Other ideas

Other ideas

Growing your own food, gardening

I would describe planting a small garden, using raised beds of recycled plastic supplied by Vertdiris.net, including photos and step-by-step. Fortier is an excellent resource in French. Marjory Wildcraft and her website The Grow Network is an excellent reference. Among other things, she describes home-made fertilizers. Also of interest are Food Forest concepts.

I would review these websites and books:
Common Sense
The Grow Network
Mini Faming: Self-Sufficiency in 1/4 Acre
How to Create Healthy Soil with Mercola
How to Use Neem Oil in Your Garden
Weed-free gardening: 4 tips for effective weed control
9 Books for Backyard Gardeners
The Art of Companion Planting

No Space? No Problem! Gardening Tips for the Urban Dweller, Chelsea Green, article
Making your own vegetable garden at home: seven tips from seed to harvest, SlowFood, article
Permaculture In Urban Settings: Strategies For Small Spaces, Food Forest Abundance, article
How to Design Your Own Container Garden, Chelsea Green, article
Growing your own food: resources for beginner, intermediate and advanced gardeners, NaturalNews, article
Rabbit Breeds & Basic Rabbit Care, CommonSenseHome, article
5 Principles of Soil Health, Chelsea Green, article

The Bolting Of Spinach, GardeningKnowHow, article
How to grow orach, GardeningKnowHow, article
How to Get Rid of Aphids in the Vegetable Garden, Seeds for Generations, article

Travel first aid

Cut, burned, nauseous, or poisoned by food while traveling? There are various options. Beware of the 100 mL limit while passing through an airport. My travel first aid kit includes:

• activated charcoal (black powder to be used in case of food poisoning),
• colloidal silver (for disinfection), internally or externally, or do-it-yourself,
• sodium chlorite (in flakes, else ClO₂ in very small amounts – to disinfect water with caution),
• magnesium chloride (oil to prevent muscle cramps or soreness, flakes mixed with water 1:40),
• iodine (food-grade tincture to disinfect wounds and in minute amounts for detoxification),
• sodium bicarbonate (for digestion, aluminum-free, in a labeled bag or container),
• vitamin C (white powder, for detox, non-GMO, in a labeled bag or container),
• vitamin B complex (powder or tablets from natural sources – for digestion, detox, and nerves),
• 3-8% food-grade hydrogen peroxide (liquid to be used to disinfect water with caution),
• essential oils – eucalyptus, peppermint, ginger, and citronella,
• nettle tea, and
• turpentine.

The purpose of this article would be to explain why and how these items work, at least for some people, and how to travel with them. To be included are specific precautions, externally only or internally. Other natural first aid solutions are available. Regarding how much to use, it is better to start low and go slow.

Essential oils

Triclosan, formaldehyde, parabens and other artificial ingredients are found in many soaps, shampoos, toiletries and cosmetic products. They are used to give scents, to maintain the shelf-life, or for other purposes. Many perfumes are based on synthetic aromas. It is nauseous for some people to be surrounded by synthetic perfumes. Your nose and your skin are sponges that can absorb the toxins from these products, even in small quantities. The essential oil of ylang ylang is a specific alternative to synthetic perfume.

Essential oils are not “snake oil”. They have been used since antiquity, making it possible to avoid these artificial ingredients. Not all essential oils are effective for everybody. Some essential oils are noxious to some people. Finding what can be healthy for you is a process of trial and error and listening to your body.

Essential oils were used in ancient Egypt, India, Greece, and Rome, though most oils were vegetable oils, such as olive oil, infused with herbs. Arab traders starters to distill essential oils in the ninth century.

In 1910, the French chemist Rene Maurice Gattefossé was severely hurt in a lab explosion. His hand began developing gangrene (a deadly disease). According to his journal, “Just one rinse with lavender essence stopped the gasification of the tissue.” This then caused him to sweat profusely, and healing began the next day.” The therapeutic use of essential oils is known as aromatherapy. In France, Gattefossé is sometimes called the “father of aromatherapy”. 

