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6 herbs and 4 herbs for sleep, Proper rest, cause and cure for insomnia.
PROPER REST.
In a fast-paced world where delay is termed inefficiency and incompetence, it is really difficult to pause for a rest. Insomnia is a vest epidemic.
The 1/3 of the life of an average person will be spent in sleeping. Between the ages of 25 and 70 the average person spends 15 years sleeping. Lack of sleep has made generals lose battles, nervous patients lose their minds, wives loss their husbands and marriage. It is obvious that sleep is not a waste of time but crucial aspect of life.
People stay up late and wake up early to catch up their busy schedule and be a brace with expensive lifestyle and credit card debt.
The act of working long hours or overtime with the cooperation of caffeine and other stimulants may prove successful for a while but for each hour we miss per night, we accrue a sleep debt that must be repaid or health consequences may follow.
The allegory of Stephen Covey the author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People gives a explains the absurdity of the above ideology.
“Imagine you are walking through the woods when you came upon a man feverishly trying to saw down a tree, the man looks exhausted. He says he has been sawing on the same tree for five hours. “Why don’t you take a break for a couple of minutes and sharpen that saw?” You asked “it will cut faster” “no time for that” he gasps “I’m too busy sawing”
Rest or sleep is associated with the following.
1)Risk of diabetes: People who sleep inadequately has higher risk of diabetes, the main reason being that the level of stress hormones is increased when the body is deprived of sleep, which results in an increase in the body’s resistance to insulin and its activity of bringing blood sugar into the tissues.
2)Obesity: The reduction in the body’s ability to handle sugar after being deprived of sleep leads to obesity and often those that keep wake nights resort to snacks during those late hours.
3)Rate in healing of sores, injuries and recovery from illness: The night is the body’s time for repairs and maintenance, the evacuation of waste products are effected, enzymes and hormones are replenished and circulated. We are only assured of a serviced, rejuvenated, and strong body after a good night rest.
4)Strength of the immune system: The strength of the immune system is highly dependent on a good night rest. Some reason for these are
[1]. During the night, waste products from the body are removed, the level of toxins in the body has a direct impact on activities of the immune system.
[2]. During the night rest stress hormones are reduced in the body which allows for the metabolism of sugar, a cube of sugar suppresses the work of the white blood cells from 13 to 1
5) Life span: Proper rest can lengthen your life span several studies have shown that people who regularly sleeping 7 to 8 hours each night had low death rate then those who averaged either less than 7 hours or who slept longer.
6)Intelligence and emotional quotient: Adequate sleep in a dark environment can improve nighttime Melatonin levels which in turn can help daytime energy level a memory. A dull thinking is a signal that you are not getting enough rest sleep. Sleep is crucial for maintaining cognitive ability and learning new skills.
7)Heart diseases: There is a remarkable increase in blood pressure after inadequate night sleep. The work and pressure of the heart is reduced and heart beat slows down during the nights rest
8)Level of concentration: There is a decline in the efficiency and level of concentration in industrial workers after a deprivation of sleep leading to increased risk of accidents and irritability.
“Make it [a] habit not to sit up after nine o’clock. Every light should be extinguished. This turning night into day is a wretched, health-destroying habit, and this reading much by brain workers, up to the sleeping hours, is very injurious to health. It calls the blood to the brain and then there is restlessness and wakefulness, and the precious sleep that should rest the body does not come when desired. E. G. WHITE PIONEER HEALTH REFORMER/EDUCATOR”
•Moderate physical activity before retiring
•A clear conscience, a mind at peace with God.
•Maintenance as regular a schedule as possible for going to bed, getting up, eating, exercising. The body flourishes on regular rhythms
•Try a lukewarm (not a hot) bath. It is helpful relaxation technique.
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol and other stimulants
The effect of sleeping with light on.
Using artificial light during dusk suppresses the production of Melatonin, a hormone produced by the brain's pineal gland at night Melatonin is responsible for sleep-wake cycle. This hormone aids in lowering glucose level, body pressure and body temperature. There has being a significant increase in the risk of heart attack, cancer and diabetes in people with suppressed Melatonin.
“Resting in any hour of the day or night is beneficial but God has made two hours before midnight four-fold a blessing to man than any other hour among the 24hrs, so also the Lord told us among the 7 days that make up the week that He has blessed the Sabbath being the 7th day of the week to be more than 10 fold blessing to man, what God blesses, He will not curse. Genesis 2:7, Numbers 24:9. OHAJA. CHINOMNSO. C”
The four stages of sleep.
A.Light or hypnogogic stage: We enter into the stage of sleep within minutes or seconds of nodding off. In this stage you can easily be woken because it is not very deep. The brain produces alpha and theta waves it might last up to 5 or more minutes.
B.Moderate stage: This stage is also light and the brain waves slows down produce in a frequency called sleep Spindles.
C.Deep stage: At this stage there are no more eye movements and the brain produces slower delta waves. It is always the beginning of a deep sleep and still deeper sleep. Waking someone is more difficult at this stage. This is when the body produces hormone for growth and development, repairs muscle and tissues, enhance the immune system, and prepare the body for its work for the morning.
D.Rapid Eye Movement [REM] : As the name suggests, the eye movement is rapid, jerking from one position to the another. This stage begins about 1h 30 minutes or less after sleeping off. An adult experiences multiple REM cycles every night, each last for an hour or more. During this time, dreams occur. This is the time when the brain transfers and processes information from short-term memory to long term-memory, it is the final phase of sleep and can not be achieved by medication or sleeping pills. Eating lately in the night may prevent this stage, so the stomach should be done with digestion before going to bed.
