diseases 235
(special exercises can help enormously; see the section on pregnancy in
chapter 8). A tumor causing pressure or even being overweight are other
possibilities. Chronic constipation is yet another common cause. With
help from a practitioner, one should fi nd the cause and treat it, at the
same time strengthening the sphincter muscle of the bladder and other
muscles in the area.
(^) - If fear, worry and anxiety are the cause, calcium- and magnesium-rich
foods will help: seaweeds, almonds, barley water, sesame, and herbal
teas or formulas including equal parts of valerian root and chamomile
fl ower.
f Use equal parts of parsley leaf, Rehmannia root, black cohosh root,
marshmallow root, gravel root, bearberry leaf, lobelia leaf, and
ginger root.
f Use chamomile and lavender essential oils via massage or in the bath.
~ Carry out a one-day kidney cleanse.
indigestion
The inability to digest food properly is a modern-day problem and the
cause of many allergies and conditions. Among its many causes are
tension or stress and unbalanced intestinal fl ora. When a poor balance of
stomach fl ora is allowed to develop to the point that it cannot rebalance
itself, constipation and other forms of bowel dysfunction can manifest.
The small and large intestines are largely interconnected and are,
therefore, unable to function properly on their own. A sluggish or
overactive liver, weak spleen and pancreas, and overpressured heart can all
disturb the harmonious function of the small intestine, resulting in
indigestion.
Excess Acidity
- Avoid alcohol, fried foods, and cooked spices. Also avoid wheat, dairy
products, and caffeine. - Very fi brous foods can irritate.
- Foods that require a lot of chewing and digestion, like nuts, should be
avoided for a while. - A little rice may be tolerated after the one-day fast, with some cab-
bage juice; keep up the slippery elm. Slowly come back to other
foods. - Avoid acidic foods^ —^ except for lemons and apple cider vinegar, which
are allowed unless you have an obvious reaction to them.
235 The Complete Home Guide to Herbs, Natural Healing, and Nutrition