Essential oils are usually obtained by steam distillation from certain plants. You can inhale them, put them on your skin (with caution), or diffuse them in the air. Some people put certain oils, such as peppermint, orange, lemon, or rosemary, in their food (in very small amounts). They are very potent. Often, one or two drops is enough to season any recipe. True to their name, they are the essences of the plant. They contain the volatile (temporary) fragrances, like the scent of a rose. They can vary greatly in quality, depending on both the raw material and the processing. 

Due to biochemical individuality, no essential oil works for everybody. The same oil may have different effects on different individuals. What works for you today may not work for you tomorrow. Even one drop of some essential oils can irritate the skin of some people. One way to test this is to put one drop on your wrist or to mix one drop with a carrier oil, such as coconut oil, and then apply this to your skin.

It is better to use one drop at a time to start. The fact that one drop is good does not mean that two is better. Essential oils represent a vast subject. I intend to try to reduce it to a few simple concepts and practical terms. A reading list is here.

Common diffusers are either ultrasound or nebulizers. Always ventilate the room. Beware that essential oils can have unpredictable effects on pets and children. Some people can have distant memories, either pleasant or unpleasant, restored by inhaling essential oils.

A list of essential oils, including references to research is here. You can listen to podcasts about essential oils here. The least expensive essential oils are lavender, lemon, lime, orange, grapefruit, peppermint, ginger, eucalyptus, oregano, and tea tree. They vary in effect. Specific results depend on the oil and the individual. On the other hand, patterns have been noticed. Again, your specific results may vary.

Lavender tends to be a sedative. If you are nervous, lavender can calm. Other essential oils can be useful to relieve insomnia, including bergamot.

Peppermint tends to improve respiration and digestion. It is also used to relieve nausea and to repel insects. One drop of good-quality peppermint oil can add taste and a pleasant flavor to a smoothie. It can also stimulate digestion for some people.

Tea tree can control mold and fungus. Especially for women, ylang ylang can relax gently. To relieve sinus headaches, you could possibly use coriander, eucalyptus, lavender, and peppermint.

Combining a citrus oil, such as orange, with peppermint, mixed with a carrier oil, can reduce inflammation, when you apply it to the skin.

Dr. Eric Zielinski DC wrote an excellent reference on essential oils, “Healing Power of Essential Oils: Soothe Inflammation, Boost Mood, and Feel Great” (available here). He also has a sixty-four minute video here and a series of podcasts here. According to Dr. Zielinski, citrus oils and peppermint oil can decrease appetite. Peppermint can increase energy. Peppermint, orange, frankincense, and neroli can reduce pain. Orange and vanilla can reduce depression. It is also possible that certain foods can get rid of or reduce mild depression.

According to Zielinski, lime and grapefruit together can stimulate weight loss. Bergamot and neroli can stop a panic attack of sudden anxiety. He further describes his views on hyperthyroid, hypothyroid and natural treatment options.

Other oils that can boost mood include lemon, lavender, lime, bergamot, and ylang ylang. The combination of lime and clove may stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system (rest and digest) of some people.

Clary sage can decrease cortisol. Rosemary can increase memory. Lemon oil can decrease nausea. Ylang ylang can increase the heart rate but reduce blood pressure at the same time. If this seems contradictory, essential oils create balance. Again, according to Dr. Zielinski, frankincense, myrrh, lemongrass, citrus, lavender, thyme, and others can be used therapeutically against tumors and cancer. He also recommends certain essential oils in case of anxiety and panic attacks. Frankincense can be used to reduce inflammation, including inflammation of the brain.

Use caution with the citrus oils, such as lemon, lime, orange, and grapefruit. They make your skin more photo-sensitive. Some people can become sunburned or more sunburned in the sun, if they have one of these oils on their skin. Some oils, such as lavender and tea tree, can mimic estrogens.

