Recent Posts

01/31/2012: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "Sallie, the active ingredient "Berberine" found in Goldenseal is known to inhibit B Vitamins, so it has long been suggested to not use it for extended periods; otherwise it's a great natural antibiotic."

02/02/2012: Tricia from Ireland: "Hi, Sallie. Thank you for your tip. I'm not sure that I can get Allimax here but I'll certainly try out the ingredients that are in it. As for H2o2 I didn't find any negatives with it. I only used it in order to clear the backlog of mucous that weaved it's way onto my lung/chest area. I knew that if I didn't do that I would be looking at a different set of problems down the line. The H2o2 opened the airways enough for me to take a strong healthy cough to clear everything, which I had previously been unable to do. Now I will intermttantly use it if I haven't been able to 'spit or blow' my nasal drips. I have only found H2o2 to be a benefit. Thank you again for the tip."

04/16/2014: Katy from Pleasant Valley: "Go on the mucousless diet, mucous is you body response to something, it doesn't like or a protection. Usually it is an allergic reaction to food that your eating that you are allergic to."

02/02/2010: Noels from Wolverhampton, Uk: "Hi Bdegolier

Many years ago I had a very similar problem and went to see my doctor about it. Every day it felt as though I had some toasted bread stuck in my throat. I also worked in a job I hated. When I saw the Dr I described the symptoms and said in passing that when I took my family away at the weekend to our family caravan in the country the symptoms disappeared. My Dr said nothing but wrote me a prescription for a very mild sedative. Within a day the symptoms disappeared never to return, Its surprising how tension can manifest itself!

Hope this helps you
Regards
Noels"

02/03/2010: Linda from York County, Maine: "....to add a tidbit to this thread, I have had periods of time where I feel that my throat is closing - almost like phlegm that I can't be rid of....it has seemed that stress played a part in that since, in retrospect, I can see where I was uptight when these instances occurred. I'm happy to say that the same sensation hasn't presented itself in quite some time...life is good, I guess!"

04/05/2010: Marny from Bedford, Texas: "Bdegolier,

I have been experiencing throat tightness or the sensation there is a lump in my throat. I recently read that forcing yourself to cry would help, so I gave it a try and it did! The lump could be caused by anxiety and crying is a way to release. Makes sense. I hope this helps."

11/22/2013: Lisa from Utah: "I see that this conversation is a few years old but just in case you are still dealing with this issue I will share my experience.

Chinese medicine calls that feeling of a lump in the throat "Plum In Throat" and it can easily be eliminated by a single visit to a good acupuncturist. It was pure coincidence that my husband was using acupuncture to eliminate back pain when I developed this problem. Immediately upon mentioning it I was taken into my own room, a couple simple needles were painlessly placed and 20 minutes later the issue was gone. It has been at least three years since that experience with no recurrence.

Since that time my husband and I overheard a conversation at a local medical clinic where a woman was sharing her experience of a constant lump in her throat. She told the person she was conversing with that she had undergone some sort of unpleasant throat stripping to eliminate her issue and it still wasn't gone. It broke my heart to hear and I was truly grateful that I had been able to avoid such an unpleasant experience.

I hope you have been able to resolve the issue for yourself. If not, find a good acupuncturist in your area."

04/16/2014: Smartattimes from La: "I felt like I had something stuck in my throat, like a cat may feel with hair ball. I read that it could be acid reflux due to the body creating less stomach acid or too much stomach acid so went to my Chinese medicine doctor he gave me some herbs and it went away."

01/31/2014: Eric from Ann Arbor, United States, United States: "I live in Ann Arbor too and there are serious mold problems all over this city! Here's just one example: http://www.annarbor.com/news/police-chief-says-he-was-ashamed-of-conditions-ann-arbor-police-officers-endured-inside-city-hall/"

04/16/2014: Littlecat from Sd: "Mold is a biotoxin, it is the equivalent of being exposed to agent orange, mold will eventually wear down your immune system because your body is fighting its invasion, You may became very ill, and it is seriuos t you can die from mold it can give you a heart attack I'm not trying to scare you but it is serious health hazard why do you think when the clean up team showns up to clean up mold they wear the hazmat suits an respirators. I kid you not get out of the house mold are found to be carcinagenic Find a doctor that trained with Dr Shoemaker and get treatment"

04/16/2014: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand: "Borax is obtained in US from Mule Team borax used as laundry detergent. In other countries is obtained as borax food grade or commercial grade borax. H2O2 3% is prepared from higher concentration medical grade and dilute it down to 3%. She may respond well to any trace elements such as copper chlorophyllin, zinc, EDTA, etc. There are many other supplements but it boils down to fungus as cause of lupus. She will respond to ozone therapy also. Since there is no stores that handles this you might have to obtain from chemical supplier. Ted"

10/18/2011: Rick from San Diego, Ca: "Earthclinic,

I just purchased some aloe vera oil from this site that you recommend and it came in a small blue bottle, but it says on the bottle that it is for external use only... Do you know if this is still safe to consume?"

04/16/2014: Grannyof2 from Texas, Usa: "This message is for Ted: Searching the internet, the only aloe vera oil I have found is aloe vera gel mixed with different oils like almond oil or safflour oil. I haven't found a way to extract oil from the aloe vera plant. I grow aloe vera and would rather make my own aloe vera oil, but I don't know which oil to use. Ted, can you please clear up which oil to mix with the aloe vera gel to get the aloe vera oil you recommend? Or a source for the aloe vera oil? Thank you."

04/17/2014: Ted from Bangkok, Thailand: "There IS aloe vera oil. It is found in Australia suppliers and Texas where they make aloe vera oil. My friend also sells aloe vera oil here in Thailand. No oils is mixed in, only aloe oil. Ted"

09/29/2009: Tricia from Ireland: "I would assume that since parasites can live quite happily in alkaline soil that the answer to your question is most likely a resounding yes."

09/30/2009: Kathy from Dubois, Pa: "Well, there's alkaline, and then there is TOO ALKALINE. Just as a body can be too acidic, it can also be too alkaline...and neither one is healthful. Some people assume that just because some alkalinity is good, higher alkalinity must be even better, but that is just not the way it is. The normal alkalinity of the blood ranges from pH 7.3 to pH 7.5, while the normal alkalinity inside the cells is 7.4. People, that is not very alkaline at all... in fact ,it is only slightly more alkaline than neutral. And please don't go confusing the normally acidic urine that comes from eating protein with the pathological conditions called Metabolic Acidosis and Respiratory Acidosis, which are medical emergencies."

09/30/2009: Kathy from Dubois, Pa: "Sure, drinking acidic ACV will "alkalize" your body for the very same reason that drinking large amounts of acidic soda pop, or acidic lemon juice will "alkalize" your body...if you consume alot of acid, your body will pull calcium out of your bones to neutralize the acid and bingo, you become more alkaline. Rather than drinking ACV, a better way to go might be to make sure you get enough minerals in your diet, either by eating lots of veggies or taking supplements, or both."

10/02/2009: Robert Henry from Ten Mile, Tn Usa: "Kathy, your comments are confusing to me. Best, I've read, you have little control on your blood pH. You just need to get enough calcium so your bod does not have to use your bones to adjust it's pH. As was my case. You right about your cell pH, but if you got cancer then the sky's the limit. Seen this too many times. The pH of your first morning tinkle is not what your pH is. The nightly detox affects this as all the authorities say. Your second tinkle is a better representative sample of what your actual bod pH is.

When we got on this health kick a number of years ago my wife and both had a urine pH of 5.5. Lordy. We now above 7. To get there we cut back on meat and ate more veggies and also bought an Alkaline water ionizer. All this made little impact. We also did not turn up the ionizer pH as we should have. What did the trick is what they advocate on this site.Two tbsp ACV with 1/4 tsp of Baking Soda in 1/3 glass of water. Do this one time a day and if your pH does not rise after a few weeks , the go to two times a day. And to three times a day if necessary.

One last story...... we also do EDTA chelation and there we met a young woman who had cancer and had gone through all the traditional stuff twice and was sent home to die. Just like the Fed program in-waiting. Anyway, she turned to alternative methods. She was doing blood ultra violet light, Hydrogen Peroxide IV, Vitamin C IV, and other things. She was buying alkaline ionized water, wheat grass , etc to get her pH up. It was not happening. We convinced her to buy an Alkaline Water Ionizer and turn it up to get a higher pH water. Also we encourged her to do ACV and Baking Soda. She now was able to get her pH up where cancer can not live. She is now in remission.

She turned her water ionizer up such that the pH was over 10. As a Chemical Engineer, I would not do this unless I had cancer. She had nothing to lose.

Kathy, I think you meant well but not all folks have the same problem and one size does not fit all. I regret that most of my posts are challenging folks. I's 73 and been down lots of dusty roads and ain't afraid of confusion.

This is a great site, but posts still needs montitoring and sometime challenging. Sometimes I think Ted needs challenging and also Joyce. Both are great, but they mortal."

10/03/2009: Kathy from Dubois, Pa: "I don't know why you are confused. What I said was that there is not much you can do to raise the pH of your BLOOD. Raising the pH of your URINE is an entirely different matter. Eating less protein and more veggies will raise the pH of your URINE, not counting the mornings tinkle, as you say, but WILL NOT change the pH of your BLOOD. What I meant when I wrote about Metabolic Acidosis was that some people think that just because their urine is acidic from eating alot of protein, that their BLOOD is therefor acidic, which is not the case at all. Acidic urine from eating alot of protein DOES NOT mean that someone has Metabolic Acidosis. Acidic urine, by itself, is not a sign of a pathological condition, although eating too much protein over time could cause a problem from mineral depletion, but by itself, acidic urine is not a sign of pathology. Cancer, on the other hand, is a subject that is in a whole other ball field because by definition, cancer is a pathological condition. Cancer and low blood pH do go together, but that is because cancer cells use anaerobic respiration, and the end-product of anaerobic respiration is lactic acid, which the cells then excrete into the blood. Low BLOOD ph, then would be a RESULT of cancer, NOT its CAUSE. And don't forget how ravenous cancer cells are, and how people waste away when they have cancer. Since people waste away because their muscles and body tissues (proteins!) are literally being consumed by the cancer, it doesn't surprize me that their urine is acidic, except that instead of the person eating alot of protein, the cancer is eating the person! It is THE CANCER'S EXCRETIONS that that turn the PERSON'S urine acidic, since the cancer must use the person's kidneys to excrete its waste products. I personally think that alot of cancer is stem cells gone awry...for what reason, I do not know, although cancer is mostly a disease of old age (yes, I know that even fetuses, infants and children get cancer, but it is PREDOMINANTLY an old person's disease), and old people have a life-time's worth of poor nutrition and toxic assaults to their bodies that they are living with. Raising your URINE'S pH by eating more veggies, etc IS a good thing to do because it means that you are getting the minerals your cells need. If urine pH means anything at all, it is an indication of how well, or how poorly, your body is mineralized (excluding the results of the morning pee, of course).

p.s. I have written over and over again in other posts about the importance of biological individuality, so I do not understand how you got the idea that I think one-size-fits-all."

10/03/2009: Kathy from Dubois, Pa: "Sorry about this blizzard of posts, but I have one last thought to add: about science, the older I get, the more I am coming to think that there is actually no such thing as "science", but that what we really build our world on is belief. Now I realize I am into the realm of metaphysics here, but I am truely beginning to think that all that "science" or the "provable" really consists of, is a large body of beliefs that have been held by the majority of people so strongly and for so long that they have become a habit, or more-or-less permanant pattern that is so consistant that it produces replicatable results. In other words, there is no such thing as "science", there is only belief. However, that still does not make me a member of the Church of ACV and Baking Soda."

10/05/2009: Robert Henry from Ten Mile, Tn Usa: "Kathy, again i'm confused. What is low blood pH? All my research says that your blood is pH 7.35 to 7.45 or you die. Is that not right? You can control your urine and saliva pH and that is all... with diet and supplements. Also are you saying that you can have cancer with an alkaline body? I also think an acid body does not mean you have cancer, but I also think that if your body is alkaline, then you do not have cancer. Are you aware of the Spanish Doctor who cures cancer with baking soda alone? He has a book out and it is fascinating. You are not speaking to the choir on this site when you minimize ACV and Baking Soda. Most here believe it is the 11th Commandment. Oh, by the way, pure science is controlled by God. It works the same way every time and if not, then you got some measurements wrong or don't have the total picture. Beliefs have nothing to do with it."

10/23/2009: Robert Henry from Ten Mile, Tn Usa: "DEANNA OF AUGUSTA, GA........... please don't put me in the league with Ted, Joyce and others. They have lots of knowledge while I just got a little. I just know a few things that i have experienced my self. But I do read a lot of books. I can not help you with your parasite probem. We do what Hulda Clarke says in her book. We do her parasite cleanse using a tincture of green walnuts and her other herbs, and also we have bought a zapper made to her design to kill parasites with pulsating low voltage. She says that parasites are the root of all our health problems and includes mold, fungus, yeast as parasites.

Oh, you might be surprised to know the we once lived in Augusta in 1960, immediately following graduation from Ga Tech as a Chemical Engineer. We lived in the section of town where the hoity toidy lived. Only, we lived in a garage apt. out behind the big house. Back then, poor people lived in what they could afford. Now the younguns expect to live in the big house.

I digress,,,,,,,,, we do lots of things for our health, but I also take a little nip in the evenings. The most important things that I thing we do is do Bob Monro's hydrogen peroxide spray. Drink ACV with baking soda to get our urine alkaline. Also, drink our water from a 1/2 gallon jar so we know how much we are drinking. We also do most of the cleansings one or more times a year. We also raise most of our fruit and veggies and freeze and can them. We do butter instead of margarine. We make all our fruit juices and jams from our fruit. Have been doing Canola oil until I have researched Genetically Modified vegetables and I called Con-Agri about their oils. All are all Genetically Altered, which was the term the fella used. This our worst health nightmare. I have contacted a local slaughter house and they are to start saving me their leaf lard. I will render it myself. Store bought lard has been hydrogenated and is no better than the so called good oils.

My share cropper Grand Dad lived to 88 and he sopped his bisquit in lard every morning. He also raised his own hogs and slaughtered them himself. He was not into aerobics 3X week for 20 minutes, He was into aerobics 12 hours a day for 6 days a week. His mules were named Emmer and Twenty. I tried to plow them as a kid, but could not handle it.

Deanna, lots of folks on this site want a quick fix ......like we all do. I don't think there is one. You got to go after your body's total health. You do that with knowledge. This is a great site, but it does no cover any of your body cleansings and other things. You got to get rid of all the garbage you have taken in you body in your entire life.

I am so concerned about these altered vegetables that I am now going back to hair loom vegetables and save my seeds every year. Now that is a hard row to plow if you know anything about gardening. I also think Organic Gardening is a hoax. I say this after 50 years of gardening. I have tried it. You would have to have 22 kids to help you. There is just one of you and one million bugs.

I am now more concerned about my mental situtation than my body health. For that reason , we will get on an intrevenous program using Glutathione. We have spent the last several years getting the heavy metals out of our organs and body fat and clearing our blood vessels of plaque. We've also started on our lymph system. Now we got to work on our brain....... if we are not too late.

Sorry for my rant, but I see so many posts who want a quick fix and there is not any. If you are not taking care of your compete body , then there is another ailment right behind this one.

P S My 69 year old wife is now squirrel hunting on the ridge. She got 3 old tough one's yesterday and we having squirrel and dumplings tonight. Saving the two young fryers. Hell to be poor and have to live off the land. Jus barely getting by."

10/24/2009: Carmen from Nova Scotia, Canada: "Mr Henry, Don't sell yourself short, you and your knowledge are most enjoyable. I like what you have to say and how you say it. Yours is one of the five or six names I remember, I look forward to your postings and the knowledge you share."

11/06/2009: Phil from Dearing, Ga: "Hello Mr. Henry. I have read your post to Deanna sometime back and you seem to be a knowledgeable fellow on several issues. I am extremely interested in what you say about living off the land and hunting.

Just today on Naturealnews.com, they are saying that the pigs/hogs are infected with the new H1N1 flu. I also know that Kevin Trudeau, in his book nature cures, recommends free range meats. I would guess that deer and squirrels would fit this discription, though I believe he was speaking of bison/buffalo... Anyway I am just rambling here,so here are my questions about hunting wildlife and the safety of the meat.

Squirrels my grandmother always said had to be free of WOLVES...(Wolves were some kind parasite or weevil that would bore into the squirrels skin into it's body ) She may have had the name wrong, but anyway she would tell us that she would throw the squirrel away if it had these wolves, but that you could cut out the bad spot and eat the squirrel if you wanted to. Like I said my grandmother may have been wrong about this... But I was wondering, if you know anything about this and the best way to determine or make the meat safe to eat???

She also said you should only hunt them when the wheather was very cold and this is when they wouldn't have the wolves.

My next question is about the safty of deer meat. I have read that deer are full of lymes disease and you should not eat deer meat. I asked my father in law about this as he has been a meat cutter for over 40 years and worked at several deer processing plants in his life time. He told me most of the time the meat looks fine and appears to be healthy, but from time to time they will get a deer, that will have a cancerous look in the meat around the spinal area ( Thats the way he describe it as not normal, darker around the spine almost black spine and meat )He said when they get these deer in they will tell the customer that they would not recommed eating that meat and they through it out.

I know I could save myself alot of money, by hunting wildlife and possibly make myself healthier in the process... I would just like to know about the safety issues of the meat from wildlife and thought you may be able to address this.

For the first time in my life, I actually had someone tell me some Bass fish I had caught out of a shallow pond were not safe to eat. I had fished this pond, that has a broken spillway, for many years and eatin fish from it that tasted fine. On day returning home with a mess of fish, my nephews friend was here and looked at the fish and claimed that they were unsafe to eat, because of what he called a fish skin disease caused from the fish being in a shallow pond with a sandy bottom. I questioned him on this and he said he was told this by a lady who he knows who has a pond and says her fish are usafe to eat because her fish are also in a shallow pond and lots of sand has washed into the pond over the years.

Sorry, I know this is long, but I thought you maybe able help. I have never really done alot of fishing or hunting. But those fish I caught to me looked, just like any other fish I have caught out of lakes. ( Only they had a very dark back and a greenish tent, but this pond being shallow has alot of moss in it and it is spring fed. Other people have fished it and never said anything about the fish, other than they were dark because of the amount of moss in the pond. Deepest spot is prombably 3 foot deep and the moss grows all the way from the bottom and actually floats on top of the water. The spill way is broken and it does lose alot of water, but keeps some water at all times ,because of the springs that feed it. During drought it will get very low and when it rains alot it may get up to 5 to 6 foot deep.
Are these fish, deer and squirrels safe to eat and is there anything special, That I need to do?

Thank You,
Phil"

11/07/2009: Robert Henry from Ten Mile, Tn Usa: "Phil, I cannot answer all your questions, some I can. Wolves in squirrels are lava of the Botfly, which is found around cattle. They leave the squirrel or rabbit after a few hard frosts. We don't hunt squirrels until after a few frosts. Some areas of the country do not have wolves. I used to eat the squirrel brains for effect in front of folks who thought they did not have to turn on the fan when they used the toilet. Had to stop that about 15 years ago when Kentucky wildlife folks found that squirrels had the equivalent of "mad cow disease".

Deer are loaded with ticks during the summer and they too disappear with cold weather. We now only shoot our deer in the head to avoid a gut shot and contaminate the meat with e-coli. We would never eat a deer from a processing plant.

You don't know what you are getting and they are not going to take the time to clean it properly. Just tour a processing plant. Ticks do carry the Lyme disease, but I'm not aware if it affects the deer.

We eat no organ meat of any kind, especially liver. That is the detox organ for all animals including humans.

Being Rednecks, we always ate fried fish. Now we only grill them on a Foreman type grill. We leave the skin on the fish. If you watch movies of bears eating salmon. They always eat the skin. It is the most nutritious part of the fish. We only eat crappie. We eat no bottom fish nor fish at the top of the food chain. We live on Watts Bar Lake which is below Oak Ridge. That says it all.

We cannot live entirely off the land, but we do pretty good. It takes years to get fruit trees and berries to produce so you need to get started early in life and go at it with a plan. We make all our fruit juices and jams. We harvest our vegetables year round and freeze and can those in season. We have tried organic gardening. Ain't enough hours in the day to do that and most organic farms use mushroom compost made from arsenic laden chicken litter. I don't trust tree huggers.

All this is fun but lots of hard work."

11/07/2009: Rustybucket from Seattle, Wa Usa: "I hope I am posting this to the correct place - I wanted to say thank you to Robert. Although we do not live off the land - (or anywhere near it) I found this really interesting. My dad grew up in Missouri, and he always used to say "mmmm squirrels - them's GOOD EATIN!" LOL. I think he did it for the same effect you used when you ate their brains. One word - GROSS!

Seriously though - I respect anyone who lives off the land, and know it must be far healthier than what we buy at our local grocery store.

Best to you,

Rusty"

07/08/2010: Rayne from Shreveport, La: "Sodium Bicarbonate (baking soda) helps maintain the alkaline design of human, plant, and animal organisms. These salts are naturally occurring in all fluids of the body. Specifically, they can aid in the reduction of acidity in the lymphatic, circulatory, and gastro-intestinal systems.

Traditionally, apple cider vinegar has been one of the most popular and natural potent detoxifier, though it is very acidic. It is created by fermenting raw apples within wooden barrels. The vinegar derived from the apple cider is very acidic (at pH value of 2.8).

Add enough baking soda to the ACV and it will neutralize it. Chemically it is not changed, the malic acid becomes a malate when baking soda has neutralized, but then the body is going to convert to THAT anyway. What YOUR body wants is that the pH is at an ideal theoretical pH 7.35, which is equivalent to the pH of your blood.

We live and die at the cellular level. All the cells (billions of them) that make up the human body are slightly alkaline, and must maintain alkalinity in order to function and remain healthy and alive. However their cellular activity creates acid and this acid is what gives the cell energy and function. As each alkaline cell performs its task of respiration, it secretes metabolic wastes, and these end products of cellular metabolism are acid in nature. Although these wastes are used for energy and function, they must not be allowed to build up.

The pH level (the acid-alkaline measurement) of our internal fluids affects every cell in our bodies. Extended acid imbalances of any kind are not well tolerated by the body. Indeed, the entire metabolic process depends on a balanced internal alkaline environment. A chronically over-acidic pH corrodes body tissue, slowly eating into the 60,000 miles of veins and arteries like acid eating into marble. If left unchecked, it will interrupt all cellular activities and functions, from the beating of your heart to the neural firing of your brain. In summary, over-acidification interferes with life itself leading to all sickness and disease!"

07/09/2010: Carolyn from Hobbs, Nm: "Yeah for you Rayne from Shreveport! ! ! You are absolutely right about the ph of the body. If we want to be healthy we must get our bodies in an alkaline state. At least 7. 5. I find it much easier to do with a water ionizer. I could not control my ph until I got one and now it is so simple. I stay at 7. 5 all the time. The body is 70% water and if we drink all alkaline water it is easy to stay alkaline. All health depends on the ph of the body.

God Bless,
Carolyn"

04/16/2014: Dee Smith from California: "I love your post, Robert Henry."

04/16/2014: Larry from Fairfax, Va: "Try your local Whole Foods in their vitamin & supplement dept. I buy it at Whole Foods/Fairfax, VA."

10/30/2013: Martha from Covina, Ca: "Could you please tell me if you used regular Chlorine bleach or Clorine-free bleach?"

04/03/2014: Tonya from Detroit, MI: "Your method worked out Great.. Angela from Eastpointe, MI. Thanx a lot"

04/16/2014: Toni from Kansas City,mo: "I started today with a spray bottle on my arms and will let you know after a few days with my results...never had this..I think it came from someone that came into my home with it... and I am so clean..grrr and I too got the Perm treatment from my doctor and still did not help or maybe its just around this person that comes and visit me I may have to let that person know YOU OUT OF HERE lol"

08/04/2012: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "Robyn, if you are not responding to oral nutritional supplementation or modified diet, it is very likely you have digestive problems like H Pylori, Stomach or Intestinal (duodenal) Ulcer, Leaky Gut Syndrome, Crohn's etc. H Pylori or Candida or any pathogen will cause these ulcerative conditions. Must first kill the pathogens then rebuild the digestive system.

