Tag Archives: Allergies

Sinus Conditions

NOTE:      Product names and links change frequently, so please contact Lorene Benoit, or your own NSP Consultant, who can help you get the best formula for you, at the best price!
UPDATED: from 04/2012 to 11/2024
Education:

We have four pairs of sinuses, air-filled pockets, in the bones of our face. These connect to nasal passages and the rest of our respiratory system. The mucous membranes lining sinuses provide lubrication, and natural immunity by trapping foreign particles. Tiny hairs called cilia also trap germs then push the mucus out through tiny opening drains called ostia. Three of the four ostia drain downward, the 4th drains upward, which explains why many people get “plugged” up and mouth breathe, or snore during sleep.

Sinusitis occurs when the mucus-producing linings of the sinuses become inflamed and infected.  As ostia openings get clogged, foreign material is trapped, oxygen levels drop and bacteria in the nasal cavity reproduce anaerobically. Inflammation causes the sinus walls to swell, causing heat and pain, while increased white blood cells may create excess mucous and pus.

If the inflammation is healed properly, then all systems revert to normal. However if offending conditions continue to promote the inflammatory response, or if the immune system is too weak to mount a defensive, continued inflammation can eventually damage cilia and cause scarring, polyps or sores.  Allergic reactions to dust, animal dander, foods, smoke, and other pollutants can prevent the natural healing process. Dairy is a large offender closely followed by wheat  and gluten. Sugar leads to fermentation and lack of oxygenation, plus feeds bacteria and viruses.

Prescription antibiotics, inhalants and OTC decongestant drugs may reduce inflammation and swelling, however they do nothing to promote healing or removal of the cause. Long term use can increase dependency and reduce effectiveness, leading to stronger drugs or surgery.

To heal your sinuses with natural remedies:

Treat acute stage:

– eliminate any infections, viral, bacterial, or fungal that may be contributing to the symptoms, by using immune enhancing herbs and formulas.

  • SN-X , called (Sinus Support in US.) is a proven herbal combination that is effective in treating symptoms such as congestion, head ache and sinus drip.  Take 4- 6 per day, minimum 1 month, until acute stage is cleared.
  • Liquid Silver Guard  is one of the most powerful natural antibiotics. Use a nasal spray bottle to destroy all bacteria, viruses, mould or fungus. Spray at least 2- 4 Xs per day, one squirt in each nostril, and at least 1x/day after doing the inhalation or shower to clear passages first.
  • Liquid Silver Guard   internally will help eliminate long standing conditions more quickly. Minimum of 1 tsp. /5 ml. 2X/day, til improvement, then decrease.
  • Antibacterial, anti-viral Essential Oil (EO) inhalation: Put 1-2 drops of therapeutic quality EO into a bowl of very hot water. Cover your head with a towel and breathe in fumes, with eyes closed. Breathe until nostrils are clear; this may take up to 20 mins. to loosen mucous and clear nostrils, then silver can then access all the inner sinus areas. One of the most effective is Tei Fu Oil, a combination of eucalyptus, menthol, lavender, wintergreen and cloves.

 

  Treat chronic condition

– once acute stage has passed, treat the root cause to eliminate re-occurrence. Chronic conditions, by both naturopathic AND Chinese Traditional Medicine, are said to take three months, plus 1 month per year of condition to resolve. I have found that with Nature’s Sunshine Products, healing occurs much sooner! Herbal healing is aided by your efforts:

  • Strong antioxidants and anti-inflammatories, such as Zambroza can be taken in double dose as an extra aid to overall health.
  • Avoid all dairy and wheat products, which are mucous producing for most people.
  • Eliminate any dietary allergens that are at the root of the problem; often dairy & wheat
  • Improve digestion with enzymes to help eliminate the allergic response
  • Other herbal combinations help clean up the sinuses. Look for formulas what contain Fenugreek and Thyme , historically used to disinfect, soften and clear out old mucous.
  • AL-J is a formula that helps reduce allergic response, improve digestion and thins mucous. It contains herbs such as horseradish and mullein, herbs known to have positive effects on the respiratory system. Expect to take these for a minimum of 3 months, plus one month for each year the problem has existed. Although relief will be noticed sooner, this is the naturopathic rule of thumb for true healing.
  • Saline Nasal Rinse: Use a baby or bulb syringe from drug store to flush the nasal passages. To 1 cup of warm water add, ½ tsp. salt and a pinch of baking soda. Squirt this into one nostril, while gently closing the other nostril, so that water comes out the mouth. Repeat with the other nostril. This is an old Yogic cleansing practice, using a neti pot, which has proven itself over the centuries. For long standing chronic infections or sinus problems, do this one to three times daily for months, until all symptoms have been clear for a couple of weeks.
  • Continue using silver nasal spray, 1 – 2x per day to prevent re-occurrence. This will also help protect you from the common cold and flu. Many people are finding the Silver spray easier to do and as effective as the saline. Choose one that suits you, or alternate weekly.

 

As with all health conditions, follow the 4 Pillars of Health as outlined in Benoit’s book: The Paw Paw Program.

If you prefer to order directly online at www.naturessunshine.com and select country of your choice. Please use sponsor #1143615 to open your own account. There is no charge for membership, discounts of 20-25%, free shipping,  and no obligations.

 

© Lorene Benoit, BEd, MHH, CHC, CI, CRA.   Master Holistic Health,

Certified Herbal Consultant and Educator.    Contact her office at:   250-748-6802

Email:      TakeTheNaturalPath@gmail.com               Website: www.naturalpathremedies.com

This article appeared in The Herbal Collective Dec. 2011

 

 

Q&A : Lung Healer – LH-C for Flu Virus or Colds?

Questions:

Hi Lorene:
1. Would you use this Chinese remedy for a flu virus and/or cold? 

2. How does a person know without a blood test? 

3. Can you use this remedy to build up immunity for winter?

Thanks. L.W.

Answers:

1. Absolutely; I would use LH-C, (US: Lung Support TCM),  dosage 1capsule 3x/day, especially if any illness is affecting the lung area. Also keep in mind Lobelia, (US: Lobelia Essence), if there is coughing or pain. Use .5 ml – 3 – 5 x/day as needed. Lobelia can be applied externally as well, just a couple of drops over lung spots.

See separate write-up on Lobelia, as every household would benefit from having this on hand.

If it was more stomach related, (vomiting, nausea), I would probably tend more toward the Chinese anti-viral formula, HRP-C (2 or 3 – 3x/day for 100 count), (US: VS-C at 1 x 3/day for 30 count TCM), either liquid or capsules. 

2.  I think you know if you are sick. Whether viral or bacterial is not such an issue, as the herbs will help with both, by supporting your body’s natural immune system. Keep in mind that most doctors prescribe antibiotics without doing any blood tests, or if they do test, they prescribe drug(s) BEFORE they get the results. They also prescribe, even if viral is suspected, knowing that the drugs don’t work on viruses; but in this case they may claim it is to treat secondary infections, whether you have them or not.

3.  LH-C definitely helps support and strengthen lungs to prevent most lung challenges, including infection; COPD /emphysema, prevention with broken rib; collapsed lung; respiratory allergies, to name a few.

Dr. Versendaal taught that lungs were 80% of our immune system, so I definitely believe strengthening lungs supports our overall health. This is a particularly good time of the year to work on this, as autumn is the time of year to treat the Metal element to balance lung and colon. I have used LH-C anytime of the year, but now is most effective.

Allergies, asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis

I have so many successes with LH-C, that it is one of my favourite NSP products. A few that come to mind are:

  • I have had it turn around pneumonia that has been resistant to drug based antibiotics for weeks, within 24 hours; allergies and asthma improve, and prevention of recurring lung infections.
  • COPD and asthma – people dependant on chemical puffers and nebulizers have greatly improved their lung function – and decreased their drug dependency – often within weeks, by using LH-C and Lobelia.
  • allergies to pollen, dust, molds – improved by using LH-C and Lobelia

On the emotional side, LH-C is also very helpful for releasing grief.

