Thanks, Humaworm.

That's the clearest understanding of the basics I have read.

When I began seeing a naturopath/herbalist 3 - 4 years ago, he told me he was worried for my liver.

He explained that the liver is just that, the organ that helps us LIVE.

I didn't feel particularly unwell, nor did I feel particularly well. I had gone to him because a TV doctor had spoken about the balancing of hormones. Since I knew nothing about that, I thought I'd ask.

I was amazed to begin with the liver...especially when this man wasn't recommending a whole parcel of herbs. He also wasn't a particularly good teacher, more or less keeping his knowledge to himself.

It has been up to me to fish around for information, looking from one 'symptom' to another, trying to figure it out the puzzle...wondering why I wasn't automatically drawn to the things my body needed.

For example, why would have to 'force feed' my body water? On another occasion I was told that my excess abdominal weight isn't fat, it's water!

Others said to increase water consumption slowly; some say warm, some say distilled.

Some say tap water that has sat in copper pipes upsets the copper/zinc balance. And there is evidence that anything prepared by loving hands contains that nourishing, healing energy.

Oh boy!

Then I discovered that I could sometimes FEEL the wholesomeness/importance in some foods...like I can sometimes SMELL coming snow.

So I let myself drift in the ocean of informaion/experience available.

My understanding came full circle...right back to the liver.

And every signpost along the way, the answer to my every question, simplifies.

I figure that we each need to assess the function and well-being of our own livers.

Lighten the loads, gently clean and nourish them, and we'll soon notice what makes the rest of the body feel well, too.

I heartily agree with you, R.G.

fledgling