Category: Natural Remedies

Special feature on herbal medicines recommended in Islam to stay healthy and strong.

This year we have been looking at herbs and spices that are mentioned in Islamic scriptures that can be used for food as well as medicine. We have already discussed the top four condiments: salt, vinegar, honey and olive as well as Black Cumin, better known as Kalonjie. As we know, the medical effects of Kalonjie are so profound that it is said by The Prophet (peace be upon him) we can use it to cure all ailments except (our inevitable) death.

Q: Why it is essential to take kalonjie (black cumin seed) oil during this global pandemic? What has it got to do with flu, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases? https://naturefresh.co.za/32905-2/

According to Dr Gary Null “We can use this time-honoured remedy for any of our ailments, either as a stand-alone remedy or to support the effects of other medications. Black cumin oil is probably the most important oil you can put in your system.” The main active constituent found in Kalonjie (Nigella Sativa) is thymoquinone – a volatile oil that comes from these tiny black seeds. In a 2016 study Kalonjie oil was found to have anti-influenza viral activity. It was tested extensively for avian flu and found to be very effective as well as for HIV or human immunodeficiency virus and the hepatitis C virus. For the Covid-19 protocols, 1 teaspoon twice a day was used to good effect.

In a Novel Coronasvirus (Covid-19) main protease: Molecular Docking Study (Europe PMC April 2020) Nigelledine (Nigella extract) had a similar molecular bonding energy score to chloroquine and was superior to hydroxychloroquine (over 10%). The results were: Nigelledine (from Nigella) -6.3 and α- Hederin (from Nigella) -6.5 as opposed to chloroquine -6.3 and hydroxychloroquine -5.6. However, in similar studies undertaken with other phytochemicals, oleuropein, (from olive leaf) had a better affinity at -7.3 as compared to that of the drug favipiravir at -4.2. Onions, curcumin and ginger also showed similar results, between -4 and -6.The antioxidants Kaemferol and Quercetin scored above -8, but with food sources that contain traces of them there are no guidelines as to what an effective intake would be. Good sources are: apples, grapes, tomatoes, green tea, potatoes, onions, broccoli, kale, Brussels sprouts, squash, cucumbers, lettuce, green beans, peaches, blackberries, raspberries and spinach. Quercetin supplements have been studied as effective antiviral agents. Intake ranged from 500–1,000 mg per day

Q: Why chew olive leaves? It is said that “we should use olives as meat and the leaves as medicine”. Chewing an olive leaf has been suggested as a treatment for inflammation of the stomach, skin ulcerations, and eruptions of herpes and hives. Can we rather chew the tablets?

Many scientific studies have been performed throughout Europe and the United States to show that olive leaf extracts have strong antiviral, antifungal, antibacterial, and anti-parasitic activity. Olive leaf does not harm beneficial bacteria as is the case with regular antibiotics and they also help to eliminate biofilms that shield off colonies of bacteria, causing drug resistance. You can even make your own olive leaf remedies for the family.

Over 40% of our patent drugs have been inspired by plants but when only certain extracts (chemicals) are used, the healing effects are often limited. When the complete and original herbs are used very few if any harmful side effects have ever been noted. Furthermore, using the entire plant component to make the remedy provides additional health benefits as we have seen when taking olive leaf tablets, for instance.

Q: So when people cough and sneeze, which disease are they spreading? Are there any other serious respiratory diseases with the same symptoms as covid-19?

Pneumonia in particular, shares symptoms that are common to other respiratory tract diseases – fever, cough, mucous, shortness of breath and fatigue. In viral pneumonia, a dry cough without sputum is more common and if not correctly diagnosed, giving antibiotics will not cure it. Drug resistant pneumonia is also a constant challenge to the health profession and all manner of antibiotics are used to little or no avail. When these bacteria are resistant to penicillin, they are often resistant to many other antibiotic classes.

There are both viral and bacterial forms of pneumonia but the norm is to first give antibiotics. The full course of drugs tends to destroy the gut bacteria that form over 70% of the immune system and make the patient more prone to candidiasis and mycotoxins. Health care associated pneumonia infects patients who are already ill and in hospital. Here too, they are exposed to microbes including staphylococcus bacteria and tuberculosis that become resistant to a growing number of antibiotics.

