The No-pills Depression Solution

By Dr. Val

The way out of depression is not pill-laden, unless the depression is so severe that a prescription is the only way to ensure the person will not commit suicide or homicide. The problem with taking medication for every little upset has to do with what the drugs do: sedate the feelings. To work through the feelings and come to grips with what is happening requires that one actually feels and releases the emotions. Some drugs are more suppressive than others, such as the benzodiazepine class, which subdue the emotions so greatly that progress is unable to be made until the patient is off the medication.

Some people have a lifelong clinical depression due to lack of certain brain chemistry, but most have what is called Situational Depression. Still others have cyclical depression that can be tied to seasons or due to Bipolar Disease. The most common type of depression is caused by...well...depressing situations. We all go through such times, when disappointment piles upon disappointment or sudden changes in our lives make us feel vulnerable. Don't be afraid to feel the difficult emotions, they serve the purpose of alerting us to the need for change. In fact, the healthiest way to weather situational depression is to feel it, examine it and work through it. There are plenty of psychologists out there who would love to have your business, as well there are millions of energy healers, hypnotherapists, NLP practitioners and mentors who are happy to help. There is big business in catering to people who are hurting from some situation such as sudden job loss, death of a loved one, devastating injury or illness or other experiences initiating depression.

The reason there are so many people out there available to help is because we all go through these times. We either learn how to deal with it ourselves or seek the help of others if we need it. The major clue as to actually needing professional help has to do with desiring to hurt self or others - that is the major warning flag that must be attended to. In extreme cases the person needs to be placed in a lock-down facility under a 72-hour hold, where they can be observed and medicated to prevent them from carrying out the harmful act.

Jokes about being homicidal rather than suicidal aside, society no longer allows the harming of another that has caused discomfort in someone. Sure, back in the old West or earlier times, one harmed another at risk of retaliation. Now we have police and courts to handle such problems. This change in human society is what has caused all of the labels of mental illness to be attached to certain states of emotional upheaval. So now we all just have to learn to deal with it in other ways. The bottom line is to seek help of some kind, whether it be a friend or family member, energy practitioner or professional therapist. Work through the depressive incident and realize that being depressed doesn't necessarily mean there is something wrong with you. It's a normal state we experience when life starts to pop some problems at us that cause us to be unhappy. We can change that. Find a healthy way to deal with it that works for you--that's HEALTHY, as in, not drugs, alcohol or hurting yourself or someone else. You are in charge of your life; if you don't like it, change it. If you don’t know how to do that, ask for help.

©2010 Dr. Valerie Olmsted All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Natural Tonsillitis Treatment - Step 3

By Dr. Val

When dealing with tonsillitis and adenoiditis with natural treatments, two steps need to be taken care of before the third, final step. First, the channels of elimination (skin, liver, kidneys and bowels) need to be clear and functioning well to clear toxins. Second, the pain and swelling need to be handled and third, any infections need to be stopped. In the case of tonsillitis and adenoiditis the infections are actually the end process, not the beginning. Perhaps that is why antibiotics have so little effect on the illness.

The third step in natural treatment involves discovering which opportunistic infectious organisms have set up shop in the tonsillar crypts, lingual tissue or lingual palate...or further, such as into the ears, sinuses, throat or lungs. There are some really good anti-bacterials that are natural, such as goldenseal root, grapefruit seed extract and vitamin C. Some of the botanicals one might choose to treat tonsillitis are also anti-viral and a few are anti-fungal. Viral infections are best treated with something like lomatium and sambucus nigra (desert parsley and black elderberry). Colloidal silver has anti-bacterial and some anti-viral capacity as well. Pau d'Arco is anti-fungal, as is garlic, neem, black walnut, calendula and goldenseal.

