Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
Astragalus.
One of the most highly regarded herbs used in Chinese medicine, astragalus is
an efficient immune-system booster. The recommended dosage is 10 drops of the extract taken
in water daily (Renders 1999, 203). Taking it during the flu season is recommended, if there is
something “going around,” or if you are suffering from cancer, AIDS, or other immune-defi-
ciency diseases. Do not take astragalus if you are already suffering from a fever. Many herbal
immune-system boosting combinations, available at health food stores, are based on astragalus.
Calendula.
Used as a cream, it is an effective salve for skin irritations and rashes, including
eczema. This cream can promote the healing of stubborn skin splits and wounds that are not re-
sponding to normal treatment. Taken internally (25 to 75 drops, one to four times per day), it
supports the immune system and has both antibacterial and antiviral properties.
Colloidal/ionic silver.
The medicines that hospitals use to fight skin infections on severe
burn patients are all based on the active component of silver. Colloidal/ionic silver is a broad-
band antibiotic solution that has been used against a myriad of harmful protozoa, bacteria, and
viruses, though users indicate that it may require significant quantities (on the order of 2 cups
to a quart a day) to successfully treat serious illnesses. It is available in health food stores (ex-
pensive!) or can be made for just pennies a day with a simple commercial or homemade col-
loidal/ionic silver generator. See the “Colloidal and Ionic Silver” section in
When Technology
Fails
for more information.
DMSO.
DMSO, short for dimethyl sulfoxide, is a nontoxic solvent that can be used promote
the rapid absorption and transmission of MMS and other supplements directly through the skin
(to fight infections, heal injuries, etc.). It is also very good at providing nearly instant relief
from tendon inflammation and joint pain. I have heard that many Tour de France bicycle racers
carry a small tube of DMSO inside their tire-repair kits, in case they need a little something ex-
tra to help them cope with painful tendons during the extreme physical ordeal of the Tour. It is
also commonly used on racehorses to soothe sore legs and tendons. I can think of many in-
stances in a crisis situation where DMSO could provide a valuable boost for your survival.
DMSO is available at many health food stores and on the Internet (more on DMSO later in this
chapter).
Echinacea.
A traditional Native American medicinal herb, echinacea has become a part of
mainstream self-help medicine. It is now available at most drugstores, since its antiviral and an-
tibacterial properties have been scientifically documented, though a recent medical study, re-
ported in the
New England Journal of Medicine
, has cast doubts on its efficacy. Take a dropper-
ful of the extract twice daily for short-term use or use as directed in one of the many different