“Sleep is not a vast wasteland of inactivity. The sleeping brain is highly active at various times during the night, performing numerous physiological, neurological, and biochemical housekeeping tasks. These are essential for everything, from maintaining life itself to reorganizing and enhancing thinking and memory. Dr James Maas,.Professor at Cornell University. ”
ST. John’s wort. (HYPERICUM PERFORATUM):
crossover studies investigating the effects of St John's wort (0.9 and 1.8 mg) on the sleep polysomnogram of healthy subjects reported that both doses of St John's wort significantly increased rapid eye movement (REM) sleep latency
Dose: Tincture, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon 2-3 x daily; powdered extract, 1-2 tablets or capsules 2-3 x
daily. Allow 2-3 weeks for the full therapeutic effect to develop. If you experience light
sensitivity or other unpleasant symptoms, reduce or discontinue the St. John’s
Herbal Formulas for Insomnia
Hops
Preparation: To prepare an infusion, boiling water is poured over the ground hop cones and left to draw for 10 to 15 minutes (1 teaspoonful is equal to 0.4 gm drug).
Daily Dosage: For most indications, a single dose of 0.5 gm is given.
To promote sleep, a single dose of 1 to 2 gm drug is given; liquid extract: single dose: 0.5 to 2 ml; tincture: single dose: 1 to 2 ml
Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 x daily for 2-3 days; Tincture, 30-40 drops 2-3 x daily.
“I know the testimonies given me to for brain workers, that sleep is worth far more before than after midnight.Two hours’ good sleep before twelve o’clock is worth more than four hours after twelve o’clock. E. G. WHITE PIONEER HEALTH REFORMER /EDUCATOR”
Nutmeg
Though nutmeg is a stimulant, it has narcotic and anticonvulsant properties and can be successfully used at low dose (a pinch of powder will do) as a sleep aid for short- or long-term sleep problems. Laboratory studies also indicate that nutmeg has antidepressant activity.
Passion flower (PASSIFLORA INCARNATA)
Pharmacological research shows the herb to have sedative, tranquilizing, and sleep-inducing properties. A 2001 clinical trial found that passionflower was as effective in relieving anxiety as oxazepam, a conventional tranquilizer, and had fewer reported side effects.
A clinical study in 2011 found improvement in subjective sleep quality in those taking passionflower.
Infusion: For occasional sleeplessness, drink up to 1 ½ cups (300 ml) during the evening
Dose: Tea, 1 cup 3 x daily; Tincture, 30-60 drops 3-4 x daily.
Chamomile (Anthemis nobilis):
Chamomile is a time-honored sedative herb which can be safely used by children and adults alike. Chamomile tea is commonly used in Europe, South America, and Mexico for insomnia and restlessness combined with irritability, particularly in children.
Chamomile oil can also be put in bath water (5-6 drops) to soothe overwrought nerves,
diluted to 2% to make an excellent massage oil, or used as an inhalant.
Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 x daily; Tincture, 30 drops 3 x daily.
Valerian
Extensive research in Germany and Switzerland has endorsed the use of valerian to aid sleep, improve sleep quality, and lower blood pressure.
A German trial carried out in 2002 that tested valerian and oxazepam (a conventional sleep treatment) found both to be effective—83% of those taking valerian rated the treatment as very good compared to 73% of those taking oxazepam.
Many symptoms of anxiety, including tremors, panic, palpitations, and sweating, can be relieved with valerian. It is a useful remedy for insomnia, whether caused by anxiety or overexcitement.
Powder can be taken as capsules. For Insomnia, take 1–2 doses of 500 mg at night.
Tincture to make. For anxiety, take 20 drops in hot water up to 5 times a day.
Decoction . Take 1–5 tbsp as a sedative at night.
CALIFORNIA POPPY (ESCHSCHOLZIA CALIFORNICA):
California poppy sedative and sleep-promoting herb which can currently be found in a variety
of herbal remedies for promoting sleep, helping one to relax, and easing mild anxiety.
Because of its mild sedative and analgesic properties, it can be given safely to children.
Clinical and laboratory work on California poppy has clearly demonstrated the plant’s
sedative and anti-anxiety properties; it has been shown to improve both sleep latency and
quality
Dose: Tea, 1 cup 2-3 x daily; Tincture, 30-40 drops 2-3 x daily.
Note: Since the tea is mild, a tincture is recommended when a stronger dose is desired.
Herb blends
A CALMING TEA BLEND:
Linden flowers (1 part)
Hawthorn flowers & leaves (1 part)
Chamomile (2 parts)
Catnip (1 part)
Lemon balm (1 part)
Wintergreen (1 part),
Stevia herb (1/8 part)
OR
Bed time tea
Valerian (30%)
Linden (20%)
Kava kava (20%)
Chamomile (20%)
Catnip (10%)
For either formula, blend the loose herbs, place in a quart jar for future use, and store out of
the direct sunlight in a cool place. Use 1 tsp/cup to make a tea. Make 1 quart at a time,
adding 1 extra tsp ‘for the pot.’ Add the herbs to boiled water and cover. Let steep for 20
minutes, strain and store in the quart jar in the refrigerator. This blend will keep for 3 days.
Pour out 1 cup, warm it, and drink several times daily or before bedtime as needed. [from Christiana Moore]
Herb blend 2
1 part Chamomile
¼ part Oat straw
¼ part Linden
¼ part dried Passion flower leaves
¼ part Valerian
¼ part Calendula honey for taste
DIRECTIONS
To makethe herbal infusion, pour simmering water over the herbs and let them steep for15 to 25 minutes. You should cover them while steeping to make sure you don’t lose any of the plants’ goodness.
Strain with astrainer andcheesecloth.
To use, drink prior to bedtime.
References
1.Andrew Chehalis,. Encyclopedia Of Herbal Medicine
2.Christiana Moore., Herbs for Insomnia
3.The readers digest June 1945.