A clue as to what organisms are infecting the tonsils and adenoids comes from the color of the exudates (pus)...yellow, green or rust-color are normally bacterial. Viral is usually clear and fungal is usually white, black, or green-black. The best thing to do is to obtain a culture and have it analyzed by a lab, to be sure that the treatment is appropriate to the organism. This is usually more of a problem with a pharmaceutical anti-biotic than a natural one, due to the specificity of the drugs.

The key to treatment in step three is that of identifying the best botanical or mix to treat the infective organisms while also boosting the immune system. Immune boosters include CoQ10, ashwaganda, garlic, black elderberry, vitamin C, licorice and many more. Some of the immune boosters are 'tonic' which means they should not be given during the illness, such as Echinacea. A tonic herb will make the severity of the illness less but will also tonify the illness, making the duration longer.

Another area of treatment that is often overlooked is that of supplying the proper mix of beneficial flora (bacteria) to the bowel. A good mix would be one that contains more than just acidophilus; generally eight of the flora found in the intestines of babies is recommended. The best type of probiotic is human, which colonizes the intestines after about two weeks. Bovine bacteria are flushed out with each bowel movement and need to be resupplied constantly. The last step has to do with prevention, which hopefully would occur before step one but not always. Sometimes people have to get sick to realize more care should have been taken in the beginning. Keep the immune system strong, the emunctories (organs of elimination) clear, get proper rest and the likelihood of tonsillitis or adenoiditis is avoidable.

©2021 Dr. Valerie Olmsted All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Natural Tonsillitis Treatment - Step 2

By Dr. Val

In treating tonsillitis with natural remedies, one must first clear the 'emunctories' (organs of elimination: skin, liver, kidneys and bowels). Once the toxins are flowing out of the body properly, there is a chance to reduce the inflammatory condition of the tonsils and adenoids. Beyond the use of ice packs to the throat every few hours and the drinking of ice water with lemon or lime juice in it, the next most important step is to stop the pain.

People who have tonsillitis or adenoiditis are really in a lot of pain and may be fearful due to the feeling of not being able to breathe or swallow. Tonsils and adenoids can sometimes swell to the point of obstructing breathing; that’s an emergency. The lymphoid tissue that makes up those little organs is roughly about 1⁄2 inch in diameter but can swell up impressively when infected. The swelling can actually close the airway in severe cases.

Natural pain relief measures include things like white willow bark, turmeric, boswellia or chamomile, which reduce the inflammatory process. Soothing herbals such as marshmallow root and slippery elm bark help with mucous membrane soreness. The more strong and drastic measure would be Tylenol #3 cough syrup with Codeine, which most naturopathic doctors will reserve as a last-ditch pain relief effort and is a controlled-substance prescription drug.

There are also homeopathic pain and tonsillitis remedies and acupuncture; these work by increasing the energy flow and helping to push toxins out of the body. Both of these methods of treatment can have quite dramatic and immediate effects on the level of pain and swelling experienced. Both also should be individualized to that particular patient. For instance, while homeopathic belladonna might be recommended commonly for the pain and inflammation of tonsillitis, it might not be the appropriate remedy for that particular person. A homeopathic or naturopathic physician would do a homeopathic interview to determine what would best suit that patient.

The natural methods of treating tonsillitis pain and swelling work far better than conventional medical methods because they don't add to the toxic situation that caused the problem in the first place. Remember, toxin buildup is what impacts the tonsils and adenoids; the bacteria and pus come along afterwards. Gargling with salt water, raw apple cider vinegar in water or other appropriate substances can assist with clearing toxins and reducing swelling also, which automatically reduces pain.

Once the toxin overload, pain and inflammation are handled, step three involves taking care of any opportunistic bacterial, viral or fungal infections. There are natural treatments for all three types of infections and these treatments do not have a negative impact on the gut flora like synthetic antibiotics do. Treating tonsillitis and adenoiditis naturally results in quicker and better healing; hopefully avoiding the necessity of removing the organs in question. Those organs have a purpose...to remove infective and toxic materials that come in through mouth and nose, before they can harm the body.