LH-C and Lobelia, are two herbals I travel with every winter, as this is the time of year, so many people come down with lung related issues. I have several articles about Lobelia, but you can check out multiple uses in #6 on this one: Herbal First Aid.

Please let me know if there is anything else. with which I can help.

To order any of these, please contact me; I can do it for you, or order on any of the product links above. You can also phone toll free, and ask to become a free member for 20-25% discounts with FREE Shipping). Please be sure  Lorene Benoit is your sponsor, Account  #1143615. This will give you professional assistance.

CA: 1-800-265-9163

US: 1-800-223-8225

July Health Newsletter

We have been enjoying these sunny days preparing our herb gardens for the upcoming Medicine Wheel Workshop and Annual Herbal Intensive. Registration is open until July 14th.

For more information or for help with achieving your optimum health levels, please contact our office by phone:  250-748-6802
email: TakeTheNaturalPath@gmail.com Website www.naturalpathremedies.com

Articles added to our blog since the last newsletter, with direct link:

Allergies:
To help a person who has allergy problems, one must play detective. There are several body systems which may need to be addressed to solve the riddle. Determining which one or ones are the priorities can help to find quicker resolution. Every person is an individual, and although there are some herbs which will help many people most of the time, there are more severe or stubborn cases, where some sleuthing can make a difference quicker and with longer lasting benefits.

The systems that we assess for allergies are digestive, eliminative, respiratory, urinary and hepatic or liver. Our marvellous liver performs over 500 functions, so for those who are challenged with allergies, the liver is certainly one of the organs to check out. Let’s look briefly at the other systems first, by learning some of the clues as to which system is trying to tell you something. Click here to read more

Muscle Testing:
Muscle Response Testing, or MRT, is based on the principle that there is an energy field which flows around and through all things. The Chinese call this energy CHI. Like a magnet creating a magnetic field, which holds iron filings in a certain pattern, the CHI creates a field which holds the cells of our body in alignment. In muscle response testing we are checking the strength or weakness of the body’s energy field. It is a method of measuring the body’s energy balance. Click here to read more

Weight Loss and HCG:
Response to question: I have done some research and have come up with several opinions which  feel the HCG component is a placebo affect. This makes sense as anytime a person cleans up their diet, and decreases their caloric and carbohydrate intake, they will lose weight! Click here to read more

PhytoTherapy and Hormones:
Many women using synthetic hormones stopped when the Nurse’s Initiative published the negative side effects. Now more women use natural treatments to help with hormonal challenges, ranging from acne to weight gain and hot flashes.

Phytotherapy is the use of plants, either from food or herbs, for healing purposes. Phytotherapy is a wonderful alternative for hormonal balance because it works with your body to give you what you need, and has a proven track record of safety and efficacy. Click here to read more


If there is a natural health topic you would like to know more about, ask me on my website blog and I will do my best to answer.

Monthly Specials For Members

July special for new members – free Digestive Enzymes PLUS free small Chlorophyll with $75 order – if you have been thinking of it, now is the time! Call our office.

How does Membership with Nature’s Sunshine Products benefit you?

  • You can receive discounts from 10 – 40% on the most potent, most professionally formulated herbal, vitamin and mineral supplements in the industry since 1972.

What do you need to do?

  • Contact our office by email, phone or website
  • Memberships are free in most countries when you place an order.
  • Go to www.naturessunshine.com choose your country and use sponsor # 309344 to receive discount

Education

Free education, resource centre, fact sheets, webinars and professional conference calls available to all members. Canadian link is www.nsprc.ca. Call our office to get connected in other countries.
Ztyo Compass – learn what your body’s needs are: watch this 3 minute video to explain this simple, yet accurate biofeedback tool:
http://www.zytocompass.com/af/link.aspx?a=lbenoit
Assessments in group setting – fun and informative – are only $25, second time $20 – make it a party to get yours free, plus host gifts

Political Scene

If some people actually think there have been deaths from vitamins… which of course is ridiculous because the very word means “Vital Minerals”, please direct them to this one article. It is an excellent backup for those of us who find ourselves struggling to convince people… the article clearly shows that there has not been ONE proven death from natural products in the last 27 YEARS.