Q: What is the most dangerous and widespread infectious respiratory disease – is it still tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis, like Covid-19 is also spread by coughing and sneezing, is the most dangerous for people with weakened immune systems in settings where many people are crowded together, like nursing homes, homeless shelters, shanties, and prisons (and the long queues outside banks and shops.) Antibiotic resistant tuberculosis shares many of the Covid-19 symptoms – cough and shortness of breath, fever and weakness. But although tuberculosis is only evident a few weeks later, its slow onset is more deadly and it can infect 1-4 people as opposed to the 2-3.3 (speculated) infection rate of Covid-19. Tuberculosis is the leading infectious cause of death worldwide and it is estimated that 1.8 billion people (1/3 of the world’s population) are infected with it, causing 1.5 – 2 million deaths per year. There are currently 8.4 million new cases each year – a hard act for Covid-19 to follow. Yet we had no global lockdowns from this deadly disease.

Resources:

Previous talks on the Nature Fresh website home page with Sue and Zulaikha: www.naturefresh.co.za

The beneficial effects of Kalonjie, especialy for viruses https://naturefresh.co.za/32905-2/

How to handle viruses – including COVID types https://naturefresh.co.za/why-so-stupid-about-covid/

Early talk in February about the coronavirus https://naturefresh.co.za/much-ado-about-the-coronavirus/

More about olive leaf tablets https://naturefresh.co.za/products/nf-025-olive-leaf-tablets-90-tablets/

A HEALTHY HAPPY HEART, get the book by Sue Visser and Dr James Liddell. Learn more about the heart, lungs, inflammation, glutathione, olive leaves and boosting immunity. See the free trial pages and order it at:

https://naturefresh.co.za/products/book-healthy-happy-heart/

References:

https://europepmc.org/article/ppr/ppr147255 Identification of Compounds from Nigella Sativa as New Potential Inhibitors of 2019 Novel Coronavirus (Covid-19): Molecular Docking Study

https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/consumer-health/in-depth/antibiotics/art-20045720

https://www.everydayhealth.com/pictures/scary-drug-resistant-infections/

https://www.theunion.org/news-centre/covid-19/covid-tb-faqs#one

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC88901/

https://www.drugs.com/health-guide/pneumonia.html

https://alphagreen.io/quercetin

Radio IFF talk with Zulaikha and Sue Visser 26 March 2020

The 2020 COVIC-19 lockdown begins!

I heard the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) saying: “There is healing in Black Cumin for all diseases except death.” Narrated Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him): (Sahih Bukhari 7:71:592)

Disclaimer: Listeners and all those who are sharing this information do so at their own discretion. It is based on well referenced medical research from diverse studies. Do not treat any condition without the prior consent of your doctor. We are not responsible for the outcome or the application of any protocol, product or suggestion that you follow. Share these new insights with practitioners of integrative medicine.

How can we benefit from kalonjie (Nigella sativa/black cumin) during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Kalonjie seeds are commonly used as a spice or on breads and cookies. Some of us mix them with honey to use for upper respiratory tract infections or stomach complaints. They are used in medicine for their antiviral, antitumor and antimicrobial properties, to name a few. During this period of lockdown,

Study the antiviral effects of Kalonjie seeds and its oil to find cures for diseases?

Introduction: The main active constituent found in Kalonjie (Nigella Sativa) is thymoquinone – a volatile oil that comes from these tiny black seeds. In a 2016 study Kalonjie oil was found to have anti-influenza viral activity. It was tested extensively for avian flu and found to be very effective. Trials for the HIV or human immunodificency virus also showed it could kill it – as well as the hepatitis C virus.

https://pharmacologyonline.silae.it/files/newsletter/2019/vol2/PhOL_2019_2_NL007_Molla.pdf Pharmacology Online August 2019 A review on antiviral effects of Nigella Sativa.

Common to patients who are severely affected by coronaviruses are high levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and lymphopenia or a lack of macrophages. With the COVID-19 virus these are major causes of concern, yet Nigella Sativa (Kalonjie) can provide both lymphoprotective activity and immune modulation. According to Doctor Saki Moidin,” Future clinical trials conducted using will unravel how exactly we can use thymoquinone in the current COVID-19 pandemic state.” But for everyday use, instead of medications we can use this time-honoured remedy for any of our ailments, either as a stand-alone remedy or to support the effects of other medications. “Black cumin oil is probably the most important oil you can put in your system.” Gary Null

https://thecognate.com/nigella-sativa-every-disease-has-a-cure-decelerating-the-covid-19-pandemic/ The Cognate Nigella Sativa: Every Disease Has A Cure – Decelerating The COVID-19 Pandemic by B yDr. Shakil Moidin 22 March 2020

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/339683415_Lymphopenia_predicts_disease_severity_of_COVID-19_a_descriptive_and_predictive_study

How else can we use Klaonjie seeds to help us every day – in every way?

