A juice fast seems to be the next logical step in allowing the body to break down this excess tissue."

[YEA]  10/14/2009: Laura Carrington from Victoria, Aus writes: "Hi y'all. i just wanted to share my experiences with nasal polyp cures which were found from a variety of sources, over a number of years. like all of us sufferers here, i have tried EVERY SINGLE suggested method of curing this ailment ever known to man

- Visited 4 different doctors for 2nd opinions, saw 3 specialists. underwent 4 different cat scans/xrays etc. spent almost $1000 on total medical expenses.

- NASAL IRRIGATION with a variety of salts and herbal/medical infuses

- NASAL SPRAYS of the cortisteroid, over the counter and prescription manner(rhinocort, etc)

- ATOPICAL CREAMS - cortisteriods of many strengths, in prescriptions. applied onto inner nasal walls

- APPLYING/swabbing chemicals eg h202 in powder and liquid form, of different strengths

- ANTIBIOTICS - 3 types, for a few months each

- ANTI-INFLAMMATORY PILLS/TABLETS

- HAYFEVER/ALLERGY tablets x 10 types

- VITAMINS - C, B complex, A, garlic oil, horseradish, zinc, omega3, fish oil,

- DRINKING LITRES upon litres of clear water ever day until the point of feeling unwell

- HOMEOPATHIC remedies

- PRESSURE POINT/ACCUPUNCTURE REMEDIES

- EXTENSIVE HOME RENOVATION to replace all dust-mite sensitive areas, carpets to tiles/wood flooring, curtains replaced, bedding, EVERYTHING

- installing better heating/cooling systems

- IONIZERS to collect dust

- ETC ETC

BUT ALL TO NO AVAIL. well, they work initially, for perhaps a short period of time, but then relapse back to original, intoleratable state

but what i would like to share with you all, is my most recent attempt with WATER FASTING/VEGAN DIET

during my years of researching for a cure, the term 'fasting' did pop up alot, but i never paid attention to it, as it seemed difficult and too intensive to attempt and sustain as a part of my lifestyle

but after exhausting all other alternatives out there, i ultimately resorted to this method

yes it is incredible difficult to cut out all foods, and only consume VEGETABLES and FRUITS, and WATER (teas are allowed), and you do feel TIRED and lethargic, and dizzy most of the time during the intial phase, but after 1.5- 2 weeks, you begin to see GREAT RESULTS

I stopped my other remedies during this time period, and stuck to the FAST strictly

now it has been 3 weeks, and to my delight, the size of my POLYPS shrank immensely. the doctors were equally surprised at what a simple, non-evasive, safe, non-medical, natural, process of fasting could avail to. BREATHING is incredibly easier, EVERYTHING is looking up and up. it is very liberating!

on a side note, you LOSE WEIGHT in the process. which is always good.

So i urge you all to give this a shot. dont waste any more money in useless medicines and whatnot.

hope you all found this helpful! i was really excited about my discovery and really wanted you all to be made privy to the benefits of fasting! CHEERS! and bless you all!"

12/31/2009: Zoe from San Diego, Ca writes: "Hi Laura,

Thanks for your post!
(I am a sinus sufferer also, with a polyp in the right nostril)

Your comments and suggestions, complete dietary changes, make sense! Every time I go on a fast, I feel significant relief in my sinuses (not to mention overall health). But no sooner I begin eating than I start to feel the congestion all over again. Other times when I eat light and restrict myself to wholesome and light diet (and avoiding diary, wheat, pasta, etc.) I feel OK too. Which leads me to believe there is a digestion and food assimilation (or lack thereof) component to sinus conditions. That is, the type and amount of food matter.

I think the trick might be in implementing the long term lifestyle changes - which most us may not have the courage to try. The obvious and discouraging part is that when we experience adverse results initially it is possible to scrap the whole idea.

Laura, in any case, I appreciate it if you could list some of the typical vegan diet you follow? How often do you water fast and when do you consume vegetables and fruits? I imagine one would intake water all the time. (A typical recipe would be nice to have.)

Thank you.
Zoe "

02/18/2010: K.k from Sydney, Aus writes: "Like many other posters here, i think it may be related to wheat/yeast/dairy allergies that you may not be aware of. eradicating certain allergy-inducing foods from our diets would definitely help the polyp shrink, but ive been tested as having only dust mite allergies, so im not entirely sure why i feel better when im only eating pure, natural foods. i hope someone can provide some better insight."

03/21/2010: Tom from Los Angeles, Usa writes: "I am trying to deal with my monster extruding nasal polyps with anti-inflamatory compounds like turmeric, mega-vitamins, horseradish, Chinese herbs and green tea. So far not much luck. I am just glad to know that my problems are indeed polyps; after living in a moldy house 20 years ago my sinuses have been blocked ever since; now polyps protrude from my nose but at least I know what the deal is.

Acupuncture helped a bit, but they did not know about polyps as such, and the herbal pills they gave me have little effect; covered in red dye and sugar, I soak that stuff off before I take the pills.

A juice fast seems to be the next logical step in allowing the body to break down this excess tissue."

I moved from Ireland to Arizona around that same time, so I attributed the foot issues to the dry weather here and the almost-constant sandal-wearing... Now I'm rethinking my previous assumption...and just to think about the possibility that it can all go away makes me feel happy. So thank you for that!

And that's just the foot thing!

I've been doing a lot of research recently and bought some selenium and magnesium yesterday, along with some ginseng to see if that helps at all in the meantime with the lack of energy. That's my main problem; I now have a very active 2-and-a-half year old son, and just can't keep up with him, let alone keep our house clean and make dinner, etc.

I had read some time ago that almost no one is deficient in Iodine in this country these days because of the amount of salt we eat; now I'm going to do the patch test and see for myself.

I'm excited to try all this, but am wondering, how soon can I expect to see results? Haha, I'm impatient...

Thanks for your time and for your experience!

Sarah"

[YEA]  01/19/2010: Beth from Chicago, Il, Usa writes: "For years I have suspected that I was hypothyroid. Since my TSH was normal, my doctor saw no reason to do the T3/T4 test despite my having classic hypothyroid symptoms. It seemed like my symptoms were getting worse, so I decided take things into my own hands and started researching natural therapies for hypothyroidism. All my research led me to iodine and I started taking one 12.5 mg of iodine/iodide pill a day. I also started on a 200 mcg of selenium, as well. What I had read was that the two need each other to properly function.

The change in my life has been incredible. The first change was my energy. I felt completely recharged! I also felt motivated! Like I actually WANTED to get things done. Mentally I felt so much clearer. I have struggled on and off with depression since I was 13 years old and for the first time in my life I felt consistently stable. I researched this further because it was completely astounding to me. There is a known link between low thyroid function and bipolar disorder! In fact, if anti-depressants stop working or aren't as effective in some people, doctors prescribe them a medication that enhances their T3 and- viola! -their medication starts working again!

The next thing I noticed was that my knees were no longer hurting. They had been fairly sore for at least a month and the just stopped hurting completely.

The list goes on and on. The hypothyroid night sweats are gone (I would wake up at least 4-5 times each week with my pajamas, hair and sheets drenched), I am sleeping decently, my acne cleared up, the puffiness in my eyelids is gone, and on and on....

One thing that still just blows me away is that my feet are smooth. For as long as I can remember, my feet have been dry and cracked and the skin was so thick. To get my feet in shape for sandals in warm weather took a ton of effort. I just figured that's how my feet were. Within just a couple of days, I started noticing my feet were not as rough. After a week, they were like I had received an incredibly expensive pedicure minus the nail polish. To get results like this, normally I would have to soak, scrub, moisturize repeatedly and maybe after a week they would look half this good.

The whole thing is shocking and amazing to me. It has helped me beyond anything I could have imagined. I figured so many of my issues were things I had to live with and never dreamed they could even be treated. I wonder how many people are walking around with low functioning thyroids and don't even know it?

Don't take my word for it. Do the research for yourself, there are tons of well-documented studies online. Do a patch test. If you are deficient, try it for yourself and get your life back!"

01/20/2010: Julie from Chapel Hill, Tn writes: "What is a patch test? i am using coconut oil for my hypo, and seeing great results, but i do wonder if what you are talking about would help as well."

01/21/2010: Beth from Chicago, Il, Usa writes: "Hi Julie!

The patch test is an easy way to see if you are deficient in iodine. Get a bottle of tincture of iodine. Paint a 2 inch square on an inconspicuous place on your body (arch of your foot, inside of your arm or thigh, stomach, etc) before you go to bed. If it's gone in the morning, you are iodine deficient. In someone who has enough iodine in their system it should disappear in about 24 hours.

Another thing I wanted to add is that my sugar cravings are gone. It's bizarre! Really, if I woke up and started speaking Sanskrit I would be less surprised! I've always struggled with my weight because I was always craving things, always thinking about food. A while back I was counting my calories trying to lose weight (again!). Once I started with the iodine, I stopped counting calories, because I just didn't need to. I could suddenly go without snacking between meals. I am losing weight with a reduction in my calories, but it's not a struggle or an effort as it has been in the past.

I saw this on another board about iodine and it's true for me as well- I am finally eating to live instead of living to eat.

Best of luck to you!"

03/21/2010: Wusstambol from Tempe, Az, Usa writes: "Hi,

Your post is very very interesting to me.

Of most interest was the feet thing....around the time I got pregnant (a few months after being diagnosed with hypothyroidism) they started getting all thick skinned and very dry and cracked and rough.

I moved from Ireland to Arizona around that same time, so I attributed the foot issues to the dry weather here and the almost-constant sandal-wearing... Now I'm rethinking my previous assumption...and just to think about the possibility that it can all go away makes me feel happy. So thank you for that!

And that's just the foot thing!

I've been doing a lot of research recently and bought some selenium and magnesium yesterday, along with some ginseng to see if that helps at all in the meantime with the lack of energy. That's my main problem; I now have a very active 2-and-a-half year old son, and just can't keep up with him, let alone keep our house clean and make dinner, etc.

I had read some time ago that almost no one is deficient in Iodine in this country these days because of the amount of salt we eat; now I'm going to do the patch test and see for myself.

I'm excited to try all this, but am wondering, how soon can I expect to see results? Haha, I'm impatient...

Thanks for your time and for your experience!

Sarah"

Then I came downstairs and tried some alternatives to morbid insomnia, and I wound up pouring myself three cups of warm water with some apple cider vinegar. My sinuses have cleared, and with it my splitting headache. My insomnia remains, but I can live with that."

03/20/2010: Moses from Washington, Dc writes: "I just want to point out that if one type of probiotic does not help you try another brand. It took me a couple of trials until I found the right one."

01/19/2010: Syed from Brandon, Florida writes: "I have lower abdominal pain, bloating and belching. Doctor says it is IBS. I do not have Dairreah, constipation or any other problem. Please advise what I have to do .. I am having from ages"

01/22/2010: Rebekah from Athens, Ga writes: "Syed, I had the same issues about 4 months ago. You might be able to find my post listed under remedies for bloating. I was suffering from abdominal pain every day. What I did was drastically change my diet and start taking digestive enzymes with my meals. I stopped eating all forms of sugar, stopped drinking alcohol, and stopped eating common food allergens like soy, wheat, and most dairy products. It was a difficult journey. 4 months later here I am and I feel great every day, my digestion has improved so much it is amazing. I actually found relief after about 2 weeks on the new eating plan, and my bloated tummy went away completely. I thought that by now I would have gone back to my old way of eating, but honestly I don't want to. I am so much happier now.

I hope you find something that helps you! Best of luck.

~Rebekah"

02/11/2010: Moses from Washington, Dc writes: "Regarding Belching,

I had this problem for a couple of years and it took me a while to finally put it under control. The biggest problem I found is that GI doctors are not well trained to diagnose such symptoms. So you are on your own.

Belching can be due to :
A) Air swallowing, for that you need to correct your posture specially if you work on computers where one tends to bend forward all day. Also you probably need to lose some weight and exercise.
B) If you belching is due to imbalance in your flora which is most likely the case then you need to start taking probiotics.

And consider taking the following:
1) raw onions
2) fresh pineapple
3) Add hot spicey sauses to your food
4) drink fresh lemon juice before your meals
5) take ginger
6) consider taking water soluble vitamins B-complex and C. Talk to your doctor about taking B-12 1000 mcg ( in addition to the B-complex)
7) consider taking Vitamin D and Omega-3 either as supplements or from fish sources
8) if you can become vegetarian, or reduce animal source proteins
9) cook your own food and buy everything from good stores and organic when possible. Make sure all meat you consume is hormone and antibiotic free.
10) take dark organic raw honey
11) take raw bee pollen
12) eat organic nuts and seeds
13) avocado
14) do not take any anti-acids if you can, I think they make the situation worse

Do breathing exercises and pray"

02/19/2010: Moses from Washington, Dc writes: "This is my second part reply to Belching,
Here are more things that helped me that you can try:

1) Eat carrots and / or drink fresh carrot juice
2) eat raw cabbage / I like the red
3) stop drinking alcoholic and caffeinated beverages for a while
4) stop smoking if you do
5) exercises should include weight lifting and aerobics
6) Probiotics. Start slow on probiotics. You can also try yogurt and Kefir.
7) try organic saukraut
8) stop eating any processed meats such a bologna or sausages
9)Hydrogen Breath Test HBT is good in principle but I do not think the sensitivity or specificity of the test gives reliable information, I mean you know your symptoms and there is no defined cure for SIBO, you just have to experiment with you situation.
10) stay in touch with a doctor just make sure your overall health is ok, but do not rely on the doctor to solve your belching issues
11) eat thyme
12) eat garlic
13) use only Canola oil, no corn oil or other types of Olive oil is supposed to be healthy but it does not work with me.
15) eat slowly and chew your food

Do everything I mentioned but I think you should start with: Probiotics, Garlic and adding hot sauce to your food."

02/19/2010: Shaun from Old York, England writes: "DO NOT EAT CANOLA OIL. OK, I'LL SAY IT AGAIN... DO NOT EAT CANOLA OIL. Check it out. It's bad stuff. Do not get drawn in by the hype. I don't want to sound offensive, but DO NOT EAT CANOLA OIL. 'Awright?"

02/19/2010: Rob from Manhattan, New York writes: "perhaps in moderation it is OK...this quote from Dr. Weil... "I use a little canola oil, but my concerns about canola oil is that although it's largely mono-unsaturated like olive oil, you don't have the epidemiological data for it that we do for olive oil. (That it's a healthy thing to eat.) Most commercial canola oil is heat extracted which damages it, plus the crop is sprayed with pesticides. So if you are going to use canola oil, you want it to be organic expeller pressed canola oil from the health food store."

03/20/2010: Moses from Washington, Dc writes: "I just want to point out that if one type of probiotic does not help you try another brand. It took me a couple of trials until I found the right one."

Hi, I've wanted to help other women with this for 6 years but could not find a forum until now. While pregnant with my daughter I developed an unbearably itchy and unsightly rash on my stomach and face. Dermatologists, Obgyn and GP could not help. After hours of internet searching I found a forum on Pregnancy Rashes. Most of the over 500 entries said NOTHING helped but delivery of the baby and I was still 5 months away! I found about 5 woman who had used either topical Witch Hazel or Dandelion Root Extract. I checked every source I could find to make sure neither of these would be dangerous to the baby and then proceded to do both. I took twice the suggested dose on the Dandelion root (based on health food store recommendation) and applied Witch Hazel to the affected areas 3 times a day. By the time I returned to the dermatologist 2 weeks later for a biopsy appointment, the rash was gone! I was so thankful for those 5 women who posted. I hope this will be helpful to some other woman out there who is experienceing this awful side affect of what otherwise is a wonderful time in a woman's life.

Peace and Blessings"

[NAY]  03/20/2010: Me from Adelaide, Australia writes: "im 42, ive had a white tongue for about 6 months, it also is now going brown, like ive been smoking (i dont smoke , use drugs and would be lucky to drink one beer a month), dont have massive sugar or anything overload in my diet

tongue tastes horrid and feels like ive burnt it, rear teeth coated, tried everything:
oral medicine from doctor (mild response but made stomach sore)
water drinking increase
mouthwash
now trying rock salt, which cleans it better, but it still keeps coming back

its driving me insane, waking to it every morn (i brush tongue with salt and gargle) then by afternoon its back."

03/20/2010: Jordan from Houston, Tx writes: "Alright so its been a while since I talked last about my issue. All of the remedies i tried such as castor oil, ACV, coconut oil and such made the problem worse I believe. For a couple of days a month or so ago, I believe January, I began to sweat. I was at work and I work outside at a grocery store pushing carts.I was totally happy that i was sweating. I put sun lotion on so i dont know if that had anything to do with it, but i was sweating on the insides of my clothes so I have no clue. Recently Ive still been getting that prickly feeling on my scalp and some areas such as my back. My lower body area seems to sweat most of the time which is great. Now earlier this week, I was playing the "air drums" hopefully Im not thought of as weird, but I would really love to play a real drum set and I was playing like i did. Well while doing so, I began sweating, more so my under arm area and oh my gosh my scalp forehead area! So honestly what i am thinking is that what is causing this maybe dry skin or something. My stomach area feels dry and hasnt been sweating. I've had dry skin for some time so Im thinking this may have something to do with it? Before I sweat i get that prickly feeling so this is what I think is preventing my body from sweating? Maybe I need a good moisturizer that wont clog my pores or something. I mean now when I sweat, I am literally jumping with joy and others are like "Okay..?" Everyone IMO who sweats, DO NOT take it for granted! Im dying to sweat right now and I never used to like it because I sweated alot! I just want all the toxins to leave my body again! So is there any good light moisturizers? preferably natural? Thank you!"

12/08/2009: Jordan from Houston, Tx writes: "Hi, so far i really enjoy this site with all the testimonials and variety of things to learn about. I was wondering in the ailments page you guys could put a page about prickly heat because I believe that is what I am currently suffering from.

It supposed to be what happens when you cant sweat. I use to sweat all the time before this started like at the beginning of this year i believe. Ever since whenever my body gets heated, I have this horrible attack on my scalp, face, chest, back and sometimes other places. It like Im being pinned with needles, and it is so annoying. I noticed I never sweat anymore but have this feeling. Its horrible, so I just wanted to ask that if you could make a page for this so that maybe their are others with this problem as well. I dont think i found it on here so yeah. Thank you."

12/23/2009: Jordan from Houston, Tx writes: "I posted about this before, but this is like the worst thing EVER. I think my pores must be clogged up or something, when I get hot My scalp, face, chest, upper back and other areas start to have a very bad prickly effect and I suffer all the time. This just started at the beginning of the year. I used to sweat all the time and now almost nothing! Just the feeling of being pinned with needles! I beleive I have dermatitis as well which a doctor told me a while back because my scalp has been flaking which is embarassing. I've been using ACV for a week or two now and I dont know. Also supplementing with Garlic and Acidophilus. Could be a yeast infection? If my pores are clogged how do I get the dirt or sweat out? I've tried using a rag to wipe my body and it helped a couple of times as I did start to feel a little sweat on my legs, upper back, chest, and armpits. My forehead area seems to be really dry and damaged and it becomes really red and itchy when I get hot as well as the sides of my nose area. I was taking antibiotics before for an infection that I had and I noticed during that period the prickly heat went away but i dont remember sweating I dont think. Now its back and It's has been a HUGE burden on me. Im 18 and I just want to not worry about my skin anymore!"

01/12/2010: Jordan from Houston, Texas writes: "Alright so I am back again to give feedback. I have been using Castor Oil, however I am still unsure of how it is or is not effecting me. Last week I just thought about just rubbing my whole body bare handed. I saw that there is a ayurvedic way to do, so I tried that. Then I took a warm bath. I applied the Castor Oil before bed on my face, chest, back. Took a Cold Shower in the morning. I noticed on Friday while i was at work that I started to sweat in some areas, the face still got the prickly feeling. My hands have been sweating alot more as well as my feet. Even the it never effects those areas, It feels great to be sweating somewhere. I started adding ACV to my baths and rubbing with a rag the same way as I would before I get in.

I've noticed that alot of the areas on my face, such as the sides of my nose where it would always have a rash look to it has become normal color dramtically. I think this is from rubbing it opening up my skin or something. When my face gets really dry, I rub an Ice cube over it and it does help. The driest part is usually my forehead area.

So this is my feedback so far. Hopefully I'll continue to see more results!"

03/20/2010: Jordan from Houston, Tx writes: "Alright so its been a while since I talked last about my issue. All of the remedies i tried such as castor oil, ACV, coconut oil and such made the problem worse I believe. For a couple of days a month or so ago, I believe January, I began to sweat. I was at work and I work outside at a grocery store pushing carts.I was totally happy that i was sweating. I put sun lotion on so i dont know if that had anything to do with it, but i was sweating on the insides of my clothes so I have no clue. Recently Ive still been getting that prickly feeling on my scalp and some areas such as my back. My lower body area seems to sweat most of the time which is great. Now earlier this week, I was playing the "air drums" hopefully Im not thought of as weird, but I would really love to play a real drum set and I was playing like i did. Well while doing so, I began sweating, more so my under arm area and oh my gosh my scalp forehead area! So honestly what i am thinking is that what is causing this maybe dry skin or something. My stomach area feels dry and hasnt been sweating. I've had dry skin for some time so Im thinking this may have something to do with it? Before I sweat i get that prickly feeling so this is what I think is preventing my body from sweating? Maybe I need a good moisturizer that wont clog my pores or something. I mean now when I sweat, I am literally jumping with joy and others are like "Okay..?" Everyone IMO who sweats, DO NOT take it for granted! Im dying to sweat right now and I never used to like it because I sweated alot! I just want all the toxins to leave my body again! So is there any good light moisturizers? preferably natural? Thank you!"

03/20/2010: Flouride-buster from Portland, Or writes: "Dave from Surrey may of indeed been poisoned by boric acid use instead of borax as you suggested. And I'm sorry to point out that in the article's references notated under

"A STUDY OF ANTIDOTES FOR FLUORINE S. MARCOVITCH 1 and W. W. STANLEY 1"

you will read that "Boric acid also has some value as an antidote through the formation of a fluoborate." The problem is that this is a pesticide used to kill roaches and ants and there needs to be a warning posted to prevent future misuse of this information! Thank you."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  04/15/2009: Dave from Surrey, BC writes: "I slowly went from 1/32 teaspoon to 1/4 teaspoon dose borax to remove fluoride from the body. I quit after about 2 days on the 1/4 teaspoon dose. I mixed it properly in pure water according to the directions that I found here. I had to go off of the borax due to aches and pains in the testicles, kidneys, and head. I was very frightened, especially about that kidney pains. Unfortunately, the pains indicated damage. I now, months afterwards, have pain in the kidneys every day, and I have actually LOST almost all of my sex drive. The pains indicated damage that seems permanent. Being prediabetic, perhaps I shouldn't have risked kidney damage!!!! But I miss my sex drive more. It's gone, and borax is not only as toxic as salt to me. Not by far."

03/20/2010: Flouride-buster from Portland, Or writes: "Dave from Surrey may of indeed been poisoned by boric acid use instead of borax as you suggested. And I'm sorry to point out that in the article's references notated under

"A STUDY OF ANTIDOTES FOR FLUORINE S. MARCOVITCH 1 and W. W. STANLEY 1"

you will read that "Boric acid also has some value as an antidote through the formation of a fluoborate." The problem is that this is a pesticide used to kill roaches and ants and there needs to be a warning posted to prevent future misuse of this information! Thank you."

[YEA]  03/20/2010: Terry from Ocala, Florida, United States writes: "Greetings to all on Earth Clinic. I have read this site for years and found a lot of home remedies to help me, and never gave anything in return. I had a bad case of genital wart breakout and thought my world had come to an end. I went to the doctor and he told me there was medicine to take but no cure. My wife of 23 years accused me of the unthinkable, and I told her she could have passed it to me since it does lie dormant and for some reason comes to life. Doc said we could have had it as teens. I did a lot of digging on the net and found the ultimate cure. It can be bought at the vitamin store for seven dollars. It is cold pressed/processed castor oil. It is not the regular castor oil grandma use to give you. This one is also known as the palm of christ. It does live up to the name. The cures from this are many. If you had large ones like me, one larger than a pencil eraser this is all that you need to do: Wash and dry the warts, if it has a cauliflower head on it lightly rough it up with a pin or needle and apply the castor oil 3 times a day. Morning, noon, and night. At night I would wake up and apply more. 3 days later the little ones vanished and 21 days later the big boy was gone. That was 8 years ago and to this day they have never returned. There is no irritation. redness, or swelling from this miracle cure. Doctor said no cure, I know there is. I have been there and found it. Be consistent about applying it, and watch your worries disappear. Terry"

Natto freezes well, so you can make it in larger quantities, then freeze in smaller portions. Here is a saying about soybeans:"Meat grown in a field, without detriment of meat." Only 150 grams provide 21grams of dietary fiber. Soybeans are also recommended for those who are vegetarians for the vitamin B5 content.

Japanese have the highest longevity and I am sure that is not by happenstance. Lower amounts of red meat, large amounts of fish and vegetables. Research has also tied the incidence of osteoporosis to the amount of income households spend on natto. There is a direct correlation to households with more income spent on natto and lower incidence of osteoporosis.

I am making some changes to my diet to include natto on a regular basis. There are also some delicious recipes out there, which allow you to mask the slimy, stringiness of it: Natto in crepes, natto spaghetty, natty in salad, natto sandwhich...all you need to do is use your imagination.

It takes up to 280F and one hour to kill most natto bacteria-so you can even do some cooking with it and still get some of the goodness. Or you can just think about how healthy it is and all the goodness you are getting out if it and learn to appreciate it.

I know there are a lot of conditions, diseases, etc. out there that once you develop them, the cure for, or at least the ability to live with them, comes at a much larger price (not only in terms of money, but the toll they take on your body) than some stringy, slimy stickiness... natto is one of the many perfect examples of how nature has everything we need-we just need to use it!"

01/31/2010: Rob from Manhattan, New York writes: "would like to add Natto to the Remedies section.. Although a required taste, it would be a good addition to most diets.. Many Japanese eat it often for breakfast..

It has numerous health benefits, some proven....to name a few.. prevents osteoporosis, dissolves blood clots, high in vit K and protein, natural antibiotic...see Wiki for more info.

I believe it is usually better to add whole food sources of nutrients instead of the isolated compounds, since science is usually behind or incapable in measuring the complex array of interactions involved between nutrients & the body."

03/20/2010: D1nonly from Camp Zama, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan writes: "Rob,

I am very excited to see that you had already suggested adding Natto on here. From what I have read on the web about natto, it seems to be a 'superfood'(without the superfood price tag and easy for any one to make). I have lived in Japan for almost a year now. I have no qualms against the taste or smell, it just smells and tastes like what it is. I consumed natto every now and then until after doing some more reading up on it after searching for 'how to make natto'. I don't like the small styrofoam containers it comes in and also like to use organic materials.

So then, I made my first batch yesterday morning and so far it was successful. This means I will start eating it on a regular basis now and not just when I remember to purchase it. I am also experimenting with other legumes. Apparently the natto kin (japanese word for the strain that is used in fermenting the soy beans) can work with other beans as well as grains. That which makes natto so unacceptable to some people is what is actually good for you: the sticky, slimy stringiness of it all. That is where all the enzymes and vitamins are that make it so good for you. The Japanese have a saying for natto: "Let's eat natto once a day; Let's make natto once a month"

Natto freezes well, so you can make it in larger quantities, then freeze in smaller portions. Here is a saying about soybeans:"Meat grown in a field, without detriment of meat." Only 150 grams provide 21grams of dietary fiber. Soybeans are also recommended for those who are vegetarians for the vitamin B5 content.

Japanese have the highest longevity and I am sure that is not by happenstance. Lower amounts of red meat, large amounts of fish and vegetables. Research has also tied the incidence of osteoporosis to the amount of income households spend on natto. There is a direct correlation to households with more income spent on natto and lower incidence of osteoporosis.

I am making some changes to my diet to include natto on a regular basis. There are also some delicious recipes out there, which allow you to mask the slimy, stringiness of it: Natto in crepes, natto spaghetty, natty in salad, natto sandwhich...all you need to do is use your imagination.

It takes up to 280F and one hour to kill most natto bacteria-so you can even do some cooking with it and still get some of the goodness. Or you can just think about how healthy it is and all the goodness you are getting out if it and learn to appreciate it.

I know there are a lot of conditions, diseases, etc. out there that once you develop them, the cure for, or at least the ability to live with them, comes at a much larger price (not only in terms of money, but the toll they take on your body) than some stringy, slimy stickiness... natto is one of the many perfect examples of how nature has everything we need-we just need to use it!"

[YEA]  03/20/2010: Murali from San Jose, California writes: "Hi Folks

I have read with a lot of interest many posts on this website. As someone who has had essential hypertension for many years (160mm/100mm, unmedicated and 130/90 with three medicines - angiotensin blocker, Ca channel blocker, and beta blocker), I have been on the quest for drug free cure. I am 47, in good health, work out every day (ran a marathon last year), and watch what I eat carefully. The doctors have not been able to ID what is the cause of my rampant high BP.

I have begun the ACV protocol and I am noticing substantial improvement over the last few weeks. But more importantly, several studies have been done in Japan (medically accepted double blind studies). Please note that in Japan, vinegar is a part of the food (sushi has vinegar/rice). Here is one such study.

The key is to look for impact of acetic acid on hypertension. Acetic acid is the primary component ACV. Acetic acid has a substantial and sustained impact on high BP AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS. I have quoted one study here. There are many more. No wonder there is not a whisper about these studies in the medical circles here - the drug companies cannot make a buck on this. There are may causes of hypertension, I suspect that ACV affects only a few of the pathways, hence the variation in results.

http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=18069221

BTW, it would appear that acetic acid is used to reduce tumors on the adrenal gland (functional adrenal adenoma) by injecting acetic acid directly into the tumor using Computed Tomography. This fixes a condition called aldersteroma (?) which lowers BP for people who have essential (cause unknown) hypertension.

Life is Good.

Regards
Murali"

03/15/2010: Dee from Oakvile, Ontario, Canada writes: "I have been drinking 2tbsp ACV/3x per day for 9 days now. Notice some change in my evening BP but my morning reads are scary. This morning it was 156/102 (upon wakening) in the evenings (after 6) I'm averaging 135/85. I know that BP upon wakening is usually the highest (most heart attacks happen in the mornings probably linked to this fact). I really don't want to go on meds. Note: I've been using honey, maple syrup or splenda brown sugar to sweeten the mix.

Any suggestions as to why I'm not seeing results? Does it take some time (i.e. 2 or more weeks) in some cases? Discouraged when I read some people seeing immediate results. Has anyone else experienced a longer response time? Appreciate any feedback. Thanks"

03/16/2010: Lynda from Brisbane, Australia writes: "Have you tried the usual natural methods eg reduce salt in the diet and exercise daily, 1hr walks a day, yoga, listen to relaxation tapes. Look at family history, if there is a link I would suggest a full cardiologist check up. The risk of Tia's is increased with High BP. Frequent TIA's increase the risk of Vascular Dementia. Good Luck Lynda"

EC: Tia = Transient ischemic attack or a mini-stroke

[YEA]  03/20/2010: Murali from San Jose, California writes: "Hi Folks

I have read with a lot of interest many posts on this website. As someone who has had essential hypertension for many years (160mm/100mm, unmedicated and 130/90 with three medicines - angiotensin blocker, Ca channel blocker, and beta blocker), I have been on the quest for drug free cure. I am 47, in good health, work out every day (ran a marathon last year), and watch what I eat carefully. The doctors have not been able to ID what is the cause of my rampant high BP.

I have begun the ACV protocol and I am noticing substantial improvement over the last few weeks. But more importantly, several studies have been done in Japan (medically accepted double blind studies). Please note that in Japan, vinegar is a part of the food (sushi has vinegar/rice). Here is one such study.

The key is to look for impact of acetic acid on hypertension. Acetic acid is the primary component ACV. Acetic acid has a substantial and sustained impact on high BP AFTER SEVERAL WEEKS. I have quoted one study here. There are many more. No wonder there is not a whisper about these studies in the medical circles here - the drug companies cannot make a buck on this. There are may causes of hypertension, I suspect that ACV affects only a few of the pathways, hence the variation in results.

http://cat.inist.fr/?aModele=afficheN&cpsidt=18069221

BTW, it would appear that acetic acid is used to reduce tumors on the adrenal gland (functional adrenal adenoma) by injecting acetic acid directly into the tumor using Computed Tomography. This fixes a condition called aldersteroma (?) which lowers BP for people who have essential (cause unknown) hypertension.

Life is Good.

