused by cuts, itchy skin or any kind of swelling. Dark miso keeps infection down and promotes healing.

Dark Miso Cheesecloth

Place miso directly onto the skin or wrap it in one layer of cheesecloth.

Why Miso Works

Miso contains living enzymes that aid digestion, strengthen the blood and provide a nutritious balance of complex carbohydrates, essential oils, protein, vitamins and minerals. According to legend, miso was a gift from the gods to ensure humanity's health, longevity and happiness.

During the processing of miso several types of energy have been wisely combined. The soybeans in miso represent autumn energy, salt represents winter energy and barley represents spring energy. The fermentation process represents tree energy and passes through at least 4 seasons, including one summer and one winter season. It becomes an energetically well-balanced product that can be used in all seasons. Overall miso has a slight and slow


upward energy making it very good for promotion of digestion, healing and supplying energy.

Miso has great healing properties—it keeps infection down to a minimum. It is alkaline, has the contractive effect of drawing the wound together, and has anti-infection properties. The theory behind miso is that the enzymes, salt and fermentation process has a very yin or contractive effect on the wound, which promotes healing.

For comparison of yin/yang, if we were to apply sugar to an open cut, the expansive force of the yan sugar would open the cut further and allow the blood to flow freely.

Points to Remember when using Compresses and Plasters

• Remain calm. Seek professional assistance if unsure.

• Use natural fibers such as cotton and cheesecloth. Avoid synthetic materials.

• Use stainless steel, glass and cast iron saucepans. Aluminum or non-stick surfaces may alter the nature of vegetables, herbs and spices.

• Prepare home remedies fresh each day. It is unwise to prepare large quantities and use over and over again.

• Always rinse materials used for compresses, packs and plaster well. Dry completely and store in a cool, dry place.

Mud and Clay Packs

The earth itself, receiving its vital energies from sun, air and water, is a most powerful healing agent. Different forms of earth, including clay, mud and sand, all participate in life giving and health restoring processes.

Dense, dark mud has a high salt content, making it very alkalizing. Using dark mud as a body treatment is very beneficial if you do not have any miso on hand. The use of mud with high mineral content is very common in health resorts and clinics.

Much of the clay that is used comes from Europe. Medicinal clay is especially green, and has a cooling affect. Clays are used for their ability to draw out toxins such as boils, pus forming tumors and pimples, and absorb them.

Forms and uses of clay include:

• Clay packs are excellent for the complexion. If treating pimples, leave on for approximately 4 hours.

• Finely ground clay is advisable for powdering babies, instead of talcum, which generally has medicinal substances. Do not


hesitate to use clay powder on pimples or drink it with water if necessary (for adults and children).

• Powdered clay performs an antiseptic action on ulcers, aiding in the rebuilding of harmed tissues. To use, apply powder to sores, scars, inflammations, eczema etc.

• Using very fine clay powder for a massage increases its efficiency.

• Clay powder aids the healing of cuts, wounds etc. If cut is recent, apply clay powder directly onto the wound, then cover it with a large cold poultice and bandage firmly. Keep poultice in place for a maximum of 2 hours, then wash the wound with salted or lemon water. After that, use a compress of clayish water.

If the existence of foreign bodies in the wound is feared, continue the clay poultices until there is no more doubt. All the foreign substances will be absorbed by the clay and later found there. There have been many cases where foreign bodies that were impossible to extract surgically have been drawn out with clay.

When the state of the wound allows it, expose it to the open air in order to hasten its healing. Sometimes it is necessary to apply a dry dressing in order to avoid friction or any other contact. This dry dressing may stick to the skin and present difficulties in removing it. To avoid this, use the following antiseptic pack: peel an onion, take out a layer carefully and extract the very thin membrane that is between two layers of onion. When applied directly to the wound, this pellicle, will protect and disinfect it. Add the dressing and bandage. This precaution is very useful for any dry dressing in general, such as on ulcers or sores.

• Clay compress provide relief of inflammation, infection and swelling due to disorders of metabolism, congestion in the tissues and muscles, and insect stings (for stings, the compress should be replaced hourly). Refer to compress recipes for instructions on how to make a clay compress.

Hot Treatments

Hot treatments increase blood circulation and move the chi. Hot treatments are used for those symptoms and pains that have been present in the body for some time and are more long term. Aches are due to stagnation of energy and blood. Heat applied to these areas increase blood supply and aid in the movement of energy and stagnation.

Examples of pains and sensations that hot treatments are effective in treating include:

• Aching


• Griping pain

• Cramping

• Pulsating

• Rheumatic

• Tearing

• Cutting

• Bruising

Examples of conditions that hot treatments are effective for include:

• Stomach cramps

• Leg cramps

• Arthritis

• Lower back pain

• Muscle cramps

• Menstrual cramps

• Chronic headaches

• Pain in Shoulders

• Ear ache

• Tension in neck.

Methods of "heat" may be applied in various forms:

• Hot towels

• Heat pads & Hot water bottles

• Full body bath, great for relaxation

• Hip bath, used for dysentery

• Vapor baths (steam baths)

• Dry baths (include hot air or sand baths)

• Rubbing: Use hot towels or with hot ginger water for rubbing along the spine to promote circulation

• Heat pads and hot water bottles to ease pain associated with menstrual cramps, muscle cramps, or pain in abdominal area


Hot Treatment Recipes

Tiger Balm and Vicks Vapor Rub

For sinus troubles, use tiger balm or Vicks around cheeks and third eye to increase blood flow. These two common household items are a great warming treatment for sinus troubles.

Ginger Water

Aids blood flow to swollen fingers, hands and feet.

1 handful ginger, grated Large pot of water

To prepare, add grated ginger to water. Bring to a boil, then simmer for 5 minutes. When temperature has cooled enough to touch, soak swollen fingers, hands or feet in ginger water for 10 minutes.

Ginger Oil

Ginger oil penetrates deep into the tissues and relieves aches and pains. It is a wonderful home remedy for headaches (do not use for migraines, or if heat symptoms appear in head), earwax buildup, chronic back problems and nervous tension. See indication information below.

1 TBSP Sesame oil (or as needed) Cheesecloth

1 TBSP Fresh ginger juice (or as needed)

To make ginger juice, grate ginger and squeeze through cheesecloth to get ginger juice. Warm sesame oil, then mix the oil and ginger juice together.

Note: excess oil may be stored in the refrigerator.

Indications:

• For excessive earwax build-up place 2 drops of ginger oil in ear. Note: Do not use for ear infections.

• For chronic back problems and nervous tension, rub into spine before going to bed.

• Rub into shoulders and neck area to relieve aches and pains. It penetrates deep into the tissues. If used after ginger compress it will prolong the treatment.

• For dull, lingering type headaches (yin), especially after a long day at work, dip the end of a cloth in ginger oil and rub gently into temple area. Massaging the backs of the ears and temples may also ease headaches. Do not use ginger oil for migraines or if any heat symptoms appear in the head, e.g. red complexion.


• For muscle cramps, rub into affected area.

Tea and Tonic Recipes

Barley Green Tea

This tea helps the body in burning fats and eliminating toxins arising from the use of animal foods. It also helps to cleanse the liver.

2 tsp barley powder Hot water

Place the barley powder into a cup and pour boiling water over it; drink warm.

Shitake Mushroom Tea

Helpful for relaxing and relieving overly tense muscles and nerves. Also helps to dissolve animal fats and lower high blood pressure.

1 or 2 dried shitake mushrooms soaked in 1 cup warm water

Pinch of sea salt

1 cup water

Remove shitake from the soaking water, squeeze out excess liquid and cut into thin strips. Combine the sliced mushroom the soaking water and the other cup of water and a pinch of sea salt into a saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes covered.

Indications: Drink 1/2 cup at a time and no more than twice daily.

Kombu Tea

This tea helps improve blood quality and remineralize the body.

1 strip of Kombu 4 cups water

Place kombu into saucepan. Add the water and bring to boil. Lower heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove kombu and serve as tea.

Kudzu Tea

Strengthens digestion, cools the stomach and intestines, increases vitality and reduces fatigue.

1- 2 tsp of kudzu 1 tsp tamari

1 cup cold water

Dissolve the kudzu in the cold water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 3 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in tamari to taste.


Lotus Root Tea

Helpful in relieving hot dry coughs and dissolving mucus in the lungs.

2 TBSP dried lotus root or the juice from a 1/2 cup freshly grated lotus root

Pinch of sea salt or dash of tamari

1 cup water

Combine the lotus root and water and bring to a boil. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. Add a pinch of sea salt or a dash of tamari and drink hot 2 -3 times daily.

Ume Ginger Tonic

For an oncoming cold or one in process.

5 large umeboshi plums Slightly baked orange peel

4” ginger root Honey to taste

Combine all of the ingredients and cook it becomes a thick liquid. Eat while still hot.

Indications: Take 2 times daily for best results.

Women’s Blood Tonic Soup

Helps to regulate menstruation, relieve cramps and assist women in a healthy menopause. Serves 2-3.

1 oz. angelica (dang gui) .25 oz. black dates (da zao)

1/2 oz. poria (fu ling) .25 oz. red dates (hong zao)

Boil herbs with 8 cups vegetable or chicken stock for 10 minutes. Reduce to a simmer for 2 hours in a covered non-metallic pot. Discard herbs. Season with sea salt or tamari (optional).

Home Study and Review

1. What are the two main functions of blood coagulation?

2. Give 3 examples of conditions that you would use a hot treatment for, other than those listed in this text.

3. Write one or two paragraphs on why a Ginger Foot Bath would be used for rheumatism, arthritis or gout.

4. How do you decrease the chances of infection if there is a burn on the skin?


5. What are the feelings and sensations a person will experience when using Tiger Balm?

6. What are the benefits of using dark mud?

7. Name 3 areas of the body where you can use a clay pack.

8. What antiseptic treatment is used on the skin before applying a dry dressing?

9. Prepare a tofu plaster and apply it to your leg. Do you feel a cool sensation in that area afterwards? Why would this be good to use in a fever over the forehead?

10. Name four key words that describe the sensation felt in an acute pain.

11. What is a chronic condition? What symptoms manifest from it? What is the cure?

12. Prepare a chlorophyll plaster. What is it good for? What conditions of the body would you not use it on?

13. What are the actions and precautions of a taro plaster? Is it a yin or yang plaster, and why?

14. What is the main indication for using a ginger compress? What are the contraindications of a ginger compress?

15. Prepare a ginger compress for a friend or a relative and apply on the lower back kidney area. Ask the patient how they feel after the treatment.

16. Apply a salt pack to the shoulder area of yourself and write about the sensations and feelings you experienced. 0.

Dietary Advice for Specific Conditions

By now you should understand the important role food plays in our over-all health. Perhaps you have noticed your body’s reaction to specific foods when illness is upon us. This lesson highlights specific conditions and the ways that foods can best serve us to help bring us back to a state of wholeness and well-being.

Arthritis

The word arthritis comes from -itis, meaning ”inflammation,” and arthron, meaning “of the joint.” There are many kinds of arthritis, some of which, contrary to this definition, result in calcium deposits in muscles. Broadly speaking, there are two different types of arthritis: Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Both result in joint pain and inflammation, yet they have completely different mechanisms and causes.


• In Osteoarthritis, degeneration begins with the joint itself. It is usually triggered by a calcium deficiency within the bones or a previous physical injury. The disease spreads outward, causing inflammation in the surrounding area. Maintaining proper calcium balance is critical. This is regulated by calcium, magnesium and Vitamin D intake along with a proper thyroid and parathyroid function.

• Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder. Within our body’s immune system are lymphocytes, which are designed to track down any outside invaders and destroy them. In the case of an autoimmune disease, they identify parts of the body as foreign and attack it by mistake. In rheumatoid arthritis the joints are attacked. A number of different theories exist to explain this disease, but unfortunately there is no complete answer. Allergies are often involved and hormonal and prostaglandin imbalances may make the inflammation worse. Excesses of the minerals copper and iron and deficiencies of zinc or manganese exacerbate the problem and suggest a role of free radicals and oxidation in this disease.

In Osteoarthritis joints degenerate. In Rheumatoid arthritis joints can fuse together and distort with a build up calcium that causes enlarged joints. Many people suffer from degeneration of the vertebrae of the spine that usually results in backache and lack of flexibility. Only when the degeneration becomes pronounced does inflammation occur, leading to diagnosis. Even more common is osteoporosis (porous bones), particularly in women over fifty. This can easily lead to fractures.

Most, but not all, types of arthritis have in common the misuse of calcium. One exception is gout, which causes pain (usually in the feet and finger joints) due to a build up of uric acid crystals.

A dramatically increased need for calcium in later years is especially prevalent in cultures that consume a typical Western diet. One likely explanation for this is that the whole endocrine system gradually becomes inefficient through over-stimulation from stress, sugar, coffee, tea, chocolate, alcohol and smoking. These factors also cause an even more significant loss of magnesium that, together with calcium, controls nerve and muscle cell reactions.

When approaching arthritis we first look at it in terms of yin and yang.

• Yin Arthritis: produced by the excessive intake of various yin foods such as fruits, fruit juice (especially tropical and semi tropical varieties), cold soft drinks, excess use of raw foods as well as excessive intake of tomatoes, eggplant, and other nightshades.

• Yang Arthritis: caused by excessive intake of the yang foods, including meat, eggs and other animal food. Excessive intake of


calcium associated with the regular consumption of dairy foods also creates an arthritic condition.

Despite their differences, both types of arthritis are aggravated to varying degrees by the consumption of excessive oil and fat from animal sources. In addition, both types are accelerated by excessive intake of liquids and icy cold drinks such as soda, beer and other cold beverages.

Symptoms: Swelling, swelling of joints, inflammation, curves and deformation of bones, softening, stiffness, infectious, immobility, and hardening. Overall it is categorized as a Cold disease.

Forms:

• Yin: Infectious arthritis, i.e. Osteoarthritis

• Yang: Metabolic arthritis, i.e. Gout

• Yin/Yang Combined: Rheumatoid arthritis, Bursitis

Dietary Approach: Follow the longevity dietary approach. Avoid extreme categories of both yin and yang foods. All foods should be cooked, however a third of your vegetables may be lightly or quickly cooked. Animal foods and fruit must be eaten at a minimum.

• The main food in the daily diet should be whole grains, including rice, millet, barley, rye, wheat and oats among others. These grains should be eaten primarily in their whole form rather than as a flour. Supplemental foods should include cooked vegetables, beans, seaweed and, if desired, small portions of animal food such as fish and seafood. Use plenty of warming herbs such as garlic and ginger. Try to avoid potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, and spinach because of the high levels of oxalic acid.

• Arthritis is commonly accompanied by chronic intestinal disorders. It is therefore especially important to chew food thoroughly, preferably 80 to 100 times or more per mouthful, or until the food has become completely liquefied.

• Use salt, miso, tamari and other salty seasonings and condiments moderately because of their cooling effects. Beneficial condiments include:

o Dried shredded daikon cooked with miso or tamari soy sauce to taste.

o Miso and scallion cooked together with several drops of sesame oil.

• Wild plants such as dandelion and watercress are helpful. Prepare them first by sautéing with a little water and simmering.

• Sea vegetables are a must. They have a rich source of minerals (calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, iron, iodine, sodium), plus


vitamins A, B1, B12, E and proteins and easily digestible carbohydrates.

• Limit excessive intake of liquids and icy cold drinks such as soda, beer and other cold beverages. Note: Ice cream is one of the major factors contributing to the symptoms of arthritis.

Lifestyle Recommendations:

• The presence of sunlight on the skin converts chemicals in the body into vitamin D, which the aids in the absorption of calcium. This conversion process is particularly active in the autumn. Getting outdoors in the winter may help calcium balance, when calcium intake is particularly critical.

• Exercise improves calcium balance, while obesity, bad posture and hard physical labor may contribute to the problem by putting further pressure on weight bearing joints which are prone to degeneration.

Recipes for Arthritis:

Rice Soup

This is a good breakfast for all sick people and in particular in cases of arthritis and rheumatism.

1 cup of brown rice 7-10 cups of water (5 cups for pressure cooker)

Small amount of sesame oil Pinch of sea salt

Roast rice in sesame oil until golden brown. Add water and bring to a boil. Add a pinch of sea salt and simmer until the rice is soft and about half of the total volume of water remains (1-3 hours). It can be eaten with a small piece of umeboshi plum to help alkalize the blood.

Ginger Compress

The symptoms of arthritis can be treated by applying a hot ginger compress once a day to joints of hardened body parts in order to accelerate blood and body fluid circulation and to dissolve stagnation. A ginger foot or hand bath will aid this condition.

Another helpful external ginger treatment is the daily or frequent application of a ginger compress on the abdominal area, or a rub down along the spine with a hot ginger towel.

1.3 oz (40 gms) ginger (about the size of a tennis ball), grated

10" x 10" piece of cheesecloth, muslin, handkerchief, or clean cotton sock


2 to 3 quarts (approx 2 to 3 liters) water Clean towel

Note: Refer to Home Remedies section for full instructions and precautions.

Finely grate fresh ginger and place it in the center of the fabric. Gather edges up and tie with string to form a bag. In a large pot bring water to a hot temperature—do not boil. Place bag of ginger in pot.

With back of wooden spoon, press the bag against the side of the pot to squeeze out ginger juice. Simmer ginger for 5 minutes or until water turns yellowish and gives off a strong ginger aroma. Remove from stove and bring pot near to where person is to be treated.

Have the person lie face down on floor with the area to be treated well exposed. If it is a cool day, make sure the patient is well covered and kept warm on all parts of the body not being treated.

Fold cotton towel. Place middle of towel in ginger water. Hold both ends, remove towel from ginger water and squeeze excess back into pot. Towel will be extremely hot; unfold to allow excess steam/heat to escape. Check the temperature by placing the towel very lightly against your cheek. If you can tolerate the heat it is the correct temperature for your patient. Refold towel and apply directly on area to be treated. To retain heat, place a wool dry towel over the top of the compress.

Replace compress every 3 to 4 minutes, or when it becomes cool. Treatment generally lasts 20 minutes. Treatment may need to be longer depending on condition (acute or chronic). Treated area will become quite red.

Taro Plaster

Taro plaster can relieve arthritic pain. In some instances it extinguishes the inflammatory process itself.

Small taro potatoes--choose the freshest. If fresh taro is unavailable you may use dried taro, called Al-bi powder.

Cotton towel or cheesecloth

Grated raw ginger, or ginger powder Bandage

White unbleached flour

Note: Refer to Home Remedies section for full instructions and precautions.

Wash and remove hair from skin of taro potato. Peel taro and grate it with a fine grater. As you grate, you will see a white, wet and sticky paste will appear—it looks like wet mud. Add ginger to the taro, using a ratio of 90-95% taro to 5-10% ginger. Mix thoroughly.

If past becomes too wet, white flour may be added to bind together. White flour is used instead of whole grain flour because of its binding agents. If you add too much flour it can be diluted with cool water (not warm).


Spread taro paste onto damp cotton towel or damp cheesecloth 1/2 to 3/4 inch (1.5 to 2 cm) thick. Place plaster directly onto the skin. Plaster must cover all areas of affected site. Apply another cloth over the top of this and then bandage the area and remain still for duration of treatment. Plaster is to be left on for 2, 3, or a maximum of 4 hours or until paste dries.

Remove dried plaster with warm water, taking care when applied to hairy areas of the body. There will be times when a ginger compress is required after the taro plaster, i.e. when the taro plaster becomes uncomfortable or when a new taro plaster is going to be applied.


Sesame Oil and Ginger

This mixture activates circulation. It is especially good for arthritis, muscular rheumatism, and neuralgia. If this treatment is used after applying a ginger compress it can prolong the results of the compress.

1 tsp fresh ginger juice 1 tsp sesame oil

Grate enough fresh ginger to press out 1 teaspoon of juice. Mix this with an equal amount of sesame oil. Shake well before using it, and apply to skin. If this mixture causes a burning feeling, reduce the amount of ginger juice, i.e. 10 drops of juice for 1 TBSP of oil.

Morning Glory Tea (Ipomoea Purpura)

This tea is used for arthritis, gout, rheumatism, as well as reduce watery swellings of legs or abdomen.

3 grams of Morning Glory (Ipomoea Purpura) seeds and leaves

Water

Mix seeds and leaves, boil in water, and drink as a tea.

Umeboshi Plum and Bancha Tea

For severe conditions of arthritis.

1 tsp of umeboshi plum powder (see instructions below)

Bancha twig tea

Bake several umeboshi in the oven under the broiler until their outer surface turns black, then crush into a black powder. Mix one teaspoon of powder with a small cup of bancha twig tea. Take daily or once every two to three days.