The food and flavor industries are the main users of essential oils. The most popular culinary oils are peppermint, orange, lemon, grapefruit, lime, clove, ginger, cinnamon, basil, rosemary, and coriander. One teaspoon of herb equals two to three drops of essential oil. In other words, use at most two to three drops of essential oils per dish. Beware that oils do not mix with water. If you add a drop to water to flavor it, shake or stir the water before you drink it. Keep them in the dark with the lids closed.

Dr. Eddy Betterman, MD, a German doctor and advocate of live blood analysis, describes how you can make a DIY survival pain relief salve using essential oils. Jodi Cohen wrote “Essential Oils to Boost the Brain and Heal the Body“, another recent reference.

PubMed, a database of published research, includes more than twenty thousand studies about essential oils. The Tisserand Institute offers online courses about aromatherapy.

Essential oils last longer, if you refrigerate them. You can use certain essential oils to make an effective mosquito and other insect repellent at home.

Cohen, Jodi,  “Essential Oils to Boost the Brain and Heal the Body“, Ten Speed, 2021
Cohen, Jodi, “Healing with Essential Oils“, Kindle, 2017
Cohen, Jodi, “Enhancing Dopamine for Resilience“, article, lemon, rosemary, oregano, thyme
Cohen, Jodi, “Essential Oils for Circulation“, article, frankincense, ginger, grapefruit, cypress
Cohen, Jodi, “Essential Oils for Arthritis“, article, ginger, grapefruit, frankincense, ylang ylang
National Association of Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA) – most common essential oils & uses, Pocatello, ID, USA
“Free Guide to Essential Oils“, herbs-info.com
Crow, David, “Ayurvedic Use of Essential Oils“, video
Crow, David, “Top 10 Essential Oils for the Home Pharmacy“, 1:06 video
Axe DC, Dr. Josh, “Dangers of Essential Oils: Top 10 Essential Oil Mistakes to Avoid“, :11 video
Carnahan MD, Dr. Jill, “Essential Oils: The Solution to Biofilms and Their Antibiotic Resistance?“, article
Sky, Zoey, “Nine essential oils for poison ivy“, NaturalNews, articke
“List Of 50 Essential Oils With Free In-Depth Guide To Each Oil“, HerbsHealthHappiness, article
“Top 10 Essential Oils for Sleep And Insomnia“, HerbsHealthHappiness, article
“3 simple ways to disinfect the air in your home with essential oils“, NaturalNews, article
“10 essential oils for thyroid support & roll-on recipes“, Dr. Eric Zielinski DC, article
“Essential Oils: History, Science, and Benefits“, Ty & Charlene Bollinger, article
“The Healing Powers of Frankincense“, Emme Sutte, article
“13 Outstanding Benefits Of Orange Essential Oil“, TheTruthAboutCancer, :07 video

Ayaz M, Sadiq A, Junaid M, Ullah F, Subhan F, Ahmed J., “Neuroprotective and Anti-Aging Potentials of Essential Oils from Aromatic and Medicinal Plants“, Front Aging Neurosci. 2017; 9:168. Published 2017 May 30. doi:10.3389/fnagi.2017.00168
Agnes Peterfalvi, Eva Miko, Tamas Nagy, Barbara Reger, Diana Simon, Attila Miseta, Boldizsár Czéh, Laszlo Szereday; “Much More Than a Pleasant Scent: A Review on Essential Oils Supporting the Immune System“, Molecules. 2019 Dec 11;24(24):4530, doi: 10.3390/molecules24244530