Regards
Murali"

The cough is almost completely gone now. I had a post-nasal drip for years. I also would have to start clearing my throat if I would talk alot. I now realize that the flu just increased a problem that I've had for a long time.

The n-acetyl cysteine seemed to be the main thing that got rid of the cough. The dosage would vary according to need. If I started coughing I would take it - between 300 and 600 mgs. - and would cut down when my stomach started to feel irritated.

Oral vitamin C and cayenne were also helpful. I would take about 150 mgs of sodium ascorbate along with the NAC. I was taking between an 1/8 and 1/4 tsp of the cayenne and also putting it on food."

[YEA]  03/03/2010: Selah from Ny, Ny, Us writes: "Cutting down on sodium and increasing magnesium, cured my cough. I cut down on the amount of salt I was using. I had also been taking sodium ascorbate (vitamin C)~175mgs 5 or 6 times daily. I switched to magnesium ascorbate. The magnesium seems to help relax the muscles. I had been having an unrelenting dry cough that was causing sore stomach muscles. Switching to magnesium ascorbate and cutting out the sodium helped to loosen the mucous but didn't produce a runny nose. I had to take calcium along with the magnesium to prevent muscle cramping. Just eating milk products like cheese seems to be good enough.

I also started taking N-acetyl cysteine to help get rid of the wheezing. I took 1/2 a tablet (300 mgs) twice a day.

I think asthma could be helped by this method."

03/10/2010: Selah from Ny, Ny, Us writes: "Update: It seems I had the flu. The 1st thing I did was to get intravenous vitamin C (35 grams in 1 liter of water). This cleared up the congestion immediately (1/2 way thru the drip) and made it possible to sleep without breathing thru my mouth. After that I cut down on sodium and switched to oral magnesium ascorbate plus n-acetyl cysteine. This cut down on the coughing. I eventually increased the NAC to 600 mgs 3 times a day. These things didn't completely get rid of the cough. I'm now trying cayenne gargle and taking cayenne capsules and it seems pretty effective although I haven't found the right level yet to completely eliminate the cough."

03/20/2010: Selah from Ny, Ny, Us writes: "Conclusion:

The cough is almost completely gone now. I had a post-nasal drip for years. I also would have to start clearing my throat if I would talk alot. I now realize that the flu just increased a problem that I've had for a long time.

The n-acetyl cysteine seemed to be the main thing that got rid of the cough. The dosage would vary according to need. If I started coughing I would take it - between 300 and 600 mgs. - and would cut down when my stomach started to feel irritated.

Oral vitamin C and cayenne were also helpful. I would take about 150 mgs of sodium ascorbate along with the NAC. I was taking between an 1/8 and 1/4 tsp of the cayenne and also putting it on food."

[YEA]  03/20/2010: Msg from Somewhere, Europe writes: "i tried oil pulling with water instead of oil. i have been having recurrent canker sores for the past 3 years. after a week of "water pulling" they are greatly reduced. i spit out the water when it gets too much volume, and just continue with new water. i drink after cleaning my mouth when i'm done pulling."

[BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS]  03/20/2010: Diana from Fair Lawn, New Jersey writes: "hi

i had cyst in my both ovaries..i tried your medicine..the mixture of carrot,beet, non alcoholic wine....i took it for 1 month...now i am having my periods after a very long period....thank you

but i have heavy periods...i am on my 9th day...will this be a problem"

[YEA]  09/15/2009: Angie from St. Croix, Virgin Islands writes: "I was told about 4yrs ago that I had a cyst and fibroid. I took everything possible to get rid of them and nothing seemed to work including herbal pills and cleanses. Finally my aunt prepared a mixture of 5lbs of beets, 2lbs of carrots, half a bottle of non alcoholic red wine and 2 jars of molasses. I drank this mixture twice. The first one I took one shot glass three times a day before I ate for 15 days. The second batch I took two shot glasses a day one before breakfast and one before dinner. Your cycle should be heavy for the first couple of days. Alcoholic beverages are a definite no while taking this. I went for my ultra sound today and there were no cysts nor fibroids the technicians nor doctor could believe that they were all gone. I was also told that females should drink this remedy at least once a year to prevent any irregularities."

09/16/2009: Zoe from Munster, In writes: "Angie, can you explain a process of making this mixture.Thank you."

09/16/2009: Kathy from Dubois, Pa writes: "That sounds like a great recipe. Do you chop or shred the veggies first, and do you let the mixture steep for any length of time before you use it?"

12/13/2009: Barbara from Garland, Tx writes: "How do your prepare this remedy, I would like to try it?

Thanks,
Barbara"

12/15/2009: Arlette from Cologne, Germany writes: "Can you please give the recipe and the process for the mixture. I have 2 cysts I am trying to get away in order to avoid a third cyst operation. Thank you!"

[BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS]  03/20/2010: Diana from Fair Lawn, New Jersey writes: "hi

i had cyst in my both ovaries..i tried your medicine..the mixture of carrot,beet, non alcoholic wine....i took it for 1 month...now i am having my periods after a very long period....thank you

but i have heavy periods...i am on my 9th day...will this be a problem"

[BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS]  03/20/2010: Margierunner from Austin, Texas writes: "I had similar results on a mole on my back. I put bloodroot paste on the mole for about 1 week. It got really infected and my lymph nodes hurt and I felt really sick. I put honey on the mole and within a few days the infection was gone and the mole dropped out this morning. There is a serious hole in my back right now but it is clean and I expect it to fill in as others have reported. I had a smaller mole (pencil eraser size) on my neck that fell out much quicker with less pain. The hole is filled in now after a week. I really appreciate all the advice on this website as I was not surprised at the process I went through. I would certainly do it again but also warn others not to do this if you are faint at heart. It can be very scary."

[YEA]  04/17/2008: Peggy from Gulf Breeze, FL writes: "About a year ago, I decided to use bloodroot to remove a pencil- eraser-sized mole on the left side of my chin close to the jaw line just below my mouth. I chose the bloodroot/DMSO combination since I understood that the DMSO would speed the process through the skin. I have to say that I was not prepared for what happened. Once I had started the process, though, there was no turning back. I covered just the mole with the bloodroot paste and kept it covered. I reapplied the paste for about a week. First, the mole turned a cheesy looking white. Then, it scabbed over and had a white ring completely around the edge of it. By this time, the whole thing was about the size of a dime. My jaw swelled up and there were shooting pains in it that kept me from sleeping. This really scared me and I contacted someone for advice. I was advised after about six days of applying the salve to stop applying it, just keep the scab area covered,swab around the OUTSIDE of it with peroxide and it would loosen and fall off. This seemed to take a little longer than I anticipated, but when I added a little warm compress, it truly did pop right out. You certainly don't want to rush this - it has to fall out on its own. The back of the "mole" was grayish and smoothe with little dots on it that I assume were the tiny blood vessels that had supplied blood to it. The spot where the mole had been looked like I had taken a paper punch and punched out a circle of skin. I thought I was in for a bad scar, but I started putting vitamin E on it and organic coconut oil. It's been a year now and the spot is not very noticable to anyone but me, and that's because I know its there. I continue to keep it oiled and also use anti-scar products just for good measure. The faint of heart should NOT use bloodroot, especially on their face. Using it on a floppy mole in some inconspicious place covered by clothing would probably be a lot less scary. My mole was fairly large and well anchored, and on my face - not the floppy kind on a stalk. I do think it is amazing stuff, BUT extreme care needs to be taken when using it. "

[BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS]  03/20/2010: Margierunner from Austin, Texas writes: "I had similar results on a mole on my back. I put bloodroot paste on the mole for about 1 week. It got really infected and my lymph nodes hurt and I felt really sick. I put honey on the mole and within a few days the infection was gone and the mole dropped out this morning. There is a serious hole in my back right now but it is clean and I expect it to fill in as others have reported. I had a smaller mole (pencil eraser size) on my neck that fell out much quicker with less pain. The hole is filled in now after a week. I really appreciate all the advice on this website as I was not surprised at the process I went through. I would certainly do it again but also warn others not to do this if you are faint at heart. It can be very scary."

03/20/2010: Sky from Harrisburg, Pa, Usa writes: "Hi Kaleid, thanks for the info,but I have googled the Diatomaceous Earth and read other articles about the food grade kind and I see no danger. I've been taking it for over a month now and I feel great now. Is there maybe a difference like always with food grade and industrial grade?"

[YEA]  12/01/2009: Kimberly from Lincoln, Ne writes: "c. diff - the only thing that worked for me was betonite clay. I tried probiotics, yogurt, kefir( yogurt drink). The clay helped tremendously"

12/22/2009: Wendy from Ada, Mi writes: "I was wondering when taking the bentonite clay were you on any antibiotics for the c.diff. For instance, I am taking vancomysin currently for the c.diff but was wondering if I can and should take the bentonite clay while still on the antibiotics or if I should wait? I have been on flaygl for like 6 days (that didn't work) and now I have been on vancomysin for 10 days and the doctor is extending it for another 7 days. I went to the health store and purchased it and also some super dophlis but I didn't know if I should try the bentonite clay right now? Any suggestions? I need this nastiness to go away. I should also mention this is my second time getting this in 5 years....all because of antibiotics."

12/22/2009: Joyce from Joelton, Tn writes: "Hello Wendy,

I don't have the answer to your question on the bentonite clay, but I suspect that the answer is that the worst thing that would happen would be the clay might bind with the antibiotic, which might turn out to be a good thing because most people develop c diff after a round or two of antibiotics, which probably results of an overgrowth of bad organisms after the good guys in our guts are killed off by the antibiotics.

If this is true, then the bentonite clay and taking Probiotics should be more beneficial than another antibiotic. If the expense of probiotics is a problem you can pull up cultured cabbage recipes on-line and make your own much cheaper. Hope you get rid of that unwanted side effect quickly."

01/01/2010: Jennifer from San Francisco, California, United States writes: "Hi Everyone -

I am new to this forum and thankful for what I have read so far. I have been dealing with C Diff since August 2008 after taking Augmentin prescribed by my sinus doctor, been on Flagyl 4 times and I have lost 15 pounds. So Frustrating!! I am getting so tired of it all, I am looking heavily into Probiotics and taking the time to really read, learn and take action.

Right now, I am eating Activa yogurt which is helping a little and Yakult another type of yogurt. I am researching Probiotic foods, to make some major changes to my diet. Has anyone heard of Buttermilk as a good Probiotic? What specific foods and supplements do you suggest and what has worked the best for you?

This is the first time I have heard of Bentonite clay and am intrigued. I will look into this as a possible next step. My doctor says that since I have had 3 reoccurreces of C Diff since my original bout, the chance of another reoccurence is quite high.

I am doing all I can to ensure that this dose not happen and I am healthy once again."

01/02/2010: Dj from Pdx, Or writes: "Jennifer,

A word of warning on clay which may be a repeat for you. Clay absorbs so remember to take it 1 hour prior to eating or 2 hours after otherwise it may absorb other pills or nutrients and then you will lose those benefits.

Instead of eating so many yogurts try taking a multi acidophilus pill. Find one in the refrigerator section at your local healthfood store or grocery. The pills in the fridge are live cultures. I believe you get more benefit from live cultures than the ones in "stasis" on the shelf.

As for the dosing it is what ever will work best for you. Most recommend starting slow 1 or 2 in the am and 1 or 2 at night. Work your way up as needed. Personally I took 20 in the am and 20 in the pm for about 5 days when I had finished up some antibiotics. Yes that is not a misprint I took 20 acidophilus twice a day.

Taking one or two pills prior to eating is always a good rule of thumb. It also helps your stomach with digestion. Which is good for everyone.

Feel better."

02/16/2010: Sky from Harrisburg, Pa, Usa writes: "I have left several posts about my c-diff but no responses at all.This thing is very frustrating and I am trying to find help and answers.Went today to get more probiotics and the person there told me it is very important to take the probiotic that has Saccharomyces Boulardii in it.

I asked her about taking bentonite clay and diatomaceous earth to absorb the bacteria which I read on EC. She was concerned that if it attracts the bad bacteria it may also attract the good which then becomes a vicious cycle. Does anyone have any information regarding these issues. I am trying to feed my body as much good bacteria as I can and also is it possible to over-do it on the good?

There are so many questions and worries that I have at this point and I'm stuck on finding out more. One says how great the bentonite clay is for your body,a nother one says it messed up their body and so on. I am starting to get very confused about what to do , but need to find a solution to get rid of this bacteria. The medical sites don't know anything other than to keep you on more antibiotics."

03/14/2010: Kaleid from Dayton, Oh writes: "Bentonite clay is very beneficial but do not use diatomaceous earth! Diatomaceous earth may be powdery to us when you first look at it but microscopically it is made up of tiny shards like glass. It is mostly used to kill pest with soft body parts like slugs. Do not take this internally. Don't even touch it with your fingers. Bentonite clay is completely different than diatomaceous earth. Bentonite clay is a highly absorptive material that cleans your intestine and absorbs toxins. I hope you read this before it's too late."

03/20/2010: Sky from Harrisburg, Pa, Usa writes: "Hi Kaleid, thanks for the info,but I have googled the Diatomaceous Earth and read other articles about the food grade kind and I see no danger. I've been taking it for over a month now and I feel great now. Is there maybe a difference like always with food grade and industrial grade?"

[YEA]  03/20/2010: Sonya from City, Province, Uk writes: "For the past few days I've been suffering from some kind of ear infection - soreness deep inside the ear and bouts of dizziness. Saw the doc yesterday, she diagnosed an upper respiritory tract viral infection, so nothing she could do because it is viral.

After reading about Bill Munro's h202 inhalation method, I decided to give this a try. I began yesterday evening and woke up this morning feeling SO much better. No dizziness. Ears not hurting. BUT, also, my sinuses and my head feel more clear than they have in a long, long time. I am amazed at such immediate and wonderful results from such a simple, low cost remedy.

I used 3% Food Grade h202 (1oz 35% diluted in 11oz distilled water)in a small mist sprayer (couldn't find a nasal spray so used a small glass spray bottle which makes a really fine spray) I sprayed about 4 times on the breath intake, and did this about 4 times during the evening.

I will be keeping up the h202 inhalation, I'm interested to see what, if any, other improvements I might experience through regular use. I love this clear feeling in my sinuses.

THANK YOU Bill Munro. Thank you to everyone on this site for all the shared amazing info, and thank you to Deidre for creating this wonderful Earth Clinic resource."

03/20/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "Hi Sis, after reading your post I went to the site you talk about and also thought about it. I think that the thing to do is to clean your teath before oil pulling for the simple reason that you remove the worst toxins and don't flush them around and around in your mouth. I will start to do it that way. Why keep the old stuff? One problem I am experiencing is a gag reflex which has been getting worse. In the beginning I could do it for maybe 15 minutes and occasionally for 20, nowadays always less than 10, no idea why but as I do it very strongly the liquid is white so maybe it works all the same. I don't notice any health improvements but sometimes things are happening even though you don't see them directly."

[YEA]  03/20/2010: Sis from Camp Zama, Japan writes: "After being told about oil-pulling om 5 Mar, I decided to do some research on the morning of the 6th and it led me to your site. After reading the basic information on how to, I started that morning. The immediate effect for me: my teeth clean a lot better after op. I thought that it would be a lot harder with the oil in my mouth to get them clean. I have reflux and some of my tooth enamel has eroded over the years. My teeth were getting dirty a lot faster in the day and were a lot harder to get clean. Sometimes even after brushing three times, I still had spots that were not squeaky clean. Now I can run my fingers over my teeth after brushing and can actually hear the sound of my fingers slipping over my teeth after one brushing and they stay cleaner longer. That has not happened in years.

One thing I need you to clear up for me though:

On your site you say to do the op before brushing, but the site you have as a reference (oilpulling.org) says to do it after brushing. I have tried both, and once again to my surprise, it was just as effective. I thought my teeth would be oily, but that was not the case, and they stayed clean most of the day as well.

If you get some of the benefit from the added lubrication of the membranes in the mouth, would it not be contradictory to op first and then brush? I actually have also done op before and then again after brushing.

I mostly use extra virgin organic coconut oil. Have used avocado oil twice. My measurements are not all that exact. It usually is about a table spoon. Sometimes more or less. I started with about 15 minutes but have gone as long as 30 or 40 as I was doing research on my lap top. However, doing op while doing something else is not necessarily good as you may not concentrate on doing it right for effect. I usually op in the am, but have done it three times in the pm also. Usually what gets in my way of the pm session is the time I eat dinner and then would have to stay up too late to op. Since I don't have to wait to eat after op, I may chance my eating habits and make sure I have four hours after my lunch meal, then op and eat dinner after wards.

While in the US for a conference, I will bring back a gallon of sunflower and sesame oil each as it seems to have to most benefits for most of the reader on your site."

03/20/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "Hi Sis, after reading your post I went to the site you talk about and also thought about it. I think that the thing to do is to clean your teath before oil pulling for the simple reason that you remove the worst toxins and don't flush them around and around in your mouth. I will start to do it that way. Why keep the old stuff? One problem I am experiencing is a gag reflex which has been getting worse. In the beginning I could do it for maybe 15 minutes and occasionally for 20, nowadays always less than 10, no idea why but as I do it very strongly the liquid is white so maybe it works all the same. I don't notice any health improvements but sometimes things are happening even though you don't see them directly."

[NAY]  03/20/2010: Starwoman from Gold Coast, Qld Brisbane, Australia writes: "Dear Earth Clinic,

I have read that Vitamin D3 may be helpful in treating Crohns disease.

Do you know if this is true, as I have been using 15000 iu per day for 2 months now and have yet not noticed any difference.

Also do you have any latest research on healing Crohns disease, with its Chronic diarrhea and gas pains?

Kind regards,

Miranda."

EC: Hi Starwoman,

Dr. Cannell's Vitamin D Council newsletter is an excellent source of information on D3. Here's one recent newsletter: http://www.earthclinic.com/Supplements/vitamin_d.html#NEWSLETTER

On your site you say to do the op before brushing, but the site you have as a reference (oilpulling.org) says to do it after brushing. I have tried both, and once again to my surprise, it was just as effective. I thought my teeth would be oily, but that was not the case, and they stayed clean most of the day as well.

If you get some of the benefit from the added lubrication of the membranes in the mouth, would it not be contradictory to op first and then brush? I actually have also done op before and then again after brushing.

I mostly use extra virgin organic coconut oil. Have used avocado oil twice. My measurements are not all that exact. It usually is about a table spoon. Sometimes more or less. I started with about 15 minutes but have gone as long as 30 or 40 as I was doing research on my lap top. However, doing op while doing something else is not necessarily good as you may not concentrate on doing it right for effect. I usually op in the am, but have done it three times in the pm also. Usually what gets in my way of the pm session is the time I eat dinner and then would have to stay up too late to op. Since I don't have to wait to eat after op, I may chance my eating habits and make sure I have four hours after my lunch meal, then op and eat dinner after wards.

While in the US for a conference, I will bring back a gallon of sunflower and sesame oil each as it seems to have to most benefits for most of the reader on your site."

I'm not suggesting that you ditch your meds, but I would highly recommend that you consider adding Mg. into your daily routine.

With blessings of health & happpiness,
Lyne"

[NAY]  03/13/2010: Dennis from Port St. Lucie, Fl writes: "Blog Readers

I must say that I am very disappointed in saying "No" to the ACV treatment for high blood pressure. The information was first given to me by my son, who has has seen a dramatic reduction of his HBP with the ACV with mother treatment. I have studied all the N/Yay's blogs on the subject hoping that it can prove to be a success for me.

This is my giving conditions. HBP 140/90; before meds of 10mg amlodipine, 10 mg Bystolic. (note the current meds reduces HBP (130/80))

I started with the regular store bought vinegar which did no show any results. I then consulted with my son and began usint the ACV mother. It appeared that within the first two weeks of use after re-cleansing or detoxing from my meds that I was feeling fine. Thus my confidence level was rising. I continued using the ACV and then bought larger 32fl oz bottle.

I have learned over time experimenting with different meds, and having done two colonoscopies to determine my gastroencyphlytic(esophageal) spasms to modify and manage my food intake. I say this to give background knowledge on the significance of proper diet and my awareness of food intake, which aids any ailments of the body.
Knowing this I was able to regulate my diet very well with the ACV; however when I bought the second 32fl oz with mother I began experiencing headaches, which is also a symptom of rising blood pressure. The headaches had started to increase at higher frequencies and lasting much longer. It was becoming unbearable, I took my BP with my home equipment and my HBP 150/94. I started to panic and was getting anxiety attacks. Luckily my wife always store the whole cranberries in the freezer to boil and make cranberry tea to minimize and relax the anxiety attacks. I immediately started to retake my meds.

It appeared that the headaches were not going away so I had an emergency visit with my family care physician. MY blood pressure was high HBP 152/96.

I got back on my meds and in two months have a follow up visit.

Although the ACV did not work for me I, would suggest that the readers of this blog follow up and monitor their condition should they notice a change.

Secondly I hope my message will encourage new readers that would like to try ACV to take good notes, understand their symptoms of HBP realizing that ACV may not bring the positive results they are searching for.

Sincerely
Dennis"

03/20/2010: Naturalone from Stillwater, Mn, Usa writes: "Hi Dennis,

I just wanted to comment on your post. You mentioned that at first, the ACV appeared to be helping, but then quickly took a turn for the worse. When you mentioned esophageal reflux and anxiety, I immediately thought Magnesium. In addition to the hypertension, both of these conditions can be directly related to low Mg. levels. Not to mention that your medications also contribute to Mg. wasting.

I'm not suggesting that you ditch your meds, but I would highly recommend that you consider adding Mg. into your daily routine.

With blessings of health & happpiness,
Lyne"

03/19/2010: Janice from Coloma, Mi writes: "Thanks for that info Cat. I am having a very hard time losing weight no matter what I do. I do believe it is my thyroid even tho the Dr. says no. My basal temp in the morning is always very low. My question to you is, how do you apply the iodine? You mentioned it with coconut oil. What all do you do for your thyroid beside avoiding soy?"

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  12/14/2007: Linda from Concord, CA writes: "[WITH SIDE EFFECT] I began using VCO on doctor's orders to help combat hypothyroid. My skin, hair, energy levels were all positive results. I also used VCO as a deodorant. However, after a few days I began gaining weight, got dizzy spells and some diarrhea. My blood pressure soared! After continued trials for a couple of weeks, my doctor advised me to stop using it. This was disappointment as I got good results in other areas; however, every attempt made to try it again caused my BP to go higher. I do full body cleanses once or twice a year. Possibly it might help if I did just liver cleanse? I'm 60 years old, exercise daily, eat healthy foods, do drink 1.5 cups coffee in morning and am Blood Type A. Disappointed as not being able to use coconut oil due to HBP. Would appreciate any comments on my HBP problem to be answered on this site. Any insight would be beneficial. Thanks, a CA gal"

08/13/2008: Ione from Sacramento, CA writes: "According to D'Adamo and the "Eat Right 4 Your Type" diet, just about no one should eat coconut oil. I'm a fan of that diet, but I also know that one size does not fit all. Some of the things ER4YT says I can tolerate, in truth, I cannot (wine, sulfa drugs, etc). As a Type A, non-secretor, it says that I can tolerate coconut milk. But not coconut oil? It doesn't make all that much sense to me. I started taking it for thyroid help, but I love what it has been doing for my skin. I haven't had any side effects so far. I don't understand how anyone can lose weight taking this tho. At 120 calories in 1 tbls, if you take it 4 times a day, you are adding 480 calories."

03/16/2010: Cat from Austin, Tx writes: "I tell all my sisters, every female: STOP INGESTING SOY!... and its many products. Do your research and study what soy does to your thyroid. Then, check your grocery labels intensely because soy is in just about all packaged food labeled as vegetable protein, gluten...etc; in names disguised to fool the American public. So, do watch what you buy. It is used exclusively in most restaurants so try to cook at home as much as possible or eat simply of meat, fruit, salad with your own dressing (store bought salad dressing is loaded with SOY OIL). For me, first getting rid of soy, switching to red palm and coconut oil, stopped my extreme thyroid problems. Now I am slowly losing the weight that I could not lose no matter how much I exercised or ate well.. Applied Coconut oil with a drop of iodine soothes my aching neck. So ladies, if you find that you eat right, exercise and still cannot lose excess weight, you need to get rid of soy in all its forms. THIS KNOWLEDGE IS FINALLY CATCHING ON. Believe me, where the female goes, the nation follows. EXCESSIVE BLEEDING AND OVARY SWELLING, losing eyebrows,head and body hair, sore turkey neck, itchy skin, weight gain and a host of other SOY problems is the legacy of soy that catches up to you even if you are a tiny person. Without soy in my diet, I no longer suffer from extreme daily bleeding. And, my eyebrows are growing back and my hair has stopped falling out with my hairline slowly growing back in. BEWARE! IT IS THE SOY SISTERS."

03/19/2010: Janice from Coloma, Mi writes: "Thanks for that info Cat. I am having a very hard time losing weight no matter what I do. I do believe it is my thyroid even tho the Dr. says no. My basal temp in the morning is always very low. My question to you is, how do you apply the iodine? You mentioned it with coconut oil. What all do you do for your thyroid beside avoiding soy?"

Could you please recommend an average starting dosage for an adult wanting to take the Citric Acid and the Baking Soda. This would be for a generally healthy adult. I will be suggesting this due to cost consideration of disodium EDTA. Also, since your posts regarding herbal remedies for nanobacteria are from 2006 and on, have you found any other herbs that have also proven effective? I'm curious about iodine and Berberine? I would think both of those would offer something.

Many thanks,
Lyne"

[WORKED TEMPORARILY]  07/08/2009: Mike from New Lenox, Illinois writes: "I have been doing the borax treatment for fungus and arthritis. Initially the borax treatment made me feel better. I did it for three weeks and took off a week. Pain subsided while taking the borax and started to return during the week off.

When off the borax I have less pain. When I start taking it again my knees and legs ache alot. Can you explain? Is it detox or should I stop taking the borax?"

07/08/2009: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand writes: "Dear Mike:

Magnesium is the primary remedy for most joint pains. If I were to prepare a standard solution of magnesium oil, it will be between 70-80% magnesium chloride, plus 20-30% water. I put this in a dropper bottle and use between 5-8 drops in a glass of water taken two to three times a day. This is the PRIMARY remedy I used for joint pain, borax remedy is a supporting remedy to kill whatever pathogens. It takes about 3 days to reduce most of the pain, unless it's a long term condition then that's more difficult to deal with since the pathogens goes deep into the bones and require much more advance natural remedy beyond this email postings.

Ted"


07/09/2009: Mike from New Lenox, Illinois replies: "Thank you for your reply. Where do you get magnesium oil? I am presently taking a magnesium chloride tablet about 800mg a day. I forgot to mention that I see white flakes in my urine. Any ideas? Again thank you.

Sincerely,
Mike"


07/09/2009: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: A magnesium oil is simply magnesium chloride in a water solution. The concentration is 80% magnesium chloride and 20% water. The white flakes needs to be analyzed what they are. Too much magnesium chloride may cause cloudy urine in very few cases. The only way to tell is to stop the magnesium and see if flakes is reduced, and then take a lower dose of magnesium if it's caused by it. The other issue may be the body is high of the other things such as struvite crystals and uric acid for example. Overall, cloudy urine maybe reduced with taking alkaline supplement such as 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda in 1 glass of water twice a day. The other common remedy I used is take some vitamin B complex whenever there is some cloudiness of the urine. One dose will usually be enough to tconfirm whether it works or not.

In conditions of arthritis in cattle, they have always found bacteria, such as brucella, mycoplasma, streptoccous, staphylococcus, PPLO, pneumonoccus, erysipelus in the bones of cattle. In humans I found it to be similar. The reason why magnesium works is it kills off the staphyloccus, but alkalization, especially the potassium citrate is likely to kill the others as well as some supporting hydrogen peroxide. Reaching deep into the bones require larger dose and longer time to penetrate deep enough. Long term potassium deficiency and boron can cause these organisms to flourish so it's going to take some time to remove them, especially the mycoplasma. Therefore it's usually immune systems related. Plenty of zinc and copper supplements also help, but it may takes months of the remedy. For more information on pathogen origins of arthritis, go here:

http://www.pubmedcentral.nih.gov/articlerender.fcgi?artid=1585801

Ted"

03/19/2010: Lyne from Stillwater, Mn writes: "Hi Ted,

Could you please recommend an average starting dosage for an adult wanting to take the Citric Acid and the Baking Soda. This would be for a generally healthy adult. I will be suggesting this due to cost consideration of disodium EDTA. Also, since your posts regarding herbal remedies for nanobacteria are from 2006 and on, have you found any other herbs that have also proven effective? I'm curious about iodine and Berberine? I would think both of those would offer something.

Many thanks,
Lyne"

After reading about ACV and its benefits, I've tried it with mixed results. Sometimes, I think my skin is looking better and I feel more energetic but at other times(for no other apparent reason), I feel my hair looks really dry and brittle, my skin looks bad. Is this something to do with dosage (I take 2tsp with 8Oz. water once a day), or is there something else I'm missing? Please help!"

[QUESTION]  03/19/2010: Karen from Williston, Nd, Usa writes: "I have a question about ACV. I have been taking 1 tbsp ACV in 1 cup purified water with 1/4 tsp baking soda for 5 days now, twice a day in the hopes of helping my arthritis. I plan to do 5 days on, 2 days off. My question is, can I keep doing this as long as I want? I haven't noticed a real big improvement in the arthritis yet, but do have a lot more energy. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks. Karen"

[YEA]  03/19/2010: Kayla from Orlando, Fl writes: "I tried using generic cold flu medicine for a couple days, which made my cough go away but then I developed horrible congestion. I tried acv, lemon juice, garlic and salt heated with water and the congestion started to go away the second I inhaled the mixture. Relief was immediate."

[YEA]  03/05/2010: Heather from Venice, Ca writes: "I'm amazed. I have a wicked cold. I tried over the counters all day to no success. Sat in the shower and tub with steam for tiny respite. Tonight my nose was so congested i thought my face might pop off. So i googled home cold remedies and found this. My husbands out getting the goods for the tomato tonic but in the meantime i put 2tbs apple cider vinegar in a warm glass of water and 10 minutes later i can close my mouth to breath and my ears have opened up. Thank you apple cider vinegar. Oh and I'm 37."

[YEA]  03/19/2010: Kayla from Orlando, Fl writes: "I tried using generic cold flu medicine for a couple days, which made my cough go away but then I developed horrible congestion. I tried acv, lemon juice, garlic and salt heated with water and the congestion started to go away the second I inhaled the mixture. Relief was immediate."

03/19/2010: Anna from Austin, Texas writes: "I buy my 3% food grade h2o2 at People's Pharmacy, the brand is Sunfood Nutrition. Websites on the label are: www.rawfood.com and www.sunfoodnutrition.com. They are in San Diego CA, phone # (888)729-3663."

03/19/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Guppydas...I had what I thought was jock itch (tinea cruris) some while ago and no matter what I tried -- all the powders, drugs, antibiotics etc, it just wouldn't go away and looked awful. I had this problem for 7 years. Nothing seemed to stop it. The same as you, my infection was in the genital and inner thigh area, eventually extending right round to my buttocks and rectal area.

I'm pretty convinced that this was not just jock itch -- but probably involved MRSA as well and I eventually read about the effectiveness of Milk of Magnesia (MoM). Anyway, through reading alot, I decided to try this:

Every night after my shower I would simply apply Milk of Magnesia topically to the whole infected area, front and back with my hands(I applied alot). Then I simply let it dry on my body(it dries quickly to a white dust) and went to bed. I found the MoM to be very soothing and cooling on the skin. Next morning, I would shower all the MoM off thoroughly and repeat this the next evening. And it took only 2 days to completely heal the whole area -- I had normal skin again !!

The are two specific reasons why the MoM remedy worked. First MoM has a pH of 10 which is very high -- no bacteria, virus or fungus can survive it's alkaline effects. Second, MoM is hydrophobic -- drives water away, so not only did MoM kill the bacteria or virus with its high alkaline pH, it also sucked all the water out of these microbes as well.

One warning here -- if you've got sensitive skin, then just apply the MoM for only about 20-30 minutes -- until it dries to dust -- then wash it off and do this twice a day. Also apply a natural moisturizer afterwards like jojoba oil or cocoa butter to remoisturize your skin. And continue alkalizing with lime/Baking Soda and continue taking the H2O2."

[QUESTION]  03/17/2010: Guppydas from Lamsai, Prathumthani, Thailand writes: "Hello everybody. I am writing this in a desperation as I have been suffering this condition for more than 3 years now and it got worst due to improper medical procedure. Please excuse me if I am too graphical in explaining the sysmptoms.