Glucose Intolerance

Stimulant use or prolonged unresolved mental and emotional upsets can lead to an inability to control blood sugar levels. If the blood sugar level rises too high, drops too low or rises or falls too rapidly, both the brain and body become imbalanced as cells are starved or flooded with sugar. This can result in irritability, aggressive outbursts, nervousness, depression, crying spells, vertigo, and dizziness, fears and anxiety, fatigue, insomnia, headaches, palpitations, muscle cramps, excess sweating, digestive problems, allergies, blurred vision, lack of sex drive, thirst.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is caused when blood sugar drops too low. Hypo means “low,” glyc- means “sugar,” and aemia means “in the blood”. There are several types of hypoglycemia:


• Functional hypoglycemia: Occurs as a result of not having eaten recently, or from taking a stimulant. Symptoms are worst first thing in the morning.

• Reactive hypoglycemia: Occurs as a response to ingesting a wide range of substances. This is often the mechanism behind the symptoms of food allergies. All stimulants, including sugar, alcohol and cannabis, can cause this rebound effect. Symptoms are usually worse within two hours of ingestion.

The worst form of glucose intolerance, diabetes, may follow hypoglycemia. It is caused when the body becomes unable to transport sugar from blood to the cells, causing blood sugar levels to rise. If the kidneys’ ability to reabsorb sugar becomes saturated, sugar may appear in the urine. This is caused by a lack of insulin, defective insulin or a lack of glucose tolerance factor.

Diabetes

This condition, which affects millions of people, is caused by the Islets of Langerhans inability to produce enough insulin. Hyposecretion of insulin results in blood sugar levels rising markedly. This condition is known as hyperglycemia.

In normal circumstances, the sugar content of the blood is about 100 mg (70 mg to 120 mg) per 100 cc.

Fatigue and tiredness set in if this level rises to over 130 mg. If it increases to 180 mg, the "renal threshold" is reached. At this point, sugar begins to appear in the urine (glycosuria) and the discharge of urine increases (polyuria). The loss of water through excessive urination causes the patient to become thirsty while the accompanying loss of glucose and minerals produces hunger. Since the metabolism of sugar is disturbed in diabetes, the oxidation of glucose does not proceed smoothly. Partially oxidized fats give rise to what are known as "ketone bodies", and "acetone" (C3 H6O) appears in the urine, often giving rise to an acetone smell in the breath.

Other types of acidic ketone bodies are also formed in large quantities; this condition necessitates the maintenance of a constant buffer action that depletes the body's mineral reserves. This situation leads to the development of acidosis, and disrupts the metabolism of carbon dioxide. Since carbon dioxide cannot be discharged smoothly, it becomes like a toxin in the body, and may result in convulsions, coma and death.

In the past, diabetes was considered to be a disease of old age. This is because it was more common in persons over 60, and in many cases arose after a person achieved material success and could afford gourmet-style food. Today, diabetes arises at any age; many young people have begun to develop it.

The present medical treatment for diabetes is to inject insulin, but this does not cure the disease. Since the intake of carbohydrates affects the utilization of insulin, the dosage must be adapted to the patient’s diet and activity. In many cases, diabetics are placed on a diet low in carbohydrates and high in fats. An overdose of insulin may result in insulin shock, convulsions, coma and in some


cases death. Not enough insulin will leave the patient with diabetic symptoms. It is very difficult to maintain the correct dosage of insulin, and patients must be checked often and have their dosage adjusted. It has recently been found that insulin combined with protamine and zinc is absorbed more slowly, thus requiring less frequent injections. Several oral medicines, most notably "Orinase", have been found somewhat effective in controlling the blood sugar level.

The Cause of Diabetes

The cause of diabetes is not known medically. However, with the unifying principle of yin and yang, the solution to this problem is quite easy. Insulin is secreted in the pancreas by the Islets of Langerhans. These masses of cells are scattered throughout the pancreas, and vary in number from 200,000 to 1,800,000. They are most numerous in the tail portion of the pancreas.

The more yin beta cells within the Islets secrete insulin, while larger and more yang alpha cells secrete glucagon. In diabetes, the beta cells become expanded and lose their ability to secrete insulin. This is caused by an overly acid blood condition that results from the over consumption of sugar, fruit, dairy, chemicals and other similar foods, as well as by the over consumption of animal products, which creates an acidic condition.

Hyperglycemia and the Pancreas

One out of every ten people has diabetes. It is the third leading cause of death and every second heart attack is diabetic related. Hyperglycemia is an underlying cause for violent crime, alcoholism, drug abuse, violent behavior and psychological disorders. Both conditions relate to the pancreas (soil energy).

The pancreas regulates the bio-chemical quality of nutrients and is the major controlling factor of the endocrine system. Its balancing function regulates mind, body and spirit. The Greek word for pancreas is "all flesh."

It is a fish shape approximately 8" long. Its head lies against the duodenum and its tail against the stomach. One of the functions of the solar plexus is to capture energy from plants (which has bonded carbon and other life supporting nutrients) and, by the process of digestion, release these energies to be reanimated into consciousness, thoughts, and actions.

The pancreas is a rich gold color (yellow). For this reason the Chinese say that yellow foods for soil energy harmonize the pancreas.

Diabetic Symptoms: Weakening of peripheral parts of the body, especially the skin. Slow healing wounds, skin ulcers, loss of skin’s natural flexibility, poor circulation in hands and feet, weakening of teeth structure, and various eye disorders, such as glaucoma.

Treatment Principle: Restore body’s capacity to produce insulin.

Dietary Approach: Follow the longevity dietary approach. Avoid extreme categories of both yin and yang foods, since this will cause an attraction to the opposite types of food, which caused the diabetes to develop in the first place.


• Whole cereal grains should comprise 30% to 40% of the diet. Grains such as short grain rice, millet, and buckwheat are particularly advisable. Millet contains plenty of B-vitamins, which serve as a catalyst in the formation of hormones such as insulin. Use a rice:millet combination of 50:50 or 80:20. Grains should be cooked with a small amount of sea salt.

• Soup should comprise about 10 to 20% of the daily diet. Miso or tamari soup should have a slightly salty taste, but not to salty.

• Vegetables should comprise 20% to 50% of the daily diet. Root vegetables like carrots, burdock, and others are best, while round vegetables that grow above the ground, like onions and cabbage, should be used. Greens should be selected according to shape, with preference given to small leafed greens that are hard and have a more complex leaf structure. Kale, daikon greens, watercress, parsley and others fall into this category. These should primarily be sautéed in oil and seasoned with a little sea salt. If the patient becomes thirsty, increase the amount of oil rather than reducing the amount of salt.

• Use primarily sesame, corn and olive oil. Reduce eating raw oil, as in salad dressings and reduce or avoid raw nuts and seeds – they need to be dry roasted to be digestible.

• Beans should comprise 10% to 15% of the diet, with preference given to smaller beans such as aduki and lentils. Chickpeas are usually not used for a diabetic patient.

• Seaweed should comprise 3% to 4% of the diet, and taken regularly in order to provide a continual supply of minerals.

• Gomashio should be used as a condiment.

• Avoid excess fruit; if craved it should be cooked. Sweet taste is provided by the complex polysaccharide glucose found in grains and vegetables such as autumn and winter squash, pumpkin and carrots. An occasional dessert made from aduki beans sweetened with rice honey or barley malt may also be eaten for sweetness.

• A diabetic patient should eat a special dish made from 50% hard squash, 30% adzuki beans, and 20% kombu seaweed cooked together with several drops of sesame oil and seasoned with sea salt. This combination tastes very sweet. Eat a portion about the size of a baseball at every meal.

• Peanuts are not advisable for day to day eating, as they may cause or contribute to high blood pressure, nose bleeding and other symptoms. When they are eaten, they should be roasted and lightly salted. However, they can be helpful for diabetics. A diabetic patient can often take peanuts and other salted nuts as


a snack. They are also helpful for those suffering from depression.

• Consume a variety of pickles help to rejuvenate the enzyme action of the pancreas.

• Limit fluid intake, including recommended beverages. Roasted grain teas such as those made from barley of rice are especially recommended.

• Chew food thoroughly, preferably between 100 to 200 times per mouthful.

• Avoid overeating and overdrinking. It is better to eat small quantities four or five times a day than to eat a single large meal. A person with this condition must not eat for several hours before going to bed.

Lifestyle Recommendations: Regular exercise


Recipes for Diabetics:

Adzuki Squash Kombu Dish

This dish is helpful in regulating blood sugar levels, especially in those who are diabetic or hypoglycemic. It is also good for any kidney disease and when there is a lack of vitality in general.

1 cup adzuki beans 1/2 tsp sea salt

4 pieces kombu Water

2 cups squash or pumpkin, or carrots and parsnip, chopped into 2” pieces

Tamari soy sauce

Wash adzuki beans, then soak overnight or 4-6 hours (minimum). Soak kombu, then place in bottom of saucepan and place the adzuki beans on top of the kombu. Cover with water. Bring to a boil and simmer for 40 minutes. Place the squash on top of the kombu and adzuki beans. Sprinkle lightly with sea salt. Cover and continue to cook until squash is done. Turn off the flame and let the preparation sit for several minutes before serving.

Fried Miso

This is a medicinal condiment, not to be used daily by healthy people. It is suitable in cases of diabetes, eye diseases and in particular tuberculosis.

100 grams miso 2 TBSPs leek or scallions, finely chopped

1 TBSP sesame oil 1 tsp grated orange peel

Fry miso in sesame oil. Add leek or scallion and orange peel. Eat 1 tablespoon with rice or vegetables.

Dietary Advice for Specific Conditions Part 2

The Physiology of the Digestive System

Food enters the body through the mouth and moves both spirallically and up-and-down in the process of chewing. Saliva normally has a pH factor of 7.2, which means that it is slightly alkaline before descending through the esophagus. 30 to 40 million gastric glands secrete gastric juices in the stomach. There are two major gastric juices: pepsin, which is secreted by round shaped, gastric glands; and hydrochloric acid, which is secreted by triangular shaped cells located in the upper portion of the stomach.

In general, gastric juice has a pH range of 0.9 to 1.5, meaning that it is a very strong acid. The influence of the digestive secretions alternate between alkaline and acid according to the following pattern:


• Mouth: Alkaline

• Stomach: Acid

• Pancreas and Duodenum: Alkaline

• Small Intestine: Acid

Broken down food particles are absorbed by the villi, found in the small intestine and duodenum. Villi are most numerous in the upper region of the small intestine. Duodenal villi have a broader shape and a greater capacity to absorb alkaline substances. The villi in the small intestine are smaller and better suited to absorb acidic substances.

If we consume strong substances like aspirin, alcohol, or refined sugar, absorption immediately begins in the mouth due to the salty or alkaline nature of saliva. Refined bread or flour products are absorbed in the stomach, whereas whole grains, especially when cooked with salt, are not absorbed until they reach the villi. When a particular food is absorbed by the villi, its transformation into blood cells occurs smoothly. However, foods absorbed before reaching the villi, enter the body fluid prematurely and produce a thinner quality of blood and lymph liquid. Therefore, to maintain health, our diet should be based primarily on foods that undergo the normal process of absorption by the intestinal villi.

When alkaline food enters the stomach, balance is achieved through the secretion of acids. This acidized food travels to the duodenum where it is exposed to alkaline juices before moving to the small intestine, which secretes acid.

The most important factor in proper digestion is whether or not food has been properly alkalized before it reaches the stomach. This is accomplished primarily through proper chewing, which ensures secretion of digestive juices in the stomach, duodenum, and small intestine.

Carbohydrates are broken down in the mouth by the action of saliva. The digestion of carbohydrates continues in the stomach, but the acids secreted here function basically in the digestion of proteins. Fats are digested primarily in the duodenum, while a final breakdown of all foodstuffs takes place in the intestines. This process is completed by the action of various intestinal micro-organisms that can be classified into two general groups:

• The yin group of bacteria decomposes all foodstuffs into their most basic compounds. For example, they break proteins down into amino acids.

• The yang bacterial group serves to synthesize chemical compounds such as enzymes and vitamins.

Vegetable quality foods do not easily putrefy, and therefore do not usually disrupt the beneficial functioning of the intestinal bacteria. However, animal proteins start to decompose as soon as the animal has been killed. This process is somewhat offset by refrigeration or by the addition of preservatives, but it resumes as soon as the animal protein is eaten, and is usually well underway by


the time these foods reach the intestines. Putrefaction can be offset if animal proteins are eaten only occasionally and in small quantities, or if they are eaten along with plenty of vegetables. However, when they are eaten regularly, or in large quantities, the bacteria produced by this putrefaction remain in the intestines and disrupt the functioning of its beneficial micro-organisms.

In Oriental medicine, the heart and small intestine and the lungs and large intestine are treated as pairs of organs. A problem in one organ always indicates some malfunction in the other. The proper functioning of the intestines is of vital importance to the overall health of the body, and if they are not working well the activity of the heart, lungs, and other major organs will not proceed smoothly. The intestines are also closely related to the brain. The ridges in the brain are proportional in number and depth to those in the intestines, and both are composed of a similar type of tissue. Like the intestines, the condition of the brain should be more compact. When brain cells begin to expand, schizophrenia or chaotic thinking results. Likewise, if the intestines bulge or are swollen, the functioning of the brain becomes dull, often leading to indecision and loss of memory.

The condition of the intestinal villi is reflected in the hair. For example, when the villi are not functioning properly as a result of being swollen and expanded, the hair will also become loose and begin to fall out. The cause in both cases is an excess of extreme foods.

Problems and Diseases of the Digestive System

Many things can go wrong with digestion and absorption, most of which are the consequence of faulty nutrition. Following is a brief orthodox description of the most common problems.

Achlorhydria

An insufficiency in the production of hydrochloric acid in the stomach. In its most severe form it is a very serious condition, as protein cannot be broken down.

Cause: Lack of zinc

Symptoms: Indigestion

Food Recommendations: Miso soup and zinc supplementation

Candida Albicans (also called Thrush):

A yeast-like organism that can thrive in the gastrointestinal tract when beneficial bacteria levels are low..

Symptoms: Tiny white spots in the mouth, or anal itching

Food Recommendations: A diet low in sugar and fat, high in fiber, and rich in beneficial bacteria provided by yogurt or supplements like lactobacillus acidophilus makes it less easy for this organism to thrive. Avoid fruit, sugar, coffee, and black teas. Use miso soup only 1-2 times a week to begin with (too


much can cause irritation). Use smaller percentages of grain, best to use as a gruel, porridge, or in soup. Consume plenty of vegetables, sea salt, tekka (see recipes), and gomashio.

Lifestyle Recommendations: A good routine of exercise.

Coeliac Disease

A sensitivity to gluten, a protein found predominantly in wheat. It causes atrophy of the villi and hence causes malabsorption.

Symptoms: Signs of malnourishment and loss of weight despite adequate nutrition.

Food Recommendations: Follow the longevity diet, but avoid wheat products for up to three months. Once your digestion has improved integrate small portions of high quality wheat (it must be 100% organic), and use in Essene Bread or sourdough bread.

Colitis:

An inflammation of the wall of the colon. Ulcers may form, which is called ulcerative colitis.

Cause: Primarily caused by a low fiber, high meat, milk or egg diet, all highly mucus forming, resulting in compacted feces and a swollen or inflamed colon.

Symptoms: Blood in feces.

Food Recommendations: A high fiber, predominantly raw food diet is helpful, but changes should be made gradually.

Constipation:

One of the most common "illnesses" in the western world. Although it has come to mean discomfort by infrequent bowel motion, it in fact refers to fecal matter that is compacted and heavy rather than the loosely formed light fecal matter that is associated with a healthy diet.

Symptoms: Fecal matter that is compacted and heavy.

Food Recommendations: A diet high in fibers from vegetables, whole cereals, beans and pulses and fruit, and not excessive in meat, milk or eggs usually relieves this problem. Also incorporate the ‘slippery range’ of foods, e.g. banana, yogurt, coconut milk, chicken broth, pine nuts, kudzu, arrowroot, kanten, cooked stewed fruits.

Diarrhea:

Loose bowel motions, not diarrhea, are consistent with a diet high in fiber and are no cause for concern.


Cause: Can be caused by an infection in the gut or a muscular contraction of the colon as a result of irritation caused by old fecal matter, coffee, spicy food, food allergens and excess consumption of cold foods e.g. cold drinks, ice cream, salads and fruits. Since diarrhea causes a loss of fluids, drink sufficient water.

Symptoms: Abnormally thin watery feces.

Food Recommendations: Consume cooked foods, only warm drinks, soups, root vegetables, warming herbs such as ginger and garlic in cooking. Ginger compress is excellent on the hara region.

Diverticulosis

Formation of pockets or pouches in the colon as a result of pressure build up. If these diverticula become inflamed, which they are prone to do since fecal matter cannot pass along easily, this is called divericulitis.

Cause: Low fiber diet

Food Recommendations: High fiber diet

Duodenal Ulcer:

An ulcer normally in the first part of the duodenum beside the pyloric sphincter.

Cause: May be caused by excessive stomach acid or a lack of vitamin A, which helps strengthen mucus membranes. Smoking promotes ulcers of the duodenum, and delays their healing. Apparently, smoking inhibits the release of bicarbonate, a natural antacid, from the pancreas to the duodenum. Smoking may also cause the liquid parts of a meal to move out of the stomach and into the duodenum sooner than the solid parts of the same meal. Without the solid food to "buffer" the liquid food, that is, to neutralize its acidity, it is more likely to burn the duodenum and cause the ulcer.

Food Recommendations: A high alkaline forming diet plus supplementation of vitamin A is recommended. Also helpful is the ‘slippery range of foods’ e.g. coconut milk, banana, mango. Avoid stressful situations, coffee, alcohol, tobacco, sugar, and spicy hot tasting foods.

Flatulence:

Produced during the bacterial fermentation of fiber.

Cause: Can result from incomplete digestion providing bacteria with extra nourishment. The bacteria produce gas that results in flatulence. Reasons for indigestion should then be explored. Some foods, for example beans, contain relatively indigestible proteins and hence cause flatulence.

Symptoms: Bloated feeling or excessive wind.

Food Recommendations: If serious, fast for 1-2 days.


Food Allergy: Milk and grain (particularly wheat) allergy are the most common. Milk allergy should be suspected in babies with colic. Breastfed babies can react to an allergen eaten by the mother.

Cause: Prolonged ingestion of allergens may cause atrophy of the villi as seen in coeliac disease.

Symptoms: Intestinal irritation, resulting in diarrhea and hence indigestion.

Food Recommendations: Generally speaking, improvement of the digestive power by eating in a manner consistent with the longevity diet cures this condition within a few months.

Gallstones:

Can be either an improper build up of calcium crystals or cholesterol in the gall bladder or in the bile duct. This can cause restricted flow of bile, resulting in impaired fat digestion and jaundice. Some stones may be broken down by dietary intervention.

Food Recommendations: A low fat, low cholesterol diet is recommended. Use plenty of pickles, e.g. sauerkraut and other fermented foods, including an occasional glass of dark beer. Qi Gong exercises are highly recommended for this condition. Avoid combinations of foods including baked products and other hard/salty combinations, as they are hard to digest.

Gastroenteritis:

Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract caused by infection.

Cause: Usually the result of food poisoning or gastric "flu"

Food Recommendations: Fast, perhaps until it is gone. Use medicinal teas to alkalize blood, e.g. kudzu, bancha tea with a few drops of shoyu sauce, and miso soup.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome:

Cause: In some cases food allergy is suspected. It often occurs in anxious people and may have a psychological basis. In TCM it is associated with blocked liver qi.

Symptoms: Frequent and sudden defecation, often involving diarrhea or constipation and diarrhea.

Food Recommendations: Avoid all stimulants, practice the longevity diet and get good exercise along with a stretching routine such as yoga.

Malabsorption:

Cause: May be the result of indigestion, a food allergy, or a gunky intestinal tract.


Symptoms: Losing weight despite eating a nutritious diet.

Food Recommendations: The treatment depends upon which cause is suspected.

Overacidity

Excessive production of hydrochloric acid that produces heartburn and indigestion. Indigestion is often wrongly attributed to overacidity, but indigestion can also be caused by underacidity.

Cause: A diet high in protein may induce overacidity. Stress is also associated with this condition.

Food Recommendations: Because antacids can trigger acid production in someone with low acid levels, they provide relief. A diet high in alkaline-forming foods is recommended. Avoid pastries, doughy foods along with white flour products.

Pancreatic Insufficiency:

An inability of the pancreatic cells to produce digestive enzymes.

Cause: Can occur due to poor nutrition since B6 and zinc, and probably other B vitamins, are required to make digestive enzymes work.

Food Recommendations: Supplementation with B6, zinc, and pancreatic enzymes to allow digestion to be complete. Digestive enzyme supplements may not be required once the pancreas returns to normal function. Use enzyme rich foods such as miso, tamari/shoyu, and natural pickles. Avoid refined foods.