Essential Oils (nih.gov)
Much More Than a Pleasant Scent: A Review on Essential Oils Supporting the Immune System – PMC (nih.gov)
Essential Oils as Antimicrobial Agents—Myth or Real Alternative? – PMC (nih.gov)
Effects of a Combination of Thyme and Oregano Essential Oils on TNBS-Induced Colitis in Mice – PMC (nih.gov)
Herbal and plant therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease – PMC (nih.gov)
Oregano Essential Oil Improves Intestinal Morphology and Expression of Tight Junction Proteins Associated with Modulation of Selected Intestinal Bacteria and Immune Status in a Pig Model – PMC (nih.gov)
[Effect of aromatherapy massage for the relief of constipation in the elderly] – PubMed (nih.gov)
Effect of fibre, antispasmodics, and peppermint oil in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis | The BMJ
Oregano Essential Oil Improves Intestinal Morphology and Expression of Tight Junction Proteins Associated with Modulation of Selected Intestinal Bacteria and Immune Status in a Pig Model – PMC (nih.gov)
The Influence of Essential Oils on Gut Microbial Profiles in Pigs – PMC (nih.gov)
Therapeutic Effect and Mechanisms of Essential Oils in Mood Disorders: Interaction between the Nervous and Respiratory Systems – PMC (nih.gov)
Effects of a novel formulation of essential oils on glucose-insulin metabolism in diabetic and hypertensive rats: a pilot study – PubMed (nih.gov)
Effect of “Rose Essential Oil” Inhalation on Stress-Induced Skin-Barrier Disruption in Rats and Humans | Chemical Senses | Oxford Academic (oup.com)
Smelling lavender and rosemary increases free radical scavenging activity and decreases cortisol level in saliva – PubMed (nih.gov)
Effects of essential oil exposure on salivary estrogen concentration in perimenopausal women – PubMed (nih.gov)
Effects of essential oils on central nervous system: Focus on mental health – Lizarraga‐Valderrama – 2021 – Phytotherapy Research – Wiley Online Library
“Natural Homemade Sunscreen Recipe“, wellnessmama, article
“Boswellia (frankincense)“, Sloan Kettering Institute, article and opinion

“Does Peppermint Oil Work for Irritable Bowel Syndrome?“, Dr. Joe Mercola DC, article

Essential oils against infections
Frankincense against inflammation and liver dysfuncton
American Indian inventions and ancient advanced practices
Essential Oils – Uses & Benefits, Budwig Center Malaga, article 

Woo et al., “Essential oils improve memory and cognition in older adults“, Front. Neurosci., 24 July 2023, Volume 17 – 2023 | https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2023.1200448

Pancreatic enzymes

Pancreatic enzymes, also known as proteolytic enzymes, are found in certain foods, such as apples, pineapples, and papaya. Enzymes are also available in supplement form called amylase, lipase, protease, and others.

They have been researched therapeutically and reported years ago by Dr. John Beard MD in his book, “The Enzyme Treatment of Cancer” (pdf).

Later, Dr. William Kelley DDS wrote up his observations and results in his book “One Answer to Cancer“. Kelley distinguished individuals by the dominance of their nervous system and digestion, either sympathetic or parasympathetic. According to him, dominance of the sympathetic system is found mostly ini tropical and subtropical climates, while dominance by the parasympathetic system s found in temperate climates. This is not clear to me.

More recently, the late Dr. Nicholas Gonzalez MD, who followed the research of Dr. Kelley, described his protocol and use of enzymes in his book “Conquering Cancer“. For details, read the history by Dr. Gonzalez here.

Another reference is “Enzyme Nutrition: The Food Enzyme Concept” by Dr. Edward Howell, a summary of which is here. In his article, Dr. Josh Axe DC asks himself, “do digestive enzymes prevent nutrient deficiencies & boost gut health?“.

The catalase enzyme breaks down hydrogen peroxide, too much of which can be toxic, into hydrogen and peroxide. As the body ages, we produce less catalase enzyme, which can result in faster aging. Certain foods contain this enzyme, including beef liver, carrots, potatoes, and sheat sprouts.

Enzymes are vital for health. This article is to review and summarize this idea and how to use pancreatic enzymes. Serrapeptase is a specific proteolytic enzyme that is used therapeutically.

Dr. Peter D’Adamo asks himself, should you take a digestive enzyme based on your blood type?  He promotes digestive enzymes, but it is possible to learn from him without buying the supplements.

An Enzyme-based Nutritional Protocol in Metastatic Cancer: Case Reports of a Patient with Colon Cancer and a Patient with Lung Cancer. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 25(4):16-19, 2019. PMID 31202206.

