*** Herbal Formulas That Do Not Work  

***Supplements-Mineral and Vitamin Supplements The HONEST STORY

Other beverages (daily, occasionally):

The only thing I drink daily is water. Fantastic! Occasionally when I am very tired and need to do something I will drink black tea. Perhaps one to two cups a week. I understand doing  that completely (I've had major on/off battles with caffeine for decades) but when we're healing ourselves, the first rule (always) is to "stop doing what makes us sick, and start doing what makes us healthy"...and black/green teas both contain HIGH amounts of fluoride: Fluoride Green/Black Tea and anything with caffeine actually results in a lack of energy in the end. When you get the time :::grin::: you'll understand more fully why even a few cups a weeks is harmful by scanning through these: Caffeine Effects & Dangers -   &   +Caffeine Withdrawal - Re: Quickie: anything else I should order? 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How many bowel movements daily/weekly? (color, consistency, etc)

Right now b/c of the Diflucan I am constipated. Most often I go once a day in the am. They seem normal movements, not really hard. Sometimes I will go a 2nd time. I know you've been reading a LOT about bowel & constipation issues. I just want to make sure and clarify - in a general sense "constipation" is anytime we're not having 3-5 normal bowel movements daily (one for every meal eaten and one upon rising and possibly before going to bed). They should be 'about' the color & consistency of peanut butter. Too many can also indicate 'constipation' (because many times 'too many' indicates there are major constrictions, inflammation or impactions that substantially narrow the passageway) - this causes strangely formed (sometimes too runny) and over frequent bms. The diverticulitis is definitely a sign of frequent engorging, impaction & swelling that causes the pockets/herniations to "pop out" - as those are impacted with various putrefying organic matter, we then see the various inflammations & infections.

Do you have a juicer? (if so what kind? centrifugal; single auger; masticating; if you don't know, what's the brand/model?)

I have a Breville juice fountain and also a pretty good blender which I was able to make the green and fruit smoothies in. 'Glad to hear you have a juicer and a good blender (both are essential). I realize the Breville Juice Fountain is VERY fast and super easy to utilize, but frustratingly, it a centrifugal juicer so it provides the least nutrition of any type of juicer. Read through this for more info: http://curezone.com/upload/_N_Forums/Natural_Heali/JuicerInformation.doc and perhaps you'll end up considering selling your Breville on eBay/other and getting a juicer that provides substantially more healing/healthy benefits. In the meantime (if you're not already), dust that baby off and put 'er to work as often as you possibly can. JUICE-FASTING: The POWERFUL healing therapy! and this MAJOR time-saver: Juicing in canning jars

Current Health Issues (the more details, the better!):

I went to a new doctor recently and his idea was that I had leaky gut and that was the main issue behind all of my problems. I did a stool test from Metametrix and it came back with +3 out of 4 for yeast/fungi. It said I had no parasites and there were no other major issues. He put me on Diflucan 200mg 2x a day for two weeks. I continued the treatment for another two weeks because I thought it was helping. I am still in the process of taking it. I have taken it for about 3 weeks. With or without a "test" it would be almost impossible to convince me that you didn't have a candida overgrowth (due to all the drugs/fluoride and knowing that you've had such severe colon issues). It's extremely uncommon for parasites to show up in ANY stool test :( It's likely 95% or more humans have some type of parasite; the build-up of "mucoid plaque" and decaying organic matter throughout the intestinal tract is THE perfect/major feeding, breeding and hiding place of parasites. Doing a parasite cleanse with your colon cleansing/healing is easy (and not very expensive) - so that's definitely on the 'to do' list below...but it may be something you want to wait to do until after the first 30 days of cleansing and healing restoration. Sure, killing off the yeastie-beasties results in a lessening of symptoms, but it doesn't correct the reason they've over-proliferated. This is a GREAT overview (another "must read"): Candida Albicans - Intestinal Yeast Overgrowth - Bacterial Dysbiosis - Gut Dysbiosis

 

