Natural Health for Life: September 2007

Grapefruit Seed Extract - SUPER infection fighter!

Many of the general public are familiar with echinacea, vitamin C, and goldenseal as immune-system boosters. Some may know about oregano oil, probiotics, colloidal silver, and even astragalus and olive leaf. However, we find that few people who come into our retail store looking for supplements to help fight infection know about one that is proving to be superior to all of these in many cases.

That amazing all-purpose infection fighter is grapefruit seed extract (not to be confused with grape seed extract, which is an excellent source of anti-oxidants). We have seen grapefruit seed extract knock out lung infections that have persisted long-term and defied all of the above-mentioned supplemental remedies. We have also seen it clear up fungal attacks and yeast infections with amazing speed. We know of no other supplement which works so well on both viral infections and fungal infections.

Grapefruit seed extract is usually available in both capsule and liquid forms, as well as in preparations such as nasal sprays. Capsules are effective against lung infections, etc. (as is the liquid when taken by mouth). Capsules are also available in combination with probiotics in order to combat systemic yeast infections. Nasal sprays are especially effective against sinus and related infections. The liquid is helpful for nail fungus and topical treatment of yeast (but it MUST be diluted when applied to broken skin to avoid painful burns - most preparations require about 3 drops added to a tablespoon of distilled water).

We have the most experience with Solaray's grapefruit seed extract capsules and liquid, and Nutribiotic's nasal spray. Solaray is the "economical" line offered through health food stores, but is often of quite excellent quality and often rivals more expensive brands for effectiveness. Our customers as well as ourselves have consistently found Solaray's grapefruit seed extract to be of excellent quality and beneficial in all cases. The Nutribiotic spray is also very affordable and quite effective. We can fully endorse any of these products.

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Homeopathic tips

All of the instructions for homeopathics could fill several large volumes (and in fact, do!) especially related to choosing the correct remedy. We want to remind our readers of several things you need to remember in order to effectively use homeopathic remedies, once the proper remedy has been selected.

Homeopathic pellets or liquid are the usual method of dosing. One thing to remember is that you really cannot overdose on low-strength homeopathics (6x - 30x or 30c). If the situation you are trying to remedy is acute, you can usually take one dose anywhere from every 5 minutes to every 15 minutes until you experience some relief (generally 15 minutes to 2 hours). Once you begin to experience relief, lengthen the period between doses. Most often this will become every 2 - 4 hours. A maintenance dose for keeping a condition under control once it has abated is usually once per day.

Check the label to see if you are instructed to place the remedy under your tongue or on your tongue. Some are absorbed better in different ways.

The usual dose of most liquids is 3 - 6 drops. (If you do overdose and take a dropper full when you are supposed to take only a few drops, you can sometimes experience an intensification of the problem. Although this is not dangerous, it is not what you desire, so read the label.) The usual dose for pellets is about 4 pellets.

Homeopathic pellets are manufactured by placing the active substance on the surface of the pellet. If you handle them with your fingers, you may very well remove all of the active substances because of the natural oils of your hands. You should tap the pellets into the cap instead, and drop them directly into your mouth. If you can't get exactly 4, don't worry. Instead of tapping back and forth 20 times unsuccessfully, you may go ahead and take the 5 pellets. It won't make any difference.

Mint and caffeine can adversely affect the effectiveness of homeopathics. Generally, you should wait until an hour after using either of these, rinse your mouth, and then use the remedy. Don't forget the mint that may be present in toothpaste, or the caffeine in chocolate. These won't keep the remedy from working, but it will be less effective.

And finally, storage of homeopathics is important. They should not be stored near volatile substances (especially not essential oils). For optimum potency they should even be kept away from herbal supplements. Do not expose them to intense heat or they will not work at all. And to be extra-careful, you may even want to protect them from magnetic and electrical fields, such as those put out by television screens and computer monitors. And don't put them through an x-ray machine.

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Arnica

Arnica gel is one thing no home first aid kit should be without.

If you receive a bump that will likely turn into a painful bruise, apply arnica gel immediately (or as soon as possible) to the area. This will often prevent a bruise from forming at all, and will greatly decrease the pain associated with the injury.

Swelling of any kind is also benefited from the application of arnica. Homeopathic arnica tablets are also effective, but the arnica gel can more quickly assuage pain. Arnica is especially helpful for swelling related to a broken bone or other bone injury (in the case of broken bones, consider homeopathic symphytum pellets as well in order to help speed healing).

Sore and painful muscles, strains, etc. are also candidates for the application of arnica gel.

Even bug bites can be somewhat helped, although other preparations will be more effective in this case.

So many little accidents and injuries are of these types that it only makes sense to purchase a tube of arnica gel and keep it on hand.

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