Peptic (Stomach) Ulcer:

Same as duodenal ulcer except it occurs usually in the lower portion of the stomach, which is more acidic.

Stomach Ulcer

The two basic types of ulcers are those that occur in the stomach and those found in the duodenum. In the process of digestion the stomach secretes strong hydrochloric acid. Ulcers arise when these secretions become excessive. Mildly alkaline vegetables cause the lower stomach to secrete pepsin, and this helps to maintain a general state of balance in the condition of the stomach. Extremely alkaline food, such as refined sugar, stimulates the secretion of stronger acids in the upper stomach. If this occurs constantly, the stomach lining becomes irritated and easily ruptures.

Acid producing foods, such as meat and eggs, force the duodenum to accelerate its secretion of alkaline digestive juices. The over secretion of these juices may produce an ulcer in this area.

Cause: In general, ulcers that arise in the more compacted duodenum are caused by an excess of yang foods, while the over consumption of various types


of yin creates ulcers in the structurally yin stomach. Alcohol intake, cigarette smoking, excessive stress, and eating aggravate the condition.

Food Recommendations: For any type of digestive disorder, including ulcers, a person should chew their food up to 200 times. A diet consisting of principal foods, i.e. whole grains, cooked vegetables and soups are very good for this condition. Food may be mildly seasoned and lightly cooked when treating a duodenal ulcer. Salt should be used sparingly and a higher percentage of green leafy vegetables or ground vegetables should be eaten.

Lifestyle Recommendations: While it's true that executives and other professional are among those who get ulcers, there's little evidence that a high stress job in itself brings on ulcers. It is the way you react to the stress that counts. Rather than go through life taking antacids (which seriously upset the body's metabolic balance), people with ulcers should regard them as possibly symptomatic of poor handling of stress. That doesn't mean that long term psychotherapy is necessarily indicated, but it does point to the fact that chronic unreleased tension may well be involved in the cause of many ulcers. Relaxation, using a technique such as meditation or biofeedback, may help a lot.


Recipes for Ulcers:

Baked Umeboshi (Carbonized Umeboshi)

Baked umeboshi is helpful for stomach ulcers, intestinal tuberculosis, intestinal cancer, colds (take with hot water), and diarrhea (when severe mix carbonized umeboshi with kuzu cream).

Several umeboshi plums 1 TBSP of hot water or bancha tea

Bake several umeboshi in the oven under the broiler until their outer surface turns black*. Crush the baked umeboshi meat to powder. Take some of this powder with a TBSP of hot water or bancha tea.

* Following is the traditional way to carbonize umeboshi:

Place several umeboshi plums in an earthenware pot (such as a flower pot with a hole in bottom). Cover the pot and put it over a fire for half an hour. Black smoke will escape during the roasting process. When no more smoke appears, the carbonization has ended. You will find a thick black tar at the bottom of the pot. This is genuine carbonized umeboshi. Store powder in a glass jar.

Sho-Ban or Tamari Bancha

This tea has a strengthening and refreshing effect on healthy people. Soy sauce and bancha have an alkalizing effect on acidic blood (acidic blood can be caused by exhausting activities and by eating sugar or animal foods).

Sho-ban activates the circulation. It can be beneficial for stomach troubles (ulcers, acidity and indigestion), intestinal cramps, gas formation, carbon monoxide intoxication, and rheumatism.

1-2 tsps tamari soy sauce 1 cup hot bancha tea

Put tamari in a cup. Pour hot bancha over it, stir and drink warm. Take 1-2 cups per day until relief is obtained, but do not continue for more than 3-4 days in a row.

Variation: Adding grated ginger to this drink is particularly effective in cases of stomach troubles, nausea and gas formation.


Kuzu Cream with Umeboshi and Shoyu

Excellent preparation for acidic stomach, stomach pains, ulcers. Can also be used for dysentery, diarrhea, over indulgence of sweet foods or of simply over-eating.

1 1/4 cups water 1 tsp shoyu

1 umeboshi, pitted and minced 1/4 tsp fresh grated or 1/2 tsp powdered ginger-root, or 12 drops juice from grated ginger-root

1 1/2 TBSPs kuzu powder

Combine 1 cup water and umeboshi in a saucepan and bring to a boil. Quickly dissolve the kuzu powder in the remaining 1/4 cup of water, add to the saucepan, and stirring constantly, return to a boil.

Reduce heat to low, stir in shoyu sauce and gingerroot, and simmer for 1 minute. Allow to cool to body temperature. Take one hour before meals, preferably in the morning, when the stomach is empty.

For a thinner consistency, use as little as 1 1/2 teaspoons of kuzu powder.

Mu Tea

1 Mu tea bag 3 cups of water

Add tea bag to water and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, then simmer for 25 minutes, until only 1 1/2 cups of tea is left. Drink 1 1/2 cups once per day. This tea may be reheated.

Sick people can take this tea every day for 1-2 weeks, especially when they are suffering from troubles of the digestive system, such as weak stomach.

Stomach Cramps and Swelling

Cramping is a centripetal yang movement. A cramp will arise in an already dilated organ when it receives a strong yin impulse. The cramp can be interpreted as a painful effort of the organ to regain its original status. Stomach cramps are similar to legs cramps or cramping in other parts of the body.

Cause: Usually provoked by the consumption of excessively yin foods such as cold drinks, salty snacks, ice cream, sweets and excess fruit.

Food Recommendations: Aside from following the standard longevity diet, a person with this condition can obtain temporary relief by eating a bowl of miso soup, yogurt is a good buffering agent, a teaspoon of gomashio for its alkaline effects, and bancha tea with a few drops of tamari.

A swollen stomach is caused by too many expansive foods. Therefore, more compact root vegetables, like burdock and carrots, should be emphasized within


the standard diet. These are particularly effective when prepared in the "kinpira" style.

In the Five Transformations the stomach corresponds to soil energy, and the family of round vegetables that includes onions, cabbage, fall and winter season squashes, cauliflower, and broccoli. These plants grow very near the ground, and their taste is usually sweeter than root vegetables that grow beneath the ground, or green and white leafy vegetables that grow above the ground. Medicinally, round vegetables are particularly beneficial to the stomach, spleen, and pancreas.

A grain to consider is millet, which is good for stomach, spleen and pancreatic conditions. To bring out its delicious, nutty flavor when preparing millet, try dry roasting the grain in a frying pan for about 5 minutes, or until it is slightly golden.

Additional recommendations: Hot applications such as ginger compresses or roasted salt packs are helpful. The application of hot towels on the stomach will cause a relaxation, and thereby the cramps will become less frequent and less painful.

Hernias

Hernia arises when the wall of the stomach or intestines becomes loose, expands and descends. An operation is the standard method of treatment, but this does not eliminate the cause or change the over expanded condition of the organs and tissues. The normal contracted state of tissues and organs can be reestablished only through proper diet.

Food Recommendations: A hernia can usually be relieved in four to six months with the longevity diet plus the following practices:

• Eat watercress, kale, leeks, cabbage, daikon, carrot greens and other tough fibrous vegetables often to strengthen the muscles of the intestinal walls.

• Eat a side dish of hijiki seaweed, which contains plenty of minerals, 2 to 3 times per week.

• Salt is required to cause contraction of the intestinal or stomach tissues. Use unrefined sea salt purpose in cooking, along with high quality vegetable oil.

• Avoid all yin foods such as ice cream, fruit, and excess liquids. As little as half an orange can cause the intestinal tissues to become expanded and loose.


• If overweight, return to normal weight.

• A support should be worn and light physical activity is recommended. Placing your legs up higher when you are sitting


can take pressure off the intestines. Persons with this condition can return to the standard macrobiotic diet after the hernia disappears. This will prevent a recurrence.

• Long, hot baths ands showers should be avoided, because they take minerals out of the body.

• In cases where the intestinal tissues begin to protrude, a hot steaming towel can be applied to the anus, followed by the application of Sesame oil. Then, push the protruding tissue back with your finger.

Recipes for Hernias:

Shio-Kombu Condiment

This condiment is recommended for hernias, varicose veins, hemorrhoids, or other vascular diseases.

Kombu 1/2 cup Tamari soy sauce

1/2 cup water

Soak kombu in water until it becomes soft. Cut it in small squares from 1/2 inch to 1 inch in size. Prepare about one cup of this. Add the pieces to water mixed with tamari. Soak this overnight. Bring everything to boil, lower the flame, cover and simmer until the kombu is soft.

Remove the lid and continue simmering until all liquid is evaporated. Do not forget to stir from time to time.

Store in a covered jar. Only use 1-2 pieces of shio-kombu per meal. Try putting a square piece of shio-kombu inside a rice ball.

Worms

Three common worms found in human bodies are the tapeworm, threadworm, pinworm, and whipworms.

Tapeworms enter the body when we eat meat or fish that has been contaminated and are especially common in beef and pork. Tapeworms are often present in lightly cooked meats or in foods like shellfish that have spoiled. If the meat or fish is cut into thick slices, heat will often not penetrate to the central regions, and the worms that are there will still be alive when it is eaten.

Threadworms usually enter the body through the skin of the feet. From there they travel through the blood stream to the lungs where, through breathing, are carried up the windpipe and swallowed into the digestive tract.

Pinworms are usually found in the large intestine and are often discharged through the anus. They are often found on a sheet where a baby has been sleeping.


Whipworms also live in the large intestine. Their eggs are often transported in raw vegetables. It was for these reasons that in the Orient, vegetables were traditionally cooked or used to make pickles, but rarely or never eaten raw. Worms of this type are more prevalent in organic vegetables for obvious reasons:

Symptoms: General fatigue, lack of vitality, or laziness. Cravings for various foods, often accompanied by a constant feeling of hunger that is difficult to satisfy. A person with this condition will remain thin even if he consumes a large quantity of food. A periodic condition of anemia.. An occasional feeling of nausea along with pain resembling a cramp in the area of the duodenum, which often arises several hours after the last meal. In the Orient, this symptom is known as "worm crying". Irritability, often accompanied by hysteria, screaming, and short temper. Children often exhibit this behavior when they have worms. Nail-biting, and an indentation in the center of the thumb-nail, or a roughness in the overall condition of the nail. A yellowish color in the whites of the eyes in the area closest to the nose. This is an indication of worms in about 50% of the cases in which it occurs. Fragmented bowel motion.

Food Recommendations: To cure worms, it is necessary to begin the longevity diet, with no raw foods. Food should be prepared with a slightly salty taste, so as to create a more alkaline condition in which worms cannot survive. Eating the following foods daily are particularly advisable for the relief of this condition: seeds (pumpkin, squash, watermelon, etc.), soba (buckwheat noodle), and mochi (sweet brown rice).

If you suspect that you have worms eat a handful of raw brown rice and some seeds when you become hungry. Chew each mouthful very well. Also drink mugwort tea. Mugwort is a wild plant that is naturally available in many areas. In the Orient it was often mixed with mochi. Corsican seaweed is also helpful and can usually be obtained in oriental food stores. Boil this seaweed and drink it as a tea when you feel hungry. It can also be used in place of bancha tea and other beverages. As another method of curing worms, skip breakfast for several days. At lunchtime eat a large handful of raw grain combined with raw seeds like pumpkin or sunflower, and chopped raw scallions, garlic, and onions. At dinner, eat a normal meal. After several days, the worms will become intoxicated and begin leaving the body.

Colds

The first misconception to remove from our thought process about colds is the statement "So and So gave me THEIR cold." No one gives anyone else a cold or flu. This is where we must take full responsibility for our own state of health.

If we look at events leading up to the time the cold or flu symptoms began, there are usually overwhelming signals that the body was tired and you pushed yourself a little bit further to get things completed. Were you staying up too late and depriving the body of a good night's rest? How were the weather conditions and did you dress properly? How was your mental state? Out of balance emotions can also create a state for us to become sick. Last, but not least, what type of food had you been eating?


What we fail to recognize is the condition of our body and the fact that we allow bacteria or viruses to live in it. Unless we create an unhealthy environment for those pathogens to live in, they will not bother us. If we create a healthy body, the natural elimination processes will work rather than the introduction of sickness.

One of the first things that must be addressed is the type of cold that we have and its source. Two types of colds are expansive and contractive.

Expansive Colds

Cause: May be due to sugars, sweets, refined starches and similar acid forming foods; ice cream, milk and other milk products; large quantities of liquids, juices and fruits

Symptoms: Runny nose, plenty of mucus discharge, coughing, sneezing and wheezing. Little fever.

Treatment: If our awareness of the situation at hand is high, a few adjustments can reverse the condition at early signs. For example, a little umeboshi will bring about a more contracting energy in the body. If the symptoms are very mild, a natural clean out process maybe taking place and we can allow the body to run its course.

The well-known line of "feed a cold and starve a fever" has been misunderstood for years. The original saying was "If you feed a cold you'll have to start a fever," meaning you will get worse if you keep eating. With a cold, it is important to eat more contracting foods such as cooked vegetables, soups (including miso), baked food, and fluids only when desired, as large amounts of fluids will make the cold worse. Don't forget, only mild activity when you are feeling a cold.

Contractive Colds

Cause: May be due to tension, overwork and fatigue; salty, fatty foods, excess protein and sugars

Symptoms: Tightness in the chest and head, headaches, fever, exhaustion, stuffiness in the sinuses, chills and aches. We call these symptoms flu.

Treatment: For this type of flu, we must try to loosen and relax the body. Increase the intake of hot fluids (the best form is hot/warm apple or pear juice with cinnamon). This will help loosen the lungs and assist if there is a dry cough. Other good drinks are chamomile, lemon tea, or hot water with lemon. Note: Ginger is usually avoided at the beginning of colds/flus as it can make the disease process go deeper into the body. It is then used on the second or third day onwards, We must try to alkalize the body with slightly expansive foods such as fruits, salads and unsalted vegetable soups. Rest must be adhered to.

The above remedies are not cure alls for all cold or flu, but they are to assist in relieving the discomfort for the symptoms.

Recipes for Colds and Flus:


Miso Scallion Drink

Fresh scallions Hot water (1 cup/1 TBSP of Miso)

Miso

Chop fresh scallions and add the same volume of miso to it. Add hot water and stir. This drink activates and produces sweating. Use it when a cold starts, when feeling chilly or shivering begins or headache and coughing).

Drink mixture and go to bed.

Kuzu Tea

1 tsp Kuzu powder 1 cup of boiling water

Small amount of cold water Sea salt or tamari to taste

Dissolve Kuzu powder in cold water until dissolved. Add boiling water and stir well. Season with sea salt or tamari.

Best for headaches, colds and flus.

Coughs

Mucus Cough

If the body has a loose mucous producing cough, it is trying to expel an excess build up in the body. This should not be suppressed—allow the body to cleanse itself.

Treatment: Stay away from salty foods while the body is expelling mucus, as they will tighten the chest. The cough can be treated like chest tightness in a contractive cold: assistance is given with hot lemon drinks, perhaps with a little honey, and a hot chest compress. Another drink to consider is hot pear juice with a cinnamon stick.

If the cold is producing sticky mucus the following tonic may be prepared:

Tonic for Sticky Mucous

The energetics behind this drink are as follows: Stagnant mucous needs to be dispersed. The symptom is characterized by upward energy, but we must also give downward energy. The daikon root provides a downward dispersing effect. The ginger provides hot dispersing energy. Pepper also provides a dispersing effect. The tangerine provides yin energy, and is used dried, which gives it yang energy. Never underestimate the power of food!

5 cm piece of daikon root, grated Dried tangerine skin

3 very small pieces of dried ginger 2 cups water


Small amount of pepper seeds

Boil ingredients together with water for ten to fifteen minutes. Drink juice.

Dry Cough

Treatment: Try a little umeboshi plum or paste. If umeboshi is not available, try licorice tea. This is a little more expansive.

Sore Throats

Treatment: Ginger tea, slippery elm tea and shoyu-kuzu with ginger are all soothing for sore throats. An external remedy is to use a cold-water compress. Dip a large cotton handkerchief in cold water, wring it out, fold lengthwise and wrap around the throat. Fold a dry cotton hand towel in the same way and wrap over the handkerchief and secure by placing a woolen scarf over everything. Leave the compress on for a minimum of two hours. It can then be renewed or removed altogether.

Ginger Tea

4 or 5 slices fresh ginger 1 cup of water

Simmer ginger in water in a covered pan for a few minutes (not too long as it takes away the expansive action of ginger. Also make sure you only simmer—do not boil). Drink twice a day.


Shoyu-kuzu Drink

1 TBSP kuzu 1 mashed umeboshi plum or 1 TBSP of umeboshi paste

1 cup cold water 1 TBSP soy sauce

Dissolve kuzu in cold water and cook, stirring until thick. Add umeboshi paste and let the mixture simmer for two minutes longer. Add soy sauce, stir and drink. This drink may be used two or three times in one day.

Salt Water Gargle

Helpful for sore throats and throat inflammation. The act of gargling, plus the heat of the water, stimulates the local blood circulation. The salt acts as an antiseptic.

Sea salt Warm water

Dissolve sea salt in water so it becomes as salty as ocean water. Gargle with this solution.

The herbs most valued for use as a gargle and/or tea to ease the pain of a sore throat are sage (especially red sage), eucalyptus, fenugreek and marshmallow.

Tonsillitis

This illness occurs when the lymphatic system localizes various types of toxic excess in the tonsils. For example, if someone eats a large quantity of ice cream or other extreme food, the lymphatic system immediately begins to localize this excess for discharging. Additional white blood cells are created in the tonsils to neutralize any harmful bacteria that may be present, and minerals start to gather in this region as a buffer for discharging acids. In the meantime, the tonsils may become inflamed and the body temperature may rise. If the person has the tonsils removed, the fever and inflammation may disappear but the toxic bodily fluids will continue to circulate throughout the system and the remaining lymphatic organs will have to work much harder to perform the discharge function of the tonsils. The net result is a reduction in the ability of the lymphatic system to efficiently rid the body of excess. This will not necessarily cause serious problems, provided the person eats properly. However, if the person continues to eat poorly he will begin to experience a lack of vitality. A person in this condition is more susceptible to illness and has less self-healing ability than someone who has not had his tonsils removed.


Clam Remedy

Recommended for tonsillitis, throat infection and diphtheria. This remedy has a strong mineralizing action. In addition, clams are yin, their energy is downward moving and helps draw qi away from the head.

2 or 3 clams 2 tsps to bancha tea or hot water

Bake the meat of 2 or 3 clams at high temperature until they become a black powder. Grind into a powder, mix with bancha tea or hot water and drink.

Fatigue

Fatigue is a state of increased discomfort and decreased efficiency due to prolonged or excessive exertion. It results in a loss of power or capacity to respond to stimulation.

Fatigue and tiredness is the first stage of sickness. This includes both physical and mental fatigue. A person who frequently changes jobs, place of living or spouse is suffering from this stage of sickness. When healthy people work very hard, they may naturally feel exhausted, but after a goods night's sleep they will awaken feeling completely refreshed and eager for any challenge. This is quite different from the chronic fatigue that many people presently experience.

Try gripping your shoulder and the back of your neck tightly. If you feel pain, you have the tendency to suffer from chronic fatigue.

Fatigue is one of the primary symptoms in thousands of disorders, including:

• Allergies, including chronic low-grade allergies

• Food sensitivity reactions

• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

• Low thyroid function

• Anemia

• Poor nutrient absorption

• Structural misalignment of the musculoskeletal system

• Dehydration

• Specific vitamin and mineral deficiencies, e.g. deficiencies of magnesium, potassium and vitamins

• Epstein-Barr virus, and many others

Cause: The major causes of this prevalent problem are lack of physical exercise plus over eating and drinking, in particular the consumption of meat and sugar, all of which tax the muscles and circulation and develop an acid condition of the blood. The extremes of strong yin foods or strong yang foods also push the body


to compensate continuously for the erratic actions on the body. The energy expelled internally to keep peace with these extremes causes fatigue.

A feeling of general fatigue may arise among people who have been eating an excessive amount of animal protein and fat. The energetic activity they previously experienced was the result of the vigorous caloric discharge of these excessive foods rather than a healthy, balanced and peaceful way of activity. When changing to a more balanced diet, these people often initially experience physical tiredness and slight mental depression until the new diet starts to serve as an energy supply for activity. Such a period of fatigue usually ends within a month.

Dietary Approach: Tiredness in the afternoon may show a need for more sweet foods. Try eating more sugar vegetables (e.g. carrot, onion, parsnip, squash, cabbage) and use some rice honey, barley malt, amazake, maple syrup or cooked fruits.

Once the diet has been changed and a better eating pattern has been established, basic tiredness and fatigue will diminish. If the condition persists, consult with a Natural Health Counselor.