Or, you could have some unknown Congenital Disorder. After suffering many physical and mental weaknesses over the course of my life, I have come to the conclusion that I must have suffered some nutritional deficiencies in embryonic development as the result of my mother being over prescribed a pharm diuretic. Recapitulate your life and note any or all major or minor illnesses and even try to learn of your mom's condition or any meds during your development.

If your Cytochrome P450 1 is too high and 2 is too low, it seems appropriate to use the herb/spice Turmeric or Curcumin.

To get down to the level of DNA repair, fasting or the antioxidant Resveritrol activates survival codons. Add Grapeseed or Pinebark Extracts to Resveritrol so as to boost the effects. Tune into YouTube and listen to healing DNA repair 528 hz harmonics. Here is one that has been helping me lately: 528Hz DNA Frequency - UNLOCK Your Codons!!!

Hope this helps and good luck!"

08/05/2012: Robyn from Melbourne, Australia: "thank you!! After many yrs of not being able to work and seeing many docs my mother did whisper she had taken that banned fertility drug to have me. I have had food allergies and bad insomnia since birth. Often sick, then the 3 biggies at age 32, now I live on morphine. So yes, stomach problems. The food allergies was never diagnosed, we didnt have the internet back then, no doc back then would ever suggest food allergies. I was probably born with candida and celiac. Any carb foods used to make me gag. But I kept eating them. I often wonder if I stopped eating my gut would heal. I use tumeric powder on my veg but its not as good as the real thing, is it?"

08/06/2012: Mmsg from Somewhere, Europe: "Robyn, the plain ol' turmeric powder from the grocery store is very useful. Could be the actual root is better, but the powder is powerful too."

07/04/2013: Robyn from Melbourne, Australia: "I am still suffering severe pain but much worse is being allergic to everything so I can't stay in a building for long, be near anyone (they're covered in chemicals) or even go for a walk or to the park - too many allergants. Using computer is very painful. So my organic acids tell me that I am diabetic or almost - perhaps that is why I have all this nerve pain (for 20 yrs & no Dr.Is interested in finding out why) and what is like lactic acid burn. Also don't make any atp. Don't spose you can if you cant metabolise carbs or protein. Also 4 phases of detox don't work hence the metal poisoning. So I have taken all the supplements recommended for over a yr and to boost the 4 phases. I've been on this site for a few yrs and Im still homeless. I think the Apple Cider Vinegar helped my asthma but not much else. The tests showed candida was there but normal so I dont think I can blame all my allergies on that. I do have addisons but have been on low dose natural cortisol for also a few years. I assume the natural way to help the diabetes is Apple Cider Vinegar (4 yrs and it hasn't helped yet) & no sugar. I'm so allergic I definately dont eat processed or fast or restaurant foods. I have halved the dose of morphine (which doesn't abate the pain much but brings me off screaming) however it can worsen asthma. DMSO didn't help. The only msm supplement I can get has glucosamine and chondroitin in it which I read can increase sugar levels. And the decaf (because of adrenal and liver problems never have caffeine) green tea which I drink all day could also make the asthma worse??? perhaps it has pesticides in it but I like it. How do I fix the pain? the allergants is the worst? the asthma is just annoying, then maybe one day I could have some human contact and live in a house.

Oh, I also have very high t and nk cells indicating infection on top of a very long viral list. I've resorted to taking antibiotics which is when the pain reduced a little, the reason I was able to reduce the morphine."

07/04/2013: Mmsg from Somewhere, Europe: "Robyn, read up on Essiac Tea."

07/04/2013: Carly from Usa: "Hi Robyn, my heart goes out to you. A few things you might not have tried yet that I would look into if I were you are: Earthing - and if you are anywhere near a body of water in OZ, sand and saltwater at great conductors. Read up on it.... Supposed to take away pain to be barefoot on damp ground. Supplements to try would be IP-6 and Serrapeptase.... Just some things you may not have tried yet. Don't give up hope! Good luck to you."

07/04/2013: Steve from Oakland, Il: "Hi Robyn, Sounds sort of like Multiple Chemical Sensitivities/Environmental Illness (MCS/EI). I attended a seminar for one week on healing in Georgia, USA about two years ago. A woman was there who had many symptoms; I don't remember them all, but she arrived wearing a face mask. She said that she had to remove carpeting, wall coverings, in her home was reacting to just about everything. What she received was spiritual healing. About day 2 the mask came off and by the end of week she was perfectly healthy. Based on a book by Henry W. Wright, "A More Excellent Way to Be In Health". The orientation is Christian and intensive but for her very effective. He can be found on Internet at beinhealth.com Great for information as to sources of trouble and healing. Hope this or something helps, God Bless!"

09/05/2013: Robyn from Melbourne: "Body in compete exhaustion, parasympathetic state, adrenals, thyroid, liver, cells dysfunctional

I get these tests every 3 yrs hoping for some insight, I post on here hoping for some insight, I wish I'd started these tests 20 yrs ago when I was screaming in pain but back then women in pain are just hysterical. Now they call it fibromyalgia or chronic fatigue syndrome when infact, it has a real cause. My dilemna is not much has changed over the 6 yrs of doing these tests. My body is still in extreme exhaustion, in the parasympathetic state. My adrenals don't work at all, my thyroid, liver, pancreas & kidneys not much. My oxidation or metabolism is very very slow, don't metabolise protein or carbs. My body is eating its own tissue. I'm 6 x too high in calcium & mg, copper and manganese, xylene, ammonia. The lead and cadmium has come down over that time but aluminium has gone up. I'm deficient in many minerals. I can't make energy, the 4 phases of detox don't work or are only just working. I don't make any hormones, no cell permeability. Because of the state of my adrenals & thyroid my immune system is shot, I get every infection, serious ones, allergies are so bad I can't go into most buildings or near most people, gardens, animals etc. I've been following this site for some years now and a new practitioner with this most recent report but the supplements, diet, exercise, lifestyle and emotional adjustments have done little to change anything.

I can't see any hope for continuing. And I'm still homeless."

09/07/2013: Addie from Wilmington Nc: "Have you ever tried Elderberries? Great for fighting off colds and flus also is an anti-inflamatory. It is very high in anti-oxidents. At least you could keep future illnesses at bay."

09/07/2013: Mmsg from Somewhere, Europe: "Robyn, first off DON'T GIVE UP!!! There is always hope, and like Robert Henry said: just trying stuff keeps your mind busy and alert and that's good.

Second: Have you read up on Ann Wigmore? When she was in pretty bad shape, she tried wheatgrass juice, or was it rejuvelac, and it got her back on her feet."

04/16/2014: Robyn from Melbourne: "Hello Bill, I thought I'd give one more try. I am still homeless, STILL in severe pain, that never stops, STILL so allergic and don't know what to do. I dont make ATP, can't metabolise carbs or proteins, have ammonia, xylen and other poisonings.

Liver profile, phase 1 too high, phase 2 too low. I don't know what to eat because my copper levels are extraordinary!! I have read what high copper does to you. All the veges I eat have copper. I have addisons disease and it is advised that protein be eaten at each meal. But I have so much trouble eating it. I can't digest it. The lighter proteins (fish & poultry) I am allergic to. Grains I am allergic to. I don't eat much carbs which may be a good thing if I can't metabolise it. I am in ketosis (also on my lab report which is not necessarily a good thing).

I got a stool test back recently that also confirms I'm not digesting. and that I have no good bacteria, 1 strain, I think. That's not good news. So I found an 8 strain live 30 billion and take that twice a day.

For a new year, I went to a new Dr.(environmental). Not much help except to increase most of the supplements I'm taking which haven't helped. And my dheas was almost nil. My adrenals are dead. They produce almost nothing. But I take estrogen, progesterone, dheas, testerone bioidentical troche but I am converting the dheas straight to testerone. Some think progesterone should be taken for 14 days a month, others 25 and I take it the whole month.

Here I can't go into a shop and get any of these things in a cream like you can. Or order them off the internet. They're banned. So getting a different form of dheas is not easily achieved. From what I read dheas is responsible for, it seems like it is not a hormone you want to be without. I just read an article that says for adrenal people vitamin B, C, stimulating herbs such as licorice, ginseng, hormones such as dheas, pregnegelone are all too stimulating. And now I'm even thinking that salicylates are probably a problem for me.

That would give me nothing to eat. I was using coffee enemas (organic) to try to clear my liver but that seems a joke too. Coffee is full of copper and I don't believe you don't absorb in your rectum. Then there's the train of thought that enemas wash out the good bacteria. Being too acidic is often blamed for osteoperosis, which I have, and calcium lying around in your tissues. But copper can do that too. And it seems I have alkaline tissues everywhere. Alkalising with lemon and bicarb was excruciating. I did a lemon fast for a day. That was excruciating too. I can't get the copper out. From what I gather, that is probably not possible until the adrenals are healed. Which I have been told is not going to happen.

I feel totally in despair. Im sorry I've covered a few topics here but I don't know what to eat. I've tried most of the remedies here but I didn't know I had such a copper problem and many of the remedies have a lot of copper in them (eg. coconut oil). So eat? supplements? hormones? and if I have no good bacteria candida must have taken over. I have a very coated white tongue (20 yrs or more). I asked the doc if that was candida to which he replied no. I wasn't digesting anything."

04/17/2014: Bill from San Fenando, Philippines: "Hi Robyn...It's good to hear from you again and I'm sorry that your problems are still so serious. Because of your complex and widespread problems, I will just describe my own opinion and perhaps suggest some ways out for you. I also know that you have a lack of funds problem, so I'll try to keep the remedies cheap wherever possible.?

From what you describe, you seem to have the following problems:

Serious digestive and Intestinal Issues
Serious candida and bacterial issues
Osteoporosis
No Energy
High Copper toxicity in the body
Liver problems
Kidney/Addison's Disease/Adrenal Problems
Probable Thyroid issues
Not digesting proteins Stressed pancreas(low insulin)
Allergies/Chemical Sensitivities
Keto-Acidosis

The greatest and most serious problem that you have, mainly caused by your candida and other bacterial infections, is poorly functioning digestion and poor nutrient absorption in the intestines. The intestines is the throne of candida; this is where the majority of candida toxins are being pumped out into your intestines and your body; lack of nutrients in your blood(from poor digestion and absorbtion) together with inefficient excretory clearance of toxic waste by your stressed liver/kidney is what is causing the toxin build up resulting in all the mental, physical, hormonal and metabolic distress in your body; this is also what is putting such severe stress on organs like your liver and kidneys.

So, above all and as a priority, you must act and do all you can to revive and heal your intestines first. Then your body will not be poisoned from all those toxins and you can excrete the toxins quickly and properly. Your healed intestines will then be able to absorb all nutrients properly into the blood and organs via the blood in order to feed your own body properly. Healing the intestines like this will also stop chemical sensitivities and allergies which is such a huge problem for you.

Some suggestions for you.

If you can do it, obtain sodium molybdate and take 25 mgs a day with water for two weeks. This acts to kill candida, it removes copper and will neutralize all the candida aldehyde toxins rapidly. You should take this protocol, which is Ted's protocol, for two weeks on and then one week off in a cycle like that. If you cannot find sodium molybdate, use the ordinary molybdenum sold in the health shops. Buy molybdenum at the highest RDA dosage -- which is 900 mcgs -- and take that at least 3 times a day(outside mealtimes) if you can. You should also take 25 mgs zinc every day. Zinc also helps to get rid of excess copper in the body. Both Vitamin C and Manganese (mineral that supports SOD) will also help reduce excess copper in the body. See this link.

http://www.holistichelp.net/blog/copper-toxicity-and-how-to-reduce-elevated-levels/

Supplement organic Aloe Vera Oil at mealtimes -- one teaspoon. The extracts from this plant are extremely healing for the body and for the intestines. Aloe vera works to heal no matter whether you have an alkaline or acid body. It's a healer and a balancer that also acts to kill candida and bad bacteria. Another beneficial oil -- especially healing for allergies -- is organic Black Seed Oil (Nigella sativa). Taken with meals -- one teaspoon.

Here is a drink that will help you with your candida issues. In a glass of water, add the following:

MSM (Methyl-Sulfonyl-Methane)-- One teaspoon -- Supplies essential sulfur to the body. Helps to heal the intestines. Heals allergies as well.

5% Lugols Iodine -- 6 drops. The benefits of iodine are too numerous to list but here are some of them: kills candida and bacteria, supports healthy thyroid, supports proper bone formation, needed for proper digestion, ammunition for the immune system. Work up to the full dosage slowly!! Follow the guidelines for iodine supplementation and take the extra nutrients shown here:

https://home.comcast.net/~jocy1/junk/The Guide to?Supplementing with Iodine.pdf

Ascorbic Acid-- 1/4 teaspoon.

Lemon Juice-- one lemon

Add sodium bicarbonate until the fizzing stops -- this creates the alkaline form -- ascorbate(anti-oxidant) and citrate(for energy) which are highly beneficial for the body. If you have sodium issues then you should take potassium gluconate to balance the sodium. Take this drink twice a day outside mealtimes.

Other remedies to try:

Borax Water (as shown on EC) -- Kills candida and mycoplasma, removes fluoride, helps bone formation, and rebalances hormones. Superb anti-fungal and parasite killer.

Magnesium Chloride as Magnesium OiL. 10 drops twice a day with water at mealtimes. Helps to regulate excess calcium in the blood and does 300 other useful things in the body. If you can't find mag oil -- use magnesium citrate -- 250 mgs twice a day.

The Pure Gum Turpentine or Kerosene Protocol. This protocol kills a huge range of pathogens including candida and parasites. It is also the only protocol I know of that can efficiently get rid of candida and bacterial biofilms in the intestines. See the Turpentine section on EC for dosages. Normally turpentine is supplemented at one teaspoon a day three times a week. It is normally taken mixed with either molasses or honey and castor oil. The castor oil also kills the candida but also helps to spread the turps throughout the intestines. Word of warning: if you are heavily infested with candida then you will get a Herx reaction from this remedy -- so start small and go slow with the dosages. See this link:

http://www.health-science-spirit.com/kero.htm

Poor Digestion-- Take betaine HCL with pancreatic enzymes (pancreatin)at every meal. Also eat papaya fruit at every meal. Papaya contains papain which will digest proteins in either an acid or alkaline environment. Add BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids) to your diet. This will help to fix allergy problems and will also help tp boost protein digestion.

Liver/Kidney Support-- Alpha Lipoic Acid(300 mgs twice a day at meals), Milk Thistle (500 mgs twice a day at meals) and Selenium(200 mcgs twice a day at meals). You can also eat 4 to 6 brazil nuts a day to obtain proper daily amounts of selenium and glutamine.

Adrenal and Thyroid Problems-- As well as Lugol's Iodine, I would also consider using bio-identical hormones from porcine or bovine sources. This is really the quickest way to improve your adrenal and thyroid issues. But you will have to get tested and recommendations first from a qualified naturopath on this.

Enemas-- If you are taking molybdenum to remove copper then coffee enemas that you say contain copper become a non-problem. For the coffee enemas you should really be using ground organic coffee beans. All sorts of pathogens can hide away and become untouchable in the lower intestines -- including parasites and candida. Enemas will get rid of this hiding place and help to clear out and make your lower intestines healthy again. Coffee enemas also expel all the toxic waste that tends to accumulate in and stress the liver. That's why coffee enemas are so important and beneficial -- because it helps the body to excrete and get rid of liver toxins fast.

Another suggestion for you. Walter Last, a well-known Australian alternative healer, lives not far from Melbourne and his views on candida and problems such as yours are knowledgeable and honest. If you can, I would try contacting him in your area as a reliable naturopath for some support."

[YEA]  01/06/2014: Tyjj from Houston, Tx: "I have been diagnosed with H. Pylori and GERD and all this time I've been taking Zantac and Prilosec for the pain that I was told was from stomach ulcers. Turns out almost after 6 hours of excruciating pain, lost work hours, injuries from falling, not knowing I was eating triggering foods ... in desperation the symptoms of the pain did not match the diagnosis. After a $4,000 ER visit....I have gallstones.

Apple Juice & Unfiltered ACV is the bomb.com. I plan on doing a gallbladder cleanse next."

04/16/2014: Donna from Charlotte, Nc: "I have had a history if gall bladder issues. I have done the flush 5 times in the last 7 months with good results. One flush PAINLESSLY removed a stone in the shape of a tangerine section but a bit smaller. It was the green shade and floated. No wonder I was in so much pain. The flush works it works it works....you can store up to 2000 stones in there and it does NOT hurt at all when they come out. Oh, by the way, stress is AWFUL for this and any other of our God designed organs. We all need to calm down and trust Him! (I am preaching to myself.)"

05/09/2013: Trudyg from Anon: "What about those of us with ibs/d who can't take magnesium? It's so easy to say take 400 mg, but even 50 mg and I'm on the toilet all night. I use the magnesium oil but too much of that and I'm out with the D, too."

05/09/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "I find chamomile tea or Sleepytime tea before bed to reallly help when I am having trouble sleeping. I have read about a number of people using 5-HTP for sleep help.

Blackstrap Molasses has magnesium in it and is a food instead of a supplement. It might work better than a supplement. 1 T. At bedtime. My son is trying this for bruxism and if my husband takes it before bed after a long day working outside (and sweating a lot) he won't get leg cramps. My point is, it doesn't take a ton to get results.

Valerian is another herb some people use to help with insomia.

Hope you get some good sleep soon."

05/09/2013: Trudyg from Anon: "I will try the blackstrap molasses--have some, just didn't think about it. The sleepy time tea is good, but it makes me go to the bathroom so much, I just can't drink anything or I'm up 10 times. Thanks."

05/10/2013: Mama To Many from Middle, Tennessee, Usa: "Sleepy time tea does make me have to get up at night, too. But, if it is effective, you could make a sleepytime tincture, which would require a lot less liquid. You may be able to get some pre-make sleep tincture or your could make your own. One of my sons had terrible insomnia for a year and we made a sleep tincture that helped him a lot. Ray Comfort's book, Overcoming Insomnia was also helpful and humorous.

Here is the recipe for sleep tincture: equal parts of catnip, chamomile, passionflower, oatstraw and lemon balm. 1/4 part hops. Fill a glass jar with this. Cover the dry herbs with vodka. Let stand 2 weeks. Strain off herbs. Take 1 teaspoon in a little water at bedtime. You could even do this with a box of sleepytime tea. just put all the bags from the box in a jar and cover with vodka. (You can use glycerine if you want it alcohol free, it just won't be quite as strong. ) Let sit for two weeks and then remove tea bags. Take 1 teaspoon in a little water at bedtime. If you want it in a hurry, use the crock pot method. Place a towel in a crock pot. Place jar (I use a canning har) on towel. Fill crock pot with warm water to an inch below the top of the jar. Set crock pot on Low. Slow cook the tincture for 3 days. (You will have to keep adding water. I do not put a lid on the crock pot as the water gets a little too hot this way. ) Strain out the herbs. 1 teaspoon at bedtime.

Hope you find a good solution, soon!"

04/16/2014: Jo from Nm: "Mg glycinate is least likely to cause diarrhea. I adjust the amt I take. Need at least 800 mg for restless leg and charley horse. Sometimes need another 400. If I get bound up, I switch to mg citrate. My husband takes the citrate, at least 1200 mg because his meds cause extreme constipation. Took Clark's for many years, and am thinking of finding it again."

04/16/2014: Koy from Sofia, Bulgaria: "Hi Ron, Thank you much for sharing your finding. Did you take the bentonite on empty stomack in the morning, or on divided portions? Best"

[NAY]  05/09/2013: Trudyg from Anon: "Not me, I was up all night thinking of how bad the smell was. Tried again after a week, put some on a cotton ball, same thing. Moved it farther away so no smell, but still no sleep."

04/16/2014: Jo from Nm: "The last distillation of lavender produces a "water". There is term for it which I have forgotten. We found it in CA, but anyone distilling the plant should have it. Sprayed on the face and pillow, it induces sleep. Gentle enough for the babies, and tho fragrant, does not have the intense scent of the oil. Works as well as warm milk or chamomile, but not well enough to overcome the intense pain of neuropathy."

04/16/2014: Lucas from Nyc: "Your complaints are listed in methadone's common side effects (of which there are many). See the list here: http://www.drugs.com/sfx/methadone-side-effects.html"

04/16/2014: Lucas from Nyc: "Your complaints are listed in methadone's common side effects (of which there are many). See the list here: http://www.drugs.com/sfx/methadone-side-effects.html"

04/17/2014: Anna from Saint Paul, Mn: "I t0o was having fatigue and I then I started taking Vitamin D3 1000mg and also Vitamin B12. This has helped a great deal and my mood has greatly improved also. I also have been taking ACV for the last year and have not been sick since starting the ACV."

04/16/2014: Lucas from Nyc: "Your complaints are listed in methadone's common side effects (of which there are many). See the list here: http://www.drugs.com/sfx/methadone-side-effects.html"

04/16/2014: Lucas from Nyc: "Your complaints are listed in methadone's common side effects (of which there are many). See the list here: http://www.drugs.com/sfx/methadone-side-effects.html"

04/17/2014: Anna from Saint Paul, Mn: "I t0o was having fatigue and I then I started taking Vitamin D3 1000mg and also Vitamin B12. This has helped a great deal and my mood has greatly improved also. I also have been taking ACV for the last year and have not been sick since starting the ACV."

04/16/2014: Tracyanne from Nsw Autralia: "I would like to ask Ted about unsightly venous flares on lower legs and creeping up to just above the knee. I see where he advocates lemon and bicarb for the pain but what about erradicating the sight of them."

11/05/2012: Helen from Abuja (nigeria), Federal Capital Territory, Nigeri: "Please I have bilaternal Tube Blockage and also Uterine fibroid and I find it difficult in getting pregnant. Please assist me with remdies. I am 40 years old."

11/11/2012: Victoria from Ca, California: "I have read good things about the suppliment MACA. If you look at the reviews of it over on Amazon, you will find many testimonies from women who got pregnant after using it for infertility as well as PCOS. It also appears to be useful in other hormone related issues as well as libido."

12/12/2012: Jana from Venice, Ca: "I had blocked tubes and high FSH, doctors had told me chances of conceiving were slim to impossible. A co-worker of mine told me about Chinese herbs, I took Cinnamon & Poria, Free Flow and balance for 3 1/2 months before I found out I was pregnant!!! Yes you can clear your tubes the natural way most of the time... Good luck and never give up hope."

12/13/2012: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa: "Hi Jana, I first want to say congratulations! And I would like to thank you for posting this. It is a testimony to how powerful Chinese herbs/ medicine are. I often post here to let people know this is a very worthy alternative to western medicine. So many people come here, let down by "modern medicine". I have been with my acupuncturist for 7 years and over the years have seen him help women who were told they just couldn't get pregnant. He would turn that around for them. I've also seen women who were diagnosed with ovarian cysts/ tumors and he has helped rid them. The women who return to their doctor to let them see it is now gone are absolutely baffled! One time it was funny because the dr, after examining one woman when she returned to show him her results, said that it was probably misdiagnosed in the first place!

Anyway, your post gives women, who are also where you once were, hope! So, again, congratulations and thank you for letting others know of your success. May you have a blessed and joyful pregnancy. Best to you, Lisa"

12/13/2012: Jacqui from Scottsville, Ky: "Thank you for your reply Lisa, This is all new to me, and I just feel I am going round and round in circles with this diet. When my husband comes home I am going to get him to look at your letter.. I am from New Zealand and am going home to NZ in 2 weeks, leaving my husband Bobby to look after himself.. and all this going on is making me very nervous.

Maybe if you want you could call me, I might be able to get some good tips, I mean I don't care if he has to eat the same food daily while I am away, as long as it keeps his blood sugar down.. He wakes up this morning and it is 180.. So is making me feel very nervous *whew*

My name is Jacqui and husband is Bobby. We are floundering along here not really getting anywhere it seems, and I am really trying.. Men really are not very reliable, Bobby really needs to realize what he has to do, men are so reliant on us women aren't they.. Anyway I have to get this sorted before I go home. otherwise I am going to worry the whole time I am away.