In addition he did say the test showed I had more bad bacteria than good bacteria. He sold me his (of course) expensive probiotic which I have been taking for a month. For as long as I can remember I have taken probiotics, high quality ones which made me surprised that it seemed they have not done anything. Actually we find that this isn't uncommon at all. In a nutshell: when the condition/state of the lining of the colon isn't healthy (particularly when it's coated/covered with junk), there's simply no way for the various microorganisms to recolonize. So the capsules we take are generally "only good" until they're pooped out :( You'll have MUCH better results if you replenish as you cleanse and restore (and afterward too). We currently have a supply of water kefir grains so you can make your own water kefir (just be sure to ask in the 'Note section' when you place your order and we'll be sure to send you some free), and you'll likely want to get some milk kefir grains so you can start making your own dairy kefir (very inexpensive and extremely effective). You can save a few of those expensive capsules and mix some in with the kefirs (if you want to experiment :). Just be sure to utilize only organic, non-homogenized milk (raw if at all possible).   This is where I suggest you get dairy kefir grains: Real Kefir Grains · Quality Probiotic Cultures

The Metametrix botanicals test came back that the yeast fungi were sensitive to: Garlic, Uva Ursi, Oregano, Cats Claw and Oil of Thyme. It is resistant to: Black Walnut, Wormwood, Goldenseal, Caprylic Acid, Olive Leaf, and Undecylenic Acid.  I am very skeptical of these types of test, because I much prefer to make my decisions based on symptoms & results. It's virtually impossible to recreate the conditions of the human body outside of the human body - and responses in a test tube or petri dish typically are much different than those that occur within the human body. Whatever my opinion, it's garlic that's THE most effective for yeast/fungi, so we're "good to go" there.

The yeast is what led me to this forum. :::smile::: you're likely getting quite a bit more than you bargained for, eh? :) I'm much more interested in true healing, than just addressing one or two isolated 'issues'.

In June 2009 I had emergency surgery on my colon. I had to have a piece of my colon removed and I had a colostomy bag for 5 months. In November they reversed the surgery. Unknown to me, I had Diverticulosis and I had a very bad attack which punctured my colon. Previous to this I did not really have any stomach issues. Some nausea on and off and bloating but nothing else.

My 1st hospital stay with the surgery was about 9 days in June of 2009. About 2 weeks after I was released I got sick and ended up back in the hospital for about 5 days. I was throwing up and unable to keep food down. Then in Nov 2009 I had the reversal surgery and was in the hospital for about 7 days. During these hospital stays I was on a morphine pump, antibiotics, and other things. I took Percocet after the surgeries as well for the pain. There was also the anesthesia from the surgery.

In November before my 2nd surgery I had a Colonoscopy which came up clear except for Diverticulosis.

 

I realize (of course) there may be other 'migraine triggers', but knowing that all the scans revealed nothing-nada-zero-zip, and "they" haven't been able to isolate the cause, I'm sure the colon cleansing/healing is the first step (and since it's also imperative for all the various digestive tract/colon issues & candida), you're bound to realize a LOT of positive benefits (you may start seeing/feeling them after only a week or two).

In addition to migraines I get tension headaches and have chronic pain throughout my body. The pain is mainly on my shoulders, neck and upper back. When I can afford it I go for a massage which does help. I used to take Naproxen daily but recently stopped this and only take it when needed. I also take valium as needed for the muscle pain. We've already talked about 'cayenne for pain', and it's likely to give you a lot of relief. There are two other things that are extremely effective. One is coffee enemas (crazy, I know), the other is EFT.

Foot reflexology is a healing therapy/modality (like castor oil packs) that is HIGHLY underestimated and underused!

I take Phenergan and Zofran for the nausea with the headaches. Sometimes I just get nauseous for no reason and have to take it. I have tried to lessen it since I found out it causes constipation. I can tell you're doing your best to stay away from the pharmaceuticals (good for you!). I don't know what all you've tried but ginger root is usually the most effective 'anti nausea herb' we have (other than cannabis). Even the aroma/fumes of ginger reduce nausea - so if you haven't yet tried it, make yourself a cup of ginger root tea and give it a try.

