111=1111111L Fungal Infection

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50m1 of Aloe Vera juice before meals to aid digestion and mineral absorption. Alternatively choose digestive enzyme formulas as lack of stomach acid may contribute to allergies.
Take 100mg-200mg of Betaine 3 times daily with meals or drink Gentian, a bitter herb,
with meals daily to help increase stomach acid.
Homeopathic remedies May be developed or matched against specific allergy characteristics. See an experienced homeopath for details.

Fungal Infection

i?1

The superficial fungal infections also known as dermatophytosis include ringworm,

tinea and yeast infections, such as candida and pityrosporum. Ringworm, athlete's
foot, jock itch and fungal nail infections are not life threatening, but still need to be
dealt with to stop progression, unsightly pigmentation or nail deformation, and
spreading. Sometimes the fungal infections may spread into the lower or deeper skin
tissues and, like the tip of an iceberg, they may actually have an insidious, deeper
involvement in immune-suppressed individuals.
The fungi feed on the keratin cell layers or dead skin cells that produce the surface of the skin, nails and hair, leading to deformities in these structures, including
nail ridges, broken hair, scaling skin or affected melanin pigmentation.
Causes

Antibiotic use reduces the number of helpful bacteria that live in the body, which gives
fungal infections a chance to colonise.
Corticosteroid use reduces the response of the immune system and therefore inflammation. However, it also gives opportunistic infections, including fungi, a chance to
grow.
Medical conditions, including diabetes, HIV, AIDS and some cancers, such as
leukaemia, increase susceptibility to fungal infections. Immune suppressive drugs or a
compromised immune system also have the same effect.
Environmental factors. Warm moist areas provide perfect breeding grounds for fungal
infections.These include communal showers, changing rooms, damp used towels,
sweaty clothing or shoes, and warm, sweaty or moist areas on the body, including the
mouth, vagina, anus, penis, skin fold creases between toes, under breasts, the groin and
buttock crease. ,
Genetic predisposition. We all have weaknesses, and some people may find fungal infection (which may also run through the family) is one of them.
Fungal infections can be passed by contact from person to person or from objects and
surfaces to a person.
Signs and symptoms

t White patches on the skin that may turn to salmon pink, dull red or dark brown. The
patches may not tan. Often seen on the face, arms and back.
Red patches on the skin. Pustular scaly round patches may be found on scalp. Ring
worm (not a worm infection) is characteristically red and round with a central clearing
in the middle.
Men often carry the chicken-skin look around their necks, normally attributed to shaving or age.
Athlete's foot or foot tines varies from a mild scaling lesion to cracking of skin that can
be painful, odorous and very itchy.

iza

Fungal

Infection

Itchiness or a mild burning sensation that may increase in the wet, hot summer months
and tend to be less symptomatic during the cooler, dryer months.
Irritability, moodiness and brain fog.
Well-defined, red, rash-like patches that are moist or dry may appear on the breast,
groin, anus, toes, finger webs and trunk of the body.
The nails can look red and sore around the nail bed and while initially the nail looks
opaque, it can start to deform, look yellow and fall off. This may spread to other nails.
Hair loss or raised capillaries on the face.
A blister, which may be surrounded by a redness of the skin, on the palm, back of hand
or fingers.
Fungi can trigger an allergic or immune response. They also release exotoxins that may
affect deeper layers.
Diagnosis is performed by taking a swab of the possible infected area and growing the
fungi on a Petri dish and/or by focusing ultraviolet light on the skin for identification.