©2021 Dr. Valerie Olmsted All Rights Reserved Worldwid

Natural Tonsillitis Treatment - Step 1

By Dr. Val

Got some swollen tonsils Boopsie? Got a doctor that wants to yank out those "useless lumps of flesh"? Whoa...hold on there...first of all, tonsils and adenoids are not 'useless'; they have a purpose and it has to do with being the first line of defense for the body. Made of lymphoid tissue, tonsils and adenoids produce scads of lymphocytes and antibodies when needed. The problem comes when the body is overwhelmed for one reason or another and those organs have to jump into action.

Tonsillitis and adenoiditis (inflammation of the tonsils and adenoids) can range from mild to severely painful and involves the swelling of the organs, sometimes to the point of obstructing breathing. There are things called crypts within the tissues, which can become clogged with lymphocytes (pus) and cause further problems. We want to keep our 'lil' frens' if possible; taking them out reduces the body’s energy by 5% permanently...permanently.

There are alternatives to conventional surgery; first and foremost is keeping the organs of elimination clear at all times. The old-fashioned term for the organs of elimination is 'emunctories' and includes skin, liver, kidneys and bowels. If things start to get backed up, the tonsils may have to kick into action. Constipation may seem harmless to most people but it isn't; it can cause a whole host of problems, including tonsillitis. Jokes about some people's heads being "stuck up where the sun don't shine" aside, constipation causes tonsillitis because of the reabsorption of toxins that go back into the bloodstream instead of being eliminated as planned.

There are palliative measures that can be taken for the pain of the sore throat of tonsillitis but the most effective reversal of the condition has to do with eliminating toxins pronto. A series of enemas or colonics, using alternating warm and cold water until the excreted water runs clear, is the quickest way to get toxins moving out of the body. Along with the enemas, fasting for a few days is also suggested. During the fast only water with lemon or lime juice should be ingested, along with some liquid minerals. If the person has diabetes fasting may not be an option; check with your physician as to the feasibility of fasting.

For sore throat, drink ice water but avoid becoming chilled. An ice pack to the throat every two or three hours can help reduce the inflammation and bring a measure of comfort. Ice also causes a reflex action of fresh blood to the area, which brings nutrients and oxygen and removes wastes. A hot bath with Epsom salts also helps to move toxins out of the body; be sure to rinse off thoroughly afterwards.

This first step in healing tonsillitis is one of the most important but is so often overlooked by conventional doctors. Alternative medicine doctors will suggest clearing the emunctories first and foremost because it makes sense and also clears the way for the next steps to work better. Removing pain and stopping the infective process are the next steps. The last step-preventing tonsillitis-should be the first step but usually is never thought of until after someone has swollen tonsils and adenoids. As in so many other things in Life, once one has suffered the pain of tonsillitis, one tends to become a believer in practicing prevention first.

©2021 Dr. Valerie Olmsted All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Myocarditis

By Dr. Val & Noeline

Also known as Inflammatory Cardiomyopathy, myocarditis is an inflammatory condition of the heart muscles. It can be caused by viral infection, a drug reaction, toxins, or another inflammatory condition such as autoimmune disease. Myocarditis can cause irregular/abnormal heart rhythm and can lead to sudden death. The symptoms of shortness of breath, chest pain, and/or fatigue can be vague at the beginning and become more severe if not treated.

Conventional Medical
"There is no curative treatment for myocarditis" according to standard medical knowledge. Treatments usually include blood pressure medications, beta-blockers to control the arrhythmias, diuretics, corticosteroids, and antibiotics or anti-viral medications. Recovery is possible, depending on severity of damage, but it can reoccur. Standard tests include physical exam, lab tests, ECG (electrocardiogram) and CT or MRI scans. Blood tests will usually include CBC with differential, serial cardiac enzymes, lipid panel, CMP/SMAC (blood chemistry), PT/PTT, D-dimer, FDP. Radiologic tests may include a chest X-ray, CTscan or MRI, Cardiac Angiogram.