Also, the Liver/Detox/Digestion tea might be extremely soothing and beneficial (you'll need this for the liver cleansing anyway). Here's information about it: http://curezone.com/schulze/handbook/detoxification.asp (it's yummy :)

Fatigue: I have struggled for years with fatigue. When I was working full time I could often fall asleep at 7 or 8pm. Just too tired to stay awake. Now I am seem to have extreme fatigue all the time. If I have to do alot I usually have to have caffeine to make it thru. I have done salvia tests, blood tests, etc. My cortisol levels are low and I have been told that I have adrenal issues. Since Dec 2009 they have tried me on cortef, hydrocortisone and low dose prednisone. I stopped this when my face got puffy like a chickmunk and I got horrible acne! I have tried other various things thru the years but nothing has helped. I can certainly understand why you'd be experiencing "fatigue" - I'm sure your body is exhausted :( When you review all the various adverse-effects of all the pharmaceuticals you'll have a much more clear 'picture' of what your body is actually dealing with...and it's dealing with it all with organs that have never had any regular maintenance. Honestly, we both know this isn't going to be some kind of a "quick fix", but I really do believe you're going to experience very positive results in a relative short period of time (folks with "multiple issues" that have never done any cleansing always do - especially when they add ample Superfood & juiceing). Do you sleep soundly when you sleep? 

Depression: I believe that for years I have struggled with depression. It became very bad after my surgery in November. I think part of this is a physical response to the surgeries and how my body is reacting. I have not wanted to take any daily medication for it and fought it recently when I felt I had to try something. I tried 5-HTP and it did not seem to work for me so about 2 months ago I started the anti-depressant, Wellbutrin. I do not think it is doing much so I have decided to try and start weaning myself off. I suffered with "genetic severe clinical depression" for over 15 years. I was officially "incurable" and had to be on meds for the rest of my life. ::::insert huge smirk here::: I still have a Prozac capsule in plain sight on my desk, just to remind me how WRONG they are about depression!   I tried everything to get off the drugs (including, I think, every encapsulized version of St. John's Wort on the market). A good colon, liver, and kidney cleansing (what I now know is something I should have been doing yearly, the same way I do maintenance on a car or any other equipment) and fish oil, a gradual taper and I was "all done Prozac". Oh how I wish I'd had a quality, whole-herb St. John's Wort tincture back then. Depression is still my 'weakest link' (we all have them, they're mostly genetic). Any time I'm overdue for a cleanse or I'm "off my game", the symptoms start sneaking back in. A few days of St. John's Wort always makes a HUGE difference...and it's definitely what I suggest (it's also good for muscle pain). It may not be something you ever need after you've restored your health, but it's fantastic for relieving the symptoms of depression.

St. John's Wort is known to lower the levels of some drugs in the bloodstream (because it enhances liver detoxification of the drugs). The databases indicate there *might* be a interaction with Imitrex. This warning is "theoretical, based on pharmacology" (meaning there's never been a known reaction, they just think there's the possibility of one). I personally doubt there's any type of a risk, but it's not my body. My suggestion would be to get a sample and give it a try when you're not taking the Imitrex. "Herbal lore" tells us that we should take something for two weeks in order to notice a benefit, but I know many people (including myself) that can feel the difference after only a few days. 

Thyroid issues-On and off for about 8 years I have taken thyroid medications. I have never really seen any difference in how I felt. Some doctors I see say I have a problem and others thru the years say I do not. I have taken Armour, compounds, just T3/4 etc thru the years. After Nov my doctor put me on armour and then took me off of it. I had another doctor prescribe a compound medication for me but I have not started it. I say give the Ashwagandha a try and then take it from there. It's likely you could a few months of plant-based Iodine. We have that in Dr. Christopher's Kelp Combination...but I hate to see folks spend money on herbs they might not need (not all thyroid issues are 'lack of iodine').

Stomach: Blueciel mentioned something in a post to me about her stomach which I thought I should mention since it applied to me too. I have never been able to get my stomach flat. Years ago when I was working out hardcore 6 days a week I still had a belly. Since my surgery in Nov it has gotten worse. To the point one of my nieces pats my belly like I am pregnant! I am not sure if it is the fact they cut thru my muscles (my incision goes from my belly button straight down. And there is a 2nd shorter one next to it.) or other issues. I usually poop about 1x or 2x a day. Not often am I constipated unless I have taken certain medicines. I sometimes feel bloated as well. There have been no additional bowel problems since my surgery in November. It sounds to me like you're referring to 'lower down' than your actual stomach (which is #4 in the image below).

