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Page 72
| has little to offer but firm bandages and bed rest, so additional herbal self-help is possible. Comfrey, once known as knitbone, is the herb of choice. In traditional medicine, the leaves would have been pulped into a paste that would then have been spread onto the affected area to form a thick crust. This hardened to form a splintlike support and provided healing chemicals to be absorbed through the skin. Try to apply comfrey ointment or infused oil to the damaged tissues as soon as possible after the accident. Arnica cream can also help to relieve pain and encourage healing, and taking homeopathic arnica 6x internally will also speed repair. Take one tablet every fifteen to thirty minutes for two hours or until you feel less traumatized. |
| Gastritis |
| Gastritis simply means an inflammation of the stomach lining and is often the result of overindulgence in rich foods and alcohol. Symptoms can include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea and are very similar to food poisoning; if several members of the family or fellow dinner guests are affected then this is probably the cause (see p. 68). Chronic gastritis increases the risk of developing stomach or duodenal ulcers and is often associated with smoking or alcoholism. Those prone to gastritis should avoid irritant foods (spices, tea, coffee, alcohol, fried foods, and pickles) and eat smaller meals more regularly. |
| The herbal approach includes soothing mucilages and anti-inflammatories with herbs that will cover and protect the stomach lining and encourage healing. Slippery elm is ideal either taken in tablet form or as a gruel (p.38). Licorice is also helpful; make a strong decoction by heating half a cup of chopped dried licorice root in 1 pint of water and simmer until the volume is reduced by two-thirds; then combine with 2 tablespoons of honey (which acts as a preservative) and heat to form a thin syrup. Take 1 to 2 teaspoons of the mixture up to four times a day. It will generally keep for up to two weeks in the refrigerator stored in a small jar. Eating a bowl of stewed apples once or twice a day can also help. |
| You can make a soothing tea by mixing equal amounts of |
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