Gonzalez NJ, Isaacs LL. The Gonzalez Therapy and Cancer: a Collection of Case Reports. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 13(1):46-55, 2007. PMID 17283741. There are 31 cases, beginning on page 4.

Gonzalez NJ, Isaacs LL. “Evaluation of Pancreatic Proteolytic Enzyme Treatment of Adenocarcinoma of the Pancreas, With Nutrition and Detoxification Support.” Nutrition and Cancer, 33(2): 117-124, 1999. PMID: 10368805

Isaacs LL. Dr. Franklin Shively’s Multiple Proteolytic Enzyme Therapy of Cancer. Dr. Shively treated patients with intravenous enzymes in the 1950s and 1960s.

Gonzalez NJ, Isaacs LL. The Trophoblast and the Origins of Cancer: One solution to the medical enigma of our times. ISBN: 978-0-9821965-0-2.

Foreword to “Nutrition and the Autonomic Nervous System” by Nicholas J. Gonzalez, MD

Coffee Enemas: A Narrative Review. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 27(3):46-49, 2021. PMID 33711817.

Pancreatic Proteolytic Enzymes and Cancer: New Support for an Old Theory. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 21:15347354221096077, 2022. PMID: 35514109.

Pancreatic Enzymes: Not Just for Digestion. Price-Pottenger Journal, 45(4):4-13, 2021.

Pancreatic Enzymes: Not Just for Digestion. Price-Pottenger Journal, 45(4):4-13, 2021.

“9 Proven Indigestion Remedies You Can Try Today“, Dr. Edward Group DC, article

“The Ins and Outs of Digestive Enzymes“, Dr. Wendy Romig, article

Mushrooms

Mushrooms have vitamin D, but they also have other nutrients, such as polysaccharides and beta-glucans. Your natural immunity may be stimulated by these nutrients. Some mushrooms have certain minerals, such as zinc, or other nutrients that can be healthy for some people. Some mushrooms are poisonous.

Mushrooms absorb any toxic heavy metals in the soil where they are grown, so know your supplier and look for organic mushrooms only. Do not pick wild mushrooms, if you do not know what you are doing, or if you do not know the local area. Not all healthy mushrooms are healthy for everybody. I intend to research mushrooms and then to write it up in practical terms.

Reishi – scientific overview
Reishi and gene expression
Reishi and immune system
Reishi and immune system 2
Christopher Hobbs clinical presentation about mushrooms, other handouts
Science Supports Reishi Mushrooms’ Health-Boosting Potential, Sayer Ji, article
Could Mushrooms Be the Key to Improving Immunity?, EpochTimes, article
5 Powerful Mushroom Health Benefits You Need to Know, TheArtofAntiaging, article
Mushrooms: The Underrated Superfood, BioHeal Ottawa, article
A Beginner’s Guide to Medicinal Mushrooms, Nick Polizzi, article

He shou wu (Polygonum multiflorum Thunb) has many uses and a long history in ancient Chinese medicine. It is high in zinc. Look for a reliable souce. You can add its powdered form to smoothies. A summary of medicinal mushrooms is here.

The maitake mushroom may be healthy for blood type O, according to Dr. Peter D’Adamo and blood type eating, while shitake is not healthy for blood type O.

Hyperion Herbs, a supplier, lists mushrooms that they claim increase the immune system.

Psychology of routines

Why do you eat what you eat? Do you eat to satisfy your cravings? Do you have an emotional attachment to certain foods? Are your eating habits part of your identity? Do they remind you of happy moments of your childhood?

Do  you eat to nourish yourself? For your health? Without shame, judgement, nor guilt, you might ask yourself these questions and think about it. I intend to research this subject, of which there are many opinions. Philosophies and religions there are many, but the truth there is only one, and it is inside you, if you look for it. 