Our liver is VERY important here - bile from the liver is our natural IF#1 (it helps create peristalsis - the squeezing action of the intestines). And when they're stretch out and pocketed, they need all the squeezing action they can get (especially when we eat foods like meat & dairy which have no fiber to help the process at all). So when the liver is congested, it's difficult to achieve healthy bowel activity. I've helped a few people that did a full colon cleanse but would do any liver cleansing...until they got through their colon cleanse and found they still couldn't achieve normal bowel activity. A few liver flushes later? bingo-bango-boombo :)

Sleep: I have always struggled one way or another with sleep. Most often it is waking up thru the night. I also do not really ever feel like I have gotten a restful sleep. I do not think I sleep deeply at all. I wake up with most sounds. I tried sleeping pills over the years but nothing really worked and my preference is to go natural if I can. Recently I have been taking Melatonin and that seems to help along with a loud fan to block out noise. I also take Magnesium to help with sleep and bowel movements. Sometimes when it is bad I have taken Xanax or Clonazepam. Got it (ignore the question above). #1, do your best to stay away from the benzos (xanax, clonazepam, valium) - they're the thing most likely to help the symptom and worsen the condition. They are insidiously addictive (4 weeks or less can cause a life-destroying addiction), that evidences itself in all manner of symptoms (inability to sleep being one of the most common). Make sure you do 15 minutes of 'barefooting' every day (you might be amazed at the relief you get in the sleeping department). The herbal tincture most likely to create a sound, uninterrupted sleep is also the most expensive. It's called Lady's Slipper, and it's phenomenally effective. (I say "expensive", but it's really not, because our price for Lady's Slipper is equivalent to all the 'big retailers' normal prices on herbs). It's just "expensive" in our 'product line'. Most people are sleeping within 20-30 minutes of taking 1-2 teaspoons of the tincture (approximately 4-8 droppersful). This is another area where EFT can be extremely effective.

Bones: About May 2010 I started to exercise very hard, trying to get back in shape. I was on the treadmill once or twice a day and begin running in short spurts. I ended up with stress fractures in both of my knees which are still in the process of healing. The doctor said I worked out too hard too fast. I had a Bone Density test done and it said I have Osteopenia. For as long as I can remember I have taken Calium Supplements and Vitamin D. 

Plants eat rocks, humans eat plants - that's how we're designed to get our minerals. The most effective calcium supplements are plant-based. The best I know of is Dr Christopher's Herbal Calcium (more info below in the 'recommendations')

Hormonal: Some doctors say I had low progesterone and other times they say I don’t. Blood work has varied at different times. I have tried progesterone cream many times thru the years but it always had a bad effect on me. I have not tried again in about 4/5 years. My issues with my cycle have also gotten worse as I have gotten older. My migraines are the worst during this time; I also get bad cramps as well. I truly believe a huge percentage of this 'hormonal thing' will disappear after your first 30 days colon cleansing/healing round (I also believe it's likely you'll need at least another 30 days). If you feel you want to supplement, Dr. Schulzes Female Formula is awesome. I know that when I used 'hormone supplements' before I did my first colon cleanse, the results were always negative. Now I know it's because there wasn't anything truly "wrong" with me at all, it was simply my liver couldn't process what hormones I was making adequately, and I couldn't make enough because my ovaries were squished out of shape/function.  My body didn't want supplements, it wanted to be healed. However, at that time, I didn't think to buy/try the Female Formula (because I'd had negative experiences with other low-quality herbs). If you'd like to give it a try, here's the information and dosage instructions: FEMALE (TONIC) FORMULA

Memory: Well I just do not seem to have much of one
anymore. My sort term is bad. The best thing for this is Dr. Schulzes Brain Formula (the one I suggested to help with migraines). The major herb in it is Ginkgo, but it has others to create a strong/effective synergistic action. It is slightly stimulating due to the "1 part Kola Nut" (which contains natural caffeine). You can learn more about it here: Brain Formula Tincture By Dr. Richard Schulze

I also read on a questionnaire ”sensitivity to fragrances and/or other chemicals” is a symptom of Candida, well I do have a sensitivity.  Chemical sensitivity is also strongly associated with an overburdened liver.

I have numerous blood tests as well as the Stool test info if that will help you at all. I had a heavy metals blood test done recently that came back negative. I also recently had a blood level nutrition profile done by Spectracell and it all came back that nothing was low. It's great you're not showing 'heavy metals'...but you're not low on any "nutrition"? That's just ridiculous...well, actually it's not, because these tests are based on "the average American" (and the average American is dreadfully undernourished). Oooh, that reminds me (another good "truth") - The Faulty Mathematics of "Medicine" - check it out when you get a chance: The Faulty Mathematics of Medicine

If you've consulted any type of practitioner, what did they determine or suggest? Do you agree?