Compare this to the annual deaths reported by government agencies on deaths from adverse effects of drugs – in the USit is now over 160,000 per year! (Canadawould be roughly 1/10 of that figure).

http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v07n05.shtml

More than 2,000 vaccinated babies died: The cost of doing businesshttp://www.naturalnews.com/z031820_vaccinations_babies.html

Risk of infant mortality linked to more vaccines:
http://www.infowars.com/new-study-finds-direct-link-between-vaccines-and-infant-mortality/

Spiritual and Emotional

It was Tagore who said, “I slept and dreamt that life was joy.  I awoke and saw that life was service.  I acted and behold, service was joy.”

To do the thing that is yours to do today, that’s service.  As we do the thing that is ours to do today, there is joy.  We can act from that joy and live in a state of joy.

It was Charles Fillmore, the founder of the Unity religion, who on his 90th birthday wrote this affirmation:  “I spring out of bed and fairly sizzle with zeal and enthusiasm and go forth this day to do the things that ought to be done by me.”

Health Tip
Have a healthy happy summer storing up your Vit. D3 – sun is good for you in moderation. Protect yourself with clothing and shade, rather than sunscreen, especially between 10am and 2 pm.

Yours in health,
Benoit & Associates Health Education
Here to serve you……

Allergies

To help a person who has allergy problems, one must play detective. There are several body systems which may need to be addressed to solve the riddle. Determining which one or ones are the priorities can help to find quicker resolution. Every person is an individual, and although there are some herbs which will help many people most of the time, there are more severe or stubborn cases, where some sleuthing can make a difference quicker and with longer lasting benefits.

The systems that we assess for allergies are digestive, eliminative, respiratory, urinary and hepatic or liver. Our marvelous liver performs over 500 functions, so for those who are challenged with allergies, the liver is certainly one of the organs to check out. Let’s look briefly at the other systems first, by learning some of the clues as to which system is trying to tell you something.

The digestive system will manifest as problems that include bloating, burping, upper abdominal distress, or headaches, to name a few.

The eliminative system will basically push some of these symptoms further down the G.I. tract, causing lower abdominal bloating, cramping or other pain, flatulence, and elimination problems such as diarrhea or constipation.

The respiratory system may show up as foul breath, running nose, watery eyes, sneezing, post- nasal drip or sinus headaches, earache or sore throat.

Problems with the urinary system may manifest through the skin, such as rashes, hives, pimples, acne, dandruff or itching.

Overload or deficiency of the liver can cause headaches, stiffness, muscle aches and irritability. The ability of the liver to handle toxins that we take into the body in our daily lives will also affect all the above mentioned systems. If more toxins enter the bloodstream via the liver, then these other systems must handle the extra burden.

Spring is the best time to improve the health of the liver according to Traditional Chinese Medicine. This is why in most cultures spring cleaning is an annual ritual. If you haven’t yet done this, it is not too late. Herbs traditionally used for liver cleansing are dandelion, milk thistle, nettles, beet, turmeric, gentian and the dock sisters, (yellow and bur). I use western herbal formulas which combine a number of these, as well as two Chinese formulas, one for a toxic (yang) condition and the other for a weakened (yin) condition. The main caution with cleansing is how strongly you approach it, dependent on your condition. If a person is already weakened and they cleanse too quickly it can further deplete their energy. You can consult a qualified herbalist for direction, but you want to also learn to pay attention to your body. It will become your best advisor.

Some of the most effective herbs and combinations for allergies are listed here. Please contact our office to become a member and receive direct to your door discounts on any of these.

Digestive System:

Digestive Enzymes: Good health begins with efficient digestion. This is a full spectrum Enzyme that aids digestion of protein, carbohydrates and fat and is one of the most effective and well priced on the market.

