Listening to the Plants Nature is Talking to us.

The shamans say that plants connect us with nature because they take their nourishment directly from the earth, as well as the sun’s rays, the air, and water. They allow us to know and recognize ourselves. A shaman must know this and must love his people to heal them. Here are just a few of the plant healers.

Jergon Sacha (Dracontium peruviuanum)

My first exposure to this plant came about quite accidentally, when one day walking through the rainforest studying the properties of the plants, the maestro Javier queried why I always walked around with a machete. I jokingly replied it’s against anacondas!. He paused in thought for a moment and beckoned for me to follow him, a few minutes later we came across this tall stemmed plant. He proceeded to cut it down and then whip me around the body paying attention to my legs and the soles of my feet.. He then said no more problems, you are protected against snakes. I asked him why this plant was used in this way, and he indicated the pattern on the stem which looks identical to the snakes in the forest. Later as I started to investigate this plant even more, I discovered some interesting correspondences; this is a plant which is widely used as an antidote against snake bite venom in the Amazon.

This is accordance with the doctrine of signatures’ concept. This doctrine is at the heart of homeopathy, folk medicine, and plant shamanism. The doctrine was revealed by the great alchemist and physician Paracelus who lived in the 16th Century. The underlying principle was that the healing properties of the plant are not only in the outer physical’ form, but also in their inner or spiritual nature. The Doctrine of Signatures holds that this inner nature can be revealed by it’s outer physical form or signatures. This plant is a clear demonstration of the outer form indicating the inner qualities. It’s use is directly related to it’s physical appearance, the patterns on the tall stem closely resembles the skin patterns of the highly venomous pit viper known as Bushmaster’ or Jararaca which is indigenous to the Amazon.

The large tuber of the plant is an well known and highly effective antidote for the bite of venomous snakes. The tuber is chopped up, and immersed in cold water and then drunk. Also the chopped tuber is placed in a banana leaf and used as a poultice which is wrapped around the bite area. These procedures are repeated every few hours. Of course the deal here is that it works, and as it not possible to store anti-venom vaccines in the rainforest without refrigeration, this plant has exceptional life-saving importance.

Mocura / Mucura Petivera Alliacea. This plant can be taken orally or used in floral baths to raise energy, or take you out of a saladera (a run of bad luck, inertia, sense of not living to the full). Gives mental strength and you can feel its effects as also with Ajo Sacha, both are varieties of false’ garlic and have a penetrating aroma.

One of it’s qualities is that on a personal psychological level it can boost one’s strength. For example it is considered good in countering shyness, and can strengthen one’s own sense of personal value and authority. One of it’s properties is to help people overcome irrational’ fears & fearful memories

Medicinal properties include asthma, bronchitis, reduction of fat and cholesterol. This plant grows widely in the lower Amazon, and it is used widely in purification (floral baths) .

Pion Colorado Jatropha gossypifoilio

Has short lived effect after drinking but helps lucid dreaming later on when you go to bed. Can be used as a planta maestra and it is a plant that maestros can take when being during their initiation. Can also take with tobacco.

The plant’s properties on the physical level relate to problems such as, burns, swellings, intestinal parasites , Insect bites and stings, vaginal infections, and bronchitis. It is possible to take the resin which is much stronger but toxic if too much ingested. The resin can be applied directly to the skin.

Piri-piri, (Cyperaceae). Native people throughout the Amazon cultivate numerous varieties of medicinal sedges to treat a wide range of health problems, the native peoples for example, use sedge roots to treat headaches, fevers, cramps, dysentery and wounds as well as to ease childbirth. Special sedge varieties are cultivated by Shipiba women to improve their skill weaving and to protect their babies from illness.

Teresa a Shipiba craftswoman who joins us on our Amazon Retreats, told me that it is customary when the girls are very young for their mothers to squeeze a few drops of the piri piri’ seed sap into their eyes in order to give their daughters the ability to have visions of the designs that she will make throughout her life.

