Geoscience Reference
In-Depth Information
ritating to sensitive tissues. I sometimes combine tea tree oil with other oils and herbs to lend
its more penetrating properties to the rest of the concoction.
Traumeel cream.
This homeopathic ointment is great for speeding the healing of bruises,
muscle aches, and sprains. Rub the ointment into the affected area. Based on
Arnica montana
combined with about a dozen other homeopathic remedies, it also comes in liquid and tablet
form.
Usnea.
Another powerful tool in your medical survival kit, this extract from a lichen has
strong antibiotic, antiviral, and antibacterial properties. Usnea is used both internally and ex-
ternally. It is often combined with spilanthes or echinacea. Apply the tincture directly to extern-
al infections, and/or take 30 to 40 drops of the tincture with water, twice a day.
Vitamin C.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant, immune-system booster, natural detoxifier,
and necessary body nutrient for tissue health and wound healing. Nobel Prize-winner Linus
Pauling suggests daily ingestion of 2 to 9 grams (spread into several doses throughout the day)
for cancer prevention and optimum health. A more conservative daily dosage is 500 to 1,000
milligrams (Renders 1999, 197). Powdered Vitamin C is handy for sprinkling in foods and li-
quids to detoxify mold aflatoxins and many other toxic substances. Sprinkle powdered Vitamin
C into purified water to remove the taste of iodine, chlorine, or other water treatment chemic-
als.
Vitamin E.
Vitamin E is a powerful antioxidant useful for maintaining the health of the cir-
culatory system and the skin. The benefits of Vitamin E could fill several pages. I like to break
open capsules to spread on healing wounds to help speed the healing process and minimize scar
tissue. A dose of 400 IU is good for combating the effects of toxins in everyday foods (Renders
1999, 114).
TABLE 6.1 Herbal substitutes for common pharmaceuticals
Ailment
Pharmaceutical
Herbal options
Acne
Retin-A, Tetracycline
Tea tree oil (external), calendula
Allergies
Synthetic antihistamines
Garlic, stinging nettle, Ginkgo biloba
Anxiety
Ativan, Xanax, Klonopin
Hops, kava-kava, valerian
Arthritic pain
Tylenol and other NSAIDs*
Cayenne (external), celery seed, ginger, turmeric
Athlete's foot
Griseofulvin
Tea tree oil, garlic, coffee grounds (all external)
Boils
Erythromycin
Tea tree oil, slippery elm (both external)
Body odor
Commercial deodorants
Coriander, sage
BPH (benign prostatic
hyperplasia)
Saw palmetto, evening primrose, stinging nettle, Pygeum
africanum, Serona repens
Hytrin, Proscar
Bronchitis
Atropine
Echinacea, garlic
Bruises
Analgesics
Arnica, St. John's wort, yarrow, plantain (all external)