Alternative Medical
Evaluations as noted above are ordered. Because myocarditis is an inflammatory process, standard alternative treatments include natural anti-inflammatory substances such as turmeric (Curcuma longa), frankincense (Boswellia serrata), nettles (Urtica dioca), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), astragalus (Astragalus membranaceous), calendula (Calendula officinalis), cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa), bromelain and rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea). Since it can be caused by viral infection, anti-viral herbs may also be used, such as astragalus, reishi mushroom, and shenmai. There are too many other anti-viral botanical medicines to mention here but those are the most commonly used by alternative practitioners. There are also several herbs that may be given to control arrythmias and blood pressure (not mentioned here due to their toxic nature, requiring monitoring by a physician). Acupuncture can help to restore proper energy flow. Supplements such as CoQ10 (CoEnzyme Q10), Alpha-lipoic acid, and Hawthorn berry (Cratageous oxycantha) help support and protect the heart.

Homeopathy and Pleomorphic products can also be used, with quite powerful results. The homeopathic remedy Buthotus Tamulus V21 (red scorpion) has been found to be very effective in relieving the symptoms of Myocarditis. However, it is advised to contact a homeopath to oversee the dosage and protocol for best, safest effect.

(C) 2021 Dr. Valerie Olmsted All Rights Reserved Worldwide

Fatigue: The Difference Between Life & Death

By Dr. Val

Fatigue seems to be the number one 'disease' in the modern world today. As a result of our hectic lifestyles, where we try to fit as many things into our schedules as possible, this is perhaps no surprise. As a precursor to a disease state, fatigue is a vague symptom that precedes too many illnesses. Being able to tell the difference between the two major causes of fatigue can mean the difference between getting treatment in time to halt disease and sliding fast into a chronic disease state...or worse. Fatigue caused by too many things to do, excessive exercise, or stress is somewhat easily relieved by cutting a few things out of the schedule and taking steps to get restful sleep. It might seem obvious but most people would be very surprised to find out how many people visit doctors with a chief complaint of fatigue. The first thing the physician will do is tell the patient to 'slow down' and knock out as many stressful activities as possible. A new diet, nutritional supplements and a vacation are usually suggested, along with a set of stress-busting exercises and screening lab tests to rule out disease. In some cases the patient is advised to begin working with a psychologist, with cognitive behavioral therapy, to learn better life coping habits.

If the changes in lifestyle do not relieve the fatigue or if there are worrisome abnormalities, more tests or a medication regimen may be started. The problem with a diagnosis of undetermined fatigue is that it is such a vague symptom and a common feature in many disease states. The chief complaint of most women who are having heart attacks is fatigue... no chest pain or shortness of breath and maybe some dizziness but other than that, fatigue and weakness can be the only symptoms. Thanks to the vagueness of the symptoms--and the tendency of male doctors to brush the symptom off as 'stress'--thousands of female heart attack victims go undiagnosed...and many die.

Excessive tiredness is also the first major symptom of immune system problems. The immune system requires huge amounts of energy to function; flu symptoms are a good example of what an energy drain an activated immune system can be. Chronic and terminal disease states impact the energy of the body tremendously as it fights to throw off the cause and effects of disease. Being aware of the cause of fatigue can truly mean the difference between life and death. Sometimes the cause needs to be diagnosed immediately, such as in heart attack or stroke. At other times undiagnosed tiredness can signal a slippery slide into chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, oxidative stress that leads to other chronic degenerative diseases, or depression. Whatever the cause of exhaustion, it is not normal and should be dealt with immediately to avoid catastrophic problems later on. Sudden unexplained fatigue can be the only signal to a heart attack while fatigue after a day of unaccustomed busyness can be solved with a good night's sleep. When in doubt, speak to a triage nurse at your local emergency room or call your physician's office.

©2021 Dr. Valerie Olmsted All Rights Reserved Worldwide