I appreciate your help Lisa and would love for you to call me when you can please. thank you."

04/16/2014: Babyonboard from South Africa: "Hi, I found out I am 5 weeks pregnant but have a blocked Fallopian tube. How do I cure it naturally without harming the baby?"

04/16/2014: Mama To Many from Tennessee: "Dear Babyonboard, You say that you have a blocked fallopian tube and that you are 5 weeks pregnant. I am trusting that the "blocked" tube is not the baby, and that the baby is in the uterus? Assuming your baby is in the uterus, I would wait until after the baby is born to address the issue of a blocked tube. It is possible it will resolve on its own. Having a blocked tube during pregnancy is not harmful to the baby. The things I would normally suggest for a blocked tube, I would not recommend during pregnancy. ~Mama to Many~"

08/27/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn: "To Sue from Lehigh Valley: Hello Sue, you do have a battle ahead, but I side with you. When the doctor wrote a Ritalin prescription for my then 5 year old son - I took it in my hand, left, tore it in half and threw it in his waste can on the way out. If you and your son's father can sit down and talk - I mean really calmly discuss this situation without yelling and screaming and hurling accusations - do so. If not write him a letter beginning with "I know you love our son as much as I do and I think we both want to do our best to protect him and keep him healthy" then proceed to ask him to at least look at why you feel differently about medicating him than he does. Then either print out references your opinions based on or give him sites and topics to look up for himself if he has a computer and on line. One site I highly recommend is International Medical Veritas Association (IMVA) and the free down-loadable "The Terror of Pediatric Medicine". There are many web sites by doctors such as Dr. Mercola, Dr. Jonathan Wright and many others to gather information from. Printing out copies for yourself & your lawyer in the event that you do go to court will also be helpful. If you know the name of the medication he is wanting to put him on - be sure and get a complete report on it and any unwanted side effects, both for you and his father. You will also probably find helpful information on educate-yourself.com. I have seen many questionable medications for children - one of the most dangerous was when a mother brought her 6 month old in and showed me a prescription to start him on one of the hypercholesterol drugs for adults, and asked my opinion. After looking up the drug in the PDR, I told her about the possible side effects and after telling her that I wouldn't tell her not to do it, but if it was my baby, I definitely wouldn't give it to him. Hopefully you and co-parent look at why you have different opinions and what they are based on and make an intelligent decision and keep this child out of the courts."

08/27/2008: Deirdre from Atlanta, GA: "Sue, I am not sure how helpful this will be for you, but there's a book called NonViolent Communication by Marshall Rosenberg that I want to suggest. There may be some techniques to help you with your situation. Funnily enough, I heard one of the guests on Charlie Rose last week (the mayor of Denver, Colorado re the Democratic Convention) talk about how he deals with an angry person and sure enough, it was an NVC technique. Charlie Rose asked the mayor to give an example of how he would respond to an angry person he encountered in the public and the mayor's response was exactly how Rosenberg would have you do it - to repeat back what the person just told you (which validates that you heard everything they just said). It has an instantly calming effect in most cases. Anyway, that's just one of several NVC techniques, but I thought it was quite remarkable to hear it employed by a public figure!

Please keep us updated..."

08/29/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn: "To Sue from LeHigh: Hello again Sue, I just left a site that I want you to visit. Mercola.com. He has something that you might find you really need in talking with the other parent. The head of the CDC admitting that vaccines can cause autism in subsets of children. Another one that will probably come in handy is the recent case where the federal government settled a claim for damages to their child from the vaccines. I don't remember when it was but it was probably in the last 6 months. Probably will turn up somewhere, if you just search on-line for autism. Dr. Mercola also mentions a book written by neurosurgeon Russell Blaylock about childrens' neurological problems related to vaccines. I have a lot of respect for this man and think if you do land in court, this book will come in very handy. In discussing this with the other parent, all the ammunition you can find to back up the fact that the vaccines recommended by the CDC is what caused the autism, should at least make him want to look a little deeper into less harmful ways of helpin his son to get better health through nutrition and other non-medicated routes, because there are no medicines without unwanted side effects. I think EC posted a release from health authorities in Atlanta (which was probably the CDC although they weren't named)a week ago and I found in our newspaper the next day. I think if you look at what they said and what I found wrong with this picture - it will make the other partner more willing to dig deeper and look at your opinion. Go to Mercola.com and click on autism, vaccines, and any other thing you find relevant. One very important question you might give the other parent to think about is "Have you ever heard or read about any autistic child who had not had the vaccines?" If anyone has ever asked that question, it nor its answer was not released. The answer to the question would definitely provide the answer as to whether the vaccines are the cause of it."

08/29/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn: "From Dr. Jonathan Wright's Health e-tips for Sue from Lehigh Valley:

"Many of your kids or grandkids probably headed back to school this week. And on that first day back -- and every day since -- half of his or her classmates probably made a trip to the nurse's office for their daily dose of Ritalin or Adderall.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become such a common diagnosis and the drugs are looked at as such a cure-all that it seems like both are taking over the school systems in this country.

But the fact is, these drugs are powerful stimulants that mimic things like speed, which I'm positive most grandparents and parents would do anything to keep their little ones away from. The good news is, you can keep the kids in your life away from these medications and improve, if not completely reverse, their ADHD....For nearly 30 years, Dr. Wright and his colleagues at the Tahoma Clinic have been using natural approaches to help parents do just that. In the upcoming September issue of Nutrition & Healing he outlines the various approaches they've used with such tremendous success over the years. It's an issue no parent or grandparent should miss, so keep an eye out for it to arrive in your mailbox soon. (And if you're not already a subscriber, visit www.wrightnewsletter.com for details on how you can become one).

Yours in good health,

Amanda Ross
Editor
Nutrition & Healing"

01/21/2010: Susan from Ohio, Il: "My son has autism spec. Disorder. I have taken him to every specialist imaginable. Psych neuro chiro holistic I found the most benefit was from a center where the biologically balance. Lots of blood urine stool hair was taken and the results showed he had pyroll disorder. We went gluten Carsin free. We cannot eat or drink sugars even in juice. We take melatonin to sleep. A vitamin was made us for his personal needs. He takes ltyrosine acetyllcarotine primrose oil pro dha insitol cal/mag liquid insitol methionine

The most dramatic results occured with injections of b methalcobalamine. This allowed him to make sentences. He receives ot and speech. To address his sensory integration disfunction. He still suffers from auditory processing disorder which causes him to have significant learning disability. GABA did not work for him nystatin helps his chronic internal yeast I fection most of the time. We also use enzymes with meals. He is able to attend school and was down graded from profound autism to his separate ailments. It is costly but very beneficial to determine the weak spots in an individual bio chemical make up."

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  12/15/2010: Susan from Ohio, Il: "In follow up to my son's treatment. Nystatin was not very effective in eliminating his systemic fungal imbalance. We have started lemon, baking soda, and sea salt drink. We noticed a DRAMATIC Improvement in overall neuro function by substituting a cayanne capsul for the b injections and other b supplements. The cayenne has had such a huge impact on my sons behavior. He stopped spinning, putting holes in the walls and making disjointed sentances. He is no longer considered autistic, the ADHD label stands. I have high hopes for tumeric and the baking soda drink. Curiously he craves apples and sunflower seeds.

Would he be best served by magnesium gluconate or citrate, granulated lecithin or kelp? He refuses to take so many supplements and the cost of a taylored multiple is not possible. Also. I know he has heavy metal poisoning. He reacts severly to changes in his chemistry. Would Epsom salt cream applications suffice? It seems the more you learn the more your realize you do not understard. I am grateful for this site.

Ps I cant remember my password sorry"

01/31/2011: Rhonda from Columbus, Ohio: "My son dealt with Add his school years. Most people with this are low on EFA. Take evening primrose oil, flaxseed oil is good too. B complex helps, as well as melatonin 5 mg TR (time release) at night. Its hard to relax and wind down at night, this will help you sleep and keep you sleeping all night but not too much to wake up in the AM. Good luck and I hope this helps."

02/14/2011: Amazinggrace from Yucca Valley, Ca: "I saw a special on CBNnewschannel.com where l-theanine was used to replace drugs to treat ADHD. The testimonies were very convincing."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  07/08/2011: Tracy from Olympia, Wa: "Be careful trying Theanine, for my son it caused him to be groggy(sp) and grumpy - you know like when a child is overly tired. He may have been calmer after taking it but like a tired child he was not able to function emotionally. Someone else wrote on this site that for ADD/ADHD stimulants (like caffine) usually work better than calming remedies (such as theanine) and that is what I have found as well. Green and Black tea both have theanine in them. I wonder, since they both contain caffine too, if it wouldn't be better to try that instead of the theanine supplement."

04/16/2014: Carol from Cumming, Ga: "Our family too has been trying many ADHD therapies over the years for our son who is now 15. Some of the therapies we have done are: eye therapy, after doing a free questionnaire @ cookvisiontherapy.com and an appointment with Dr. Cook it was found that our son had convergence insuffiency in the left eye, after nine months of eye therapy his eyes were 100% corrected. Yet he still couldn't read well enough to get passing grades. A hearing test by an audiologist confirmed Auditory Processing Disorder. We did 40 visits of Brain Core therapy which is biofeedback. The changes were slight. He was put in an online therapy for auditory processing called fastforword by gemm learning. This is a good reading program but our son still struggled so much. After reading 'Disconnected Kids by Dr Millello' we had an evaluation done at Brain Balance. The results showed the left hemisphere of his brain was under developed. It was explained that the right hemisphere was doing the work of both sides, on some levels he was at second and third grade. He is currently doing 36 weeks at Brain Balance therapy. We do therapy at home and bring him in 3 times a week. Basically the idea is to stimulate the senses on the right side of the body to effect the left side of the brain to grow and change, (or stimulate the left side if the right brain is weak). Along with diet changes, eye therapy, suppliments, drastically cutting back on screen time, adding movement during the day. During his sessions they have him do physical therapy first immediately followed by academic work. We have high hopes. The testimonials for autistic children are really good. I wish I had known about this when my son was younger, I may not have chosen the other therapies."

04/16/2014: Syllus from Mombasa, Kenya: "HI, I am also looking where I can get unsulphured blackstrap molasses."

05/16/2010: Lisa from Spokane, Wa: "the skins of lemons, lines & oranges have an essential oil that is toxic to heaps of micorganisms & parasites and largely non toxic to mammals. the citric acid stimulates the citric acid cycle to detox. sounds like a great combination. it is also alkalizing as the acids when metabolized have a net result in increased alkalininty.

raw & organic are the two considerations, chemicals from herbacides, pesticides, etc that might be on the skin could be a problem - so use organic only."

07/15/2010: Maggie from Suffield, Ct: "I am sticking to a Raw Foods diet for lyme disease. Most parasites cannot live in an alkaline body. Raw food creates this alkalinity. No processed foods. No white flour or sugar. I have read others who have done watermelon fasts similar to the oranges and lemons. I believe there is something to this."

09/28/2010: Ruben from Bs.as., Argentina: "Hi! Thanks Don for sharing. Is there anyone else who tried this?"

10/25/2011: Costin from Bucharest, Romania: "You've got to be kidding me! You say that you are cured eating 8 days oranges when thousands of people suffer out there, trying everything, eating everything. R U sure you had Lyme anyway?"

07/30/2012: Paul from Guelph, Ontario, Canada: "I essentially did the same thing only with lemons. But first, over 3 days, I did the vitamin C, salt and water cure for Lyme. I was roughly 150 pounds so I injested throughout the day, 8 grams (that's right, grams. ) of vitamin C, 8 grams of salt, and 8-10 glasses of water. Over the course of 3 days I 'diarehead' it out. My symptoms fell away like butter. I essemtially stick to a gluten free, whole foods diet, with very limited grains and potatoes, always careful to keep my body as alkaline as possible, eating apples or slices of apples throughout the day. A year later, I did the lemon cure with apples and mastic gum for my decades old stomach condition. My stomach has never been better. I essentially stick to a blood type diet (O positive in my case) which is essentially paleo. Although I prefer to think of it as more neo-lithic. Fruits, veggies, meat and fish with limited grains. In fact, for my grains, I am still eating the odd Kamut bread but am hoping to go more raw food and sprouted grains. I try to limit my eggs to once or twice a week and goat's milk 2-3 times max per week, with goats yogurt for smoothies. But whole foods and keeping alkaline and eating an anti-inflamatory diet is the key for me. Since I am not completly raw foods I enjoy curry and the wonders of turmeric, etc. My 'indian dosha' is pitta-vatta. The links between different healing systems are like connecting the dots. Neverthless, it was the vitamin C, Salt and water cure over 3-4 days that saved me from my Lyme disease which had reached the point of encaphlitis. Now, I just have a very lingering tinnitus, which generally regular apple consumption and the occassional lemon peel help from time to time. Best of luck."

04/16/2014: Carola from California: "Paul; I want to thank you for your confirmation. Since I read the original post, nearly word-for-word, on another site, and under a different name, I was hesitant to credit it, but since your experience paralleled this, I am excited to try. Thank you!"

11/05/2012: Helen from Abuja (nigeria), Federal Capital Territory, Nigeri: "Please I have bilaternal Tube Blockage and also Uterine fibroid and I find it difficult in getting pregnant. Please assist me with remdies. I am 40 years old."

11/11/2012: Victoria from Ca, California: "I have read good things about the suppliment MACA. If you look at the reviews of it over on Amazon, you will find many testimonies from women who got pregnant after using it for infertility as well as PCOS. It also appears to be useful in other hormone related issues as well as libido."

12/12/2012: Jana from Venice, Ca: "I had blocked tubes and high FSH, doctors had told me chances of conceiving were slim to impossible. A co-worker of mine told me about Chinese herbs, I took Cinnamon & Poria, Free Flow and balance for 3 1/2 months before I found out I was pregnant!!! Yes you can clear your tubes the natural way most of the time... Good luck and never give up hope."

12/13/2012: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa: "Hi Jana, I first want to say congratulations! And I would like to thank you for posting this. It is a testimony to how powerful Chinese herbs/ medicine are. I often post here to let people know this is a very worthy alternative to western medicine. So many people come here, let down by "modern medicine". I have been with my acupuncturist for 7 years and over the years have seen him help women who were told they just couldn't get pregnant. He would turn that around for them. I've also seen women who were diagnosed with ovarian cysts/ tumors and he has helped rid them. The women who return to their doctor to let them see it is now gone are absolutely baffled! One time it was funny because the dr, after examining one woman when she returned to show him her results, said that it was probably misdiagnosed in the first place!

Anyway, your post gives women, who are also where you once were, hope! So, again, congratulations and thank you for letting others know of your success. May you have a blessed and joyful pregnancy. Best to you, Lisa"

12/13/2012: Jacqui from Scottsville, Ky: "Thank you for your reply Lisa, This is all new to me, and I just feel I am going round and round in circles with this diet. When my husband comes home I am going to get him to look at your letter.. I am from New Zealand and am going home to NZ in 2 weeks, leaving my husband Bobby to look after himself.. and all this going on is making me very nervous.

Maybe if you want you could call me, I might be able to get some good tips, I mean I don't care if he has to eat the same food daily while I am away, as long as it keeps his blood sugar down.. He wakes up this morning and it is 180.. So is making me feel very nervous *whew*

My name is Jacqui and husband is Bobby. We are floundering along here not really getting anywhere it seems, and I am really trying.. Men really are not very reliable, Bobby really needs to realize what he has to do, men are so reliant on us women aren't they.. Anyway I have to get this sorted before I go home. otherwise I am going to worry the whole time I am away.

I appreciate your help Lisa and would love for you to call me when you can please. thank you."

04/16/2014: Babyonboard from South Africa: "Hi, I found out I am 5 weeks pregnant but have a blocked Fallopian tube. How do I cure it naturally without harming the baby?"

04/16/2014: Mama To Many from Tennessee: "Dear Babyonboard, You say that you have a blocked fallopian tube and that you are 5 weeks pregnant. I am trusting that the "blocked" tube is not the baby, and that the baby is in the uterus? Assuming your baby is in the uterus, I would wait until after the baby is born to address the issue of a blocked tube. It is possible it will resolve on its own. Having a blocked tube during pregnancy is not harmful to the baby. The things I would normally suggest for a blocked tube, I would not recommend during pregnancy. ~Mama to Many~"

09/24/2013: Tom from Fort Worth, Texas: "Wendy: Thank you for that great post on the use of magnesium and insomnia. I have insomnia problems that herbals haven't seemed to help. (Worry about work I think.) But I'll try the mag at night as you recommended."

09/25/2013: Toourlady from Hayward, Ca: "There several forms of Magnesium. One of the most absorbable would be Mg Glycinate capsules, it does not have the laxative side effect."

10/01/2013: Wendy from Westport, Ct: "Thanks Tourlady89, I will try Mag Glycinate. Would be nice not to experience side effects from Magnesium! I have also recently tried magnesium oil but waiting around for the oil to absorb into the skin for 20 minutes isn't much fun!"

04/10/2014: Tim from Chicago, Illinois: "Liquid forms of magnesium chloride or magnesium citrate are great, and there is also a pill form of Magnesium Glycinate that's also very effective. Magnesium definitely helps to cure insomnia, that's for sure! Best, too, if you take small doses throughout the day, not just at night when you want to go to sleep. Take it throughout the day so it can build up in your system. A lot of times people (and people in general) with insomnia are deficient in magnesium."

04/16/2014: Gabrielle from Los Angeles, Ca: "Magnesium Chloride, liquid form 2 teaspoons 3 X a day. Magnesium Glycinate (tablets), and liquid Magnesium Citrate all have been very effective for me in helping me relax and having a good, sound night's sleep."

08/25/2012: Lisa from Los Angeles, Ca: "If you have a tooth abcess, why are you waiting 4 or 5 days before going to the dentist? Fresh garlic works also as it is too a natural anitbiotic. Very often the abcess is rooted deep under the gum and you don't want it to cause worse problems. Get to a dentist!"

04/16/2014: Kimmi from Springfield, Mo.: "In response to 08/25/2012: Lisa from Los Angeles, Ca post: "If you have a tooth abcess, why are you waiting 4 or 5 days before going to the dentist?" Because a lot of us can't afford a dentist and we're on a very tight financial budget! Some of us don't have two nickels to rub together after essential bills are paid...we just don't have the luxury of going "as soon as it's needed."

02/13/2011: Kelly from Cinti, Ohio: "Hello Francisca,
I use a slow cooker to make yogurt (large 6 qt. ). here's the recipe:
you need 3 things: a slow cooker, milk, and yogurt starter(either 8oz PLAIN dannon or starter from a health food store-I just use the cheap PLAIN 8oz. Yogurt from the grocery store)

prep time: <10 MIN. >, total time: 13 1/2 hrs. (depending on how sour you prefer)---the whole thing is basically--Kill--cool--culture

1. sanitize the crockpot w/ boiling water

2.pour 1 gal. Milk into cp--- (I use a gal. Cos we like it and I substitute it in recipes calling for sour cream, soups, baked potatoes, cold salads req. mayo etc.

3. turn crockpot on high for 1.5hrs. or low for 2.5hrs.---this step kills bacteria should heat up to 170 degrees.

4.turn cp off for 3hrs. ( in step #3, I didn't have a kit. thermometer so I just did the times exactly in the recipe and it turned out perfect the 1st time)

5.after 3hrs. Take lid off and add starter with a wisk BLEND THOROUGHLY. if you can stick your pinkie finger w/o too hot, it will culture probiotics just fine don't let it get too cool either.

1 gal. Milk=8oz. Starter

1/2 gal. Milk=4oz. starter

etc.

6. put lid back on and cover with a heavy towel for< 9 hours. > longer if you prefer more sour.

7.this next step is optional. You can leave the yogurt as is and add fruit/honey/oatmeal/raisins/banana/ whatever you like. DO NOT ADD WHILE MAKING YOGURT OR IT WILL NOT WORK.

8. I strain the yogurt in my fridge by placing clean cotton cloth inside a collander (plastic), inside a larger bowl to catch the whey protein (flip a small bowl to elevate the collander) some strain at room temp but I prefer to halt sour flavor

this step yeilds the greek yogurt--approx. Half a gal. And a half a gal. Of whey protein. That is also loaded with probiotics. You can add a little sweetener and drink it. Some people reboil the wp and make ricotta cheese. xtra straining yeilds yogurt cheese.

I've tried the coffee filters, cheese cloth ect. But didn't like the outcome as the coffee filters disintegrate and the cheesecloth looses some of the yogurt into the whey protein. A clean t-shirt cut to fit the collander is best. The way I wash after use is to put into sink w/ boiling water, few drops of soap, and a 1/4 c. Bleach. use tongs to handle while washing then throw into dryer til next time.

First time I made this I assumed it would take the 2 weeks to help my digestion as the advertised yogurt who shall remain nameless. within an hour of consuming it, I had to run to the bathroom, yeah!

Also, using whole milk will obviously yeild more greek yogurt but it is so rich I only eat a couple of tablespoons at a time.

easy on the pocket book as well. 1 gal. Of milk ( with store prices for yogurt , whey protein and cheese) can yeild consevatively $20-$28 USD, not a bad deal huh!

Hope this helps. It takes longer to read this than it does to actually do it. God Bless!"

02/13/2011: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa: "Hi Francisca,

That's great that you are making your own yogurt! I make my own kefir and love the taste and health benefits. There is a really great website that has tutorial videos and also articles on making various fermented foods. They have info up there for yogurt as well. You'll find it interesting. It's called culturesforhealth.com It's where I got my kefir grains from originally and also my Viili starter which is a Finnish yogurt. My daughter in law is Finnish/ French so I thought I would make that one since she'd told me about her love for it.

Also, I drain my yogurt so that my yogurt has a heavier body. Yes, you can also use cream as well w/ the milk for it to be creamier. Homemade yogurt has about 7 different strains of bacteria in it. Of course, our gut needs the good bacterias for our health and immunity. Hope this info helps."

02/14/2011: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France: "Thanks Lisa, I will surely have a look at the site you mention. As I think that I said I actually hate the taste of yogurt and I don't drink milk either, never! But the yogurt with fruits is really excellent and somehow, although a lot of people complain that their yogurt is thin (I suppose this is the reason you strain yours) mine is very thick, like a pudding (I left it in the machine for 10 hours and used full fat milk with an Activia yogurt).

Maybe you can answer this question as well, a friend of mine told me that her doctor said that you should eat the yogurt after the sell by date as the culture then will be a lot better. Have you ever heard of this? That would mean that you can keep yogurts for a lot longer which would be good for my own starter yogurt as we travel a lot and I won't be able to use it always within a week."

02/14/2011: Mesem from Toulon, France: "Dried milk powder makes yoghurt thick and creamy (non-fat or fat). Whip it well into your milk with a beater. I think honey is wonderful with yoghurt and best breakfast is swiss: raw, whole oats left in yoghurt for at least 1/2 hour, liquid honey and grated apple. I used to make yoghurt by:

1)warming milk to blood temperature (feel on wrist)

2)add whatever type of yoghurt you want to use as a starter (1 small pot).

3)Whip in powdered milk , a little gelatine or agaragar powder makes it thicker.

4)Pour mixture into warmed, clean preserving jars.

5)Wrap jars with an old towel and place in cupboard next to your hotwater heater, a radiator on low heat, your furnace. Temp. needs to be about 30° continuously.

6) Leave overnight. Next morning or when thick put lids on jars and store in fridge."

02/14/2011: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France: "Thanks Mesem for your detailed explanation. I do have a yogurt maker now though. As far as the milk powder goes I don't need to use it as my yogurts came out very thick, maybe because I left them there for 10 hours and also I have read that milk powder is not good for your health because of oxydation, I believe. By the way, I have just found some books on how to make all kinds of yogurts on Amazon France. The British and the American one don't seem to have anything in English but the French ones sound rather promising, maybe I buy one......"

02/14/2011: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa: "Hi Francisca, That's great that your yogurt comes out so thick right away. That can change as temperatures change. Just so you know though, you really don't need any special equipment to make yogurt or kefir. I just make them in a jar and set it on my counter.