Wendy Wood is a researcher at the University of Southern California and author of the book “”Good Habits, Bad Habits: The Science of Making Positive Changes That Stick“. Context, repetition, and reward are keys to making changes that last, according to Brian Vaszily, editor of the site, TheArtOfAntiAging.com. For example, if you decide to stop eating a certain food that you regularly eat, such as sugar, then it would be better to remove it from your refrigerator and kitchen shelves completely (the context). If you avoid this food for at least three weeks, then you are much more likely to succeed (repetition). If you reward yourself gently, such as drinking a cup of coffee or tea, each time you make change, then you are also much more likely to continue the change of habit.

If you are sick and tired of being sick and tired, then changing your eating habits may be an answer.

“The Power of Habit” is to be reviewed.

Rhiannon Lambert interviews Joe O’Brien in this podcast, “The Psychology Behind Weight Loss“.

The subconscious can block the intuition to eat for nourishment. Bruce Liption can be insightful about the power of the subconscious.

Marc David describes the psychology of eating for weight loss in this forty-five minute video. He suggests trying to avoid falling into the traps of binge eating, emotional eating, and overeating.

Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman describes how to change your brain in his 2:12 video. Dr Gabor Maté describes “Breaking Free of Old Habits, Addiction, and Past Traumas” in this 1:04 video.

Afraid of Gaining Weight? Marc David describes possible ways to overcome the fear of food.
“How to Meditate for Beginners” can be a guide to having compassion for oneself first and then for others.

Entheogenics

Entheogenics are controversial, but they can be soul food for some people at some moments.  These are natural substances, herbal brews, that can be used by some people to reach a state of inner peace and self-awareness. They can be used to free some troubled, tortured souls from their trauma, such as severe traffic accidents or other, possibly childhood, trauma.

Some medical doctors report using entheogenics (only once) to prompt alcoholics and heroin addicts to walk away from their habits without the agony of withdrawal. Ayahuasca is an entheogenic that is used in ceremonies in the jungles of the Amazon. It is also administered in ceremonies of the Santo Daime church in Brazil.

On the other hand, entheogenics are not for everybody. They are to be used with caution, if not extreme caution. One possible reference for reading is “The Way of the Shaman” by Michael Harner. Another is “Tales of a Shaman’s Apprentice” by Mark Plotkin.

This article is to summarize and review:

• Schultes, Richard Evans, “Plants of the Gods“, Healing Arts, 1979
• McKenna, Terrence, “Food of the Gods“, Bantam, 1993
• Kilham, Chris, “The Ayahuasca Test Pilots Handbook“, North Atlantic Books, 2014
• Narby, Jeremy, PhD, “The Cosmic Serpent – DNA and the Origins of Knowledge“, Penguin Putnam, 1998
• Tafur, Dr. Joseph, MD, “The Fellowship of the River“, Espiritu Books, 2017 
• Ayahuasca – a fifty-two minute documentary by Aubrey Marcus
• The Nature of Ayahuasca, a fifty-eight minute documentary by Gavin Hoffman
• DMT: The Spirit Molecule, seventy-three minute film by Dr. Rick Strassman MD (with subtitles in ten languages)
• DMT – Before and After, seventy-three minute film by London Real, 
• Psychedelic Renaissance, forty-four minute interview of Dr. Dan Kelly MD, and
• What do we know about the risks of psychedelics?, article by Bridget Huber.

Plants contain many molecules, of course, but the psychoactive effects of the entheogenics are sometimes attributed to specific molecules and their biochemistry. DMT (dimethyltryptamine) is a molecule found in many plants. It binds to serotonin. When you eat or drink these plants, the enzyme monoamine oxidase in your stomach breaks down DMT to inactive metabolites.

If consumed with a molecule known as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, for example from other plants, then DMT is not metabolized or not metabolized as rapidly. It can reach the brain, inducing hallucinations and a psychedelic experience.

Again, beware that this experience is not for everybody. It can release bad memories of past traumas. This release can be therapeutic for some people, but dangerous or self-destructive for others. This can also depend on the setting of the experience, the intentions of the people who administered the substance such as a local shaman or doctor, and the motivation or mindset of the person taking the brew. For example, if you have a mental illness, or if you are taking anti-depressant (or other prescription) pills, then avoid these plants. Is DMT released at death?