3 years ago, a small acne like boil developed on right thigh. Disappeared in 2 days. Only to appear a week later. Then it changed the location. This time, on left thigh. Sometime then I also had an attack of Herpes Zoster on my Left shoulder and left back. I was completely exhausted by this two infections.

Eventually after a month or so, Herpes disappeared, leaving pain in the spot which is more intermittent. However, the infection around thigh didn't go away. In fact it became more stubborn and aggressive.

I do not like to take anti-biotics as I know the devastating unwanted effects they have. Still I visited doctor and I was put on some heavy doses of Antibiotic. I was dead against use of any cut and drain procedure. I believed this could be sorted by medication.

With patience I kept taking the medication to no benefit. The infection spread, finally covering almost the entire region on buttocks, inner thighs and groins. It was painful, foul smelling and not improving at all.

All this resulted in extreme exhaustion and finally in May 2009, I was taken to local hospital for check up and treatment. I was given 2 units of blood, put on drip for 5 days. During this, without my permission, the doctors performed a incision to drain the fluid out. Did bring good relief. However the entire procedure was conducted in a very unprofessional manner. No local anesthesia or numbing aid was given.

Eventually this short lived relief faded away in 3 months. I was completely bed ridden for a month during July and August 2009. Finally to get admitted to a bigger hospital. Results of diagnosis came around and to my shock and surprise, I was found HIV .

However, the doctors were nice and explained me the benefits to do a proper incision procedure to drain out the infected area so that the medication bring about healing faster. I agreed. I was taken to the surgery room. General anesthesia and after 3 hours, I was back in my bed in my ward. Felt very good. For few months. Then, the reality started sinking in.

The wound was not healing at all. 8 spots about 2 cm wide and 1/4 centimeter deep at least were not healing up. Once again there was pus formation and pain returned. This happened relatively swiftly before I could get to doctors and get some medical attention.

NOW, cutting long story short, I cannot get any medical attention nor can I afford any. So a well learned friend of mine suggested to take Food grade H2O2. I started taking that about 10 days ago. I am taking 3% food grade in about a litre of bottled water (says no chlorine on the lable). Can't get distilled water here. Don't see much difference. The only thing I see different is sleepiness. I don't fall asleep but I am sleepy all the time.

Ok this is getting too long. I did cut it short. My question is, in addition to the above treatment, I wish to take mega doses of Vitamin C. Any suggestions, warming, comments, recommendation on this? Vitamin C H2O2? Any other suggestions to heal this wounds faster? I am held back due to this. I can't sit or sleep properly. I need to travel back to my Home country and infection holds me back from travelling for so many hours in an airplane. The discharge is foul smelling and is constantly painful. Any suggestions are welcome. Please please help. I am emotionally and financially broke due to this condition.

Thank you all for your support.

PS: No doctor has so far given any name to it. However looking on Internet, I found two conditions (two names) most fitting to describe this infection on buttocks. 1) Hidradenitis Supprativa 2) Acne Inversa. many misdiagnose it as Acne Vulgaris. Yes I have had inherent Acne problem all my life. I also have a long medical history. I can share if it is helpful."

03/17/2010: Rena from Mineral Bluff, Georgia, Usa writes: "Hi Guppydas, from Lamsai,

I understand the financial situation, so perhaps we can start off with the less expensive remedies. First off, you need to alkalize your system with fresh lemon or lime juice, mixed with baking soda.

Recipes can be found here:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/alkalizing_formulas.html#REMEDY4

Next due to all the antibiotics, you need to replenish your good flora with a good pro biotic. If you can't find any, then perhaps you can make some fermented foods, or kefir.

Good recipes can be found here:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/fermented-foods.html

Now for the wounds themselves, to put on externally and this will be the most expensive, is to get some Manuka honey. You may have to google this, but you will get some good information. If you can not get Manuka honey, then use a good pure or raw honey and apply to wounds, and bandage. Change bandages and re-apply the honey morning and evening. You can not use pasteurized store bought honey, it will not work, it must be pure honey. Your best wound healing would be to get the Manuka Honey, so if there is anyway, please get this.

I wish you the best, Peace, Rena."

03/18/2010: Guppydas from Lamsai, Prathumthani, Thailand writes: "Hi Rena,

Thank you for your response. I can do the Baking soda lime thing. Manuka honey, raw, I doubt it is possible to find in this part of the world. However, I will ask around. Meanwhile I am continuing to use H2O2 for cleaning the wounds. Also, I have 3% Food grade H2O2 that I drink every day. About 5 oz. Mixed with either bottled (non chlorine) water or orange juice. It's only been 12 days so far so I think it would be too early to comment on results.

I was wondering if it would be OK to take Baking soda and Lime along with H2O2? Your comment is highly appreciated. I also wanted to know if high doses of Vitamin C be any good?

As you can see from my emails, I am 'zero' in this health matters. Besides, for some time I am feeling extremely sleepy. Droopy feeling, if it means something. My eyes feel heavy, as if I am about to fall asleep. When I put aside the anything that I am doing and try to sleep, I can't sleep. Mind is hyper alert. It is difficult to focus for 5 minutes and read an email or write a reply. Eventually I end up spending the entire day, doing one message at a time.

Once again, thank you for your response. I will get Baking soda and lime. One more question, can I squeez lime, lets say for 3-4 days worth and keep it or it is better to squeeze fresh?"

03/17/2010: Charlotte from Boston, Ma writes: "Hi, I think turmeric would be very helpful in treating your sores. My family has used it many times for boils and acne both internally (1/2 teaspoon powdered turmeric in a glass of warm water)and externally (turmeric paste). Here is a page on Earth Clinic that I use frequently! http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/boils.html.

Please let me know if the turmeric helps you."

03/18/2010: Shandy from Limerick, Ireland writes: "Dear Guppydas,

My daughter was recently bitten by spiders that were poisonous, the bites became sores that refused to heal. The Drs tried to treat her with antibiotics and steroids - which did no good at all. After some research and help from others on EC I made a poultice with equal amounts of onion, garlic, and potato and bound it with bandages on her sores changing them every 4 hours - within 3-4 days it had drawn out all the pus, and scabbed over, we then applied plantago tincture for a few days which is supposed to regenerate tissue, now we are just applying vit e oil and they are healing nicely.

It might be worth making a poultice and applying it to your sores since onion and potato have drawing power and garlic is antibiotic, all cheap and available? I'm not sure if you have plantain (plantago) growing in your country as I think it is a temperate climate plant, but one thing I also considered was pineapple - which I think is abundant and cheap in Thailand? Apparently it is also good for rejeuvenating tissue. I had considered binding freash pineapple pieces to my daughters sores but her being 15 and objecting to walking around like a human fruit salad we settled for plantago tincture.Vit e would most likely be the most expensive thing you could try also after the sores are healing well and the skin has grown over and is pink. Hope it's a help."

03/19/2010: Rena from Mineral Bluff, Georgia, Usa writes: "Hi Guppydas,

Yes, I am a believer in vitamin C in helping to heal infections. What kind are you taking and at what dose? The H2O2 should have helped by now in increasing your energy, what is your dosage of this in drops to the 5oz? Do be mindful of your nutrition during this healing. Juicing vegetables would be a good way to go, if you don't have a juicer, could you borrow one from a friend? It also sounds like you are not sleeping well, this is also important in your healing, you need to sleep to help keep your immune system strong.

I have seen others post some good suggestions on a poultice, if you can't get manuka honey, or pure local honey, maybe you can try another poultice, there are many that could work.

Do keep the H2O2 and lime/baking soda taken different times of the day, not together. Keep us posted of your progress, Peace, Rena."

03/19/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Guppydas...I had what I thought was jock itch (tinea cruris) some while ago and no matter what I tried -- all the powders, drugs, antibiotics etc, it just wouldn't go away and looked awful. I had this problem for 7 years. Nothing seemed to stop it. The same as you, my infection was in the genital and inner thigh area, eventually extending right round to my buttocks and rectal area.

I'm pretty convinced that this was not just jock itch -- but probably involved MRSA as well and I eventually read about the effectiveness of Milk of Magnesia (MoM). Anyway, through reading alot, I decided to try this:

Every night after my shower I would simply apply Milk of Magnesia topically to the whole infected area, front and back with my hands(I applied alot). Then I simply let it dry on my body(it dries quickly to a white dust) and went to bed. I found the MoM to be very soothing and cooling on the skin. Next morning, I would shower all the MoM off thoroughly and repeat this the next evening. And it took only 2 days to completely heal the whole area -- I had normal skin again !!

The are two specific reasons why the MoM remedy worked. First MoM has a pH of 10 which is very high -- no bacteria, virus or fungus can survive it's alkaline effects. Second, MoM is hydrophobic -- drives water away, so not only did MoM kill the bacteria or virus with its high alkaline pH, it also sucked all the water out of these microbes as well.

One warning here -- if you've got sensitive skin, then just apply the MoM for only about 20-30 minutes -- until it dries to dust -- then wash it off and do this twice a day. Also apply a natural moisturizer afterwards like jojoba oil or cocoa butter to remoisturize your skin. And continue alkalizing with lime/Baking Soda and continue taking the H2O2."

I've already read Ted's remedies and find them very useful. The thing is that I don't really know the cause of my CFS and I've already tried all what he says along with so many other things with no success. Now the problem is that I feel so overwhelmed which such a quantity of things to take or do that I would like to just stick with something that I know for sure helped others. I'd really like to hear from other testimonials who'd been cured from CFS (not the kind that just want to sell books)."

03/18/2010: Rose from Girona, Spain writes: "As I cannot see recent posts on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome remedies, I'd like to make a call out to any person who's dealt or currently dealing with this illness who is having good results and could share it with all of us who still haven't been able to beat it. Thanks in advance."

03/19/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Rose...You will be able to find all the descriptions of causes and remedies for CFS here:

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/chronic_fatigue_syndrome.html

And prticalarly read about Ted's remedy at the top of this page to understand more about CFS.

There can be many causes for CFS, even doctors don't understand it, so since you may not know what has caused your own CFS problems then you should, perhaps, follow this route:

1. Try and understand everything you can about your CFS.

2. Cleanse your body of all heavy metals.

3. Cleanse your body of all halides -- chlorine, bromine, flourine etc.

4. Adopt regimens that directly attack and purge viruses, bacteria etc from your body which may cause CFS.

5. Continually support the liver/kidneys/intestines/blood throughout your regimen via diet, herbs or other natural chemicals(alkalizing).

6. Continuously, and from the outset, rebuild and support your immune system.

If you have any problems, then just ask away on EC, you will always get an answer."

03/19/2010: Rose from Girona, Spain writes: "Thank you Bill for your suggestions.

I've already read Ted's remedies and find them very useful. The thing is that I don't really know the cause of my CFS and I've already tried all what he says along with so many other things with no success. Now the problem is that I feel so overwhelmed which such a quantity of things to take or do that I would like to just stick with something that I know for sure helped others. I'd really like to hear from other testimonials who'd been cured from CFS (not the kind that just want to sell books)."

[YEA]  03/19/2010: Maryann from Springfield, Ma writes: "Hurray for this website!!! I have been bothered by "Dry Eyes" for YEARS! Yesterday I happened upon your oil pulling remedy and figured "oh, well, it can't hurt to try". I used the only oil I had on had which was a homemade blend I make for my skin of sweet almond and grapeseed. Within 20 minutes of using the treatment you suggested I was SHOCKED to feel relief from it. I have been using over the counter eye drops all day long everyday for years. Yesterday after your remedy I didn't use any and I still haven't used any in over 24 hours!!! Thank you!!! Talk about FAST RELIEF!! I am thrilled!"

Do keep the H2O2 and lime/baking soda taken different times of the day, not together. Keep us posted of your progress, Peace, Rena."

[QUESTION]  03/17/2010: Guppydas from Lamsai, Prathumthani, Thailand writes: "Hello everybody. I am writing this in a desperation as I have been suffering this condition for more than 3 years now and it got worst due to improper medical procedure. Please excuse me if I am too graphical in explaining the sysmptoms.

3 years ago, a small acne like boil developed on right thigh. Disappeared in 2 days. Only to appear a week later. Then it changed the location. This time, on left thigh. Sometime then I also had an attack of Herpes Zoster on my Left shoulder and left back. I was completely exhausted by this two infections.

Eventually after a month or so, Herpes disappeared, leaving pain in the spot which is more intermittent. However, the infection around thigh didn't go away. In fact it became more stubborn and aggressive.

I do not like to take anti-biotics as I know the devastating unwanted effects they have. Still I visited doctor and I was put on some heavy doses of Antibiotic. I was dead against use of any cut and drain procedure. I believed this could be sorted by medication.

With patience I kept taking the medication to no benefit. The infection spread, finally covering almost the entire region on buttocks, inner thighs and groins. It was painful, foul smelling and not improving at all.

All this resulted in extreme exhaustion and finally in May 2009, I was taken to local hospital for check up and treatment. I was given 2 units of blood, put on drip for 5 days. During this, without my permission, the doctors performed a incision to drain the fluid out. Did bring good relief. However the entire procedure was conducted in a very unprofessional manner. No local anesthesia or numbing aid was given.

Eventually this short lived relief faded away in 3 months. I was completely bed ridden for a month during July and August 2009. Finally to get admitted to a bigger hospital. Results of diagnosis came around and to my shock and surprise, I was found HIV .

However, the doctors were nice and explained me the benefits to do a proper incision procedure to drain out the infected area so that the medication bring about healing faster. I agreed. I was taken to the surgery room. General anesthesia and after 3 hours, I was back in my bed in my ward. Felt very good. For few months. Then, the reality started sinking in.

The wound was not healing at all. 8 spots about 2 cm wide and 1/4 centimeter deep at least were not healing up. Once again there was pus formation and pain returned. This happened relatively swiftly before I could get to doctors and get some medical attention.

NOW, cutting long story short, I cannot get any medical attention nor can I afford any. So a well learned friend of mine suggested to take Food grade H2O2. I started taking that about 10 days ago. I am taking 3% food grade in about a litre of bottled water (says no chlorine on the lable). Can't get distilled water here. Don't see much difference. The only thing I see different is sleepiness. I don't fall asleep but I am sleepy all the time.

Ok this is getting too long. I did cut it short. My question is, in addition to the above treatment, I wish to take mega doses of Vitamin C. Any suggestions, warming, comments, recommendation on this? Vitamin C H2O2? Any other suggestions to heal this wounds faster? I am held back due to this. I can't sit or sleep properly. I need to travel back to my Home country and infection holds me back from travelling for so many hours in an airplane. The discharge is foul smelling and is constantly painful. Any suggestions are welcome. Please please help. I am emotionally and financially broke due to this condition.

Thank you all for your support.

PS: No doctor has so far given any name to it. However looking on Internet, I found two conditions (two names) most fitting to describe this infection on buttocks. 1) Hidradenitis Supprativa 2) Acne Inversa. many misdiagnose it as Acne Vulgaris. Yes I have had inherent Acne problem all my life. I also have a long medical history. I can share if it is helpful."

03/17/2010: Rena from Mineral Bluff, Georgia, Usa writes: "Hi Guppydas, from Lamsai,

I understand the financial situation, so perhaps we can start off with the less expensive remedies. First off, you need to alkalize your system with fresh lemon or lime juice, mixed with baking soda.

Recipes can be found here:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/alkalizing_formulas.html#REMEDY4

Next due to all the antibiotics, you need to replenish your good flora with a good pro biotic. If you can't find any, then perhaps you can make some fermented foods, or kefir.

Good recipes can be found here:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/fermented-foods.html

Now for the wounds themselves, to put on externally and this will be the most expensive, is to get some Manuka honey. You may have to google this, but you will get some good information. If you can not get Manuka honey, then use a good pure or raw honey and apply to wounds, and bandage. Change bandages and re-apply the honey morning and evening. You can not use pasteurized store bought honey, it will not work, it must be pure honey. Your best wound healing would be to get the Manuka Honey, so if there is anyway, please get this.

I wish you the best, Peace, Rena."

03/18/2010: Guppydas from Lamsai, Prathumthani, Thailand writes: "Hi Rena,

Thank you for your response. I can do the Baking soda lime thing. Manuka honey, raw, I doubt it is possible to find in this part of the world. However, I will ask around. Meanwhile I am continuing to use H2O2 for cleaning the wounds. Also, I have 3% Food grade H2O2 that I drink every day. About 5 oz. Mixed with either bottled (non chlorine) water or orange juice. It's only been 12 days so far so I think it would be too early to comment on results.

I was wondering if it would be OK to take Baking soda and Lime along with H2O2? Your comment is highly appreciated. I also wanted to know if high doses of Vitamin C be any good?

As you can see from my emails, I am 'zero' in this health matters. Besides, for some time I am feeling extremely sleepy. Droopy feeling, if it means something. My eyes feel heavy, as if I am about to fall asleep. When I put aside the anything that I am doing and try to sleep, I can't sleep. Mind is hyper alert. It is difficult to focus for 5 minutes and read an email or write a reply. Eventually I end up spending the entire day, doing one message at a time.

Once again, thank you for your response. I will get Baking soda and lime. One more question, can I squeez lime, lets say for 3-4 days worth and keep it or it is better to squeeze fresh?"

03/17/2010: Charlotte from Boston, Ma writes: "Hi, I think turmeric would be very helpful in treating your sores. My family has used it many times for boils and acne both internally (1/2 teaspoon powdered turmeric in a glass of warm water)and externally (turmeric paste). Here is a page on Earth Clinic that I use frequently! http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/boils.html.

Please let me know if the turmeric helps you."

03/18/2010: Shandy from Limerick, Ireland writes: "Dear Guppydas,

My daughter was recently bitten by spiders that were poisonous, the bites became sores that refused to heal. The Drs tried to treat her with antibiotics and steroids - which did no good at all. After some research and help from others on EC I made a poultice with equal amounts of onion, garlic, and potato and bound it with bandages on her sores changing them every 4 hours - within 3-4 days it had drawn out all the pus, and scabbed over, we then applied plantago tincture for a few days which is supposed to regenerate tissue, now we are just applying vit e oil and they are healing nicely.

It might be worth making a poultice and applying it to your sores since onion and potato have drawing power and garlic is antibiotic, all cheap and available? I'm not sure if you have plantain (plantago) growing in your country as I think it is a temperate climate plant, but one thing I also considered was pineapple - which I think is abundant and cheap in Thailand? Apparently it is also good for rejeuvenating tissue. I had considered binding freash pineapple pieces to my daughters sores but her being 15 and objecting to walking around like a human fruit salad we settled for plantago tincture.Vit e would most likely be the most expensive thing you could try also after the sores are healing well and the skin has grown over and is pink. Hope it's a help."

03/19/2010: Rena from Mineral Bluff, Georgia, Usa writes: "Hi Guppydas,

Yes, I am a believer in vitamin C in helping to heal infections. What kind are you taking and at what dose? The H2O2 should have helped by now in increasing your energy, what is your dosage of this in drops to the 5oz? Do be mindful of your nutrition during this healing. Juicing vegetables would be a good way to go, if you don't have a juicer, could you borrow one from a friend? It also sounds like you are not sleeping well, this is also important in your healing, you need to sleep to help keep your immune system strong.

I have seen others post some good suggestions on a poultice, if you can't get manuka honey, or pure local honey, maybe you can try another poultice, there are many that could work.

Do keep the H2O2 and lime/baking soda taken different times of the day, not together. Keep us posted of your progress, Peace, Rena."

03/19/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Guppydas...I had what I thought was jock itch (tinea cruris) some while ago and no matter what I tried -- all the powders, drugs, antibiotics etc, it just wouldn't go away and looked awful. I had this problem for 7 years. Nothing seemed to stop it. The same as you, my infection was in the genital and inner thigh area, eventually extending right round to my buttocks and rectal area.

I'm pretty convinced that this was not just jock itch -- but probably involved MRSA as well and I eventually read about the effectiveness of Milk of Magnesia (MoM). Anyway, through reading alot, I decided to try this:

Every night after my shower I would simply apply Milk of Magnesia topically to the whole infected area, front and back with my hands(I applied alot). Then I simply let it dry on my body(it dries quickly to a white dust) and went to bed. I found the MoM to be very soothing and cooling on the skin. Next morning, I would shower all the MoM off thoroughly and repeat this the next evening. And it took only 2 days to completely heal the whole area -- I had normal skin again !!

The are two specific reasons why the MoM remedy worked. First MoM has a pH of 10 which is very high -- no bacteria, virus or fungus can survive it's alkaline effects. Second, MoM is hydrophobic -- drives water away, so not only did MoM kill the bacteria or virus with its high alkaline pH, it also sucked all the water out of these microbes as well.

One warning here -- if you've got sensitive skin, then just apply the MoM for only about 20-30 minutes -- until it dries to dust -- then wash it off and do this twice a day. Also apply a natural moisturizer afterwards like jojoba oil or cocoa butter to remoisturize your skin. And continue alkalizing with lime/Baking Soda and continue taking the H2O2."

[YEA]  03/19/2010: Susan from Ohio, Il writes: "I have found that my sugar cravings to be eliminated by dietary enzymes. The product i use contains amylase 36000 du, protease 80,000 hut, invertase 500 invu, mucolase 15 mg, glucoamylase 50 agu. It is a vegan kosher plant based product whose name rhymes with penzabedika. In fact, although i have year round allergies, i can tell when my Winter ones shift to those i have in Spring. This is by an intense overwhelming and unsationable need to consume copious amounts of sugar. I do not really want any sweets, nor do i typically like this stuff. If i crave chocolate or dairy icecreams or the like, i take a magnesium and calcium citrate supplement and my desires are immediately squelched. If i dont take any supplement and i consume this stuff i immediately look for more. I believe i crave what my body needs, however, i do not always understand what the cravings are directing me eat to assuage my allergies. I think at this point, my homer simpson brain kicks in and says. "chocolate...donuts...mmmmm". I do not know what sugar or something related to it has to do with allergies. The enzymes Do stop the craving. I find it most useful to take several capsules before i go to bed. Btw i was told this product also helps with reducing inflamation associated with arthritis. I dont notice much change in my fibromylagia bc i use apple cider vinegar. This eliminated decade long, debilitating symptoms literally over night. Yeah apple cider!!!!!"

11/18/2009: Sunny from Chennai, India writes: "Sugar cravings

I crave for sugar and sweets made of it. I am 35 years old and all my life I included it in every meal from childhood. Other than that I generally eat healthy food . But my immunity has come down a lot after having two kids now. So can anyone please help me how to detoxify white sugar from my body and what to do to eliminate sugar cravings?"

11/19/2009: Pr from Houston, Texas writes: "Try adding bitters to your diet. I was amazed when I started putting Kale in my green drink in the morning as I no longer craved anything sweet. Curious to find out why I did some research and discovered it was because kale is considered bitter. Seems like of all the bitters kale works the best for me."

11/19/2009: Dj from Pdx, Or writes: "Sunny,

I can really relate to your issues. I too have been through the lifelong cravings. I recently found a natural appetite suppressant that not only helps control the appetite but also the cravings for carbs and sweets.

I have only been using it a couple of days but it seems to be working. Unfortunately I am not sure if you could find it in India.

Pulsatilla is one of the ingredients and years ago I had found it in a pill form that you would put under your tongue and let it dissolve. The store stopped carrying it and I never found it again. I do know that it really helped with my cravings for sweets. Perhaps you can find some.

Good health...
"

[YEA]  03/19/2010: Susan from Ohio, Il writes: "I have found that my sugar cravings to be eliminated by dietary enzymes. The product i use contains amylase 36000 du, protease 80,000 hut, invertase 500 invu, mucolase 15 mg, glucoamylase 50 agu. It is a vegan kosher plant based product whose name rhymes with penzabedika. In fact, although i have year round allergies, i can tell when my Winter ones shift to those i have in Spring. This is by an intense overwhelming and unsationable need to consume copious amounts of sugar. I do not really want any sweets, nor do i typically like this stuff. If i crave chocolate or dairy icecreams or the like, i take a magnesium and calcium citrate supplement and my desires are immediately squelched. If i dont take any supplement and i consume this stuff i immediately look for more. I believe i crave what my body needs, however, i do not always understand what the cravings are directing me eat to assuage my allergies. I think at this point, my homer simpson brain kicks in and says. "chocolate...donuts...mmmmm". I do not know what sugar or something related to it has to do with allergies. The enzymes Do stop the craving. I find it most useful to take several capsules before i go to bed. Btw i was told this product also helps with reducing inflamation associated with arthritis. I dont notice much change in my fibromylagia bc i use apple cider vinegar. This eliminated decade long, debilitating symptoms literally over night. Yeah apple cider!!!!!"

03/19/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Rose...You will be able to find all the descriptions of causes and remedies for CFS here:

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/chronic_fatigue_syndrome.html

And prticalarly read about Ted's remedy at the top of this page to understand more about CFS.

There can be many causes for CFS, even doctors don't understand it, so since you may not know what has caused your own CFS problems then you should, perhaps, follow this route:

1. Try and understand everything you can about your CFS.

2. Cleanse your body of all heavy metals.

3. Cleanse your body of all halides -- chlorine, bromine, flourine etc.

4. Adopt regimens that directly attack and purge viruses, bacteria etc from your body which may cause CFS.

5. Continually support the liver/kidneys/intestines/blood throughout your regimen via diet, herbs or other natural chemicals(alkalizing).

6. Continuously, and from the outset, rebuild and support your immune system.

If you have any problems, then just ask away on EC, you will always get an answer."

03/18/2010: Rose from Girona, Spain writes: "As I cannot see recent posts on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome remedies, I'd like to make a call out to any person who's dealt or currently dealing with this illness who is having good results and could share it with all of us who still haven't been able to beat it. Thanks in advance."

03/19/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Rose...You will be able to find all the descriptions of causes and remedies for CFS here:

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/chronic_fatigue_syndrome.html

And prticalarly read about Ted's remedy at the top of this page to understand more about CFS.

There can be many causes for CFS, even doctors don't understand it, so since you may not know what has caused your own CFS problems then you should, perhaps, follow this route:

1. Try and understand everything you can about your CFS.

2. Cleanse your body of all heavy metals.

3. Cleanse your body of all halides -- chlorine, bromine, flourine etc.

4. Adopt regimens that directly attack and purge viruses, bacteria etc from your body which may cause CFS.

5. Continually support the liver/kidneys/intestines/blood throughout your regimen via diet, herbs or other natural chemicals(alkalizing).

6. Continuously, and from the outset, rebuild and support your immune system.

If you have any problems, then just ask away on EC, you will always get an answer."

03/19/2010: Rose from Girona, Spain writes: "Thank you Bill for your suggestions.

I've already read Ted's remedies and find them very useful. The thing is that I don't really know the cause of my CFS and I've already tried all what he says along with so many other things with no success. Now the problem is that I feel so overwhelmed which such a quantity of things to take or do that I would like to just stick with something that I know for sure helped others. I'd really like to hear from other testimonials who'd been cured from CFS (not the kind that just want to sell books)."

To find out how much perchlorate sulfates might have done to you, just type it into a search window and if you find that it has been a big part of your problem, print it out and take it with you to visit the VA Hospital doctors and put in a claim for the damage done to your health by the exposure. Hope you find some of this useful and hope your health improves. "

03/14/2010: Diana from Boston, Massachusetts, United States writes: "I just found this site today. I am so grateful. I have read thru most everyones comments on this topic and wanted to thank everyone for sharing their experience.

My situation is a little different. I have many symptoms and not certain if they are all connected or from several medical problems.

Started some years ago with Thyroid/hashimoto's disease - first illness - taking thyroid hormones since they iradiated it. Next, hair loss - got scalp injections from dematology for this 5% cortizone shots. Long treatments but it worked. Since then I have developed these fibroids and excema. Are all these things connected? Also vision has gotten bad, now wear glasses. Also, Acid Reflux. Never took the script they gave me, but I did switch my diet some what.. after reading here I need to do more!

On the topic of fibroids, I too was diagnosed a couple of years ago and told to be sent into early menopause. I said no. I dont have heavy bleeding like alot of people here are saying, but I have excruciating pain! Feels like razors or boulders going thru my falopian tubes on the left side. Every month. Plus, I get low grade fevers and feel like I have the flu every month. Typical flu symptoms- headache, fever, naseau, vomiting. Litterally bed bound monthly for two weeks with these flu symptoms. I know there is no way I can have the flu every month and went back to the doctors. They paid no attention to my complaints about the flu as of yet. I have had a stomach CT scan and the results where clear, more fibroids - they are in my tubes, in my uterus and on my ovaries. They scheduled an Upper GI and a pelvic ultrasound. I am at my wits end with the pain!! Today thanks to this site I started the 2 tbspn of Apple cider vinegar mixed with 1/4 Tspn baking soda..and will take it twice or three times a day.

I have gained 40 lbs in the past year, yes, all tummy. Thinking that maybe its all from fribroids? Or alot of it anyway. Two years ago I didnt have uterine fibroids. Im hoping it helps and will let you know as things progress. Thanks to everyone for your openness and willing to share your experiences."

03/14/2010: Joyce from Joelton, Tn writes: "Hello Diana from Boston,

Type "potassium iodide" in search window and click on go or search. When references appear pull up one from Tahoma Clinic. I suggest you print this one out for future reference because SSKI is useful for much more than fibroids. This article is written by alternative doctor Jonathan Wright and is very useful and everything I have used SSKI for has been as he said in this article. One other thing he didn't mention is that 2 drops per day helps keep our stomach producing HCl acid for digesting our food."

03/18/2010: Diana from Boston, Ma writes: "To Joyce from Joelton

I found the article you spoke of: Tohoma Clinic Dr Wright- here is the link for the future, I had to google for it because all that came up from this site when I searched were your posts telling people to look it up.. here is the link for others for future reference- you should just post the link instead: http://www.tahomaclinic.com/iodide.shtml

So I have some questions about the use of SSKI or Potasium Iodide : First, I am hypothyroid and spoke with my doctor just today and she said to avoid Iodine. So I am reluctant to take this product.

Second, I also had my Pelvic Ultrasound today and they found 2 Fibroids in the uterus just slightly larger than golf balls. One on each side.

With this help with my fribroids? Did not see that mentioned on the site. Also, I am type A blood, noticed that people with Type A blood are not suppose to take Apple cider Vinegar. Although at this point its either surgery or the ACV or some other remedy.

I did notice and found it interesting that the SSKI is also used to treat people that have been affective by Nuclear Fallout. I was in the service and I was the Nuclear Biological and Chemical Weapons Officer and was exposed to radiation and Perchlorate sulfates alot (dry cleaning fluids) we used them to clean parts of things.. weapons, helicopter parts etc.) I remember having my arm - pit deep in barrels of the stuff on many occassions. As well as a nuclear densomitor which I had to use quite often. Holding it by the spoke that you put in the soil. Was not aware at the time it emmited large amounts of radiation.

Do you think these things could have caused all my ILLS? Hypothyroidism, Copd, asthma, fibroids, diverticulosis and diverticulitis? Seems like all these things are listed on the tahoma site. If I could find a common cause then maybe I could find a common cure? Could use your input.

Thank you for posting to me - I appreciate your feedback and assistance from everyone."

03/18/2010: Joyce from Joelton, Tn writes: "Hello Diana from Boston,

First a question or two. Is your thyroid just sluggish and still functioning or totally wiped out? If it is still functioning then it needs some iodine to function properly, so why did your doctor tell you to avoid it? Hopefully you also picked up on the use of SSKI to liquify secretions in the respiratory tract so you can get them out, which means that it should help with asthma and COPD. Another thing to consider if it is just sluggish is that a deficiency of B complex vitamins causes a sluggish thyroid, so I suggest that you get a good stress tab (B complex with vitamins C & E) and take 1 at mealtime and bedtime although the container will tell you to take 1 a day.

Another question, while you were up to armpit in the goop in the service, were you taking SSKI or anything to protect your thyroid from radiation? If not, it is unlikely that the radiation isn't part of the cause of your problems.

I have also read that those with asthma are low on selenium. Wild cherry bark tea is supposed to be good for asthma. You might also want to read Bill's inhalation method of H202 for the asthma and COPD. I am all for trying what is likely to help, and not likely to harm with unwanted side effects. I also recall reading in EC about someone curing their COPD with a home remedy which included mullein, so you might want to look this up. Mullein is a very easy to identify wild plant, but since it mentioned using the seed pods, you won't likely find seed pods until this coming fall. Some herbal shops might sell them though.

Could you share your source for the recommendation that people with type A blood should not take ACV? I think I am type A and I have been taking ACV/honey for a long time (at least 40-50 years) and I am still alive and kicking.