4.Diehl,H. & Ludington, A. [2001]. Health Power.
5.Neil, N. The Lost Art Of Thinking.
6.Mary, A, M. God’s Healing Way.
7.Harvard Medical School [2007] Repaying Your Sleep Debt.
8.Dr Arnott ‘s 24 Realistic Ways to Improve Your Health.
9.Joanne, B. Linda, A,A. & David, J, P. Herbal Medicines.
10.Stacey, D. Susan, G. Herbal Remedies Made Simple
This blog aims at helping you understand better not only the depth of its depravity but also the possible cause and solution to this over mastering addiction.
Many parents turn their face and shy away from such a subject. Thinking and wishing their children will never learn. This is the admonition of a fellow mother, God’s servant.
Mothers, it is a crime for you to allow yourselves to remain in ignorance in regard to the habits of your children. If they are pure, keep them so. Fortify their young minds, and prepare them to detest this health and soul destroying vice. Shield them, as faithful mothers should, from becoming contaminated by associating with every young companion. Keep them, as precious jewels, from the corrupting influence of this age. If you are situated so that their intercourse with young associates cannot always be overruled, as you would wish to have it, then let them visit your children in your presence, and in no case allow these associates to lodge in the same bed, or even in the same room. It will be far easier to prevent an evil than to cure it afterward. SA 58.1
Do you think that your wards are too young or such education will increase their liability to this vice? Hear what prominent Physicans have to say.
“I have known boys not yet four years old both practice self-abuse and indulge with the opposite sex; and have known hundreds ruined by it before they entered their teens.' 'I have been consulted in cases almost without number by those on the brink of ruin who sought relief from the consequences of this vice. O. S. Fowler”
“I have never conversed with a lad twelve years of age who did not know all about the practice, and understand the language used to describe it. Dr. Woodward”
"This solitary, but fatal, vice is spreading desolation throughout our schools and families, unnoticed and unknown. William C. Woodbridge”
Could anyone believe that the leading cause of insanity is this secret vice?
A study of 500 patients at Iowa State psychopathic Hospital shows that in 22 cases masturbation was the most apparent important cause of disorder. Dr. W. Malamud and Dr. G. Palmer.
We hate to say it but in a zinc deficient adolescent, sexual excitement and excessive masturbation might precipitate insanity. Carl. C. Pfeiffer, MD, PhD.
A great number of the ills which come upon the young at and after the age of puberty, arise from this habit, persisted in so long as to waste the vital energies, and enervate the physical and mental powers of the man." Dr. Woodward, superintendent of the Mass. State Lunatic Hospital,
In the fall of 1844, James White visited the Massachusetts State Lunatic Hospital. While being conducted through the various apartments, mingling promiscuously with the insane, our attention was suddenly arrested by the peculiarly haggard, frantic, wild, and fiendish appearance of a young man, turning from us with his eye turned back over his shoulder. Struck with his shocking aspect, we inquired of our attendant, a young physician, what was the cause of his insanity. "Solitary vice," was the ready reply. Thought we, solitary vice produces solitary insanity! for we never saw the like before. We further asked, Have you many here from that cause? "A large proportion," was the reply. More than from intemperance? "Oh, yes, far more." Do you find ladies alike victims of that practice? "We know no difference." We were now passing through a large room where a number of beautiful and apparently intelligent young ladies sat gazing mutely upon us. But, doctor, what are your prospects of cure in such cases? "When there is reason enough left to make the patients see and feel that by abandoning the habit they may be cured, we have good hope; but not otherwise."
Reflection is necessary to mental improvement, and as a sound body is necessary to clear and continued reflection, so is a sound body necessary to high mental improvement. Once more the ability of the mind to use the knowledge it has, is dependent upon the body. Thus, whatever weakens the body, in so far locks up the mental treasure-house against even itself. But unchastity does weaken and debilitate the body, and by consequence… the mind also…. James White
Mothers have you ever noticed the following signs and symptoms in your child? Hear what an experienced mother who has worked to assist many suffers in this vice have to say.