This can be a controversial subject for some people. It is thought to be subversive by many governments. In many countries, it  is prohibited to make, sell, or use DMT in its pure form. Plants that contain DMT are also regulated in many countries. In other countries, there is a legal limbo where pure, isolated DMT is prohibited, but extracts of plants that contain DMT are not prohibited. These plants have been used traditionally by indigenous people in many parts of the world for many years. 

Perhaps the occasional search for an altered state of consciousness is common to all human beings at least some of the time. Why else do so many people drink so much alcohol?

Plants (and their botanic names) that contain concentrated DMT include:

• Psychotria viridis, known in the Amazonian Quechua language as “chacruna“,
• Mimosa hostilis (synonym Mimosa tenuiflora),
• Acacia podalyriaefolia (and other species in the Acacia genus),
• Psilocybin mushrooms, and
• others.  

Plants that contain monoamine oxidase inhibitors include:

• Banisteriopsis caapi, known as “caapi“, and when mixed with chacruna and brewed, known as “ayahuasca” in the Quechua language,
• Peganum harmala, known as “Syrian rue“,
• Passiflora incarnata, and other Passiflora species, known as “passion flower“,
• Glycyrrhiza glabra, known as “licorice”,
• Ginkgo biloba,
• Hypericum perforatum, known as “St. John’s wort”,
• Panax ginseng, with much research about
• others.

How did people in the Amazon find the precise psychoactive combination of caapi and chacruna among the tens of thousands of plants there? Nobody knows.

Most of all, the experience of drinking a brew of these plants depends on the individual, the supplier, and the setting. Professional scientists, such as Dr. Jordi Riba and Dr. Charles Grob MD, are doing more clinical research about how ayahuasca and entheogens can be used therapeutically. Reliable sources of more information about entheogens and ayahuasca include Entheonation.com and ICEERS.org

“Skeptical About Psychedelics? Read This.“, Calley Means, article

“Psychedelic La La Land–When Visions Go Wrong“, Chris Kilham, article

“Psychedelics: how to change your mind“, Michael Pollen, :46 video

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is ancient “life science” from India. Starting with analysis of the individual and their “dosha” (body type), Ayurveda includes advice about healthy eating for each dosha. Some people have mixed doshas.  

Controlling your breath according to the ancient technique of Pranayama can bring relieve stress for some people. This can be as simple as breathing in through your nose to the count of four, holding your breath to the count of seven, and then breathing out to the count of eight. This can also have a detoxifying effect. Your lungs can expel some airborn toxins with the carbon dioxide.

Ari Whitten, a popular health coach, describes “breathing for energy“.

Ancient Chinese medicine

There were many different local schools of thought about nature, food, and health in ancient China. How these schools are described today can become a political matter that I intend to avoid. One school of thought in ancient Chinese medicine tried to identify the individual constitution of the person as either “cold” or “hot” and also as either “wet” or “dry”. This leads to certain advice about what foods are healthy or not healthy for the specific person. This fits the concept of biochemical individuality.

Practitioners also had their own philosophies and local availability of foods and herbs even in times of plenty. One school of thought in ancient China excluded grains, even rice, for health. 

Anatomy – briefly

Your body is attached to your mind. Your spirit may control them all. The best knowledge is self-knowledge. Aware of biochemical individuality, this article is to describe the primary sub-systems of the body briefly, which can vary greatly in size and capacity, depending on the individual and their health:

• central nervous system (brain, nerves, and gut-brain axis),
• bones, muscles, joints, and connective tissue,
• circulatory system (heart, blood, and lymph),
• respiratory system (lungs, oxygen, and carbon dioxide),
• digestive system (mouth, stomach, small intestine, pancreas, large intestine, liver, …)
• urinary system (kidneys, bladder, urine),
• reproductive system, including prostate, 
• immune system (?),
• endocrine system (thyroid, adrenals, pancreas, hormones, enzymes), and
• skin. 