Beneficial effects of Kalonjie on the nervous system instead of mediactions

The results of recent preliminary studies have shown that various extracts of Kalonjie seeds can improve memory impairment, anxiety, depression, epilepsy, neurotoxicity, neurodegeneration and pain. It is assumed that its antioxidative effects also help to inhibit the acetylcholinestrase enzyme. Nigella Sativa has positive interactions with neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and especially GABA to improve sleep and prevent excitotoxicity from glutamate. Its effect on opioid receptors makes it an effective treatment for chronic pain as an alternative to dangerous habit forming drugs like Fentanyl. Other studies confirmed the beneficial effects of NS on epilepsy and seizures in children

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4884225/ NCBI Neuropharmacological effects of Nigella sativa 2016

Detox, get rid of parasites and candidiasis.

Remove larger parasites because they may also contain viruses and bacteria that may be inside of them and thus escape from the immune system. The antihel-minthic effects of kalonjie act against nematodes, cestodes, tapeworms and liver flukes. Extracts also exerted activity against Escherichia coli, Bacillus subtitles, Streptococcus faecalis, Staphylococcus aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the pathogenic yeast, fungi and mould (Candida albicans )

https://www.hindawi.com/journals/ecam/2019/1528635/ Evidence Based Journal for Complimentary Medicine Article: Nigella sativa L. (Black Cumin): A Promising Natural Remedy for Wide Range of Illnesses. Access 25 03 2020

Control your blood sugar, blood pressure cholesterol and your weight!

Thymoquinone supports “antidiabetic activity.” They found it helped to reduce appetite, glucose absorption in the intestines, blood glucose level, cholesterol and triglyceride levels, body weight and it simulates the secretion of insulin from beta-cells in the pancreas. It also helped improve glucose tolerance as efficiently as metformin while showing no significant adverse effects. Kalonjie also stimulated partial regeneration of pancreatic beta-cells. Those are the cells in your pancreas that actually store and release insulin and produce hormones that slow the rate of sugar entering your bloodstream to better control your blood sugar levels. When used in conjunction with a carbohydrate controlled diet, a few other key supplements and a lot of exercise there is no reason why one cannot reduce your dependence on all the drugs you take every day. It is best to discuss a weaning schedule with a doctor who understands nutrition and herbal medicine.

https://easyhealthoptions.com/diabetes-spice-beat-metformin/ Easy health options the diabetes spice that beats metformin.

We use kalonjie for treating every ailment – apart from death. How much, how often?

The whole seeds or the oil are both useful for daily treatments. Some treatments recommend chewing ½ teaspoon of the seeds, mixed with honey as a dose. Others say ½ a teaspoon of the oil is preferable. The oil can also be used for skin ailments, rashes, eczema, psoriasis and so on. Rub it into the nostrils if you feel a cold coming on, gargle with a few drops of oil in hot water with salt. The kalonjie oil mixed with honey makes a good cough mixture. The website below provides more advice and suggestions about how to take kalonjie. I bought a 100g packet of seeds for R20, so that means 100 x 1g doses at a cost of 20c each! Even chewing a few seeds from time to time can be of benefit.

https://realfarmacy.com/use-black-seed-treat-array-ailments-diseases/ Real Pharmacy How To Use Black Seed to Treat Countless Diseases & Ailments

The healing effects of honey and honey-based remedies we can make

Honey: “From its [the bee’s] belly, comes forth a drink of varying colours wherein is a cure for people. Surely there is a sign for those who would give thought.” And – “If a person eats honey a thousand remedies enter his stomach and a million diseases will come out”. 1,400 years ago, according to the Prophet Muhammad peace and blessings of Allah be upon him (SAW ) Honey is not just a sugar, but also a complex combination of enzymes, organic acids, esters, antibiotic agents, trace minerals and vitamins. It is still used in hospitals to heal incurable skin lesions when modern medicines fail to do so. Honey has profound antimicrobial effects and is more than just a sweetener. Honey must not be given to very young infants as it may contain botulism spores and the baby’s immature intestine cannot yet eliminate them like you can.