The men cultivate special sedges to improve their hunting. Since the plant is used for such a wide range of conditions, it was once dismissed as being mere superstition. Pharmacological research has revealed the presence of ergot alkaloids, which are known to have diverse effects on the body from stimulation of the nervous system to constriction of blood vessels. These alkaloids are responsible for the wide range of medicinal uses. Apparently the ergot alkaloids come not from the plant itself but from a fungus that infects the plant.

Chanca piedra Stone Breaker (Phyllanthus Niruri)

This is a hybrid name chanca meaning to break in Quechua and piedra meaning stone in Spanish. This herb from the Amazon has been used by the indigenous peoples of the Rainforest for generations as an effective remedy to eliminate gall, and kidney stones. The plant has demonstrated its effectiveness against many illnesses including, kidney problems , urinary problems, colic, dysentery, jaundice and numerous other conditions. This herb has become widely used in South America as the herbal remedy for gall and kidney stones, and can typically be bought in capsule or leaf form from many stores. This plant is used only for its pharmaceutical properties, and is not a planta maestra. As a note, this plant is also starting to become known in Western Medical circles, as when I brought some back for my mother to help her with her kidney stones, her doctor was apparently familiar with this herb, but he still didn’t want her to use it due to possible contra-indications with the prescribed pharmaceutical medicine.

Reflections.

On reflection plant medicine is totally different than pharmaceutical medication which only affects one whilst it is being taken; these kinds of plant medicines seem to have a permanent effect in some way metaphorical or otherwise altering one’s consciousness or “DNA”. Paracelus, is still a source of inspiration to all those who work with the healing properties of herbs, and the plants.

One of the great revelations that we can experience in working with the plant spirit or consciousness is that we are not separate from the natural world. In our culture we perceive ourselves to be separate beings with our minds firmly embedded within our physical being (typically our head). The plants can show you that this way of being is an illusion and that we are all connected, all of us and everything else is a discrete element in the great universal field of consciousness or spirit.

Internal medicine experts are the detectives of the medical world, diagnosing problems affecting multiple areas of the body at once in a way that specialists cannot.

Generally speaking, all medicine is at it’s most basic level internal medicine. The body is a complex and extraordinary machine, made up of vastly different mechanisms all working in unison to propel our bodies through life. From the minutiae of our genes to the ways in which our body movies across our homes, the body is many parts that make a whole. However complex and beautiful the body may be, it is not invulnerable to harm.

There are many, many different ways in which we may injure ourselves and our bodies. In some cases, these injuries may in fact be the cause of genetic factors that have slowly, quietly been working on our bodies for years, seemingly beyond our control. To treat the myriad of problems that may befall our bodies, you will need a doctor well-versed in the study of internal medicine.

When presented with a problem, doctors will often become like detectives as they pursue the path to a diagnosis. Since our bodies entail so many different components that all affect each other, a quality doctor must be well-versed in all of these different body components in order to suss out the proper diagnosis.

The doctor will usually begin by examining the problem itself and how it presents itself. Using information gained from this primary examine, the doctor will next begin to look at your history and lifestyle, looking for direct factors that may explain the injury as well as factors not directly related to the injury or disorder that may still affect your treatment.

Once the problem has been diagnosed using all available information, your doctor will establish a plan of action to treat the problem. The goal during treatment will be treat the problem completely and quickly while also insuring that the treatment in no way further injures or stresses your body.

Both before and after a problem arises, your doctor can also work with you to prevent future problems. As in the diagnoses process, the doctor will examine your medical history, the available medical history of your family, and your lifestyle. Your doctor may even have you seek out detailed genetic testing. With all of this available information, your doctor will be able to help you preemptively treat problems before they arise.

To keep your whole body healthy and working fine, take the first step and find an internal medicine expert in your area today.

Internal medicine in Indianapolis is like medical detective work. Learn more at https://www.angieslist.com

You would think that because it is called a medicine bag that it has actual medicine inside. Well technically, it holds natural elements and healing herbs that are important to the wearer. In Native American culture, these items offer holistic cures and protection both physically as well as spiritually. Can modern medicine do that for you?

