diseases 231
and alcohol at all cost.f Gentian root is a bitter tonic to be taken before meals. It is an ancient
European remedy for all digestive and liver and gallbladder prob-
lems. Meadowsweet leaf, common in Europe, will also be useful. Si-
berian ginseng root for tonic support will be vital, as may other tonic
herbs depending on the symptoms displayed. Expert advice will be
vital.
f Use milk thistle seed though cautiously and in small doses so as not
to push the liver too hard. The silymarin it contains has been found
to have protective and regenerative properties, making it effective in
chronic and postacute hepatitis. Milk thistle is known to protect liver
cells from injury, toxins, free radicals, and viral toxins, and to increase
the population of liver enzymes — all of which encourage a quick re-
covery from injury, while stimulating regeneration of liver tissue.
Schisandra berry and dandelion root will also be vital for their power-
ful and balanced liver detoxifi cation abilities.
f The spleen will need to be assisted to perform better (it can occasion-
ally show slight enlargement with hepatitis C). Use echinacea root,
olive leaf, and turmeric rhizome to assist immunity.
~ Under supervision, liver and gallbladder cleanses, along with a colon
cleanse are essential. Use barberry root bark and other liver and
bowel cleansers as well.
~ Castor-oil packs over the liver will help.
~ For more natural-healing practices, diet, and routines for the liver,
gallbladder, and spleen, refer to chapter 9. A bland diet with steamed,
stewed food is essential. Vigilance will keep this disease to a mini-
mum, so that it neither recurs nor worsens.
high blood pressure (hypertension)
Hypertension is a well-known and common condition in society
nowadays, probably because of our diets and lifestyle. It can be hereditary
or caused by individual habits and stress levels. Its physical causes can
include heart and circulatory imbalance, troubled kidneys, sluggish or
overactive hormones, a lack of calcium or defective calcium metabolism,
obesity, clogged arteries, nervousness, and worry. The dangers of
persistent high blood pressure are damage to the brain, heart, and
kidneys. The brain, kidneys, adrenal glands, and autonomic nervous
system control blood pressure. Refer to “Heart Disease” for more
information. Also see “The Circulatory System” in chapter 9 in order to
develop a general awareness of appropriate diet, natural healing, herbs,
and cleansing programs.
231 The Complete Home Guide to Herbs, Natural Healing, and Nutrition