Naturopathic recommendations
Lifestyle hints
I know some purists might view it as sacrilege to recommend chemical drugs along with
herbs. However, I have found the most successful treatment of skin fungal infections is to
combine these two modalities. Use Pevaryl foaming cream if it's recommended by the
pharmacist for your type of fungal infection. Follow the directions and use the naturopathic
recommendations below. If you have skin patches that do not tan and have used two
treatments of Pevaryl along with naturopathic recommendations, it may take 9 months or
longer for your melanin skin cells to become normal again.
Avoid antibiotics and steroids unless absolutely necessary. Also avoid applying
chemicals, such as bubble baths, deodorant, tampons or pads and scented toilet paper,
near or on candida areas.
Avoid nylon and tight pantyhose or underwear.
Sterilise all towels and socks that contact fungal areas after each use in extremely hot
water with Dettol or Napisan to avoid cross contamination. Do not use the same towel
to dry your affected and non-affected parts. I've seen a lot of fungal infections
transferred from one place to another by doing this.Those who work out at the gym are
more likely to be at risk of fungal infection. If you have a chronic fungal infection, wipe
benches down with supplied cleaners and paper towels and use your own towel. Change
your clothing regularly so you do not become infected with fungi left on warm moist
benches or flooring at the gyms. Remember to wash the towel and your gym clothes
before wearing or using them again.
Try not to get over-paranoid about 'catching' fungal infections.You just need to
strengthen your immunity and get your acid skin barrier back into balance. Apply
diluted apple cider vinegar (ACV) to the fungal infection to balance your acid skin
barrier, because using soaps can make the skin too alkaline.
Scrupulously clean and dry fungal areas twice daily. If you have chronic fungal infection
and do not do this properly the other treatments may not work.
Change socks daily if affected with fungi on the feet.
Nutrition For very chronic situations
Fungi can be devilish to get rid of. If this is the case you may need to try the anti-fungal
diet to accompany your external fungal treatment. Follow the candida diet and
recommendations on page 102 for 3-6 months.

si al Infection

171

S u p p l em en t s

Apple cider vinegar (ACV) Wash affected area with ACV. If the lesion is not tender, raw
or the skin is not broken, gently wash it with a cotton bud saturated with ACV. I normally
rub quite hard on olive skinned people; however, for those with fair skin, ACV can seem to
burn the face and sometimes the body. Just experiment gently to see what suits your skin
type. The idea is to remove natural oily barriers of the skin, to make the skin acidic rather
than alkaline, which creates a barrier against fungal infection and prepares the skin for the
Lugol's Iodine. I prefer Lugol's Iodine to BP Iodine tincture.
Iodine (Do not use if allergic to Iodine).There are 2 types of Iodine that you can obtain
from a health shop or pharmacy.
1. Lugol's (aqueous) Iodine For internal and external use. Do not take iodine
without medical supervision if you have thyroid problems, are taking thyroid
medication or have a history of thyroid problems.
External use: Place 6 drops of Lugol's Iodine in 1/4 cup of boiled water. Wash all
affected areas on your body and external surfaces with this solution.
Internal use: Take 6 drops of Lugol's Iodine in 1 cup of hot water with 1 tsp of
manuka honey and 1 capful of ACV (for flavour), 4 times daily for 7 days.
2. Iodine BP tincture Do not take this iodine internally.
Colloidal silver cream Apply as directed to affected areas after thoroughly washing skin
with ACV and Lugol's Iodine.
Herbs
Internally

Antifungal and alterative (blood cleansing) herbs To prevent or treat fungal infections include Garlic (400mg-1200mg daily), Ginger (1g-2g daily), Liquorice (2g-4g daily
or as prescribed), Chamomile (3g daily), Echinacea (1200mg daily), Olive Leaf extract
(270mg 3 times daily), Sarsaparilla (2g-4g 3 times daily) and Goldenseal (500mglg
daily).
External applications

Thuja Has strong anti-fungal properties. Use a tincture or alcoholic preparation on affected areas twice daily.
Echinacea Has antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Use in place of Thuja or before
the Thuja application, and wait until it has dried. Apply liquid alcohol tincture to affected
areas twice daily.
Tea Tree oil Apply to affected area twice daily. It may also be added to shampoo and conditioner for scalp infections and dandruff. If it is too strong for the skin, dilute with oil (
olive or almond) or water.
Myrrh Make a paste of Myrrh by opening a capsule and mixing it with hot water. Brush
affected area when paste is cooled with a clean pastry brush or cotton bud. Also take internally as directed on the bottle.
Nail fungus This takes several months to resolve and applications 2-4 times daily may
seem like a bother, but you must persevere. Wash affected nail in warm water and Tea Tree
oil. Dry thoroughly. Apply Tea Tree oil or a combination of it and Lavender oil on the
affected area 2-3 times a day. If the Tea Tree oil burns, just wash nail 4 times daily as directed in water and Tea Tree oil, and apply Thuja cream. If necessary you may need to do the
internal candida cleanse by taking appropriate herbs and by doing the candida diet.
Oregano oil Also very effective for hard nail fungus that is difficult to eradicate. Apply 2
drops onto fungi twice daily or as directed.