Lifestyle Recommendations: Regular exercise can clear up many cases of fatigue, for it calls up the body's reserve fuel supply. This is more effective than eating chocolate or some other sugary snack.

Recipes for Fatigue: Note: The following remedies should only be used in moderation for a few days.

Umeboshi Plum

Umeboshi helps relieve an acid condition resulting from too much sugar.

1 umeboshi plum Hot water

Place umeboshi in hot water to warm it, then eat.

Umeboshi Tea

This tea acts as a pick me up.

1 umeboshi plum .02 oz (600 ml) water

Boil the meat of umeboshi for thirty minutes in water. Strain and dilute with more water if too strong. Allow to cool before drinking.

Umeboshi Broth

This preparation quickly relieves tiredness.

1 umeboshi 1 tsp tamari soy sauce


1 tsp bonito flakes 1/2 sheet of nori, cut into small pieces

Place umeboshi, bonito flakes and tamari soy sauce in a large bowl and pour hot water over. Add nori and drink.

Gomashio Bancha Tea

Bancha has many qualities. Use it in cases of digestive troubles such as gas formation and stomach or intestinal cramps. It also helps relieve tiredness in the summer and is useful in dealing with troubles arising after eating foods containing sugar. It has the same effects as tamari bancha.

1 bancha tea bag 1 cup hot water

1 tsp gomashio

Brew a cup of bancha tea. Add gomashio and stir well. Use this drink in the same way as Sho-ban.

Ume Sho-Ban

This preparation is not suitable for babies or children. This drink has many helpful uses, one being tiredness.

1 umeboshi plum 1/2 – 1 cup hot bancha tea, to taste

1/2 tsp tamari soy sauce Fresh ginger juice (optional)

Crush the meat of umeboshi plum and tamari soy sauce. Add boiling bancha tea. You may also add several drops of ginger juice. Stir well and drink.

Hyperactivity

Hyperactivity, an emotional disturbance found most often in children, is commonly related to the liver's inability to detoxify the chemical additives in foods and drugs such as antibiotics. These substances remain in the body and act as an irritant to the nervous system. In many young children, the kidney and liver function is still not fully mature and their bodies have difficulty in detoxifying and excreting drugs and chemicals. It is of prime importance to remember that children are continuing to develop daily.

Some experts believe that hyperactivity is simply a consequence of emotional, organic or social circumstances. Parents who have hyperactive children are often labeled as "bad parents" who are not providing their child with a warm, loving and caring environment. This is often untrue and can place unnecessary guilt upon the very people who are trying to help their child.

Ten times more boys than girls exhibit hyperactivity. Statistics in America state that half a million children take some form of drugs for their hyperactivity each year. One of the problems with drug therapies is that they tend to have many side effects such as stomachaches, headaches, insomnia, nausea, anorexia and


depression. Other approaches have included individual psychotherapy, family therapy, behavior modification and special education programs. Even though hyperactivity has been somewhat controlled through these means, as these children grow up they exhibit a poor self image, low self esteem, and sense of failure and depression. Many depressives, sociopaths and alcoholics have histories of hyperactivity as children.

It is true that many children suffering from hyperactivity are very susceptible to the effects of various foods and chemicals. An early pioneer in the work on food, chemicals and behavior was Dr. Ben Feingold. People still think of the Feingold diet (a diet low in food additives and salicylates) as the approach to treating hyperactivity. Research studies conduced with the diet show mixed results, probably because the diet does not consider environmental chemicals of foods.

Dr. Ben Feingold, an allergist from San Francisco who researched food additives, particularly coloring agents, alerted people that these may be associated with hyperactivity and learning difficulties. His awareness came when he was treating a woman suffering from acute hives in 1965. He withdrew artificial colors from her diet after suspecting that she was sensitive to them. Her skin condition cleared after a few days of following his suggestions. Her psychiatrist also noticed that her aggressive behavior, hostility and difficulty in getting along with others dramatically improved.

Dr. Feingold found that some patients who reacted adversely to aspirin and other salicylates by contracting rashes also exhibited difficulty in concentrating and irritability. When they were eliminated from the diet, the symptoms disappeared. He also noticed that there was a cross-reactivity between salicylates and other unrelated chemicals of the same molecular weight, such as Tartrazine El02 (yellow food coloring). Based upon these observations, he devised a special diet for the treatment of hyperactive children called the KP diet.

He suggested that some foods contained natural salicylates, such as almonds, apples, apricots, cherries, currants, etc.; and that salicylates were in miscellaneous items such as aspirin containing compounds and all medications with artificial colors and flavors as well as perfumes, toothpaste and tooth powder. He also claimed that many of adverse reactions to these affected other parts of the body as well, such as the skin, gastrointestinal, skeletal, and neurological and respiratory systems. Dr. Feingold alerted the Nutrition Foundation and made quite an impact with his claims. The implications for the food industry were enormous. This started off many investigations into Feingold's claims. Many controlled studies were undertaken including alternating Feingold's diet with challenge diets containing the additives. The children that were on the Feingold diet for a time showed that they were healthier than the average hyperactive children placed on a diet with no junk food for six months. They improved greatly on scales measuring attention span, hyperactivity and irritability.

Many studies since Feingold's observations and findings have been conducted and have shown that other chemicals and protein components of foods, as well as naturally occurring amines in food, might be contributing to the problem of


hyperkinetic behavior as well as other problems in children such as rashes, headaches and gastrointestinal problems.

Feingold's diet may in fact be inadequate because it only addresses naturally occurring food chemicals and chemical additives and not, for example, the allergic effects of foods in general, what combination they are consumed in and how frequently in successive days. In addition, many children also react to atmospheric pollutions, such as the chemicals in the air around us.

Symptoms: An excess of energy, unfocused and scattered thoughts, being in a state of confusion or being so busy that nothing is really achieved can all be classified as hyperactivity.

Cause: The diet is often out of balance and on the extreme side. Hyperactive adults and children often have an excess of sugar, preservatives and food additives in their diets. The blood sugar level is constantly being changed and a false energy is created. This can be seen clearly in children at a child's birthday party. When the children eat an excess of sugar, they are very hard to control and unable to think clearly. The more sugar they eat, the more erratic their behavior. Likewise, when adults consume an excess of alcohol (yang), they get very excited and at times are hard to control and reason with. Or, when people follow only fruit diets (yin), their false energy level soon diminishes and another meal of fruit is needed quite quickly. The thought process slows down over a period of time even though the actual energy output may increase. This false energy makes the person’s reactions scattered and very unfocused.

Treatment: Each hyperactive person needs to be considered individually. What works for one may not necessarily work for another.

The Feingold Diet, based upon the elimination of all preservatives, coloring, artificial flavoring and any chemical additives, remains a good starting point. Foods that contain salicylates (chemical compounds of salts or esters derived by salicylic acid), such as tomatoes, apples, plums, grapes or raisins, oranges, strawberries, cucumbers, spearmint and peppermint should also be eliminated. As a general rule, the blander tasting fruits such as pears contain less salicylates than the stronger tasting fruits such as pineapples.

A person may also be affected by other foods that can be found and eliminated from the diet.


• Environmental factors or irritants can affect people. These include normally artificial or highly processed articles such as plastic food wrap, mothballs, chlorine in swimming pools, glue, colored or scented paper products, oven cleaner, fabric softener, adhesive bandages, colored or perfumed soap, dye, polyester fabric or items, vinyl wallpaper, etc. It is recommended that the most natural alternative for these manmade items be used wherever possible.


• Education also needs to be considered. Many hyperactive children have learning difficulties. Though by traditional school standards they may be considered slow, this does not mean that they are unintelligent. In fact, in many cases, children diagnosed as hyperactive often have very high IQ levels. If you feel a child might have learning difficulties, start by speaking to their teacher, who may have helpful suggestions.

• The final and often overlooked area of treatment is exercise. This may seem odd for a child who is continually "on the go," but many children suffering from hyperactivity have poor coordination skills. A series of simple exercises suited to your child's age should be done daily and should include combined arm, head and leg movements.

Emotional Imbalances

Keeping our emotions in order and in a state of balance is full time employment. If we can observe ourselves during the course of a day and make the necessary changes to our emotional state objectively, we may be able to deem ourselves emotionally balanced. However, the practice of observation and not becoming attached to an emotion at the time that it is in progress is something that most people have difficulty with.

We spend the majority of our time fighting against all the external influences that are constantly bombarding us. So what can we do to keep ourselves on track? Emotional outbursts are not the most sought-after remedy, though on occasion during therapy or for a specific reason the body may require a more forceful release. On the other hand, holding onto emotions and burying them further into the body is very detrimental to our health.

One way to help maintain emotional balance is by eating regularly.

If we do not eat the body will send a myriad of messages to the brain requesting food. If the request for food is ignored the body will again send messages for food. At this time the blood sugar levels are changing, chemical components are interacting, gastric juices are starting to secrete, salivary ducts are moistening the mouth and the body is ready to eat. If the body’s request for food is ignored yet again, the body becomes off center and emotionally out of balance. A slight shaking can appear, nausea may develop, blood sugar levels are depleted and energy is now on empty. Irritability is now starting to set into the body tissues.

Skipping a meal, rushing down food, eating while walking, eating a fast food snack instead of cooking a meal—these are all ways we set off a chain reaction that can lead to emotional imbalances.. We must take control of ourselves to bring about change to our eating habits and our emotional state.

The psychological aspects involved with emotional imbalances and food is of great importance. Medical research indicates that substances in food or in the environment, including many modern household products can cause brain sensitivity reactions, producing fatigue, irritability, headaches, listlessness,


anxiety, depression and even psychotic behavior. Another researcher suggests that in cases of unusual mental or emotional reactions we should look at the following four areas:

• Improper or inadequate nutrition

• Drugs, poisons, allergies or infections

• Stress—expanding energy beyond one’s biochemical limits

• Lack of sleep, resulting in failure to repair tissues

Lifestyle Recommendations: Cravings and binge eating or the skipping of meals or following fad diet programs all can create a state of emotional turmoil. Individuals must determine when they are ready within themselves to change habits that have been programmed into each cell in their bodies. The first step is to regain balance in the diet and make adjustments as the body changes.

The hardest craving that we face in the modern world is sugar. The major emotional imbalance associated with sugar is depression. Sugar keeps us in a very depressed state and hangs over us like a black cloud. When a sugar craving strikes, observe what emotional state you are in.

Sweet Vegetable Broth

The following recipe is one that is used for diabetics. However, it is excellent for those with strong sugar cravings.

1 cup carrots, chopped 1 cup cabbage, chopped

1 cup pumpkin, chopped 1 cup onion, chopped

Combine vegetables together and simmer for 45 minutes, strain and drink the broth at least 2 to 3 times a day for one week.


1. Write out an evening meal for someone with a cold.

2. Choose 3 internal remedies for fatigue and explain how often you would administer these remedies and why.

3. Write out a 3 day menu plan for a 10-year-old hyperactive child.

4. A 40-year-old male presents with emotional troubles and you suspect liver/gall bladder problems. His diet is high in animal foods. What emotional symptoms may he be presenting? List between 5 and 10. 0.



Headaches

The onset of a headache can be caused by a myriad of ailments. Following is a short list of some of the illnesses that have one of its symptoms listed as a headache.

• Arteriosclerosis

• Heart ailments

• Disorders of the liver

• Disorders of the gastrointestinal tract

• Narrowed space in the skull

• Mental illness

• Heat and sunstroke

• Sinus congestion

• Eyestrain

• Misaligned cervical vertebrae

• Shingles

• Allergies

The above list is endless when we talk of one symptom such as a headache.

Medical research shows that headaches are due to the expansion of the blood vessels in the head or by tension or strain of the muscles in the neck, scalp or face.

Lets take a closer look at the types of headaches that are the most common.

Migraines

A migraine headache results when an artery in the head dilates. As the artery dilates, it throbs and stretches the vessel wall, and the stretching causes pain. Even before the artery dilates, however, it may constrict or spasm. These constrictions or spasms are responsible for the symptoms that generally seem unrelated to the headache, such as ringing in the ears, slurred speech, dizziness and tingling of the skin on one side of the body.

Migraines can be caused by hormonal changes, especially an increase of estrogen. Women who take estrogen supplements or oral contraceptives may experience more migraines than women who do not take hormone-based products.

In addition, migraines can be caused by a number of other factors, such as sensitivity to very bright lights or sunshine, very cloudy weather conditions,


active low pressure weather, excessive hunger and some common odors such as tobacco smoke, aerosols, paint thinner and car exhaust fumes.

Environmental Headaches

Environmental headaches include those caused by sensitivity to certain foods and food additives, especially monosodium glutamate, or MSG. They also include headaches that result from allergies, functional hypoglycemia and caffeine withdrawal.

Muscle Contractions

This broad category includes headaches caused by daily stress and tension, as well as by contractions in the neck muscles during sexual excitement or orgasm. Other causes of muscle contraction headaches are poor posture, temporo-mandibular joint syndrome, which includes bruxism (grinding of the teeth) and poor dental bite, depression, and keeping the neck or head in the same position for an extended period of time, e.g. while watching television or reading.

Cluster Headaches

A cluster headache describes severe headaches that appear in groups of say, four or more headaches in one day. Each headache may last from 30 minutes to 2 hours. The cluster may recur every day, or it can be weeks or months apart.

Cluster headaches may be caused by hot air or cold wind blowing on the face. Any chemical additive that dilates the blood vessels, such as nitrates, may also cause them. Cluster headaches are more common among people who smoke and who drink alcohol.

Organic Headaches

Organic headaches may be associated with diseases such as brain tumors, herpes zoster, inflammation of the blood vessels in the temple and sinus infections.

Posttraumatic Headaches

Headaches that result from surgery or from an injury are called post-traumatic headaches.

Exertion Headaches

This headache results from coughing, sneezing, or some other form of physical exertion or strain. Exertion headaches are usually harmless, but they are sometimes associated with brain disease. Therefore, a professional should check them to make sure there is no serious underlying cause.

In TCM there are two kinds of headaches: contractive headaches and expansive headaches.


Expansive Headaches

Cause: These are usually the result of too much liquid of any kind, including fruit juice. Alcohol is a contributing factor with expansion headaches. The action of ice cream and other cold foods as well as highly sugared foods can show up in the body as expansion headaches.

Recipes for Expansive Headaches:

Gomashio Bancha Tea

This drink is exceptional in relieving headaches caused by foods that contain sugar. The strong contractive properties of gomashio will help to rebalance the system with the contractive force of salt. It can also be used for digestive troubles such as gas formation and or intestinal cramps. Use this drink in the same way as sho-ban.

1 cup hot bancha tea 1 tsp of gomashio

Add a cup of hot bancha to a teaspoon of gomashio and stir well..

Ume Sho-Ban

This tea has many and varied uses. One in particular is headaches caused by the over consumption of expansive foods. Do not give this tea to children, use Ume-Kuzu.

1 umeboshi plum 1/2 – 1 cup hot bancha tea, to taste

1/2 tsp tamari soy sauce

Crush the meat of umeboshi plum and tamari soy sauce. Add boiling bancha tea. Stir well and drink.

Contraction Headaches

Cause: Contraction headaches can be the result of tension, overwork, heat, meats and salty foods, and lack of food and or fluids. When there is an excess of mental concentration or physical activity contraction headaches can occur.

Food Recommendations for Contraction Headaches: Remedies include one or two cups warm apple juice per a day. Cooked fruit will also aid a contractive headache, as will hot water mixed with 1 teaspoon of rice vinegar or 1 teaspoon of barley malt or rice honey.

Food Recommendations for Prevention of Headaches: Basic guidelines include:

• Slowly eliminating any caffeinated beverages you generally drink, i.e.: coffee, soft drinks, tea, and sugared fruit juices. By cutting them out gradually you will avoid possible headaches resulting from the withdrawal process, especially if you have been


drinking these beverages for a long time. Because most herbal teas contain no caffeine, they serve as an excellent substitute.

• Avoid eating foods with MSG. Likewise, avoid nitrates and nitrites, both of which are found in may processed foods such as deli foods and prepackaged sandwich meats (salami, hot dogs, etc.).

Recipes for Headaches:

Kuzu Tea

Kuzu tea is excellent for all headaches.

1 tsp Kuzu powder 1 cup of boiling water

Small amount of cold water Sea salt or tamari to taste

Dissolve Kuzu powder in cold water until dissolved. Add boiling water and stir well. Season with sea salt or tamari.

Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)

The major cause for death from arterial disease results from the blockage of arteries, which causes a lack of blood, and hence oxygen, to cells in the body. Such blockages are in part the result of the build up of arterial plaque, known as artheromas, which cause a disease called atherosclerosis (sclerosis means scarring).

A heart attack or myocardial infarction can be caused if a blockage occurs in the arteries that supply the heart with oxygen. A slight blockage may result in angina, normally resulting in chest pain on exertion caused by the heart being deprived of sufficient oxygen. If the blockage occurs in blood vessels in the head this causes one type of stroke, resulting in death or partial paralysis due to oxygen deprivation in some part of the brain (a stroke can also be caused by hemorrhage of the fragile arteries in the brain).

The existence of a blockage is usually the result both of atherosclerosis and the existence of clots in the blood, called thrombosis. A presence of large clots in the legs is called thrombophlebitis, and in the lungs is called a pulmonary embolism. In addition, arteries often lose their elasticity and become harder, which is called arteriosclerosis.

All these problems affect the pressure of the arteries. When one's blood pressure becomes raised this is called hypertension. Hypertension is a very serious condition because it can lead to kidney failure, strokes and heart conditions. Although hypertension can be caused by reasons other than atherosclerosis, monitoring blood pressure4 is crucial in preventing cardio-vascular disease.

4 The acceptable level for blood pressure is a hotly disputed issue. Some doctors allow a systolic (top) blood pressure of 100 plus your age, while others point out that in some cultures blood pressure doesn't rise significantly with age.


High blood pressure itself does not diagnose atherosclerosis, since this can be caused by a change in either blood viscosity or changes in the muscle tension surrounding arteries. The electrolyte minerals (sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium) all influence blood pressure. Sodium raises blood pressure while potassium, calcium, and magnesium lower it. The relatively recent discovery that a muscular spasm in the coronary artery can cause a heart attack has made many cardiologists question how commonly this, rather than atherosclerosis, may cause heart attacks.

Cause: The cause of high blood pressure, or hypertension, is not clearly known. Among the factors that are most likely to contribute are:

• Undetected allergies

• Family history

• Dietary habits

• Stress

• Poor, stressful communication skills

• Impaired kidney function.

• Glandular problems

• Defective calcium metabolism

• Arteriosclerosis

Symptoms: Some people who suffer from very high blood pressure may have no symptoms; others however, may experience a variety of symptoms, including headaches, insomnia, edema, shortness of breath, blurred vision, nosebleeds, and nervousness or irritability.

Food Recommendations: In the Western diet, the heavy use of processed salt and refined sugar, heavy meat consumption, copious alcohol, and daily consumption of processed foods in which natural trace mineral balances have been disrupted seem to set the stage for the emergence of hypertension as a major health threat.

An excessive intake of liquids often causes the heart to become swollen and expanded. In this condition the organ must work harder in order to maintain the normal circulation of blood, and often hypertension, or high blood pressure results. If a person with this condition continues to take excess yin, the heart may become so swollen and loose that it no longer has sufficient contracting power. As a result, blood pressure often becomes dangerously low, producing hypotension.

Hypertension is less serious than hypotension, and can be cured in about one month through proper eating, whereas hypotension is a more advanced symptom and therefore takes a longer time to cure. Since both conditions are the result of over expansion, yang factors in cooking and food selection is emphasized. Recommendations include:


• Buckwheat: Energetically buckwheat retains water, which is a type of floating energy. It counteracts fire energy. It is used energetically to reduce high blood pressure.

• Miso contains linoleic acid and lecithin, which dissolves cholesterol in the blood and softens the blood vessels. Miso can be helpful in preventing arteriosclerosis or high blood pressure.

• Wakame helps bring down blood pressure. Consume 3 to 4 times a week, cooked into dishes.

• Shitake assists in eliminating old salt or meat that has built up in the body, and makes a very useful remedy for yang people with high blood pressure. Shitake relaxes an overly tense, stressful condition. Use only one mushroom per person per day.

• Avoid eating peanuts if high blood pressure is present. They may produce other symptoms, such as nose bleeding.

• Avoid eating garlic. If garlic is eaten often, high blood pressure and emotional irritability will develop.

H.I.V. AIDS and Other Immune Deficiency Diseases

The changing patterns of illnesses on the planet today are an indication that perhaps the more basic requirements in our lifestyle and foods may be the most beneficial to our well-being.

Our immune system is depleted with antibiotics, vaccinations, chemical outpouring from factories, pollution from cars, debris in the streets, and chemicals in water. Our level of susceptibility to infection depends upon our natural immunity. Studies have shown that diet and lifestyle will certainly improve a person’s life.