Bees make honey by combining nectar from flowers with their bee enzymes. Honey is one of the oldest medicinal substances known to man. Honey is used to mask unpleasant flavours, (like a spoonful of sugar) to make the medicine go down and often it is more curative than the intended remedy! Honey from the tombs of Egyptian Pharaohs dating back a few thousand years was still found to be edible. Thus the shelf life of honey is longer than ours by far. It is a good preservative and wound healer and is very nutritious, being a complete food for the very active and hardworking little honeybee, let alone us lazy humans.

Honey can be taken as a medicine, mixed with medicinal herbs and spices or used as a vital ingredient in body care products such as cleansers, lotions and ointments. Honey, spices and herbs can cure many skin afflictions and infections. Some doctors give honey before surgery to prevent infections. Many cuts, infections and wounds are healed by honey alone because of its anti-microbial and curative effects. Pure honey is good for mouth and gum infections.

According to folk medicine from around the world, honey can be used for: coughs, muscle cramps, burns, stuffy noses, sinusitis, hay fever, bed wetting, insomnia, and on wounds, ulcers, infections, stings and rashes. Honey keeps a wound sterile and hastens the healing process. It is reported to be effective against bacterial conditions such as Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia in cases when antibiotics could not help anymore. Honey is also good for gut infections such as Salmonella, Shigella, E. Coli, and cholera that produce diarrhoea. When mixed with cinnamon, turmeric, fennel or cloves, the results are even more effective. Honey used with water and salt to replace fluids lost during diarrhoea and vomiting, proved to be more effective than electrolyte mixtures because of the additional anti-microbial effect.

Honey is approximately 35% protein due to the amino acids it contains. It is a highly concentrated source of essential nutrients with a high level of simple sugars, the B-complex vitamins with a little Vitamin C, D and E and minerals.

Effects of honey on the blood: Honey rapidly diffuses through the blood: When mixed with water, honey diffuses into the bloodstream in 7 minutes. Its free sugar molecules are accompanied by amino acids and supports blood formation. Honey helps to cleanse the blood and improves circulation. Experiments conducted on honey show that its bactericide properties increase twofold when diluted with water. It is very interesting to note that newly born bees in the colony are nourished with diluted honey by the bees to offer extra protection against microbes.

For coughs and viruses: The anti-tussive and expectorant properties of honey are related to its capacity to dilute bronchial secretions and improve the function of the bronchial epithelium. Combine honey with fresh ginger to knock out viruses and upper respiratory tract infections. A new microbial study was undertaken to detail the antimicrobial effects of fresh versus dry ginger. It was only the fresh ginger that knocked out viruses and mycotoxins that are responsible for upper respiratory tract infections – not the dry version. However, both forms of ginger were effective for blood thinning, inflammation and nausea.

Anti-diarrhoeal properties: At a concentration of 40%, honey has a bactericidal effect on various gut bacteria known to cause diarrhoea and dysentery such as Salmonella, Shigella enteropathogenic, E. coli and Vibrio cholera. In one study, honey given with oral rehydration fluid was shown to reduce the duration of bacterial (infectious) diarrhoea in infants and children. As an electrolyte: Honey used with water and salt helps to replace fluids lost during diarrhoea and vomiting are said to be more effective than electrolyte mixtures because of this additional anti-microbial effect.

Caution: Diabetics should be careful of taking too much honey by itself, as the body requires insulin to process the simple sugars it contains. When ¼ teaspoon of cinnamon is added to a teaspoon of honey, the effect of insulin improves, so this is highly recommended. You may prefer to use the bitter, crude blackstrap molasses as an alternative for making your honey remedies.

Oral hygiene: Use only pure honey for mouthwashes and throat gargles. When honey is combined with a starch such as bread, it is very bad for teeth as then it ferments in the mouth. Rinsing out the mouth with salt water kills germs and prevents sugar cravings.

Honey as a carrier for herbs and spices: A teaspoon of honey can be mixed with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon (diabetes) or ginger (nausea) or olive leaf powder (high BP, flu, viruses) and taken instead of tablets or capsules. It can also be taken with ground-up kalonjie seeds or kalonji oil.

A pleasant health drink: Mix a teaspoon of honey with a tablespoon of vinegar in a cup of hot or cold water with a pinch of salt. We can thus enjoy all the top 4 condiments together!

