THESE stories are based not on scientific studies or medical control groups, but rather on real people and real experiences, meant to inspire and guide you. Let these stories of hope lead the way.

 

Suzie’s sneezing spell

 

Each morning, Suzie knew her routine: three sneezes in a row, nasal congestion, watery eyes, post-nasal drip and a mild headache. It never failed to dampen her mood. A tissue box, allergy pills, an inhaler and a vaporizer were always on hand. But the feeling wasn’t right. How could a 40-year-old woman be feeling like an 80-year-old?

 

After taking rounds of antihistamines and antibiotics, Suzie said, “Enough.” Desperate, she started reading up on natural remedies. The simplest explanation given to her was from a naturopath friend, Jimmy Dyliaco (tel. 9242487). He said histamines in the blood stream cause allergy. What causes histamines is dehydration. Fix the problem by drinking water.

 

For allergies, take ½ teaspoon sea salt. Place on tongue, then wash down with three glasses of tepid water. Repeat every three hours. Stop the water regimen one hour before bedtime, because a full bladder can interrupt your sleep.

 

Within 10 minutes of taking the first set of water and salt, Suzie found instant relief.

 

Today she continues to enjoy an allergy-free life. But when her body starts to feel woozy and tired, followed by a sneeze, she already knows what to do. It is also a reminder to her that she has forgotten to drink water.

 

John’s stiff joints

 

John used to be an athlete in his 20s, but today, at 67, he feels exhausted all the time.

 

For starters, he cannot bend his knees easily. In fact, every time he needs to reach out for something, another health issue occurs—something gets “locked” within his joints, temporarily paralyzing him.

 

These are early signs of arthritis. Consultations with natural medicine experts led John to drink fresh ginger tea every day. Within two weeks, the pain and discomfort subsided.

 

Other complementary practices:

Turmeric—when mixed with ginger, the anti-inflammatory effect is doubled.

 

Recipe:

2 cups boiled water

½ tsp ground ginger

½ tsp ground turmeric

Epsom salt bath—because of its high levels of magnesium, Epsom salt is a pain reliever for arthritis.

 

In a bath of very warm water, mix ½ cup of Epsom salt. Submerge yourself for not longer than 10-15 minutes.

 

White willow tea—often called the natural aspirin, one serving of tea thrice daily can help you feel better.

 

Glucosamine—naturally oils the joints.

 

Magnesium—your body cannot produce it, just like vitamin C. This mineral has a relaxing effect on nerves and muscles. Take a supplement, plus add dark, leafy, green vegetables daily. (Magnesium oil can be rubbed on the affected areas.)

 

Other remedies include black strap molasses, extra virgin olive oil, dandelion leaves for tea, peppermint, eucalyptus oil, Boswellia tea or frankincense tea, a powerful anti-inflammatory.

 

Mix ½ tsp of apple cider vinegar in a cup of warm water. This is a soothing pain reliever and anti-inflammatory.

 

Mila’s toothache

 

Career woman Mila had no time for herself as she focused on her profession full-time. One day, there was a throbbing pain in her mouth; her gums were red and swollen.

 

Her dentist said she needed a root canal treatment. Strong pain medicine was prescribed.

 

Two days passed, but the pain, though it subsided, persisted. Her sister, a botanist who grew an herbal garden, advised her to take the fleshy part of aloe vera (peeled and washed) and place it on her sensitive gums. After 30 minutes, the pain diminished, and within the day it was gone.

 

On her next visit, her dentist asked what she had done to heal so fast. She answered it was simply aloe vera.

 

Upon studying this wonder plant, she realized that its anti-inflammatory properties are potent. This all-purpose treatment is also effective for minor problems like hemorrhoids (as a suppository), scalp treatment, insect bites and tummy aches/indigestion (yes, you can eat it).

 

David’s dandruff

 

It’s the itchy scalp that gives you away. And just like in an old TV commercial, it snowed on David’s suit.

 

Embarrassed by the situation, he called his dermatologist friend. Assured that it was not an urgent matter, he was told to change his shampoo to a milder one for babies.

 

Then, as an instant home remedy, a scalp massage with warmed virgin coconut oil or coconut milk was prescribed.

 

This he applied for seven days in a row. The one-hour daily treatment did the trick. David now has as deeper appreciation for coconut.

 

Other applications of coconut oil include: for oil pulling/as a mouth rinse to remove bacteria or food particles; massage oil; hair treatment moisturizer; body scrub (when mixed with sugar or raw oatmeal).

 

This week’s affirmation: “I can be better than best.”

 

Love and light!

 

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