diseases 255
Alzheimer’s disease is a chronic dementia that causes great distress for
those around the patient; it is sadly on the increase. The patient becomes
forgetful and disoriented, has mood swings, and becomes less and less
able to walk, eat, and function normally. Some practitioners feel that the
mercury from dental fi llings is drastically increasing the risk of
Alzheimer’s disease. Aluminum from cooking pots and utensils is also
suspected to be involved. Another theory is that the brain attacks itself in
an overactive and misguided immune response. Mercury, aluminum,
pesticides, and processing agents added to food are also felt to contribute.
I have reason to believe that the bowel and liver have a huge effect on
both of these diseases; when these organs and systems are cleared, I have
seen fundamental changes take place.
- Refer to chapter 4 and adopt a good diet, free of foods that will harm
the nervous system, such as stimulants like coffee, tea, and sugar.
Malnutrition is felt to be a large factor in both Parkinson’s and Alz-
hei mer’s diseases. - Nerve foods like soaked oats, nonactive yeast, and spirulina will be
important. - Eat antioxidant foods (see chapter 4).
f Nerve sedatives will help to promote sleep: valerian root in the short
term and skullcap leaf in the longer term.
f Nerve relaxants and tonics must become a daily ritual. Use equal
amounts of gotu kola herb, vervain leaf, wood betony leaf and fl ower,
lemon balm leaf, lobelia leaf, and St. John’s wort fl ower.
f Time and again it has been shown that using herbal stimulants to
treat the shakes experienced by Parkinson’s sufferers is effective. In
effect, the body needs waking up and rebuilding; refer to “The Ner-
vous System” in chapter 9.
~ Intensive cleanses for the kidneys, liver, and colon with the use of
juices and organic food will be vital, as clearing the liver and colon
helps the brain function more effectively. Many health workers feel
that liver toxicity underpins both of these conditions.
~ Relaxation methods, together with signifi cant exercise, should be
pursued.
~ Use deep bodywork, refl exology, and massage.
~ Persistent hydrotherapy can be helpful, according to the individual
and the caregiver’s time and abilities.
pelvic inflammatory disease (salpingitis)
Infl ammation of the pelvic organs is caused by infection from the uterus,
255 The Complete Home Guide to Herbs, Natural Healing, and Nutrition