Propolis is also made by bees. Bees make propolis to disinfect their beehives because of the strong antimicrobial effects it has due to the tree resins and other ingredients that are added by the bee itself. The warm humid interior of a beehive (and inside our bodies) is prone to developing mould, viral, fungal and bacterial infections. It is a very powerful antioxidant with analgesic, anaesthetic (works for bee stings and other bites) and anti-inflammatory activity. Medical studies have shown that topical application of propolis in tinctures or ointments helps against genital herpes, cold sores, dental caries, periodontal disease, and rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, scars, psoriasis and fungal infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot.

Bee stings or spider bites: Propolis tincture applied to bee stings gives instant pain relief and reduce swelling. Propolis remedies are also good for earache or infections of the outer ear. Propolis preparations can be applied to cuts, scratches and surgical wounds. A propolis, beeswax and honey ointment such as Nature Fresh Bee Balm is ideal for external use, especially on dry, scaly skin conditions, psoriasis and scars.

Respiratory complaints: Very effective if taken as a tincture for: colds, influenza, catarrh, rhinitis, sinusitis, laryngitis and sore throats. Doctors can support therapy for: asthma, chronic pneumonia and tuberculosis with propolis.

Stomach and digestive disorders: Stomach ulcers from helicobacter pylori infections. Effective in large, frequent doses for gastritis, dysentery, diarrhoea, and leaky gut syndrome caused by parasites, worm and fluke infestations.

Side Effects and special precautions of propolis: Few side effects, other than allergic reactions, have been reported with propolis. Do not use propolis if you are allergic to bee products, balsam or pine resin. Allergic reactions may cause swelling, redness, eczema or fever and it may irritate the skin, causing burning, peeling lips, irritation, lesions, itching, swelling, psoriasis or eczema. Dilute the propolis and test a small area first. When used in the mouth, propolis tincture or powder may irritate the mucous membranes.

Salt through the ages, salt in your food and salt in your body

2020 February health interview by Zulaikha with Health Researcher Sue Visser on radio.

According to an Islamic text, “Salt is the master of your food. God sent down four blessings from the sky – fire, water, iron and salt” (Ibn Maja). Taking a few grains of salt before and after meals was recommended centuries ago by Islamic healers.

Q: Sue, what are the benefits of doing this?

A: Salt before a meal helps to support the intensity of the stomach acid to digest the meal. A pH of 2 (very acidic) is required to close the valve at the base of the oesophagus and salt provides the chloride that is needed to maintain acidity at this intensity. Taking a little salt after a meal can thus help to prevent acid reflux and heartburn. Do not drink a glass of water straight after the meal because it will dilute the stomach acid and other digestive juices like pepsin. A salty finish (as opposed to sugary residues) also helps to fight tooth decay. The mouth can then be rinsed.

Q: Today we are told to reduce our salt intake or even stop using it at the table. Some say it is “white poison”. Do we need any extra salt? The Prophet (May Allah honour him and grant him peace) tells us the following:

“Eat of the good things We have provided for your sustenance, but commit no excess therein.”
A: Profound words indeed! An excess of salt especially, is associated with many diseases, particularly cardiovascular diseases. We need to abide by the rules of excess, otherwise salt will be cause an imbalance of other minerals, especially potassium, calcium and magnesium, causing diseases like hypertension, cholesterol problems and diabetes. However, if you eat enough foods that contain potassium, such as green vegetables and bananas you need to balance the extra potassium with more sodium – from salt. When taken in moderation and balanced to potassium, the sodium in salt does not harm us and without it salt would not be salt – sodium chloride.

Q: Tell us more about the chloride?

A: Pure chloride, or what we know as chlorine kills germs, as we know. Taking chloride by itself would burn every cell in the body, so it is combined with sodium. Salt also kills germs and it tastes good! On hot days when we sweat a lot we lose minerals, especially the electrolytes: sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. That is why sweat tastes salty. One craves salt to replace it and salt is used by the body to conserve our water – lest we shrivel up and dehydrate. Our cells are like bags of salty water and need salt for their stability.

On the other hand, if we consume too much salt, the body retains too much water and we swell up because calcium and magnesium also need to be replaced, along with the pinch of salt. This is what happens when we “omit excess therein”. Too much salt causes not enough potassium, calcium and magnesium. People who are deficient in magnesium are more prone to headaches, blood sugar imbalances, muscle cramps, dyskinesia, and insomnia. Diabetics, especially, are deficient in magnesium.

Q: Can we obtain chloride from other sources?