Mothers, let us first view the results of this vice upon the physical strength. Have you not marked the lack of healthful beauty, of strength and power of endurance, in your dear children? Have you not felt saddened as you have watched the progress of disease upon them, which has baffled your skill, and that of physicians? You listen to numerous complaints of headache, catarrh, dizziness, nervousness, pain in the shoulders and side, loss of appetite, pain in the back and limbs, wakeful, feverish nights, of tired feelings in the morning, and great exhaustion after exercising? As you have seen the beauty of health disappearing, and have marked the sallow countenance, or the unnaturally-flushed face, have you been aroused sufficiently to look beneath the surface, to inquire into the cause of this physical decay? Have you observed the astonishing mortality among the youth? SA 49.2
And have you not noticed that there was a deficiency in the mental health of your children? That their course seemed to be marked with extremes? That they were absent minded? That they started nervously when spoken to? And were easily irritated? Have you not noticed that, when occupied upon a piece of work, they would look dreamingly, as though the mind was elsewhere? And when they came to their senses, they were unwilling to own the work as coming from their hands, it was so full of mistakes, and showed such marks of inattention? Have you not been astonished at their wonderful forgetfulness? The most simple and oft-repeated directions would often be forgotten. They might be quick to learn, but it would be of no special benefit to them. The mind would not retain it. What they might learn through hard study, when they would use their knowledge, is missing, lost through their sieve-like memories. Have you not noticed their reluctance to engage in active labor? And their unwillingness to perseveringly accomplish that which they have undertaken which taxes the mental, as well as the physical, strength? The tendency of many is to live in indolence. SA 50.1
Have you not witnessed the gloomy sadness upon the countenance, and frequent exhibitions of a morose temper in those who once were cheerful, kind, and affectionate? They are easily excited to jealousy, disposed to look upon the dark side, and when you are laboring for their good, imagine that you are their enemy, that you needlessly reprove and restrain them. SA 50.2
And have you not inquired where will all this end, as you have looked upon your children from a moral point of view? Have you not noticed the increase of disobedience in children, and their manifestations of ingratitude and impatience under restraint? Have you not been alarmed at their disregard of parental authority, which has bowed down the hearts of their parents with grief, and prematurely sprinkled their heads with gray hairs? Have you not witnessed the lack of that noble frankness in your children which they once possessed, and which you admired in them? Some children even express in their countenances a hardened look of depravity. Have you not felt distressed and anxious as you have seen the strong desire in your children to be with the other sex, and the overpowering disposition they possessed to form attachments when quite young? With your daughters, the boys have been the theme of conversation; and with your sons, it has been the girls. They manifest preference for particular ones, and your advice and warnings produce but little change. Blind passion overrules sensible considerations. And, although you may check the outward manifestations, and you credit the promises of amendment, yet, to your sorrow, you find there is no change, only to conceal the matter from you. There are still secret attachments and stolen interviews. They follow their willful course, and are controlled by their passions, until you are startled by perhaps a premature marriage, or are brought to shame by those who should, by their noble course of conduct, bring to you respect and honor. The cases of premature marriage multiply. Boys and girls enter upon the marriage relation with unripe love, immature judgment, without noble, elevated feelings, and take upon themselves the marriage vows, wholly led by their boyish, girlish passions. They choose for themselves, often without the knowledge of the mother who has watched over them, and cared for them, from their earliest infancy. SA 51.1
Mothers, view your children from a religious standpoint. It gives you pain to see your children feeble in body and mind; but does it not cause you still greater grief to see them almost dead to spiritual things, so that they have but little desire for goodness, beauty of character, and holy purposes? Secret vice is the destroyer of high resolve, earnest endeavor, and strength of will to form a good religious character. All who have any true sense of what is embraced in being a Christian, know that the followers of Christ are under obligation as his disciples, to bring all their passions, their physical powers and mental faculties, into perfect subordination to his will. Those who are controlled by their passions cannot be followers of Christ. They are too much devoted to the service of their master, the originator of every evil, to leave their corrupt habits, and choose the service of Christ. SA 53.1
Godly mothers will inquire, with the deepest concern, Will our children continue to practice habits which will unfit them for any responsible position in this life? Will they sacrifice comeliness, health, intellect, and all hope of Heaven, everything worth possessing, here and hereafter, to the demon passion? May God grant that it may be otherwise; and that our children, who are so dear to us, may listen to the voice of warning, and choose the path of purity and holiness. SA 54.1
Every child knows that there exist a stronger bond between them and mom than with Dad, the usefulness of a child is to a great degree dependant on the mothers, but busy with 8am to 5pm jobs they submit the children into the hands of inexperienced nannies and in day cares where likelihood of learning such vice is inevitable. How important mothers spend more time with kids and educate them themselves.
Very young children practice this vice, and it grows upon them and strengthens with their years, until every noble faculty of body and mind is debased. Many might have been saved if they had been carefully instructed in regard to the influence of this practice upon their health. They were ignorant of the fact that they were bringing much suffering upon themselves. Children who are experienced in this vice, seem to be bewitched by the devil until they can impart their vile knowledge to others, even teaching very young children this practice. SA 55.1 [E.G.White., Pioneer health reformer/Educator]
How important that we teach our children self-control from their very infancy, and teach them the lesson of submitting their wills to ours. If they should be so unfortunate as to learn wrong habits, not knowing all the evil results, they can be reformed by appealing to their reason, and convincing them that such habits ruin the constitution, and affect the mind. We should show them that whatever persuasions corrupt persons may use to quiet their awakened fears, and lead them still to indulge this pernicious habit, whatever may be their pretense, they are really their enemies and the devil’s agents. Virtue and purity are of great value. These precious traits are of heavenly origin. They make God our friend, and unite us firmly to his throne. SA 54.2
Mothers, you cannot be too careful in preventing your children from learning low habits. It is easier to guard them from evil, than for them to eradicate it after it is learned. Neighbors may permit their children to come to your house, to spend the evening and the night with your children. Here is a trial, and a choice for you, to run the risk of offending your neighbors by sending their children to their own home, or gratify them, and let them lodge with your children, and thus expose them to be instructed in that knowledge which would be a life-long curse to them. SA 55.2 [E.G.White., Pioneer health reformer/Educator]
To save my children from being corrupted, I have not allowed them to sleep in the same bed, nor in the same room, with other boys, and have, as occasion has required, when traveling, made a scanty bed upon the floor for them, rather than have them lodge with others. I have tried to keep them from associating with rough, rude boys, and have presented inducements before them to make their employment at home cheerful and happy. By keeping their minds and hands occupied, they have had but little time, or disposition, to play in the street with other boys, and obtain a street education. SA 56.1
A misfortune, which occurred when I was about nine years old, ruined my health. I looked upon this as a great calamity, and murmured because of it. In a few years I viewed the matter quite differently. I then looked upon it in the light of a blessing. I regard it thus now. Because of sickness, I was kept from society, which preserved me in blissful ignorance of the secret vices of the young. After I was a mother, by the private death-bed confessions of some females, who had completed the work of ruin, I first learned that such vices existed. But I had no just conception of the extent of this vice, and the injury the health sustained by it, until a still later period. SA 56.2