Native American medicine bags are not just used by those who claim to possess healing powers. They hold specially chosen items such as herbal plants and stones. Worn by most Indians for personal uses, these bags are a normal part of the Native American culture. The sizes of the bags can vary but are mostly small in size. To maintain personal harmony which consists of the spiritual, physical and the supernatural, many people choose to wear a medicine bag. Throughout life, the needs of an individual change so the contents of a medicine bag will change also. Various herbs and other items of importance to the wearer are placed in the bag. Some of these can be found in nature and the everyday experiences of men. They could be classified into the plant kingdom, animal kingdom, mineral kingdom and the things seen in the world of man.

The appeal of Native American medicine bags has become widespread and it is being used now by non native Indians as a form of protection and a source of power. Not only worn, many people place them wherever they want and even under the pillow while they sleep. These important bags are made of very soft leather.

Healers often use the contents to perform the ritual known as vision quest to enhance the supernatural and spiritual abilities of the wearer. It would then promote an increase in physical strength, agility, skills in fighting as well as healing. The intense spiritual connections and beliefs in the supernatural make Native Americans really interesting and the use of various kinds of herbs in a specialized pouch makes the experience more grounded because for Native Americans, the connection between nature and spirituality are very tightly knit. Every herb or item used responds to a certain kind of spiritual euphoria to attain something unimaginable or to enhance the quality of life of the individual.

Although modern medicine and practical knowledge is available to everyone now days, the allure of the Native American medicine bag is still present. Having a Native Indian medicine bag is something of homage to the beautiful culture as well as hand craftsmanship of the great American Indians of the United States.

When you hear about oil of oregano, you may start to think of a variety of delicious ways to use it in recipes in your kitchen. However, what you should know that this type of essential oil is actually quite different than what you would use in your favorite foods. In the homeopathic world, oregano oil is a strong natural supplement that can be used in a vast amount of way to help people with a number of health concerns. Today, many patients will use this oil as a piece of their daily routine to help them with everything from allergies and colds to headaches and dental health. The list of uses for oil of oregano happens to be so long that you will be amazed at the number of ways that you can benefit from it.

Just like the cooking spice oregano, oil of oregano comes directly from the oregano plant. This strong extract is a very powerful antioxidant that contains compounds including thymol and carvacrol. Certainly you have already heard of the many physicians and nutritionists that swear by the increase in antioxidants in any diet leading to a greater sense of health and general well-being. Some people will even say that boosting your intake of antioxidants will help to reverse some signs of aging as well as reserving cellular damage within the body. While no supplement to your diet is a cure for everything, oil of oregano can certainly be dubbed a fountain of youth for many people who are suffering from any number of ailments.

Many people who use oil of oregano swear by it when it comes to alleviating mild stomach pains. Also, when used as a cough suppressant this oil can be a wonderful asset to your medicine cabinet. Whether you are a person who cannot afford a number of the medications to be found on the market today or you are simply looking for an alternative to chemicals, keeping things natural is easy when you make sure that you always have this beneficial oregano extract on hand.

For quite some time now, both men and women have been using oil of oregano to help fight fungus. If you suffer from athlete’s foot, you should find that this powerful extract works wonders to not only alleviate the burning or itching, but it can even do away with this affliction altogether with diligent application. At the same time, women are able to benefit from the natural healing properties of oil of oregano when it comes to knocking out bacteria and itching associated with the fungus that grows during a yeast infection. With the ability to be taken orally or applied topically after dilution with another household oil, this oregano extract is well worth its weight in gold.

Since it has been used for hundreds of years, you would think that oil of oregano would be first in the minds of everyone who is looking for a cure to a long list of health issues. However, this extract has been a well-kept secret that many people are just now tapping into. Whether you decide to use it alone as a natural supplement or if you want to use it in addition to a prescribed or over the counter medicine, you are sure to find that it will be one of the most cherished natural products within your home.