As for what your friend's Dr. said, yes, that is correct. The benefits become stronger as time goes by. I actually leave my kefir on the counter. I don't refrigerate it which is how it was traditionally done from what I have learned. If you go to the kefir section here on EC you will see other posts of mine w/ links on info on kefir, yogurt and kombucha. They are all related in that they are all fermented foods/ drinks. Hope this info helps."

02/15/2011: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France: "Thanks for all your good advice once more, Lisa! I am making a new batch of yogurt as we speak, this time some plain, some with strawberries or pineapple cooked in a bit of gelifying sugar for a few minutes to see whether the acid disappears and they stay good and one with cinnamon and vanilla. They will be ready tonight!

Thanks for the address to the site as well, very interesting also because of the sprouted flour they sell but we don't have that here in Europe, unfortunately, might be quite healthy I suppose....

I have tried Kombucha in the past but I never felt any benefits, to be honest so I stopped buying it. I know you can make your own but I never dared for fear something goes wrong. Kefir I never tried but as I tend to dislike anything milky it is maybe not for me. You can buy it in the health shops here.

As far as my friends' doctor advice I don't know anymore as I read on a site that if you buy active yogurts to use as a starter for your own they lose the amount of live bacteria as the time goes by, meaning that using your own, maybe after it has been ready for maybe 5 days would be the same. So.... Do yogurts become better with the age or do they lose the healthy bacteria? I don't know anymore!"

04/15/2014: Shirley from Ne: "This is how I make my yogurt these days and I've never had a batch not turn out good. I pour whole milk into a quart size mason jar then add 1 TBSP of plain yogurt from my last batch (or from store bought) and 1 TBSP of sugar (I use organic). Then I put a tight lid on and shake it all up real good. Then I turn on the oven light and let it set in there for two days. After that I refrigerate it, then when it's cold I strain it to thicken (Greek). I've found this method, though it takes a day longer than the boiling method, to result in a thicker yogurt even before straining plus I don't make a mess and it's much easier to make; therefore I'm more inclined to make it. *adding the TBSP of sugar gives the culture something to "feed" on."

04/06/2014: Dave from Fountain Inn, Sc: "Hello "Pain in Feet"

Re ... throbbing feet issue...

I realize you say everything was checked but the problem sounds like Sickle Cell; at least might be related. Different degrees and different times of onset. Distorted red blood cells are more likely to get "stuck" so one help might be Vitamin E which has been reputed to "slick down the platelets" as well doing the same in veins and arteries.

There are other symptoms you might be experiencing that could confirm SCD. Headaches, chest pains, jaundice and cold hands and feet.

Even if the problem is not red cell related; the problem might be helped by Vitamin E as it will help oxygenate extremities and clean out plaque.

Next, it NEVER hurts to add some magnesium to the system. I'd take Epsom Salts baths; even foot baths would be good.

On the E...use ONLY natural (d- alpha and NOT dl, which is synthetic). Start with 200 iu and work up to 800 IUs over three months.

Also "ginger" foot baths can help with circulation. Cut small sections of real ginger and heat in pot on stove. Pour into foot bath and add warm water. Let soak for 30 minutes. Repeat nightly for two weeks. If improved, repeat three or four times weekly. You would have just demonstrated that there is a circulation problem that must be worked on."

04/07/2014: Pain In Feet from Sacramento, Ca: "Hi, I left a couple things off my post. Can I retrieve it and make corrections? Thank you."

EC: Hi, just send another post with the extra info.

04/07/2014: Pain In Feet from Sacramento, Ca: "Thank you for the suggestions. I will check it out. I don't have any symptoms of SCD, but as you say it could be related. Oops I just realized I spelled podiatrist wrong in my first post! I forgot to mention I had a nerve conduction study and went to a few chiropractors too!"

04/08/2014: Happy from Up The Creek In Wv, Usa: "Chronically swollen feet are a symptom of mercury poisoning. I know you said someone checked your blood for mercury, but perhaps they missed it.

The proper way to check for mercury is with a DMPSA [chelater] challenge test. They have you drink some of this, then test your urine for the level of mercury in it, as chelated by the DMPSA chemical."

04/09/2014: Pain In Feet from Sacramento, Ca: "Hi, my physician/insurance wouldn't do the chelation, before and after urine test, so then I had a blood test to check metal levels. A nurse here at work has an affiliation with a lab so I paid for it out-of-pocket. The chemical levels turned out normal. But, I started taking DMSA for 3 months any way to see if it made any difference but my feet kept throbbing so I stopped taking it. It's weird, my feet throb all day/night, but they only swell if it's real hot outside."

04/10/2014: Timh from Ky, Usa: "I have had this problem for many yrs, except the pain part is not-so-bad as I have significant nerve damage in both feet as well, resulting in predominate numbness.

Mineral, especially Epsom Salt foot baths I take daily.

For heavy metal detox you can take Ted's recommended amounts of Sodium Thiosulfate without the prescription or supervision of a dr.

Detox Foot Pads and Ionic Foot Spa will remove toxins from the soles of feet. I use both these daily/nightly."

04/10/2014: Pain In Feet from Sacramento, Ca: "Thanks Timh. I will give these things a try!

I forgot to mention I already tried the Ionic foot bath and it didn't help my throbbing feet. But at least I've got the impurities out of my system due to a series of Ionic foot baths."

04/11/2014: Timh from Ky, Usa: "Pain: If you don't experience any relief from these current recommendations, the single "most likely" causative problem (which I have long suspected) is "Leakey Gut Syndrome". With damage to the gut, undigested large food particles enter the bloodstream and the feet are the most blood circulated body part, hence the pain."

04/16/2014: Pain In Feet from Sacramento, Ca: "Dear Timh from Ky, Usa, I will definitely check out your leaky gut syndrome theory! Thank you for your time!"

04/17/2014: Timh from Ky: "Pain: Do update us on your results.

For healing of the intestines, first be sure to treat any infection or possibly parasitism as this damages the lining.

Second, Zinc & Vit-A are very important defense nutrients. As for actually stimulated epithelial lining regrowth, I have found a combination of DGL & Allantoin the best remedy.

From my personal history, the pain in feet began as I was stricken w/ aplastic anemia; within a few days the pain became very bad-to-intolerable. Pain meds didn't help much as I my gut was so damaged that absorption was very poor and I also had severe Candida. As a last resort to relieve the pain, I began using cold water foot baths then soon needed to add ice. My feet were burning w/ pain as the ice water quickly turned to hot water. This situation continued in severity until I needed F.B. 24/7. The 30 min trip to hospital without ice water was such severe pain as I screamed all the way. A Morphine I.V. beat the pain but I had large holes blown thru the my feet as well as damage to the bottoms or soles. Dr's said foot problem was frostbite, but from visual comparison to photos of Frostbite, well, no comparison. I somehow survived the ordeal and learned how to walk again (with help from walker or cane) about one yr later. Looking back, the only logical explanation was confirmed by heavy metal manganese poisoning. I also have immune dysfunction that may exacerbate the situation.

Hope my story helps to solve your riddle."

04/17/2014: Dave from Fountain Inn, Sc: "Hello again Pain In Feet from Cal.

I responded to your first post with my suggestions and after reading Timh's suggestions, re read your post and follow ups. Know what? I think it would help if you gave us some more symptoms. There must be some more issues or symptoms to help you narrow the scope. We're sort of "shootin in the dark." And you've had LOTS of suggestions. Could you please list OTHER issues ... maybe or maybe not related. LIKE; meds you're taking; tingling in hands; throbbing in legs; vision problems; cold hands and cold feet (not just throbbing) etc. Anything to narrow the possibilities. Throbbing legs/feet could be onset MS. I've found over the years use of AEP (DR. Adkins go to for MS) is the charm for helping that. (Just PART of the MS protocol.) But we have no reason to suspect MS unless your symptoms pointed us that direction. Please...fill in the blanks."

04/16/2014: Timh from Ky: "Diane: Liver inflammation will cause HBP, so try treating the hep c by recommends from others. earthclinic.com/CURES/hep_c.html"

02/05/2014: Mmsg from Somewhere, Europe: "Mama to Many, what have you used as your antiviral?"

02/05/2014: Prioris from Fl, Usa: "Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis connects with vaccine injuries"

02/05/2014: Mama To Many from Tennessee, Usa: "Dear Mmsg,

We started using a number of herbs for her that were indicated for asthma and/or for JRA - cat's claw, olive leaf, mullein, and feverfew. We also have used nettles, Vitamin D, Folic Acid, B-12, and magnesium. This was a couple of years ago, so I may not be remembering everything. She also eats a pretty healthy diet - mostly whole foods. She is actually still using most of these things. Only later did I learn about the possible viral link and realize that many of the things we have used, that have been very helpful, are also useful for viruses.

Dear Prioris,

My daughter has actually not had any vaccines. My oldest had a vaccine reaction so we discontinued vaccinating in our family. I have often wondered if there was an environmental factor to what may be weakened immunity in her. I have just never pinpointed anything. We have moved a few times. She did spend much of her life in a house surrounded by fields owned by farmers who used tons of chemicals on them. It was disturbing to see little planes flying and spraying chemicals across the street into the fields.

~Mama to Many~"

02/05/2014: Prioris from Fl, Usa: "It doesn't surprise me. For instance, all autism isn't vaccine related. There are about 1 in 15000 who have non vaccine related autism.

i can't find any references to amish and juvenile arthritis either.

http://thebovine.wordpress.com/2011/03/06/why-is-autism-so-rare-among-the-amish/

I assume you tried Borax for JRA. I would also look at various diets e.g. paleo, gluten free, some food allergy etc. I would include coconut oil also because it kills many infections.

I think the cause has to be in the food but like RA, the microbe has to be killed also even if the diet is correct.

P.S. One more thought. The chemicals sprayed on the farmers fields around the house may have created allergies to things. Maybe experiment with saunas to excrete the possible toxin contamination with the child."

02/06/2014: Dave from Fountain Inn, Sc: "Hello Mama to Many,

So very sorry for taking so long in reply; I've been consumed with a trial (I mean court) that took me away for a few days.

I've wondered the very question you asked; First you make the point that I observe often...the relation to viral infection and auto immune disease. And what is going on as there seems to be more frequency in virus today than at other times.

Here is my theory...multi part.

1. Food today has less nutritive value and hence the body cannot fight off viruses as easily as years ago.

2. Has genetically modified foods driven the rate of viral mutation?

3. Has reporting increased the information of how much infection is going on...which years ago might not have been as well reported so there is the appearance of "more" virus when in fact, the rate may be close to the same. After all, one of the most deadly infections in history was in 1918 with the killer ... airborne .... flue virus.

4. Have vaccines increase the virus influx?

5. Has an unknown factor increased the mutation rate of viruses?

So these are just a few observations but I am more and more convinced that a predatory set up virus prepares the body for possible triggering of disease of every type.

This is why for fifteen years I take a swallow of colloidal silver to rid my body of "at large" viruses...4 or 5 days a week and I make sure to let the CS swish in my mouth for ten or fifteen seconds.

It is so good to hear from you Ms. Mary. You are such an inspiration to me so again, forgive my delay in response.

Your student,

Dave"

02/07/2014: Mmsg from Somewhere, Europe: "Thanks Mama to Many. So it's a multi-faceted approach. Generally, I see you recommending many different ideas, which probably works best!"

02/07/2014: Mmsg from Somewhere, Europe: "Thanks Mama to Many. So it's a multi-faceted approach. Generally, I see you recommending many different ideas, which probably works best!"

02/07/2014: Mama To Many from Tennessee, Usa: "Dear Mmsg,

Yes, in the instance with my daughter, it seemed that it did take a number of things to help her feel well again. When using natural medicine, I just keep trying different things until something works! (And that is usually what doctors are doing, too.)

When I am suggesting things to others, I try to include many things since not everything is available everywhere. Sometimes the solution is right in the house, but not every house has the same stuff around. Also, some things are more expensive than others and I want to make sure there are inexpensive options if at all possible. I would hate for someone not to be able to get better because the solution is too expensive.

I love that with natural medicine, sometimes one thing will take care of it. It just isn't always the first thing tried.

~Mama to Many~"

02/07/2014: Mama To Many from Tennessee, Usa: "Dear Prioris,

Thanks for the ideas and feedback! I have not tired the things you suggest. My daughter has been symptom free of JRA for about a year and a half so we didn't try anything else. But it is encouraging to know how many options there are for healing in the event of a flare up.

Seeing you mention vaccines and the Amish within two sentences made me remember something I just read in, "Backyard Pharmacy." Rachel Weaver, the author, mentions that in testing some Amish (who have not been vaccinated) they found some to have an immunity to tetanus, likely just from their farm work. I found that fascinating!

~Mama to Many~"

02/07/2014: Mama To Many from Tennessee, Usa: "Dear Dave,

Thanks so much for taking time to write out your thoughts! (And no need to apologize for "a delay in response." - the cyberworld has trained us to expect replies and answers way too fast! )

Anyway, your multi-part theory does make sense. It is helpful to me as I am pondering and studying sickness and healing and such.

Reading your post has made me think of another question, if you don't mind me troubling you with it... What about bacteria? If hidden viruses are the cause of autoimmune problems, might hidden bacteria also be? (Or perhaps that is what you have implied all along.) It seems I hear of people diagnosed with all sorts of problems (often auto-immune) and it turns out they have Lyme Disease. I suppose that when using colloidal silver it would attack either a virus or bacteria, perhaps it wouldn't matter which one was lurking in the body causing trouble if the solution were the same.

Thanks for helping me to connect the dots here! (And take your time in responding! )

~Mama to Many~"

02/07/2014: Dave from Fountain Inn, Sc: "To Mama to Many,

Oh yes...bacteria too. And fungus. My theory is not that all disease is caused by b/v/f (bacteria, virus and fungus) but that bvf may be triggers or underlying supports to disease and that if we eliminate the bvf triggers and supports then it would be much easier to overcome the disease.

As an example, without "good oils" the cells of the body cannot be properly constructed; so I take Evening Primrose Oil, (and use other good oils) and have for 30 years. That might help forestall numerous degenerative diseases that aren't directly related to bvf. But so many cousins to myelin sheath problems are "oil" related.

Just think of the incredible movie (real life) "Lorenzo's Oil"....That movie should be confirmation that Myelin Sheath breakdown caused by improper oil usage (genetic in the boys of Lorenzo's movie) is crucial to proper oil usage. When the world started using hydrogenated oils in margarine before and especially during WW II, we saw a spike beginning with MS and other cell styled myelin generated problems. Now just consider this; if you have a compromised cellular system AND throw in a bit of heavy metal (typically mercury) AND add a virus...you have MS. And if you get a different virus and have a weakened cellular system, we might have ALS, Parkinson's, weakened arterial systems as the b/v/f attack a "weak" cellular system.

The b/v/f can better attack "poor" structures. So a "holistic" approach is truly multi layered...whole foods, lots of vegetables, a lot raw; oils like we used for hundreds of years before the modern world got "smart" and methods that have been used for thousands of years to kill pathogens (silver)...although the Ancient Greeks did not know about pathogens...only that when they used silver coated surfaces, they seemed to not get sick so often and die from illnesses so often as others not using the silver.

Folk medicine is really not just one or two things but hundreds of composite information passed down by those who lived before us. We stand on the shoulders of Giants.

And Ms Mary, I am proud to say you are one of those Giants because we all see how steeped you are in that world of herbal medicine...so vital for the BIG picture. So is Ted, of course and the brilliant Bill, and Oscar and Mike and Prioris and Timh and Robert Henry and Mmsg...oh, I've left out ten others I just love to read.

Well, my point is that you asked a follow up question about the relationship of not just virus to auto immune disease ( and much disease in general) but also bacteria and I just took off by propounding the broad picture and how we are all learning the relationships.

A profoundly exciting journey, enriched daily by the many who with enlightened minds seek to help others overcome and improve their lives."

02/08/2014: Timh from Ky: "Dave: Thanks so much for your persevering spirit, and commitment to fostering health here on E.C, and including the main supporting cast in the same endeavor.

Personally the Autoimmune problem is clarifying very much towards the severity of my condition. After watching Dr Noel Rose introduction to autoimmune disease I fit the category with 3 disorders. First, evidence of Chronic Active hepatitis as was relieved by antiviral herbs particularly Licorice Root. Second, an acute case of hemolytic anemia that was miraculously reversed w/ Morphine (in the event of extreme pain). Third, and only very recently manifest is Rheumatoid Arthritis. The 2 yr episode of Hypothyroid seems to finally be reversed.

After watching Dr Rose's intro http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjTBZObWuPY it appears obvious that any factors which compromise the detox system starts a chain reaction that also includes the endocrine system and finally the immune. The lower incidence of autoimmunity in the temperate climates as apposed to cold climate may reflect how important it is for the detox system when the body/skin has a regular sweating as the hot & humid environment promotes this. Clean air, food, and water are very important in the battle of prevention in autoimmunity. Once the body's detox system is compromised, thus begins the parasite & pathogen chronic phase as the immunity becomes seemingly helpless in it's response (or lack of). If one can avoid organ damage, remain properly detoxified, the prognoses appears good, otherwise the treatment options from most MD's is treating the symptoms while avoiding the cause. There is ongoing research into immune modulating natural substances including Colostrum. Opiates & Cannabinoids may prove very effective if the intoxication issues can be minimized. Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is certainly very effective."

02/08/2014: Mama To Many from Tennessee, Usa: "Dear Dave,

Thanks so much for your response. It is really helping with the "big picture." What you are saying makes a lot of sense! Thanks again for taking time to share your expertise!

Dear Timh,

It is always helpful to hear other's experiences! Thanks so much for the input. I think I am going to have to re-evaluate my perspective on sweat. I really hate to sweat, but can see its use.

You all have a super day!

~Mama to Many~"

04/07/2014: Johanneinsc from Sumter, Sc: "I am 49 years old and was diagnosed with baseline 'Connective Tissue Disease' today (via phone call). I have an appointment later this week to get more details from my Rheumatologist, but have been having unexplained issues for a few years. I'm sure this sounds very familiar to all of you, it's just all pretty new for me. I have had Raynauds for 6 years. 4 years ago, I had a 'torn tendon' in my inner hip joint, which was insanely painful. It never showed up in an MRI, it was just what my GP Dr. assumed it was. In December I began having pain in my left bicep that was similar to the 'hip' pain. It got worse, and my GP did MRI's on my neck, bicep and then shoulder, suspecting frozen shoulder. All MRI's showed nothing, though the pain is horrific when I move suddenly, etc.

With this diagnosis, I am wondering if the two unexplained injuries are actually connected? I had no incident, either time, to explain what happened. Now with the Rh Dr's diagnosis, I have to wonder if it's due to weakened tendons, etc. I have been gluten free-ish for a 1.5 years, and I've changed to as organic a diet as I can, especially with meat and eggs. We recently bought a Vitamix to be able to get more vegetables in our diet. I started changing to natural cleaning solutions and hair/skin products. Even with all of this, I guess it's time to get serious about it, and permanently get rid of the things that are possibly making me sick.

With all of that being said, reading everyone's experiences and suggestions is helping me to not feel alone, and not so afraid. I do appreciate you all sharing with everyone! In regards to Autoimmune being related to viruses, I had Mononucleosis when I was 14 years old. I was out of school for 3 months. I was pretty sick, and I never got back the energy that I had before that. I swear I was never the same. I was on the track team in Jr. High before that, and it halted all athletic stuff for me. I have practiced Martial Arts off and on over the years, last time being 6 years ago, but it was never easy, especially when it came to endurance. My heart is healthy, I don't get sick often, lungs are good, don't drink or smoke. I have always wondered if mono was 'lurking' in my system somewhere, and could never get a straight answer from a Dr.about it. I actually decided to google it and see if there was a link to autoimmune, and it appears that there may be. Anyways, just a thought in reading your comments here on a possible viral link. I wonder how many of you with autoimmune diseases had mono at some time in your lives? Just curious!

Thank you so much again, and prayers for all to be healed and healthy again (me included! ) Johanneinsc"

04/08/2014: Dave from Fountain Inn, Sc: "Hello Johnanneinsc,

Thanks for the question re the link to possible Mono and auto immune...

No question you're on to the cause; and likely will get worse. In fact, worsening will manifest in some organ being invaded and likely viral meningitis or other disease; like onset MS symptoms ... or the myriad myelin sheath disorders...attacks on the spine (ALS) type issues; viral infections of heart/pancreas/intestines and possible viral meningitis (you see those victim areas as typical viral targets).

And yes, your Mono was the cause.

Quick way to test this dismal hypothesis. Sorrow can turn to joy in a matter of days!

Just drink a boat load (not really that much) of Colloidal Silver. If me that's what I'd do. I make my own. And as precaution against marauding viruses/ bacteria/fungus attacks drink a few tablespoons four or five days a week.

But for one who has had a major hit from a virus...there are HEAVY odds that the virus (in any number of combinations) are still working in the system to reassert in what is usually what is called an "autoimmune"...or a "mystery" disease.

I've seen it again and again.

Here's usually what happens: One suspects (as you have) a viral connect to the symptoms. One's energy level especially has been severely impaired since the disease "invasion"...years earlier. "Never really the same since" being a common complaint. One then gets onto an anti viral. (My weapon of choice is Colloidal Silver. I read about MMS and so called "zapper" but can't attest to their effectiveness. One day I may try MMS.) But once on quantity levels of CS at HIGH ppm levels...IN A FEW WEEKS .... sometimes five days....Energy starts returning.

And that becomes the evidence that perhaps the CS is killing the viral infection and the immune system is being relieved of the infection. LOTS more to this whole thing (virus as trigger event vs. ongoing cause; is it virus or fungus; lingering tissue damage, such as nerve, which is caused by the infection). And so there becomes a few additional "helps" that can help overcome the effects of infection even as/or after the infection has been killed.

Well, all the above is my viral theory of the cause of "some" disease/ or trigger of some diseases.

And, as always my disclaimer: I am and have no medical training and all my "theory" discussion is not a diagnosis for any person's problems and not a medical recommendation for anyone. I always try to say "if this were me here's what I'd consider"; and with "the advice of one's health care professional" also...of course!

I see you live in Sumter. Want to take a quick spin to Fountain Inn and pick up one of my home made concentrates and get a free demo? No charge. I give away. Email EC staff and they will give you my email. (All with the advice of your Health Care professional, of course.)"

04/08/2014: Rsw from Uniontown, Oh: "Interesting observation from both of you. I have a couple of autoimmune diseases (Lichen Planus and Sicca Syndrome) and hypothyroidism, at least one I believe was caused by statin drugs. However I had a serious case of mono in college and also somehow got Severe Hep A in the '80's, for which I was hospitalized and told it was the highest liver numbers that anyone in the MD group had ever seen, and it could go either way because it was out of their hands and my blood was not clotting. Fortunately, by the grace of God, no other member of my family caught it and I recovered. It was thought to come from eating out somewhere where with improperly managed food or staff, but again, no one else in my family caught it and we always went out together. The autoimmunes and thyroid didn't start until about ten years go, but I never thought of any relationship between the two. Thanks for some food for thought."

04/08/2014: Dave from Fountain Inn, Sc: "To Rsw...Hello,

Re; the autoimmune diseases;

Thank you for the comments of a possible viral connect to the multiple problems you mention. Also remember this; you mention statin drugs might also cause problems X, or y but if there exists a systemic viral infection then even if the link to the disease is not direct (think of shingles to chicken pox)...if the viral infection is system wide, then the immune system can be so impacted such that one can't fight off problems that arise because of an impaired immune system....SO...even if the virus is not THE cause, the damage of persistent infection can impair the immune system and the weakened system just can't fight off the new problem. I'm referring now to statin drug side effects. Just a theory...an extension of the "viral cause" theory.

But it all means this: If correct, then the focus of much of "our" thinking (the alternative community) should be always on the alert to the virus/fungus instigator. And thus, finding anti virals and fungals. And my thinking is not stuck on Colloidal Silver but I often speak of Echinacea and we should keep open minds on MMS; H2O2 and anything that can rid the body of infectious "bugs.""