I believe that if you reread Dr. Wright's article on SSKI, you will find that he mentions cystic breast disease. But you would have to follow what your thyroid is doing because you would be taking it for several months and it can suppress the thyroid. I figure that if it gets rid of fibroids in the breast, it should also get rid of fibroids in the uterus or elsewhere.

My breasts were nothing much but lumps for years. I can't say for sure that vitamin E is what got rid of them, but vitamin E is what I had added to my daily vitamins, and several months later I was surprised to find that all my lumps were gone and replaced with normal breast tissue, so if you aren't taking vitamin E, start taking at least 400 IU/day and see what happens.

To find out how much perchlorate sulfates might have done to you, just type it into a search window and if you find that it has been a big part of your problem, print it out and take it with you to visit the VA Hospital doctors and put in a claim for the damage done to your health by the exposure. Hope you find some of this useful and hope your health improves. "

[YEA]  03/18/2010: Chris from Auburn, Al writes: "First off, this is the most amazing site I've ever come across. I've had acute allergies for 10 years now. For the first 5 years, I just dealt with it, but as I've gotten older, it's gotten worse. I usually end up bed ridden with sinusitis, fever, terrible headaches, etc. before all is better. The last 5 years, I have taken an antibiotic virtually every time I had an outbreak (about every 2 months), and everyone knows how bad that is for our bodies. Since I found the ACV cure a year ago, I've had ONE outbreak. I cured both of my last outbreaks without antibiotics in a matter of 3 or 4 days. I now drink ACV daily. While I still occasionally have itchy eyes or headaches, I rarely feel bad at all. Additionally, I had laryngitis, and mixed cayenne pepper w/ the ACV mixture, and cured it instantly. Thank you all so much for giving my life back.

My daily dosage, 2 TSP w/ 8 oz of water several times throughout the day.

When I'm sick, 2 TBLSP w/ 8 oz of water and 1/8 TSP cayenne pepper (for sore throat) several times throughout the day."

Also washing face with "hot-hot-hot" water helps. Get clean bowl with hot water and try to "dive in" and keep face for 20-30 seconds (do not get burns)!

Good luck. G."

[YEA]  03/27/2006: Lorraine from Charlotte, NC writes: "I am using iodine for hyporthyroid. Feel better and am losing weight after consistantly gaining weight for over a year. Iodine cured my fatigue, hypoglycemia, dry skin, brain fog. I feel I still have a ways to go. Does anyone know if iodine taken internally or painted will cure acne? My son has tried everything and still no cure for his severe acne. He is 25 yrs old and it's killed his self esteem. Thanks for any help!"

03/18/2010: Gabi from Toronto, Canada writes: "I reply to "Lorraine from Charlotte, NC". You are asking for cure for acne for your 25 yrs old son. Buy Colloidal Silver at the health food store. Apply to the skin with a finger. You may use a small spray bottle but buy a good quality with that "misty" spray. Spray and leave it to dry. The effects you will see after 2-3 days but it will last up to 6 months in a case if his skin is very oily.

Also washing face with "hot-hot-hot" water helps. Get clean bowl with hot water and try to "dive in" and keep face for 20-30 seconds (do not get burns)!

Good luck. G."

03/18/2010: Peter from Chicago, Il writes: "Bill, sorry for typo. I meant "one" not on ts."

06/28/2009: Colleen from Livingston, NJ writes: "Hi, My Mom and I have been doing some research regarding Candida. We are both convinced that we have this condition since we both fit the symptoms to a tee.

Anyway, my question is, my Mom has been diagnosed with high blood pressure and I've been seeing mixed commentary on the web to whether or not taking the Coconut Oil is good for people who have high blood pressure. Should she continue taking Coconut Oil and will it lower her pressure or make it higher?

Any commentary or personal results are appreciated!! Thanks!"

[YEA]  11/28/2009: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines writes: "Hi Colleen...As a help to you here is a website showing much of the research on coconut oil in our diet:

http://coconutoil.com/research.htm

There are many myths that have been spread around about saturated fats and the above web-site should explain all.

I use extra virgin coconut oil internally and externally on body every day, I regard this oil as far more curative even than olive oil because coconut oil is a stable saturated fat, whereas olive oil is a monounsaturated vegetable oil, therefore less stable and much more prone to quickly oxidise.

When I started taking coconut oil, I actually lost weight, my blood pressure went down, my cholesterol levels went down and rebalanced, I had more energy and it was a major factor in getting rid of my Candida."

03/16/2010: Maria from Wilmington, DE, Usa writes: "This is a question to Bill from the Philipines. Bill how long did you take the coconut oil to cure your candida? Maria"

03/17/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Maria...It took a year to cure my candida. And coconut oil wasn't the only remedy I used. I also used the following.

* Ted's lime/lemon plus Baking soda 3 times a day for alkalizing the body.

* Occasionally Ted's ACV plus BS or BS on its own on in water to provide more energy and to provide more bicarbonates respectively.

* Teaspoon of Blackstrap Molasses in my coffee for minerals.

* Milk thistle to support my liver throughout the cure.

* Kelp tablets for iodine.

* My own homemade decoction of Tinospora cordifolia, Phyllanthus niruri(Chanca piedra or Stonebreaker) and Tumeric, all of which grow in my garden. I took this for liver, kidney and intestinal support throughout the cure. I have recently included Neem leaves in this decoction, because I found a Neem tree in my neighboorhood the other day. Neem, amongst all its other highly beneficial properties, is also highly alkalizing.

I had terrible constipation for about 7 years and usually had a bowel movement once every 4 days. Not good. The coconut oil had an immediate effect on this, my stools became smaller and softer, and eventually I started to have regular BM everyday. I cook everything in VCO now, even use it on my salads. I have banned all other polyunsaturated veg oils from my diet now, since most of these are highly processed chemically and suffer oxidation too quickly which is bad for the body. VCO should be unprocessed, stable and it takes 2-3 years to oxidize this oil.

Just to say that intestinal candida is an insidious problem that can be very hard to eradicate. It is insidious because initially you don't notice its effects, they sort of creep up on you and since I'm over 60 y o I just thought it was age...LOL. But then I stumbled on EC and read about candida. I now regard any yeast, mold or fungus as the prime human enemy now, far more destructive on the human body than viruses, bacteria etc. Fungus's are way more adaptable than any other microbe, they are neither plant nor animal, they can hide for years, they can transfer their nucleus via their hypha by penetrating host cells in order to hide and breed when under attack. The overall effect of this is to continually weaken and wear down the body's immune system, and eventually to provide a wonderful acid environment to allow in a plethora of other viruses and bacteria. This is why it takes so long to get rid of and recover from candida.

Simply put, there is no one magic bullet for candida. I still regard Ted's lemon/lime remedy as the prime remedy that hepled to destroy my candida. But I also have a very high regard for VCO too."

03/17/2010: Maria from Wilmington, De - Usa writes: "Hi Bill,

Thanks for the prompt response and thorough explanation. However, I have a few questions regarding your remedies:

1. How much lime/lemon juice and baking soda dis you use?
2. Milk Thistle - is this in a form of tea or powder. How much and how frequently do you use it.
3. Kelp tablets - not sure I need it or do I

I have had thrush in my throat (I'm sure it's in my stomach as well) for about 2 months now and went the Rx route but I'm ready to use the home remedies. I am also over 60 and having a tough time of it but I'm not giving up, there must be an answer. I am determined to kill this fungus off and get my life back. All the best to you.

Maria"

03/18/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Maria...In answer to your questions:

1. How much lime/lemon juice and baking soda is you use?

Use 1/2 tspn Baking soda dissolved in the juice of one lemon or lime. Just slowly add the BS to the lemon/lime juice in 1/2 glass of water until it stops fizzing(Do not worry if you use a little more or less than 1/2 tspn BS). Take this at least 2 times a day -- at least one hour before or two hours after meals. Never take this remedy with meals. Take this 5 times a week with 2 days rest every week.

2. Milk Thistle - is this in a form of tea or powder. How much and how frequently do you use it?

I took Milk Thistle powder in capsule form -- Two 1500 mg capsules per day. Do not buy the tablets, buy the capsule form containing powder. I took this every day in order to help my liver cope with the Herx reaction or fungal die-off.

Kelp tablets - not sure I need it or do I?

Kelp contains minerals, but I took it mainly for the iodine to support my immune system. It is always a good idea to support your immune system as much as possible. You can also use iodine foot-painting (transdermal absorbtion) as well as described here if you like:

http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/iodine3.html#IP

I use iodine painting now. For this you can use lugol's iodine or just ordinary iodine tincture or even Betadine.

Ted advises the best way to get rid of oral thrush here:

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/thrush.html#TED

Although I've never used the ACV plus hydrogen peroxide(H2O2) combo, I have used these two separately for different reasons and they are both powerful anti-fungals. I also agree wholeheartedly with all his other advice."

03/18/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas, Usa writes: "Bill, I have to agree with you on how destructive fungus is to the human body and how deceptive it can be. As you mention it will hid in the body waiting for an opportunity to start growing and a person will never know it. I see fungus as one of the great cleanser of the earth digesting unused material. But what does this tell us about what we are consuming and we get an overgrowth inside. As you know too much toxins and waste. I believe eating clean is a big part of conquering this dis-ease.

I am now for the 4th time in my life dealing with this. I am having great results with EC remedies and your posts. I also used the maple syrup combined with baking 3 xs a day to kick start the clean up. Boy did it do it. I lost 7 pounds from stomach in about 3 days. I feel so much better not having the extra weight around the middle. If anyone tries this be prepared to feel really sick for a week or so.

Thanks for your posts and sharing your journey as it is a great encouragement to fellow travelers."

03/18/2010: Peter from Chicago, Il writes: "Bill,

I am not afraid of taking B/S, from my experience using two tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, I always need at least on tablespoon of B/S to stop the fizzle. I just want to double check with your experience to make sure I am doing this right."

03/18/2010: Peter from Chicago, Il writes: "Bill, sorry for typo. I meant "one" not on ts."

03/18/2010: Olga from Miami, Florida writes: "My lil one had the same problem, some day would get better, some day he couldn't even open his eyes from the night until I can clean it up with tea. Doctor said if by 1 birthday it wouldn't clear up, than surgery would be needed and that it is very common. We used prescribed antibiotic baby eye drops (prevent infection)Second time around don't think would use them. And as was mentioned before massaging the very corner of the eye (where the duct) but still about every hour eyes needed to be cleaned with chamomile or black tea. About week after his first birthdays everything disappeared. So listen to your gut and Good Luck!"

03/05/2010: Phil from Dearing, Ga writes: "I have just found out today, that a 6 MOUNTH OLD BABY GIRL will have to have surgery for a CLOGGED TEAR DUCT in April. Doctor said infection could spread or blindness could occur if surgery was not preformed. I believe the baby's weight to 12 to 15 pounds.There is no other name that has been given by the doctor. ( He just says clogged tear duct )

So I am believing this to be some kind of infections, since the doctor said it can spread...

Ted or anyone have any natural remedies for this???

I believe the mother has massaged the eye and put warm cloths on it. None of this has helped."

03/07/2010: Cb from Blaricum, Netherlands writes: "Hi, You can try to put Castor oil on the eyes, another remedy is green teabags on the eye (probably green tea on a cloth will be ok). Regards, CB"

03/07/2010: Janice from Coloma, Mi writes: "My son had clogged tear ducts when he was a baby. I had to massage the side of his nose by his eyes and mucus would come out. Then I would have to put an ointment in them. The Dr. said he would wait until he was five months old but if it hadn't opened up by then he would have to open them up (lance them open somehow). I found an herbal recipe, mixed it up and put it in one eye. The following day I was so worried because his eye (underneath) was all red and it was even red down into his cheek. The following day, it was as clear as a bell and so I did the other eye and the same thing happened. After that, they were fine. The next trip to the Dr.s office, he was happy that they had finally cleared up. I didn't tell him what I did. I will look up the recipe and post it as soon as I find it."

03/07/2010: Rosie from La, Ca writes: "I know someone who had to get a this surgery a couple of times, and the third time it happened someone told her to massage her tear ducts. Her tear ducts no longer get clogged. Simply put your thumb and index finder on either side of your nose and gently massage the tear ducts (press/release, circles). You will easily feel them. Try it on yourself before deciding to try it on the baby."

03/08/2010: Tricia from Ireland writes: "It's always worrying when a small child has anything wrong. I had this done as an adult many years ago. I don't mean to be dismissive but the GP probobly shouldn't have called it surgery. That makes the procedure sound much worse than it actually is. The Doc will put eyedrops in to deaden and and dilate the tear vessels. A baby may need more anaesthesia to stop them from wriggling and moving. Then a saline solutuion is washed through using a syringe. Took less than 5 min. Afterwards I drove home (Bout a 100 mile) without any problems.

I had the clogged tear duct for close on a year after having an operation near my eye without any infection setting in. My doc kept saying that infection shouldn't be a problem as the eye is self cleaning. My main problem was that because the natural liquid in the eye couldn't flow the the tear duct, one eye kept "crying".

However if there is mucous building up that can become infected and if massage doesn't work - this is not a procedure that anyone should be afraid of. I didn't even have a bandage."

03/08/2010: Piper from Toronto, On Canada writes: "My daughter had this several times. A woman suggested breast milk, which I had and I did put in her eyes and she never had the problem again. She claimed breast milk cured just about everything."

03/08/2010: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa writes: "When my first son was a newborn (he's now 25) he had a clogged tear duct and my midwife told me to squirt some breast milk in his eye and gently massage. Worked like a charm. Breast milk is magical!"

03/18/2010: Olga from Miami, Florida writes: "My lil one had the same problem, some day would get better, some day he couldn't even open his eyes from the night until I can clean it up with tea. Doctor said if by 1 birthday it wouldn't clear up, than surgery would be needed and that it is very common. We used prescribed antibiotic baby eye drops (prevent infection)Second time around don't think would use them. And as was mentioned before massaging the very corner of the eye (where the duct) but still about every hour eyes needed to be cleaned with chamomile or black tea. About week after his first birthdays everything disappeared. So listen to your gut and Good Luck!"

03/18/2010: Rob from Manhattan, New York writes: "are you sure it isn't the meat industry spin...Societies that consume larger quantities of whole soy seem to be doing better health wise than north america's meat eating populace. Sure there are individual reactions, allergies etc..., though I just don't accept that soy as a whole is harmful & in fact the opposite, in moderation.
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/WBL02186/More-Soy-Less-Lung-Cancer.html"

[YEA]  05/06/2009: Jess from Columbus, OH writes: "My 22 month old was diagnosed as being anemic because of low iron count last month his iron count was 10pts the average is 12pts or higher. We had already been giving him high iron food and a vitamin with iron in it and nothing would bring the count up. The pediatrician gave us an iron drop supplement to give him, i didnt feel comfortable giving it to him because of all the side effects. Someone told me to try black strap molasses because it was high in iron. So i gave it a try and in 3 weeks his iron count went from 10pts to 14pts!!! We just gave it to him in his soymilk bottle."

06/12/2009: Crstline99 from Crestline, CA writes: "You can also try cream of wheat to bring up iron. I used it before surgery, because I had to give blood to myself two weeks in a row before surgery. My iron went up a lot. enough that the nurse taking my blood made a comment on how unusual it was for someone's counts to go UP after giving blood the week before."

01/03/2010: Dkay from San Diego, Ca writes: "For God's sake--stop feeding your poor baby soy milk! It will cause him to have thyroid problems as he ages. All soy products other than fermented soy depresses the thyroid. If he is allergic to cow's milk see if he can tolerate goat milk, but ditch the soy. You can read about the problems this has been causing on the internet. From one who is suffering from Hashimoto's thyroiditis--you don't want your baby to suffer from thyroid problems!"

02/17/2010: Julie from Loisa, Ky writes: "I have used blackstrap, and it did help. I had a real hard time keeping my count at 11. The blackstrap has very high sugar content, and it did cause weight gain. I started eating lots of greens, ie spinich, kale and these have some of the highest nutrient values of any food. You can eat as much as you want without haveing to worry about sugar.

As for the baby, it is fine to use soymilk as long as you are using plain soymilk. With all the gmo. and additives we are getting way far from the natural soy. I make my own or buy it in a box that reads unsweetend organic soymilk. the ingredients are soybeans and water. The soy that is causing problems is "soy protein isolate, and TSP" These are chemically derived and not found in nature. People, half truths are far more dangerous than flat untruths. A soy bean is no more dangerous in its natural state than any other bean."

03/11/2010: Adriana from Sofia, Bulgaria writes: "Organic or not soy should be consumed only rarely. In addition to suppressing the thyroid it has too much phyto-estrogen. It can cause boys to be feminine and female babies get pubic hair, for example."

03/18/2010: Beth from Vista, Ca writes: "Here is an exerpt from a report about infants fed soy milk.

"Infants exclusively fed soy-based formula have 13,000 to 22,000 times more estrogen compounds in their blood than babies fed milk-based formula, the estrogenic equivalent of at least five birth control pills per day."

The link is http://www.soyonlineservice.co.nz/"

03/18/2010: Rob from Manhattan, New York writes: "are you sure it isn't the meat industry spin...Societies that consume larger quantities of whole soy seem to be doing better health wise than north america's meat eating populace. Sure there are individual reactions, allergies etc..., though I just don't accept that soy as a whole is harmful & in fact the opposite, in moderation.
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/WBL02186/More-Soy-Less-Lung-Cancer.html"

03/18/2010: Pieter from Edmonton, Alberta writes: "bought lugols solution made by xenex labs at my local Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy... they didn't stock it, but ordered it for me when I asked. the solution is 5% iodine, 10% potassium iodide, 85% water"

03/14/2007: Brad from Winnipeg, MB writes: "I cannot find lugol's anywhere in canada- it is possibly not approved. i did see lugol's iodine for marine purposes such as fish tanks. is this the same and can i take it internally or paint it? thanks, Brad"

EC: Probably the same, Brad. Suggest you write one of the distributors in the U.S. like jcrows.com and see what they have to say.

04/19/2009: Louis from Courtenay, BC writes: "Hi Brad,

In regards to purchasing Lugol it is available in Canada with no restrictions (for now anyway), an you can purchase it at xenex lab. I just got some 500ml for $43.00 CAD including delivery and tax.

Good luck

Louis"

05/20/2009: Cindy from Lloydminster, Alberta, Canada writes: "I have checked all over for the Lugol's Iodine, and cannot find it anywhere, I did check the website for Xenex Labs, and you cannot direct order from them. Is there anywhere else to Look?"

05/20/2009: MJ from DC, U.S.A. writes: "You can order Lugol's Iodine online. To comply with EC's guidelines, I can't post the URL or site name, however if you do a Google search you should find the online store that sells it.

Good Luck!"

EC: Feel free to send us urls for lugol's or food grade h202!

05/20/2009: Anonymous from Anonymous, USA writes: "Looks like Amazon.com might carry it. Wishing YOU well!"

05/21/2009: T from Maryland, USA writes: "J. Crow's has it in 2 strengths: http://www.jcrows.com/iodine.html"

05/21/2009: MJ from DC, U.S.A. writes: "I purchased Lugol's Iodine online from JCrow: http://www.jcrows.com/iodine.html. You'll have to scroll down the page a little to find the order form, but the page contains an abundance of info. on the Usefulness of Iodine. I don't have a link for food grade H202."

EC: Does JCrows ship to Canada?

05/21/2009: MJ from DC, U.S.A. writes: "JCrows does ship to Canada and other international countries."

05/21/2009: T from Maryland, USA writes: "It seems J. Crow's would ship to Canada. They have "Province" and "Country" as fields on their order form, and also this on the site:

"Phone or Fax Toll Free 1 800 878 1965 in US & Canada"

There's also this note on the order form: "Shipping on international orders figured at time of shipment"

08/22/2009: Don from Kailua, Hawaii writes: "I have ordered lugol's solution from online Swansons vitamins."

03/18/2010: Pieter from Edmonton, Alberta writes: "bought lugols solution made by xenex labs at my local Shoppers Drug Mart pharmacy... they didn't stock it, but ordered it for me when I asked. the solution is 5% iodine, 10% potassium iodide, 85% water"

[YEA]  03/18/2010: Sophie from Pdx, Usa writes: "I've been taking VCO first thing in the morning (1tsp) and 1 tsp at around 1:30 in the afternoon which followed with some some warm tea. Sometimes when I'm hungry I will just have a 1/4-1/2 tsp of VCO. When I first started this I felt a little sick from it but I believe that this was detoxification process, so I stepped up my steam/sauna time and drank more water and tea. Sometimes I will put some VCO fruit berry smoothie. I've noticed my cravings have vanished, and my consumption of food has gone down. My skin is clear. My energy is up. My eyes are no longer red they are now clear and white. I also started using it as an all over body lotion my cellulite is gone. I use a very, very small amount on my face it is nice, and makes my skin super soft and clear. I've FINALLY lost the stubborn 10 pounds."

[YEA]  10/19/2007: Tanya from Brisbane, Australia writes: "I have been taking virgin coconut oil now for about 4 months and I love it. I have trouble with candida and acne and both have been better since I started using it in cooking and fruit smoothies. I also add about a 1/4 of a cup VCO to a warm bath with about 1/2 a cup of micro-biotic sea salt and it is wonderful... Makes your skin feel great and smells really nice. I find when I use coconut oil in the mornings I eat less throughout the day because I don't get the bad sugar or carbohydrate cravings. I'm not trying to lose weight, just heal my acne and candida but I have dropped from about 57-58kilos to 54.5 in about 2 months without really changing anything else (although I do eat a relatively good diet already). I highly recommend it!!! Tan."

[YEA]  03/18/2010: Sophie from Pdx, Usa writes: "I've been taking VCO first thing in the morning (1tsp) and 1 tsp at around 1:30 in the afternoon which followed with some some warm tea. Sometimes when I'm hungry I will just have a 1/4-1/2 tsp of VCO. When I first started this I felt a little sick from it but I believe that this was detoxification process, so I stepped up my steam/sauna time and drank more water and tea. Sometimes I will put some VCO fruit berry smoothie. I've noticed my cravings have vanished, and my consumption of food has gone down. My skin is clear. My energy is up. My eyes are no longer red they are now clear and white. I also started using it as an all over body lotion my cellulite is gone. I use a very, very small amount on my face it is nice, and makes my skin super soft and clear. I've FINALLY lost the stubborn 10 pounds."

[YEA]  03/18/2010: Theglennstreet from Taipei, Taiwan writes: "I had suffered for years from Hypoglycaemic attacks, mainly when I have neglected to eat regularly, as we all do from time to time.

However, I was still prone rather severe episodes of Hypoglycaemia until I read that caffeine was a probable cause.

I now only ever drink tea, coffee (or caffeine) after lunch and this has virtually eliminated the attacks which only occur if I do not eat regularly.

In short - my personal cure for Hypoglycaemia - eat little and often and avoid any caffeine until after lunch."

Thank you for posting to me - I appreciate your feedback and assistance from everyone."

03/14/2010: Diana from Boston, Massachusetts, United States writes: "I just found this site today. I am so grateful. I have read thru most everyones comments on this topic and wanted to thank everyone for sharing their experience.

My situation is a little different. I have many symptoms and not certain if they are all connected or from several medical problems.

Started some years ago with Thyroid/hashimoto's disease - first illness - taking thyroid hormones since they iradiated it. Next, hair loss - got scalp injections from dematology for this 5% cortizone shots. Long treatments but it worked. Since then I have developed these fibroids and excema. Are all these things connected? Also vision has gotten bad, now wear glasses. Also, Acid Reflux. Never took the script they gave me, but I did switch my diet some what.. after reading here I need to do more!

On the topic of fibroids, I too was diagnosed a couple of years ago and told to be sent into early menopause. I said no. I dont have heavy bleeding like alot of people here are saying, but I have excruciating pain! Feels like razors or boulders going thru my falopian tubes on the left side. Every month. Plus, I get low grade fevers and feel like I have the flu every month. Typical flu symptoms- headache, fever, naseau, vomiting. Litterally bed bound monthly for two weeks with these flu symptoms. I know there is no way I can have the flu every month and went back to the doctors. They paid no attention to my complaints about the flu as of yet. I have had a stomach CT scan and the results where clear, more fibroids - they are in my tubes, in my uterus and on my ovaries. They scheduled an Upper GI and a pelvic ultrasound. I am at my wits end with the pain!! Today thanks to this site I started the 2 tbspn of Apple cider vinegar mixed with 1/4 Tspn baking soda..and will take it twice or three times a day.

I have gained 40 lbs in the past year, yes, all tummy. Thinking that maybe its all from fribroids? Or alot of it anyway. Two years ago I didnt have uterine fibroids. Im hoping it helps and will let you know as things progress. Thanks to everyone for your openness and willing to share your experiences."

03/14/2010: Joyce from Joelton, Tn writes: "Hello Diana from Boston,

Type "potassium iodide" in search window and click on go or search. When references appear pull up one from Tahoma Clinic. I suggest you print this one out for future reference because SSKI is useful for much more than fibroids. This article is written by alternative doctor Jonathan Wright and is very useful and everything I have used SSKI for has been as he said in this article. One other thing he didn't mention is that 2 drops per day helps keep our stomach producing HCl acid for digesting our food."

03/18/2010: Diana from Boston, Ma writes: "To Joyce from Joelton

I found the article you spoke of: Tohoma Clinic Dr Wright- here is the link for the future, I had to google for it because all that came up from this site when I searched were your posts telling people to look it up.. here is the link for others for future reference- you should just post the link instead: http://www.tahomaclinic.com/iodide.shtml

So I have some questions about the use of SSKI or Potasium Iodide : First, I am hypothyroid and spoke with my doctor just today and she said to avoid Iodine. So I am reluctant to take this product.

Second, I also had my Pelvic Ultrasound today and they found 2 Fibroids in the uterus just slightly larger than golf balls. One on each side.

With this help with my fribroids? Did not see that mentioned on the site. Also, I am type A blood, noticed that people with Type A blood are not suppose to take Apple cider Vinegar. Although at this point its either surgery or the ACV or some other remedy.

I did notice and found it interesting that the SSKI is also used to treat people that have been affective by Nuclear Fallout. I was in the service and I was the Nuclear Biological and Chemical Weapons Officer and was exposed to radiation and Perchlorate sulfates alot (dry cleaning fluids) we used them to clean parts of things.. weapons, helicopter parts etc.) I remember having my arm - pit deep in barrels of the stuff on many occassions. As well as a nuclear densomitor which I had to use quite often. Holding it by the spoke that you put in the soil. Was not aware at the time it emmited large amounts of radiation.

Do you think these things could have caused all my ILLS? Hypothyroidism, Copd, asthma, fibroids, diverticulosis and diverticulitis? Seems like all these things are listed on the tahoma site. If I could find a common cause then maybe I could find a common cure? Could use your input.

Thank you for posting to me - I appreciate your feedback and assistance from everyone."

03/18/2010: Joyce from Joelton, Tn writes: "Hello Diana from Boston,

First a question or two. Is your thyroid just sluggish and still functioning or totally wiped out? If it is still functioning then it needs some iodine to function properly, so why did your doctor tell you to avoid it? Hopefully you also picked up on the use of SSKI to liquify secretions in the respiratory tract so you can get them out, which means that it should help with asthma and COPD. Another thing to consider if it is just sluggish is that a deficiency of B complex vitamins causes a sluggish thyroid, so I suggest that you get a good stress tab (B complex with vitamins C & E) and take 1 at mealtime and bedtime although the container will tell you to take 1 a day.

Another question, while you were up to armpit in the goop in the service, were you taking SSKI or anything to protect your thyroid from radiation? If not, it is unlikely that the radiation isn't part of the cause of your problems.

I have also read that those with asthma are low on selenium. Wild cherry bark tea is supposed to be good for asthma. You might also want to read Bill's inhalation method of H202 for the asthma and COPD. I am all for trying what is likely to help, and not likely to harm with unwanted side effects. I also recall reading in EC about someone curing their COPD with a home remedy which included mullein, so you might want to look this up. Mullein is a very easy to identify wild plant, but since it mentioned using the seed pods, you won't likely find seed pods until this coming fall. Some herbal shops might sell them though.

Could you share your source for the recommendation that people with type A blood should not take ACV? I think I am type A and I have been taking ACV/honey for a long time (at least 40-50 years) and I am still alive and kicking.

I believe that if you reread Dr. Wright's article on SSKI, you will find that he mentions cystic breast disease. But you would have to follow what your thyroid is doing because you would be taking it for several months and it can suppress the thyroid. I figure that if it gets rid of fibroids in the breast, it should also get rid of fibroids in the uterus or elsewhere.

My breasts were nothing much but lumps for years. I can't say for sure that vitamin E is what got rid of them, but vitamin E is what I had added to my daily vitamins, and several months later I was surprised to find that all my lumps were gone and replaced with normal breast tissue, so if you aren't taking vitamin E, start taking at least 400 IU/day and see what happens.

To find out how much perchlorate sulfates might have done to you, just type it into a search window and if you find that it has been a big part of your problem, print it out and take it with you to visit the VA Hospital doctors and put in a claim for the damage done to your health by the exposure. Hope you find some of this useful and hope your health improves. "

03/18/2010: Beth from Vista, Ca, Usa writes: "You can make your own deodorant:

5 tbsp. Virgin Coconut Oil
1/4 cup Arrowroot Powder (or Corn Starch)
1/4 cup Baking Soda
5 drops Tea Tree Oil
Optional: Jasmine Oil or any Good smelling Essential Oil

Mix the powdered ingredients together
Add the Tea Tree Oil to Coconut Oil (and Essential Oil Fragrance) and stir

Drizzle into powdered mixture until it forms a ball sort of like play dough consistency.

I store mine in a small jar. Cleaned out pimento or small artichoke jar works well.

Apply with fingers.

Hope it helps!"

[YEA]  08/10/2007: Judy from Loveland, Co writes: "When I was pregnant, I had terrible RLS in the third trimester. After I had the baby, it got much better. Unfortunately, five years later, I had a miscarriage and seemed to have RLS again. It wasn't as severe as the first time but it kept me up at night none the less. Meanwhile, I had started using regular deoderant with the aluminum(sp) in it. I read that that is one of the contributing factors of RLS so I stopped using antiperspirent. (Of course I use something to deoderize like a mineral rock :)) My mild case of RLS is gone."

03/17/2010: Cynthia from Jacksonville, Alabama writes: "Thanks very much for this site. I've gotten a lot of good ideas from here. I had to laugh at the dog chasing cars in the dreams comment. I can relate. My dreams totally evolved around my kicking legs. I was wondering if aluminum deoderant was behind my rls. We had been using Lavelin for years and suddenly couldn't get it anymore.I bought another kind at the HFS and the label said- no alumninum chlorhydrate. I got faked out by the label and started using it. Then my hubby noticed on the back real small it said- active ingrediant- aluminum. I thought- I'll just use it up since we paid for it. I started eventually to get rls and was wondering if it had to do w/ it. Tom's makes a deoderant w/o aluminum and my hubby likes it. Remember those "mineral stones" are made of aluminum. Learn from my sheeple move and read the fine print~

I've been trying a bunch of stuff that has been reported on this site. It seems to help, unfortunately, I'm not sure exactly which thing is working. One thing I've done too is cut way back on eating Tums for indigestion. I read on the internet it can be an iron blocker. Since I'm a vegetarian, I have to be careful about getting enough iron as it is. I've started back using vinegar for indigestion, it works well and is supposed to be good for rls anyway. I've also cut way back on aspirin, it supposedly can block iron absorbtion is what I read. I've beefed up on slow absorbtion, fem iron (not taking within one hour of tea- tea (chai) is supposed to block it), molasses, magnesium, D-3, folic acid, taking vita C with iron pill, and I tried the baking soda in the water. Baking Soda is really not the healthiest thing long term either, but when you're hurting, you really don't care. I also tried a massager, and hot bathes, so far all those things have helped some. The socks in the bed have helped a lot, I do have a problem with cold feet. I'm going to try the sliver of ivory soap in the socks tonight when I go to bed. What's kind of weird right now is, my legs quit aching and now my arms are instead. They never hurt before.

Hopefully, stopping the aluminum deoderant will make it go away. These other things to speed it up. I knew the Tums were my downfall also.

I'm certain if I keep diligent, I'll get back on top of it again.

Thanks again for this site and for everyone's posts. Thank God for the internet. If we had to rely on doctor's we'd really be screwed! They have their place, but it helps to have tried and true natural and safe remedies that work and being able to share them. God bless you all~ Namaste, Cynthia"

03/18/2010: Beth from Vista, Ca, Usa writes: "You can make your own deodorant:

5 tbsp. Virgin Coconut Oil
1/4 cup Arrowroot Powder (or Corn Starch)
1/4 cup Baking Soda
5 drops Tea Tree Oil
Optional: Jasmine Oil or any Good smelling Essential Oil

Mix the powdered ingredients together
Add the Tea Tree Oil to Coconut Oil (and Essential Oil Fragrance) and stir

Drizzle into powdered mixture until it forms a ball sort of like play dough consistency.