As the mother sees her daughter languid and dispirited, with but little vigor, easily irritated, starting suddenly and nervously when spoken to, she feels alarmed, and fears that she will not be able to reach womanhood with a good constitution. She relieves her, if possible, from active labor, and anxiously consults a physician, who prescribes for her without making searching inquiries, or suggesting to the unsuspecting mother the probable cause of her daughter’s illness. Secret indulgence is, in many cases, the only real cause of the numerous complaints of the young. This vice is laying waste the vital forces, and debilitating the system; and until the habit, which produced the result, is broken off, there can be no permanent cure. To relieve the young from healthful labor, is the worst possible course a parent can pursue. Their life is then aimless, the mind and hands unoccupied, the imagination active, and left free to indulge in thoughts that are not pure and healthful. In this condition they are inclined to indulge still more freely in that vice which is the foundation of all their complaints. SA 57.2
If your children practice this vice, they may be in danger of resorting to falsehood to deceive you. But, mothers, you must not be easily quieted, and cease your investigations. You should not let the matter rest until you are fully satisfied. The health and souls of those you love are in peril, which makes this matter of the greatest importance. Determined watchfulness, and close inquiry, notwithstanding the attempts to evade and conceal, will generally reveal the true state of the case. Then should the mother faithfully present this subject to them in its true light, showing its degrading, downward tendency. Try to convince them that indulgence in this sin will destroy self-respect and nobleness of character; will ruin health and morals, and its foul stain will blot from the soul true love for God, and the beauty of holiness. The mother should pursue this matter until she has sufficient evidence that the practice is at an end. SA 59.1
Mothers should take their daughters with them into the kitchen, and give them a thorough education in the cooking department. They should also instruct them in the art of substantial sewing. They should teach them how to cut garments economically, and put them together neatly. Some mothers, rather than to take this trouble, to patiently instruct their inexperienced daughters, prefer to do all themselves. But in so doing, they leave the essential branches of education neglected, and commit a great wrong against their children; for in after life they feel embarrassment, because of their lack of knowledge in these things. SA 60.1
Mothers should educate their daughters in regard to the laws of life. They should understand their own frame, and the relation their eating, drinking, and every-day habits, have to health and a sound constitution, without which the sciences would be of but little benefit. SA 60.2
While children are engaged in active labor, time will not hang heavily upon their hands, and they will have less opportunity to associate with vain, talkative, unsuitable companions, whose evil communications might blight the whole life of an innocent girl, by corrupting her good manners. SA 61.2 [E.G.White., Pioneer health reformer/Educator]
Mothers allow themselves to be deceived in regard to their daughters. If they labor, and then appear languid and indisposed, the indulgent mother fears that she has overtaxed them, and resolves henceforward to lighten their task. The mother bears the extra amount of labor which should have been performed by the daughters. If the true facts in the case of many were known, it would be seen that it was not the labor which was the cause of the difficulty, but wrong habits which were prostrating the vital energies, and bringing upon them a sense of weakness and great debility. In such cases, when mothers relieve their daughters from active labor, they, by so doing, virtually give them up to idleness, to reserve their energies. to consume upon the altar of lust. They remove the obstacles, giving the mind more freedom to run in a wrong channel, where they will more surely carry on the work of self-ruin. SA 62.2
The state of our world is alarming. Everywhere we look, we see imbecility, dwarfed forms, crippled limbs, misshapen heads, and deformity of every description. Sin and crime, and the violation of nature’s laws, are the causes of this accumulation of human woe and suffering. A large share of the youth now living are worthless. Corrupt habits are wasting their energies, and bringing upon them loathsome and complicated diseases. Unsuspecting parents will try the skill of physicians, one after another, who prescribe drugs, when they generally know the real cause of the failing health; but for fear of offending, and losing their fees, they keep silent, when, as faithful physicians, they should expose the real cause. Their drugs only add a second great burden for abused nature to struggle against; and in this struggle nature often breaks down in her efforts, and the victim dies. And the friends look upon the death as a mysterious dispensation of Providence, when the most mysterious part of the matter is, that nature bore up as long as she did against her violated laws. Health, reason, and life, were sacrificed to depraved lusts. SA 62.3 [E.G.White., Pioneer health reformer/Educator]
Children who practice self-indulgence previous to puberty, or the period of merging into manhood or womanhood, must pay the penalty of nature’s violated laws at that critical period. Many sink into an early grave, while others have sufficient force of constitution to pass this ordeal. If the practice is continued from the age of fifteen and upward, nature will protest against the abuse she has suffered, and continues to suffer, and will make them pay the penalty for the transgression of her laws, especially from the ages of thirty to forty-five, by numerous pains in the system, and various diseases, such as affection of the liver and lungs, neuralgia, rheumatism, affection of the spine, diseased kidneys, and cancerous humors. Some of nature’s fine machinery gives way, leaving a heavier task for the remaining to perform, which disorders nature’s fine arrangement, and there is often a sudden breaking down of the constitution; and death is the result. SA 63.1 [E.G.White., Pioneer health reformer/Educator]
My sisters, as mothers we are responsible in a great degree for the physical, mental, and moral, health of our children. We can do much by teaching them correct habits of living. We can show them, by our example, that we make a great account of health, and that they should not violate its laws. We should not make it a practice to place upon our tables food which would injure the health of our children. Our food should be prepared free from spices. Mince pies, cakes, preserves, and highly-seasoned meats, with gravies, create a feverish condition in the system, and inflame the animal passions. We should teach our children to practice habits of self-denial; that the great battle of life is with self, to restrain the passions, and bring them into subjection to the mental and moral faculties. SA 65.1 E.G.White., Pioneer health reformer/Educator
My sisters, be entreated to spend less time over the cook-stove, preparing food to tempt the appetite, and thus wearing out the strength given you of God to be used for a better purpose. A plain, nourishing diet will not require so great an amount of labor. We should devote more time to humble, earnest prayer to God, for wisdom to bring up our children in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. The health of the mind is dependent upon the health of the body. As Christian parents, we are bound to train our children in reference to the laws of life. We should instruct them, by precept and example that we do not live to eat, but that we eat to live. We should encourage in our children a love for nobleness of mind, and a pure, virtuous character. In order to strengthen in them the moral perceptions, the love of spiritual things, we must regulate the manner of our living, dispense with animal food, and use grains, vegetables, and fruits, as articles of diet. E.G.White., Pioneer health reformer/Educator
CAUSES OF UNCHASTITY
1.DIET: We notice bad diet as a cause of unchastity. By bad diet we mean the use of food and drinks of bad qualities and unreasonable quantities… Man is made over again every few years; and the new bones, blood, and muscles, are manufactured from what is eaten and drank. The physical health and strength of man must, therefore, depend very much upon the food and drink he takes into his stomach
Feeding children upon pork, gravies, eggs, pastry made of lard, salt meats, with mustard and pepper, rich pies and cakes, spices, cloves, and other excitants; candies and sweetmeats, vinegar, pickles, tea and coffee, and every thing of this description, eaten at all hours of day and late at night, tend to fire the blood, derange the functions of the system, excite the nerves and bring on a precocious development of the sexual passion.