It is clear that the cycle of new epidemics is on the rise. Not only are there illnesses that are transmitted by bodily fluids, there are also other new viruses that are transmitted by air, water or insects and do not require sexual contact or body fluid transmission. Some are new diseases and others are old diseases that have slightly changed structure and no known cure. New strains of cholera, yellow fever, malaria and many others have also appeared for which there is no effective medical treatment. The Marburg and Ebola viruses that have caused wide devastation in Africa, and the flesh-eating bacteria that is a form of Streptococcus are now the greatest health disasters since the plague.

Such warnings do not even consider the effects of environmental imbalance. The worldwide decline of songbirds and frogs, for example, could lead to a catastrophic proliferation of mosquitoes, fleas and other insects that serve as vectors for the spread of viral and bacterial disease in humans. The introduction of new genetically engineered fruits and vegetables will inevitably lead to the emergence of new drug resistant strains and micro-organisma and new plagues.


Cause: The primary cause of AIDS and other immune deficiency diseases is long time consumption of excessive foods and beverages along with other extreme influences including drugs and medication, exposure to artificial electromagnetic fields, and other factors that lower natural immunity to disease.

Food Recommendations: The following recommendations are for those who have tested positive to HIV or other immune deficiency or auto immune disorders such as environmental illness (EI), systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), cytomegalovirus (CMVO, and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). These are average guidelines and must be modified for each individual.

• Avoid all sugar, chocolate, sweets, spices, soft drinks, wine, alcohol, coffee, chemicals in tea, and other stimulants, and oily, greasy foods of all kinds.

• Avoid all flour products except for occasional consumption of non-yeasted unleavened whole-wheat or rye bread if craved, because they are excessively mucus producing.

• Completely avoid chemicalized, artificially produced and treated foods and beverages for a one or two month period.

• Avoid all ice-cold foods and drinks.

AIDS is caused by more yin conditions, but it is important not to make the body too yang too quickly. If you try to strengthen yourself by taking too much good quality yang, such as whole grains, sea salt, sea vegetables, etc., opposite problems, such as tightness and rigidity may arise. The idea is to make balance, reducing yin, with slightly more emphasis on yang.

• Whole cereal grains should comprise 30 to 40% of daily consumption by volume. The first day prepare plain pressure-cooked short grain brown rice. Then alternate brown rice cooked with 20 to 30 % millet, then rice with 20 to 30 % barley, then rice with 20 to 30 % aduki beans or lentils. A delicious morning porridge can be made by taking left over rice, adding a little more water to make soft, and seasoning with a little miso at the end and simmering for 2 to 3 minutes more. Except for morning porridge, which may be soft, the grain should be cooked in a ration of 2 parts grain to 1 part water. For seasoning, cook with a small postage stamp sized piece of kombu instead of salt, though in some cases sea salt may be used depending on the person’s condition. Other grains, including whole-wheat berries, rye, corn, buckwheat, seitan (wheat gluten), and after the first month, whole oats, can be used occasionally, depending on the person’s condition. Good quality sourdough bread may be enjoyed 2 to 3 times a week and noodles, both udon and soba, may also be taken. Avoid all hard baked products until the condition improves including cookies, cake, pie, crackers, muffins and the like.


• Soups should comprise 5 to 10% of daily consumption, consisting of one or two bowls per day cooked with wakame sea vegetable and various land vegetables such as onions and carrots and seasoned with miso or shoyu. Occasionally a small volume of shiitake may be added to the soup. The miso may be brown rice or barley miso and should be naturally aged two to three years. To satisfy desire for sweet taste, millet soup with sweet vegetables such as squash, cabbage, onions and carrots may be prepared often. Grains soups, bean soups, and other soups may be taken from time to time.

• Vegetables should comprise 20 to 30% of daily consumption. Cook in a variety of forms with plenty of hard green leafy vegetables (good for the liver and detoxification), round vegetables such as squash, cabbage, and onions (good for the spleen and immune system), and root vegetables such as daikon, carrot, and burdock (strengthening to the intestines and the blood and lymph as a whole). The following dishes may be prepared as a rule of thumb, though the frequency may differ from person to persona: Nishime style vegetables 3 to 4 times a week; squash-aduki-kombu dish 3 times a week; dried daikon, one cup 3 times a week; carrots and carrot tops or daikon and daikon tops 3 times a week; boiled salad 5 to 7 times a week; pressed salad 5 to 7 times a week Note: AVOID raw salad; steamed greens 5 to 7 times a week; vegetables sautéed in water kinpira style, 2/3 cup twice a week (olive oil or occasionally a small volume of sesame oil brushed on the skillet may be used after three weeks) or dried tofu, tempeh, or seitan with vegetables twice a week. As a special dish, vegetable nabe (lightly boiled vegetables and noodles cooked home-style on the table) may be eaten frequently.

• Beans should comprise 5% of daily consumption. Small beans such as adzuki, lentils, chickpeas, or black soybeans may be used daily, cooked together with sea vegetables such as kombu or with onions and carrots. Other beans may be used 2 to 3 times a month. For seasoning, a small volume of unrefined sea salt or shoyu or miso can be used. Bean products, such as tempeh, natto and dried or cooked tofu may be used occasionally but in moderation. Avoid making tofu too creamy and use firm rather than soft tofu.

• Sea Vegetables should comprise 5% or less. Use wakame and kombu daily when cooking grain in soup, etc. A sheet of toasted nori may also be taken daily. A small dish of hijiki or arame should be prepared two times a week. All other sea vegetables are optional.


• Condiments to be available on the table are gomashio made with 1 part salt to 18 parts sesame seeds (reduced to 1:16 after two months), kombu, kelp, or wakame powder, umeboshi plum, and tekka, though all other regular macrobiotic condiments may be used if desired. These condiments may be used daily on grains and vegetables with volume moderated to suit individual appetite and taste. Umeboshi (1/2 to 1 plum a day) and tekka (1/4 to 1/3 teaspoon a day) are good for restoring immune ability.

• 1 teaspoon of pickles made at home in a variety of ways are to be eaten daily. Minimize salty pickles that have pickled for a long time.

• A small volume of white fish may be eaten every week. The fish should be steamed, boiled, or pouched, and be garnished with grated daikon or ginger. For energy and vitality carp soup may be taken if desired (1 bowl for no more than 3 days in a row). For anemia, eat 2 small pieces a day of small dried fish sautéed in a little water or oil with shoyu at the end. Use other animal foods in slivers or cooked with Chinese herbs.

• Fruit: The less the better (including temperate and tropical), until the condition improves. If cravings develop, a small volume of cooked fruit, especially apples, with a pinch of salt or dried fruit may be taken. Avoid all fruit juices and cider.

• Sweets and Snacks: Avoid all sweets and desserts until the condition improves. Just a little sugar, chocolate, carob, honey, maple syrup or soymilk will increase viral activity and bring out symptoms. To satisfy a sweet taste use sweet vegetables every day in cooking, drink sweet vegetable drinks and sweet vegetable jam. Mochi, rice balls, sushi and other grain-based snacks may be eaten frequently. Limit rice cakes, popcorn and other dry or baked snacks as they may cause tightening. In the event of cravings, a small volume of grain based sweeteners such as barley malt or rice syrup may be eaten.

• Nuts and nut butters, except for chestnuts, are to be avoided due to their high amount of fat and protein. Unsalted roasted seeds such as squash and pumpkin may be consumed as a snack, up to 1 cup per week. Sunflower seeds may be taken only in the summer.

• Seasonings, such as unrefined sea salt, shoyu, and miso, are to be used moderately to avoid unnecessary thirst. Avoid mirin and garlic. If you become particularly thirsty after or between meals, cut back on these seasoning until normal thirst returns. Do not add shoyu to food at the table.

• Beverages: Strictly avoid all aromatic, stimulant beverages, and refrain from grain coffee for the first two to three months. Bancha twig tea is a good main beverage.


• The most important element to a healthy system is to remember to CHEW the food properly. Avoid overeating, and eat approximately 3 hours before sleep.

This is only a guideline to a healthy diet for those with HIV or AIDS. A trained professional should be consulted before any major changes are undertaken.


1. List 10 foods to avoid and 10 foods to eat for hypertension.

2. Prepare a 2 day menu plan for a male aged 25 with HIV.0.


The Heart

The heart is situated left of the center breastbone and is protected by the rib cage. It is a hollow muscular pump that enables the flow of fluids around the body. The size of the heart is approximately the size of a fist; the weight is less than 5.36 pounds (2 kilograms). A fiber-like bag called the pericardium surrounds the strong muscular wall, called the myocardium. The pericardium is lined by the endocardium, a thin strong membrane. The heart is divided into the right and left side by a septum. Both sides are again divided into the atrium (upper chamber) and ventricle (lower chamber).

Valves regulate the flow of blood through the heart and to the pulmonary artery and the aorta. The tricuspid valve separates the right atrium from the right ventricle. The mital valve separates the left atrium from the left ventricle. The opening of the right ventricle to the pulmonary artery is guarded by the pulmonary valve; opening of the left ventricle to the aorta is guarded by the aortic valve.

In a resting person, the heart ejects about 1.32 gallons (5 liters) of blood per minute. This process is known as cardiac output. The process of cardiac output changes, depending on what a person is undertaking. When a person chooses to sit or stand the output rises to 1.59 gallons (6 liters) per minute. Walking increases the output to 1.98 gallons (7.5 liters) and has the ability to increase to 9.25 gallons (35 liters) 35 liters per minute during exercise in athletes. The cardiac output is distributed so that the kidneys receive 26%, the brain 15%, the liver and intestines 30%, the coronary arteries 2% and the muscle and skin a variable amount, depending upon the activities of the person. The circulation is designed in such a way that, as far as possible, the blood flow to the brain and coronary arteries will be maintained.


Circulation

The heart is one of the great organs within the human structure. The circulatory system works due to the rhythm and beat of the heart. It is unique river system of minerals, nutrients, blood plasma and lymph liquids.

Blood reaches every cell in the body thanks to the heart. Blood consists of liquid in the form of plasma and formed elements. Yang red blood cells carry oxygen and yin white blood cells fight infection. Platelets help in the formation of blood clots that slow external bleeding. Plasma comprises about 55% of the blood volume, while the various formed elements that are suspended in the plasma constitute the remaining 45%.

More than any other part of the body, blood needs a good supply of oxygen. Blood is red because of a special substance in the red blood cells called hemoglobin, which carries oxygen to each cell in the body. Hemoglobin is dependant on the mineral iron. When iron levels are low, hemoglobin levels also drop. As well as transporting oxygen and carbon dioxide, the blood transports fats, simple sugars, amino acids, proteins, enzymes, hormones, vitamins and minerals. Waste products are also moved through the circulatory system. Blood also contains antibodies that ward off foreign invaders such as external pathogens or allergens.

The heart beats with military regularity over 1,500 times a day or 60,000 times a year and 45 million times in a lifetime. Oxygen is supplied to the heart and every other muscle along arteries that lead into arterioles that in turn lead into capillaries, which are only one cell thick. When the capillaries have given off their nutrients and collected waste materials they lead into veins that return to the lungs in order to re-oxygenate the blood and release carbon dioxide into the lungs. Blood also passes through the kidneys, which filter out undesirable substances.

One of the major causes of death in the Western world is disease of the arteries. The link to faulty nutrition has been clearly established as a major cause of heart and artery disease. How to reduce the risk of these diseases is also unknown, but it does involve dietary and lifestyle changes that many people are ignorant about and others unwilling to make.

How do you know if you have a high risk of cardiovascular disease? Two simple indicators are your pulse and blood pressure.

Pulse rate

The pulse rate is an indication of the heart rate, except in certain situations where there is abnormal or irregular heart action. A strong heart may only need to beat 60 times or less a minute, while a weak heart may need to beat 85 times or more a minute. The ideal pulse rate is 70, although the average pulse rate is often higher than this.


Blood Pressure

This is a measure of the pressure in the arteries of the body. An instrument called a sphygmomanometer measures it. The normal systolic blood pressure lies between 95 and 150 mm Hg5 and the normal diastolic blood pressure between 60 and 90 mm Hg. Lower figures may be expected in children. Blood pressure tends to rise with age, so that higher figures, particularly higher systolic blood pressure, may be excepted in elderly people. The blood pressure is usually recorded as B.P. 130/90 (example). The blood pressure in the right arm is more often higher than the left arm.

Causes of Heart Disease: An excessive intake of high cholesterol items such as eggs, meat, etc. may contribute to more yang related heart problems. Fat deposits surrounding the heart and arteries cause hardening of the arteries. This in turn will reduce oxygen flow to the heart and brain resulting in heart attack or possible stroke.

The strong effects on the body through the intake of yang food increases the inability for the body to remain in balance. This condition may lead to serious illness if not addressed as soon as possible.

Symptoms: When looking for a yang heart condition, in our facial diagnosis we would look for more obvious signs in the nose area. The tip would be red, bulbous and hard. The emotions may show a person to be aggressive, self-centered and restless. There maybe a general hardness about them. The Shen is not flowing smoothly and becomes fragmented or possibly stagnant. Be aware that the over consumption of too much meat, eggs, cheese, sea salt, gomashio, tamari, soy sauce or umeboshi plums can also lead to arteriosclerosis of the vessels of the heart. This to may lead to a heart attack.

Food Recommendations: Food preparation is important to bring about changes in a persons condition. Balance must be regained as soon as possible. Adjustments then are made as to the condition of the person’s state of health.

• Introduce lighter cooking methods, such as steaming and boiling. Be moderate with stir-fry cooking, as this may expand the body too quickly. No baking or heavy oil deep-frying (too yang).

• Decrease miso and tamari in the cooking. These are contracting foods; when eaten in excess with a yang heart condition they may impede recovery. It is best to add wakame and daikon in miso soup, as these are lighter and help to dissolve excess fats and hardness. Hard leafy greens and daikon are included in the diet regularly, as these foods help the blood flow in the arteries. Do not use extremes of tropical fruit. This will cause the person to produce extreme yin symptoms.

• Use miso, salt, tamari and salty condiments sparingly. Do not over eat sea salt, gomashio, tamari soy sauce, roasted, baked

5 Pressure is measured in millimeters (mm) of mercury (Hg). A special unit that measures pressure shows how high a column of mercury rises.


and deep-fried foods. These can lead to lack of appetite due to liver-gallbladder disorders, or intestinal constipation attributed to a lack of good blood circulation and undigested material.

• Heated apple juice can be given for problems by the consumption of too many yang products (use 1-2 cups of heated apple juice per day for two to seven days).

• Use oil sparingly, and use only the best quality such as cold pressed olive and sesame oils. In excess, oils can overheat the body, particularly the fire element, hearth and small intestines. This in turn will be detrimental in obtaining a healthy balance. One to three tablespoon of cold pressed oil each day or every other day will be sufficient for a heart condition.

• Daikon radish boiled or steamed is helpful in dissolving fat deposits in the heart and arteries. Scallions, kombu tea and pearl barley are helpful to dissolve fat deposits as well as dried daikon and kombu.

• Shitake tea is helpful in discharging animal fat in yang heart disease. Take three times a week for up to a fortnight, then reassess the persons condition.

• Bancha twig tea taken daily is helpful for heart disease in general.

• Dandelion Root Tea can be either bought or made at home. There are two kinds: raw is for a more yang condition, and roasted is for a more yin condition. It is used to strengthen the heart, intestines and reproductive organs. To prepare the root at home, wash, dry and cut several dandelion roots into tiny pieces. Spread out on a bamboo mat to dry in the sun. In this state it is considered raw. If roasted root is desired, sun dry and roast in a cast iron skillet until it is dark brown, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon. Cool completely before storing. To make tea, bring 1 TBSP of dandelion root to boil in 1/2 liter of water, reduce flame and simmer for 10 minutes or to desired strength.

Other Causes of Heart Disease: An excessive intake of liquids such as alcohol, soft drinks, coffee, caffeinated teas, juices, refined foods, sugar, fruit etc. leads to a yin condition. The heart becomes swollen and beats irregularly. This in turn causes the heart to become weak and unable to pump blood through the body and to the brain resulting in a heart attack.

Other Symptoms: In Oriental diagnosis the nose relates to the condition of the heart. In some cases the nose will be purple or a bluish color. You may also notice a red face and nose, a swollen nose and puffy face, or excessive perspiration on the face and nose. Emotions will be of an excitable nature and


nervous condition. The Shen is scattered and the person may exhibit a frightened rabbit-like uneasiness.

Other Food Recommendations: With all heart conditions it is important to ensure that food is prepared daily as much as possible.

• The freshness of vegetables and side dishes is very important.

• Nishime style cooking and smaller volumes of water in the cooking process is required.

• A stronger tasting miso (Mugi Barley/Brown Rice Miso) and tamari in soups, dressings and other dishes will assist with the expansive nature of the condition to return to a balance.

• Hard leafy greens should be included often.

• If fish is included in the diet, eat with grated ginger. Ginger is a warming food, that is of the pungent flavor (which relates to the heart) and its energy is downward.

• Past historical evidence shows that wheat is very good for nourishing the heart. Wheat will also benefit the kidneys and cool the blood in an overly heated blood symptom along with relieving thirst.

• Ume-Sho-Ban and dandelion tea strengthen the heart use by helping restore elasticity to the heart and arteries.

• Salt can be very cooling on the body so one must monitor a person’s condition to ensure that internal heat is retained.

• Include gomashio and wakame for their contractive and calming qualities. Gomashio is beneficial in blood cleansing.

• Umeboshi and tekka in small amounts is helpful to strengthen the heart.

Recipes for Yin Heart Diseases:

Tekka

Tekka helps to strengthen weak blood and is very yang. Only small amounts must be used. If a person is tired, tekka on grains, oatmeal, bread or inside a rice ball can pick up the body and make you strong. In particular Tekka strengthens the heart when it has been weakened by the over consumption of yin items.

Tekka is prepared by long time roasting on a low fire in a cast iron frying pan. It can be bought ready made make at home.

2/3 cup finely minced burdock 1/2 cup sesame oil

1/4 cup finely minced carrot 1 tsp grated ginger


1/3 cup finely minced lotus root 1 1/3 cups Mugi miso

Heat a cast iron skillet and add 1/4 cup oil. When the oil is hot, sauté the burdock and carrot, then the lotus root, and finally the ginger. Mix all vegetables well. Add the remaining oil, stir well, add miso and mix everything thoroughly. Reduce the flame to low and cook for 3 to 4 hours, stirring frequently, until the mixture is black, completely dry and powdery.

Traditionally, this preparation would take 16 hours. Stirring frequently is absolutely necessary, as the ingredients should never be burned. Store the preparation a jar.

Wheat with Brown Rice

For the yin heart condition.

1/4 cup whole wheat grain 1 1/2 cups water

3/4 cup brown rice Pinch sea salt

Wash grains and place into a small saucepan. Add water, salt and bring to a boil. Turn heat down and simmer for 50 minutes. Eat with a bean casserole.

Mugwort Tea

Assists yin heart conditions. It can also be used to strengthen the stomach and has been used in the elimination of worms.

1 TBSP of mugwort leaves 2 cups of water

Pinch sea salt

To make a tea boil 1 TBSP of mugwort leaves in 2 cups of water. Add salt and simmer for 10 minutes.

Conditions of the Blood

Cerebral Hemorrhage/Thrombosis (Stroke)

Yin Causes A cerebral hemorrhage is caused by the weakening if the blood vessels. When a person with this condition is in a relaxed state there is usually no problem. However a sudden increase in circulation of blood to the brain due to a person becoming excited or strenuous work may cause a weak blood vessel to burst. When this happens in one of the blood vessels in the brain, it is called a "cerebral hemorrhage" or stroke.

Yin Food Recommendations: Treat this condition similar to yin heart diseases.

Yang Causes: The second type of stroke is called "cerebral thrombosis," and results in a blockage in one of the blood vessels in the brain. This condition is generally caused by the same types of foods that produce arteriosclerosis, and


often occurs when deposited fat or cholesterol breaks loose from the wall of an artery and lodges in one of the cranial blood vessels.

Yang Recommendations:

• To relieve these conditions, avoid foods that weaken the blood vessels or create fat or cholesterol deposits. These include saturated fats like those contained in meat eggs, and dairy products as well as sugar and other strong yin foods. Mineral rich foods like seaweeds and hardy leafy vegetables will restore the blood vessels to their normal strength and flexibility, while a balanced way of eating will gradually melt the deposits of fat and cholesterol away. A person with these disorders must limit oil intake, and should use only unsaturated vegetable oils such as sesame or corn oil. This approach can be also be applied for arteriosclerosis.