Eliminative System:

Tiao He Pak – “Balance and Harmony” -a 10 day cleanse for liver, bowels and blood
Bod – E Klenz – a 30 day cleanse that also contains building herbs, antioxidants, enzymes and probiotics, along with herbs to cleanse bowels, liver, blood, lungs and kidneys.

Respiratory System:

AL-J – a combination of herbs that promotes digestion, liver function, and lung decongestion.
SN-X – a decongestant and cleansing formula for the entire respiratory tract, especially effective for sinus, both acute and chronic and sinus headaches.
Fenugreek and Thyme – Fenugreek helps break down old, hardened mucous and Thyme is an antiseptic.
Histablock – Controls inflammation and swelling of mucous membranes, supports free breathing.
All the above formulas are more effective if begun during winter to help strengthen respiratory system before allergy season arrives.
Tei Fu Oil – see separate handout for uses for this cure all “snake oil”
Lobelia – helps to thin mucous to allow for better expectoration, calms bronchial spasms, therefore useful for coughs and asthma (anti-spasmodic), also calming to nervous system.

General Nutrition:

Chlorophyll – Nature’s Green Magic” helps you drink adequate water. Adds minerals, vitamins and flavour without calories or sweeteners. Inexpensive and healthy, what a combo!
Vitamin C with Bioflavonoids – nature’s natural anti-histamine.
MSM – Methylsulfonylmethane – scavenges free radicals and foreign proteins, can provide needed sulphur to help eliminate allergies within 3 to 4 days. Also gives building blocks to build stronger nails and hair and reduce inflammation of joints, skin and mucous membranes.

Lorene Benoit has a Master of Holistic Health, Master Herbalist, natural health consultant, CRA practitioner and educator. She teaches and lectures internationally. For more information phone or fax her Duncan office at 250-748-6802 or contact by email: TakeTheNaturalPath@gmail.com

Muscle Testing / Contact Reflex Analysis / CRA

Question from Wanda concerning Muscle Testing:

I am looking for a distance learning course on Muscle Testing (testing for allergies). Would you know of anyone offering such courses?

Answer:
Muscle Response Testing, or MRT, is based on the principle that there is an energy field which flows around and through all things. The Chinese call this energy CHI. Like a magnet creating a magnetic field, which holds iron filings in a certain pattern, the CHI creates a field which holds the cells of our body in alignment. In muscle response testing we are checking the strength or weakness of the body’s energy field. It is a method of measuring the body’s energy balance.

The scientific community has long since accepted the idea of various force fields (electrical, magnetic, nuclear) and has recognized their existence and function in nature. By picking up certain energy patterns, bees find their way back to the hive, birds head north or south with unerring accuracy, monarch butterflies travel thousands of miles to lay their eggs. We humans must be subjected to these exact same forces. If the energy exists for other animal species, it must exist for us.

Contact Reflex Analysis, BioKinesiology, Touch for Health, and Brain Repatterning (a method of using MRT for emotional healing) are some of the different variations using these principles.

I use Contact Reflex Analysis, or CRA, and Brain Repatterning as specific healing arts with excellent results. CRA assessment communicates with the innate intelligence of the human body.

As CRA can elicit responses based on the effect of what we take into our bodies, it is also very useful in determining what health supplements and dosages are optimum for us at a given time, thus the applicable nutrition can be determined.  I use Muscle Response testing to determine which herbs/foods/supplements will strengthen or weaken our health. This is invaluable for those dealing with food sensitivities.

This is why I believe that MRT and especially CRA is such a wonderful tool for truly preventative healthcare. I find it is an invaluable adjunct to other holistic methods to help determine the root of specific problems. This is especially helpful for an individual who may not be getting a clear understanding of the cause of their problem, whether it be physical, mental and/or emotional.

I studied Contact Reflex Analysis (CRA)  for several years, receiving my  Certification  for Applied Reflexology & Topology via CRA in 1991 from  Dr. D.A. Versendaal , Parker Chiropractic College. I have taught CRA and MRT since 1994.

For more information, or workshops on CRA contact Lorene Benoit at TakeTheNaturalPath@gmail.com