04/08/2014: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines: "Interesting discussion this one. For a long time I've wondered why certain diseases -- especially concerning viruses -- were so hard to cure. My own conclusions were that viruses, as well as other types of pathogens like bacteria and fungus are able to easily hide in our bodies. That's why the Epstein-Barr virus, HPV, the Herpes virus and Candida seem all but incurable. So when I researched this I found out that pathogens can indeed hide and become unreachable to both the immune system and anti-microbials by hiding in the following regions of the body:

Ears -- The Eustachian tube connects the throat to the ear for pressure equalization. Funny how the first signs of cold/flu is usually a sore throat. The outer ear can be an untouchable breeding ground for pathogens

Teeth(root canals). Dangerous microbes are untouchable in this region.

Synovial Fluids (particularly along the backbone and joints). Many anti-microbials are unable to penetrate this barrier.

Lower Intestines(caecum, colon area) -- Even if you are taking anti-microbials by mouth -- these will normally be exhausted or completely absorbed and useless by the time these nutrients reach the lower intestine. So the lower intestines ultimately becomes a safe haven for breeding bad pathogens and pumping toxins into the body -- this further weakens the immune system. The intestine is 28 ft long. Think enema.

Biofilms. An impenetrable fortress of dense fibrin protection for both fungus and bacteria.

i really don't believe that just viruses are the sole cause of autoimmune problems. They can certainly be a contributing factor, but I think that autoimmune problems are perhaps a bit more complex. It's well known through research that mycoplasma are frequently found at the sites of arthritis and cancer. Borax kills mycoplasma -- which is how it cures arthritis. Mycoplasma is a CWD nanobacteria. Many also believe that fungus causes cancer.

My own belief is that many pathogens are pleomorphic -- they can change form and nimbly adapt according to the health state of our bodies. As far back as the early 1900s it was observed that bacteria could change into viruses which could also change into fungus. See Rife's cancer research for more details on pleomorphism in cancer and other autoimmune diseases."

04/09/2014: Timh from Ky, Usa: "Dave: I think it was Walter Beck that proclaimed that using both Colloidal Silver & Zapping, in sufficient quantity would, in a matter of wks or months, kill ALL pathogens in the body.

I am zapping at maximum and am drinking 1 cup C.S. daily and am slowly making progress. It's been several days that I haven't taken 6 drop MMS dose and am beginning to think it impossible to kill all these pathogens without MMS. Jim Humble nicknamed MMS the Tasmanian Devil as it systematically destroys almost every known pathogen."

04/09/2014: Timh from Ky, Usa: "*correction* Bob Beck"

04/09/2014: Dave from Fountain Inn, Sc: "Hello there Timh

How are you doing these days?

Re...Bob Beck...there is even a youtube video of him making full strength CS using what I call the "fast" method. Exactly how I was taught. And in that video he drinks it undiluted!!! I was NOT taught that.

But, he died too young...only 77 from heart failure. Which is a lesson to us all. The "machine" is multifaceted. We have to keep all the parts in proper working order. I noticed in progressive videos of Bob, he wasn't looking vigorous. I asked myself; what is Bob doing wrong...something is absent in his nutrition program and I suspected lack of cardio because his face was looking "leathery" and bleached, as if not enough circulation was present.

So; viruses and fungi and bacterial infestation did not kill Bob...oh too soon...but I believe lack of cardio nutrients likely did.

Pay attention to ALL the parts. All the issues must be addressed. That's why a whole foods approach with a broad array of nutrients is what I think is best. I'm trying to cover all the bases."

04/09/2014: Dave from Fountain Inn, Sc: "Greetings Bill from the Philippines;

Re you VERY enlightening post...Lots of insights on "vulnerable locations" in your post....where the little devils hide out and where is their "base of operations."

The Eustachian Tube is a key...often a stubborn upper infection can be traced there and in fact regular medicine recognized the Eustachian Tube as a key source for "secondary infections" which are not killed by antibiotics. Why? Not much blood gets there and so the bacteria (and viruses) hide out there only to re-infect the system again.

Suppose we could devise a "super" killer...a combo of CS, MMS, DMSO (there are a lot of good broad based anti virals that could go in a mix.

Question about that and you mention the most insidious of them all...that Walter Last calls (and you mentioned) the nano bacteria...the "pleomorphic microbes" which may cause ... who knows what, since they morph into something new. Probably they are susceptible to assault when they are in the changing mode.

Susceptible like coated viruses...susceptible when they are multiplying. That means the virus killer / microbe killer etc must be in a constant "flush" mode for many months. One dose won't do it...of anything.

Not for the killers we're talking about.

But back to your "master list" of targets for the invaders...you are SO right in the likely sites. I think of this as like a bee hive...I mean by way of analogy. The microbes "localize" in a home...an organ or "place" and multiply from there in explosive moments of opportunity...perhaps when the immune system is impaired; or even when their victim is depressed. Then they fire out their offspring to invade elsewhere in the body; when they "sense" immune weakness.

And there you have it...attacking in a myriad set of methods. The most vulnerable you listed.

I'm in search mode for the "super" cleanse...a combo? As much of a proponent of CS as I am, I think it has its weaknesses. Which is why I often mention other anti microbes like Echinacea. Oh, for a lab and some funding."

04/09/2014: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines: "Hi Dave...Much thanks for your post which I enjoyed reading for sure.

Just to perhaps extend my explanation a bit. I regularly use protocols which I affectionately refer to as protecting my "Caves and Orifices" which entails doing the following.

Ears. Regularly wash out with either Hydrogen Peroxide or a few drops of LI in water a few times a week.

Nose -- I forgot to mention this one as a hiding place (think sinusitis or rhinitis that never goes away). The nose is a prime area for fungal build-up. Use a dropper to wash out the nose with either 1% HP or drops of Lugols iodine and water to clear fungus/bacteria build up. You can also use a neti pot with sea salt.

Teeth(root canals and gums) -- Use a few drops of gum turpentine in the mouth several times daily to help protect the gums and teeth roots. Turps is strongly absorbed by the gums. Or you can use a teaspoon of 50% DMSO(as Hulda Clark recommends) with a few drops of LI. Hold and swish it in the mouth for a few minutes before spitting it out to allow absorption into the gums/roots. In all cases, the absorption and anti-pathogen effect helps to rid inflammation, pain and infection in the gum and root regions. Use 3% HP as your regular mouthwash -- helps whiten teeth as well.

Synovial Regions -- Use DMSO and anti-pathogens(such as clove oil, LI, borax) locally and topically to drive out the hiding viruses etc into the blood. A strong and capable immune system should do the rest.

Lower Intestines(caecum, colon) -- Use laxatives and enemas to clear this region.

Biofilms -- Gum turpentine and protease enzymes are the only remedies that will get rid of biofilms.

Like you I wonder if there is a single cure-all out there. The closest I have ever come to such a remedy in my own research is THC -- the direct whole extract from the cannabis plant. Rick Simpson from Nova Scotia is the guru here. This plant extract cures everything from arthritis, diabetes, heart disease and MS to many forms of cancer and no-one knows why and no-one cares. THC is probably on of the most powerful and safe anti-inflammatory and painkilling remedies in existence today. I have also read that THC adjusts body homeostasis back to healthy levels again -- I know of no single natural remedy or cure that can do this. Rick Simpson comes from a simple farming community in Nova Scotia. These people are not in the habit of lying. Here is a video about medicinal THC that will perhaps astonish you as to the range of what it actually cures (from the testimonials on the video):

Run from the Cure

Unfortunately THC or medicinal cannabis is against the law and unobtainable -- unless, of course, you are lucky enough to live in Denver Colorado..."

04/09/2014: Mike62 from Denver, CO: "Bill: Vertebrates have survived 5 mass extinctions and thrived in between because they have a communication system that encourages the tissues to cooperate with each other. 2mg/day cannabinoids, raw or cooked, activate the system. I buy one ounce cherry flavored 1500mg CBD oil from a company who makes theirs from the flowers of organic Canadian hemp. 750 days for $93. Black pepper and oregano have a special terpene that also activates the system. I am not sure of the dose."

04/09/2014: Dave from Fountain Inn, Sc: "Hello again Bill,

My "microbe" killing regimen is not as extensive as yours. I keep drinking CS daily (five days a week at least) and occasional Echinacea in water. I do use CS in sinus and ears. In sinus nearly every day as I think just as you; the sinus is where so much microbe action takes place.

On the THC; I watched a Rick Simpson report about a year ago. It was fascinating.

Here is something interesting: I watched on "LINK" TV an Ayurveda guru who mixed a baked substance that he added to the POISON mercury. And then orally consumed the combination. Yes, he knew mercury would poison, but he pointed out that mercury was the most effective microbe killer and that the "addition" kept the mercury from staying in the system, and like CS, would just be washed out after a few days. Ever since I saw that (LINK repeated the show on Indian Ayurveda three times, and I watched all three times)...ever since I saw that I knew that amazing substances were available if...IF...we only had access to the right methods. So my point is that the search for new mechanisms is one that should be seen as wide open. That is why I'm willing to consider MMS, for instance.

But your use of Turpentine is something I need to give more consideration to. And the Boron is also a new addition after reading about it on EC. H202 is something that I use occasionally.

So your approach is more eclectic than mine. Likely better as you are painting with a broader brush."

04/10/2014: Timh from Ky, Usa: "Dave: Thanks for your concern and I am making slow progress from near dead for 2 yrs. Lately I only post here on my "good days", but I always find enough energy and focus to read the post.

I will second your observation on Beck, but what I noticed was his general stature and mobility. I would venture to guess Beck was, by birth, somewhat delicate.

Yes, the cardio system is definitely a victim of time and stress. I take several measures of prevention in this area as my heart has been major stressed especially by Hypertension and Ascaris hyperinfestation. I still have occasional "bouts" but most times I am pain free.

I cook half-gallon batches of C.S. in about 1 hr time. It is only of late that I can actually notice improvements from C.S. as yrs past the toxicity was simply too severe.

On the MMS. If you are a fan of lemonade, you can simply add drops of Sodium Chlorite and presto, you have MMS. There is a slight taste of Chlorine but tolerable. As little as two drops daily will culminate in major improvements for the immune system. And if I might add, MMS is probably the best home remedy for Bee, Snake, Scorpion, and Spider bites & stings; a must item in the first-aid kit while in the bush or outback. I had a 6 drop dose tonight w/ a very little nausea. This is currently my max drop level.

I also take 1 dose each of Lipo C and Lipo Borax daily."

04/10/2014: Dave from Fountin Inn, Sc: "Hello Timh:

About Ascaris

You mention being hit by the parasite, and I read that it hits the digestive enzymes especially. The "Ascaris carboxypeptidase inhibitor" (wow)... is part of the parasite's defense mechanism...so that means that the enzyme pepsin (and two others) would be deficient as the worm emits the "inhibitor" stopping the human digestive enzyme from working. I'm sure you could lecture to me about all this. And, I'm sure you've tried (lately my favorite digestive help) ... Papaya. Its enzyme, Papain, is very similar to Pepsin...or so I've read. So I wonder if consuming Papaya could help overcome the parasite's inhibitor action. Even if you are rid of the parasite, the action of the inhibitor may still be at work.

Let me know how you've dealt with the digestion issue. Thanks. I know you've gone through much agony. You are just hero for not giving up."

04/11/2014: Timh from Ky, Usa: "Dave: I take a Digestive enzyme supplement w/ my main meal and eat Pineapple regularly. I think the enzyme inhibition you mentioned must be from mature Ascaris found in the digestive tract; but the most insidious problems arise from the eggs, larvae, and juveniles.

I will quote some of Hulda Clark's observation to help clarify.

"When you kill the Ascaris worms by zapping or herbal tincture, they are mortally wounded. They are dying, but the eggs inside them are not. They were sheltered. Within a day these trapped eggs begin to leave the dying worms. Soon hordes of eggs are dispersing in your body again. And in another 24 hrs they begin to hatch into larvae. {I believe this event is evidences by the heart pain which I have experienced}.

The eggs, even if unfertilized, may do more harm than the worms. Ascaris eggs bring three very important pathogens that spread throughout the body: Rhizobium leguminosarum, Mycobacterium avium/intracellulare, and the common cold virus Adinovirus. {I believe that most of the warm-blooded (wild) animals infected w/ Ascaris, eventually die of these infections}.

The primitive metabolism used by Ascaris (and other parasites) is called the Gloxylate cycle. The gloxylate cycle commanders our Krebs cycle.

Another thing that Ascaris does is destroy all the Vit-C in the organ by oxidizing it (removing the hydrogen atom)."

Reprinted without permission from The Cure To All Cancers, by Hulda Clark."

04/11/2014: Johanneinsc from Sumter, Sc: "Thanks Dave for your response.. I have heard about CS before, just was unsure about it's safety. I am learning a lot on this thread! Thank you for your insight, I will be trying it very soon!"

04/13/2014: Jan from London, Ontario: "This thread has been very helpful. I have seen some success with the turps with my Oral Lichen Planus.

My ongoing struggle is shortness of breath.

I am on a no sugar diet and low carbs, and am Celiac.

I am thinking the virus must be in my blood and therefore affecting the lungs. Any thoughts?"

04/13/2014: Dave from Fountain Inn, Sc: "Hi Jan from London:

Re virus in lungs...

It is very likely in lungs. Here's a way to know: Breathe in DEEPLY and if you feel a "tickle" and you have to cough then you know it's there.

Get a nebulizer and use the CS in base. You'll want to breathe deeply from nebulizer for five minutes three times daily for a week or until you can do that deep breath test and not feel a tickle. I've seen others using H2O2 but haven't done so myself. I've seen others recommending DMSO in the mix but would do that only with very small amounts at a time. I am just not sure of the reaction in the lungs to DMSO...and I'm a BIG proponent of DMSO but won't recommend something I haven't tried.

Earth Clinic has a lot of posts about DMSO mixed with other liquids in a nebulizer."

04/15/2014: Dave from Fountain Inn, Sc: "Jan from London, Canada; About your hunch the virus is in your blood and also lungs... I wrote you about how to attack it in lungs but failed to mention this: If it is systemic in you (in your blood as you put it) then you need to kill it system wide. I do that by drinking a quarter cup of colloidal silver twice daily for a full month or longer. And even up to six months if symptoms are evident. Otherwise, a virus can cause further problems even years later if allowed to lay dormant...think the shingles virus as an example."

08/31/2011: Mmsg from Somewhere, Europe: "Breathing thru a mouthful of VERY DILUTED hydrogen peroxide, helped me for lung issues (and nose, throat). DO NOT SWALLOW."

08/31/2011: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France: "To Mmsg, I tried to breath the water with HP but it didn't work, I couldn't get anything up my nose. After that I breathed a bit I put into the palm of my hand and it did indeed calm my sinuses just it burned a bit, maybe I had used too much HP. No idea how you do it through your mouth though...."

08/31/2011: Mmsg from Somewhere, Europe: "Francisca, I don't breathe it up my nose! Just plain breathing the air in my mouth that has the diluted HP in it! I open my mouth, taking care the diluted HP doesn't drip out, and just take a couple of good breaths. Then spit it out and rinse my mouth. I do it a few times a day as needed."

09/29/2013: Hiptobehealthy from Netherlands: "How is your wife doing now? Have you tried The vit c in high dosages? Cayenne pepper apple cider with honey diluted with water. In severe cases fast just drink spring water. Also I' m pretty sure you're wife is extremely acid. You can simply test this with with ph test strips (health store). Avoid any acidic foods such as meat, dairy, fish, grains refined sugars, junk food and only drink alkalizing juices: green juices (look up recipes on the internet). Grey Celtic unrefined sea salt, msm powder, calcium (only take pearl calcium), silica are alkalizing minerals she might take in addition to get alkaline. Also are there any irritants in the air of your home? Think of air conditioners, dusty heating systems, house molds, pets, ambrosia ( a plant that causes extreme hay fever and irritant to respiratory ways). In the Netherlands, people with pneumonia (or asthma and tbc) used to go to the Swiss alps for fresh air to get better. And get sunlight! Also consider grounding. If you're in a warm climate, your wife could walk barefoot or sit/ lay down touching the earth outside for at least 2 hrs a day. Otherwise consider a grounding pad (google on internet) to sleep on. It reduces pain and inflammation quickly. Good luck and just to show that there's a lot more you can do than just vitamin c. I would do as many as I could. Love & health."

09/30/2013: Timh from Ky, Usa: "Hip: I am convicted to amend your "Vit-C in high doses" to only Lipospheric Vit-C. Having used many forms of C over-the-yrs in small or large doses, and having only recently been using homemade Lipo-C, the difference is off-the-charts. This factor could easily determine the difference between a return to health or death. Lipospheric Vit-C is really the only way to administer. "

09/30/2013: Suzy from Eugene Or: "To TimH- I was wondering about making one's own Liposomal /Lipospheric Vitamin C. Do you use an ultrasonic device? I value the input of EC regulars far more than a generic internet reference or posting."

10/01/2013: Timh from Ky, Usa: "Hello Suzy: Yes, I purchased a $30 ultrasonic device on Amazon along w/ NGMO Lecithin and pure Ascorbic Acid powder from Swanson. I followed these directions: how to make lipospheric vit c, mix 1 cup (filtered) water 2 spoons c in one container and stir, 2 cups water, 6 spoons lecithin in another container and stir, let both containers sit at room temp for 1hr, stir or blend the two together, let sit for 2 hrs, pour into ultracleaner and set for 480 sec or 8 min and stir almost continuously, refrigerate. Recommended dose is 1 oz, 1 or 2 x daily.

I have almost completed my 3rd batch and the effects are nothing less than amazing. I am also on my 2nd batch of Lipo Reduced Glutathione."

04/15/2014: Cool Mama from Saltspring Island: "Ok, a few words about the h202...up I have done loads of reading about using the stuff safely internally and externaly. Here is what I have found.. Never EVER ever use the regular pharmacy bought 3percent hydrogen peroxide internally, and definitely not on a child! Spraying inside a mouth is internally. It is full of harmful stuff that will make u sick. One should buy 29-35 percent hp at the health food store and then dilute it to three percent. This is the food grade hp and is safe to use on skin and to take internally. It has no harmful additives. But, a big but! It must be diluted carefully and never taken at full strength as it could be fatal. If it gets on your skin it will turn white. I would put one cup in a bath or two and mix away from children so they don't knock into you or spill it. But other then that its amazing!"

04/15/2014: Ahmad from Asheville, Nc: "Hi Lyn! I've actually used ACV to get rid of a viral skin infection called Molluscum Contagiousum that was as HORRIBLE as the name sounds and literally NOTHING worked for, even medicines that cost $800.00 (believe it or not). I got it from sharing a towel and it was impossible to get rid of because there are very few things that aren't completely harmful to the body that will also kill viruses. Luckily, Tinea Versicolor is a fungus and much easier to kill or at least treat. For the virus, I had to apply ACV soaked cloths to my body over night once at the beginning of the week and once at the end of the week. In addition, I took ACV pills that you can find at any health food store (Whole Foods, Green Life, etc.) and/or drank a tablespoon of it everyday.THIS IS A VERY DRASTIC MEASURE THAT SHOULD BE AVOIDED UNLESS NOTHING ELSE WORKS (for Tinea especially).

An explanation of why and the actual answer to your question are below. THE ANSWER : The reason that the treatment I did (described above) should be avoided for something like Tinea is because directly treating your skin with ACV is the equivalent of chemically burning yourself (Freezing off a wart, etc.), especially for the length of time that I did it for. Because it is a vinegar, it is very acidic (the acidity content can usually be found on the bottles) and it is more likely than not diluted in bottle to achieve that acidity level. The extent to which your skin may burn from this really depends on how resilient or tuff your skin is. I have pretty resilient skin, so the ACV didn't burn me as badly as it could have, but I have heard horror stories about people who tried the same treatment for the virus I had and ended up having to seek medical attention.

So, perhaps you can try diluting the ACV further with some water or maybe applying it for less time. You could also try taking ACV pills everyday or drinking a table spoon or two in the morning (I would mix it with apple or orange juice if I didn't feel like taking a shot of it). I took 2 every morning and once again later in the day (more than was directed, but I was desperate and, hey, it's ACV, so it couldn't be as bad as loading my body with chemicals). It may be my mentality, but when the ACV was burning I knew that it was working, so perhaps a little discomfort is normal and even desirable. Still, there are other methods you can try before trying ACV and if it's burning your skin badly enough, it would obviously be good to stop.

My Final Argument for ACV : All of this being said, and as tough as my skin is, I've had bad luck all my life with skin problems. While taking ACV for the virus and continuing the regimen well after the visible infection disappeared, I noticed a SIGNIFICANT improvement on my skin of all other ailments. Acne COMPLETELY disappeared and I rarely got pimples anymore. I got Scabies (bed bugs) from my roommate in college and it even helped for that! And those are just the visible benefits. Anyway, I'm just letting you know all of this because I understand what it feels like to be desperate for something to work and was SHOCKED and SO relieved when I finally tried ACV. Good luck with your Tinea!!!"

02/25/2014: Mama To Many from Tennessee, Usa: "Dear Jewel51,

I read your post and think, "Lobelia! " It is an anti-spasmodic herb and we have used it with success in our house for a number of things, though not for gall bladder issues. We have used it for asthma and for suspected appendicitis.

You can buy the loose herb and make a tincture of an oil infusion. I would use this externally over the area where you have pain. It absorbs readily into the skin. You may be able to buy a tincture or oil. I can give more detail on making the infusion or tincture if you want to try that. You may also be able to take it internally and have it work, but be careful as a small amount of lobelia is a relaxant and too much is a stimulant. If your body is toxic, a small amount internally can cause vomiting.

I also would not be surprised to see a charcoal poultice or castor oil pack help you in this situation. I have used both for pain in the gall bladder area as well as for other things. There is information about both on this website.

Do you know if any foods are irritating your gall bladder? I know certain ones do mine, especially coffee, sadly!

Let us know what you find out. I hope you get relief soon.

~Mama to Many~"

02/25/2014: Prioris from Fl: "Good information about the two types of gallbladder attacks. It is easy to just assume stone related. Won't milk thistle get the bile flowing?"

02/26/2014: Timh from Ky, Usa: "Jewels51: To strengthen the Liver/Gallbladder and increase the flow of bile take Triple Strengthen Lecithin and Dr. Christopher's Liver/Gallbladder Formula. There are many herbal suppliers w/ different names to this formula. The one I used to take was called Liveron. An internet search should produce some good results, but if not report back and I can give you the list of the home made formula I use.

I also occasionally use lemon Water to help open things up down there."

03/11/2014: Mary Lou from Cincinnati, Ohio: "To Jules51, For your spasms of sphincter of Oddi. Try 1-2 tsp of Bitters (Angostura) in water. It is in the grocery stores aisles with the drink mixes, cheapest at Walmart. It is an antispasmodic and antiflatulent. I swear by it for an upset stomach and gallbladder pain. I know it saved me from an ER visit twice in the past 20 years when I was doubled over in pain and nausea so badly I could barely speak or chew a Tums. Each time was due to meals with hidden fat, which I normally avoid. It tastes like an unsweetened coca cola, has a bit of alcohol, 44.7% by volume. Worth a try, I know I would have been in ER both times. When I can't talk, I am sick! hahaha"

03/20/2014: Erika from Atlanta, Ga: "I came across this site when looking for feedback on something I discovered by accident. I too have to watch fats in my diet because of gallbladder pain.

Recently I began having plain yogurt in the mornings mixed with a little honey (for flavor). I have been amazed at the positive impact it has had on my digestion and my gallbladder. Hope this helps."

04/14/2014: Rebecca from Co, US: "I found that my attacks were brought on my a combo of stress (huge!!!! ), not drinking enough water, and eating a large meal late in the evening with lots of salad and dairy fats, my favorite combo. Too hard to digest. Under advice of a naturopath I take lecithin, vitamin C, fish oil, and GB 6 which is a chinese herb blend. I ditched dairy and coffee and drink green tea, which is a calmative, and I have been symptom and pain free for a year. And, I'm healthier than I've been in ages. My GB was the canary in the coal mine for me. I find that stress really triggers spasms. If I feel spasms coming on, I sip a little cider vinegar in juice, and I take a percocet which my primary doc prescribed in case of attack. In addition to helping with the sudden onset of debilitating pain, it has muscle relaxing properties that can help calm the spasming before it gets full-blown."