2. SEDENTARY HABITS: self-pity, lonesomeness, idleness and sedentariness increases the feasibility to secret vice, the human body needs plenty of exercise in order to function properly. When someone has a laudable employment and a goal he is diligently seeking to achieve, he is secured to an extent from this vice. “
Active employment will give but little time to invite Satan’s temptations. They may be often weary, but this will not injure them. Nature will restore their vigor and strength in their sleeping hours, if her laws are not violated. And the thoroughly-tired person has less inclination for secret indulgence. SA 62.1”
Nothing is important for the prevention and cure of masturbation then useful activity or employment. “Be active! When you awake in the morning, get up - go out - work - keep active during the day. When night comes, go to bed only to sleep - follow up this course day after day - etc."
“From Sedentariness the genital system is perhaps the greatest sufferer. Excited in common with the bowels, etc., almost, and often quite, to inflammation, its secretions become profuse, and its peculiar excitement often nearly constant. This excitement is thrown back upon the brain, thereby filling the mind with lascivious thoughts, and painting lascivious images upon the canvas of the imagination. One might as well look for limpid and pure cold waters in the stagnant marsh, as for the freshness and vigor of health, whether of body or mind, in the victim of unrelieved sedentariness! Dr. Woodward, of the Massachusetts State Lunatic Hospital,”
The mind and body’s health are in a direct proportion to virtuous activity. Morbidity is substituted by health, strength, peace and cheerfulness.
The course which most mothers pursue, in training their children in this dangerous age, is injurious to their children. It prepares the way to make their ruin more certain. Some mothers, with their own hands, open the door and virtually invite the devil in, by permitting their daughters to remain in idleness, or what is but little better, spend their time in knitting edging, crocheting, or embroidering, and employ a hired girl to do those things their children should do. SA 59.2
3.UNGUARDED AVENUES OF THE MIND: Many parents do their children much harm ignorantly, in their quest to incorporate in them the culture of reading and improved vocabulary, books such as senderillar and other sensual novels or love tales are introduced to the children these books do not fall short of their baleful effect. A child will be known by the company he keeps, whether be it books, pictures, friends or music.
“Several instances of the baleful influences of novel- reading having recently come under my observation, I feel constrained to lift a note of warning against the indulgence of this pernicious habit. . . Nothing tends more to destroy virtuous principles, or promote the growth of unholy appetites and passions. It is a real barrier to all useful acquirements, and, if persisted in, will effectually counteract the most faithful religious instruction." Novels are my prayers, said the dying harlot. The evils of licentiousness can never be stayed, so long as voluptuous reading keeps up the excitement of the public imagination. Margaret Prior”
Sexual desire, cherished by the mind, and dwelt upon by the imagination, not only increases the excitability and peculiar sensibility of the genital organs themselves; but always throws an influence equal to the intensity of the affection, over the whole nervous domain; disturbing all the functions depending on them for vital energy, which is thereby increased upon, or distracted from, them - and if this excitement is frequently repeated or long continued, it inevitably induces an increased degree of irritability and debility and relaxation generally, throughout the whole nervous and muscular tissues, and especially the nerves of organic life. And hence, those lascivious DAY-DREAMS and amorous reveries, in which young people - and especially the idle and the voluptuous, and the sedentary and the nervous - are exceedingly apt to indulge, are often the sources of general debility, effeminacy eminacy, disordered functions, and premature disease, and even premature death, without the actual exercise of the general organs! Indeed, this unchastity of thought - this adultery of the mind - is the beginning of immeasurable evil to the human family." - Graham's Lectures to Young Men, p. 57.
The very building blocks of character are thought. For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he: Proverbs 23:7, For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies:These are the things which defile a man: but to eat with unwashed hands defileth not a man. Matthew 15:19-20. Thoughts translates into action which if continued becomes a habit and hence the character is produced. The character is influenced by choice of books, friends, music, and the media. Guarding the avenues of the mind can not be over emphasized.
4.INHERITED TENDENCIES: The father was, perhaps, born with strong sexual passions which have never been controlled, and the mother may have inherited similar conditions. They have married without any appreciation of what true marriage is, and too often solely, or principally, for the gratification of the animal passions; for lust, and not for live. The child is begotten in mere passion! The father transmits his propensities to indulgence, along with the excitement of irritation of the sexual organs arising from those propensities; and not only this, but the sexual passion is indulged during pregnancy, which causes the mother to transmit doubly of the direful ill to the offspring within her womb, while at the same time the nervous force expended detracts just so much from the rights of the child to inherit a strong, well-balanced, and healthy organization.