Everyone has different opinions which you can see from my medical notes. I have been told I have diverticulosis, migraines, tension headache, Occipital Neuralgia, Osteopenia, Fractured Knees (which are healing) Thyroid Issues, Adrenal issues, Hormonal issues, Depression, ADD/ADHD, CFS, Fibromyalgia, Leaky Gut, Autoimmune disorder, etc Wow, 'sounds to me like they're ready to push you in the casket and close the lid. You know what? It doesn't matter if you DO have all those things - your body knows exactly how to restore itself and it has the ability to do it. All we need to do is lend a helping hand to help it back to it's natural homeostasis and harmony (and be sure to give it all the top-grade premium fuel it needs)!

Have you ever done any "cleansing"? (colon, liver, kidney, etc); if so, when and what type/product & results?

Nothing except for the bowel cleanse (drink thing) I had to do before my colonoscopy and 2nd surgery. I have fasted before but it has been a few years

What other types of allopathic, alternative or natural therapies or protocols have you tried (if any)? results?

Massage Therapy worked great for my pain/migraines but it is too expensive to do consistently so now I do it only when I am very bad. There might be others but I cannot remember

Past issues, drugs, surgeries that you think may be contributing to current issues?

I think surgeries listed above in 2009 can be contributing to the worsening of my issues and debilitation that seems to be occurring now.

Any major changes in diet, supplements, drugs, stress-levels, location, lifestyle recently? results?

I changed to the Candidia Diet about a week ago and as listed about also went 100% Gluten Free. I have not seen any results yet. As far as other major changes it would be the surgeries listed above.

Are you aware of the difference between "alternative medicine" and truly natural healing?

Not 100% sure

What do YOU think & discern is wrong (and why?)

It may seem from reading all of this, all the medicines/narcotics I have taken that I like to medicate. The truth actually is that I do not. Since my surgery’s things have gotten more difficult physically so I will admit I have turned to the medication more easily than in the past. I would always prefer to find a natural way to heal my body and I have tried several things over the years. That is what led me to eating raw. I have seen ND doctors, along with a long list of other doctors. I cannot even begin to think of all the money I have spent over the years trying one thing or another, going to this doctor or ND, trying anything I could find to feel better.

After reading up on the forum for weeks I think that yeast and other things might be the solution to some of my health problems. You asked “why” and I guess because my symptoms seem to match up to so many listed. The medical issues I have could be so many other things as well but I think thru the years I have explored all of those with no true results, just more maintaining at times. I have explored so much out there to try and get better but this is one area I have not explored. I do think most if not all of my health issues have an underlying cause. The problem is thru the years the doctors have been treating the symptoms but have never been able to find the underlying cause. I have been reading so much on the forum but just seem to get more and more confused. I have also read a few books. I have been unable to come up with a plan of action. That is what I am looking for. While I am not working this is the perfect time to do any of this and I am ready to try it out but I just need some help with a plan.

After reading some of your info here are a few questions I have. They may not been relevant depending on your thoughts of a plan for me.

1.After reading some of your info it talks about doing a juice fast while cleansing. I think (and I could be wrong) that something on Dr. Schultze info said to get the bowel working first and then do the juice fast?

2.If you do a juice fast while doing a bowel cleanse would I do green smoothies with my blender since my juicer separates the pulp?

3.Would there be any concerns with my past colon surgery and Diverticulosis with doing a cleanse? My colon is totally healed according to the surgeon.

4.I think awhile back I tried Psyllium and it made me bloated. I do not think I used it for long. Just wondering if you take any type of senne tea or anything while doing the cleanse if you become constipated?

5.I am totally confused about fruit and whether or not I should be eating it right now. Some things say not at all, others say green apples okay, others say stop whatever you have been eating a lot for three weeks and then reintroduce. Also if you do a juice fast would you not use fruit with it?

6.I am a little afraid of enemas. I had enough dealing with my poop . But, if it would help me I wouldJwhile I had an colostomy bag… certainly be willing to try but would need a lot of info on the best way to do it.

7.What are your thoughts on Candida Diet and such? Again I read so much conflicting info about feeding the yeast etc.
Sorry for the incredibly long book about my health issues but I wanted to be as detailed as possible. Weird to think so many people might be reading it but perhaps it can help others

As I said, I would be incredibly grateful if you could help me come up with a plan. I understand if you are not able to, just thought it was worth trying.

With gratitude,
Jackie