A: Yes, to maintain our salt cravings but prevent the sodium excess we can use a salt alternative called “no salt” or potassium chloride. This also helps to increase the potassium levels. However, it is a good idea to mix it with a little calcium and magnesium powder as well. It is not a good idea to take a few grains of this into the mouth because it can burn off the skin of the tongue and cheeks. I found that out the hard way, by sprinkling potassium chloride onto my popcorn. It really hurt! Taken as a medicine, it is excellent for correcting hypoglycaemia, as opposed to consuming sugar.

Remedy for hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar emergency) Diabetics can use a ½ teaspoon of potassium chloride in ½ glass of water. This stimulates the release of the glycogen reserves from the liver and raises the blood sugar naturally. Another form of chloride – that tastes awful, is magnesium chloride. It can be “lost” in a smoothie or other guise. It is a great all-round healer, especially for correcting magnesium depletion but it is not a table condiment. The remedy called “Concentrace” contains it. Within 10 minutes is frees up the blood corpuscles and prevents them from sticking to each other. Magnesium chloride flakes are also available from some health shops, or online.

Q: We use bicarbonate of soda as an antacid. Do we also use the sodium in salt for alkalising?

A: Yes, we need sodium bicarbonate to neutralize acidity. Our body has a way of recycling this antacid and only allows the kidneys to excrete what is not needed. So then sodium will be retained if there is a shortfall of potassium. We are constantly reminded that our best sources of potassium are from vegetables. Other valuable sources include apple cider vinegar, molasses and cream or tartar from the grocery store. So to prevent high levels of sodium rather increase the levels of potassium and allow your body to flush out what you don’t need. We don’t have to ask why urine or sweat tastes salty! We excrete a lot of sodium potassium, calcium and magnesium. They ALL need to be replaced and kept in balance.

Q: Now we can see why we need a good balance of these minerals, as it is stated by the Prophet (May Allah honour him and grant him peace)

“But Allah has said that He created no disease without also creating its remedy, except death (meaning old age).”
How is salt associated with remedies?

A: Salt kills germs and we can gargle with salt and it makes a good mouthwash. Perhaps that is why we are reminded by Islamic traditional health practitioners to take a few grains of salt – again, after the meal. People also use a saline solution as a nasal spray or for treating sinus problems. Salt also balances the water levels, both within and without our cells. It is not the salt that is to blame for the water retention. People who stop drinking water to try and correct water retention are telling us that they have a potassium deficiency.

Homeopathic remedies and the 12 tissue salts use salt as one of their chief remedies. Salt is called Natrum (sodium) Muricatum (chloride) – NAT MUR for short. Homeopathy gets the closest to using substances that are both a cause and a cure, as alluded to 1400 years ago. During the 19th century Samuel Hahnemann discovered that a diluted version of a poison – arsenic, for instance became a medicine to treat the symptoms of arsenic poisoning. Thus if salt causes water retention, the same substance when potentized or diluted will cure water retention.

In fact, NAT MUR, the Homeopathic version of salt corrects many other types of water imbalances in a patient. For instance, a dry skin, hay fever, constipation, bloating or a dry cough NAT MUR at a potency of D6 – 300C will be prescribed. Mental symptoms that a homeopath would detect as contributing to the symptom picture would benefit from higher potencies, say 3M show up as weepiness, depression, feelings of hopelessness and people get called hypochondriacs. Being reactive and hyper sensitive or wanting to be left alone are also common symptoms.

Q: We are discouraged from using salt, yet you say we lose it when we sweat or urinate every day. What happens if we have a deficiency of salt?

A: Yes – insulin resistance and once again, high blood pressure. To the degree that sodium is restricted the hormonal balance between renin and aldosterone is challenged. An unusually high amount of aldosterone is released. Sodium and potassium are balanced by this hormone. If there is not enough sodium to keep the potassium ratio in balance, both potassium and magnesium are then excreted. A loss of these electrolytes makes the blood acidic. Oxidative stress sets in. Muscles cramp up, fingers go numb and up goes the blood pressure! This is scary and enough and a good reason to pass the salt.

Double blind random placebo controlled studies show that a sodium restricted diet in patients with non-insulin dependent diabetes resulted in an increase in insulin resistance. Even after a few days, the effects of not eating salt manifested as an average increase of 12% in terms of upping their insulin resistance. Even in normal people this was the case. Cut out the salt and up goes the potential for insulin resistance associated with syndrome X and especially type 2 diabetes.

Last word: Ironically, the doctors who condemn salt also use it to save your life. A saline drip is a familiar sight in a hospital and the food will remain tasteless – without any salt!