• It is important to make the deep internal blood vessels more contracted. This can be achieved by applying a cold plaster. Tofu plaster is especially suitable. If a tofu plaster is too cold for the person, mix it with 50% crushed leafy vegetables (cabbage, kale, etc.). If you do not know exactly where the bleeding is happening, cover the whole upper head area with this plaster, including the area behind and above the ear, the forehead and the neck. Keep this plaster in place with a cotton bandage such as cheesecloth. Do not use wool or any synthetic material for this purpose, as they do not allow air to evaporate and will heat up the brain, which makes the blood vessels expand more. When the tofu plaster becomes hot, replace it immediately with a cold plaster. This can happen a stroke is often accompanied by a fever.

General Recommendations:

• People affected by a stroke usually have a chronically constipated intestinal condition. If the affected person can eat or drink, give him a small volume of a yang drink such as Tamari-Bancha, or Ume-Sho-Kuzu. This treatment should be continued for several days.

• When the person becomes conscious again, he can start to eat the following items: Soft rice, oatmeal, miso soup, and congee. Even though the food is soft it must still be chewed. Do not make these dishes too watery, as water tends to rise in the body. Oatmeal, soft rice and congee, should have a thick consistency. Ensure that proper chewing takes place.

• Do not give yin beans such as soybeans, lima beans or kidney beans.

• Use salt, but use it lightly. The use of salt must not create thirst.


• A good tea in this condition is tea made from the connecting stems of Lotus Roots. Chop the section parts finely and boil them into a tea.


Recipes for Stroke:

Miso Scallion Condiment

A good condiment used for many blood diseases. This condiment is also good for rheumatism, diverticulosis and parasites.

1 bunch scallions 1/4 cup water

2 tsps sesame oil 1 level TBSP Mugi miso

Mince scallions finely, including the roots. Sauté in sesame oil. Add water. Cover and steam for several minutes. Meanwhile, dilute miso in a little warm water to make a paste. Add miso to scallions; mix well and cook together for several minutes, stirring constantly until well mixed and consistency holds together. Use 1/2 a teaspoon per serving as a condiment on grain.

Abnormal Blood Pressure: Hypertension and Hypotension

High levels of yin foods and beverages cause the heart to become swollen and expanded. With this condition the heart must work harder in order to maintain circulation. High blood pressure or hypertension results when a person ignores these signs and eats incorrectly. The body can be pushed to extremes where the heart becomes so swollen that it does not have the ability to contract properly, resulting in hypotension.

As both these conditions are the result of the yin expanded dietary intake, one must turn to a more yang-based diet. Longer cooking styles with ground root vegetables and longer time pickles are recommended. Do not use salt in excess in these conditions.

Hemophilia:

This is a condition in which blood does not clot at its normal rate. When we receive a blow, cut, small graze or light injury, most of us have the capacity to start the repair process of coagulation immediately. Hemophiliacs are not able to achieve this process. Our blood normally forms a resinous type substance when it comes into contact with oxygen. If this does not occur the blood is in a very poor condition. People are often born with Hemophilia, so there are sometimes underlining genetics that explain why occurs.

When this occurs, the red blood cells lose their ability to attract oxygen needed for coagulation, and the blood vessels do not have the power to fuse or close once they have been ruptured. Foods like excess animal fats, butter, eggs, rich high fat foods, etc. accelerate this condition by making the blood more acidic.

The standard longevity way of eating, with a slight emphasis toward more contractive foods (such as root vegetables, pressure cooked grains, little or no oil and longer cooking methods), is the remedy for this disease. In addition, the intake of sea vegetables is extremely important to increase the mineral content in the body. Consume at least one sea vegetable side dish per day with the added


intake of a piece of kombu in a bean casserole or miso soup. Plenty of good physical activity is also recommended.

Vitamins for Good Blood

Following are major vitamins that are required for good quality blood.

Vitamin F / Unsaturated Fatty Acids (Oil Soluble)

Food Source: Vegetable oil, wheat germ, sunflower seeds.

Use in the body: Promotes artery hardening prevention; blood coagulation; normalizes blood pressure; cholesterol destroyer, aids glandular activity, growth, vital organ respiration, good for mucous membranes, nerves, skin, adrenal and thyroid glands, cells, and hair.

Vitamin K / Menadione (Oil Soluble)

Food Source: Leafy green vegetables, safflower oil, oatmeal.

Use in the Body: Aids in blood coagulation, good for the liver.

Vitamin P / Bioflavanoids (Water Soluble)

Food Source: Fruits (skins and pulp) esp., apricots, cherries, grapes, citrus, plums, prunes, black currants; parsley and walnuts.

Use in the body: Aids blood vessel wall maintenance, bruising minimization, cold and flu prevention, strong capillary maintenance; combats disease of the joints, diabetes, tuberculosis, good for connective tissue (skin, gums, ligaments, bones), teeth.

Rutin

Food Source: Buckwheat.

Use in the body: Blood coagulation.

Eating for Women’s Health: Female Conditions & Ailments

Stagnant Blood

Stagnant blood is congealed or coagulated blood. It is brought about by injuries to the body tissues or by qi energy that is insufficient to push blood through the vessels.

Signs of stagnant blood: Stabbing pain fixed in one place, frequent bleeding, bleeding with dark purple clots, dark purple tongue with red spots, unnaturally dark complexion.


Result of stagnant blood: Clots; chronic stagnation such as tumors, cysts, nodules, hard and immobile lumps.

Women’s diseases caused by stagnant blood: Amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), Dysmenorrhoea (painful menstruation), uterine hemorrhage, uterine tumors including fibroids and cancer, ovarian cysts.

Treatment principle: Improve circulation of qi energy, improve blood quality, and maintain the spleen and pancreas.

Treatment: Avoid foods that obstruct and/or damage the liver. Damp/mucous conditions are the two main factors that weaken digestion and forms turbid blood. Therefore restrict cold (in temperature), as well as very sweet and highly mucous forming foods.

Foods to Avoid: Meat, dairy, raw foods, foods high in saturated fats, prescription drugs, hydrogenated and poor quality fats, intoxicants, chemicals in food and water, highly processed and refined foods.

Foods that Harmonize the Liver: Sweet taste, lemon, bitter and sour foods reduce liver excess, lime (cooling), vinegar (warm), and grapefruit.

Foods that Disperse Stagnant Blood: Turmeric, shallot, nutmeg, spearmint, chives, leek, kohlrabi, butter, garlic, ginger, eggplant, vinegar, chestnut, white pepper, basil, rosemary, adzuki bean, peach, seeds, cayenne, sweet rice.

Foods for Dissolving Fibroid and other Uterine Tumors: Black fungus (wood ear), seaweeds.

Menstrual Irregularities

Dysmenorrhoea

Etiology:

• Blood stagnation caused by accumulation of pathogenic cold.

• Stagnation of the liver qi.

• Weakness of spleen and kidney, the blood producing organs, contributes to insufficient blood formation.

Symptoms: Cold related symptoms including scanty, purplish menses; cramps that are eased by hot compresses; abundant, clear urine; attraction to warmth and warm foods and drinks; delayed menstrual cycle; chronic illness; weak digestion; poor diet; exhaustion and emotional turmoil.

Treatment: Tonify digestion; build the yin and the blood.

Recommended Foods: Coconut, pumpkin, liver, chicken, fig, beetroot, anchovy, beef, grapes, leafy greens, abalone, lamb, miso, kidney beans, pork, and kidney nourishing foods such as oyster, kidney organ (in soup, congee), sourdough bread.


Essential Nutrients: Calcium, magnesium, essential fatty acids.

Recipes for Cold Dysmenorrhoea

Ginger, Pepper and Red Date Tea

.8 oz (24 gms) chopped fresh ginger root .3 oz (9 gms) chopped red pepper (hot)

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) red dates (hong zao)

3 cups water

Bring all the ingredients to a boil. Simmer until liquid reduced by half.

Ginger/Date Tea

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) dried ginger (gan jiang)

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) seeded red dates (hong zao)

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) brown sugar or honey

Water to cover

Boil ginger, sweetener and dates in water to cover for 15 minutes. Drink.

Mutton Soup with Chinese Prickly Ash and Ginger

A slice of fresh ginger root A few grains star anise (Fructus Anisi Stellati)

A few grains of Chinese prickly ash (chuan jiao)

8 oz (approx. 250 gms) mutton

Combine all ingredients and cook as a soup to dispel damp from the body.

Dysmenorrhoea Caused by Stagnation of Qi and/or Blood

Symptoms: Cold sore feeling in the lower abdomen made worse by touch; Dislike of the cold; Cold limbs; Scanty or very thin, watery menses; Dark, clotted blood.

Symptoms of Blood and Qi Deficiency: Pale colored (light red) scanty menses, heavy menstrual flow, delayed flow, dull pain that gets worse when fatigued, pain in a generalized location, pain improves with warmth and pressure, weakness, weak pulse, wallow complexion, pale tongue with no coating, dizziness, tinnitus, heavy leukorrhea at ordinary times, palpitations, cold feeling.

Treatment: Eat mainly neutral and warming foods. Avoid cold and cooling foods and drinks.

Foods to Avoid for Coldness or Deficiency Induced Pain: Raw foods, cold temperature foods, cooling fruits (especially citrus).

Recommended Foods: Oats, sweet rice, black peppercorn, dill, caraway, basil, black beans, butter.


Herbal Recommendations: Dong quai, romania, peony, spearmint, moonwort leaf, angelica.

Recipes for Dysmenorrhoea Caused by Stagnation of Qi and/or Blood

Cinnamon and Hawthorn Tea

3 cups water .3 oz (10 gms) hawthorn fruits (shan zha)

.2 oz (6 gms) cinnamon twigs (gui zhi) 1 oz (approx. 30 gms) brown sugar

Decoct the above ingredients together in water (reduce to half). Drink it warm just before menstruation.

Soybean and Egg Soup

2 oz (approx. 60 gms) black soybeans 1.65 oz (20 gms) rice wine

2 unshelled free range eggs

Cook the black soybeans, eggs and rice wine over a low heat for 15 minutes. Peel the eggs, then cook the eggs again with more rice wine. Eat the eggs and drink the hot soup.

Dysmenorrhoea Caused by Liver Qi Stagnation (Excess)

Symptoms: Scanty menses with dark purple clots, Bluish tongue, Painful expanded breasts, Forceful tight pulse, Thick tongue coating.

Treatment: Reduce consumption of red meat, dairy products, eggs, sweet foods and other foods that build excess and heat.

Recommended Foods: Eat cooling vegetal foods including: Spinach, Millet, Lettuce, Carrots, Celery, Mung beans, Swiss chard, Tofu, Kale, Parsley, Collard greens, Flax seeds.

Recommended Herbs: Basil, Sage, Parsley, Thyme, Caraway seeds, Marjoram, Oregano, Fennel seeds.

Recipes for Dysmenorrhoea Caused by Liver Qi Stagnation

Barley Congee

Grind barley into pieces the size of millet, then make a congee.

Rose and Chinese Hawthorn Wine

.5 oz (15 gms) rose flowers (chuan lian zi) 1 lb (approx. 500 gms) Chinese rice wine

1 oz (30 gms) Chinese hawthorn (shan Crystal sugar


zha)

Place all ingredients in a glass jar and steep for a week. Shake once a day. Drink the infusion before going to bed for three days before menstruation.

Radish Soup

Radishes Stock

Combine stock and radishes and prepare soup. Flavor with condiments before serving.

PMS

The pre-menstrual cycle is characterized by a build-up of qi and blood in preparation for conception. This temporary surplus increases susceptibility to problems of congestion including swollen breasts, abdominal distention, increased water retention, erratic moods and disruption of mental clarity and focus.

PMS Caused by Stagnation of Liver Qi

Symptoms: Irritability, Anger, Depression, Distention or swelling of the breasts, Water retention, Swelling of the lower abdomen, Headaches, Migraines, Lower abdominal pain before/and on first day of menses, Lack of appetite, Aching joints and eyeballs.

Treatment Principal: Activate qi and encourage the downward flow of moisture and blood.

Etiology: Liver qi maintains normal coordination between the spleen and stomach, influencing transformation and transportation. The liver tends to yin deficiency, which results in signs and symptoms of a heating nature. Stagnation of liver qi constrains the liver’s “free flow” function and weakens its capacity to spread the qi, Deficiency of spleen and kidney yang, Deficiency of blood and yin.

According to modern Western medicine, the signs and symptoms of PMS are mostly due to the imbalance of estrogen to progesterone in the post-ovulatory or luteal phase of a woman’s menstrual cycle. This involves metabolism of prostaglandin metabolism and the body’s use of such vital nutrients as Vitamins B1 and B6, magnesium and essential fatty acids (EFAS).

Factors to Consider:

• Sugar contributes to elevated cholesterol and therefore elevated estrogen. Emotional stress has the same effect.

• Low essential fatty acid levels have been found in women suffering from PMS. These fatty acid levels play an essential role in prostaglandin synthesis and metabolism.

Treatment Principle: Treat the spleen through diet.


Decrease Consumption of: Most red meats, Alcohol, Chemicals and drugs, Coffee, Prescriptions and drugs, Hot spices, Tobacco, Sugar, Fatty foods, Oranges, Grapefruit, Papaya, Pineapples, Avocados, Tomatoes, Dairy foods.

Increase Consumption of: Foods high in vitamins B, C and E; Fresh cooked vegetables, especially leafy greens; Celery; Whole grains and some legumes; Black sesame, pumpkin and sunflower seeds; Unsaturated oils; Small but regular amounts of white and lean meat protein; Chicken and beef livers; Small amounts of fresh fruits; Sweet flavors (meats, fruit, most seeds and nuts, many vegetables); Plum, Mussel, Kombu and nori.

Foods to Spread and Activate the Qi: Beetroot, Basil, Amasake, Peach, Cabbage, Bay leaf, Cod, Coconut, Spring onion, Black pepper, Sardines, Sunflower seeds, Leek, Dill seed, Rosemary, Ginger, Marjoram, Saffron.

Foods High in B vitamins to Readjust Imbalances: Sunflower seeds, Cod, Sardines.

Magnesium Rich Foods to Readjust Imbalances: Almonds, Walnuts, Raisins, sultanas, Oats, Fish, Greens, and Mung sprouts.


Recipes for PMS Caused by Stagnation of Liver Qi

PMS Tea #1

To activate the qi and encourage downward flow of moisture & blood.

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) corn silk 1 cup chopped parsley

1/2 cup fresh ginger peel 1 cup diced radish

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) white peony root (bai shao yao)

1 cup sliced carrot

.5 oz (15 gms) ligusticum rhizome (chuan xiong)

1 sliced leek

1/2 cup pearl barley 1/4 cup sweet vinegar

6 cups vegetable or chicken stock

Place the corn silk, ginger, white peony root, and ligusticum rhizome in a muslin bag. Add muslin bag and pearl barley to the stock and simmer for 1 hour. Add the vegetables and simmer an additional 15 minutes. Remove the muslin, add the vinegar, season and serve.

PMS Tea #2

To promote the release of blood and moisture from the uterus, blood, bladder and bowels while preserving the qi and essence of the spleen, liver and kidney.

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) carthamus flowers (hong hua)

1/2 cup aduki beans

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) lotus seeds (lian zi)

7 cups vegetable or chicken stock

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) ligusticum rhizome (chuan xiong)

8 soaked and slivered shiitake mushrooms

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) poria fungus (fu ling)

2 cups cubed beets

12 soaked and pitted red dates (hong zao)

2 cups diced eggplant

2” (5 cm) piece of minced ginger root (ren shen)

Sea salt to taste

Place the carthamus in a muslin bag and set aside. Simmer all the other herbs with the aduki beans in the stock for 1 hour. Add the carthamus, mushrooms, beets and eggplant and simmer another 20 minutes. Season with sea salt. Remove the muslin bag and serve.

Note: For painful cramps, soreness of the back and legs or dark clotted blood, delete beans and lotus seeds and add 1 oz (30 gms) corydalis and 1 TBSP turmeric.


PMS Caused by Deficiency of Spleen Yang and Kidney Yang

This type of PMS is common among raw food eaters, vegans, macrobiotics who eat too much sea vegetables and those who live on convenience foods or snacks.

Symptoms: Lack of appetite, excessive or compulsive eating, too many sweets

Dietary Recommendations: Eat mainly neutral and warming energy foods and cooking methods to warm up the deficient kidney yang. Examples include Walnuts cooked with brown rice 3-4 times a week; Chestnuts boiled with chicken and Chinese red dates; Cinnamon, fenugreek seeds and fennel seeds paired with other cooked ingredients or brewed in herbal tea; Ginseng double-boiled with longan or chicken once a month (take 1 week after menstruation); Chicken boiled or double boiled with cinnamon; Dang shen boiled or double-boiled with chicken; Mu tea consumed 2-3 times a week.

PMS Caused by a Deficiency of Blood and Yin

Symptoms: Dizziness, Palpitations, Great weakness at the end of menstruation, Night sweats, Increased nervousness, Dull headaches, usually at the top of the head, Disturbed sleep, PMT symptoms increase towards the end of the cycle.

Possible Causes: Anemia, Poor diet, Irregular eating, Stress.

Dietary Recommendations: Eat mainly neutral foods; Steam, boil or sauté foods; Eat foods with a high iron and B12 content.

Blood Building Foods: Millet (only if you have an overheated system or a tendency towards one); Aduki beans cooked with carrots and pumpkin; Black soybeans boiled with dried squid; Brown lentils cooked with thyme and caraway seeds; Miso and tempeh; Sunflower seeds; Sea vegetables (only if you have signs of heat in the blood, i.e. migraine, red eyes, etc.); Beetroot greens (if have under heated blood system, stir fry with garlic, ginger and black pepper); Mushrooms (if overheated blood system, stir fry with garlic, ginger and coriander seeds); Spinach (if cool blood system, stir fry with garlic, ginger and grated nutmeg); Watercress (if cooled blood system, stir fry with garlic, ginger, onion, carrot and black pepper); Beetroot; Cabbage cooked with ginger, coriander seeds, cumin seeds, oregano, marjoram, and caraway or dill seeds to aid digestion and prevent flatulence; Parsley; Dried oysters stewed with arame; Shiitake mushrooms; Raisins; 2-3 Eggs cooked with onions weekly; shallots; spring onions; leeks; chives; thyme or parsley; Chicken—free range only—with skin and fat removed, cooked with black wood ears or shiitake mushrooms; Red grapes or red grape juice; Chinese black or red dates, Dong Quai, and Longan.

Recipes for Building Blood

Hawthorn Wine

1 lb (approx. 500 gms) dried pitted hawthorn (shan zha)

17 oz (approx. 500 ml) Chinese white liquor (60% alcohol)


Put hawthorn into a wine bottle. Add Chinese white liquor and cover tightly. Infuse for 1-2 weeks, shaking the bottle everyday. Take 1 teaspoon twice daily.

Saffron Wine

3 oz (100 gms) saffron 13.5 oz (approx. 400 ml) Chinese white liquor (60% alcohol)

Put saffron in a bottle. Add liquor and cover tightly. Infuse for 1 week, shaking the bottle everyday. Take 1 teaspoon each day.

Ginger Drink

.8 oz (24 gms) sliced fresh ginger .3 oz (9 gms) Chinese prickly ash (chuan jiao)

10 Chinese dates (hong zao)

Boil together the ginger, Chinese dates and prickly ash. Drink 1 cup everyday for 1 to 2 weeks.

Tonics and Teas to Replenish the Blood (Kidney Yang Xu)

The following recipes address deficiency of spleen and kidney yang, and serve to restore the blood and essence and invigorate the internal organs after menstruation.


Blood Building Tonic #1

This recipe is also appropriate for a postpartum mother.

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) dioscorea rhizome (shan yao)

12 soaked and pitted red dates (hong zao)

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) rehmannia (shu di huang)

1 cup diced yam

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) lycii berries (gou qi zi)

5 dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and slivered

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) lotus seeds (lian zi)

1/4 cup rice wine

7 cups chicken or marrow bone stock*

* Note: if you purchase stock, make sure it comprised only of chicken—no vegetables such as celery, onion, garlic, etc., as these interfere with the herbs. Making your own stock from scratch is best.

Break the dioscorea into pieces, it, along with the rehmannia, lycii berries and lotus seeds into the stock. Bring to a boil, then simmer for one hour. Add the dates, yam and mushrooms and simmer for another 20 minutes. Add the rice wine and serve.

Dong Quai and Longan Tonic Tea

1 thumb size Dong Quai root 20 pieces of dried longan (long yan rou)

2 cups water

Boil all the ingredients in a Chinese earthenware herbal pot and simmer until 1 cup remains. Halfway through the cooking process, remove the Dong Quai root, slice very thinly and return to the pot.

Drink the liquid and eat the root and longan. Take once when the menses ends, or once every 1 to 2 weeks if you are anemic.