1111111=1111111111=MIL

Nerve Paid

Fish oil Provides DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (Eicosapentaenoic acid).
DHA is one of the major building blocks for the brain, nervous system and eyes, and is
essential for development. It is most abundant in the grey matter of the brain (25%) and
the retina of the eye.The brain nerves need high concentrations of DHA to send messages. DHA enhances memory and helps concentration. Take 3g-6g daily.
Evening Primrose Oil Provides GLA (Gamma-linolenic acid), vital for brain and eye
function. Supplementation is essential due to decreased dietary sources in the average
western diet. GLA is important for normal transmission of messages along nerves. Take
3g-6g daily.
Herbs

Parasite-cleansing herbs Parasites can cause inflammation in the body and may be a
factor relating to the trigger of MS. Use a combination of anti-parasitic herbs to eliminate
parasites and their inflamatory waste products.Take two 3-week courses of Cloves (1800mg
daily) combined with Wormwood (2000mg daily) and Black Walnut (2000mg daily) to
help eradicate parasites.
Detox Complete a gentle detox herbal programme and a parasite-cleansing programme to
balance the internal body organs and prepare for a healthy start. Burdock (2g-6g of dried
root daily), Cleavers (2g-4g daily) and Red Clover (2g-4g daily) help cleanse the blood
and clear the lymphatics. Dandelion (3g-5g of dried root daily) and Milk Thistle (9g-10g
of seed daily) enhance bile flow and detoxify the liver. Fibre supplements mop up heavy
metals and toxins.Take 1 tsp-2 tsp of Flaxseed fibre daily while detoxing or to help with
constipation.
Olive Leaf extract (270mg 6 times daily) and Echinacea (1200mg daily) Help to purify
the blood and eradicate viral infections.
Skullcap Relaxes nervous tension, helps soothe the nervous system and combines well
with the herb Valerian. Take 750mg 3-5 times daily.
Valerian Has anti-anxiety effects. Take lg-3g daily.

Nerve Pain
What a nerve! Nerve pain has the audacity to come and go at will, not to mention
destroying the comfort of our lives and psyches. Whatever the cause, nerve pain is
hard to ignore and can manifest itself in so many ways.
Causes

Viral infections, e.g. shingles (herpes zoster), post herpetic neuralgia.

Obstruction, inflammation or pinching of nerves.
Trauma or damage to nerves.
Deterioration of nerves associated with metabolic disorders and degenerative illness
including diabetes, gout and leukaemia.
Nutritional deficiencies of B complex vitamins, omega 3 and 6 essential fatty acids (
EFA) and 5HTP (5-Hydroxy tryptophan).
Toxicity from medications, chemicals, heavy metals and alcohol.
Signs and symptoms

Pain

Tingling and 'pins and needles'

Pain with alternating numbness or loss of sensation

ELNerve Pain,,

Muscle weakness and fatigue

Burning sensation
Paralysis
Swelling and redness
Depression and anxiety.

Naturopathic recommendations
Lifestyle hints
Ring a counselling service, or if appropriate, seek spiritual or health professional guidance or communicate with helpful friends or family. As the emotions are affected
through anxiety and fear, counselling can help with the mental aspects of pain.
Learn how to relax by trying yoga, receiving a massage, or learning meditation or breathing techniques.
Get plenty of restful sleep. Make sure the room is completely dark to help ensure sleep.