04/14/2014: Rebecca from Fountain Inn, Sc: "Rebecca, Can you tell us the ingredients in the GB6, Chinese Herbal blend."

04/15/2014: Rebecca from Co: "Rebecca, it contains china berry fruit and other herbs; it's supposed to slacken the sphincter of oddi and contract the gall bladder. I notice my gall bladder feeling "busy" or twingey when I take it; the goal is to keep things moving and/or dissolve and expel stones."

04/15/2014: ~inw from Ohio: "Over the years I developed nausea that continued to worsen into a nearly constant state. I did not consume soy products, hydrogenated oils, high fructose corn syrup, or artificial sweeteners. For the most part, I ate natural and organic products, lean meats, non-fat dairy (cow), and little to no caffeine. I was never a big grain eater, but with time I became intolerant of dairy (I have had a severe sensitivity to milk fat since birth). Being a nurse, and having done a lot of research with other endometriosis sufferers, I knew gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley, rye, and occasionally oats) could worsen symptoms and if left untreated could cause one to develop a dairy insensitivity. Initially, I had to completely cut gluten and dairy out of my diet. I was amazed to find within a few days my nausea was gone. I also had relief from the constant "burrowing" feeling in my abdomen; and my endometriosis cramping was more tolerable. When I do experience nausea, usually secondary to pain and cramping, I suck on ginger (usually "Ginger Chews"). Within 3-4 months I was able to tolerate about a serving of dairy a day; I usually only have a few servings per week. Cutting out caffeine and artificial sweeteners can also help. Myself, and three of my friends with the same issue (endometriosis and constant nausea), all have a "gluten-sensitivity/intolerance;" and we have all had relief of nausea and varying degrees of endometriosis symptoms. It is very important to read labels, because gluten is found in many products (condiments, syrups, spices, etc.) and truly needs to be cut of the diet completely in order to have nausea and stomach cramping (non-cycle related) relief. It is possible to have constant nausea from a wheat intolerance (a red rash may also appear on the arms/trunk); but I would suggest cutting out all gluten for 2-4 months and then every 1-2 weeks try adding back in one grain (barley, rye, oats) and see if nausea/stomach cramping returns (usually this is 4-24 hours after consumption). My one friend has only a wheat allergy, but choice to remain gluten-free because it helps significantly relieve her endometriosis symptoms. Gluten sensitivity/intolerance is usually genetic; and now my brother, as well as my friend's mother, have been diagnosed. Some other conditions associated with gluten sensitivity are Celiac Disease and IBS (irritable bowel syndrome). Http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/celiac-disease-alternative-medicine.html Http://earthclinic.com/CURES/ibs-irritable-bowel-syndrome.html"

04/19/2013: Sandra from Houston, Tx: "So you just take all three at once. Do you take it before or meal or with a meal or just when you have pain?"

[YEA]  05/23/2013: Bluesky from Orlando, Florida: "I tried the Amino Acid Nac, Vitamin C and Spirulina and it worked for me. I had gone to my GYN and she had told me that I was deficient in Vitamin C. When I saw this post, I guessed it had something to do with this so I tried it. Thank you so much for sharing. It has changed my life. I was getting it almost every single week or every other week. So painful! Now, if I forget to take the vitamins everyday, as soon as I feel itching, I now its coming. A couple of hours of taking the vitamins, the itching subsides. As long as I take them everyday, I have not had an episode. Thanks a million.

For all those suffering from this painful condition, try this combination. If it doesn't work, you might have a vitamin deficiency. Ask your doctor to perform blood work to see where you are deficient and try taking those vitamins."

06/02/2013: Anna from Seattle, Washington, Usa: "SandrafromHouston, I take it on an empty stomach and besides the vulvodynia I think it also generally makes me feel better.

Bluesky, I think it's really wonderful to hear it worked for you I know two other's on the other forum I used to post on, said it worked for them also. I think many don't try it because they think its a weird combo. I dont' think it's a total cure but I think at least it seems to stop the itching and then burning and like you said if your starting to feel bad it seems to work pretty quickly. That's interesting what your doctor told you about vitamin C I will look into that. Like I said I was given it for getting rid of heavy metals so remember to take a good multi mineral while you're on it. Again, I think it's so wonderful to hear that it helps as I know this condition is hell, take care, Anna"

06/15/2013: Diana from Hartford, Ct: "Hi all! I'm so glad I found this information and earlier today I ran to the vitamin shop to get these supplements! I just have a few questions... 2,000 mg of Vitamin C is alot and I hear that it is borderline unsafe to take that much at once (don't know how true that is), so will it work if I take less or does it have to be 2,000mg? Also have any of you noticed side effects from the supplements? I am already taking amitriptyline for vulvodynia. Strangely I have never experienced pain related to vulvodynia, just VERY ANNOYING constant itching. Thank you all in advance for sharing :)"

06/16/2013: Nanowriter from Hot Spot, Tx: "Diana, vit C is considered to be quite safe. It is water soluable and the most likely "side effect" you will get from taking too much at once is diarrhea. It is also not good to leave it on your teeth if you are using the powdered vit C because of enamel damage. I take over 2000 mg a day without any problems. Splitting the dose and taking it at intervals throughout the day is supposed to be better than all at once."

06/16/2013: Diana from Hartford, Ct: "Thank you so much! I think I will try 2 100mgs once at breakfast and once at dinner. I really appreciate all the support from everyone and I will update on how the combo works for me :)"

06/20/2013: Sfnative from San Francisco, California: "Hi All, I've suffered with Interstitial Cystitis for 20 years, and now the past few years with Vuvodynia and Vulvar Vestibulitis. The burning and rawness is horrible. Doctors have tried everything for a few years now. I have done EVERYTHING!!!!!! IC has been controlled with Botox injections to the Pelvic Floor Muscles, so that is tolerable. But I am on a constant no acid diet, no oxalates, so I'm wondering about the high Vitamin C content in your pills up above. I never, ever eat anything with Vitamin C and haven't for years as it aggravates my bladder and IC. Does anyone have that problem???"

07/02/2013: Anna from Seattle, Washington, Usa: "SFnative you can always just give the combo a try and see how it goes. If you have a lot of increased bladder pain then certainly stop. I know that last year I had a bladder infection and even after it was gone I still had an uncomfortable irritation that felt like it was still there and so took another round of antibiotics but the pain stayed so then I decided to start up the combo and it took it away. I know sometimes the vulvodynia can cause irritation around the urethra and make you "feel" like you have to constanly pee but it's just irritation so not sure if mine was really an IC type situation. You could also try buffered vitamin C as that is less acidic on the system. I know that some berries make my vulvodynia worse but the combo has never bothered me."

08/13/2013: Hellen from Romania: "Anna from Seattle, Washington, Usa... hello, can you please tell me if you took this combo of NAC 600mg, vitamin C 2000 mg and 3 capsules of Spirulin all at once or did you take it fractioned during the day (like 600 mg vitamin C in the morning and 1 capsule of spirulin and the same at lunch and in the evening, NAC is only 600 mg capsule so that can't be fractioned..) Thanks!"

08/19/2013: Anna from Washington, Usa: "Hi, Hellen from Romania. I take the combo all at once. The NAC 600mgs with vitamin C 2,000mgs and three sprulina tablets all together and on an empty stomach. I also take a multi mineral at a different time of the day as the NAC is good at getting rid of heavy metals like mercury and lead but it can also take zinc and copper out of the body over time... So you need to replace that. Take care, hope this helps, Anna from Seattle."

10/18/2013: Leigh from Washington: "Hi, I found this yesterday and rushed out to buy NAC, Vit C, and Spirulina. Can't tell a difference yet (taken it twice). Can anyone comment on how long it took to work for them? I have had provoked (only when touched) burning/searing pain for years. Thanks!"

[NAY]  10/28/2013: Leigh from Washington: "I have been taking this combo almost everyday for two weeks and have not had any improvement. I know this blog (thanks to Anna for all the information) says this should help within hours, but I wondered if it could take longer the first time. It's starting to feel like the same old exercise in futility. I'm glad this combo is working for some of us with this problem, anyway. I'm considering the amitriptyline/nortriptyline route, which I've been avoiding for years."

04/15/2014: Olivia from France: "Thank you for finding my first breakthrough - just the the NAC I am getting virtually no symptoms - then when it got a little borderline I added the vit c and spirulina and it is great. Thank you..."

04/15/2014: Olivia from France: "Yes, this really helps me when things are bad. It also helps the urinary frequency feeling which vulvodynia gives ones."

04/14/2014: Earl James from Dubai Uae: "Hi, I also have a white problem in my tongue and I really hate it. I just read that you are using Acidophilus. Can you pls. help me- what is the proper way to use this medicine? Do I need to gargle or do I need to swallow it? thanks .."

04/15/2014: 1947hoppy from Winamac, In Usa: "It is my understanding that "white tongue", also referred to as Thrush, is a sign of candida yeast. Acidophilus can be used to treat it, and is found in most any decent yogurt that's available. Just read the label. The acidophilus will also help keep your digestive system functioning properly. If this doesn't work, I might suggest doing a little internet research on the use of "grapefruit seed extract" to eliminate thrush, or any other yeast infections. Just make sure to do the research before using. It's amazing stuff when used properly. It can be purchased at many health food stores in the US and also online."

04/15/2014: Aimee from Norway: "You can buy it at most health stores all around Norway"

EC: Hi Viperron, Ted is back but he's extremely busy treating clients in a clinic in Thailand and we don't hear much from him. He answers a few questions each month, but that's about it.

[NAY]  09/29/2013: Jonathan from Los Angeles, California: "Extra Virgin Coconut Oil caused my heart to race several times - heart racing, profuse sweating, and feeling like I couldn't breathe... I would like to think this was a detox reaction bc it helped clear up a fungal issue, but I'm leaning more towards it speeding up my thyroid and I am hyperthyroid to begin with."

09/30/2013: Andrea C from Wales: "Hi Coconut oil is a big no no if you have Thyroid problems, it will do you more harm than good :-( I have been researching about this, and Cayenne Pepper seems a good one to try :-) Take it in warm water so your body is aware of the heat factor if you have not used it before. Take half a level teaspoon AM and PM, if you get palpitations inbetween, do the same again. There is not really a set limit to how many times you take it, and it may burn initially, warm heat not tissues burn, but it passes quickly, milk or yougurt will take the burn away if you really must use some thing. Water will not, but it will go on its own, I use this myself as I suffer terrible palpitation's and chest pain's to the point it feels like a heart attack. I use fresh Cayenne Chilli Peppers, but Powdered Cayenne pepper if I run out of fresh, with the freah pods, I use a pod split length ways in half, with seed's removed as your not suppose to eat the seeds, then I put it in a cup of boiled Distilled, or bottled spring water. I let it stand for 3 to 4 minutes so it infuses and the water is not to hot to drink, then neck it back, I lurve the stuff Masochist that I am!! Hahahha! Actually, I've used it for so long now I drink it like regular Herbal Tea although it's a spice, any way, with the powder just use warm water or par boiled not boiling, stir and drink it. It is also a life saver in the event of a Heart Attack, throw a few heaped tea spoons in water, it does not have to be warm in an emergency such as this and drink, this can be used this way for any one, it also heal's heart tissue's and promotes Heart tissue growth. I would put a heaped table spoon in if I were having an attack, and tap water would have to do if there was no other available or time to mess about. It also thins your blood out better than Warfrin, so don't use it if you are on blood thinners, but, and I am not saying 'do it', but I wouldn't think twice about blood thinners and taking it in a Heart Attack situation. It will make you warm or even sweat, but not always but this is fine. As its also a natural 'Detoxer' hence the sweating. Some people report a rush of energy and a sense of well being akin to a Spritual exsperence, and others, like myself, feel very relaxed and it help's my anxiety as well. I get palpitation's regularly through out the day most day's, an the Cayenne stop&s them right away, or in a few minutes. And if I am going out any where, I make some ready and keep it in a dark glass bottle and carry it with me at all times. Coconut oil did the same thing to me as it did to you the first time I used it, an I had to go and lie own, but I reackon it's because I took a heaped table spoon first time, and my body was not use to it, so I began again with half a level tea spoon and worked my way up, but definately do NOT take it with Thyroid problem's. Love Andrea C. Xxxxxx"

04/15/2014: Viperron from Cheyenne, Wyoming: "I have been fighting skips for 4 decades, , , Magnesium powder eliminates them, however I have compromised kidneys and the amount I need to take gives me diarrhea which drains my electrolytes and make everything worse. What a dilemma. Dehydration makes everything much worse and few people take in enough water. Medical doctors know very little about my problem and it seems like we could use a real pro to help our plight. Oh to have Ted from Bangkok back again"

05/13/2008: Kathleen from Rice Lake, WI: "Remember that at store such as Wal-Mart, their slogan is "Always Low Prices," which doesn't mean that their products are always quality. That coconut oil may not be pure, which is what most specialty health stores offer."

05/15/2008: Debbie from Charleston, West Virginia: "I looked at the LouAnn coconut oil at walmart yesterday. It is not Virgin coconut oil.. However, I did buy a can in Walmart's pharmacy that is Virgin Oil. I think it was 2 or 3 lbs. I used it last night on my skin and I am lovin' it!"

[NAY]  07/08/2008: Tina from Dunbridge, Ohio: "I just bought Louann's Coconut oil(30oz) at Walmart and it was $7! Still on the pricey side to me and it's not organic."

[NAY]  07/19/2008: Stephanie from Odessa, Missouri: "My suggestion is never to buy EVCO, supplements, vitamins or organic foods from Walmart or any other chain store with the exception of Whole grocers. I pay 15.00 for my 12 oz jar of EVCO once a week. It is well worth it. I have severe psoriasis from my scalp to my toes. I use head to toe twice a day. I use spectrum for my skin (organic only). I also cook and take veggie tabs with EVCO two a day.Internally I use Harvast bay and Artisana which gives 1% back to the rain forest. Any name brand item that states it is organic be very cautious. There are certain items you should never skimp on in your life. Food, water, anything that touches your skin or hair, supplements, vitamins, and the air you breathe. Cut cost now pay later. With that said, please take your own green bags to the grocery store to sack your groceries. The feeling you get from this good deed lasts all day."

[NAY]  08/26/2008: Joyce from Joelton, Tn: "After reading someone's contribution to EC that coconut oil had been purchased at Walmart baking section I went looking to see because I knew that the virgin coconut and EVC oil was much more expensive than price she quoted. I finally got around to visiting Walmart's baking section and a few days ago and did find a 3l.5 fl. oz (.98 QT or 93l mL) container of LouAna coconut oil, labeled l00% pure and natural, only ingredient listed as coconut oil, distributed by Ventura Foods, LLC. of Opelousas, LA. 70570. I don't know if this is what the contributor was talking about or not. Nor can I say that it is definitely coconut oil or not. What I can definitely say is that every time I have purchased VC or EVC it has had a very strong odor of fresh coconut or coconut milk, which I happen to like the smell of. There is no odor whatever of coconut about the above product, however using it on my hands makes them feel softer."

11/19/2008: Daphne from Brunswick, Georgia: "Extra Virgin and Virgin Coconut Oil are the only coconut oil's with health benefits I was told. If you spend $7 you could spend $10 and get better health results. I have the caplets and I love them. They are helping with my Hypothyroidism. I already feel so much better."

03/08/2009: CoconutAddict from San Francisco, CA: "I buy all of my coconut oil online, but since someone mentioned you can buy them at Walmart, I decided to check it out. I did not find Louann's Coconut oil at the baking supplies section but I did find another brand at the Vitamin aisle. This is a 16oz tub, costs about $10 and it said that it's virgin coconut oil (I don't think it's organic). I did not buy it since I was skeptical. IMHO, LouAnn brand is probably refined cheap coconut oil made out of copra. But at least Walmart carries it while most supermarkets do not and I hope the real healing properties of coconut is finally coming out and more stores will start selling it to the public. I believe we as human deserve to know the truth about the stuff we eat and I prefer natural products over processed chemical things any day."

03/08/2009: Kyra from Cortlandt Manor, New York: "I also buy the large tub of Extra Virgin Coconut Oil from Wal Mart. I don't believe it is organic so I do not take it internally. My family and I use it on our bodies and in our hair."

[WARNING!]  03/09/2009: Rosy from Orlando, Fl: "Only use coconut oil that smells like coconuts for healing. If is has little to no smell it has been processed. If it is very cheep then buyer beware, you get what you pay for. Coconuts grow only in tropical areas, and it cost money to ship the product to us in nontropical areas. What are they cutting the coconut oil with to make it so cheap would be my question.

Same for Olive oil. They cut that often, and if you look it up on google you will find many stories of people doing this in Europe and sending it over here as the real thing. Nothing that is worth it's weight in gold with be sold for copper!"

03/26/2009: JB from New Iberia, Louisiana, USA: "I am new to this website and I think it's fascinating. Can't wait to try some of the remedies. I bought some virgin coconut oil capsules yesterday and was reading everything I could about it. I saw the reference to LouAna oil. It's a Louisiana product, and although it's an old and trusted brand for cooking made from soybeans and possibly cottonseed, I can definitely say that there are no coconuts growing anywhere around here and I wouldn't think they would import something so heavy. For what it's worth....."

06/16/2009: Karmala from Templeton, CA: "I purchase my EVCO at vitacost. It is Jarrows brand... 32 oz for $12.93. Here is their description to show what healthy EVCO is:

Description: Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil Expeller Pressed. Rich and Full Coconut Flavor. Rich In Medium Chain Triglycerides. No Trans Fatty Acids (TFAs) * No Hydrogenation.

Jarrow Formulas: Extra Virgin Organic Coconut Oil from the fresh flesh of the coconut palm fruit, (Cocus nucifera) is unrefined and expeller-pressed in a controlled, indoor environment. This specific process does not utilize any solvents and preserves the volatile compounds responsible for imparting the rich, familiar flavor of coconuts. Coconut oil is an excellent source of Medium Chain Triglycerides (MCTs), such as lauric acid (C-12) and caprylic acid (C-8).

Nutrient Facts
Serving Size: 1 Tablespoon
Servings per Container: Approx. 65
Amount Per Serving % Daily Value

Calories 125

Fat Cal. 125

Total Fat 14 gr 22%

Sat. Fat 13 gr 65%

Polyunsat. Fat 0.5 gr *

Monounsat. Fat 0.5 gr *

Trans Fat 0 gr *

Cholesterol 0 Milligrams 0%

Sodium 0 Milligrams 0%

Total Carb. 0 gr 0%

Protein 0 gr *


*Daily value not established.
Other Ingredients: 100% Unrefined expeller pressed, organic extra virgin coconut oil."

04/15/2014: Glenn from Springfield, Ma: "I had purchased LouAnn Coconut oil before learning more about coconut oil because it said 100% pure and the only ingredient listed on the label was coconut oil. Realizing that even refined coconut oil can be said to be 100% pure, while still being degraded by the high heat used during processing, I wrote to the company. While ALL coconut oils are organic (I have no idea whoever came up with doubts about this) LouAnn Coconut Oil is refined coconut oil. They use fire to burn off the husks and subject the meat and oil to high temperatures which destroys any enzymes present (enzymes are killed at anything above 104 degrees). They also said - During the refining, bleaching and deodorization process however, some of the naturally occurring vitamins and minerals are removed so some of the nutritional benefits of virgin oil are not seen in the RBD coconut oil. From my own experience, refined coconut oil like LouAnn has the following characteristics - It is odorless, and does not smell like coconuts at all. It has a yellowish tint in solid or liquid form. It is harder in solid form than unrefined coconut oil. One article I read also indicated that refined coconut oil has little if any Lauric acid in it due to the high heat used during processing. It can be heated to 450 degrees before smoking which makes it ideal for cooking. Refined coconut oil is intended for cooking, hence ingesting, because of its ability to handle higher temperatures before smoking or catching fire. Obviously, it will NOT harm you if you ingest it, but you just might not be getting all of the benefits that you could be getting as LouAnn mentioned in their note in response to my questions. Cold Pressed unrefined virgin or extra virgin coconut oil is what you want. This is coconut oil that is processed from raw coconut meat within a couple of hours of the meat being removed from the shells. It is never heated. Some of the characteristics of Cold Pressed Virgin Coconut oil - It smells lightly of coconut. It is far softer than refined coconut oil when it's in solid form. It is also completely clear in liquid form. It begins smoking at 350 degrees which makes it less desirable for cooking. It contains all the enzymes of the original coconut and up to 54% Lauric Acid. One last thing - there is no standard that has ever been determined by which coconut oil can be categorized as "virgin" or "extra virgin". This is totally up to the company to decide what to call their coconut oil. So whether it's called "virgin" or "extra virgin" it's the same thing. What's important is that the label clearly says "Cold pressed" and "Unrefined". As long as it says "Cold Pressed, Unrefined" on the label, you've got the right stuff whether they decide to say it's virgin or extra virgin which is just for marketing purposes and has nothing to do with the quality of the product itself. Hope this clears up much of the confusion I've seen in other posts."

04/15/2014: Jo Hannah from Mars Hill, Nc: "Wow, Jennifer. You just described perfectly what happened to me! I had an appendectomy yesterday also and am also a Western Medicine hater, but I am so grateful today for my surgeon and the staff at the ER. Also, that feeling you got that there was something "really wrong" is spot on. That was the tell tale sign for me. I began to panic, which is not like me. I usually get sick and tough it out, rarely going to a doctor, but my heart rate went sky high and I had a strong sense of "doom". So paying attention to what the body is telling us is very important. And, I agree wholeheartedly on your warning. Just go! I do feel a bit like Chuck Norris paid me a visit last night, but I don't feel near as bad as I did when I was laying on the carpet in the fetal position two days ago! Hope you are recovering well and thanks again for posting."

04/15/2014: Rajesh from Mumbai: "Contact for buying 'Blackstrap Molasses' & 'Apple cider Vinegar' Naturally yours - Organic and Natural Food Shop Shop no 2, ground floor, Maria Apartments Nargis Dutt Road, Pali Hill, Bandra (W) Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050 Regards Rajesh Sonwane"

03/03/2014: Ladybug from Fairfax, Va: "So I noticed you posted in January. Have you gotten any positive results yet? I have two spots on the upper eyelid of each and I have tried garlic as well and didn't really notice improvement. But, I saw your post and wanted to thank you for the advise on trying different garlic's until you feel the burn. I will try this and hope for removal. Please let us all know how your process is going."

04/15/2014: Zbaev from Bulgaria: "Hello Ladybug, sorry for the late respond. Yes, it did get better. It's about 50% of what it was initially. I am also doing liver flashes once a month and drink ACV tonic daily, so I am not quite sure which helps the most. I did blood test last month and my cholesterol readings did move in the right direction, so I'll continue doing it until I am fully satisfied. I don't know if your cause for the little buggers is high cholesterol, but I will suggest you doing flushes and Apple Cider Vinegar as well and you'll defiantly see improvement not only for the xanths, but for your overall health. I am planning to do the garlic one more time, but would like to get my readings in norm first, so maybe next year. Good luck and don't give up :-) ..... P.S. If you hate the taste of Epsom salt as much as I do, you can substitute the water with grapefruit juice or mix it half water / half juice and it makes it a lot easy to drink."

06/30/2012: Laura from Laredo, Tx: "Where does one buy the stuff for the first two options? I've had mine for about four years and continue to get them almost every month right before my cycle in the groin area. I had one excised about four years ago but a few months later it came back. Now, it's spread to my inner thigh. You can feel a root from one to the other. I'm desperate now as it's become more painful. I want to try the magnesium and some others that I read on this site but have no clue on where on where one buys any of these things particulary the first two. Well, I'll keep checking on you all and I'l let you know on my own progress. It amazes me how many people are going through the same thing. Good luck to us all!!"

07/11/2012: Jc from Omaha, Ne: "Google "hidradenitis suppurativa paleo diet".

I have had HS for 16 years. I have had medical doctors ignore my pleas for help and only prescribe antibiotics - which incindentally, made the issue worse.

I have tried apple cider vinegar, coconut oil, antibacterial soaps, no soap... I can't even remember all of the things I've tried. Nothing worked. For years, I had no hope. The breakouts had gotten worse and the scars kept me in sleeves even in the summertime.