Dong Quai, Longan and Egg Tonic Tea

1 free range egg 20 pieces dried longan (long yan rou)

1 thumb size Dong Quai root 2 cups water

Boil the egg until the white just hardens. Remove the shell and put the egg in a Chinese earthenware herbal pot with the Dong Quai, longan and water. Boil until 1 cups remains. Halfway through the cooking process remove the Dong Quai root, slice very thinly and return to the pot.

Drink the liquid and eat the root, longan and egg once a month after the menses ends or once every 1-2 weeks if you are anemic.


Tonic to Build Blood at the End of Menstrual Period

1 Dong Quai root the size of a thumb, sliced

5 Chinese black dates (da zao)

10 Chinese red dates (hong zao), pitted 2 cups water

Slit each black date. Bring all the ingredients to a boil in a Chinese earthenware herbal pot and simmer until 1 cup remains. After about 20-30 minutes, remove the Dong Quai and slice thinly and return it to the pot.

Drink this tonic on the last day of the menses, or the day after. If you have anemia, take it once a week until you improve.

Blood Building Tonic #2

1 Dong Quai root the size of a thumb, sliced

4 cups water

1 small fresh chicken leg Pinch of sea salt

2 TBS cold pressed sesame oil 10 Chinese red dates (hong zao), pitted

1 thin slice ginger

Steam the Dong Quai on top of a pot of steaming brown rice to soften, then slice very thinly. Remove the skin and fat from the chicken, then wash and drain it. Heat pot, add the oil and sauté the ginger for 1 minute. Add the chicken and brown on both sides. Add two bowls of water, sea salt, the dates and Dong Quai. Bring to a boil and simmer until half the liquid remains. Drink and eat all the contents.

Menopause

Menopause is the natural cessation of menstrual bleeding caused by the ovaries decreasing their estrogen production.

Symptoms: Hot flushes, Abnormal uterine bleeding, Vaginal dryness, Depression, Fatigue, Mood swings, Osteoporosis.

Symptoms: A Closer Look

• Hot flushes

o Cause: The nerves responsible for dilating and constricting the blood vessels ordinarily respond the changes in body temperature. As hormone levels change, there is a disturbance in messages sent to these nerves. This results in waves of heat and perspiration.

o Helpful Supplements: Minerals, Vitamin E.

• Vaginal Dryness


o Cause: The lining of the vagina often becomes thinner, drier and less elastic.

o Recommendations: One Vitamin E suppository each night for six weeks, then once weekly or as needed.

• Emotional Swings

o Cause: Fluctuations in estrogen

o Recommendations: Reduce caffeine, sugar, alcohol, and refined foods; use B vitamins, mineral supplements, beta-carotene, zinc; get plenty of sleep and exercise.

Menopause and Traditional Chinese Medicine

The organ system governing the reproductive function is the kidney. Kidney qi, or essence, assures our capacity to reproduce and our long-term health. Kidney qi generates surplus blood to nourish the uterus so that a woman may conceive and bear children.

Blood is the material foundation of body and mind:

• The liver stores blood

• The spleen generates blood

• The heart propels blood

• The kidneys supply the essence (kidney qi) from which bones, marrow, tissue and blood itself are formed.

• Sufficient blood and essence leads to menstruation and fertility

• Insufficient blood and essence leads to menopause

Problems that occur during menopause reflect an undue lack of kidney qi. When kidney essence cannot properly sustain the blood, this affects the liver, heart and spleen adversely.

Symptoms of Common Menopausal or Depleted Kidney Qi: Fatigue; Sore lower back, hip, legs or feet; Puffy eyes or swollen ankles; Pale or scanty menstrual flow; Loss of muscle tone; Sudden grayness or thinning hair; Loose teeth or retracted gums; Fragile bones (osteoporosis) or stiff joints; Weak eyesight or hearing; Decline of memory and mental alertness; Loss of libido and motivation.

Other Organ Networks Affecting a Smooth Transition: Liver weakness causes irritability and uneven menstrual flow, Heart weakness causes hot flushes and anxiety, Spleen weakness causes erratic appetite and cravings.

Treatment Principle for Healthy Menopause (a Second Spring): Nourish kidney essence, Stretch regularly, Get sufficient exercise, Eat a good diet,


Frequent relaxation, Low stress life, Abdominal self-massage, Increase yin fluids by adding foods that build yin.

Recommended Foods to Build Yin: Mung beans, Mung bean sprouts, Wheat germ and oil, String beans, Seaweed, Millet, Black beans, Tofu, Kidney beans, Barley, Black sesame seeds, Saffron.

Women’s Herbs: Specific Nutrients for a Healthy Menopause

With our food and water being largely contaminated, our soil depleted and our stress levels abnormally high, most of us probably need supplementation with extra vitamins and minerals more than what we can get from food. Below is a listing of nutrients that are helpful for a healthy menopause:

Vitamin A: Can be synthesized in the body from provitamin,6 yellow and orange fruits and vegetables, and green leafy vegetables. Effective in treating

• Hot flushes and night sweats: Clears heat from the blood and treats empty fire patterns

• Dryness of the vagina & external genitalia: Lubricates the mucous membranes of the body

• Bone demineralization: Assists in the absorption of calcium.

Vitamin B1: Regulates and activates the qi, strengthens the spleen, dries dampness, helps prevent stagnation, expedites the free flow of liver qi and stops pain.

Vitamin B2: Supplements the blood, nourishes and supplements the liver and kidneys, treats empty yin, benefits the jing essence and nourishes stomach yin.

Vitamin B3: Relaxes constrained liver qi, harmonizes the liver/stomach, liver/spleen, clears heat from the stomach and raises yang qi.

Vitamin B5: Specifically for menopausal women, B5 is useful for fatigue, constipation and digestive disturbances, as it harmonizes the liver and spleen and has a positive effect on hot flushes and sweating. It regulates qi, relieves liver qi constraint, harmonizes the liver/spleen/stomach, raises clear yang, clears and eliminates damp heat and clears heat from the liver.

Vitamin B6: Clears heat from the liver/gallbladder, extinguishes wind, harmonizes wood and earth, relieves depression and clears heat from the stomach and damp heat from the gallbladder.

Vitamin B12: Supplements the qi to transform the blood, stops bleeding.

Vitamin B15: Regulates the qi, activates the blood, disperses stagnation and benefits the heart and therefore indirectly the lungs.

6 Provitamin is beta carotene (a fat soluble vitamin) available from butter, many fruits, beef, dairy foods, and many vegetables, especially carrots and broccoli.


As a group the B vitamins are important for nourishing the blood and kidneys, regulating the liver and calming the shen (spirit) and human (psyche).

Biotin: Nourishes the blood, relaxes the liver, nourishes the skin, supplements the heart blood and calms the shen spirit.

Choline: Nourishes the blood, extinguishes wind, nourishes the jing and sinews and moistens the intestines.

Folic Acid: Nourishes the blood, relaxes the liver, secures the fetus (good for helping to prevent miscarriage).

Inositol: Nourishes the blood, moistens the intestines, nourishes the skin.

PABA: PABA, or Para-Aminobenzoic Acid, is a compound that is an essential nutrient for microorganisms. Considered by some to be a member of the vitamin B-complex, though its actions differ widely from other B vitamins, PABA is an intermediate in the synthesis of folic acid in bacteria. It may prevent or even reverse accumulation of abnormal fibrous tissue. The most well-known property of PABA is as an effective sunscreen, when used topically.

PABA supplements the liver and kidneys, nourishes the blood, skin and jing essence, moistens the intestines, promotes bowel movements and prevents constipation and easing irritability. Has a positive effect on hot flushes and sweating. Expels wind from the skin, blackens the hair and retards aging.

PABA should be avoided by children, pregnant women and nursing mothers, and used with caution in those with renal disease. If anorexia, nausea or hypersensitivity occurs, PABA should be stopped Those taking pharmaceutical doses of PABA must be under medical supervision.

Vitamin C: Clears heat and dissolves toxins, clears heat from the heart and calms the shen. Effective for hot flushes, irritability, insomnia, night sweats and headaches (empty heat). Vitamin C is useful because of the high metabolic demand of it by the adrenal glands in situations of stress. The adrenal glands are responsible for the production of estrogen when the ovaries stop. Vitamin C is required in order for the body to absorb calcium into the bones.

Vitamin D: Supplements the kidneys, benefits jing essence, mends sinews and bones, brightens the eyes and calms the fetus. Vitamin D controls the level of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, and oversees the process of bond mineralization and calcium excretion from the kidneys.

Vitamin E: Supplements the yang, nourishes liver blood, supplements kidney yang, benefits the jing and nourishes the jing sinews. Important for keeping the liver and kidneys nourished and strong and preventing osteoarthritis, which is due to liver/kidney emptiness. Can control severe hot flushes.

Vitamin K: Stops bleeding, astringes the intestines, contains leakage of lung qi, and restrains leakage of blood. Important for dysfunctional uterine bleeding. Found in green leafy vegetables, yogurt, egg yolks and blackstrap molasses.


Bioflavonoid: Regulates the blood, stops bleeding and clears heat from the liver. Beneficial for PMS and irritability, painful fibrocystic breasts, hot flushes and night sweating.

Beta-carotene: Activates the qi and dredges the liver, clears heat and dissolves toxins, disperses stagnations and accumulations and combats cancer. Believed to stimulate the thymus to produce T-cells.

Dong Quai: Warms energy, stimulates circulation in the heart, liver, spleen, kidneys, uterus, muscles and metabolism, tonifies the blood, helps keep blood sugar levels stable, high in vitamins B2, B12 and E and is a good source of iron and magnesium. The root top is the most nourishing, its inner parts help preserve internal organs.

Dong Quai is effective in treating abnormally profuse menses unless caused by a qi, or life energy deficiency; abnormally slight amenorrhea, unless caused by mucous accumulation or imbalance in the kidney; irregular or painful menses; fertility problems; hot flushes and vaginal dryness associated with menopause; cramping; and emotional upheaval caused by hormonal variations; pain.

When taken raw or in alcohol it helps to relax the uterus. As a tea it nourishes the blood. For relief of painful menstruation it is taken for 10 days preceding menstruation.

Preparing the Root:

• Steam for several minutes to soften, then slice into 10-cent pieces

• Dry in a clear glass container and in a warm place away from direct sunlight

• When dry (about 24 hours) place pieces in a brown glass jar and store in a cool dark place

• Eat one or two slices daily.

Dong Quai Tincture

Dong Quai (also called dong-quei, dong-quai, tang-kuei or dang-qui) root

Brandy

Cover sliced roots with brandy in a glass jar and set aside for 6 weeks. Strain and bottle extract in brown glass dropper bottles. Take 1 dropper full as needed.

Dong Quai Tea

Dong Quai root 1/4” (1 cm) cinnamon stick

6 red jujube dates 3 cups water

1 tsp licorice root


Assemble all the ingredients in an enamel, corning ware glass or clay pot. Cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Strain before drinking extract.

Note: Do not use Dong Quai during pregnancy, or if experiencing diarrhea, abdominal distension, poor digestion diagnosed as being caused by a weak spleen or stomach, during excessive menstrual flow, or during a high fever with a strong, fast pulse.

Food Guidelines for Menopausal Women

• Eat mostly foods that are cooked and warm

• Eat easily digestible foods

• Eat mostly grains and vegetables with small amounts of meat and meat broths

• Avoid or limit cold, frozen and raw foods

• Limit foods that produce dampness such as dairy, excess meat, nuts, oils and sugar

• Use warming spices that benefit digestion such as ginger, cardamom, nutmeg and cinnamon with caution.

Foods to Lower Hyperactive Liver Yang in the Upper Body: Barley, Beef broth, Asparagus, Apples, Bananas, Lettuce, Celery.

Foods to Nourish the Kidneys: Soups made from marrowbone, Walnuts, Pears, Grapes, Lotus seeds, Potatoes, Pork and turtle meat, Chicken, Kidney meat from sheep or ox.


Herbs to Strengthen the Kidney and Replenish Essence:

• Cooked rehmannia: Strengthens the body, relieves weakness, dizziness, fatigue, anemia and dryness, and renews tissue, marrow and bones

• Cornus: Helps regulate secretions and fortifies marrow, bones, tendons and blood

• Dioscorea (Wild yam): Relieves weakness and fatigue and restores essence (used in a powdered form as a first food for infants).

Foods to Nourish the Essence: Black beans, Walnuts, Peanuts, Sesame seeds, Ginkgo nuts, Lotus root, Milk, Chicken liver, Oysters, Clams, Mussels.

Recipes for Menopausal Women

Tame the Charging Bull Soup

Assists in strengthening blood. Makes 4-5 servings.

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) astragalus (huang qi)

.65 oz (20 gms) codonopsis (dang shen)

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) dioscorea (shan yao)

.65 oz (20 gms) red dates (hong zao)

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) poria (fu ling) 8 cups of vegetable or chicken stock


Boil the herbs with 8 cups of vegetable stock or 1 lb (450 gms) chicken in 8 cups water for 10 minutes, then reduce to a simmer for 2 hours in a covered non-metallic pot. Remove the astragalus and discard. Pit the cooked dates, chop the other herbs into bite size pieces and add back to the soup.


Women’s Blood Tonic Soup

Helps to regulate menstruation, relieve cramps and assist women in a healthy menopause. Serves 2-3.

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) angelica (dong quai)

1/8 oz (approx. 7 gm) black dates (da zao)

.5 oz (15 gms) poria (fu ling) 1/8 oz (approx. 7 gm) red dates (hong zao)


Boil herbs with 8 cups vegetable or chicken stock for 10 minutes. Reduce to a simmer for 2 hours in a covered non-metallic pot. Discard herbs. Season with sea salt or tamari (optional).

Black Bean Chili

This tonifying dish is beneficial to reproductive function, fluid metabolism, the kidneys and the blood.

.5 oz (15 gms) dioscorea (shan yao) 2 TBSPs ground pasilla chili (sweet)

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) lotus seeds (lian zi) 1 tsp ground chili

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) poria (fu ling) 1 clove garlic, minced

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) lycii fruit (gou qi zi) 6 cups vegetable or chicken stock

.5 oz (15 gms) rehmannia (shu di huang) 1 cup sliced string beans

.5 oz (15 gms) cornus (shan zhu yu) 1/2 cup roasted peanuts

3/4” (approx. 2 cm) fresh ginger root, minced

1/2 tsp coriander

1/2 cup soaked kidney beans 1 tsp sea salt or to taste

Break the dioscorea into 1 cm pieces. Simmer all herbs, except the coriander, with the kidney beans (discard soaking water), chilies and garlic in the stock for 1-1/2 hours. Add the string beans and peanuts and cook for another 15 minutes. Season with coriander and sea salt to taste.


Mixture of Four Herbs

This herbal formula balances the hormonal cycle. Note: Do not use when there are signs of excess (robust, extroverted personality, reddish complexion, thick tongue coating, strong voice and pulse)

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) Dong Quai .5 oz (approx. 15 gms) ligusticum root (chuan xiong)

1 oz (approx. 30 gms) rehmannia root (shi di huang)

3 cups of water per 1 oz (approx. 30 gms) of herbs

.65 oz (20 gms) peony root (bai shoa)

Decoct all ingredients in water until liquid is reduced by half. Take daily.

Note: Do not use when there are signs of excess, such as robust and extroverted personality, reddish complexion, thick tongue coating, strong voice and pulse.

Women’s Health Considerations

Pregnancy

Diet plays an integral role in the formation of new life. During the gestation period, the mother’s consumption of food and drink significantly contributes to the quality of the fetus’s physical, mental, emotional and spiritual development. From a traditional eastern perspective the practice of Taikyoku, loosely translated as “pregnancy education”, is necessary and ameliorative. It consists of a number of practices that would not be out of place in the daily life of the ashram, dojo, or a spiritual community. However these practices are construed, the aim of them is to secure the most beneficial vibrational and atmospheric conditions under which the pregnancy may blossom.

Diet is considered the corner stone of Taikyoku. Selection and preparation of techniques predominantly depends on the following factors:

• Constitution of the mother: With age, the supply of blood and qi decreases. The more children a mother brings into the world the more her reserves of blood and qi are consumed. Under such circumstances, attention must be drawn to prerequisite blood building and qi activating herbs and foods.

• Lifestyle of the mother, her husband and their family: Given the wide variety of characteristics that pertain to the average family living in the modern world, it is futile to prescribe a standard guide. There are simply far too many variables. However, emphasis must be placed on nourishment and nutriment. If help is required, family members must be prepared to do something about it.

• Diet: The most common patterns of disharmony that prevail among pregnant women are dampness and heat. For this reason


particular attention must be given to the avoidance of foods, drinks and practices that encourage the manifestation of damp and heat. However, every mother is unique and must be treated accordingly.

• Season and climate of pregnancy: Obviously, hot and sticky weather is not conducive to a comfortable pregnancy. There is a tendency to consume lubricating and fluid producing foods almost exclusively. Be careful! Tonification of yin is an important element of dietary approach in pregnancy. It is vital. Too much yin though, smothers the fire of digestion and attracts damp.

• General approach to healthy pregnancy:

o Tonify the spleen

o Build the blood

o Activate the qi

o Tonify the yin.

If morning sickness or nausea occurs, a regiment based on the instructions for the relief of Damp Spleen is appropriate with the following inclusions:

• Gently suck on an umeboshi plum until all the flesh has been consumed and only the pit remains

• Suck on a piece of fresh ginger or use fresh ginger in cooking

• Acupuncture.

Post Partum

It is important for the mother to rest completely following birth. Arrangements should be made for domestic duties to be completed by others in the family. Two weeks is the minimum amount of time that the mother should be encouraged to rest. More is preferable.

Preparations that help remove stagnant blood, build the blood and strengthen qi.

• Koi-koku or, Carp miso soup, is a traditional strengthener

• Chicken stock with Dong Quai works wonders

• Lamb with Chinese Angelica provides post-partum relief

• Pigs feet cooked in vinegar is also excellent.

Care for Children

Post-natal care begins with breast-feeding. There is no substitute for nature’s gift. Breast-feeding establishes immunity and the child receives a perfect supply of post-natal qi.


Infants and young children have precarious digestive systems. The middle burner takes a long time to mature. As such, extreme care must be taken to ensure that the spleen is given the support it so desperately requires.

Usually the appearance of teeth is a sign that stronger foods can be taken in the form of solids. Teeth may come anywhere from three months on. Solid foods, however, must be prepared and consumed as puree.

Generally, meat is not recommended, for it is too difficult to digest. In some cases, when digestion is established, meat can be taken as a broth or soup.

Beans may prove rewarding. Experiment and observe. Lentils, chickpeas, tempeh and tofu are worth trying. Be sure to puree or mash before serving.

Vegetables are simple. Steam or boil and then mash. Spleen enhancement is the most important principle to follow. Accordingly, pumpkin, sweet potato, carrot, and potato are wonderful for kids.

Cereal grains prepared in a gruel consistency are excellent. Brown rice, oats, millet and corn are the best staples, depending on the child and the climatic and seasonable factors.

Fruit selection depends on individual characteristics. Apples, bananas, melons, peaches and pears are good staples. In tropical climates, papaya and mango engender variety for all the right reasons.

Osteoporosis

Women lose bone tissue three times faster than men. These problems are explained in Chinese medicine by the fact that the supply of minerals to the bones depends on the vitality of the kidney-adrenal function and its ability to produce rich yin fluids. This is a function that diminishes with age. Also, women draw on the yin moistening, cooling and nurturing elements such as calcium and the feminine hormones more than men.

Even though Western women have a high consumption of calcium through dairy products, this form of calcium taken in by animal foods is highly acid forming. The body uses calcium to help balance acids in the blood; therefore the end result is calcium depletion. In addition, a diet that has high levels of coffee, sugar, alcohol, meat, and/or nightshades (e.g. tomato, green peppers, etc.) will also deplete calcium from the bones and body.

Foods that supply minerals to the bones are high calcium foods including sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, and sea vegetables.

Recipes for High Calcium Soups

Barley Sprouts and Kale Soup

1 cup sprouted whole barley or soaked barley (soak 8 hours, discard water)

5 cups water


1 bunch kale

Add all ingredients in stock pot. Bring to a boil, then simmer the soup for 10 minutes.

Bean and Seaweed Soup

1 cup beans 2 cups vegetables, diced

1/2 cup seaweeds 5 cups water

Cook beans, add stock, vegetables, and seaweed, simmer.

Longevity Soup

Animal bones 1 cup beets, chopped

1 cup carrots, chopped Water

1 cup celery, chopped 2 TBSPs lemon juice or apple cider vinegar (optional)

1 cup squash, chopped

In a large stockpot, break up the bones and fill pot with water. Bring them just below boiling, then lower heat and simmer for 18 hours (be sure to check water levels periodically) from the bones and their marrow (a tablespoon of lemon juice or vinegar will serve the same function as the vegetables).