“Let your food be your medicine and let your medicine be your food” (Hippocrates)

https://naturefresh.co.za/salt-is-good-for-you/ website article on Salt by Sue Visser

http://www.infobarrel.com/Salt_is_not_white_poison_-_without_it_you_would_be_dead Link to Sue’s online article.

2020 update on natural products that may affect your pregnancy.

Zulaikha’s interview with Sue January 2020

Disclaimer: this information is not to be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Please discuss any changes you with to make to your diet or supplementation with an experienced and knowledgeable practitioner.

The first trimester of a woman’s pregnancy is a critical stage and there and many things to help and many more to avoid doing. “ Simply improving the maternal diet before pregnancy can alter gene expression in the offspring and their susceptibility to certain diseases for up to four or five generations. This can help reduce the risk of giving birth to a child who will develop autism, ADHD, Tourette’s, OCD, dyslexia and learning disabilities.”

Q: What supplements and herbs must you definitely stop taking as soon as you fall pregnant?

A: Certain herbs have a direct influence on the womb, causing it to contract or abandon the pregnancy. Parasite treatments that contain Artemisia, like our parasite remedy, for instance. But prior to conception, it is important to eliminate parasites, especially worms and microbes that may be causing a leaky gut. More about that later. The rule with herbs is: when in doubt, don’t. Even mint, rosemary, basil and oregano are viewed with suspicion, but that may be extreme.

Eliminate parasites to prevent intestinal permeability. Parasites like giardia, a protozoa, cause damage to the intestinal wall that increases its permeability. Antigens and microbial fragments leak from the gut into the bloodstream, over-stimulating the immune response, causing allergies and auto-immune disorders. The intestinal permeability can also be caused by antigens within the gut, such as gluten. These factors contribute to inflammation and are linked to disorders that the unborn child may become exposed to via the maternal transmission of antibodies. So if you are not yet pregnant, get rid of giardia ant other parasites and cut out gluten!

Mothers who have a leaky gut or carry certain antigens can have babies that are more prone to: inflammation of the large or small intestine (colitis and enteritis), chronic arthritis , asthma, skin conditions like acne, eczema, hives or psoriasis, migraine headaches, chronic fatigue, deficient pancreatic function ( diabetes 1 or 2) and AIDS .

Q: Apart from leaky gut syndrome and the mother’s antigens causing these very common conditions, what about disorders of the brain?

A: The gut and brain are linked and obviously an unhealthy gut produces an unhealthy brain. Research has shown that some children with autism develop autoimmunity within the brain due to antibodies passed to them from their mothers while in utero. A study found that one in 10 mothers of children with autism carry antibodies in their blood that reacts with their children’s brains. Simply improving the maternal diet before pregnancy can alter gene expression in the offspring and their susceptibility to certain diseases for up to four or five generations. This can help reduce the risk of giving birth to a child who will develop autism, ADHD, Tourette’s, OCD, dyslexia and learning disabilities. Here is the full article.

Q: Are there any reasons for taking herbs during pregnancy?

A: Yes! If herbal remedies like our Agnus Castus or Sweet potato have helped to raise progesterone levels and thus enable the mother conceive, then they need to continue taking them to keep the progesterone levels up. There have been a few cases of ladies who stopped using them abruptly after conception and the pregnancy failed, due to not enough progesterone to continue. Under professional supervision, such cases need constant progesterone monitoring to prevent a mishap. The same applies to any woman who receives hormonal treatment for conception; stopping it suddenly may endanger the pregnancy. So the hormones need to be constantly monitored and maintained throughout a pregnancy that may be at risk.

Q: What about nausea – morning sickness, is there anything natural to take?

A: Ginger helps to control nausea and some midwives recommend tea with honey and ginger. The nausea is actually a form of ketosis, whereby the body is breaking down its reserves in the liver, for the transformation that is taking place. The queasy feeling is due to a lack of food, not from eating too much. So eating something fresh, like pineapple of pawpaw that is easy to digest ca help. We all had our personal favourites, like Marmite – on rice cakes!

Q: What are the best supplements to take?

A: Most important is to look after the probiotics, the bacteria in the mother’s body that are transferred to the baby. (see PROBIOTIC-15). The microbiome needs to be well stocked with the beneficial strains of gut bacteria. Also use some liquid probiotics diluted 5 :100 for vaginal rinsing (with a small enema bulb) from time to time for the same reason – especially if you plan to have a normal / natural birth. This will give Baby the leading edge. They say that the most important reason for a natural birth is the transferral of the bacteria to the new born baby. It establishes the immune setup from day 1. After that, touching and breast feeding the baby helps to establish the microbiome.