The body is not a machine. The body is a garden, but your garden is not my garden. The body usually heals itself, if you let it. A related eleven-minute video is Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology, which is part of a series.

Physiology – briefly

According to the naturopathic model, it is the whole body that is healthy or not, not only one local region of pain or inflammation.. If one part of your body is unhealthy, then other parts are also unhealthy. The blood goes everywhere. This puts a limit on specialization but not on the specialist. You could possibly use food, herbs, and spices to strengthenone or more parts that are weak or impaired. Note that not all foods and herbs work for everybody. Results depend on biochemical individuality. Also note that opinions differ about what defines evidence of efficacy. If you have a medical condition, see a doctor.

These concepts are to be detailed here with references, starting with this list, merely of what seems to work for me, when I tried it for myself (no health claims):

Without offering personal advice, this article is also to list foods, spices, and herbs known by published research to strenghten each of these systems, such as herbs for the eyes, herbs to relieve pain, and others.

Pineapple, banana, and ginger can all be used to stimulate production of melatonin, which can relieve insomnia for some people.

Pathology – briefly

Pathology is the study of diseases, their causes and growth. “Introduction to pathology” could be a reference.

Where is the pain or inflammation?

What are possible causes of the pain or inflammation? Recent trauma or physical damage?

Toxic exposures or accumulation? Nutrient deficiencies?

Urine therapy

Before you recoil in horror, disgust, or nausea, or start to cling to the unproven notion that “urine is just a waste product”, I suggest that you keep an open mind. Drinking one’s own urine has been done traditionally in many places since ancient India and China. This proves nothing, but is it possible that they understood something that modern, corporate medicine overlooks? Let us keep an open mind.

This article is to review the work of “Brother Sage” in his book, “Healing Water from Within“, Leonard Orr, “The Secrets of Youthing“, Coen Van Der Kroon, “Complete Guide to Urine Therapy” and “Golden Fountain“, and others, possibly also Andrew Norton Webber, Dr. Tom Cowan, and J.W. Armstrong.

Justin Stellman interviews Brother Sage on his popular radio show, “Extreme Health Radio“.

Dr. Edward Group, DC, hosts two podcasts, “The Urotherapy Q&A Event“, and “The Top 12 Uses of Urotherapy“. 

Hypnosis

Is it possible to re-live and recover from repressed trauma?

“Healing illness with the subconscious mind“, Danna Pycher, :17 podcast

Frequencies

References are to be to Royal Rife and Dr. Hulda Clark.

Certain frequencies are thought to have beneficial or therapeutic qualities:

Related to these frequencies is the idea that the body is electric and surrounded by a biofield that can be tuned (like a piano).

Recently, Eileen Day McKusick has researched and made this biofield idea popular in her books  “Tuning the Human Biofield: Healing with Vibrational Sound Therapy” and “Electric Body, Electric Health“. This is not as woo-woo or far-fetched as it may seem at first. Her research is consistent with that of Dr. David Becker MD and his book, “The Body Electric“. and also with Jerry Tennant and his book “Healing is Voltage: The Handbook“.

She has measured this phenomenon, using squid magnetometers, biophoton counters, thermal imaging, a biowell, and heart rate variability. Reiki and quantum touch are related methods, even if they have not been formally clinically proven. She uses a tuning fork to unblock or optimize a person’s biofield. She teaches this technique, which does not require special skills or extrasensory perception.

Your suggestions or requests for research and articles about health via food?

“Dr. Jennifer Daniels – Uses of Turpentine to Help Heal & Improve Health“, podcast, 1:39
“How Teeth Affect Health“, David Kennedy, DDS, 1:59 podcast
“Home Remedies“, Barbara O’Neill, :58 video, poultices, castor oil, onion, garlic, ginger, cayenne, charcoal
Gonzalez-Lima MD, Dr. Francisco, “Methylene blue: another road to brain health“, :03 & 1:17 podcasts, pdf