A Closer Look: Maintaining A Natural & Healthy Pregnancy

As the creation of life unfolds during pregnancy we start to see how important it is to stay as healthy as we possibly can. The wonders of this magnificent new life start are revealed through all of our senses. Mothers-to-be are in the unique situation to be able to start a person’s life with the best nourishment they can offer: an abundance of love and good food.

Human life begins in the womb, and the food that the baby receives before and after birth shapes his or her future happiness. Therefore it is important for women and men not to just eat well while they are trying to conceive. Many traditional cultures pay special attention to the diet of both the male and female parent at least 6 months before trying to conceive. The most ideal situation, of course, is to eat well during one's entire life to assist in maximizing the long-term health of children.

The time of the year a woman conceives will impact the nutrition required for the pregnancy. It is important that the mother eat the foods that are available seasonally, i.e. leafy green spring salads are not appropriate for winter eating, and heavy fried food is not appropriate in the summer.


After conception occurs, it is time for a woman, her partner and family to all become involved in the health of the mother and unborn child. When a woman becomes pregnant the experiences that she will go through will be far greater than a non-pregnant person can imagine, and she needs the help and support from those around her. There are emotional, psychological, spiritual and dietary differences to share and experience. Some of the changes that will be experienced include:

• Menstruation stops

• Body shape changes

• Some parts of the body become more sensitive and painful—this will change throughout the pregnancy term

• Taste may change—some women’s taste buds are always on the look out for new flavors

• Moods change—pregnant women can be moved from laughter to tears with just a look

• Dreams may become prominent and they may relate to the pregnancy or someone else.

Stages of Pregnancy

Fertilization: The pre-embryonic period lasts between 8 and 10 days, and begins with fertilization and continues until the fertilized ovum is implanted in the uterus.

Embryo: Extending from the implantation until the end of the second month, or about 48-50 days from the date of conception, this is the time during which the rudiments of all the organ systems develop. A tail emerges during this period and becomes prominent at about the sixth week, and then it starts to disappear.

Fetus: The fertilized ovum increases in size approximately three billion times in size, or roughly ten million times each day of the 42 weeks of pregnancy. The following is the development during the third month of conception until birth.

• The Third Month: The external genitalia differentiate and the sex of the fetus can be determined.

• The Fourth Month: Peripheral development occurs at this stage. Hair grows on the head and body. Nails appear and the sense organs of the eyes, ears, mouth and nose develop.

• The Fifth Month: The internal deep development begins to form. Blood cells, bone marrow, and the central regions of the internal organs are now developing.

• Sixth and Seventh Months: During this stage the body becomes better proportioned.


• Eighth Month: The fetus continues to grow and to complete its development.

During pregnancy, the baby receives nutrition from the mother through the blood across the placenta—blood is the lifeline. Therefore the mother needs to ensure that her needs are being met as well as the baby’s. The requirement for a number of nutrients increases. Vitamins B1, B2, B6, B12, folic acid, and the minerals zinc, iron, calcium and magnesium are needed in increased amounts for growth.

Studies show that deficiencies in these nutrients can lead to a number of abnormalities after birth. For example, a lack of folic acid is associated with an increased risk of spinal bifida. High levels of the toxic minerals lead, cadmium and copper can reduce growth and development and increase the risks of abnormality.

These problems are best avoided if the mother eats well before and during childbirth. After the child is delivered and begins breast-feeding, the food the mother consumes still affects the child's health. Therefore nutrition is extremely important.

The Early Months of Health

Not all women experience morning sickness. Morning sickness can last from one day to the entire term of the pregnancy. Unfortunately, there is a belief that morning sickness is a part of pregnancy. This is not necessarily true. Morning sickness can be an indicator that the body is not in a good state of health.

Women with poor diets are mostly likely to experience morning sickness, which commonly occurs when a woman has an overly yin condition.. Symptoms may include nausea that worsens on an empty stomach, retching the first thing in the morning or before meals, vomiting after eating, food aversions and cravings, a metallic taste in the mouth, a feeling of hunger even when there is nausea, and relief from nausea by eating.

Morning sickness most probably is caused by an increase in a hormone called human chronic gonadotrophin. This hormone (HCG for short) is produced by the developing placenta from the moment of conception. It usually reaches its peak around nine to ten weeks after the last period and declines by week fourteen to sixteen. Although produced later in pregnancy, the HCG quantities present are far less. In very undernourished mothers HCG may not be produced in sufficient quantities at all, which may explain why women who miscarry early in pregnancy are less likely to experience any pregnancy sickness. On the other hand very well nourished women appear to ride the storm of these hormonal changes with little or no symptoms of nausea at all. Other possible explanations for nausea or sickness involve the body trying to eliminate toxins, and also difficulty maintaining blood sugar balance. Blood sugar levels control your appetite. At night, after many hours without eating, blood sugar levels reach their lowest. Many women find that eating small quantities often helps to reduce the experience of nausea.


When the body has not received sufficient nourishment the blood will suffer and an overly acidic condition appears. Therefore, foods that help to alkalize the blood will be most beneficial to the mother and child.

A number of remedies can be tried to help alleviate the morning sickness:

• A teaspoon of gomashio

• An umeboshi plum in the morning

• A very weak cup of ginger tea

• Miso soup

• Peppermint tea

• Raspberry tea

Adjust the diet to a basic longevity diet then expand the diet slowly over a few days. Always look to readjust the body back to its balance and quickly as possible. Take notes on what the mother is eating. Where are the imbalances and cravings coming from?

Ensure that the mother is receiving beans, lentils, vegetables and whole grains. These are best eaten as part of the major meals, with snack foods consisting of fruits and seeds (sunflower, etc.).

Tips to avoid pregnancy sickness include:

• Always eat breakfast

• Eat small meals often

• Avoid all sugar and refined foods

• Avoid high fat junk foods containing long lists of additives and preservatives

• Decrease intake of dried fruits and undiluted fruit juices as these provide concentrated sugars

• Maintain fluids with soups, large green leafy vegetables with high moisture concentration and plus good spring water. Avoid tea, coffee, alcohol and cigarettes.

Problems During Pregnancy

Anemia

Anemia may be mild or severe and is seen in the following symptoms: Tiredness, pallor of skin, sore tongue, feeling like weight of the world is being carried on shoulders, deep breaths, dizziness, cold extremities. People who are anemic often have low blood pressure. This is usually the result of low levels of iron in the blood protein hemoglobin; however, B12, folic acid, manganese and B6 deficiency can also result in anemia. The diet must be addressed with


appropriate intake of sea vegetables, large green leafy vegetables, orange colored vegetables and small portions of miso.

Leg Cramps

Contracting muscles cause cramps. Cramps are almost invariably caused by an imbalance of calcium and magnesium. These minerals, as well as sodium and potassium, are called electrolytes because they control the electrical balance that turns muscle cells on and off. Because of the baby’s demand for calcium and magnesium to make healthy bones, pregnant women often become deficient. While milk products maybe be high in animal calcium they are almost devoid of magnesium. Green leafy vegetables, sea vegetables and seeds are excellent sources of calcium and magnesium.

Constipation

Many people imagine their internal organs to live in spacious surroundings. This could not be further from the truth. Imagine the total of all internal organs and now try to place a baby plus the placenta, enlarge the uterus and fluid and it becomes a very tight fit. The end result is actually less room for the intestines, stomach and bladder to expand. For many women this means a greater chance for constipation since the fecal matter in the large intestine is more compressed and the muscles have less room to keep the contents moving along. The answer is not to take laxatives, but to make sure the diet is especially high in fluids and fiber and low in mucus forming foods. Dairy produce, eggs, meats are especially mucus forming and tend to make fecal matter more compacted and harder to pass along. On the other hand, fruits, vegetables, grains, lentils and beans are high in fiber, which absorbs fluids and make the resulting fecal matter light and bulky and easier to pass.

Varicose Veins

The development of varicose veins during pregnancy is common. This is caused by the restricted flow of blood returning from the feet and legs to the groin area due to the baby and also due to constipation. All the blood vessels in the legs lead to one big vein in the groin. If this is compressed the blood must return along different routes. This can cause small veins on the surface of the legs to become enlarged. The result is prominent veins that have lost their elasticity and are no longer able to maintain proper blood flow.

The secret of avoiding these enlarged blood vessels is to keep the veins in good shape and to minimize the restriction of blood flow. Vitamin C (fruits & vegetables) is needed to make collagen that keeps the arteries supple. Vitamin B3 (dates, figs, prunes, wheat, wheat germ, avocados, fish, whole wheat) helps to dilate the blood vessels, while Vitamin E (whole grains, wheat germ, cold pressed vegetable oils) and the essential fatty acid (i.e. fish oil) thin the blood and help to transport oxygen in the blood. Exercise is also very important for good circulation.


Stretch Marks

The skin on the abdomen does a remarkable amount of stretching during pregnancy. If the skin loses its natural elasticity stretch marks may develop. Stretch marks on the stomach, thighs, breasts, hips or shoulder girdle area are one of the signs of zinc deficiency. Vitamin C is needed to make collagen, the intercellular glue, and vitamin E helps to keep the skin supple. Applying vitamin E oil or cream is helpful during the last months of pregnancy and after the birth of the baby. This will encourage the skin to contract. It is very important to keep the abdominal muscles strong throughout the entire pregnancy. It takes a few months for a person to return to their former shape and strength.

Harmful Products During Pregnancy

Sugar

Probably the most important dietary change during pregnancy is the removal of sugar. Sugar has nothing but empty calories in it. There are no nutrients. As much as two-thirds of most people's calorie intake is from empty calorie foods consisting of refined sugars and fat.

Very high levels of sugar in the form of glucose interfere with normal sugar metabolism, and can cause birth defects. The same effects do not appear with fructose. So if a person has an uncontrollable sweet tooth, eat for sweetness. Options are chew food properly, eat orange colored vegetables and follow a proper diet, i.e. ensuring all five flavors are present in the daily diet, and ensuring a proper balance of grains, beans, vegetables and sea vegetables, with appropriate amounts of meat and dairy.

Alcohol

Because the marketing machines for products like alcohol and cigarettes are ever present, education to mothers and fathers on the effects of these on unborn children is important.

Columbia State University in New York has investigated the risk of miscarriage in women that use alcohol or cigarettes. Their findings were quite alarming. People who used alcohol or cigarettes increased their risk of miscarriage by 4 times. The most widely used poison for an unborn child was found to be alcohol.

Miscarriage may be nature's way of terminating a pregnancy that was destined to go wrong, but many babies are still born suffering from the effects of maternal alcohol consumption. The signs and symptoms, now well documented, are known as “fetal alcohol syndrome.” Its main signs are low birth weight and mild facial deformity, according to a report in the New Scientist Journal. The flattened mid face, often with a thin upper lip, is connected to a short nose with a little nostril flare. The eyelid openings are short, the ears often misshapen and the lower jaw long. Many affected babies also have heart murmurs, persistent ear infections leading to deafness, droopy eyelids, squint, congenital hip dislocations and


fingers and toes that may be short, partly fused, angled, lacking in flexion and with small nails.

Professor David Smith, Washington, in Nutrition during Pregnancy

In addition to physical abnormalities, alcohol also affects mental development and behavior. A baby doesn’t have to have physical signs to be mentally defected by alcohol, according to Canadian researchers at Queens University in Ontario. Children whose mothers consumed alcohol during pregnancy may be hyperactive, jittery and have difficulty in sleeping.

Investigations have been conducted as to whether there was any difference in the mental development of children whose mothers drank or smoked at socially accepted levels of pregnancy. It was found that verbal skills, both in speaking and understanding, were poorer in the children whose mothers consumed alcohol and smoked cigarettes. There is no evidence to show that any amounts of these substances are safe for the fetus.

During the early stages of pregnancy, when the highest concentration of cell division is constantly changing, these substances must be avoided at all times. It is not only the women that need to abstain. Alcohol damages sperm; studies conducted on animals show that alcohol consumption in the male does result in a greater risk for birth defects and miscarriage in future children.

In addition, alcohol interferes with the absorption of nutrients and the chemical reactions between enzymes, amino acids and minerals. Nutrients like B6, iron and zinc are badly affected when alcohol is consumed during pregnancy, causing deficiency to begin at an early age in the child.

Cigarettes

The most significant symptom seen in children who come from smoking mothers is the decrease in birth weight. Slowing down the growth rate has a detrimental effect on the DNA of the cell. In turn this has far more consequences for impaired mental and physical disabilities. It also increases the risk of premature babies and the inability to ward off infections. The mental ability of children in later years is also affected, and the potential risk of cancer is higher for both mother and baby.

The Royal College of Physicians’ report on Health and Smoking concludes: “Women who smoke are more likely to be infertile or take longer to conceive than women who do not smoke. Smokers who become pregnant have a small increase in the risk of spontaneous abortion, bleeding during pregnancy and the development of various placental abnormalities.”

A survey completed at the Pennsylvania State University studied 9,024 children who were born to mothers who smoked during pregnancy. The study confirmed that children who are born to mothers who have smoked have small impairments in intelligence and increased frequencies of short attention span and hyperactive behavior.


Further studies show that the internal organs of children born to mothers who have smoked do not have the reserve to fight infections, and cope with stress. They often have blood disorders, respiratory infections, bladder and kidney problems and skin disorders.

Drugs

As with alcohol and cigarettes, drugs consumed during pregnancy have the potential to do great harm to an unborn child. Further research is still going on related to the adverse affects of recreational and prescription drugs.

Yin and Yang Conditions

Abnormal Bleeding

An excessive intake of extreme yin or yang foods has the potential to cause unusual or excessive bleeding. Excess consumption of fruit, liquid, sugar and spices can cause the capillaries in the ovaries and uterus to weaken and rupture.

Foods such as salt and animal products, heavily baked items and food eaten out of season may cause the blood to thicken. If this occurs the internal body has the potential to overheat. This begins the process to discharge, and one way of cooling the body is to discharge fluids in the body. When the body starts to expel fluids in the form of bleeding there is potential risk of injury to the fetus or miscarriage.

When it has become clear the cause of the bleeding, a stabilizing diet must be adhered to immediately. Correction can then be made to either increase yang foods or increase yin foods, whichever was the cause.

Never underestimate the power of food.

Miscarriage

A miscarriage can easily occur as a result of the repeated over-consumption of yin food. When a miscarriage arises very early during pregnancy, it is often mistaken for irregular menstruation. After several years of good eating, women can induce a miscarriage during the first several months of pregnancy simply by eating a few pieces of fruit, especially tropical fruits such as figs, avocados, papayas, mangos and others, along with several glasses of water. These very expansive items will cause the capillaries in the uterus to literally explode, and the embryo will begin to separate and be discharged. Nose bleeding also results from a similar mechanism. To prevent miscarriage, avoid extremely yin foods during pregnancy. If a miscarriage begins, miso soup with mochi and scallions should be eaten several days to help stop it.

Natural Procedures Following Delivery

Adapting to its New World: A Baby’s First Few Days


After birth, infants “yangize” themselves in adaptation to the air environment that is more expanded than the water environment of the womb. This is partially accomplished by the contractions experienced while passing through the birth canal. Crying when first born is also a way in which this is done, for a baby's first breath is outward, which is yang.

Once the umbilical cord is cut and tied, the placenta is expelled from the body. The mammary glands then begin to secrete the pale milk-like fluid called colostrum. This secretion may last a few days. Colostrum, which the baby ingests through nursing, also helps to make a baby yang.

The baby will often slightly decrease in weight over the first few days. Upon completion of adapting to new surrounds and nourishment, intake weight will be gained.

Diet and the Mother

It is very important that the mother receives a great deal of nourishment. In traditional times, after giving delivery, many Asian woman drank tamari-bancha or thick miso soup with mochi in order to speed the natural process of recovery and to aid in the adequate production of breast milk.

It is important for a mother’s diet to include soups with a variety of vegetables that are soothing. Initially, food should be a little bland with salt as the only seasoning. Try to stay away from overly spicy food, as this may create discomfort for the baby through the milk.

Sea vegetables, high in mineral content and excellent for the blood, are very important for both mother and baby. Blood building foods, vegetables and bean casseroles are also important to consume during this time. In addition, desserts are important, as they are refreshing and can be made to be nourishing.

Lactation

The quality of a mother's milk is far superior to any other form of milk that a child can have.

The very first of the milk that flows from a mother is a pale color, almost like water. This has the highest concentration of immunization benefits.

Differences between mothers’ milk and cows’ milk:

• Mothers’ milk contains a smaller percentage of minerals than cows’ milk. When a person consumes a high intake of cows’ milk in early years, bone density increases; people are heavier boned and grow quickly.

• Mothers’ milk contains less protein than cows’ milk. The protein exists primarily in the form of soluble lactalbumin, which is


relatively easy to digest. Since the caseinogen7 contained in cows’ milk is relatively insoluble in the human digestive system, it often coagulates in the stomach and leads to diarrhea and other digestive disorders.

• The fat contained in mothers’ milk is easier for humans to digest and contains less fatty acid than cow’s milk.

• With human milk, the alkaline condition of the body can be maintained with out the action of buffers. The repeated intake of cows’ milk, which is more acidic, requires the mobilization of minerals leeched from the bones and teeth to serve as buffers in maintaining an alkaline blood condition.

• The composition of human milk varies during the first several weeks in order to meet the changing needs of the infant.

Since our physical development is guided by food, a baby nourished on cows’ milk tends to develop a large bone and body structure, similar to that of a cow, while mental development, which is also determined by food, tends to become dull and lacking in sensitivity. Goats’ milk is also an inadequate substitute for human milk. Human milk substitutes should be used only if the mother is very sick or in extreme cases where an infant’s survival is threatened.

Breast-feeding creates a strong psychological and emotional bond between mother and child, through which both experience a natural feeling of oneness that has great potential to continue throughout life.

Baby Food

Baby foods is best introduced and changed in accordance with the development of its teeth.

In approximately 7 to 9 months the front teeth appear. In 12 to 14 months the first molars are pushing through. At 16 to 17 months a child's canine teeth appear, and second molars are on their way at 20 to 24 months.

There is no absolute timeframe given for a mother to stop breast-feeding. However, around 6 months a gradual decrease in the quantity of breast milk may take place and the first steps of weaning an infant start to occur.

Once weaning has commenced introduce a portion of soft foods, i.e. a mixture of soft rice, vegetables and grain. Introduce food slowly, i.e. only a few tablespoons. No seasoning (salt) or very little seasoning should be used in a young baby’s food. Infants should only receive a tiny amount of salt or none at all.

7 A white, tasteless, odorless protein precipitated from milk by rennin. It is the basis of cheese and is used to make plastics, adhesives, paints, and foods. Casein is the predominant phosphoprotein found in fresh milk. When coagulated with rennet, casein is sometimes called paracasein. British terminology, on the other hand, uses the term caseinogen for the uncoagulated protein and casein for the coagulated protein. As it exists in milk, it is a salt of calcium.


Kokkoh (Baby Food)

50% brown rice 5% sesame seeds

30% sweet brown rice 3 to 4 parts water

Dry roast ingredients separately. Do not burn ingredients when dry roasting. Combine them with to 3 to 4 parts water and cook. Mash the mixture in a suribachi or food mill—it should be watery for young babies. This mixture can substitute for breast milk in emergencies.

Other foods to include as a child is being weaned are noodles, mashed vegetables, mashed sea vegetables, mochi, millet, rice cream, porridge and barley. Wheat should be avoided until a child is 10 months to 1 year old. Early allergies may appear with the introduction of wheat. Coeliac disease is the mal absorption of food in the digestive tract and is associated with wheat.

In the very early days of introducing foods, it is best to try one food at a time for a few days, and assess the response from the child. It there is pain or discomfort from foods that are being consumed one at a time it is much easier to find the cause. Also look for constipation and diarrhea to assess whether or not foods are being accepted. It may take some children a little longer to strengthen their digestive systems. Pre-chewed foods from parents help digestion in the early stages of a baby’s life. This makes the breakdown of food much easier for babies. The early days of food preparation and variety should be clearly documented.

The following vegetables are best left out of the diet until approximately 10 to 11 months old: broccoli, cauliflower, Chinese greens, lettuce, and Brussel sprouts. Babies do not easily digest the cabbage group of vegetables.


1. Write down 5 questions you would ask a woman who said she had morning sickness.

2. If a pregnant women craved salads in the winter months, her condition maybe too yang. What type of foods could be introduced to cool her down?

3. What foods would you make for a 10-month-old child in summertime?

4. What recommendations would you give to a pregnant woman who had symptoms of constipation?

5. What foods would you give to a woman after childbirth? 0.


Appendix: Food Energetics Chart

See attached chart.

NOTES

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