Jo's Wholistic Medicine Cabinet

You never knows what is around the next corner. “Life happens” and being prepared for just about anything is really important for your health and well-being. I have a drawer & section of the fridge/freezer of nutritional, herbal & homeopathic supplements which holds my daily items, along with my “essentials” for emergencies, health challenges and circumstances that require beyond what daily needs dictate. I also have a wholistic first aid kit that comes in handy frequently.

First for my supplement drawer: In our drawer is a multi vitamin, Magnesium, Zinc, liquid B12, Vitamin C, slippery elm, digestive enzymes, betaine hydrochloride, Omega 3 fish oil capsules, rescue remedy (liquid & ointment), diatomaceous earth, bee pollen, virgin coconut oil, homeopathics: nux vomica, thuja, ledum, apis mel, histaminum, carbo veg & colloidal silver, oregano oil.

· Vitamin C taken regularly, but also in larger more frequent doses during times of need to assist in boosting immune function, bowel function (flushing if necessary) and overall health.

· Slippery elm is a muciligenous herb that coats the entire gastro-intestinal tract from throat to bowel exit, which can aid in reducing swelling, inflammation, upset stomach, diarrhea, nausea, bacterial infection and aid bowel movements if constipated.

· Digestive enzymes taken with meals, but for digestive distress, heart burn or upset stomach will help to reduce symptoms and pass the excessive acid build up. Digestive enzymes taken away from meals can also reduce systemic inflammation in any area of the body to speed healing and reduce acid conditions from head to toe.

· Betaine hydrochloride can be used to reduce heartburn and indigestion for those with low stomach acid. Aids in reducing digestive distress.

· Rescue remedy is a flower essence (branch of herbology), that reduces the stress response by the body and provide mental support. Helps to encourage the parasympathetic nervous system to stop the “fight or flight” response, thus reducing stress.

· Diatomaceous earth can be used topically to fend off ticks, fleas and insects. Also a great “sprinkle” at door ways, around the house and keep insects at bay. Can be used internally to expel parasites and invaders.

· Bee Pollen is highly nutritious packed with B vitamins, protein and immune boosting factors. For those without pollen allergies, can be used to reduce histamine and other inflammatory responses by the respiratory system.

· Virgin coconut oil can be used topically to aid in removal of ticks, removed debris from eyes, ears, nose, helps to protect the skin and safe to use of open skin such as cuts, scrapes, bruises (acts as a natural antiseptic), can be given internally to help expel intestinal parasites and invaders.

· Homeopathics – nux vomica (nausea, upset stomach and vomiting), thuja (warts), ledum (bug bites), apis mel (bee & wasp stings), histaminum (allergic reactions), carbo veg (digestive upset)

· Colloidal silver – “nature’s antibiotic” – used where any bacterial invasion or skin abrasion is present. To be used only temporarily and not for long term use.

· Oregano oil is an essential oil distilled from oregano leaves. Like all essential oils it’s anti-bacterial, anti-viral, anti-fungal. Oregano however, it’s off the charts strong in these areas giving it a high value for warding off all invaders to the body. Used by the single drop under the tongue. (generally I use this for humans only – this is too strong for use with animal companions unless under the direct supervision of a health professional for topical use only).

Secondly for our fridge (or freezer where applicable): liquid chlorophyll, chlorella powder, spirulina powder, omega 3 fish oil liquid, flax meal, garlic ghee, ginger root & kombucha.

· Green foods are vital in my book. Liquid chlorophyll has so many purposes in the body, but overall to freshen the breath, deodorize the body, alkalize and so much more.

· Chlorella & spirulina are blue green algae that are power packed with nutritional factors. “Green inside is clean inside”.

· Omega 3 oils – head to toe good for you. Healthy fat is vital for all body functions – each cell in your body is surrounded by a protective layer of health fat. Feed good fat to your body and it will repay you ten times over.

· Flax meal (I store in the freezer for maximum freshness) – great source of fat & fibre. Can be used as a egg replacement in baking and is just generally nutritious for those that can properly handle flax.

· Garlic ghee – Clarified butter infused with roasted garlic – great tasting, helps to boost immune system, good for your heart and overall body in general. Garlic is known to help ward off invaders and add depth and flavour to many food dishes. Can be given safely to your pets to help keep away fleas, ticks and other pests.

· Ginger root is a digestive system soother. Great for nausea, vomiting and upset stomach. It is a pain reliever and taste great in food dishes.

· Kombucha – great “gut food” – packed with living bacteria vital for proper intestinal health, bowel movements and immune function.

Straining ghee (clarified butter)

Thirdly in our first aid kit: all the usual items like bandages, gauze, medical tape, iodine, hydrogen peroxide, but also it contains helichrysym hydrosol, lavender, tea tree and lemon essential oils, castor oil.

· Helichrysum hydrosol (the water run-off from the distillation of helichrysym essential oil, also sometimes called floral water). This anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-fungal hydrosol is gentle on the skin, suitable for babies, pets and elderly for disinfecting and creating a healthy “microbiome” active layer for skin renewal. Can be applied directly to the skin on open cuts, scraps, bruises to assist in healing more rapidly by encouraging healthy blood plasma and platelet activity to the injury site.

· All essential oils are anti-bacterial, viral and fungal. Lavender is likely the most useful essential oil with so many functions they are too numerous to list, but helps reduce pain, swelling, inflammation, redness, itch, etc. Tea tree is a strong antiseptic that can help dry an area and fight off infection. Lemon also acts as a disinfectant & can help reduce swelling.

· Castor oil can be used topically to reduce swelling, inflammation and aid in lymphatic removal of toxins from the body. Castor oil can be used internally as a purgative to the bowel for expelling unwanted invaders. Under supervision from a health professional castor oil can be used topically and internally to remove cysts and other stagnated & altered tissue.

WEEKLY YOGA ENCOURAGEMENT

Yogic Lifestyle Practice: Living in moderation “Brahmacharya”

Being mindful of what you choose to focus on, what you pay attention to, how much you eat, what you eat, where you choose to spend your money, how much time you devote to doing things. All of these things and so many more relate to this facet of yoga. Using your energy wisely, conserving what should be conserved and expending energy and focus on things of value is of great service to your body and your mind.

Can you consume less, conserve more, focus more on what your needs are, versus your wants?

Can you practice moderation in all of your daily actions? When it comes to food you love, can you limit your consumption? If you are a shopper, can you discern what you need, versus what you want and by pass that new shirt that you don’t really need?

Can you spend less time on electronic devices and social media and more time in nature and with loved ones & friends?

Posture "Asana": Bound Angle "Badha Konasana

Some physical benefits:

*opens the hips

*core strengthening & spine lengthening

*if practicing bound version – strengthens legs and gluts muscles

*helps to relieve cramps

*helps to balance hormones & reproductive organs

*if practicing “butterfly version” – allowing the legs to “bop up and down” in conjunction with bumble-bee breathing (bhramari), can help to reduce stress and encourage movement of prana throughout the body.

Bound Angle (seated)

forward folded w/ supports

Reclined w/ supports