Exercise
Exercise 4 times weekly, e.g. power-walking, jogging, swimming, dancing or going to the
gym.
If you are not mobile bounce on a trampoline and seek assistance if needed.
Nutrition

Avoid red meats and coffee (especially instant). These increase pain and inflammation.
Alcohol, tobacco and recreational drugs should be avoided.
Eat 6 small meals frequently throughout the day.
Drink 1-2 litres of fresh water daily.
Identify any possible food allergies and avoid to reduce nerve sensitivity, inflammation
and pain. See page 164 for details.
Ginger, berries, cherries and grapes (flavonoids). Turmeric and cayenne (capsaicin) are
remarkable condiment herbs that inhibit pain pathways, reducing the sensation of pain
and inflammation. Use liberally on food.
Supplements
Vitamin B complex Deficiencies of B vitamins can lead to deterioration of nerves and
even paralysis. Supplement with a high potency Vitamin B complex to cover any deficiencies. For example, burning feet respond well to Vitamins B1 and B5 and Choline.Take
as directed.
Vitamin C Reduces inflammation and is necessary for proper nerve transmission. Take
1500mg daily.
Calcium and Magnesium Deficiencies of these lead to abnormal nerve response and
muscle contraction. Deficiencies are also related to anxiety, muscle cramps and depression.
Take 1500mg of Calcium at night after a meal for better absorption and 450mg-900mg of
Magnesium daily.
5-Hydroxy tryptophan (5HTP) A serotonin precursor made naturally by the body and
also sourced from the plant Griffonia simplicifolia, 5HTP helps boost serotonin levels reducing
the sensitivity to pain, aiding anxiety and insomnia. Take 150mg-300mg daily.
MSM (methyl sulphonyl methane) This natural sulphur compound is helpful for
relieving muscular pain. Take 2g daily.
Antioxidant formula, bioflavonoids and anthocyanidins These reduce free radical
damage to nerves, reducing the sensitivity of nerve pain, and aid healing to damaged nerves.

IMIMI1111.1111.1.111111ML Nerve

Pain

Antioxidants include ProenOthera from Evening Primrose Seed Husk, Green tea, Grape
Seed, Pine Bark, Beta Carotene, Vitamins E, A and C, amino acids Methionine and Cysteine,
oligomeric proanthocyanidins, flavonoids and adjunctive minerals (Zinc, Selenium,
Manganese). Take an antioxidant formula as directed.
Nerve damage The protective covering of the nerves is mainly composed of fats. If this
becomes damaged the nerves are exposed, like stripping the plastic off a copper wire. Take
Phosphatidylserine, Flaxseed oil, Fish oil and Evening Primrose oil, which assist with normal myelin sheath composition by improving myelination and reducing inflammation.
Phosphatidylserine (PS) Derived from Lecithin, PS is a vital fatty lipid found in
abundance in the brain and is important for brain functioning, nerve cell health and
other neurological functions. Take 150mg daily.
Vitamin E Vitamin E is fat-soluble and therefore acts in cell membranes and other fatcontaining tissues. Functioning as an antioxidant, it protects other fat-soluble vitamins
and nutrients, and strengthens cell membranes.Take 400IU daily.
Fish oil and Flaxseed oil Provide Omega 3, DHA (Docosahexaenoic acid) and EPA (
Eicosapentaenoic acid). Flax oil works in a similar way providing a blend of Omega 3
and 6 (EFA). These EFA reduce inflammation and help protect the nerve sheaths. Take
3g daily.
Herbs
Detox Complete a gentle detox herbal programme to balance the internal body organs and
clear heavy metals and toxins that may be causing nerve pain and inflammation. Burdock (
2g-6g of dried root daily), Cleavers (2g-4g daily) and Red Clover (2g-4g daily) help cleanse
the blood and clear the lymphatics. Dandelion (3g-5g of dried root daily) and Milk Thistle
(9glOg of seed daily) enhance bile flow and detoxify the liver. Fibre supplements mop
up heavy metals and toxins. Take 1 tsp-2 tsp of Flaxseed fibre daily.
St John's Wort Acts as a mild sedative, reducing pain, and is beneficial for mild depression, anxiety and nervousness associated with chronic pain.Take 2g-5g of dried herb or use
topically (on the skin) as a tincture poultice, cream or oil on nerve pain sites.
Corydalis Has analgesic effects and relaxes smooth muscle contraction, especially in the
abdominal region:Take 800mglg daily.
Californian Poppy Has mild analgesic and sedative properties. It also exhibits a relaxing
effect on the mind and potential mood elevating actions without addictive side effects.Take
900mg daily.
Jamaican Dogwood Used for neuralgia, migraines and insomnia due to its anti-inflammatory and sedative effects. Take 2g-4g of dried root bark up to 3 times daily.
Capsaicin Capsaicin, derived from Cayenne, desensitises nerves. Capsiacin cream is used
for postherpetic pain from shingles, phantom limb pain, cluster headaches, neuropathies,
osteoarthritis and pain from skin conditions including psoriasis and pruritus.'4" In one
study patients suffering from postherpetic neuralgia found that a topical application of
Capsaicin cream (0.025%v capsaicin) on painful areas was beneficial!'
Cloves The oil from this age-old spice is used by dentists to desensitise exposed nerves in
the mouth during tooth extraction. Use the Clove oil externally by placing a few drops on a
cotton ball and putting it on the area of pain in the mouth. Overuse of this oil may cause
nausea, so use a small amount first.
Feverfew Reduces inflammatory processes which may exacerbate pain sensation. Feverfew
must be taken every day to have an effect. Add 1-2 leaves to a sandwich or take 50mg200mg daily.
Kava Has sedating and analgesic effects to aid nerve pain and associated anxiety symptoms. Take 1.5g-3g of dried root daily.