Because the gut is the seat of the immune system, a leaky gut triggers a cascade of inflammation that extends beyond the gut and into the brain and body. This raises the risk of brain antibodies developing in the mother and being passed to the foetus. Probiotics are the key to a healthy gut and to preventing candidiasis.

Q: Are you saying that a C-section baby who is bottle fed will lose out?

A: Yes, according to the midwives, so the mother needs to compensate as best she can. Antibiotics also destroy the microbiome, leaving a little baby with a very compromised immune system. At least a baby that is fed with breast milk can benefit from some natural protection, especially from the colostrum that is released as the very first meal. Ideally as nature intended it, directly from the mother.

Q: what about calcium, is it good or bad to take during pregnancy?

A: I am often asked the same question by expectant mothers. We are told that a pregnant Mom eats for two and taking our Calcium Complex helps to build the baby’s skeleton and preserve the mother’s. The magnesium is also important, especially during breastfeeding and it helps with controlling acidity and keeping the urinary system healthy. A herbal tea made from raspberry leaves used to be given in the old days – it was rich in magnesium!

Q: Are vitamins essential to take and do they really help to prevent neural tube disorders?

A: Yes, babies born with an undeveloped spinal cord (spinibifida), for instance have a folic acid deficiency. Mom needs to take a vitamin B complex, as all the b vitamins work together.

Q: Do you know of any eating habits a pregnant Mom has that may turn out to harm the baby?

A: Yes, eating wheat and gluten. https://swbrainpc.com/2017/05/19/autism-could-be-related-to-moms-diet/

Please read this article – before you fall pregnant and warn other people. Autism, diabetes and other autoimmune disorders are caused by the mother, especially during pregnancy by eating gluten and too much sugar or if Mom has a leaky gut. (A friend of mine has a third child who is type 1 diabetic. She admitted that throughout her pregnancy all she ate were biscuits, she kept craving sugar.)

Q: Is there any way of preventing these disorders?

A: A balanced, nutritious but specifically anti-inflammatory diet helps to establish a healthy immune system during pregnancy. It is important to lay this foundation prior to conception, after parasite and heavy metal cleansing protocols. Studies have shown the effectiveness of a gluten-free and dairy-free diet or, more ideally, the immune balancing diet to prevent autoimmune reactivity. It is also important to eat for your blood type, because not everybody is intolerant to dairy or wheat specifically, but other foods or substances may trigger the inflammation.

Q: As a last word, is there any secret to reducing the risk of autism but also the susceptibility to other immune disorders?

A: Try to approach conception and pregnancy with a balanced immune system and control factors that cause reactivity and hence inflammation. Avoid the trigger foods that produce antibodies that may affect the child’s brain and immune system. The main culprits are gluten based, but some lectins are blood type specific, such as chicken for blood type B, beef for type A and so on. Avoiding trigger foods controls inflammation and keeps autoimmune reactivity at bay. Doing this can help to prevent most cases of: asthma, eczema, food intolerances, allergies, and other brain developmental disorders (e.g. Tourette syndrome, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, ADD/ADHD and of course, autism.)

Q: What impact does the blood type diet have on the developing fetus during pregnancy?

A: Quote from Dr D’Adamo “Under situations of sickness, such as frequent miscarriage or whatever, the appropriate diet for the mother has worked wonderfully. We have had many patients as mothers who have followed the diet with great success. To my knowledge, the diet has resulted in no problems or reactions in these situations. Of course, everyone is different, and you might want to bring the diet to your obstetrician’s attention if there are any other health problems.” Eat right for you and your baby – the book.

“We can also positively influence genes after the child is born by improving external influences, such as by removing inflammatory foods from the diet and supporting good nutrition and brain health.”

Free e-book for repairing the gut-brain. The autoimmune diet.

Last word, in hindsight

“I wish I had known all this when I was pregnant. I wish my Mother had known this. Maybe I would not have suffered from childhood respiratory infections, anaemia and gluten sensitivity. Maybe my sisters would not have had thyroid issues, eczema, and sinus problems. Knowing what I do 40 years after having my own babies, I could have prevented gluten and PCOS from affecting my own daughter and causing her years of battling to fall pregnant. However, it is never too late to make changes, to overcome autoimmune mishaps and to be Healthy and Happy!” (Sue Visser)