Then I found that HS is an autoimmune condition... Just like my Hypothyroidism, back and joint pain, etc. The puzzle pieces started coming together.

The best/easiest/cheapest treatment I've found is to change your diet to a paleo diet: meats, seafood, lots of veggies, fruit, nuts, seeds and quality fats. Since starting the paleo diet over a year ago I have not only lost 30 pounds effortlessly and kept it off, but I rarely get an HS breakout. If I do, it's generally very minimal and Turmeric, 2-3 times a day, in pill form usually clears it up in a day or two! Gluten tends to be the biggest trigger for a breakout, so I try to make sure my diet is completely gluten-free.

I honestly never thought I would be HS free! I thought I would live with this forever. But now, after just one year, my scars are starting to fade and I even have a couple of sleeveless tops that I like to wear!

There are so many people who have nearly erradicated their breakouts (including myself) by eliminating all grains, sugar, legumes and dairy from their diets - only to find other health benefits as well.

I'm so happy to be able to share this information with you all as I know what it's like to have lost hope for a treatment, let alone a cure! I urge you to do the research and give the diet/lifestyle a try for just 1 month and if you don't feel any better or notice a change (I bet you will, tho) then you've lost nothing.

It's feels so wonderful and amazing to have made it to the other side of this painful and embarrassing condition! Good luck to you all."

08/03/2012: Cassey from Yonkers, Ny: "Hello I am happy I found this site. My daughter is 16 and for the last two years she was getting these cysts and I was just not sure what they were. She was diagnosed with HS in 2011 and she is so depressed and will not go out with friends due to pain and odor. My daughter was always fun and loving. She has changed so much. I want to try some of these treatment listed but not sure which one to start first. I wish my daughter had another teen or young adult to talk to. She is too afraid to tell her friends. She wants to have surgery but I do not think it would help and the doctors are no help. Any suggestion please!!!"

08/03/2012: Mmsg from Somewhere, Europe: "Cassey, start with turmeric, internally and externally."

08/04/2012: Timh from Louisville, Ky, Usa: "Cassey, it is very possible she has an adult tapeworm or a pet or someone in the family w/ adult tapeworm and has ingested a tapeworm egg which develops into a hyditid or some stage and becomes encysted into any tissue it can easily house. I just recently removed an adult tapeworm from my intestines and also have a swollen jaw as the presence of the cyst. The disease is called Cysticercosis and can be very dangerous, especially the pork tapeworm as they easily cross the blood-brain barrier and can cause severe mental disorders. YouTube has all parts of the Discovery Channel's "Monsters Inside Us" dramatizing the presence of Parasites in the human world.

This may or may not be related to the HIDRADENITIS SUPPURATIVA or may not be an issue, but I post this because an expert parasitologist has confirmed almost all adults have some stage of tapeworm in our bodies throughout much of our lives, some problematic some not."

08/05/2012: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa: "Hi Cassey, I'm sorry your daughter feels so alone. That is already a difficult age to go through as it is. You did not say anything about her diet. Start there by eliminating those foods that are known to cause problems in many people's bodies. Get rid of processed foods. Teenagers are not easy to monitor their diets and can be rather rebellious but if you explain that it can help her clear this issue up she will most likely cooperate since she is not happy about it either. That is the approach I have always used with my kids. And I've had five to deal with. A rule I use for my diet is, eat close to the earth.

The other suggestion would be to get turmeric into her daily. Turmeric is a wonder herb! If you go to the HS section here on EC you will find many who have found success with it. It can be eaten as well as used topically. Also, google it to learn all about it because its benefits are so numerous I could go on and on! Hope this helps, Lisa"

08/12/2012: Cassey from Yonkers, Ny: "Thank You so much for the advice and suggestions- she started taking the Tumeric pills and I bought the Tumeric powder. It was in the seasoning Isle. Hope this is the right one. My daughter is currently not noticing any changes yet, but maybe it will help soon. My daughter is also having problems because she has these holes under her arms and they wont close. What can she do about that? We also have changed her diet to no processed foods she is also eating more fruits and vegatables and no sugar. Some foods have sugar naturally in it so that is difficult to avoid. She has also stopped dairy which is hard for her since she likes to eat cereal."

08/12/2012: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa: "Hi Cassey, So glad to hear back from you! Congratulations to your daughter and yourself for actually accepting the advice and moving forward on it. Yes, the turmeric you found in the spice aisle is correct. As for the dietary changes, they will pay off. It may take some time. Try to be more focused on veggies rather than fruit as fruit has fructose which is sugar. Can you get her to start eating fermented foods daily? Just a little bit so you can rebuild her internal ecology. The probiotics will help clean her insides. If you can get Bubbies pickles and/ or sauerkraut, that would work. You can also go to bodyecology.com for great advice and delicious, healthy recipes to help heal her body. You say she likes cereal. Well, try substituting chia pudding for a morning food. Chia is very good for the body and full of protein. She can make it with almond milk. Oh, she can also use stevia as a sweetener. It is not a sugar but rather an herb so, it doesn't have the effects on the body that sugar does.

Can you see if you can find a far infrared sauna available anywhere in your area that she can go take? She also needs to be detoxing. Herbs that can help her detox, milk thistle, dandelion, artichoke. She can also do castor oil packs which are powerful detoxers. If you haven't heard of that, google it and you'll find instructions otherwise I can tell you.

As for the "holes". It's a matter of time that they'll heal. She can take MSM to help heal scars and skin.

Anyway, again congratulations for taking the steps to restoring your daughter's health! I wish her the best and hope she's feeling better about herself. The best to you both, Lisa"

10/29/2012: Rob from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada: "This is in response to the few comments made on dietary changes having an impact on HS. My daughter has sufferred from this desease for 2 years now, and through many hours of research and reading forums and blogs such as this one, we, as a family, decided to cut out certain food groups as another desperate attempt to get my little girls life back. We cut out all "night Shade" veggies I. E potatos, peppers, tomatoes.... We started this at the end of July during a bad breakout, and quite honestly had little belief there would be any improvement. She has been SPOT FREE for 10 weeks now, nothing, nothing under the skin, no sores, no pus, no pain.. Just the remaing scars that may never go away. As of this message, she is also no longer taking ANY medication (2 weeks so far) something we thought would never happen as heavy anibiotics have been a staple for her the entire time since it was identified as HS. I am not a doctor, nor can I say what we are experiencing is an answer to all, I justed needed to share our news.

Our next step is to add foods back in to find, hopefully, the trigger food, but we are too scared to do this quickly as these past weeks have been a godsend to the whole family."

10/29/2012: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa: "Hi Rob, That is so awesome! What relief for your daughter and you, as the parent. I know when my kids were hurting it was so difficult to watch. What I love is how you said you didn't believe there'd be any improvement from the diet changes, most likely from past disappointments of no change. Still you went through with it and now you are witnessing the wonderful results. Time and again people don't see the correlation between the food they eat and their health. I hope you continue with this understanding for your daughter's continued improvement. Consider looking into the Body Ecology Diet. It is a very sound diet based in clean foods and those that don't inflame the body. You can google this and find their site loaded with information and recipes. I have made quite a few of them. I also have a hard copy of the book which I use and help friends with it. Also, consider getting probiotics into her to restore her body after so many antibiotics.

Again, congratulations to your daughter and your family in supporting her. And thank you for sharing your success story- it's a wonderful one. Lisa"

11/15/2012: Ned-lise from Port-louis, Mauritius: "Dear sir, my symtoms hasn't gone, I have been having this disease for 5years now and I only discovers what I really had today. i used all the medicine you said but there is no improvement. It is not better but it goes on slowly and get spred itself. I have no other option what can I surely do?"

03/03/2013: Alicia from Utica, Ny: "Hi, I have been suffering with hs for 12 years. I hit puberty at age 13 and I am going to be 25 this month, so yeah, 12 years. I have had surgery to my left groin area due to hs, I had an abcess that lasted nearly 2 months, the surgein went in and cleared out all of the scar tissue, my incision was 4 inches long and 1 1/2 inches deep into my leg. That was the area I got my first boil in. I had recurring abcesses there maybe 10- 15 times throughout my life up until the surgery. No more boils there since then but I have had them on the opposing leg and also my butt cheeks. I have seen dermatologists, they just want to give out scripts that literally do nothing. I have found that rubbing alcohol to the area up to 4 times a day I put it on. I apply it with a q tip. I see or feel one starting now and I begin the regimen of putting it on several times a day. I have seen them disappear in two days at times. Warm baths only have ever soothed it for me, not fixed it. I think its worse when on birth control though. I did not get a flare up for months and thought well I will get back on birth control and oh my body decides to grant me two boils at once, that's my favorite... Not. This condition flat out sucks, it does, but the rubbing alcohol does help, for me anyway, there have been studies saying a tablespoon of bleach in your bath once a week helps, this is only a clinical trial though.

From what I have read there are no cures for this condition but things we can do to help prevent and treat them. In personal experience when I put my snug form fitting leggings and jeans and tights on it makes it worse, when I exercise and eat well it gets better. When I was pregnant with both of my children ther were no signs of boils, it was the longest consecutive period of time I have gone without them, two days after I had my first son I got three abcesses. It made a very happy time depressing and painful, but I have done a ton of research and have been examined by several very good doctors and dermatologists and surgeons and I have learned alot about this condition, my mother had it also, for a short time, and my sister. It has gotten better with my age, I am used to living with it now. Don't be depressed, its ok and there are many of us out there. Any questions and feel free to ask. I have only had one flare up in about 6 months, I took care of it and it was gone in about 2 days with the rubbing alcohol trick;) hope this helps.

P. S. I never write on these things but this was totally worth my time because I know how alone you feel sometimes due to this, I have been there."

03/04/2013: Gavin from Manganui, Northland, New Zealand: "I had something similar on my back, and used acetone ie. nail polish remover. It seems to kill the bug even if the boil isnt opened you can feel it stinging and doing its thing. Acetone is handled by the body quite well, in fact the body produces it. Just a thought? but alchohol is good, for killing bugs."

02/01/2014: Disgusted With Hs from Detroit, Mi: "Hello Everyone:

It's encouraging to know that there are others that can relate to what I'm going through. I have had this condition for six years. Initially, I didn't know what it was; until my dermatologist told me. It was devastating to hear there was no cure, and that my best chance of getting rid of it was surgery. My condition has worsened over the years. I have been on antibiotics, used Clindamycin phosphate, a benzoyl peroxide wash, and had a surgeon cut and drain one while I was pregnant. It has since returned. The antibiotics works temporarily, a fusion alcohol under my arms seems to help dry up the drainage. I have HS under my arms, which have worsened and is spreading to my breast, underneath my right breast, on my upper right inner thigh, and my groin area. the odor has gotten so bad, try to mask the odor with baking soda. No matter how I bathe, I still stink.This is embarrassing and it is affecting my intimacy with my husband. Thanks everyone for your posts. I will be trying some of the remedies posted."

02/15/2014: Hs/ai Specialist from New Hampshire: "I'm a dermatologist with a special interest in hidradenitis suppurativa and I'm fed up with the attitude of my colleagues towards this disease.

The postings here reflect a tremendous problem and huge differences in level of understanding about the condition and its treatment. And it is not just patients who are confused and frustrated - so are the dermatologists, GPs, surgeons, ER docs, gynecologists and Infectious Disease docs who you have all met!

We have been working on the dietary side of the disease and are accumulating cases who have cleared with a diet very similar to the Paleo diet described here.

We insist on zero dairy - that is total zero dairy, even avoiding things like casein and whey in protein powders and snack bars - combined with a low glycemic load diet that allows no sugar and nothing with a Glycemic Index over 55.

The science behind this has developed immensely over the past 3 years but it has not reached the public yet - lots of resistance from physicians and surgeons who won't take the time to learn. Sad but true.

So why do I write here? Because this is where the people who suffer from this rotten disorder look for help.

And I write solely because I want each and every one of you to try six full months with this diet. I have nothing to sell. I do not want you as a patient - I'm far too busy to even consider that. Being anonymous allows me to set you on what I consider the right road without you needing to spend another nickel on doctors, prescriptions or travel.

It is often said that free advice is worth what you pay for it. I want to prove that wrong. All I ask from each and every one of you is that you report back here on July 15 and tell us all how you did. You can tell us all whatever else you did besides the diet, but PLEASE do the diet. Set your iPhone reminder, mark your calendar, count and diagram all your active spots/lumps/draining areas today and record your progress over the next six months, then report in here on July 15.

And if you would like to act as the control group, you could volunteer to keep doing what you are doing, tell us what dairy/sugar/flour/sweets you continue to consume and keep the same spot/lump/draining area record to tell us about in July.

Seed you then. Help us all make medical HS/AI history."

04/15/2014: Chris from Humboldt County California: "Hi I have HS and have been battling it for 6 years I have had a portion of my groin surgically removed and I had my entire right armpit cut out and a skin graph put there and with the severity of the disease, the only option for the rest of my body is more surgery. I've been trying to find alternative medicines I've heard a lot of good things I want to try like tumeric and I want to find out more about a new diet and thing. I already use bleach in bath water 2 dry out and cleanse your skin. Epsom salt baths help with the irritation sometimes. Please any information u can give me I appreciate it I have always felt alone and no one knew what was happening 2 me and I was slowly just getting worse and worse till I got cancer and died or something but to hear other people going thru what I have helps thank u for your time"

09/12/2013: Earth Clinic Fan from Love And Light To All!: "Have you tried Iodex or Iodine, or Colostrum Serum in combination with the Coconut Oil? Hope this may be of help to you! Wishing YOU well!"

[YEA]  04/07/2014: Patricia from Valparaiso, Indiana: "I've only experienced cellulitis when it goes directly in my bloodstream. Each time I've gone to bed feeling absolutely fine, and wake up with shivers and a fever. I end up in ICU for the first part of my stay...have gone home with a pic line, to continue out patient antibiotic treatments. I don't get any warning signs at all. I have pigmentation on my lower leg, the one place it has shown up on my body. I had surgery on my the same ankle about 8 years ago. I also have a problem with the same foot, with dry cracked skin. I'm at a loss, this is so scary and extremely painful, as of course anyone who's had it knows. If anyone has any ideas, I'd appreciate hearing them. This site is great, very helpful. I'm taking Tumeric, Coconut oil, using fresh lemons in my water. And only drinking water and no sugar added juices."

04/08/2014: Dave from Fountain Inn, Sc: "Hello Patricia,

Re the Cellulitis;

Please take a look at the "Recent Post" I put up to "Johanneinsc" just below this one. In a case of a skin issue, I'm all for using Echinacea first topically if this were me. Then I'd go to combo Colloidal Silver and DMSO, fifty-fifty topical applications. Both I'd do five days with aps three times or so daily ... for five days each. And...I'd drink both the Echinacea in glass of water (five drops) three times daily for a month and at different times of day drink CS (a tablespoon or more) three times daily. Separate the CS and Echinacea by an hour. The CS I'd take for six months at least. Probably a year."

04/15/2014: J. from Annapolis, MD: "Everyone please do some research on manuka honey for cellulitis or ANY type of wound care needed. you MUST buy a 16+ factor or higher to do the work you want it to do. it has helped so many and kept a friends mother from having a limb from being amputated. They are using it now it our hospital for wound care thanks to this same lady who was saved from loosing a limb. Manuka honey is also used for many other problems as well. it is sooo useful for so many different aliments. you can purchase this product at most vitamin shops and also Wegmans grocery store where you find the natural cure remedies. I think you will be very happy with this product!"

04/14/2014: Earl James from Dubai Uae: "Hi, I also have a white problem in my tongue and I really hate it. I just read that you are using Acidophilus. Can you pls. help me- what is the proper way to use this medicine? Do I need to gargle or do I need to swallow it? thanks .."

04/15/2014: 1947hoppy from Winamac, In Usa: "It is my understanding that "white tongue", also referred to as Thrush, is a sign of candida yeast. Acidophilus can be used to treat it, and is found in most any decent yogurt that's available. Just read the label. The acidophilus will also help keep your digestive system functioning properly. If this doesn't work, I might suggest doing a little internet research on the use of "grapefruit seed extract" to eliminate thrush, or any other yeast infections. Just make sure to do the research before using. It's amazing stuff when used properly. It can be purchased at many health food stores in the US and also online."

04/14/2014: Kt from Usa: "Before I learned about the hidden sources of MSG, yogurt would do this to me. I loved plain yogurt. Even after I started weeding various sources of MSG out my diet and thought yogurt was safe, I got angry at nothing. My daughter would remark "you've been eating yogurt again" and that became an eye-opener for me. After I contacted the people who educated me about MSG, I stopped eating it. Cannot recall the "why's" but after I stopped eating it I stopped getting so angry."

04/14/2014: Mama To Many from Tennessee: "Dear Sara, Vitamin Deficiency could cause that "easily irritable" feeling. 1 Tablespoon of Blackstrap molasses a day would be something to try, as well as B-complex. Please keep us posted as to how you are coming along with this. ~Mama to Many~"

04/14/2014: Iowama from Iowa, Usa: "Dear Sara, With all respect to the the other posters, your query resonated with me. Although you are only 40, your easily aroused aggravation after eating foods such as yogurt could signal the start of perimenopause. Anger, eventually coupled with bloating, was the first sign for me and dairy was one of the food groups I have had to give up. I'm not suggesting that you are aging prematurely, just that hormonal imbalances do start for most of us eventually. Some women find relief by leaving all dairy from cows behind and learning to like the taste of goat yogurt and goat cheeses instead. Best regards to you."

04/14/2014: Kt from Usa: "Avoiding hidden sources of MSG. Eliminating whole wheat products would help. Adding ginger to what you eat will help. My nutrition book reports there is an antidepressant ingredient in ginger. Since I've increased ginger in my diet, it has made a world of difference. I think it's difficult to zero in one one thing. It has been over a twenty-year piecemeal endeavor for me so I understand why many don't agree.

I've mentioned BSM several times but Mama to Many is correct and I am adamant about taking that too."

02/25/2014: Mama To Many from Tennessee, Usa: "Dear Jewel51,

I read your post and think, "Lobelia! " It is an anti-spasmodic herb and we have used it with success in our house for a number of things, though not for gall bladder issues. We have used it for asthma and for suspected appendicitis.

You can buy the loose herb and make a tincture of an oil infusion. I would use this externally over the area where you have pain. It absorbs readily into the skin. You may be able to buy a tincture or oil. I can give more detail on making the infusion or tincture if you want to try that. You may also be able to take it internally and have it work, but be careful as a small amount of lobelia is a relaxant and too much is a stimulant. If your body is toxic, a small amount internally can cause vomiting.

I also would not be surprised to see a charcoal poultice or castor oil pack help you in this situation. I have used both for pain in the gall bladder area as well as for other things. There is information about both on this website.

Do you know if any foods are irritating your gall bladder? I know certain ones do mine, especially coffee, sadly!

Let us know what you find out. I hope you get relief soon.

~Mama to Many~"

02/25/2014: Prioris from Fl: "Good information about the two types of gallbladder attacks. It is easy to just assume stone related. Won't milk thistle get the bile flowing?"

02/26/2014: Timh from Ky, Usa: "Jewels51: To strengthen the Liver/Gallbladder and increase the flow of bile take Triple Strengthen Lecithin and Dr. Christopher's Liver/Gallbladder Formula. There are many herbal suppliers w/ different names to this formula. The one I used to take was called Liveron. An internet search should produce some good results, but if not report back and I can give you the list of the home made formula I use.

I also occasionally use lemon Water to help open things up down there."

03/11/2014: Mary Lou from Cincinnati, Ohio: "To Jules51, For your spasms of sphincter of Oddi. Try 1-2 tsp of Bitters (Angostura) in water. It is in the grocery stores aisles with the drink mixes, cheapest at Walmart. It is an antispasmodic and antiflatulent. I swear by it for an upset stomach and gallbladder pain. I know it saved me from an ER visit twice in the past 20 years when I was doubled over in pain and nausea so badly I could barely speak or chew a Tums. Each time was due to meals with hidden fat, which I normally avoid. It tastes like an unsweetened coca cola, has a bit of alcohol, 44.7% by volume. Worth a try, I know I would have been in ER both times. When I can't talk, I am sick! hahaha"

03/20/2014: Erika from Atlanta, Ga: "I came across this site when looking for feedback on something I discovered by accident. I too have to watch fats in my diet because of gallbladder pain.

Recently I began having plain yogurt in the mornings mixed with a little honey (for flavor). I have been amazed at the positive impact it has had on my digestion and my gallbladder. Hope this helps."

04/14/2014: Rebecca from Co, US: "I found that my attacks were brought on my a combo of stress (huge!!!! ), not drinking enough water, and eating a large meal late in the evening with lots of salad and dairy fats, my favorite combo. Too hard to digest. Under advice of a naturopath I take lecithin, vitamin C, fish oil, and GB 6 which is a chinese herb blend. I ditched dairy and coffee and drink green tea, which is a calmative, and I have been symptom and pain free for a year. And, I'm healthier than I've been in ages. My GB was the canary in the coal mine for me. I find that stress really triggers spasms. If I feel spasms coming on, I sip a little cider vinegar in juice, and I take a percocet which my primary doc prescribed in case of attack. In addition to helping with the sudden onset of debilitating pain, it has muscle relaxing properties that can help calm the spasming before it gets full-blown."

04/14/2014: Rebecca from Fountain Inn, Sc: "Rebecca, Can you tell us the ingredients in the GB6, Chinese Herbal blend."

04/15/2014: Rebecca from Co: "Rebecca, it contains china berry fruit and other herbs; it's supposed to slacken the sphincter of oddi and contract the gall bladder. I notice my gall bladder feeling "busy" or twingey when I take it; the goal is to keep things moving and/or dissolve and expel stones."

EC: We suggested sipping acv to keep the pH consistently alkaline. Only suggestions, nothing written in stone. Try chugging it and let us know!

11/22/2009: Sally from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma: "Will you get the same effect using ACV tablets?

The information reads on the bottle as follows:
ACV powder (supplying 35% acidity, calculated as acetic acid)
1 g per serving

Serving size 2 tablets

Other Ingredients: Cellulose, Maltodextrin, Stearic Acid and Silica"

[YEA]  12/05/2009: Lindsay from Somewhere North, Oklahoma: "Man am I glad this site exists. Couldn't get back to sleep last night because my swollen lymph nodes were KILLING me (granted, smoking a hooka with a bad cough/cold was not a good idea but nonetheless I was in pain). I found this post and found (somehow) some apple cider vinegar and like magic in less than 3 minutes my pain was completely gone.

Seriously, thank you and keep the home remedies coming!"

01/01/2010: Ishmail from Phoenix, Arizona: "Will i have them the same for long now. so what are u doing, dnking ACV or how you use it can u please tell me how to use it? i just drink and i have assage them with Acv. thank you very much i hope u respond to me..."

[YEA]  01/08/2010: Lilah from San Diego, Ca: "The Apple cider vinegar works i tried the baking soda an salt it didnt do anything but when i tried the ACV my neck instantly felt better thanks for the home remedy."

04/14/2014: Kristi from Hawaii: "I had a tonsillectomy this past October, and since then my lymph nodes on my throat and jaw have been more sensitive. I did find relief while drinking elderflower tea, but it can get a bit pricey and it only helps for so long. The pain was getting worse because of a sinus infection I was trying to kick. I got antibiotics but still, nodes were on and off again painful. Saw this blog, left work for 20 mins and bought some ACV. It has been about 30 mins since I took it, and I gotta say there is some improvement in my right side node. My left is still a bit sensitive, but not as sensitive as it was earlier. Will take another shot before class! Thanks to everyone who posted about it, I was hesitant until I read all the great responses. Mahalo"

04/14/2014: Kt from Usa: "Before I learned about the hidden sources of MSG, yogurt would do this to me. I loved plain yogurt. Even after I started weeding various sources of MSG out my diet and thought yogurt was safe, I got angry at nothing. My daughter would remark "you've been eating yogurt again" and that became an eye-opener for me. After I contacted the people who educated me about MSG, I stopped eating it. Cannot recall the "why's" but after I stopped eating it I stopped getting so angry."