I store mine in a small jar. Cleaned out pimento or small artichoke jar works well.

Apply with fingers.

Hope it helps!"

[YEA]  03/18/2010: Eileen from Exton, Pa writes: "Oil pulling cured a small but painful white bump on the tip of my tongue! I had it for a few days and it was very painful. I remembered oil pulling a while back and the thought came to me to give it a try. It actually relieved all pain while I was swishing. The next morning I awoke and walla-- no bump, no pain, completely gone. Amazing! I have started oil pulling again. I had forgotten how good I feel afterwards. I used olive oil."

EC: More about oil pulling here: http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/oil_pulling.html

[QUESTION]  02/06/2009: Kathy from Red Deer, AB, Canada writes: "For over 5 years I have had a burning tongue, sore gums and a coated tongue. Has anyone tried Oil Pulling for these symptoms?"

05/16/2009: Hollis from Hilo, Hawaii writes: "Aloha, I have been oil pulling for 2 1/2 years, once a day in the morning.....It is one of my daily health giving rituals. My teeth are sparkling white, gums holding my teeth solidly in place, but I still occasionally have a bout with a sore tongue issue....So the question Kathy from Canada had on your site asking if oil pulling helps with sore tongue problems...I would say no, unless I should be doing it more often (2-3 times daily) when I have tongue distress. I will try the apple cider vinegar and baking soda cure next time.... Isn't this a great site !! The ACV, honey in hot water cured my cough, and the cayenne gargle fixed up my throat....Thanks for all the valuable information."

[YEA]  03/18/2010: Eileen from Exton, Pa writes: "Oil pulling cured a small but painful white bump on the tip of my tongue! I had it for a few days and it was very painful. I remembered oil pulling a while back and the thought came to me to give it a try. It actually relieved all pain while I was swishing. The next morning I awoke and walla-- no bump, no pain, completely gone. Amazing! I have started oil pulling again. I had forgotten how good I feel afterwards. I used olive oil."

EC: More about oil pulling here: http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/oil_pulling.html

03/18/2010: Merryanne from Orange City, Florida, Usa writes: "Sorry,,but Ted's suggestions for cold treaments is not printing."

EC: Thanks so much, Merryanne. Fixed!

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/colds.html#TED

[YEA]  03/18/2010: Wendy from Dahlonega, Ga writes: "I read about using the green tea with jasmine and it works! I have been getting an awful cough the past few winter/spring seasons. The cough is a dry one. This time I coughed so much I felt like I was going to cough my insides out. My green tea has orange, passionfruit and jasmine in it. I started to cough up phlegm immediately. It worked truly wonderful. I only drank maybe 2 cups for about 2-3 days and my cough was gone."

[YEA]  03/04/2008: Suzanne from London, UK writes: "I had a virus which included a cough and sore throat. It was so bad that I saw my doctor and got antibiotics for it. By this time I was bringing up blood with the mucus and was raw inside. I was drinking gallons of water and fruit juice and of course cough medicine, all without any relief. When I ran out of other fruit juices I only had left a bottle of apricot and peach green tea with jasmine. My cough stopped instantly as soon as I had the first gulp and the tickle disappeared from my throat. I was totally amazed. I have been sipping the mixture for a few days now and my cough has cleared. I looked up jasmine and green tea on the Internet and it appears to be a Chinese remedy for coughs. Its so amazing that it actually works! I thought you should all know."

[YEA]  03/18/2010: Wendy from Dahlonega, Ga writes: "I read about using the green tea with jasmine and it works! I have been getting an awful cough the past few winter/spring seasons. The cough is a dry one. This time I coughed so much I felt like I was going to cough my insides out. My green tea has orange, passionfruit and jasmine in it. I started to cough up phlegm immediately. It worked truly wonderful. I only drank maybe 2 cups for about 2-3 days and my cough was gone."

Please help me. Yesterday I suddenly vomited twice, which is rare for me as I have a stomach of steel. Here is what I am doing, am generally healthy but could lose 50 pounds to be the weight I was in high school long ago. I have 1/8 tsp. of baking soda in a 12 oz glass of water 2 times a day. I have a 1/2 gallon jug of water I put 1/8 tsp. of borax in and I drink from the jug all day long. I also put 1/2 lemon in a 12 oz. glass of hot water with 2 TB ACV and chug the glass down as I do not like the taste. Did I upset my stomach from the ACV drinking too fast, or did I have a reaction to the borax, or is there a vomit side effect from all 3 items? I have been doing this for 3 weeks with no effects. Today nothing as I am afraid to do anything. Help would be greatly appreciated as it sounds like this should be helpful to any body. Thank you, Celia"

03/18/2010: Beth from Vista, Ca writes: "Here is an exerpt from a report about infants fed soy milk.

"Infants exclusively fed soy-based formula have 13,000 to 22,000 times more estrogen compounds in their blood than babies fed milk-based formula, the estrogenic equivalent of at least five birth control pills per day."

The link is http://www.soyonlineservice.co.nz/"

[YEA]  05/06/2009: Jess from Columbus, OH writes: "My 22 month old was diagnosed as being anemic because of low iron count last month his iron count was 10pts the average is 12pts or higher. We had already been giving him high iron food and a vitamin with iron in it and nothing would bring the count up. The pediatrician gave us an iron drop supplement to give him, i didnt feel comfortable giving it to him because of all the side effects. Someone told me to try black strap molasses because it was high in iron. So i gave it a try and in 3 weeks his iron count went from 10pts to 14pts!!! We just gave it to him in his soymilk bottle."

06/12/2009: Crstline99 from Crestline, CA writes: "You can also try cream of wheat to bring up iron. I used it before surgery, because I had to give blood to myself two weeks in a row before surgery. My iron went up a lot. enough that the nurse taking my blood made a comment on how unusual it was for someone's counts to go UP after giving blood the week before."

01/03/2010: Dkay from San Diego, Ca writes: "For God's sake--stop feeding your poor baby soy milk! It will cause him to have thyroid problems as he ages. All soy products other than fermented soy depresses the thyroid. If he is allergic to cow's milk see if he can tolerate goat milk, but ditch the soy. You can read about the problems this has been causing on the internet. From one who is suffering from Hashimoto's thyroiditis--you don't want your baby to suffer from thyroid problems!"

02/17/2010: Julie from Loisa, Ky writes: "I have used blackstrap, and it did help. I had a real hard time keeping my count at 11. The blackstrap has very high sugar content, and it did cause weight gain. I started eating lots of greens, ie spinich, kale and these have some of the highest nutrient values of any food. You can eat as much as you want without haveing to worry about sugar.

As for the baby, it is fine to use soymilk as long as you are using plain soymilk. With all the gmo. and additives we are getting way far from the natural soy. I make my own or buy it in a box that reads unsweetend organic soymilk. the ingredients are soybeans and water. The soy that is causing problems is "soy protein isolate, and TSP" These are chemically derived and not found in nature. People, half truths are far more dangerous than flat untruths. A soy bean is no more dangerous in its natural state than any other bean."

03/11/2010: Adriana from Sofia, Bulgaria writes: "Organic or not soy should be consumed only rarely. In addition to suppressing the thyroid it has too much phyto-estrogen. It can cause boys to be feminine and female babies get pubic hair, for example."

03/18/2010: Beth from Vista, Ca writes: "Here is an exerpt from a report about infants fed soy milk.

"Infants exclusively fed soy-based formula have 13,000 to 22,000 times more estrogen compounds in their blood than babies fed milk-based formula, the estrogenic equivalent of at least five birth control pills per day."

The link is http://www.soyonlineservice.co.nz/"

03/18/2010: Rob from Manhattan, New York writes: "are you sure it isn't the meat industry spin...Societies that consume larger quantities of whole soy seem to be doing better health wise than north america's meat eating populace. Sure there are individual reactions, allergies etc..., though I just don't accept that soy as a whole is harmful & in fact the opposite, in moderation.
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/WBL02186/More-Soy-Less-Lung-Cancer.html"

I am not afraid of taking B/S, from my experience using two tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, I always need at least on tablespoon of B/S to stop the fizzle. I just want to double check with your experience to make sure I am doing this right."

06/28/2009: Colleen from Livingston, NJ writes: "Hi, My Mom and I have been doing some research regarding Candida. We are both convinced that we have this condition since we both fit the symptoms to a tee.

Anyway, my question is, my Mom has been diagnosed with high blood pressure and I've been seeing mixed commentary on the web to whether or not taking the Coconut Oil is good for people who have high blood pressure. Should she continue taking Coconut Oil and will it lower her pressure or make it higher?

Any commentary or personal results are appreciated!! Thanks!"

[YEA]  11/28/2009: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines writes: "Hi Colleen...As a help to you here is a website showing much of the research on coconut oil in our diet:

http://coconutoil.com/research.htm

There are many myths that have been spread around about saturated fats and the above web-site should explain all.

I use extra virgin coconut oil internally and externally on body every day, I regard this oil as far more curative even than olive oil because coconut oil is a stable saturated fat, whereas olive oil is a monounsaturated vegetable oil, therefore less stable and much more prone to quickly oxidise.

When I started taking coconut oil, I actually lost weight, my blood pressure went down, my cholesterol levels went down and rebalanced, I had more energy and it was a major factor in getting rid of my Candida."

03/16/2010: Maria from Wilmington, DE, Usa writes: "This is a question to Bill from the Philipines. Bill how long did you take the coconut oil to cure your candida? Maria"

03/17/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Maria...It took a year to cure my candida. And coconut oil wasn't the only remedy I used. I also used the following.

* Ted's lime/lemon plus Baking soda 3 times a day for alkalizing the body.

* Occasionally Ted's ACV plus BS or BS on its own on in water to provide more energy and to provide more bicarbonates respectively.

* Teaspoon of Blackstrap Molasses in my coffee for minerals.

* Milk thistle to support my liver throughout the cure.

* Kelp tablets for iodine.

* My own homemade decoction of Tinospora cordifolia, Phyllanthus niruri(Chanca piedra or Stonebreaker) and Tumeric, all of which grow in my garden. I took this for liver, kidney and intestinal support throughout the cure. I have recently included Neem leaves in this decoction, because I found a Neem tree in my neighboorhood the other day. Neem, amongst all its other highly beneficial properties, is also highly alkalizing.

I had terrible constipation for about 7 years and usually had a bowel movement once every 4 days. Not good. The coconut oil had an immediate effect on this, my stools became smaller and softer, and eventually I started to have regular BM everyday. I cook everything in VCO now, even use it on my salads. I have banned all other polyunsaturated veg oils from my diet now, since most of these are highly processed chemically and suffer oxidation too quickly which is bad for the body. VCO should be unprocessed, stable and it takes 2-3 years to oxidize this oil.

Just to say that intestinal candida is an insidious problem that can be very hard to eradicate. It is insidious because initially you don't notice its effects, they sort of creep up on you and since I'm over 60 y o I just thought it was age...LOL. But then I stumbled on EC and read about candida. I now regard any yeast, mold or fungus as the prime human enemy now, far more destructive on the human body than viruses, bacteria etc. Fungus's are way more adaptable than any other microbe, they are neither plant nor animal, they can hide for years, they can transfer their nucleus via their hypha by penetrating host cells in order to hide and breed when under attack. The overall effect of this is to continually weaken and wear down the body's immune system, and eventually to provide a wonderful acid environment to allow in a plethora of other viruses and bacteria. This is why it takes so long to get rid of and recover from candida.

Simply put, there is no one magic bullet for candida. I still regard Ted's lemon/lime remedy as the prime remedy that hepled to destroy my candida. But I also have a very high regard for VCO too."

03/17/2010: Maria from Wilmington, De - Usa writes: "Hi Bill,

Thanks for the prompt response and thorough explanation. However, I have a few questions regarding your remedies:

1. How much lime/lemon juice and baking soda dis you use?
2. Milk Thistle - is this in a form of tea or powder. How much and how frequently do you use it.
3. Kelp tablets - not sure I need it or do I

I have had thrush in my throat (I'm sure it's in my stomach as well) for about 2 months now and went the Rx route but I'm ready to use the home remedies. I am also over 60 and having a tough time of it but I'm not giving up, there must be an answer. I am determined to kill this fungus off and get my life back. All the best to you.

Maria"

03/18/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Maria...In answer to your questions:

1. How much lime/lemon juice and baking soda is you use?

Use 1/2 tspn Baking soda dissolved in the juice of one lemon or lime. Just slowly add the BS to the lemon/lime juice in 1/2 glass of water until it stops fizzing(Do not worry if you use a little more or less than 1/2 tspn BS). Take this at least 2 times a day -- at least one hour before or two hours after meals. Never take this remedy with meals. Take this 5 times a week with 2 days rest every week.

2. Milk Thistle - is this in a form of tea or powder. How much and how frequently do you use it?

I took Milk Thistle powder in capsule form -- Two 1500 mg capsules per day. Do not buy the tablets, buy the capsule form containing powder. I took this every day in order to help my liver cope with the Herx reaction or fungal die-off.

Kelp tablets - not sure I need it or do I?

Kelp contains minerals, but I took it mainly for the iodine to support my immune system. It is always a good idea to support your immune system as much as possible. You can also use iodine foot-painting (transdermal absorbtion) as well as described here if you like:

http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/iodine3.html#IP

I use iodine painting now. For this you can use lugol's iodine or just ordinary iodine tincture or even Betadine.

Ted advises the best way to get rid of oral thrush here:

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/thrush.html#TED

Although I've never used the ACV plus hydrogen peroxide(H2O2) combo, I have used these two separately for different reasons and they are both powerful anti-fungals. I also agree wholeheartedly with all his other advice."

03/18/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas, Usa writes: "Bill, I have to agree with you on how destructive fungus is to the human body and how deceptive it can be. As you mention it will hid in the body waiting for an opportunity to start growing and a person will never know it. I see fungus as one of the great cleanser of the earth digesting unused material. But what does this tell us about what we are consuming and we get an overgrowth inside. As you know too much toxins and waste. I believe eating clean is a big part of conquering this dis-ease.

I am now for the 4th time in my life dealing with this. I am having great results with EC remedies and your posts. I also used the maple syrup combined with baking 3 xs a day to kick start the clean up. Boy did it do it. I lost 7 pounds from stomach in about 3 days. I feel so much better not having the extra weight around the middle. If anyone tries this be prepared to feel really sick for a week or so.

Thanks for your posts and sharing your journey as it is a great encouragement to fellow travelers."

03/18/2010: Peter from Chicago, Il writes: "Bill,

I am not afraid of taking B/S, from my experience using two tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, I always need at least on tablespoon of B/S to stop the fizzle. I just want to double check with your experience to make sure I am doing this right."

03/18/2010: Peter from Chicago, Il writes: "Bill, sorry for typo. I meant "one" not on ts."

[YEA]  03/18/2010: Crazydogjack from New Castle, Pa, Usa writes: "I'm changing my Nay to Yea! Since starting the ACV July 2009, I have lost a total of 16.5 lbs. to date! I do not crave sweets and I have alot more energy. I am eating smaller portions as well. Those of you trying this for weight loss don't give up...stick with it. There are so many other positive benefits to ACV anyway so drink it anyway!"

[NAY]  09/22/2009: Crazydogjack from New Castle, Pa, USA writes: "Hello All,

I've been drinking 1-2 tsp. of organic ACV in a 16 oz. bottle of water everyday for 3 months now and I have not lost any weight. I exercise 5-6 days a week (run/walk 3 miles a day) and I've been watching my food intake using a food journal. I have lost inches from the exercise but my weight has stayed the same so far. I will continue to drink the ACV and water because of the many health benefits associated with it. Unfortunately weight loss has not been one of those benefits for me."

[YEA]  11/30/2009: Melissa from Cranbrook, Bc writes: "You should keep in mind that just because you are not losing pounds does not mean that the treatment is not effective. Muscle weighs more than fat, so your body type and the type of exercise you are taking part in will determine wether you will lose pounds or not. I am a firm believer in not judging your success by the scale, as to how different your clothing fits. I have had success with ACV for weight loss, combine it with a great exercise regimine."

01/19/2010: Alison from Novi, Mi writes: "I agree with Melissa. I have often heard of women complaining that they exercise often and only gain weight. The problem is we are told we should weigh a certain amount, but muscle weighs 3 times more than fat. We should be basing our health on the amount of fat in our bodies. If you are losing inches it is because you are losing the fat and gaining muscle. TV shows like biggest loser base their winners on how much they weigh only because the people on it are so overweight that no amount of muscle will make them weigh 400 lbs again. Please understand that being healthy does NOT tie directly to the "perfect" weight, no matter who told you what it is. It ties to eating right, exercising, and making sure that you have a healthy ratio of fat in your body."

01/20/2010: The_phoenix from Townsville, Australia writes: "O.K,

Here it is.... the lowdown on excercise and dieting.

NEVER EXCERCISE TO LOSE WEIGHT.

We need moderate excercise to stimulate the body, especially the hormonal system (if you don't use it you lose it). What we are really doing, when we excercise, is building in some excess metabolic capacity (extra sugar stores in the liver, more efficient lungs/heart/muscles etc) and this acts as an energy buffer when we need it ... sometimes, on a busy day we are pushing the body and that is when the reserves kick in. So, there are only two reasons why we excercise; for fun/relaxation and to put some spare energy in the body bank i.e. so we FEEL better.

NEVER GO ON A DIET.

I have seen so many people diet and they seldom succeed in the long term and worse still, most of them place unnecessary stress on the body (some diets are even dangerous). Only eat for two reasons; health and enjoyment (enjoying life isn't a sin and sometimes we just eat it because we like it).

Here, for your benefit, is the simplest and easiest health protocol ever written and I am giving it away for free ... you don't get the steak knives though :-)

1) - add up the liquids that you drink in one day and then calculate the % that is water. Slowly increase the % of water that you drink (best to not drink with meals if you can manage it).

Note that tea and coffee etc does not count as water.

- add up the amount of food you eat in one day (in litres) and then calculate the % that is raw fruit and veges. Slowly increase this percentage.

For ultra health maintenance around 95% is the target for water consumption and about 75-80% is the target for raw fruit and veges but anything around 50% will be life changing for most people."

[YEA]  03/18/2010: Crazydogjack from New Castle, Pa, Usa writes: "I'm changing my Nay to Yea! Since starting the ACV July 2009, I have lost a total of 16.5 lbs. to date! I do not crave sweets and I have alot more energy. I am eating smaller portions as well. Those of you trying this for weight loss don't give up...stick with it. There are so many other positive benefits to ACV anyway so drink it anyway!"

[YEA]  03/18/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas, Usa writes: "I have found a fossilized plant humic acid and the company sells the liquid form as food grade; but not for human consumption. After much research I have found out the powdered form is the same source sold by other companies for double or triple the amount. I know I cannot give a name but if you will type in food grade humic acid in the google search I think you should find it. The company is a gardening company. Hope this helps."

[YEA]  03/18/2010: Purelife from Columbia, Sc writes: "Truly we have to thank God for these natural cures. I were having some kind of tooth infection. I check EC found
the remedy you posted, must say it work like a charm since I did not want to call out from work. Had slippery elm bark used that instead of the powder, it worked fine it was instant relief. Going to try the tomato juice and cayenne pepper. Is this store bought juice or fresh press, please let me know?"

[YEA]  01/04/2008: DENNIS from BYHALIA, MS writes: "FORGET THAT ROOT CANAL & SUPER SORE SWOLLEN JAW!

Abscess tooth WITH SUPER SORE swollen jaw.

This recipe is famous for getting that abscess down (even beneath a crown tooth)
3 parts Slippery Elm, 2 parts baking yeast, 4 drops cloves, 1/3 teaspoon cayenne pepper, and open two activated caracole capsules and mix..

Add a little water enough to make a paste. It will be gummy due to the slippery elm. Then pack this mixture around the gum. The slippery elm, and charcoal, draws out the inflammation, the cayenne stimulates the cells around the tooth to release toxins and the cloves are added as a pain remedy, especially toothache. repeat every three to four hours as needed.

NEXT: Back it up by taking two capsules of turmeric in the AM and also two in the PM..TILL SWELING AND PAIN GO AWAY.

MAN MY TOOTH WAS SO SORE THAT I COULD NOT CLOSE MY MOUTH (ate soup and mash potato's) AND (DAY ONE) WITHIN HOURS I GOT SUCH RELEIF.......
AND BY THE END OF (DAY Three) totally healed!
INFECTION HAS NOT REOCCURED FOR OVER TWO YEARS NOW....
THANK THE LORD FOR NATURAL CURES.....

PS:
ALSO NOW DAILY AS A NATURAL ANTIBOTIC AND AS AN IMMUNE BOOSTER /ANTIOXIDENT
I MIX ONE HEAPING TEA-SPOON OF CAYENNE PEPPER INTO ONE CUP OF TOMATO JUICE AND DRINK IN THE AM AND ANOTHER CUP BEFORE BED IN THE PM.
THIS GREAT TASTING TREAT WILL GENTLY PURGE OUT YOUR WHOLE SYSTEM AND WILL ENHANCE YOUR TOTAL PHYSICAL AND EMOTIONAL HEALTH...(HEY GUYS IT HAS AN EFFECT ON US EVEN BETTER THAN VIAGRA)

PS: CANCER CELLS UNDER A MICROSCOPE HATE THIS MIX AS WELL!
BEST WISHES FOR BETTER HEALTH!"

[YEA]  03/18/2010: Purelife from Columbia, Sc writes: "Truly we have to thank God for these natural cures. I were having some kind of tooth infection. I check EC found
the remedy you posted, must say it work like a charm since I did not want to call out from work. Had slippery elm bark used that instead of the powder, it worked fine it was instant relief. Going to try the tomato juice and cayenne pepper. Is this store bought juice or fresh press, please let me know?"

I broke my foot 2 years to the day. A simple break, the DR called it a Dancers break. Just the outside bone below my little toe. Big complications later with blood clots, surgeries etc. But my question would be, why the spot still hurts. It has been aching a lot lately. I would like something to try naturally to heal this. Any ideas I would love to try. I am doing clay bathes now."

I stumbled upon this remedy by chance. Even though I take Turmeric I still get boils like many others. I got one last week and by the time I noticed it it was the size of a pea. I did not want to go through the process of making a turmeric paste nor did I want to risk dying another set of sheets yellow.

I remembered that the week before I ran into the coffee table and took 6 layers of skin off. I put St Johns Wart oil on it and the next day there was nothing. No readness, no bruise, and no soreness.

What the heck right? So I put it on my boil and the next morning it had shrunk by 50%. The next day the skin was flat, gone in three. I found another boil had popped up last night and this morning just about gone."

03/18/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas, Usa writes: "Bill, I have to agree with you on how destructive fungus is to the human body and how deceptive it can be. As you mention it will hid in the body waiting for an opportunity to start growing and a person will never know it. I see fungus as one of the great cleanser of the earth digesting unused material. But what does this tell us about what we are consuming and we get an overgrowth inside. As you know too much toxins and waste. I believe eating clean is a big part of conquering this dis-ease.

I am now for the 4th time in my life dealing with this. I am having great results with EC remedies and your posts. I also used the maple syrup combined with baking 3 xs a day to kick start the clean up. Boy did it do it. I lost 7 pounds from stomach in about 3 days. I feel so much better not having the extra weight around the middle. If anyone tries this be prepared to feel really sick for a week or so.

Thanks for your posts and sharing your journey as it is a great encouragement to fellow travelers."

06/28/2009: Colleen from Livingston, NJ writes: "Hi, My Mom and I have been doing some research regarding Candida. We are both convinced that we have this condition since we both fit the symptoms to a tee.

Anyway, my question is, my Mom has been diagnosed with high blood pressure and I've been seeing mixed commentary on the web to whether or not taking the Coconut Oil is good for people who have high blood pressure. Should she continue taking Coconut Oil and will it lower her pressure or make it higher?

Any commentary or personal results are appreciated!! Thanks!"

[YEA]  11/28/2009: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines writes: "Hi Colleen...As a help to you here is a website showing much of the research on coconut oil in our diet:

http://coconutoil.com/research.htm

There are many myths that have been spread around about saturated fats and the above web-site should explain all.

I use extra virgin coconut oil internally and externally on body every day, I regard this oil as far more curative even than olive oil because coconut oil is a stable saturated fat, whereas olive oil is a monounsaturated vegetable oil, therefore less stable and much more prone to quickly oxidise.

When I started taking coconut oil, I actually lost weight, my blood pressure went down, my cholesterol levels went down and rebalanced, I had more energy and it was a major factor in getting rid of my Candida."

03/16/2010: Maria from Wilmington, DE, Usa writes: "This is a question to Bill from the Philipines. Bill how long did you take the coconut oil to cure your candida? Maria"

03/17/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Maria...It took a year to cure my candida. And coconut oil wasn't the only remedy I used. I also used the following.

* Ted's lime/lemon plus Baking soda 3 times a day for alkalizing the body.

* Occasionally Ted's ACV plus BS or BS on its own on in water to provide more energy and to provide more bicarbonates respectively.

* Teaspoon of Blackstrap Molasses in my coffee for minerals.

* Milk thistle to support my liver throughout the cure.

* Kelp tablets for iodine.

* My own homemade decoction of Tinospora cordifolia, Phyllanthus niruri(Chanca piedra or Stonebreaker) and Tumeric, all of which grow in my garden. I took this for liver, kidney and intestinal support throughout the cure. I have recently included Neem leaves in this decoction, because I found a Neem tree in my neighboorhood the other day. Neem, amongst all its other highly beneficial properties, is also highly alkalizing.

I had terrible constipation for about 7 years and usually had a bowel movement once every 4 days. Not good. The coconut oil had an immediate effect on this, my stools became smaller and softer, and eventually I started to have regular BM everyday. I cook everything in VCO now, even use it on my salads. I have banned all other polyunsaturated veg oils from my diet now, since most of these are highly processed chemically and suffer oxidation too quickly which is bad for the body. VCO should be unprocessed, stable and it takes 2-3 years to oxidize this oil.

Just to say that intestinal candida is an insidious problem that can be very hard to eradicate. It is insidious because initially you don't notice its effects, they sort of creep up on you and since I'm over 60 y o I just thought it was age...LOL. But then I stumbled on EC and read about candida. I now regard any yeast, mold or fungus as the prime human enemy now, far more destructive on the human body than viruses, bacteria etc. Fungus's are way more adaptable than any other microbe, they are neither plant nor animal, they can hide for years, they can transfer their nucleus via their hypha by penetrating host cells in order to hide and breed when under attack. The overall effect of this is to continually weaken and wear down the body's immune system, and eventually to provide a wonderful acid environment to allow in a plethora of other viruses and bacteria. This is why it takes so long to get rid of and recover from candida.

Simply put, there is no one magic bullet for candida. I still regard Ted's lemon/lime remedy as the prime remedy that hepled to destroy my candida. But I also have a very high regard for VCO too."

03/17/2010: Maria from Wilmington, De - Usa writes: "Hi Bill,

Thanks for the prompt response and thorough explanation. However, I have a few questions regarding your remedies:

1. How much lime/lemon juice and baking soda dis you use?
2. Milk Thistle - is this in a form of tea or powder. How much and how frequently do you use it.
3. Kelp tablets - not sure I need it or do I

I have had thrush in my throat (I'm sure it's in my stomach as well) for about 2 months now and went the Rx route but I'm ready to use the home remedies. I am also over 60 and having a tough time of it but I'm not giving up, there must be an answer. I am determined to kill this fungus off and get my life back. All the best to you.

Maria"

03/18/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Maria...In answer to your questions:

1. How much lime/lemon juice and baking soda is you use?

Use 1/2 tspn Baking soda dissolved in the juice of one lemon or lime. Just slowly add the BS to the lemon/lime juice in 1/2 glass of water until it stops fizzing(Do not worry if you use a little more or less than 1/2 tspn BS). Take this at least 2 times a day -- at least one hour before or two hours after meals. Never take this remedy with meals. Take this 5 times a week with 2 days rest every week.

2. Milk Thistle - is this in a form of tea or powder. How much and how frequently do you use it?

I took Milk Thistle powder in capsule form -- Two 1500 mg capsules per day. Do not buy the tablets, buy the capsule form containing powder. I took this every day in order to help my liver cope with the Herx reaction or fungal die-off.

Kelp tablets - not sure I need it or do I?

Kelp contains minerals, but I took it mainly for the iodine to support my immune system. It is always a good idea to support your immune system as much as possible. You can also use iodine foot-painting (transdermal absorbtion) as well as described here if you like:

http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/iodine3.html#IP

I use iodine painting now. For this you can use lugol's iodine or just ordinary iodine tincture or even Betadine.

Ted advises the best way to get rid of oral thrush here:

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/thrush.html#TED

Although I've never used the ACV plus hydrogen peroxide(H2O2) combo, I have used these two separately for different reasons and they are both powerful anti-fungals. I also agree wholeheartedly with all his other advice."

03/18/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas, Usa writes: "Bill, I have to agree with you on how destructive fungus is to the human body and how deceptive it can be. As you mention it will hid in the body waiting for an opportunity to start growing and a person will never know it. I see fungus as one of the great cleanser of the earth digesting unused material. But what does this tell us about what we are consuming and we get an overgrowth inside. As you know too much toxins and waste. I believe eating clean is a big part of conquering this dis-ease.

I am now for the 4th time in my life dealing with this. I am having great results with EC remedies and your posts. I also used the maple syrup combined with baking 3 xs a day to kick start the clean up. Boy did it do it. I lost 7 pounds from stomach in about 3 days. I feel so much better not having the extra weight around the middle. If anyone tries this be prepared to feel really sick for a week or so.

Thanks for your posts and sharing your journey as it is a great encouragement to fellow travelers."

03/18/2010: Peter from Chicago, Il writes: "Bill,

I am not afraid of taking B/S, from my experience using two tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, I always need at least on tablespoon of B/S to stop the fizzle. I just want to double check with your experience to make sure I am doing this right."

03/18/2010: Peter from Chicago, Il writes: "Bill, sorry for typo. I meant "one" not on ts."

03/18/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas, Usa writes: "Prakash, I am using henna for my hair and I am happy with the results. Be sure to get the best grade henna you can find. I found mine by typing in food grade henna or organic henna on the internet. I than call the companies to be sure they were selling the best grade which will be more expensive, but worth it. Don't buy pre-mixed packaged henna at health food stores as these also contain heavy metals; at least here in the USA. I am pretty sure the company I get my henna from imports it from India."

[YEA]  03/17/2009: Amber from Portland, Oregon writes: "Many people (including myself) use natural plants to color thier hair, such as Henna (for Orange/Red color, and adds brilliant shine to hair), Henna with Indigo (to achieve brunette to black colors), and Cassia; a plant that can be used to add shine or add a bit of golden color to very pale blond or white hair. There are other plants and spices that can enhance tone as well. (for more on this, read on)

About the results: I am a dark blonde who used to lighten my hair. I have colored my hair all types of ways, and most recently I decided to 'go dark'. Well, I can tell you that nothing colors and strengthens my hair like the henna. And I now use the henna + indigo mix to achieve a very exotic dark color, that fully saturates (dyes used to wash out easily), shines, and is actually healthy for my hair! The shine you can achieve with the use of henna is head-turning and like no other. Henna binds with your hair, so it is much different than a dye. You can also use chemical lighteners or dyes over it, or apply it over chemically dyed/lightened hair, and as long as you are using PURE henna, you will get nice results. The horror stories you may have heard only relate to people using 'compound' hennas, again, like you would buy in the store, mixed with other ingredients.

How it basically works: Henna can be combined with an acid (lemon juice, apple cider vinegar) and left to sit for 12 hours to release the dye. It can then be added to color the hair (usually for 2 hours) or it can be diluted and/or applied for a lesser duration, to add just a touch of tint and gloss to the hair. Indigo can be mixed with water and mixed into the Henna, or applied seperately after a Henna treatment. Cassia can be applied alone, or added to the aforementioned mixes. These plants should be purchased in a pure form (not in mixes from the beauty supply).

Where you can find out more: You can find a wealth of information at this website: www.hennaforhair.com about how to color your hair with these plants, and a very interesting history. There are also personal mixes, techniques, forums where you can ask questions about your specific hair type/goals, and order the products. You can also order small samples very inexpensively so that you can experiment on 'brush harvested' hair. I can't say enough great things about the women who run this website. If you are curious, and check it out, they offer all the info and help you need to become confident about trying this.