"Every orgasm expends of the mother's vitality a portion that should go to nourish and develop her babe. Very much of the weakness and lassitude experienced during pregnancy is due to the exhaustion consequent upon the sexual embrace, and the forming child must suffer from its effects; for the mother cannot impart what she does not herself possess, Health and strength, with elasticity of mind and earnestness of purpose.
5.DISREGARD FOR THE LAWS OF HEALTH:You can not disregard the laws of health and preserve a healthy body and mind. Intemperance in the use of that which is even good tells largely on our will power. When the appetite has mastery over the reasoning or will power, it paves the way passions of every spice to do same.
6.Withdrawal from religious activities dwarfs the spiritual strength. In the gospel of Christ exist a power that can recreate the mind and passion giving its possessor the a new heart and Spirit. Invigorating the will power in patient and endurance to say no to temptation. The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say “No” to godliness and worldly passions, and live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age. [TITUS 2:11,12 NIV]. THE MOST EFFECTIVE STILL IS EARNEST PRAYER FOR DIVINE HELP.
What do you think about masturbation, a beautiful and wholesome practice that ought to be carried out as frequently as the brushing of teeth or a vice that one should break loose from and flew from as though from Devil himself?
References
·1. E. P. Miller, M. D., The Cause of Exhausted Vitality.
·2. Graham's Lectures to Young Men, p. 57.
·3. O.S. Fowler, Facts and Important Information.
·4. James White, Solemn appeal.
·5. Ellen. G. White, A solemn appeal.
·6. Dr W. Malamud and Dr G. Palmer, Journal of nervous and mental disorders, 76:220,1932
·7. Carl C. Pfeiffer, MD, PhD. Zinc and other micro-nutrients [New Canaan Connecticut, USA, Keats publishing, Inc.]
Definition: Hot foot bath is a local bath which covers the
feet and ankles with temperatures generally ranging between 100 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit or 38 to 46 degrees Centigrade
Treatment indications.
Hot foot bath affects the entire body circulation by
dilating the blood vessels in the lower extremities, relieving congestion of
other parts of the body, (examples congestive headache, stopping nose
bleedings, relieving chest congestion, relieving pelvic congestion.)
This process of shifting blood from one part of the body to
another is called derivation.
It is a useful measure in unifying circulation, shorten a
cold, decongest the brain, lungs, and abdominal organs, diminish pain anywhere
in the body (from toothaches to backaches), relieve fatigue and nervous tension
and prepare a person for any cold treatment or massage.
EQUIPMENTS REQUIRED.
1. A chair.
2. A large-mouthed bucket or a
foot tub or deep dishpan of deep plastic bowl
3. Two medium towels or washcloths
(for cold compress to the head)
4. A kettle or container of
boiling water.
5. 2 blankets (to wrap the person
well)
6. A large plastic or waterproof
material to keep under the foot tub (to protect the bedding if lying down or
keep the floor dry if seated.)
7. A basin of cold water
PREPARING FOR THE TREATMENT.
Ensure a warm, draught-free
environment, and spread the waterproof material where the treatment will be
given.
TREATMENT PROPER.
1. Pray
2. Fill the foot tub with water to
completely cover the ankle.
3. Test water with thermometer,
preferably (40 degrees Centigrade/104 degrees Fahrenheit), if not available the elbow or back of the wrist could
used to test if the is tolerable.
4. Put your hands under the
person's feet being treated and gently immerse them in the warm water, ask the
person if temperature of water is Okey adjust according to the person's needs
by adding cold or hot water.
5. Completely wrap the person's
and the foot tub (to avoid heat escape), leave the head and neck exposed
6. When sweating occurs, place a
cold wet towel or washcloth on the forehead (to avoid brain damage) and wipe
off perspiration from the face
7. Add hot water periodically to
the person's tolerance, ensure to place your hand between the hot water been
poured and the person's feet and stir water while pouring (to avoid burning)
8. Warm water should be taken
periodically to enhance sweating and replace fluid lost through sweating. Drink
a hot cup of tea you can use ginger tea or the lemon tea that will help sweat
even more
9. Treatment should last between
15 to 20 minutes.
TREATMENT COMPLETION.
Pray with the patient.
1. Gently lift the feet out of the water and
quickly pour cold water on the feet (to close the pores of skin and protect
against infections)
2. The person's feet should dried
and cover.
3. Some time should be given the
person to rest after which the person can have a shower or bath.
Asthma
(AZ-ma)
is a chronic (long-term) lung disease that inflames and narrows
the airways.
Asthma causes recurring periods of wheezing (a whistling sound when you breathe),
chest tightness, shortness of breath, and coughing. The coughing often occurs
at night or early in the morning.
Asthma is a lung disease that results in
blockage of the airways. During an asthma attack, the muscles around the bronchi (which
are the small passageways of the lungs) tighten and narrow, making it difficult for air
to leave the lungs.
The chronic inflammation and excessive
sensitivity of the bronchi produce those constricting spasms. The bronchial tubes swell and become plugged
with mucous. An attack, often occurring at night, usually begins as a nonproductive
cough and wheezing, which is often followed by difficult breathing and a tight chest. After
a few hours it subsides.
SYMPTOMS—Difficult
breathing, coughing, wheezing, tight chest. Attacks of multiple symptoms can occur suddenly or gradually.
Sometimes there is coughing with thick, persistent sputum that may be clear or yellow.
There is a feeling of suffocation.
WHAT CAUSES/TRIGGERS ASTHMA?