04/14/2014: Mama To Many from Tennessee: "Dear Sara, Vitamin Deficiency could cause that "easily irritable" feeling. 1 Tablespoon of Blackstrap molasses a day would be something to try, as well as B-complex. Please keep us posted as to how you are coming along with this. ~Mama to Many~"

04/14/2014: Iowama from Iowa, Usa: "Dear Sara, With all respect to the the other posters, your query resonated with me. Although you are only 40, your easily aroused aggravation after eating foods such as yogurt could signal the start of perimenopause. Anger, eventually coupled with bloating, was the first sign for me and dairy was one of the food groups I have had to give up. I'm not suggesting that you are aging prematurely, just that hormonal imbalances do start for most of us eventually. Some women find relief by leaving all dairy from cows behind and learning to like the taste of goat yogurt and goat cheeses instead. Best regards to you."

04/14/2014: Kt from Usa: "Avoiding hidden sources of MSG. Eliminating whole wheat products would help. Adding ginger to what you eat will help. My nutrition book reports there is an antidepressant ingredient in ginger. Since I've increased ginger in my diet, it has made a world of difference. I think it's difficult to zero in one one thing. It has been over a twenty-year piecemeal endeavor for me so I understand why many don't agree.

I've mentioned BSM several times but Mama to Many is correct and I am adamant about taking that too."

04/08/2014: Kelly from Cambridge, Ma: "Hi Bee,

Yes, there are flush-free forms of Niacin. Niacinamide is what most would recommend, but I saw a recent post (I believe it was from Bill, whose expertise I certainly trust) recommending a different flush-free version called Inositol Hexanicotinate.

I actually ordered some myself and am awaiting its shipment as I've tried Niacinamide in the past and didn't experience any significant results.

While my BP has improved with the latest addition of the Acetyl-L-Carnitine/Alpha Lipoic Acid combo, I am with you on this journey! :)"

04/08/2014: Mike62 from Denver, CO: "Bee: For b vitamins I take desiccated liver, and green smoothies from organic baby leaves. I don't take any isolates. The sooner you take the concentrates and stop taking the isolates the sooner you can function optimally. Wild animals don't take isolates. There are hundreds of videos of raw foodists who don't take any isolates. Ron Teagarden doesn't put any isolates in his all in one formula. B vitamins only work for five hours so take concentrates frequently."

04/08/2014: Bee from New York, US: "Hi Kelly

Okay I will look for that kind although have never heard of it.. I know you can't post names of companies on here. Anyway; I too am now using the LCarnitine, ALA and upped my COQ10 to 400 mgs... plus other things I am trying as I am slowly weaning off the medication.. very slowly LOL .. I am also trying that water cure with sea salt and the eggplant water.. geezzz Louise something has to work LOL Oh; I am going to invest in the Nattokinase.. are you? Being I am almost 60 it might be a good idea.. Thank You"

04/08/2014: Dave from Fountain Inn, Sc: "Hello Bee,

Re Niacin/ flush

The "Doctoryourself.com" web site has a great stand alone article on niacin written by Dr. Hoffer (MD;PhD).

You mention you are taking 500mg and that is way too much for someone not used to the effect. I take 250 and only after eating something so the niacin is not too strong too fast. There is timed released niacin that you might be able to tolerate better.

The Hoffer article (google "doctor yourself niacin") and you will find the article is lengthy and talks a lot about psychological issues that B3 can help with.

I HIGHLY recommend that article."

04/08/2014: Mike62 from Denver, CO: "Bee: The same thing happened to me that is happening to you. People condemn carbs and recommend isolates. These ideas bogged me down in a quagmire and prevented me from getting well for many years. Eventually I learned that whether people are sick or well they require fuel. Nutrients require enzymes and activators. Nutritionists for world class athletes do not recommend isolated amino acids. They recommend non denatured whey. For fuel I take activated barley, home brewed water kefir, organic whole sugar, fruit, and raw honey. For fat I take expeller pressed coconut oil and black chia seeds. For protein and nutrients I take a variety of concentrates. For oil soluble nutrients I take skate liver oil."

04/09/2014: Kelly from Cambridge, Ma: "Bee, I ordered my Inositol Hexanicotinate (flush-free Niacin) from Amazon, so if you copy/paste what I italicized above into Amazon's search box, you'll find the brand.

It should appear as the second result of the search (white bottle w/ yellow cap). It's very inexpensive, which is always a plus. :)"

04/10/2014: Bee from New York, US: "Hi Kelly Thanks for the info.. Yes I do see some flush free Niacin.

What else are you trying? I did up my COQ10 and I am using the LCarnitine and Taurine and ACV among other things..Hopefully something will work but weaning off these meds are a challenge..

I know that when I had lost a lot of weight and walked 2 miles a day my bp was fine.. Now I have gained some weight back .. still walking but not as much. It must take awhile to figure it all out.... how are you doing?? thank you"

04/11/2014: Kelly from Cambridge, Ma: "Hi Bee,

I currently take 100mg's of CoQ10 twice a day, 1 capsule twice a day of the Acetyl-L-Carnitine 800/Alpha Lipoic Acid 400 combo and a big clove of chopped garlic each day. I also sip on potassium broth or potassium-rich coconut water all day.

I am down to only 1/4 tablet of my BP medicine (Metoprolol) and hope to get off of it entirely, soon. I'm not quite there yet, though.

I eat very clean and also try to keep my blood sugar from spiking by eating more frequently. I don't have blood sugar issues, but I've found that keeping things steady has helped my BP some.

Like you, I've tried many, many natural treatments, including all of the ones I've seen you mention. It truly is a trial and error process and there's really no way around it since what works for one person might not for another.

There was a time when ACV worked well for me, but for whatever reason, it ceased to work about a year ago and I've spent the past year trying different combinations. At this point, there's not much I haven't tried.

I'm happy to be down to 1/4 of my BP medicine, though. I'm getting there! You will, too. :)"

04/11/2014: Bee from New York, US: "Hi Kelly;

thanks for the information and great job.

Yes I am trying your remedy of the COQ10 and Carnitine and ALA... I also use Vit.D and E and yes apple cidar vinegar on most days.......and some other things.. I think I get enough potassium from raw veggies and things..

Yes my diet is pretty good.. I don't eat red meat because I don't like it.. I eat fish and veggies and limited fruits.. Eggs and no cheese and very limited dairy but I have been this way for a very long time so I think I am used to it... everything in moderation... The woman in health food store told me to juice and I will but I know I wont get in habit of it though.

oh; So I am down to 50mgs. of the medication and am doing it very slowly as suggested.....Okay keep up good work and thank you

Oh; I also do EFT and listen to binaural beats on utube for hypertension ..It puts me to sleep at night and calms the nerves. Oh; do you think you would ever take natokinase or serrapeptase..?? thanks again"

04/12/2014: Kelly from Cambridge, Ma: "Hi Bee, No, I have not tried nattokinase or serrapeptase. I did a lot of research on both before deciding not to try them, though.

After reading hundreds of reviews posted by people who have tried one or the other, I found that the most common complaint was dizziness that was so severe, they had to stop taking it. Since I am very prone to dizziness (if I even turn my head too fast, my head will spin for a few seconds), I thought; "Noooo thank you! " :)"

04/13/2014: Bee from New York, US: "Hi Kelly;

I am wondering are you splitting your pills into quarters? how are you doing that? I find it even tough to split the pills in half.. I have a pill cutter too. Well I did find the no flush Niacin in regular health food store but haven't gotten it yet .. but at least they have it.

Its good to know you don't have to use too many things to lower your bp. doesn't sound like a lot.. good for you"

04/14/2014: Kelly from Cambridge, Ma: "Hi Bee, I was taking a lot of supplements when I first began this journey. Through trial/error and process of elimination, I honed in on the few that seemed to work best, and have stayed with those. I have a cabinet full of supplements that didn't work for me. I could open a kiosk at the mall. :) There were many supplements that helped others that seemed to make my BP worse. Vitamin E is one example. I took natural E (vs. synthetic) starting with a small dose of 200mgs/day and every time I took it, I could hear my BP pounding in my ears a few hours later. Though I understood that the reaction was not abnormal, I hated it and had to stop using it. I now get my E from food. I make sure to include several servings per day of sunflower seeds, almonds, spinach and/or Swiss chard. Something else I use that I'm not sure I mentioned was Magnesium. I've tried many forms and again, through trial/error, settled on Magnesium chloride in a spray bottle that I spray on my legs/feet twice a day. The BP pills are a challenge to split into 1/4's, but my pill splitter does a decent job. First I cut in half, then I take the half and position it in the cutter so that it Will cut the 1/2's into 1/4's. If your pills are too small to do that, then perhaps a mortar and pestle would be worth a try? You could grind up the half pill then separate the powder to make two 1/4 doses. Re: Flush-free Niacin. Most flush-free's are in the form of niacinamide, which didn't help me at all when I tried it. I even tried the timed-release version. As I mentioned, I am going to try the flush-free form of Niacin called inositol hexanicotinate, that came well-recommended here on EC. It should arrive this week. I am my own lab rat. :)"

04/14/2014: Anyone from Pakistan: "Get your random blood sugar tested too. This tea has nothing to do with increased frequency of urination."

04/14/2014: Karin from Wilmington, Nc: "I have found two remedies that control seborrheic dermatitis: African formula zinc shampoo - can be bought at Health Food Stores, been using this for years. Also lavender tea works great. I make the tea with 2 heaping tspns. dried lavender in 2 cups of water, boil water, let steep for 15 min. Keep in refrigerator. Spray on scalp after shampooing. It smells great, nice for hair."

04/14/2014: Gavin from Northland: "As far as muscle pain goes watch out if you are taking statins. They block an essential enzyme produced in the liver for muscles. Fifty per cent of those prescribed them have to stop taking them due to this. But sometimes as the pain comes on sometimes months after taking them they are misdiagnosed as another ailment. Some doctors are saying that statins do nothing except make the sellers a lot of money."

04/14/2014: Kt from Usa: "Before I learned about the hidden sources of MSG, yogurt would do this to me. I loved plain yogurt. Even after I started weeding various sources of MSG out my diet and thought yogurt was safe, I got angry at nothing. My daughter would remark "you've been eating yogurt again" and that became an eye-opener for me. After I contacted the people who educated me about MSG, I stopped eating it. Cannot recall the "why's" but after I stopped eating it I stopped getting so angry."

04/14/2014: Mama To Many from Tennessee: "Dear Sara, Vitamin Deficiency could cause that "easily irritable" feeling. 1 Tablespoon of Blackstrap molasses a day would be something to try, as well as B-complex. Please keep us posted as to how you are coming along with this. ~Mama to Many~"

04/14/2014: Iowama from Iowa, Usa: "Dear Sara, With all respect to the the other posters, your query resonated with me. Although you are only 40, your easily aroused aggravation after eating foods such as yogurt could signal the start of perimenopause. Anger, eventually coupled with bloating, was the first sign for me and dairy was one of the food groups I have had to give up. I'm not suggesting that you are aging prematurely, just that hormonal imbalances do start for most of us eventually. Some women find relief by leaving all dairy from cows behind and learning to like the taste of goat yogurt and goat cheeses instead. Best regards to you."

04/14/2014: Kt from Usa: "Avoiding hidden sources of MSG. Eliminating whole wheat products would help. Adding ginger to what you eat will help. My nutrition book reports there is an antidepressant ingredient in ginger. Since I've increased ginger in my diet, it has made a world of difference. I think it's difficult to zero in one one thing. It has been over a twenty-year piecemeal endeavor for me so I understand why many don't agree.

I've mentioned BSM several times but Mama to Many is correct and I am adamant about taking that too."

06/01/2012: Lisa from Jax, Fl: "Thank you so much! I am going to try this."

03/19/2013: Becky_neb from Newman Grove, Ne: "To the woman who used DHEA intra-vaginally (is that the correct term?), you said you broke a 5 mg tablet in four pieces. Did you use that once a day, or how often? Is that still working for you?"

05/07/2013: Sue from Cambridge, Oh, Guernsey: "Yes, it is still working for me. I have upped the dosage, so I insert a whole 5mg tablet every other day. It works great. Believe me, I've tryed everything--estriol oil, progesterone oil, various other oils, etc. Much too messy, estriol made me spot. This takes like one second and there is nothing there after it dissolves and it dissolves pretty fast. And it's not bad for the man like estrogens. I've been doing this for a long time and have no side effects."

11/22/2013: Mln from Texas: "To Quernsey: Is that a 5 mg tablet of DHEA and not 50 mg? So far, I'm seeing 50's instead of 5's..."

03/25/2014: Sheila from Birmingham Uk: "I am 55. I have Vaginal Atrophy severe. I have been taking Climagest 2mg and Vagifem suppositories for five years now. It changed my life. to be honest I was worried about the risk but my condition was so bad. I felt I had no choice. Due to be taken off them and I am in a state of panic worrying how I'm going to be, so bad I get emotional. However I have found this site and I feel it has been a blessing to me. New ideas to try. I am already trying out the Carlson Vitamin E suppositories and the DHEA are on order to be ready waiting yo use when my medication stops. Keep sharing the information it Helps to read good information. Will give you an update of how I get on."

04/14/2014: Jeane from Virginia, US: "To: Sheila from Birmingham Uk, Please let us know how it's going with the DHEA. Carlson's E has been around for a long time, I've used it but this is the lst time I've read about DHEA and I found the 5mg pills. I ordered the cream from Bezwecken and will try that lst. The more I read, it's like an epidemic this annoying condition!

Docs push Premarin and never research or suggest alternatives which seems wrong to me, ;when women have to go hunting for alternatives because we can't turn to our healthcare providers for them."

04/14/2014: Misty from In, Usa: "Actually, not all baking powder contains aluminum. I purchased a tub of aluminum-free baking powder, but there are also recipes to make your own online. Though it's likely that the results were caused by the baking soda contained in the baking powder, baking powder will work in a pinch if you don't have baking soda on hand."

04/14/2014: Kt from Usa: "Before I learned about the hidden sources of MSG, yogurt would do this to me. I loved plain yogurt. Even after I started weeding various sources of MSG out my diet and thought yogurt was safe, I got angry at nothing. My daughter would remark "you've been eating yogurt again" and that became an eye-opener for me. After I contacted the people who educated me about MSG, I stopped eating it. Cannot recall the "why's" but after I stopped eating it I stopped getting so angry."

04/14/2014: Mama To Many from Tennessee: "Dear Sara, Vitamin Deficiency could cause that "easily irritable" feeling. 1 Tablespoon of Blackstrap molasses a day would be something to try, as well as B-complex. Please keep us posted as to how you are coming along with this. ~Mama to Many~"

04/14/2014: Iowama from Iowa, Usa: "Dear Sara, With all respect to the the other posters, your query resonated with me. Although you are only 40, your easily aroused aggravation after eating foods such as yogurt could signal the start of perimenopause. Anger, eventually coupled with bloating, was the first sign for me and dairy was one of the food groups I have had to give up. I'm not suggesting that you are aging prematurely, just that hormonal imbalances do start for most of us eventually. Some women find relief by leaving all dairy from cows behind and learning to like the taste of goat yogurt and goat cheeses instead. Best regards to you."

04/14/2014: Kt from Usa: "Avoiding hidden sources of MSG. Eliminating whole wheat products would help. Adding ginger to what you eat will help. My nutrition book reports there is an antidepressant ingredient in ginger. Since I've increased ginger in my diet, it has made a world of difference. I think it's difficult to zero in one one thing. It has been over a twenty-year piecemeal endeavor for me so I understand why many don't agree.

I've mentioned BSM several times but Mama to Many is correct and I am adamant about taking that too."

04/02/2014: Mama To Many from Tennessee, Usa: "Dear Lauren,

I have used charcoal (internally and externally) for years. I also am hypothyroid, though currently symptom free. I just am careful not to take charcoal within two hours of supplements that I take for my thyroid, or any supplements. I have never had a problem with it.

I love charcoal...it is inexpensive, easily accessible, safe and effective.

Have a great day!

~Mama to Many~"

04/02/2014: Suseeq from Sydney Australia: "To mama to many -- just curious what have you used charcoal on externally. Thanks"

04/02/2014: Mama To Many from Tennessee, Usa: "Dear Suseeq,

I have used charcoal in poultices externally on me and my children and most recently on my father...here are some things on which I have used charcoal...

-insect stings (spider bites, tick bites, bee stings) to draw out the poison and reduce pain and swelling.

-skin infections or wounds that look like they might become infected.

-infected finger (at the nail area. I have seen the poultices draw pus out over several overnight applications.)

-staph infection on the skin (in conjunction with other remedies internally.)

-over a surgical site that I was concerned could become infected.

-over the ovary area for cyst pain.

-mixed in water and strained out to use in the eye for pinkeye or in the ear for an ear infection.

-packed into the hoof a a goat with a hoof infection.

-poison ivy.

-eczema.

Charcoal draws out infection and reduces inflammation. It has been effective for our family in so many ways that I never hesitate to use it.

Have a great day!

~Mama to Many~"

04/03/2014: Suseeq from Sydney, Australia: "Tthank you, mama to many, charcoal is a very handy thing to keep on hand. I didn't know it can do so many things. I always keep it but I'll use more from now on, thanks again"

04/04/2014: Lauren from Queens, Ny: "Thank you Mama to many for your response. You are very kind and helpful always. I am curious though.....what did you do to become symptom free from thyroid disease? I have been trying for the past four years to achieve that....I mean I feel like I have taken every vitamin out there, I have drunk every green juice on this earth, I rarely eat junk food and yet I am struggling especially since menopause...any suggestions would greatly help....thank you so much"

04/04/2014: Mama To Many from Tennessee, Usa: "Dear Lauren,

I would be happy to share what I have tried for my low thyroid…I hope it will be helpful to you. Of course you may have already tried these things if you have been working on healing for so long. It sure can be vexing to try remedy after remedy and not find the answer.

Currently I am taking 2 droppers of Lugol’s 2% iodine and 200mcg of Selenium. I take Vitamin C, magnesium, vitamin D as needed. I use Celtic Sea Salt daily. For a long time I was using 2 T. of extra virgin coconut oil daily, but I have gotten lax about that. We are on well water so I don’t have to worry about the chlorine or fluoride in the water, which apparently can be an issue for some. I eat a pretty good but far from perfect diet. I eat a lot of whole foods but it is not all organic or anything. We eat out some and I love chocolate. :) I try not to worry so much about what I am consuming when out with friends as it is important to me to be able to enjoy times with friends and family without having to stress about food. I think what I eat cheerfully probably is better for my heath than what I don’t eat fearfully, if that makes sense.

That is the short answer…here is a longer version with some other thoughts. Four years ago I was having unquenchable thirst. 20 cups of water a day and I still had a dry mouth. I went to a doctor who tested me for thyroid issues. My thyroid was off and I started to take a low dose of synthroid. My mouth was not dry any more, but I felt awful and my hair was falling out in handfuls. So, I quit synthroid and tried other things. I know the next time I had bloodwork, maybe 6 months later, my thyroid was still off, though I didn’t feel as bad as I had on synthroid. But a year or two later, my bloodwork showed the thyroid to be working. Apparently you can have normal blood numbers and still have a thyroid issue, so I tend to go by how I feel. If I run out of iodine, my dry mouth symptoms return. But it took me a year or two to get the right amount of iodine for me.

So, I wish that this would work for everyone. It seems to work for some. But it seems that everyone is different and there isn’t a one size fits all solution. Some people need to add dessicated thyroid to what they take. Maybe the stuff I am doing only works because of other stuff I am doing and I am unaware of the connection. I do try to walk regularly. I use Apple Cider Vinegar most days. I took Burdock Root for neuropathy for 6 or 12 months. I take 3 capsules of Borage oil daily to help skin issues. Sometimes I take turmeric. Maybe one of those things helps the other stuff to work for me. And but for the grace of God, none of this would work.

If you don’t mind a bit of rambling, I think health is related to things beyond just our intake. I think what we eat is important, but there are so many things that also affect our health. A few years ago I read about a study that linked heart problems and high cholesterol to stress and not to diet. Thousands of years ago, Solomon said that a cheerful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones. Richard Wurmbrand was a pastor who was imprisoned under dreadfully inhumane conditions with very little and poor quality food, and yet he went on to live quite a long and productive life. God was sustaining him in spite of a horrendous diet and living conditions.

It puzzles me that my children’s health is not identical. They eat the same food, have the same genes, live in the same house. But they recover differently from sickness. One has had some chronic health problems. So, I have to conclude that there is more to it than just supplements and diet. I know people that have “near perfect” diets that still struggle with health problems. I had a friend who had an amazing diet and was so sweet and cheerful and she died of cancer. There are just some things that are beyond our control. (Lots of things, really! )

Anyway, thanks for letting me ramble there a little.

Oh, and I am blessed to not yet be dealing with menopause. That will be a whole new set of things to learn about…I am 47, so I am figuring sooner than later. Anyway, I have read a little bit about Dong Quai and Black Cohosh for menopause symptoms and those will be some things I may try when I get to that point.

Well, keep in touch and let me know how you are doing!

~Mama to Many~"

04/06/2014: Lauren from New York, US: "Hi Mama to many.....Thanks a million for your detailed response. You couldn't be more right when you said that sometimes its not just about the diet but many other factors contribute towards illness. I can attest to that cause that's exactly how my life played out....a lot of stress on a daily basis....maybe that's why I can't regain true health. But I am not a quitter...I keep pressing on with the good Lord by my side and hopefully one fine day, I will see the light at the end of the tunnel. Anyways, thank you again for taking the time to answer my query with such detail. I really do appreciate it and yes I will let you know what worked for me if I find something that does.....I heard about a product called Thyrogold that I am thinking of trying cause I don't want to be on medication all my life. Have you heard of this and if so, what are your thoughts? Looking forward to hearing from you, Take care and have a blessed day...."

04/06/2014: Mama To Many from Tennessee, Usa: "Dear Lauren,

I admire your attitude!

I have never used Thyrogold, not have known anyone to. However, when I read about it online, it seems like something I would try if I were wanting to get off medications and what I was trying was not working. So much of what I have learned has been trial and error on myself.

Have you ever read any of Dr. John Lee's books? I have his book called, "What Your Doctor May not tell you about Premenopause." He also has one for menopause. His writing is somewhat technical, but also interesting and helpful. I mention this because in his Premenopause book, he talks some about thryoid, particularly its relationship to other hormones. The premenopause book is directed towards women in the 30-50 age range and the menopause one for 50 and over. You have obviously done your research and tried many things...there may be a few more "stones to unturn" in his writings.

Keep in touch and God bless.

~Mama to Many~"

04/07/2014: Lauren from New York, US: "Thank you Mama to many....I definitely would check out the books...never thought of that and I am a reader....thanks for that tip...take care and have a blessed day......"

04/14/2014: Ivy from Canada: ""Mama to Many" mentioned she wasn't worried about her water because she has well water. I got sick in 2000 with "fibromyalgia" and had a heavy metal test done and arsenic was high. My test said sources of arsenic were well water or run off from an orchard. Had my well water tested and there was arsenic in it, but the fluoride levels in the water were even worse. My 440 foot deep well had less than a grain of hardness (old well had 55 grains of hardness), so I never thought to get the water tested. Just because it is well water doesn't mean it is safe. Fluoride can be naturally occuring as well as heavy metals. The symptoms of fibromyalgia are the same as chronic fluoride poisoning:

http://www.life-enthusiast.com/fluoride-the-cause-of-fibromyalgia-a-3782.html

Ivy"

04/14/2014: Mama To Many from Tennessee: "Wow Ivy, thanks for sharing that! It is good to know. It never occurred to me that well water could have flouride in it. I knew what I was dealing with with our water since we had it tested when we moved to our current home. It was orange and we wanted to know what we were dealing with (Turns out it was manganese, which is easily filtered with charcoal.) I should not have assumed that well water in general does not have flouride! I agree that well water is not always safe! Years ago my children were all of a sudden vomiting and had no fever or other symptoms. We finally realized it was when they drank water. We had it tested and it had bacteria in it. We had to treat our well. I guess the moral of the story is that people on well water should get water tests to make sure they know what they are dealing with... Thanks again for the helpful information! ~Mama to Many~"