I have also since read on many natural health and hair sites that Honey can be used as a natural lightener. So if you are a blonde, perhaps that will work for you, as well as lemon juice. One could also use the cassia to get the brilliant shine that henna gives, without turning into a redhead! If I ever grow my natural hair out again, this is what I will do!

One last thing I want to say, is that it feels very good to get off of the chemical-dye train, to find natural plant dyes that achieve colors and results so beauteous that nature could only provide. It may seem time-consuming at first, but after learning and becoming experienced with the use of these dyes (and it doesn't take long!) it has become a nice beauty ritual; it feels more natural and personal...and has become something I look forward to doing, taking time to relax while the mix does it's magic, and the hair is always more beautiful each time! It has been about 2 years that I have been using these plant dyes, and I am glad to be able to share this info on earth clinic, so that perhaps others can start using this too."

03/18/2009: C.S.M from VERO BEACH, FL writes: "Yes!!! I am thrilled, too, to be off chemical hair dyes!!!

Using information from Long Hair Community--Henna Forum, I bought pure Body Art Henna.

I tried numerous experiments using hair from my brushes until I found the result I was looking for.

This product colors my grey hair as no previous boxed henna could. I mix it with cassia to give me a beautiful, brilliant, non fading strawberry blond. Leaves hair stronger. I am amazed!

Thank you Earth Clinic for being here!"

07/30/2009: Nooree from Miami, Florida writes: "Thanks! for this post. I have been using Henna to Dye my hair for a long time but I do not know what Cassia is. Where can I get it and how much to use with henna. It seems like Cassia mixing with Henna will give a nice shine to your hair. Even though Henna itself gives a little shine also. I have been mixing henna and keeping it for just few hours before using in my hair. I will keep it soaked for over night now before using it, to enhance the color. Thank you Amber and C.S.M. both for this knowledge. Thanks you every one on Earth Clinic to make life easier with natural products and God bless Ted for being an Angel for us to research and bring the remedies for us. Thanks alot. I learned alot of this site."

08/06/2009: Amber from Portland, Oregon writes: "Hi Norree: Cassia is another plant that can be used for hair color. It has very little dye in it however, just a small touch of golden which will show up on only the lightest hair colors. It will add shine and gloss, and is often used to dilute the color of Henna, for achieving a less red-orange color. A great site to visit and learn all about these haircolor methods and uses is HennaforHair.com"

08/07/2009: Tricia from Ireland writes: "Amber, I have been looking into this thru a few different websites. I cannot find the answer to this question on any of them and there doesn't seem to he any professional henna-ists in my area. Although I am totally grey haired because I have been using a permanent chemical colourant on my hair the main body of hair is chemically browned and I have one inch in lenght of total grey regrowth. If I use a BAQ henna plus mix to dye it brown will my grey hair be the same colour as the main body and if not how do I go about making sure that the two are the same?. If you don't know the answer you may be able to send me in the right direction. Henna for hair website which I found the most informative only seems to cover the topic of grey interspersed throughout the hair and not regrowth. thanks."

02/09/2010: Lorie from Chico, California writes: "Just a note to be careful with Henna products. I own a salon that uses 97-99% plant derived hair color so we often have guests who come to us because they want organic color. We have had a lot of experience with guests who have Henna on their hair. It's fine if they are staying dark or going darker. Where Henna causes problems is when you are trying to lift the color out of your hair. With Henna, the more you try to lift the color out the more you push the red molecule in - resulting in brassy reddish/orange hair. Once Henna is on your hair, there is no way to lift it out, you have to let it grow out. Also be careful with Lemon Juice to lighten hair. Lemon juice will lighten your hair about a level. If you are already light it can lighten it to a nice blond color. If you are dark enough where you still have a orange undertone, lemon juice will just lighten you enough to take you to a brassy blond. Any time you are coloring or lightening your hair you have to think about the undertone you are exposing and whether or not you want to enhance it or neutralize it. That being said, it helps to know what products you will need to achieve the results you want. What works for one person may not work for another."

02/09/2010: A from Pdx, Or writes: "this is not quite true:

that might fit with the 97% grade henna used in that salon, but it should be pointed out that there are two grades of henna: pure, henna and compound henna (this is the stuff you see in boxes at salons and is mixed with chemicals)

pure henna DOES lift, and easily. this is widely known. search hennaforhair.com forums and pages for more info.

it is INDIGO that is permananent. henna can be lightened with peroxide or bleach, and can also be lightened with honey. i have done blonde highlights on my henna'd hair no problem, and this is widely understood about being able to lighten henna, but NOT indigo.

just wanted to set things straight. if you are considering adding henna to your hair, it is extremely important to use pure 100% henna (body art quality)."

03/03/2010: Prakash from Mumbai, India writes: "where to buy indigo in india? though henna is easily available I have 80percent grey hair, only henna makes my hair orangish would love to have brown colour using plant dye"

03/17/2010: Ranjana from Mumbai, India writes: "My aunt has 80% grey hair and she uses Herbal powder which has catnip, nettle, horsetail & indigo. She mixes this powder with mehndi and she gets beautiful burgundy colour."

03/18/2010: Prakash from Mumbai, India writes: "Dear Ranjana, From where does your aunt get this catnip, nettle, horsetail and indigo powder which she mixes with henna please reply i'd be highly obliged I 'm dying to colour my hair naturally dark without using chemical dyes which are anyways very harmful in the long run and I'm not happy with my hennaed orange hair I get conscious of my hair and it affects my life and career"

03/18/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas, Usa writes: "Prakash, I am using henna for my hair and I am happy with the results. Be sure to get the best grade henna you can find. I found mine by typing in food grade henna or organic henna on the internet. I than call the companies to be sure they were selling the best grade which will be more expensive, but worth it. Don't buy pre-mixed packaged henna at health food stores as these also contain heavy metals; at least here in the USA. I am pretty sure the company I get my henna from imports it from India."

03/18/2010: Rose from Girona, Spain writes: "As I cannot see recent posts on Chronic Fatigue Syndrome remedies, I'd like to make a call out to any person who's dealt or currently dealing with this illness who is having good results and could share it with all of us who still haven't been able to beat it. Thanks in advance."

03/18/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Francisca...Apologies for not seeing your post, I've been dashing about the last few days, and it's coming into the hot, humid season here in the tropics, so I've been resting a bit...lol.

In answer to your questions:

"One more thing, do you ever use olive oil or none at all?"

When I was living in UK, yes I used it a little for salads and Italian dishes, but never for English cooking, it's taste was just not right for this. And since moving to the Philippines, I've stopped using olive oil altogether, since much of my cooking is now Indonesian, Malaysian, Thai or Indian and olive oil also just does not suit these styles of cooking as far as I'm concerned. And of course, every third tree in the Philippines is a coconut tree, which makes VCO much cheaper than imported olive oil...lol.

As well, and as I've said already, olive oil is a mono-unsaturated oil -- so it will break down and oxidize much faster in sunlight or high heat than coconut oil which is a fully saturated and more stable oil. I've done some heavy heavy research between olive oil and VCO over the years, and have simply reached the conclusion that VCO is the better oil in terms of health. I would never argue about the health properties of olive oil, but the fact is that VCO seems to have even more health benefits.

"And as far as Ted's alkalizing drink, doesn't the bicarbonate neutralize the effect of the lemon juice?"

Yes, the sodium bicarbonate does neutralize the citric acid in the lime or lemon juice -- but that is a great advantage anyway because this creates sodium and potassium citrate salts which are then directly and easily absorbed in the duodenum with no need for further digestion processing. If you don't first neutralize the citric acid (from the lemon and lime) or acetic acid and malic acid (from ACV) or even ascorbic acid(Vit C) with BS, then your pancreas will have to use all its own stored bicarbonates to neutralize all these acids into citrates, acetates, malates and ascorbates etc. so that they can be absorbed into the body. More work for your body.

And also remember that the bicarbonates in the pancreas are also used for another important job -- if the bicarbonates from the pancreas aren't used in digestion, then they are simply released into the blood -- thus alkalizing it -- and they also play a vital role in helping to swap out carbon dioxide for oxygen in cells during respiration.

So if you create these these citrates, acetates, ascorbates etc before digestion, then you are actually helping to strengthen both your immune system as well as making your cell respiration more efficient. In other words your helping your body do its job."

[YEA]  02/10/2010: Tanya from Townsville, Queensland, Australia writes: "Favourite way to consume Coconut Oil

Delicious Dairy Free Alternative Coconut Chocolate Spread: I like to get my daily dose of VCO by making a spread with 1 part coconut oil, 1 part agave, 2 parts raw cacao powder, pinch crystal salt, pinch stevia - stir. I love it on wholemeal organic spelt toast :)."

03/08/2010: Piper from Toronto, On, Canada writes: "It is great for pancakes. Coconut oil will cook to a higher temperature without browning."

03/09/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "But isn't coconut oil bad for your health? I have a book about healthy oils and they say that conconut oil is highly saturated and that it is not sure yet whether it may harm your health."

03/10/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Francisca...Coconut oil is probably the best oil to use raw or for cooking -- even better than olive oil in my opinion. I took 1 X tbspn of coconut oil three times a day in my regimen that cured my Candida -- also helped me to loose over 20 lbs and I never even changed my diet much. I cook everything in extra virgin coconut oil now. I also use real butter, and absolutely no margarines or other chemically processed vegetable oils or sugar or sweetners are allowed in my diet at all.

Read the research about why coconut oil is so good for us here(no adverts) :

http://www.coconutoil.com/research.htm

Extracts from "Coconut Oil: Why It Is Good for You"

"In 1987 Lim-Sylianco published a 50-year literature review showing the anti-cancer effects of coconut oil. In chemically induced cancers of the colon and breast, coconut oil was by far more protective than unsaturated oils [or vegetable oils]. For example 32% of corn oil eaters got colon cancer whereas only 3% of coconut oil eaters got the cancer. Animals fed unsaturated oils[veg oils] had more tumors. This shows the thyroid-suppressive and hence, immuno-suppressive effect of unsaturated oils[read vegetable oils]. (Cohen et al. 1986)."

From "Thailand: Land of the Coconut"

"We hear a great deal these days about the presumed health benefits of Asian diets. China and Japan are presented as exemplars of "low-fat, high fiber, largely vegetarian" Oriental regimes. The foods of Thailand are often ignored in such discussions. The delicious, spicy cuisine of Siam is rich in saturated fat from coconut oil and lard, relatively low in fiber and features many and varied animal foods. Yet a comparison of autopsy reports on a group from Bangkok with a group from the US found that coronary occlusion or myocardial infarction was eight times more frequent in the US, diabetes was ten times more frequent and high blood pressure about four times more frequent.(4) Even more intriguing is the fact that Thailand has the lowest rates of cancer, for both men and women, of all the 50 countries studied by the World Health Organization.(3) Here is yet another paradox - Le Paradoxe Thailandais - that the "experts" would rather ignore than explain."

Link: http://www.westonaprice.org/Thailand-Land-of-the-Coconut.html

My own reasons for adopting my diet are simply historic. Before 1900, the only fats used within the Western diet were saturated fats like lard, tallow and butter, with a very small amount of monounsaturates like olive oil. This 1900 western diet was also enhanced by a much greater intake of salt(natural) by eating large quantities of salted fish and/or meat(or "jerky") because there were no refrigerators or freezers around to preserve these meats in 1900.

And even with this diet -- which by present day standards would be dismissed or defined as a "horrible and unhealthy" saturated fat and salty diet -- there was no Heart Disease, Cancer, Obesity, Altzheimers, Parkinson's, Diabetes, Arthritis etc. that exists in such epidemic proportions in the West today. Makes you wonder exactly how all that marvellous(sic) pro-vegetable oil research could have got it so wrong, doesn't it ?

In the Philippines, where I now live, I have observed that in the beautiful semi-provinces where I reside, most poor Filipino families make their own coconut oil for cooking by boiling or fermenting the coconut milk and living on a purely sticky rice diet that includes much caught fish as well as a considerable amount of dried, salted fish. And strangely, these poor people on this diet suffer no plague of 'western modern ailments' such as those I've defined above.

But also I've noticed in my treks into the larger and more modern Filipino towns and cities such as Manila or Cebu, I see and hear about the heart disease, the obeisity, diabetes, arthritis, Altzheimer's etc. The reason for this must be linked to the influx of MacDonald's, KFC, Burger King's and other fast food chains that always seem to spring up first in all the major towns and cities of poor developing countries. All that chemically processed food and fats from the fast food chains makes quite a difference in your diet or health and seems to have an entirely detrimental effect on the human body.

My diet hasn't got a fancy name. Just stay away from all processed food, avoid all veg oils, avoid canned goods, avoid sugar and sweeteners and you should become much healthier. And its not really a diet for me -- because a diet always implies that you will "come off the diet eventually". This has simply become a habit for life for me now."

03/11/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "Many thanks Bill but I am even more confused because just before I got to your answer I saw a post where someone says they had bad side effects from eating coconut oil so I went to the page where this post was posted and I found a lot of similar comments. I don't know what to believe now.... I do use it for my skin but I am afraid to use it internally. I am going to my homeopathic doctor tomorrow and I am going to ask his opinion. By the way, how did you take the oil? Mine is not liquid.... do you just spoon a bit out of the jar and take it? Thanks!

By the way, I have started to try the watch this feedback option but I thought that I would get further feedback on the post in my inbox. It didn't happen so far though... not even with this one!"

EC: Hi Francisca,

The "Watch this Feedback" option only shows the first post in a thread (the parent post). If we start adding all the responses to the parent post, it may clutter your account, but I will check with the programmer. We will try to implement the email notification soon!

Deirdre

03/11/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Francisca...I certainly understand your confusion regarding the internal use of coconut oil. If you have used VCO on your skin without problems then it's very likely you will have no allergy to coconut oil.

But if you have intestinal candida, then the likelihood is that when you start taking VCO you will feel worse before you feel better because of the fungal die-off or Herxheimer effect. I've been through this same Herx effect when I was getting rid of my candida, the symptoms are flu-like and you feel liverish because of the initial strain of the liver removing all the fungal toxins from your body. I simply persisted with the VCO, because I wanted the candida gone. Sure enough the Herx effect went after a while, but it still took about a full year to get rid of my candida(I was also using Ted's alkalizing protocols plus taking Blackstrap Molasses and liver/kidney support herbs as well).

I also suspect that some new users of VCO who perhaps may have had candida and didn't know it, have mistaken the Herx or fungal die-off effect for an allergic reaction, since both sets of symptoms seem very similar.

Coconut oil has also been used for years in baby foods, it contains lauric acid in similar amounts to human breast milk fats, which is a major ingredient that protects the baby and builds up the baby's immune system. Coconut oil is also regularly used in foods now given to hospital patients with intestinal trauma or after major intestinal operations -- such are its gentle and protective effects and qualities.

I also live in the Philippines now, all the locals use coconut oil for cooking here. Extra virgin coconut oil for me is way the best of all the veg oils, for all the reasons that I have given already. I only cook with VCO now, and sometimes take a raw tablespoon in my coffee when I'm ill or constipated now and then and I also use it on my own skin. I've been using VCO now for over 4 years.

I hope this helps to allay some of your fears about VCO."

03/11/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Francisca...Forgot to add that I took VCO either raw or in my coffee. When I had candida, I took 3 tbspns a day. Now I just take it a few times a week. VCO is nice in coffee, makes it taste sort of creamy..."

03/14/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "Bill, how do you use coconut oil in raw food? Mine is solid... do you warm it up or do you use some liquid kind? I only find the solid form where I live..... I am still a bit afraid after reading about people who had so many problems.... haven't tried it yet!"

EC: Hi Francisca,

Your coconut oil will turn to liquid on a warm summer day!

03/15/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Francisca...I guess your having a bit of a battle with yourself using coconut oil at the moment!! I confess, with my candida problems, I really didn't hesitate to use VCO raw to begin with. I had bad constipation for about 7 years with my candida, VCO helped to cure this aspect of my ailment very quickly indeed.

Perhaps the best way to use coconut oil to begin with is to use it for cooking, as this seems to cause the least problems. Many here on EC use it for oil pulling because it tastes so much better than olive oil but appears to achieve the same thing. Perhaps you could try oil-pulling with VCO first?

Using coconut oil for cooking seems to be the quickest way to get used to coconut oil. Since I'm living in the Philippines, my bottles of VCO are always as a liquid oil(The temperature here is always above 76 degrees). But if you're using VCO for cooking where you are(colder), then I would just treat it like butter for cooking, no difference really. Coconut oil is very safe for cooking -- safer than most other vegetable oils -- because it doesn't oxidize so quickly.

In my own mind, if you take the plunge and actually start using coconut oil, the worst that can possibly happen is the die-off or Herx effect. In my case, it wasn't that terrible, and always uppermost in my mind was the fact that I knew all about the problems that I had, so I also knew that my flu-like symptoms -- or die-off effect -- were confirmation that the coconut oil was actually helping and doing good. Many people on this site report that taking coconut oil has caused problems -- so they immediately blame the VCO or assume that they must have an allergic reaction to it.

Although an allergic reaction is possible, my argument is that VCO is very safe. However, all those people arguing against VCO have given their opinions and reasons as to why these adverse reactions have occurred in their bodies, without realizing or addressing or including the possibility of them having candida causing a Herx reaction -- Simply because there are many similarities between the symptoms of a Herx reaction and an allergic reaction and this causes confusion I think. And behind all of this is this seemingly ingrained and unmovable belief that saturated fats like VCO are bad for you, despite all the evidence I've provided to the contrary on EC.

In regard to its safety, why else would they have used coconut oil both in baby foods and with food for people in hospital with intestinal trauma since the 1960s? Isn't this a testament to VCO's safety? These facts alone, perhaps, represent the greatest proof that allergic reactions with VCO must be rare indeed."

03/15/2010: Shaun from Old York, Uk writes: "Coconut oil is indeed the business. It is the very essence of the 'tree of life'. It is just fabulous. Anyone who thinks otherwise should open their mind and try it for a while - and also search out info in the libraries etc., etc., and of course the WWW. If the world ate virgin coconut oil it who be a far, far happier and healthier place. That we all eat (... or have eaten) crappy grain oils is a crying criminal shame. Organic lard (pork fat) is also very, very good. Variously some sort of mix of lard and coconut oil should should suit just about everyone's palate."

03/15/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "Thanks once more Bill, you have been a great help so far. Today I ordered a book on coconut oil on Amazon in order to get more information. I am starting to think that my allergies (never tested positive for anything), warts, tiredness, white spots on my skin which are not Viltiligo, bad digestion and maybe even the little red spots on my skin might be Candida so maybe the VCO might help. Worth a try..... My worry is that my husband who has daily medicines for high blood pressure might not react well to it. He is going to ask his doctor. Otherwise I will try sometimes to cook separately for me and for him. After seein the bad effects those pills have on him I am trying my best to stay clear of them. And yes, so far VCO here is always solid, maybe in the summer it will change........ Anyway, if this oil was so bad why wouldn't all people in Asia be dying? One more thing, do you ever use olive oil or none at all?"

03/18/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "Coconut oil - questions for Bill

Hi again, I don't think that you saw my last post:

Thanks once more Bill, you have been a great help so far. I have just received a book on Coconut oil in the post and I have started using it. I am starting to think that my allergies (never tested positive for anything), warts, tiredness, white spots on my skin which are not Viltiligo, bad digestion, coated tongue and maybe even the little red pearls on my skin might be Candida so maybe the VCO might help (I also had constipation for many years but I corrected it by eating fruit first thing in the morning). Worth a try..... My worry is that my husband who has daily medicines for high blood pressure might not react well to it. He is going to ask his doctor. Otherwise I will try sometimes to cook separately for myself. After seeing the bad effects those pills have on him I am trying my best to stay clear of them. And yes, so far VCO here is always solid, maybe in the summer it will change........ Anyway, if this oil was so bad why wouldn't all people in Asia be dying? One more thing, do you ever use olive oil or none at all? And as far as Ted's alkalizing drink, doesn't the bicarbonate neutralize the effect of the lemon juice?"

03/18/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Francisca...Apologies for not seeing your post, I've been dashing about the last few days, and it's coming into the hot, humid season here in the tropics, so I've been resting a bit...lol.

In answer to your questions:

"One more thing, do you ever use olive oil or none at all?"

When I was living in UK, yes I used it a little for salads and Italian dishes, but never for English cooking, it's taste was just not right for this. And since moving to the Philippines, I've stopped using olive oil altogether, since much of my cooking is now Indonesian, Malaysian, Thai or Indian and olive oil also just does not suit these styles of cooking as far as I'm concerned. And of course, every third tree in the Philippines is a coconut tree, which makes VCO much cheaper than imported olive oil...lol.

As well, and as I've said already, olive oil is a mono-unsaturated oil -- so it will break down and oxidize much faster in sunlight or high heat than coconut oil which is a fully saturated and more stable oil. I've done some heavy heavy research between olive oil and VCO over the years, and have simply reached the conclusion that VCO is the better oil in terms of health. I would never argue about the health properties of olive oil, but the fact is that VCO seems to have even more health benefits.

"And as far as Ted's alkalizing drink, doesn't the bicarbonate neutralize the effect of the lemon juice?"

Yes, the sodium bicarbonate does neutralize the citric acid in the lime or lemon juice -- but that is a great advantage anyway because this creates sodium and potassium citrate salts which are then directly and easily absorbed in the duodenum with no need for further digestion processing. If you don't first neutralize the citric acid (from the lemon and lime) or acetic acid and malic acid (from ACV) or even ascorbic acid(Vit C) with BS, then your pancreas will have to use all its own stored bicarbonates to neutralize all these acids into citrates, acetates, malates and ascorbates etc. so that they can be absorbed into the body. More work for your body.

And also remember that the bicarbonates in the pancreas are also used for another important job -- if the bicarbonates from the pancreas aren't used in digestion, then they are simply released into the blood -- thus alkalizing it -- and they also play a vital role in helping to swap out carbon dioxide for oxygen in cells during respiration.

So if you create these these citrates, acetates, ascorbates etc before digestion, then you are actually helping to strengthen both your immune system as well as making your cell respiration more efficient. In other words your helping your body do its job."

03/18/2010: Dvdnyc3 from Venice, Fl writes: "Sirs:

Below is a "remedy," using flaxseed oil and cottage cheese, am I able to replace the flaxseed oil with gound flaxseed? I purchase regular flaxseed and grind it in a coffee grinder and mix it in different foods.

David
______________
Here is Dr. Johanna Budwig's Blend:
Put in your blender:

1 cup organic cottage cheese
2-5 Tbsp. of flaxseed oil
1-3 Tbsp. of freshly ground up flaxseed (electric coffee grinder ($15) works fine)
enough water to make it soft
a little Cayenne pepper (red hot chilly pepper)

Why cottage cheese? Flaxseed oil is made more effective when 2 tablespoons of the oil are added to 1/4 cup of cottage cheese. The essential fats bind to the proteins in the cottage cheese making them more easily absorbed by your body."

[YEA]  03/09/2008: Lavette from west palm beach, usa writes: "to the guy who's wife has a brain tumor: blend:1cup organic cottage cheese, 2-5 tbsp.flaxseed oil, 1-3 ground flaxseed, and a little cayenne, blend until very soft.Eat some everday.If that doesnt work try kombucha tea."

03/07/2008: SALIM NAGORI from MEHIDPUR DISTT, UJJAIN M.P. PIN 456443, MADHYA-PRA writes: "Dear doctor, My wife has been suffering from brain tumor since last month. Doctor said about him that she will alive three months because the growth of the tumor is very fast. It starts before three months and it dies my wife soon. Its medical record I am submitting here please check it and please reply to me sympathetically to me that there is any treatment have you for him. God bless you. I am telephone operator in India . I hope you will give me a positive reply."

03/10/2008: Sandy from Bangalore, India writes: "Hi Salim, About cancer cure...suggest you go to Divya Yoga Mandir in Haridwar and admit your wife there. Baba Ramdev there has cured innumerable cancer patients through specialized yoga sessions and ayurvedic treatment. Please do give it a try. Best of luck! Do update back on this web-site as to what treatment was successful."

10/08/2008: Lily from Hoorn, The Netherlands writes: "Here is an article about this particular therapy. I haven't personally tried it myself but I thought it might be useful.
http://www.cancure.org/budwig_diet.htm"

03/18/2010: Dvdnyc3 from Venice, Fl writes: "Sirs:

Below is a "remedy," using flaxseed oil and cottage cheese, am I able to replace the flaxseed oil with gound flaxseed? I purchase regular flaxseed and grind it in a coffee grinder and mix it in different foods.

David
______________
Here is Dr. Johanna Budwig's Blend:
Put in your blender:

1 cup organic cottage cheese
2-5 Tbsp. of flaxseed oil
1-3 Tbsp. of freshly ground up flaxseed (electric coffee grinder ($15) works fine)
enough water to make it soft
a little Cayenne pepper (red hot chilly pepper)

Why cottage cheese? Flaxseed oil is made more effective when 2 tablespoons of the oil are added to 1/4 cup of cottage cheese. The essential fats bind to the proteins in the cottage cheese making them more easily absorbed by your body."

03/18/2010: Rob from Manhattan, New York writes: "I also have experimented with Mangosteen, & have noticed some positive results with inflammation. However it is ridiculously expensive. I would encourage you to buy it from a local health store & NOT from some multi-level marketing scheme. There are a lot of exaggerated claims and untrustworthy internet vendors making it difficult to separate truth from fact."

[YEA]  03/17/2010: Sarah from Indianapolis, In, Usa writes: "I would like to tell everyone about a remedy not listed on this site...Mangosteen juice! I bought the juice for its super-antioxidant properties, but I found a very happy unknown (to me) cure. My boyfriend and daughter snore terribly, and the first night we all tried the juice, they both stopped snoring. Not only that, but they both breathed through their noses all night! All it takes is 1/3 cup of juice 2 hours before bedtime. The juice has strong anti-inflammatory properties which may be what stops the snoring."

03/18/2010: Rob from Manhattan, New York writes: "I also have experimented with Mangosteen, & have noticed some positive results with inflammation. However it is ridiculously expensive. I would encourage you to buy it from a local health store & NOT from some multi-level marketing scheme. There are a lot of exaggerated claims and untrustworthy internet vendors making it difficult to separate truth from fact."

It might be worth making a poultice and applying it to your sores since onion and potato have drawing power and garlic is antibiotic, all cheap and available? I'm not sure if you have plantain (plantago) growing in your country as I think it is a temperate climate plant, but one thing I also considered was pineapple - which I think is abundant and cheap in Thailand? Apparently it is also good for rejeuvenating tissue. I had considered binding freash pineapple pieces to my daughters sores but her being 15 and objecting to walking around like a human fruit salad we settled for plantago tincture.Vit e would most likely be the most expensive thing you could try also after the sores are healing well and the skin has grown over and is pink. Hope it's a help."

[QUESTION]  03/17/2010: Guppydas from Lamsai, Prathumthani, Thailand writes: "Hello everybody. I am writing this in a desperation as I have been suffering this condition for more than 3 years now and it got worst due to improper medical procedure. Please excuse me if I am too graphical in explaining the sysmptoms.

3 years ago, a small acne like boil developed on right thigh. Disappeared in 2 days. Only to appear a week later. Then it changed the location. This time, on left thigh. Sometime then I also had an attack of Herpes Zoster on my Left shoulder and left back. I was completely exhausted by this two infections.

Eventually after a month or so, Herpes disappeared, leaving pain in the spot which is more intermittent. However, the infection around thigh didn't go away. In fact it became more stubborn and aggressive.

I do not like to take anti-biotics as I know the devastating unwanted effects they have. Still I visited doctor and I was put on some heavy doses of Antibiotic. I was dead against use of any cut and drain procedure. I believed this could be sorted by medication.

With patience I kept taking the medication to no benefit. The infection spread, finally covering almost the entire region on buttocks, inner thighs and groins. It was painful, foul smelling and not improving at all.

All this resulted in extreme exhaustion and finally in May 2009, I was taken to local hospital for check up and treatment. I was given 2 units of blood, put on drip for 5 days. During this, without my permission, the doctors performed a incision to drain the fluid out. Did bring good relief. However the entire procedure was conducted in a very unprofessional manner. No local anesthesia or numbing aid was given.

Eventually this short lived relief faded away in 3 months. I was completely bed ridden for a month during July and August 2009. Finally to get admitted to a bigger hospital. Results of diagnosis came around and to my shock and surprise, I was found HIV .

However, the doctors were nice and explained me the benefits to do a proper incision procedure to drain out the infected area so that the medication bring about healing faster. I agreed. I was taken to the surgery room. General anesthesia and after 3 hours, I was back in my bed in my ward. Felt very good. For few months. Then, the reality started sinking in.

The wound was not healing at all. 8 spots about 2 cm wide and 1/4 centimeter deep at least were not healing up. Once again there was pus formation and pain returned. This happened relatively swiftly before I could get to doctors and get some medical attention.

NOW, cutting long story short, I cannot get any medical attention nor can I afford any. So a well learned friend of mine suggested to take Food grade H2O2. I started taking that about 10 days ago. I am taking 3% food grade in about a litre of bottled water (says no chlorine on the lable). Can't get distilled water here. Don't see much difference. The only thing I see different is sleepiness. I don't fall asleep but I am sleepy all the time.

Ok this is getting too long. I did cut it short. My question is, in addition to the above treatment, I wish to take mega doses of Vitamin C. Any suggestions, warming, comments, recommendation on this? Vitamin C H2O2? Any other suggestions to heal this wounds faster? I am held back due to this. I can't sit or sleep properly. I need to travel back to my Home country and infection holds me back from travelling for so many hours in an airplane. The discharge is foul smelling and is constantly painful. Any suggestions are welcome. Please please help. I am emotionally and financially broke due to this condition.

Thank you all for your support.

PS: No doctor has so far given any name to it. However looking on Internet, I found two conditions (two names) most fitting to describe this infection on buttocks. 1) Hidradenitis Supprativa 2) Acne Inversa. many misdiagnose it as Acne Vulgaris. Yes I have had inherent Acne problem all my life. I also have a long medical history. I can share if it is helpful."

03/17/2010: Rena from Mineral Bluff, Georgia, Usa writes: "Hi Guppydas, from Lamsai,

I understand the financial situation, so perhaps we can start off with the less expensive remedies. First off, you need to alkalize your system with fresh lemon or lime juice, mixed with baking soda.

Recipes can be found here:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/alkalizing_formulas.html#REMEDY4

Next due to all the antibiotics, you need to replenish your good flora with a good pro biotic. If you can't find any, then perhaps you can make some fermented foods, or kefir.

Good recipes can be found here:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/fermented-foods.html

Now for the wounds themselves, to put on externally and this will be the most expensive, is to get some Manuka honey. You may have to google this, but you will get some good information. If you can not get Manuka honey, then use a good pure or raw honey and apply to wounds, and bandage. Change bandages and re-apply the honey morning and evening. You can not use pasteurized store bought honey, it will not work, it must be pure honey. Your best wound healing would be to get the Manuka Honey, so if there is anyway, please get this.

I wish you the best, Peace, Rena."

03/18/2010: Guppydas from Lamsai, Prathumthani, Thailand writes: "Hi Rena,

Thank you for your response. I can do the Baking soda lime thing. Manuka honey, raw, I doubt it is possible to find in this part of the world. However, I will ask around. Meanwhile I am continuing to use H2O2 for cleaning the wounds. Also, I have 3% Food grade H2O2 that I drink every day. About 5 oz. Mixed with either bottled (non chlorine) water or orange juice. It's only been 12 days so far so I think it would be too early to comment on results.

I was wondering if it would be OK to take Baking soda and Lime along with H2O2? Your comment is highly appreciated. I also wanted to know if high doses of Vitamin C be any good?

As you can see from my emails, I am 'zero' in this health matters. Besides, for some time I am feeling extremely sleepy. Droopy feeling, if it means something. My eyes feel heavy, as if I am about to fall asleep. When I put aside the anything that I am doing and try to sleep, I can't sleep. Mind is hyper alert. It is difficult to focus for 5 minutes and read an email or write a reply. Eventually I end up spending the entire day, doing one message at a time.

Once again, thank you for your response. I will get Baking soda and lime. One more question, can I squeez lime, lets say for 3-4 days worth and keep it or it is better to squeeze fresh?"

03/17/2010: Charlotte from Boston, Ma writes: "Hi, I think turmeric would be very helpful in treating your sores. My family has used it many times for boils and acne both internally (1/2 teaspoon powdered turmeric in a glass of warm water)and externally (turmeric paste). Here is a page on Earth Clinic that I use frequently! http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/boils.html.

Please let me know if the turmeric helps you."