Attack may be triggered by an allergen
or other irritant, such as chemicals, drugs, dust mites, feathers, food additives, pollutants, fumes, mold,
animal dander, tobacco smoke, etc. But other things can also do it: anxiety, fear, laughing, stress, low blood
sugar, adrenal disorders, temperature changes, extremes of dryness or humidity, or respiratory
infections.
Asthmatics are frequently very sensitive to
foods containing sulfite additives: potassium metabisulfite sulfur dioxide, potassium bisulfite, sodium
bisulfite, etc. Restaurants use them, to prevent discoloration in salads and other foods. Sulfites are
also added to many other foods by the food industry.
Nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide,
ozone, carbon monoxide, hydrocarbons, nitrogen oxide, and cigarette smoke are also known to precipitate
asthma attacks.
Fumes and strong odors, such as
turpentine, paints, gasoline, perfumes, etc., disturb many asthmatics.
Flu Vaccines Lead to Asthma
in infants http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2004/04/14/flu-vaccines-partone.aspx
The highest care and attention should be given to the heart. Most parts and organs of our bodies have their counterparts, we have two eyes likewise our lungs, kidney, etc,.
We have but one heart, if damaged its damaged. The good news is that we need not suffer from heart related diseases if our heart is properly taken care of.
Listed below are herbs that demonstrated the ability to strengthen the heart in its work of ensuring proper circulation throughout the body.
TURMERIC: Turmeric is a bright golden colored spice.
Curcumin is the the active ingredient in turmeric that gives it its bright color.
Curcumin is a valuable remedy for allergies, arthritis, diabetes, psoriasis, etc,.
Curcumin in turmeric acts as an anti inflammatory agent by blocking several different inflammatory pathways and interfere with inflammation formation throughout the body.
Turmeric tends to reduce the risk of stroke and heart attack due to their lower cholesterol levels, thin the blood and counter inflammation. As a result, turmeric is a vital remedy for circulatory disorder.
GARLIC: Garlic is known for its pungent odor and taste which is due to the presence of allcin [a natural sulfoxide], it counters many infections including those of the nose, throat, and chest.
Clinical studies show that garlic has the ability to significantly reduce the formation of atherosclerotic plaque and by 20 percent lower the blood cholesterol level because of its vasodilating properties [blood vessels widening] as such reduces the risk of heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases, it also has antioxidant properties.
Ginger: it reduces the risk of blood clot, it’s platelet aggregation inhibitory activity is due to the presence of diterpenes. The anti-inflammatory effect of Ginger is thought to be due to inhibition of cyclooxygenase and 5-lipoxygenase, results in reduced leukotriene and prostaglandin synthesis.
Hawthorn: the main flavonoids from Hawthorn has the ability to enhance coronary flow, heart rate, left ventricular pressure and the velocity of contraction and relaxation. It also helps to pull fluids out of the heart.
CAYENNE: The main ingredient in cayenne is Capsicum, it has been found to induce increased fibrinolytic activity and simultaneously cause hypocoagulability of blood and it is a prophylactic therapy for arteriosclerosis, stroke and heart disease. It is a tonic, stimulant and improves circulation.
FLAXSEED: It is useful for the reduction of cholesterol levels in the liver (due to the unsaturated omega 3 fatty acids). A blood sugar lowering effect was also proven. The antitumo- ral effect is attributed to the lignans (lignans are antimycotic, anti-oxidative and anti-estrogenic). Triglycerides reduces hardening of arteries, increases high-density-lipoprotein and reduces blood platelet stickiness.
GRAPE SEED EXTRACT: The oxidation of low-density lipoproteins (LDL) by free radicals is associated with the initiation of atherosclerosis. Proanthocyanidin contained in grape decreases the number of LDL-positive macrophage-derived foam cells in atherosclerotic lesions. The compound also inhibits the oxidation of cholesteryl linoleate in LDL to exert a reduction in atherosclerosis of the aorta,as such reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke.
PSYLLIUM: Psyllium increases choles- terol and bile acid fecal excretion but does not affect cholesterol synthesis. Psyllium may lower serum cholesterol levels by replacing dietary fats, thereby reducing the amount available for absorption, and not directly affecting cholesterol.A decrease in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol levels and total cholesterol
ONIONS: They are natural anticlotting agents. They inhibit thrombosis [blood clot formation] and are blood thinners due to the presence of sulfur compounds in them.
References
1.PDR for herbal medicines
2.Swain JF; Rouse IL; Curley CB; Sacks FM. Comparison of the effects of oat bran and low-fiber wheat on serum lipoprotein levels and blood pressure. N Engl J Med 1990 Jan 18;322(3): 147-52.
3.Schwesinger WH; Kurtin WE; Page CP et al. Soluble dietary fiber protects against cholesterol gallstone formation. Am J Surg 1999 Apr;177(4):307-10.
4.Seggev JS; Ohta K; Tipton WR. IgE mediated anaphylaxis due to a psyllium-containing drug. Ann Allergy 1984 Oct;53(4):325-6.
5.Spence JD; Huff MW; Heidenheim P et al. Combination therapy with colestipol and psyllium mucilloid in patients with hyperlipemia. Ann Intern Med 1995 Oct l;123(7):493-9.
6.Swain JF; Rouse IL; Curley CB; Sacks FM. Comparison of the effects of oat bran and low-fiber wheat on serum lipoprotein levels and blood pressure. N Engl J Med 1990 Jan 18;322(3): 147-52.
7.Tomoda M et al., (1987) Planta Med 53(1 ):8.
8.Turnbull WH: Thomas HG. The effect of a Plantago ovata seed containing preparation on appetite variables, nutrient and energy intake. Int J Obes Relat Metab Disord 1995 May;19(5):338-42