236 Osteoporosis

Other therapies

Fasting and detoxing are helpful to remove inflammatory response to toxins and food sensitvities. Try the Gall Bladder Flush Fast, see page 173.
Massage, acupuncture, osteopathy, craniopathy and reflexology are superb treatments
on their own or in combination with herbs and supplements.They work on a physical and
emotional level to help control pain, increase circulation, clear blockages and balance the
body. See your health professional for details.
Castor oil packs have been known to help with pain when used in combination with
dietary and herbal recommendations.
You will need: Castor oil (obtained from the chemist), a soft clean cotton cloth,
plastic wrap, a plastic container to store the oil-laden cloth, and a hot water bottle.
Directions: Soak the cloth in castor oil. Place the folded cloth over affected area.
Cover the cloth completely with plastic wrap, both to avoid staining your clothes
and to keep in the warmth. Place a towel over the plastic and put a hot water bottle
on it. Leave it on overnight. Repeat this five nights in a row and then rest for two
nights. Do this for three weeks.
Epsom salts baths or baths with Valerian or Skullcap extracts are helpful for aches and
injuries.
Poultices

Herbs can be applied topically to soothe pain, reduce swelling and promote healing.
Cool or warm compresses Saturate a cloth in a strong herbal tea made from essential
oils or dried herbs. See above herbs for details.
Poultices Combine warm, moist herbs, such as Chamomile, White Willow, Peppermint, Skullcap, Meadowsweet or Valerian, in a binder of powdered Oatmeal,
Slippery Elm or Flaxseed, and apply to injury site.
Semi-poultices Use a cloth compress filled with ground herbs for poultice benefits
without the mess. Try St John's Wort for nerve pain.

Osteoporosis
This condition causes a progressive loss of calcium from the bones producing a corresponding loss of bone mass.This leads to a weakening of bone matrix and collagenous
fibres, leading to bone fragility, and fractures are therefore more likely to occur.
This condition is more common in postmenopausal women and generally worsens as
people age.
Causes

Lack of oestrogen results in a loss of bone mineralisation.

Nutrient deficiencies, including calcium, magnesium, boron, manganese, silica, zinc,
copper, vitamins A, C, D and K, prevent good bone formation and lead to a weaker
bone structure.
Aging, menopause, early menopause and postmenopause.
Genetics; some people are more prone to osteoporosis than others due to family history.
This condition affects approx 1 in 4 women but only 1 in 40 men.