03/18/2010: Shandy from Limerick, Ireland writes: "Dear Guppydas,

My daughter was recently bitten by spiders that were poisonous, the bites became sores that refused to heal. The Drs tried to treat her with antibiotics and steroids - which did no good at all. After some research and help from others on EC I made a poultice with equal amounts of onion, garlic, and potato and bound it with bandages on her sores changing them every 4 hours - within 3-4 days it had drawn out all the pus, and scabbed over, we then applied plantago tincture for a few days which is supposed to regenerate tissue, now we are just applying vit e oil and they are healing nicely.

It might be worth making a poultice and applying it to your sores since onion and potato have drawing power and garlic is antibiotic, all cheap and available? I'm not sure if you have plantain (plantago) growing in your country as I think it is a temperate climate plant, but one thing I also considered was pineapple - which I think is abundant and cheap in Thailand? Apparently it is also good for rejeuvenating tissue. I had considered binding freash pineapple pieces to my daughters sores but her being 15 and objecting to walking around like a human fruit salad we settled for plantago tincture.Vit e would most likely be the most expensive thing you could try also after the sores are healing well and the skin has grown over and is pink. Hope it's a help."

03/19/2010: Rena from Mineral Bluff, Georgia, Usa writes: "Hi Guppydas,

Yes, I am a believer in vitamin C in helping to heal infections. What kind are you taking and at what dose? The H2O2 should have helped by now in increasing your energy, what is your dosage of this in drops to the 5oz? Do be mindful of your nutrition during this healing. Juicing vegetables would be a good way to go, if you don't have a juicer, could you borrow one from a friend? It also sounds like you are not sleeping well, this is also important in your healing, you need to sleep to help keep your immune system strong.

I have seen others post some good suggestions on a poultice, if you can't get manuka honey, or pure local honey, maybe you can try another poultice, there are many that could work.

Do keep the H2O2 and lime/baking soda taken different times of the day, not together. Keep us posted of your progress, Peace, Rena."

03/19/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Guppydas...I had what I thought was jock itch (tinea cruris) some while ago and no matter what I tried -- all the powders, drugs, antibiotics etc, it just wouldn't go away and looked awful. I had this problem for 7 years. Nothing seemed to stop it. The same as you, my infection was in the genital and inner thigh area, eventually extending right round to my buttocks and rectal area.

I'm pretty convinced that this was not just jock itch -- but probably involved MRSA as well and I eventually read about the effectiveness of Milk of Magnesia (MoM). Anyway, through reading alot, I decided to try this:

Every night after my shower I would simply apply Milk of Magnesia topically to the whole infected area, front and back with my hands(I applied alot). Then I simply let it dry on my body(it dries quickly to a white dust) and went to bed. I found the MoM to be very soothing and cooling on the skin. Next morning, I would shower all the MoM off thoroughly and repeat this the next evening. And it took only 2 days to completely heal the whole area -- I had normal skin again !!

The are two specific reasons why the MoM remedy worked. First MoM has a pH of 10 which is very high -- no bacteria, virus or fungus can survive it's alkaline effects. Second, MoM is hydrophobic -- drives water away, so not only did MoM kill the bacteria or virus with its high alkaline pH, it also sucked all the water out of these microbes as well.

One warning here -- if you've got sensitive skin, then just apply the MoM for only about 20-30 minutes -- until it dries to dust -- then wash it off and do this twice a day. Also apply a natural moisturizer afterwards like jojoba oil or cocoa butter to remoisturize your skin. And continue alkalizing with lime/Baking Soda and continue taking the H2O2."

03/18/2010: Arnu from San Diego, California writes: "Ted posted an answer to this question, it took me 4 hours to find it and I think it should be placed here for those who are wondering about hydrogen peroxide to the ACV and baking soda solution.

and if Ted could take a look at this section and clarify it some more for the people that would be great. he said taking baking soda with HYDROGEN PEROXIDE is fine, NOT combining Apple Cider Vinegar, with baking soda and HYDROGEN PEROXIDE (do not take it all together at the same time).

ADD HYDROGEN PEROXIDE?
02/08/2007: Fran from Houston, TX writes: "Can I add few drops of good grade hydrogen peroxide to the ACV and baking soda solution, twice a day? Thanks"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "No. Hydrogen peroxide will neutralize the vitamin C and other organic compounds in the apple cider vinegar. It is best taken for hydrogen peroxide with water alone, or at least 6 hours apart.

The reason is simple, hydrogen peroxide is an oxidant, while apple cider vinegar and baking soda is an antioxidant.

You can however, mix drops of hydrogen peroxide with baking soda in a drinking water. It creates a more alkaline form of peroxides which can also detoxify the body of accumulated poisons built up in the liver."

08/04/2009: Franz from Bangkok, Thailand writes: "HI I have a question and hope some one can answer me . I put in my drinking water some Apple Cider Vinegar and wonder if I can add as well Hydogen Peroxide as it is difficult for me to take it 3 times a day As well how many drops would be 1 CL ? I appreciate any feedback on this Frank"

[YEA]  12/01/2009: Bill from Los Angeles, California writes: "Frank, I have been using FGHP (35%) for many years with Raw Apple Cider Vinegar. I am 56 yrs old now and have only great things to say about it, Thanks to God. I started using it at age 30. I had severe joint and back pain at the time. After three months, starting with 3 drops 2 to 3 times daily (FGHP) and 1 Capful of the Cider Vinegar, working up to 25 drops of FGHP 2 to 3 times daily, I've had astronomical results. The results were verified by my then girlfriend who was also useing the same program. (1) No more heavy or bad breath, (2) No body odor, (3) You will only need approximately 4 to 5 hours of sleep per day and when you awaken you will be wide awake, not sluggish or groggy. After you reach the 25 drop level you can then taper off. Find the instructions on line. Oh, people think I'm no more than 30-35yrs old! Enjoy."

EC: FGHP - Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide

12/03/2009: Kay from In The Valley, Ca writes: "Bill,

Are you taking the ACV and the FGHP at the same time (mixing them together)? The instructions for the FGHP protocol say 3 hours after food or 1 hour before food. Thanks."

12/06/2009: Kay from In The Valley, Ca writes: "Bill, do you take the ACV and the FGHP at the same time? Most of the instructions for HP say to take it one hour before or three hours after any other food. It would make things much easier if they could be combined, but I'm afraid to try it. I'd love to know if anyone else has combined them. ANYONE? Thanks"

12/06/2009: Joanofarc83 from Morton, Il writes: "I combine Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda, & 5 drops of fgH202. I also add Lugol's solution (6drops). This is all added with 4 oz of filtered water. I have had no ill effects."

12/30/2009: Shenora from Calgary, Alberta, Canada writes: "I have started using the food grade H202 Hydro peroxide 35% and I am feeling quite nervous. I started out with 1 drop from dropper in my ACV water with my honey with 16oz water(spring water). So I will be using this same measurment 3x today. I will add 2 drops tomorrow 3x during the day. I will decrease the honey and ACV if this is fine.Can anyone let me know if I am doing the correct thing here? Thank-you so much for your time here and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

12/30/2009: Lee from New York, New York writes: "Shenora - I am also very curious about the food grade h202, but have not ordered it because I am not clear about how to dilute it. Best of luck - keep us posted."

01/02/2010: Andi from Scottsdale, Az writes: "I Have just started taking the 35% undiluted H2O2 in 5 ozs. of distilled water or juice. I started with 2 drops, due to uncertainty, but no problems, am only up to 4 drops 3xs day. Have not noticed nervousness but do have increased energy throughout the day. The dosing schedules that I have found (I recv'd a pamplet from my health food store when buying the Food Grade H2O2) state a dosing schedule for 35% undiluted H2O2. As for other uses, besides internal, I have found on the internet on various sites. I am planning on trying the ACV along with the H2O2 after just learning about it on EC. Am desperately hoping that between the 2 that I will finaly get long awaited relief for chronic sinus issues, that after anti-biotics, anti-fungals, steriods and ENT and NMD visits over the past 3 months have not relieved a bit, but have cleaned my bank account."

01/02/2010: Windy from Kitty Ville, Ca writes: "I started on the food grade HP too, by the time I got to 6 drops 3 times a day I started having tummy issues so I cut back, I will tell you I felt amazing till then. I got mine from a place out of Flordia, and got a blue dropper bottle too for easy usage, you need to BE VERY VERY CAREFUL with the 35% food grade can cause blindness if you get it in the eye, well so can bleach, just use caution, also need to get distilled water for sure. I think that was my problem I used Brita filter water, I then switched to taking it with milk the book said it was ok. I will be trying it again soon.. food grade HP fills your cells with oxygen like Vitamin C does from what I read.. so reseach it and try it!! GOOD LUCK"

01/09/2010: Noel from Perth, Australia writes: "Hi Andi. I noticed you started using undiluted 35% eight days ago for sinus relief. Has it made any changes yet?

Noel"

01/11/2010: Matt from Brisbane, Qld, Australia writes: "Hi Noel,

i have not used HP with ACV but I use HP regularly as a nasal/sinus flush. it's brilliant. I add 4 mls of 35% food grade HP to 500ml distilled water and snort it into each nostril every morning. Then I gargle. It's an instant shot of alertness and clarity alnd clears my sinuses. Just like an early morning surf. the recipe above is less than 0.50% in strength. i find anything stronger burns my nasal passage. I've seen some posts recommend 3% but it is way too strong for me.

I also take H2o2 internally and use it baths."

01/16/2010: Earnestine from Oak Park, Mi U S writes: "Where can I find the instructions on how to use apple cider vinegar and H202 as Bill from Los Angeles did for pain?"

03/08/2010: Teresa from Springfield, Ohio writes: "Where is the recipe for this for pain? Teresa"

03/14/2010: Bill from Los Angeles, Ca writes: "Hey Kay in the valley. I've always mixed FGHP with Apple cider vinegar. You must however, be careful in Handling the FGHP, so that you don't Burn yourself. I just had a checkup at the doctor last week. My cholesterol was under 140, bp was 113/60, heart rate 53 bpm and my psa was down two points. This combination is working for me, thanks to Yeshua!"

03/15/2010: Tena from Champaign, Illinois writes: "Bill,

Can you tell me how much of the FGHP and ACV you use, and how many times a day you use it? Also I would like to know how long you have been doing this. Thank you."

03/16/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Tena...I've been using ACV plus baking soda and lemon/lime plus BS for over 4 years now on a regular basis. I use the lemon/lime remedy more often because it alkalizes better and seems to balance more internal parameters than the ACV remedy which is good for extra energy because of the malates created which are used in the Kreb's Cycle of cell respiration.

I also use just 1/4 to 1/2 tspn of Baking Soda on its own in a half glass of water if I need to top up on bicarbonates to alkalize my blood and intestines and I also use this remedy occasionally as an antacid -- always taken a half an hour after meals.

When I had Candida, I used mainly the lemon plus baking soda remedy -- 1/2 tspn plus a whole lemon in a half glass of water, three times a day. I did this to keep my blood and intestinal pH alkaline to help get rid of the candida. But now cured of candida, I take a maintenance dose of just 1/4 tspn twice a day about 3 times a week or whenever I feel I need it.

I also take HP internally. But I don't need to take this very often because there's nothing wrong with me..LOL. But I do take it, 6-10 drops 3% HP in a full glass of water for extra energy or a boost. I've been doing this for about a year now."

03/18/2010: Arnu from San Diego, California writes: "Ted posted an answer to this question, it took me 4 hours to find it and I think it should be placed here for those who are wondering about hydrogen peroxide to the ACV and baking soda solution.

and if Ted could take a look at this section and clarify it some more for the people that would be great. he said taking baking soda with HYDROGEN PEROXIDE is fine, NOT combining Apple Cider Vinegar, with baking soda and HYDROGEN PEROXIDE (do not take it all together at the same time).

ADD HYDROGEN PEROXIDE?
02/08/2007: Fran from Houston, TX writes: "Can I add few drops of good grade hydrogen peroxide to the ACV and baking soda solution, twice a day? Thanks"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand replies: "No. Hydrogen peroxide will neutralize the vitamin C and other organic compounds in the apple cider vinegar. It is best taken for hydrogen peroxide with water alone, or at least 6 hours apart.

The reason is simple, hydrogen peroxide is an oxidant, while apple cider vinegar and baking soda is an antioxidant.

You can however, mix drops of hydrogen peroxide with baking soda in a drinking water. It creates a more alkaline form of peroxides which can also detoxify the body of accumulated poisons built up in the liver."

Thanks once more Bill, you have been a great help so far. I have just received a book on Coconut oil in the post and I have started using it. I am starting to think that my allergies (never tested positive for anything), warts, tiredness, white spots on my skin which are not Viltiligo, bad digestion, coated tongue and maybe even the little red pearls on my skin might be Candida so maybe the VCO might help (I also had constipation for many years but I corrected it by eating fruit first thing in the morning). Worth a try..... My worry is that my husband who has daily medicines for high blood pressure might not react well to it. He is going to ask his doctor. Otherwise I will try sometimes to cook separately for myself. After seeing the bad effects those pills have on him I am trying my best to stay clear of them. And yes, so far VCO here is always solid, maybe in the summer it will change........ Anyway, if this oil was so bad why wouldn't all people in Asia be dying? One more thing, do you ever use olive oil or none at all? And as far as Ted's alkalizing drink, doesn't the bicarbonate neutralize the effect of the lemon juice?"

[YEA]  02/10/2010: Tanya from Townsville, Queensland, Australia writes: "Favourite way to consume Coconut Oil

Delicious Dairy Free Alternative Coconut Chocolate Spread: I like to get my daily dose of VCO by making a spread with 1 part coconut oil, 1 part agave, 2 parts raw cacao powder, pinch crystal salt, pinch stevia - stir. I love it on wholemeal organic spelt toast :)."

03/08/2010: Piper from Toronto, On, Canada writes: "It is great for pancakes. Coconut oil will cook to a higher temperature without browning."

03/09/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "But isn't coconut oil bad for your health? I have a book about healthy oils and they say that conconut oil is highly saturated and that it is not sure yet whether it may harm your health."

03/10/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Francisca...Coconut oil is probably the best oil to use raw or for cooking -- even better than olive oil in my opinion. I took 1 X tbspn of coconut oil three times a day in my regimen that cured my Candida -- also helped me to loose over 20 lbs and I never even changed my diet much. I cook everything in extra virgin coconut oil now. I also use real butter, and absolutely no margarines or other chemically processed vegetable oils or sugar or sweetners are allowed in my diet at all.

Read the research about why coconut oil is so good for us here(no adverts) :

http://www.coconutoil.com/research.htm

Extracts from "Coconut Oil: Why It Is Good for You"

"In 1987 Lim-Sylianco published a 50-year literature review showing the anti-cancer effects of coconut oil. In chemically induced cancers of the colon and breast, coconut oil was by far more protective than unsaturated oils [or vegetable oils]. For example 32% of corn oil eaters got colon cancer whereas only 3% of coconut oil eaters got the cancer. Animals fed unsaturated oils[veg oils] had more tumors. This shows the thyroid-suppressive and hence, immuno-suppressive effect of unsaturated oils[read vegetable oils]. (Cohen et al. 1986)."

From "Thailand: Land of the Coconut"

"We hear a great deal these days about the presumed health benefits of Asian diets. China and Japan are presented as exemplars of "low-fat, high fiber, largely vegetarian" Oriental regimes. The foods of Thailand are often ignored in such discussions. The delicious, spicy cuisine of Siam is rich in saturated fat from coconut oil and lard, relatively low in fiber and features many and varied animal foods. Yet a comparison of autopsy reports on a group from Bangkok with a group from the US found that coronary occlusion or myocardial infarction was eight times more frequent in the US, diabetes was ten times more frequent and high blood pressure about four times more frequent.(4) Even more intriguing is the fact that Thailand has the lowest rates of cancer, for both men and women, of all the 50 countries studied by the World Health Organization.(3) Here is yet another paradox - Le Paradoxe Thailandais - that the "experts" would rather ignore than explain."

Link: http://www.westonaprice.org/Thailand-Land-of-the-Coconut.html

My own reasons for adopting my diet are simply historic. Before 1900, the only fats used within the Western diet were saturated fats like lard, tallow and butter, with a very small amount of monounsaturates like olive oil. This 1900 western diet was also enhanced by a much greater intake of salt(natural) by eating large quantities of salted fish and/or meat(or "jerky") because there were no refrigerators or freezers around to preserve these meats in 1900.

And even with this diet -- which by present day standards would be dismissed or defined as a "horrible and unhealthy" saturated fat and salty diet -- there was no Heart Disease, Cancer, Obesity, Altzheimers, Parkinson's, Diabetes, Arthritis etc. that exists in such epidemic proportions in the West today. Makes you wonder exactly how all that marvellous(sic) pro-vegetable oil research could have got it so wrong, doesn't it ?

In the Philippines, where I now live, I have observed that in the beautiful semi-provinces where I reside, most poor Filipino families make their own coconut oil for cooking by boiling or fermenting the coconut milk and living on a purely sticky rice diet that includes much caught fish as well as a considerable amount of dried, salted fish. And strangely, these poor people on this diet suffer no plague of 'western modern ailments' such as those I've defined above.

But also I've noticed in my treks into the larger and more modern Filipino towns and cities such as Manila or Cebu, I see and hear about the heart disease, the obeisity, diabetes, arthritis, Altzheimer's etc. The reason for this must be linked to the influx of MacDonald's, KFC, Burger King's and other fast food chains that always seem to spring up first in all the major towns and cities of poor developing countries. All that chemically processed food and fats from the fast food chains makes quite a difference in your diet or health and seems to have an entirely detrimental effect on the human body.

My diet hasn't got a fancy name. Just stay away from all processed food, avoid all veg oils, avoid canned goods, avoid sugar and sweeteners and you should become much healthier. And its not really a diet for me -- because a diet always implies that you will "come off the diet eventually". This has simply become a habit for life for me now."

03/11/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "Many thanks Bill but I am even more confused because just before I got to your answer I saw a post where someone says they had bad side effects from eating coconut oil so I went to the page where this post was posted and I found a lot of similar comments. I don't know what to believe now.... I do use it for my skin but I am afraid to use it internally. I am going to my homeopathic doctor tomorrow and I am going to ask his opinion. By the way, how did you take the oil? Mine is not liquid.... do you just spoon a bit out of the jar and take it? Thanks!

By the way, I have started to try the watch this feedback option but I thought that I would get further feedback on the post in my inbox. It didn't happen so far though... not even with this one!"

EC: Hi Francisca,

The "Watch this Feedback" option only shows the first post in a thread (the parent post). If we start adding all the responses to the parent post, it may clutter your account, but I will check with the programmer. We will try to implement the email notification soon!

Deirdre

03/11/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Francisca...I certainly understand your confusion regarding the internal use of coconut oil. If you have used VCO on your skin without problems then it's very likely you will have no allergy to coconut oil.

But if you have intestinal candida, then the likelihood is that when you start taking VCO you will feel worse before you feel better because of the fungal die-off or Herxheimer effect. I've been through this same Herx effect when I was getting rid of my candida, the symptoms are flu-like and you feel liverish because of the initial strain of the liver removing all the fungal toxins from your body. I simply persisted with the VCO, because I wanted the candida gone. Sure enough the Herx effect went after a while, but it still took about a full year to get rid of my candida(I was also using Ted's alkalizing protocols plus taking Blackstrap Molasses and liver/kidney support herbs as well).

I also suspect that some new users of VCO who perhaps may have had candida and didn't know it, have mistaken the Herx or fungal die-off effect for an allergic reaction, since both sets of symptoms seem very similar.

Coconut oil has also been used for years in baby foods, it contains lauric acid in similar amounts to human breast milk fats, which is a major ingredient that protects the baby and builds up the baby's immune system. Coconut oil is also regularly used in foods now given to hospital patients with intestinal trauma or after major intestinal operations -- such are its gentle and protective effects and qualities.

I also live in the Philippines now, all the locals use coconut oil for cooking here. Extra virgin coconut oil for me is way the best of all the veg oils, for all the reasons that I have given already. I only cook with VCO now, and sometimes take a raw tablespoon in my coffee when I'm ill or constipated now and then and I also use it on my own skin. I've been using VCO now for over 4 years.

I hope this helps to allay some of your fears about VCO."

03/11/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Francisca...Forgot to add that I took VCO either raw or in my coffee. When I had candida, I took 3 tbspns a day. Now I just take it a few times a week. VCO is nice in coffee, makes it taste sort of creamy..."

03/14/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "Bill, how do you use coconut oil in raw food? Mine is solid... do you warm it up or do you use some liquid kind? I only find the solid form where I live..... I am still a bit afraid after reading about people who had so many problems.... haven't tried it yet!"

EC: Hi Francisca,

Your coconut oil will turn to liquid on a warm summer day!

03/15/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Francisca...I guess your having a bit of a battle with yourself using coconut oil at the moment!! I confess, with my candida problems, I really didn't hesitate to use VCO raw to begin with. I had bad constipation for about 7 years with my candida, VCO helped to cure this aspect of my ailment very quickly indeed.

Perhaps the best way to use coconut oil to begin with is to use it for cooking, as this seems to cause the least problems. Many here on EC use it for oil pulling because it tastes so much better than olive oil but appears to achieve the same thing. Perhaps you could try oil-pulling with VCO first?

Using coconut oil for cooking seems to be the quickest way to get used to coconut oil. Since I'm living in the Philippines, my bottles of VCO are always as a liquid oil(The temperature here is always above 76 degrees). But if you're using VCO for cooking where you are(colder), then I would just treat it like butter for cooking, no difference really. Coconut oil is very safe for cooking -- safer than most other vegetable oils -- because it doesn't oxidize so quickly.

In my own mind, if you take the plunge and actually start using coconut oil, the worst that can possibly happen is the die-off or Herx effect. In my case, it wasn't that terrible, and always uppermost in my mind was the fact that I knew all about the problems that I had, so I also knew that my flu-like symptoms -- or die-off effect -- were confirmation that the coconut oil was actually helping and doing good. Many people on this site report that taking coconut oil has caused problems -- so they immediately blame the VCO or assume that they must have an allergic reaction to it.

Although an allergic reaction is possible, my argument is that VCO is very safe. However, all those people arguing against VCO have given their opinions and reasons as to why these adverse reactions have occurred in their bodies, without realizing or addressing or including the possibility of them having candida causing a Herx reaction -- Simply because there are many similarities between the symptoms of a Herx reaction and an allergic reaction and this causes confusion I think. And behind all of this is this seemingly ingrained and unmovable belief that saturated fats like VCO are bad for you, despite all the evidence I've provided to the contrary on EC.

In regard to its safety, why else would they have used coconut oil both in baby foods and with food for people in hospital with intestinal trauma since the 1960s? Isn't this a testament to VCO's safety? These facts alone, perhaps, represent the greatest proof that allergic reactions with VCO must be rare indeed."

03/15/2010: Shaun from Old York, Uk writes: "Coconut oil is indeed the business. It is the very essence of the 'tree of life'. It is just fabulous. Anyone who thinks otherwise should open their mind and try it for a while - and also search out info in the libraries etc., etc., and of course the WWW. If the world ate virgin coconut oil it who be a far, far happier and healthier place. That we all eat (... or have eaten) crappy grain oils is a crying criminal shame. Organic lard (pork fat) is also very, very good. Variously some sort of mix of lard and coconut oil should should suit just about everyone's palate."

03/15/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "Thanks once more Bill, you have been a great help so far. Today I ordered a book on coconut oil on Amazon in order to get more information. I am starting to think that my allergies (never tested positive for anything), warts, tiredness, white spots on my skin which are not Viltiligo, bad digestion and maybe even the little red spots on my skin might be Candida so maybe the VCO might help. Worth a try..... My worry is that my husband who has daily medicines for high blood pressure might not react well to it. He is going to ask his doctor. Otherwise I will try sometimes to cook separately for me and for him. After seein the bad effects those pills have on him I am trying my best to stay clear of them. And yes, so far VCO here is always solid, maybe in the summer it will change........ Anyway, if this oil was so bad why wouldn't all people in Asia be dying? One more thing, do you ever use olive oil or none at all?"

03/18/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "Coconut oil - questions for Bill

Hi again, I don't think that you saw my last post:

Thanks once more Bill, you have been a great help so far. I have just received a book on Coconut oil in the post and I have started using it. I am starting to think that my allergies (never tested positive for anything), warts, tiredness, white spots on my skin which are not Viltiligo, bad digestion, coated tongue and maybe even the little red pearls on my skin might be Candida so maybe the VCO might help (I also had constipation for many years but I corrected it by eating fruit first thing in the morning). Worth a try..... My worry is that my husband who has daily medicines for high blood pressure might not react well to it. He is going to ask his doctor. Otherwise I will try sometimes to cook separately for myself. After seeing the bad effects those pills have on him I am trying my best to stay clear of them. And yes, so far VCO here is always solid, maybe in the summer it will change........ Anyway, if this oil was so bad why wouldn't all people in Asia be dying? One more thing, do you ever use olive oil or none at all? And as far as Ted's alkalizing drink, doesn't the bicarbonate neutralize the effect of the lemon juice?"

03/18/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Francisca...Apologies for not seeing your post, I've been dashing about the last few days, and it's coming into the hot, humid season here in the tropics, so I've been resting a bit...lol.

In answer to your questions:

"One more thing, do you ever use olive oil or none at all?"

When I was living in UK, yes I used it a little for salads and Italian dishes, but never for English cooking, it's taste was just not right for this. And since moving to the Philippines, I've stopped using olive oil altogether, since much of my cooking is now Indonesian, Malaysian, Thai or Indian and olive oil also just does not suit these styles of cooking as far as I'm concerned. And of course, every third tree in the Philippines is a coconut tree, which makes VCO much cheaper than imported olive oil...lol.

As well, and as I've said already, olive oil is a mono-unsaturated oil -- so it will break down and oxidize much faster in sunlight or high heat than coconut oil which is a fully saturated and more stable oil. I've done some heavy heavy research between olive oil and VCO over the years, and have simply reached the conclusion that VCO is the better oil in terms of health. I would never argue about the health properties of olive oil, but the fact is that VCO seems to have even more health benefits.

"And as far as Ted's alkalizing drink, doesn't the bicarbonate neutralize the effect of the lemon juice?"

Yes, the sodium bicarbonate does neutralize the citric acid in the lime or lemon juice -- but that is a great advantage anyway because this creates sodium and potassium citrate salts which are then directly and easily absorbed in the duodenum with no need for further digestion processing. If you don't first neutralize the citric acid (from the lemon and lime) or acetic acid and malic acid (from ACV) or even ascorbic acid(Vit C) with BS, then your pancreas will have to use all its own stored bicarbonates to neutralize all these acids into citrates, acetates, malates and ascorbates etc. so that they can be absorbed into the body. More work for your body.

And also remember that the bicarbonates in the pancreas are also used for another important job -- if the bicarbonates from the pancreas aren't used in digestion, then they are simply released into the blood -- thus alkalizing it -- and they also play a vital role in helping to swap out carbon dioxide for oxygen in cells during respiration.

So if you create these these citrates, acetates, ascorbates etc before digestion, then you are actually helping to strengthen both your immune system as well as making your cell respiration more efficient. In other words your helping your body do its job."

03/18/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Jerilyn...It has long been believed that the only way we normally catch colds and flu is from microbe entry via the eyes, nose and mouth. However, as far back as 1928, a Dr Simmons sensibly hypothesised that colds and flu could also be caught via entry through the ear.

Once the virus or bacteria enters the ear, it doesn't have to worry about battling the internal immune system, but can breed freely relatively unhindered. Eventually, these viruses make their way to the throat area via the Eustachian tube -- an ear canal that connects the ear to the throat region. Peculiar indeed that sometimes the first signs of cold and flu are a sore or hoarse throat. And since it also well know that viruses can hide in the spine, brain and other areas -- then why not the ear as well?

Here is the relevant article about Dr Simmons:

http://www.healingdaily.com/exercise/hydrogen-peroxide-in-ears.htm

The remedy -- drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide in the ears -- would get rid of both the wax, as well as kill off any viruses and bacteria (including cold and flu viruses) as described here:

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/ear_wax.html#H202

As a habit, I periodically use 1.5% hydrogen peroxide (my own preference, 3% HP diluted again once by an equal volume of water) to flush out the nasties from my own ears. You don't need to use food grade HP for this, since you're using this on the outside of your body. So ordinary 3% pharmaceutical grade Hydrogen Peroxide will do fine."

[QUESTION]  03/16/2010: Jerilyn from Aliquippa, Pennsylvania writes: "My daughter who is 31 years old got the swine flu (none of us went to the doctor except her but we know that it was the swine flu we had). She got it the worst. She cannot get rid of the build up of fluid in her ears (she's been to the doctors for it and he gave her penicillin and a nasal spray which she wouldn't use because nasal spray aren't good for you to use, per a cousin of mine who is a doctor). After a month of the fluid in her ears, she still can't get rid of it. If she goes to another doctor I know they aren't going to be able to tell her what to take to get rid of it. What would you suggest? She has tried echinacea, warmed onions on the ears, Vitamin C (large doses), penicillin and the natural ocean mist nasal spray to no avail. Please, if you can tell us what to get naturally to get rid of the fluid in her ears, we would appreciate it. We are use to using natural treatments, so whatever we have to get to get rid of this, she will do.

Thank you.
Jerilyn"

03/18/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Jerilyn...It has long been believed that the only way we normally catch colds and flu is from microbe entry via the eyes, nose and mouth. However, as far back as 1928, a Dr Simmons sensibly hypothesised that colds and flu could also be caught via entry through the ear.

Once the virus or bacteria enters the ear, it doesn't have to worry about battling the internal immune system, but can breed freely relatively unhindered. Eventually, these viruses make their way to the throat area via the Eustachian tube -- an ear canal that connects the ear to the throat region. Peculiar indeed that sometimes the first signs of cold and flu are a sore or hoarse throat. And since it also well know that viruses can hide in the spine, brain and other areas -- then why not the ear as well?

Here is the relevant article about Dr Simmons:

http://www.healingdaily.com/exercise/hydrogen-peroxide-in-ears.htm

The remedy -- drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide in the ears -- would get rid of both the wax, as well as kill off any viruses and bacteria (including cold and flu viruses) as described here:

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/ear_wax.html#H202

As a habit, I periodically use 1.5% hydrogen peroxide (my own preference, 3% HP diluted again once by an equal volume of water) to flush out the nasties from my own ears. You don't need to use food grade HP for this, since you're using this on the outside of your body. So ordinary 3% pharmaceutical grade Hydrogen Peroxide will do fine."

03/18/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Maria...In answer to your questions:

1. How much lime/lemon juice and baking soda is you use?

Use 1/2 tspn Baking soda dissolved in the juice of one lemon or lime. Just slowly add the BS to the lemon/lime juice in 1/2 glass of water until it stops fizzing(Do not worry if you use a little more or less than 1/2 tspn BS). Take this at least 2 times a day -- at least one hour before or two hours after meals. Never take this remedy with meals. Take this 5 times a week with 2 days rest every week.

2. Milk Thistle - is this in a form of tea or powder. How much and how frequently do you use it?

I took Milk Thistle powder in capsule form -- Two 1500 mg capsules per day. Do not buy the tablets, buy the capsule form containing powder. I took this every day in order to help my liver cope with the Herx reaction or fungal die-off.

Kelp tablets - not sure I need it or do I?

Kelp contains minerals, but I took it mainly for the iodine to support my immune system. It is always a good idea to support your immune system as much as possible. You can also use iodine foot-painting (transdermal absorbtion) as well as described here if you like:

http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/iodine3.html#IP

I use iodine painting now. For this you can use lugol's iodine or just ordinary iodine tincture or even Betadine.

Ted advises the best way to get rid of oral thrush here:

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/thrush.html#TED

Although I've never used the ACV plus hydrogen peroxide(H2O2) combo, I have used these two separately for different reasons and they are both powerful anti-fungals. I also agree wholeheartedly with all his other advice."

06/28/2009: Colleen from Livingston, NJ writes: "Hi, My Mom and I have been doing some research regarding Candida. We are both convinced that we have this condition since we both fit the symptoms to a tee.

Anyway, my question is, my Mom has been diagnosed with high blood pressure and I've been seeing mixed commentary on the web to whether or not taking the Coconut Oil is good for people who have high blood pressure. Should she continue taking Coconut Oil and will it lower her pressure or make it higher?

Any commentary or personal results are appreciated!! Thanks!"

[YEA]  11/28/2009: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines writes: "Hi Colleen...As a help to you here is a website showing much of the research on coconut oil in our diet:

http://coconutoil.com/research.htm

There are many myths that have been spread around about saturated fats and the above web-site should explain all.

