THE BERMUDA SUN
HEALTH CARE DIRECTORY
JANUARY 20, 2012 ■ 21
Staying healthy the natural way BY ENITH THOMAS There are eight natural laws of health that when combined can greatly assist in the cure and prevention of all illnesses; they are sunlight, temperance, air, trust in divine power, nutrition, exercise and water. Simply said, when using natural remedies, we need to start all over, right from the beginning; we need to start new. Ellen G. White, a leader in health reform and founding member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, said: “Disease, we are told, is an effort of nature to free the system from conditions that result from a violation of the laws of health.” In utilizing natural remedies, we actually assist the body in doing exactly what it is designed to do; heal its own wounds. Fortunately, Bermuda boasts many such plants and herbs that greatly assist our bodies in natural healing.
Effective These include aloe, plantain, well-known as rhubarb, and simple garden thyme just to name a few. Aloe can be used internally for chronic constipation, gastritis and stomach ulcers. It acts as a laxative and bowel regulator. Because used alone can cause gripping, it is best combined with ginger root. Externally, the gel inside the aloe plant has the capacity to heal even the most severe burns, including radiation and chemotherapy, abscesses, infections in wounds and ulcers. Plantain is the weed we kill in our lawns. Internally this is effective as a diuretic to decrease inflammation, an expectorant for mucus congestion and an effective relief of diarrhea. It is also good for hoarseness, and all manner of respiratory problems especially those involving mucus congestion. Externally, rhubarb acts as a natural healing antibiotic, commonly known to neutralize the toxins of insect bites. Purging to release the fresh juice, this can be applied directly to itchy infected skin, cuts and scratches and chronic problems
such as ringworms or even hemorrhoids. Thyme used internally is especially good for throat and bronchial problems, including laryngitis, bronchitis, fever, headache and mucus. As a tea, thyme is used for intestinal and stomach problems including diarrhea, gastritis, lack of appetite and colic. Externally it is used for itching and flaking of the scalp. Salve combinations, incorporating thyme, are excellent for herpes.
Thyme tea is also useful as an antiseptic wash for wounds. Mixing the juice of the thyme plant with vegetable oil works well for athlete’s foot, crabs, ringworms and lice. In an island where insurance costs continue to rise and job security is uncertain, it is imperative that every person have some knowledge of natural remedies; ways to combine our herbs, and how to apply them in the treatment of the sick within our families. Good health can no longer be taken for granted. Our ancestors are quite familiar with what we now consider a new way of alternative care. Some of us have taken the time to not only get back on the old path, but it is our own experience that these eight laws of health combined with the effective use of herbs brings with it a healthier, stronger and more energetic body — with no side effects.
Expect Health is an extremely valuable asset and we only realize this when our bodies are in less than optimal condition. We have learned that you cannot use half of the formula and expect to get the ultimate in good health. The true power is in the whole package. If you are willing to give God’s gift of natural remedies a chance and to daily eliminate all toxic substances from the body, and replace them with the building materials needed — we can surely restore the body’s ability to heal itself naturally. For more information on the above subject contact Right Choice Healthy Lifestyle Ministries at 335-0350. ■
■ MCT PHOTO
NATURE’S POWER PLANT: Aloe can be used internally for chronic constipation, gastritis and stomach ulcers. It acts as a laxative and bowel regulator.