To be used for problems including back pain, asthma, burns, calluses, hay fever, impetigo, poison ivy or even measles, oil of oregano is certainly a force to be reckoned with. Just a little bit goes a long way and the benefits are simply remarkable. Before you know it, you may just find yourself using oil of oregano whenever you have a health concern.

Jock itch refers to any itchy groin rash in person, usually athletes. Jock itch is not a general medical term. There are many causes for jock itch. The most common is a fungal infection of the skin. When jock itch is caused by fungus, the rash is also known as tinea cruris. The fungus causing jock itch is a microscopic organism that grows in the outer skin layers and prefers moisture and warmth. When the fungus affects the feet, it is known as athletes foot. When the rash affects other parts of the body, it is known as tinea corporis.
Fortunately, tinea cruris is not contagious. Direct person-to-person spreading is not a problem. The patients own case of athletes foot is usually the source of the jock itch infection. As persons with athletes foot or fungus of the feet put their pants on, their feet hit the crotch area as the foot slides down the pant leg. When the foot hits the crotch area, it deposits microscopic spores in the groin area of clothing. This is how athletes foot can cause jock itch. So it’s not surprising that jock itch and athlete’s foot often occur at the same time, since both are caused by fungi.
Symptoms of jock itch include the following: itching and pain are common; a rash is on the groin, skin folds, inner thighs, or buttocks; the edge of the rash is very distinct and may be scaly or have bumps that look like blisters; the center of the rash may have a red-brown color. If you have had jock itch in the past, you may recognize the symptoms. Your doctor can tell if you have jock itch after asking questions about your symptoms and by looking at your rash. Your doctor may scrape a little of the rash onto a glass slide so that he or she can look at it under a microscope.
Jock itch often recurs. Warmth and moisture encourage the fungus to grow. You can prevent recurrences by drying off thoroughly after bathing, wear loose cotton underwear, and dusting bland powder in your groin once or twice daily. After swimming, put on dry clothing right away; do not wear a wet swimsuit for an extended period of time. The most important factor in preventing jock itch is to make sure that you do not develop a fungal infection of the feet or toenails. Your doctor will carefully evaluate your condition and design an appropriate treatment program.
Jock itch is treated with antifungal medicines. If it is a topical medicine, it is usually applied twice per day. To prevent recurrence, continue to apply the antifungal medicine for two to four weeks after the rash has cleared. Apply nothing else to your groin except water and a gentle nondetergent cleanser. jock itch usually clears promptly with a topical antifungal medicine. If it doesnt, you may need a one- to two-week course with an oral antifungal medicine. Jock itch is the main but not only cause of groin itching. If the rash is not improved, please return for further evaluation.
As is known, chemical drugs have a strong side effects and can cause canceration and malformation to the body, damage of physiological function, and even paralysis and death. While the ingredients of natural drugs are all biological organics and essential materials that are useful and harmless to human and animals selected and left by long-term practice. Natural drugs play an important role in multiplication and prosperity of human health. Plant medicine for jock itch is guaranteed to cure jock itch symptoms fast and safely.
Plant medicine is composed of strictly certified organic medicinal plants used for safely eliminating the jock itch fungus in sensitive skin areas. The certified organic medicinal plant extracts in plant medicine are nature’s strongest and safest cure for jock itch. Natural treatments are lipophilic and can be absorbed into your bloodstream easily. Only use of certified organic ingredients guarantees your safety. When treating sensitive skin make sure to use treatments made from certified organic medicinal plant extracts. They are free from toxic herbicides, pesticides and fertilizers.
Plant medicine is so effective that it is recommended by more non-profit medical establishments and doctors than any other organic treatment. For common diseases, it’s the most economical choice to take plant medicine. Plant medicine works on contact to eliminate the fungus causing jock itch while rejuvenating damaged, sensitive skin. The ingredients of plant medicine for jock itch are medically proven to have powerful yet safe anti-fungal activity. It is extremely effective and will cure jock itch without recurrence. To learn more, please go to https://www.fonworld.org.