I use extra virgin coconut oil internally and externally on body every day, I regard this oil as far more curative even than olive oil because coconut oil is a stable saturated fat, whereas olive oil is a monounsaturated vegetable oil, therefore less stable and much more prone to quickly oxidise.

When I started taking coconut oil, I actually lost weight, my blood pressure went down, my cholesterol levels went down and rebalanced, I had more energy and it was a major factor in getting rid of my Candida."

03/16/2010: Maria from Wilmington, DE, Usa writes: "This is a question to Bill from the Philipines. Bill how long did you take the coconut oil to cure your candida? Maria"

03/17/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Maria...It took a year to cure my candida. And coconut oil wasn't the only remedy I used. I also used the following.

* Ted's lime/lemon plus Baking soda 3 times a day for alkalizing the body.

* Occasionally Ted's ACV plus BS or BS on its own on in water to provide more energy and to provide more bicarbonates respectively.

* Teaspoon of Blackstrap Molasses in my coffee for minerals.

* Milk thistle to support my liver throughout the cure.

* Kelp tablets for iodine.

* My own homemade decoction of Tinospora cordifolia, Phyllanthus niruri(Chanca piedra or Stonebreaker) and Tumeric, all of which grow in my garden. I took this for liver, kidney and intestinal support throughout the cure. I have recently included Neem leaves in this decoction, because I found a Neem tree in my neighboorhood the other day. Neem, amongst all its other highly beneficial properties, is also highly alkalizing.

I had terrible constipation for about 7 years and usually had a bowel movement once every 4 days. Not good. The coconut oil had an immediate effect on this, my stools became smaller and softer, and eventually I started to have regular BM everyday. I cook everything in VCO now, even use it on my salads. I have banned all other polyunsaturated veg oils from my diet now, since most of these are highly processed chemically and suffer oxidation too quickly which is bad for the body. VCO should be unprocessed, stable and it takes 2-3 years to oxidize this oil.

Just to say that intestinal candida is an insidious problem that can be very hard to eradicate. It is insidious because initially you don't notice its effects, they sort of creep up on you and since I'm over 60 y o I just thought it was age...LOL. But then I stumbled on EC and read about candida. I now regard any yeast, mold or fungus as the prime human enemy now, far more destructive on the human body than viruses, bacteria etc. Fungus's are way more adaptable than any other microbe, they are neither plant nor animal, they can hide for years, they can transfer their nucleus via their hypha by penetrating host cells in order to hide and breed when under attack. The overall effect of this is to continually weaken and wear down the body's immune system, and eventually to provide a wonderful acid environment to allow in a plethora of other viruses and bacteria. This is why it takes so long to get rid of and recover from candida.

Simply put, there is no one magic bullet for candida. I still regard Ted's lemon/lime remedy as the prime remedy that hepled to destroy my candida. But I also have a very high regard for VCO too."

03/17/2010: Maria from Wilmington, De - Usa writes: "Hi Bill,

Thanks for the prompt response and thorough explanation. However, I have a few questions regarding your remedies:

1. How much lime/lemon juice and baking soda dis you use?
2. Milk Thistle - is this in a form of tea or powder. How much and how frequently do you use it.
3. Kelp tablets - not sure I need it or do I

I have had thrush in my throat (I'm sure it's in my stomach as well) for about 2 months now and went the Rx route but I'm ready to use the home remedies. I am also over 60 and having a tough time of it but I'm not giving up, there must be an answer. I am determined to kill this fungus off and get my life back. All the best to you.

Maria"

03/18/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Maria...In answer to your questions:

1. How much lime/lemon juice and baking soda is you use?

Use 1/2 tspn Baking soda dissolved in the juice of one lemon or lime. Just slowly add the BS to the lemon/lime juice in 1/2 glass of water until it stops fizzing(Do not worry if you use a little more or less than 1/2 tspn BS). Take this at least 2 times a day -- at least one hour before or two hours after meals. Never take this remedy with meals. Take this 5 times a week with 2 days rest every week.

2. Milk Thistle - is this in a form of tea or powder. How much and how frequently do you use it?

I took Milk Thistle powder in capsule form -- Two 1500 mg capsules per day. Do not buy the tablets, buy the capsule form containing powder. I took this every day in order to help my liver cope with the Herx reaction or fungal die-off.

Kelp tablets - not sure I need it or do I?

Kelp contains minerals, but I took it mainly for the iodine to support my immune system. It is always a good idea to support your immune system as much as possible. You can also use iodine foot-painting (transdermal absorbtion) as well as described here if you like:

http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/iodine3.html#IP

I use iodine painting now. For this you can use lugol's iodine or just ordinary iodine tincture or even Betadine.

Ted advises the best way to get rid of oral thrush here:

http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/thrush.html#TED

Although I've never used the ACV plus hydrogen peroxide(H2O2) combo, I have used these two separately for different reasons and they are both powerful anti-fungals. I also agree wholeheartedly with all his other advice."

03/18/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas, Usa writes: "Bill, I have to agree with you on how destructive fungus is to the human body and how deceptive it can be. As you mention it will hid in the body waiting for an opportunity to start growing and a person will never know it. I see fungus as one of the great cleanser of the earth digesting unused material. But what does this tell us about what we are consuming and we get an overgrowth inside. As you know too much toxins and waste. I believe eating clean is a big part of conquering this dis-ease.

I am now for the 4th time in my life dealing with this. I am having great results with EC remedies and your posts. I also used the maple syrup combined with baking 3 xs a day to kick start the clean up. Boy did it do it. I lost 7 pounds from stomach in about 3 days. I feel so much better not having the extra weight around the middle. If anyone tries this be prepared to feel really sick for a week or so.

Thanks for your posts and sharing your journey as it is a great encouragement to fellow travelers."

03/18/2010: Peter from Chicago, Il writes: "Bill,

I am not afraid of taking B/S, from my experience using two tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, I always need at least on tablespoon of B/S to stop the fizzle. I just want to double check with your experience to make sure I am doing this right."

03/18/2010: Peter from Chicago, Il writes: "Bill, sorry for typo. I meant "one" not on ts."

Hi everyone, i just had to share this with you, because it took me years to put a name on these inner thigh boils i kept having. It is called hidradenitis suppurativa! It is a rare disease. Actually, it is not so rare, it just goes undiagnosed because of the places it's in and ignorance of doctors. Please look it up and see if this is what you have. Unfortunately i could not find any cure, but the simple thing that helped me was not to touch it: no epilation, no underware (the friction brings them on). Also hot baked onion used locally makes the puss collect. Good luck"

EC: Remedies for hidradenitis suppurativa page here: http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/hidradenitis_suppurativa.html

[YEA]  03/18/2010: Margalit from Buena Park, Ca. writes: "yes ive tried the newspaper rolled up and burned it at the end when i was pregnant and it took away my ear pain kind of scary but it worked for me."

[NAY]  06/28/2007: Jessica from Chicago, IL USA writes: "to the person who said use a cigarette to cure ear infections -- that's COMPLETELY false because cigarette smoke is one of the causes of ear infection... i have one now and i have yet to try any of these tomorrow im gonna try the peroxide... but cigarettes and smoke is one of the causes of an ear infection.... SO NO ONE TRY THAT!!!"

08/31/2009: Leah from Friendswood, Tx writes: "Hi, well I dont know about cigarettes blown in the ear, but I do know for a FACT, that if you roll up a newspaper and place it in your ear like a torch, all the smoke that goes into your ear will place pressure and pop whatever it is in there. Its usually good for air in the ears or ear infection to relieve the pressure. I wouldnt call it a cure, but it does help alot, my mother did this to me when I was like 3 on up and its not painful, just dont make the point on the end that goes in your ear to pointy."

[YEA]  03/18/2010: Margalit from Buena Park, Ca. writes: "yes ive tried the newspaper rolled up and burned it at the end when i was pregnant and it took away my ear pain kind of scary but it worked for me."

Please let me know if the turmeric helps you."

[QUESTION]  03/17/2010: Guppydas from Lamsai, Prathumthani, Thailand writes: "Hello everybody. I am writing this in a desperation as I have been suffering this condition for more than 3 years now and it got worst due to improper medical procedure. Please excuse me if I am too graphical in explaining the sysmptoms.

3 years ago, a small acne like boil developed on right thigh. Disappeared in 2 days. Only to appear a week later. Then it changed the location. This time, on left thigh. Sometime then I also had an attack of Herpes Zoster on my Left shoulder and left back. I was completely exhausted by this two infections.

Eventually after a month or so, Herpes disappeared, leaving pain in the spot which is more intermittent. However, the infection around thigh didn't go away. In fact it became more stubborn and aggressive.

I do not like to take anti-biotics as I know the devastating unwanted effects they have. Still I visited doctor and I was put on some heavy doses of Antibiotic. I was dead against use of any cut and drain procedure. I believed this could be sorted by medication.

With patience I kept taking the medication to no benefit. The infection spread, finally covering almost the entire region on buttocks, inner thighs and groins. It was painful, foul smelling and not improving at all.

All this resulted in extreme exhaustion and finally in May 2009, I was taken to local hospital for check up and treatment. I was given 2 units of blood, put on drip for 5 days. During this, without my permission, the doctors performed a incision to drain the fluid out. Did bring good relief. However the entire procedure was conducted in a very unprofessional manner. No local anesthesia or numbing aid was given.

Eventually this short lived relief faded away in 3 months. I was completely bed ridden for a month during July and August 2009. Finally to get admitted to a bigger hospital. Results of diagnosis came around and to my shock and surprise, I was found HIV .

However, the doctors were nice and explained me the benefits to do a proper incision procedure to drain out the infected area so that the medication bring about healing faster. I agreed. I was taken to the surgery room. General anesthesia and after 3 hours, I was back in my bed in my ward. Felt very good. For few months. Then, the reality started sinking in.

The wound was not healing at all. 8 spots about 2 cm wide and 1/4 centimeter deep at least were not healing up. Once again there was pus formation and pain returned. This happened relatively swiftly before I could get to doctors and get some medical attention.

NOW, cutting long story short, I cannot get any medical attention nor can I afford any. So a well learned friend of mine suggested to take Food grade H2O2. I started taking that about 10 days ago. I am taking 3% food grade in about a litre of bottled water (says no chlorine on the lable). Can't get distilled water here. Don't see much difference. The only thing I see different is sleepiness. I don't fall asleep but I am sleepy all the time.

Ok this is getting too long. I did cut it short. My question is, in addition to the above treatment, I wish to take mega doses of Vitamin C. Any suggestions, warming, comments, recommendation on this? Vitamin C H2O2? Any other suggestions to heal this wounds faster? I am held back due to this. I can't sit or sleep properly. I need to travel back to my Home country and infection holds me back from travelling for so many hours in an airplane. The discharge is foul smelling and is constantly painful. Any suggestions are welcome. Please please help. I am emotionally and financially broke due to this condition.

Thank you all for your support.

PS: No doctor has so far given any name to it. However looking on Internet, I found two conditions (two names) most fitting to describe this infection on buttocks. 1) Hidradenitis Supprativa 2) Acne Inversa. many misdiagnose it as Acne Vulgaris. Yes I have had inherent Acne problem all my life. I also have a long medical history. I can share if it is helpful."

03/17/2010: Rena from Mineral Bluff, Georgia, Usa writes: "Hi Guppydas, from Lamsai,

I understand the financial situation, so perhaps we can start off with the less expensive remedies. First off, you need to alkalize your system with fresh lemon or lime juice, mixed with baking soda.

Recipes can be found here:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/alkalizing_formulas.html#REMEDY4

Next due to all the antibiotics, you need to replenish your good flora with a good pro biotic. If you can't find any, then perhaps you can make some fermented foods, or kefir.

Good recipes can be found here:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/fermented-foods.html

Now for the wounds themselves, to put on externally and this will be the most expensive, is to get some Manuka honey. You may have to google this, but you will get some good information. If you can not get Manuka honey, then use a good pure or raw honey and apply to wounds, and bandage. Change bandages and re-apply the honey morning and evening. You can not use pasteurized store bought honey, it will not work, it must be pure honey. Your best wound healing would be to get the Manuka Honey, so if there is anyway, please get this.

I wish you the best, Peace, Rena."

03/18/2010: Guppydas from Lamsai, Prathumthani, Thailand writes: "Hi Rena,

Thank you for your response. I can do the Baking soda lime thing. Manuka honey, raw, I doubt it is possible to find in this part of the world. However, I will ask around. Meanwhile I am continuing to use H2O2 for cleaning the wounds. Also, I have 3% Food grade H2O2 that I drink every day. About 5 oz. Mixed with either bottled (non chlorine) water or orange juice. It's only been 12 days so far so I think it would be too early to comment on results.

I was wondering if it would be OK to take Baking soda and Lime along with H2O2? Your comment is highly appreciated. I also wanted to know if high doses of Vitamin C be any good?

As you can see from my emails, I am 'zero' in this health matters. Besides, for some time I am feeling extremely sleepy. Droopy feeling, if it means something. My eyes feel heavy, as if I am about to fall asleep. When I put aside the anything that I am doing and try to sleep, I can't sleep. Mind is hyper alert. It is difficult to focus for 5 minutes and read an email or write a reply. Eventually I end up spending the entire day, doing one message at a time.

Once again, thank you for your response. I will get Baking soda and lime. One more question, can I squeez lime, lets say for 3-4 days worth and keep it or it is better to squeeze fresh?"

03/17/2010: Charlotte from Boston, Ma writes: "Hi, I think turmeric would be very helpful in treating your sores. My family has used it many times for boils and acne both internally (1/2 teaspoon powdered turmeric in a glass of warm water)and externally (turmeric paste). Here is a page on Earth Clinic that I use frequently! http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/boils.html.

Please let me know if the turmeric helps you."

03/18/2010: Shandy from Limerick, Ireland writes: "Dear Guppydas,

My daughter was recently bitten by spiders that were poisonous, the bites became sores that refused to heal. The Drs tried to treat her with antibiotics and steroids - which did no good at all. After some research and help from others on EC I made a poultice with equal amounts of onion, garlic, and potato and bound it with bandages on her sores changing them every 4 hours - within 3-4 days it had drawn out all the pus, and scabbed over, we then applied plantago tincture for a few days which is supposed to regenerate tissue, now we are just applying vit e oil and they are healing nicely.

It might be worth making a poultice and applying it to your sores since onion and potato have drawing power and garlic is antibiotic, all cheap and available? I'm not sure if you have plantain (plantago) growing in your country as I think it is a temperate climate plant, but one thing I also considered was pineapple - which I think is abundant and cheap in Thailand? Apparently it is also good for rejeuvenating tissue. I had considered binding freash pineapple pieces to my daughters sores but her being 15 and objecting to walking around like a human fruit salad we settled for plantago tincture.Vit e would most likely be the most expensive thing you could try also after the sores are healing well and the skin has grown over and is pink. Hope it's a help."

03/19/2010: Rena from Mineral Bluff, Georgia, Usa writes: "Hi Guppydas,

Yes, I am a believer in vitamin C in helping to heal infections. What kind are you taking and at what dose? The H2O2 should have helped by now in increasing your energy, what is your dosage of this in drops to the 5oz? Do be mindful of your nutrition during this healing. Juicing vegetables would be a good way to go, if you don't have a juicer, could you borrow one from a friend? It also sounds like you are not sleeping well, this is also important in your healing, you need to sleep to help keep your immune system strong.

I have seen others post some good suggestions on a poultice, if you can't get manuka honey, or pure local honey, maybe you can try another poultice, there are many that could work.

Do keep the H2O2 and lime/baking soda taken different times of the day, not together. Keep us posted of your progress, Peace, Rena."

03/19/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Guppydas...I had what I thought was jock itch (tinea cruris) some while ago and no matter what I tried -- all the powders, drugs, antibiotics etc, it just wouldn't go away and looked awful. I had this problem for 7 years. Nothing seemed to stop it. The same as you, my infection was in the genital and inner thigh area, eventually extending right round to my buttocks and rectal area.

I'm pretty convinced that this was not just jock itch -- but probably involved MRSA as well and I eventually read about the effectiveness of Milk of Magnesia (MoM). Anyway, through reading alot, I decided to try this:

Every night after my shower I would simply apply Milk of Magnesia topically to the whole infected area, front and back with my hands(I applied alot). Then I simply let it dry on my body(it dries quickly to a white dust) and went to bed. I found the MoM to be very soothing and cooling on the skin. Next morning, I would shower all the MoM off thoroughly and repeat this the next evening. And it took only 2 days to completely heal the whole area -- I had normal skin again !!

The are two specific reasons why the MoM remedy worked. First MoM has a pH of 10 which is very high -- no bacteria, virus or fungus can survive it's alkaline effects. Second, MoM is hydrophobic -- drives water away, so not only did MoM kill the bacteria or virus with its high alkaline pH, it also sucked all the water out of these microbes as well.

One warning here -- if you've got sensitive skin, then just apply the MoM for only about 20-30 minutes -- until it dries to dust -- then wash it off and do this twice a day. Also apply a natural moisturizer afterwards like jojoba oil or cocoa butter to remoisturize your skin. And continue alkalizing with lime/Baking Soda and continue taking the H2O2."

03/18/2010: Guppydas from Lamsai, Prathumthani, Thailand writes: "Hi Rena,

Thank you for your response. I can do the Baking soda lime thing. Manuka honey, raw, I doubt it is possible to find in this part of the world. However, I will ask around. Meanwhile I am continuing to use H2O2 for cleaning the wounds. Also, I have 3% Food grade H2O2 that I drink every day. About 5 oz. Mixed with either bottled (non chlorine) water or orange juice. It's only been 12 days so far so I think it would be too early to comment on results.

I was wondering if it would be OK to take Baking soda and Lime along with H2O2? Your comment is highly appreciated. I also wanted to know if high doses of Vitamin C be any good?

As you can see from my emails, I am 'zero' in this health matters. Besides, for some time I am feeling extremely sleepy. Droopy feeling, if it means something. My eyes feel heavy, as if I am about to fall asleep. When I put aside the anything that I am doing and try to sleep, I can't sleep. Mind is hyper alert. It is difficult to focus for 5 minutes and read an email or write a reply. Eventually I end up spending the entire day, doing one message at a time.

Once again, thank you for your response. I will get Baking soda and lime. One more question, can I squeez lime, lets say for 3-4 days worth and keep it or it is better to squeeze fresh?"

[QUESTION]  03/17/2010: Guppydas from Lamsai, Prathumthani, Thailand writes: "Hello everybody. I am writing this in a desperation as I have been suffering this condition for more than 3 years now and it got worst due to improper medical procedure. Please excuse me if I am too graphical in explaining the sysmptoms.

3 years ago, a small acne like boil developed on right thigh. Disappeared in 2 days. Only to appear a week later. Then it changed the location. This time, on left thigh. Sometime then I also had an attack of Herpes Zoster on my Left shoulder and left back. I was completely exhausted by this two infections.

Eventually after a month or so, Herpes disappeared, leaving pain in the spot which is more intermittent. However, the infection around thigh didn't go away. In fact it became more stubborn and aggressive.

I do not like to take anti-biotics as I know the devastating unwanted effects they have. Still I visited doctor and I was put on some heavy doses of Antibiotic. I was dead against use of any cut and drain procedure. I believed this could be sorted by medication.

With patience I kept taking the medication to no benefit. The infection spread, finally covering almost the entire region on buttocks, inner thighs and groins. It was painful, foul smelling and not improving at all.

All this resulted in extreme exhaustion and finally in May 2009, I was taken to local hospital for check up and treatment. I was given 2 units of blood, put on drip for 5 days. During this, without my permission, the doctors performed a incision to drain the fluid out. Did bring good relief. However the entire procedure was conducted in a very unprofessional manner. No local anesthesia or numbing aid was given.

Eventually this short lived relief faded away in 3 months. I was completely bed ridden for a month during July and August 2009. Finally to get admitted to a bigger hospital. Results of diagnosis came around and to my shock and surprise, I was found HIV .

However, the doctors were nice and explained me the benefits to do a proper incision procedure to drain out the infected area so that the medication bring about healing faster. I agreed. I was taken to the surgery room. General anesthesia and after 3 hours, I was back in my bed in my ward. Felt very good. For few months. Then, the reality started sinking in.

The wound was not healing at all. 8 spots about 2 cm wide and 1/4 centimeter deep at least were not healing up. Once again there was pus formation and pain returned. This happened relatively swiftly before I could get to doctors and get some medical attention.

NOW, cutting long story short, I cannot get any medical attention nor can I afford any. So a well learned friend of mine suggested to take Food grade H2O2. I started taking that about 10 days ago. I am taking 3% food grade in about a litre of bottled water (says no chlorine on the lable). Can't get distilled water here. Don't see much difference. The only thing I see different is sleepiness. I don't fall asleep but I am sleepy all the time.

Ok this is getting too long. I did cut it short. My question is, in addition to the above treatment, I wish to take mega doses of Vitamin C. Any suggestions, warming, comments, recommendation on this? Vitamin C H2O2? Any other suggestions to heal this wounds faster? I am held back due to this. I can't sit or sleep properly. I need to travel back to my Home country and infection holds me back from travelling for so many hours in an airplane. The discharge is foul smelling and is constantly painful. Any suggestions are welcome. Please please help. I am emotionally and financially broke due to this condition.

Thank you all for your support.

PS: No doctor has so far given any name to it. However looking on Internet, I found two conditions (two names) most fitting to describe this infection on buttocks. 1) Hidradenitis Supprativa 2) Acne Inversa. many misdiagnose it as Acne Vulgaris. Yes I have had inherent Acne problem all my life. I also have a long medical history. I can share if it is helpful."

03/17/2010: Rena from Mineral Bluff, Georgia, Usa writes: "Hi Guppydas, from Lamsai,

I understand the financial situation, so perhaps we can start off with the less expensive remedies. First off, you need to alkalize your system with fresh lemon or lime juice, mixed with baking soda.

Recipes can be found here:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/alkalizing_formulas.html#REMEDY4

Next due to all the antibiotics, you need to replenish your good flora with a good pro biotic. If you can't find any, then perhaps you can make some fermented foods, or kefir.

Good recipes can be found here:
http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/fermented-foods.html

Now for the wounds themselves, to put on externally and this will be the most expensive, is to get some Manuka honey. You may have to google this, but you will get some good information. If you can not get Manuka honey, then use a good pure or raw honey and apply to wounds, and bandage. Change bandages and re-apply the honey morning and evening. You can not use pasteurized store bought honey, it will not work, it must be pure honey. Your best wound healing would be to get the Manuka Honey, so if there is anyway, please get this.

I wish you the best, Peace, Rena."

03/18/2010: Guppydas from Lamsai, Prathumthani, Thailand writes: "Hi Rena,

Thank you for your response. I can do the Baking soda lime thing. Manuka honey, raw, I doubt it is possible to find in this part of the world. However, I will ask around. Meanwhile I am continuing to use H2O2 for cleaning the wounds. Also, I have 3% Food grade H2O2 that I drink every day. About 5 oz. Mixed with either bottled (non chlorine) water or orange juice. It's only been 12 days so far so I think it would be too early to comment on results.

I was wondering if it would be OK to take Baking soda and Lime along with H2O2? Your comment is highly appreciated. I also wanted to know if high doses of Vitamin C be any good?

As you can see from my emails, I am 'zero' in this health matters. Besides, for some time I am feeling extremely sleepy. Droopy feeling, if it means something. My eyes feel heavy, as if I am about to fall asleep. When I put aside the anything that I am doing and try to sleep, I can't sleep. Mind is hyper alert. It is difficult to focus for 5 minutes and read an email or write a reply. Eventually I end up spending the entire day, doing one message at a time.

Once again, thank you for your response. I will get Baking soda and lime. One more question, can I squeez lime, lets say for 3-4 days worth and keep it or it is better to squeeze fresh?"

03/17/2010: Charlotte from Boston, Ma writes: "Hi, I think turmeric would be very helpful in treating your sores. My family has used it many times for boils and acne both internally (1/2 teaspoon powdered turmeric in a glass of warm water)and externally (turmeric paste). Here is a page on Earth Clinic that I use frequently! http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/boils.html.

Please let me know if the turmeric helps you."

03/18/2010: Shandy from Limerick, Ireland writes: "Dear Guppydas,

My daughter was recently bitten by spiders that were poisonous, the bites became sores that refused to heal. The Drs tried to treat her with antibiotics and steroids - which did no good at all. After some research and help from others on EC I made a poultice with equal amounts of onion, garlic, and potato and bound it with bandages on her sores changing them every 4 hours - within 3-4 days it had drawn out all the pus, and scabbed over, we then applied plantago tincture for a few days which is supposed to regenerate tissue, now we are just applying vit e oil and they are healing nicely.

It might be worth making a poultice and applying it to your sores since onion and potato have drawing power and garlic is antibiotic, all cheap and available? I'm not sure if you have plantain (plantago) growing in your country as I think it is a temperate climate plant, but one thing I also considered was pineapple - which I think is abundant and cheap in Thailand? Apparently it is also good for rejeuvenating tissue. I had considered binding freash pineapple pieces to my daughters sores but her being 15 and objecting to walking around like a human fruit salad we settled for plantago tincture.Vit e would most likely be the most expensive thing you could try also after the sores are healing well and the skin has grown over and is pink. Hope it's a help."

03/19/2010: Rena from Mineral Bluff, Georgia, Usa writes: "Hi Guppydas,

Yes, I am a believer in vitamin C in helping to heal infections. What kind are you taking and at what dose? The H2O2 should have helped by now in increasing your energy, what is your dosage of this in drops to the 5oz? Do be mindful of your nutrition during this healing. Juicing vegetables would be a good way to go, if you don't have a juicer, could you borrow one from a friend? It also sounds like you are not sleeping well, this is also important in your healing, you need to sleep to help keep your immune system strong.

I have seen others post some good suggestions on a poultice, if you can't get manuka honey, or pure local honey, maybe you can try another poultice, there are many that could work.

Do keep the H2O2 and lime/baking soda taken different times of the day, not together. Keep us posted of your progress, Peace, Rena."

03/19/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Guppydas...I had what I thought was jock itch (tinea cruris) some while ago and no matter what I tried -- all the powders, drugs, antibiotics etc, it just wouldn't go away and looked awful. I had this problem for 7 years. Nothing seemed to stop it. The same as you, my infection was in the genital and inner thigh area, eventually extending right round to my buttocks and rectal area.

I'm pretty convinced that this was not just jock itch -- but probably involved MRSA as well and I eventually read about the effectiveness of Milk of Magnesia (MoM). Anyway, through reading alot, I decided to try this:

Every night after my shower I would simply apply Milk of Magnesia topically to the whole infected area, front and back with my hands(I applied alot). Then I simply let it dry on my body(it dries quickly to a white dust) and went to bed. I found the MoM to be very soothing and cooling on the skin. Next morning, I would shower all the MoM off thoroughly and repeat this the next evening. And it took only 2 days to completely heal the whole area -- I had normal skin again !!

The are two specific reasons why the MoM remedy worked. First MoM has a pH of 10 which is very high -- no bacteria, virus or fungus can survive it's alkaline effects. Second, MoM is hydrophobic -- drives water away, so not only did MoM kill the bacteria or virus with its high alkaline pH, it also sucked all the water out of these microbes as well.

One warning here -- if you've got sensitive skin, then just apply the MoM for only about 20-30 minutes -- until it dries to dust -- then wash it off and do this twice a day. Also apply a natural moisturizer afterwards like jojoba oil or cocoa butter to remoisturize your skin. And continue alkalizing with lime/Baking Soda and continue taking the H2O2."

03/18/2010: Prakash from Mumbai, India writes: "Dear Ranjana, From where does your aunt get this catnip, nettle, horsetail and indigo powder which she mixes with henna please reply i'd be highly obliged I 'm dying to colour my hair naturally dark without using chemical dyes which are anyways very harmful in the long run and I'm not happy with my hennaed orange hair I get conscious of my hair and it affects my life and career"

[YEA]  03/17/2009: Amber from Portland, Oregon writes: "Many people (including myself) use natural plants to color thier hair, such as Henna (for Orange/Red color, and adds brilliant shine to hair), Henna with Indigo (to achieve brunette to black colors), and Cassia; a plant that can be used to add shine or add a bit of golden color to very pale blond or white hair. There are other plants and spices that can enhance tone as well. (for more on this, read on)

About the results: I am a dark blonde who used to lighten my hair. I have colored my hair all types of ways, and most recently I decided to 'go dark'. Well, I can tell you that nothing colors and strengthens my hair like the henna. And I now use the henna + indigo mix to achieve a very exotic dark color, that fully saturates (dyes used to wash out easily), shines, and is actually healthy for my hair! The shine you can achieve with the use of henna is head-turning and like no other. Henna binds with your hair, so it is much different than a dye. You can also use chemical lighteners or dyes over it, or apply it over chemically dyed/lightened hair, and as long as you are using PURE henna, you will get nice results. The horror stories you may have heard only relate to people using 'compound' hennas, again, like you would buy in the store, mixed with other ingredients.

How it basically works: Henna can be combined with an acid (lemon juice, apple cider vinegar) and left to sit for 12 hours to release the dye. It can then be added to color the hair (usually for 2 hours) or it can be diluted and/or applied for a lesser duration, to add just a touch of tint and gloss to the hair. Indigo can be mixed with water and mixed into the Henna, or applied seperately after a Henna treatment. Cassia can be applied alone, or added to the aforementioned mixes. These plants should be purchased in a pure form (not in mixes from the beauty supply).

Where you can find out more: You can find a wealth of information at this website: www.hennaforhair.com about how to color your hair with these plants, and a very interesting history. There are also personal mixes, techniques, forums where you can ask questions about your specific hair type/goals, and order the products. You can also order small samples very inexpensively so that you can experiment on 'brush harvested' hair. I can't say enough great things about the women who run this website. If you are curious, and check it out, they offer all the info and help you need to become confident about trying this.

I have also since read on many natural health and hair sites that Honey can be used as a natural lightener. So if you are a blonde, perhaps that will work for you, as well as lemon juice. One could also use the cassia to get the brilliant shine that henna gives, without turning into a redhead! If I ever grow my natural hair out again, this is what I will do!

One last thing I want to say, is that it feels very good to get off of the chemical-dye train, to find natural plant dyes that achieve colors and results so beauteous that nature could only provide. It may seem time-consuming at first, but after learning and becoming experienced with the use of these dyes (and it doesn't take long!) it has become a nice beauty ritual; it feels more natural and personal...and has become something I look forward to doing, taking time to relax while the mix does it's magic, and the hair is always more beautiful each time! It has been about 2 years that I have been using these plant dyes, and I am glad to be able to share this info on earth clinic, so that perhaps others can start using this too."

03/18/2009: C.S.M from VERO BEACH, FL writes: "Yes!!! I am thrilled, too, to be off chemical hair dyes!!!

Using information from Long Hair Community--Henna Forum, I bought pure Body Art Henna.

I tried numerous experiments using hair from my brushes until I found the result I was looking for.

This product colors my grey hair as no previous boxed henna could. I mix it with cassia to give me a beautiful, brilliant, non fading strawberry blond. Leaves hair stronger. I am amazed!

Thank you Earth Clinic for being here!"

07/30/2009: Nooree from Miami, Florida writes: "Thanks! for this post. I have been using Henna to Dye my hair for a long time but I do not know what Cassia is. Where can I get it and how much to use with henna. It seems like Cassia mixing with Henna will give a nice shine to your hair. Even though Henna itself gives a little shine also. I have been mixing henna and keeping it for just few hours before using in my hair. I will keep it soaked for over night now before using it, to enhance the color. Thank you Amber and C.S.M. both for this knowledge. Thanks you every one on Earth Clinic to make life easier with natural products and God bless Ted for being an Angel for us to research and bring the remedies for us. Thanks alot. I learned alot of this site."

08/06/2009: Amber from Portland, Oregon writes: "Hi Norree: Cassia is another plant that can be used for hair color. It has very little dye in it however, just a small touch of golden which will show up on only the lightest hair colors. It will add shine and gloss, and is often used to dilute the color of Henna, for achieving a less red-orange color. A great site to visit and learn all about these haircolor methods and uses is HennaforHair.com"

08/07/2009: Tricia from Ireland writes: "Amber, I have been looking into this thru a few different websites. I cannot find the answer to this question on any of them and there doesn't seem to he any professional henna-ists in my area. Although I am totally grey haired because I have been using a permanent chemical colourant on my hair the main body of hair is chemically browned and I have one inch in lenght of total grey regrowth. If I use a BAQ henna plus mix to dye it brown will my grey hair be the same colour as the main body and if not how do I go about making sure that the two are the same?. If you don't know the answer