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“HO HO THE MISTLETOE, HUNG FOR YOU TO SEE, SOMEBODY WAITS FOR YOU, KISS HER ONCE FOR ME’*   

For several years I have experienced the healing effects of Mistletoe in cancer and chronic illnesses. More recently I found its use rather fits our times more sothan just treating a disease.  For instance, when there is difficulty bringing all parts of oneself together (trouble waking up, falling  asleep,concentrating, etc), feeling solid about one’s place in life (love of your work, who you are or have become, etc.), repeated traumas, troublgenerating internal warmth, or where the body has a tendency to seal off and make tumors or lumps within organs or on the skin—– puts one  at risk for cancer.

Most of the diseases of our times are slow to develop and create depletion over a long period of time, compared to 100 years ago or so, where life threatening illness were more acute and inflammatory .  Unlike the Bubonic Plague or the Small Pox, which wiped out masses of people from acute inflammation, cancer is thought to be an epidemic of our times.  Nearly all of us have at least one person close to us who has experienced cancer.   I for one, without counting my exposure as a medical provider have had my father (Kidney), my husband (Testicular), both grandfathers (Prostate), and several close friends with devastating diagnoses.  It is like living in a battlefield, where one doesn’t know when the next soldier will be hit.

There is some belief that cancer happens when the body loses its warmth-producing qualities.   For instance, my husband who had been a ‘hot-blood,’ about a year before his cancer diagnosis, became more cold, requiring extra clothing and blankets when he slept.  Once he cleared the cancer his warmth returned.

Cancer has been described as a cooling illness, whereby processes of cell division proliferates indefinitely without ever dying off.  With the advent of vaccines, anti-inflammatories for fevers, fast-paced lifestyles, over emphasis on technology, bottle-fed babies, lack of nutrients in our soils, food additives, and toxins in our environment we have deprived our natural mechanisms for creating strong immunity for vibrant health.  I am weary when a patient tells me that they never get sick, because the body must from time to time cleanse and purify through illness.  Choosing wisely when, and if to vaccinate, nursing a fever appropriately, making essential time to be calm and enjoy life, creating a balanced exposure for being in nature vs. limiting extended exposure to technology and media, breastfeeding, and consuming live healthy foods and water are some ways to support the best health.

The way Mistletoe grows gives us the clue why this medicine works so well in cancer treatment. It remains green all year long, independent of light, storing up chlorophyll in the darkness of the wood in which it has buried itself.  The berries ripen in winter (out of sync) without warmth, just as cancer works out of sync imposing on our bodies’ normal physiological processes. Mistletoe is freed from the conditions to which other plants must submit. It must, like cancer, have a host to live on to sustain itself growing in trees such as oak, apple, or pine. In malignant growth the boundary between the organism and nature no longer lies merely on the skin, in the sense organs, the inner intestinal wall, the lumina of the glands, but is now transferred into the physical body itself at the border between the tumors and the surrounding tissue (Husemann &Wolff,  2003).  Likewise, the boundaries of host trees are breeched upon for the sake of mistletoe to grow and thrive.

Mistletoe (also known as Viscum, Iscador or Iscar) is a plant that has been used by anthroposophic doctors to treat cancer and other sclerotic illnesses since the 1920’s. Rudolf Steiner, the originator of Anthroposophic medicine, considered mistletoe one of our most important remedies. Mistletoe has shown to be effective in vitro, that is in the laboratory against tumor cells in two manners.  The first is a direct anti-tumor activity mediated by substances within the Mistletoe that attach to and rid cancer cells in the body (viscotoxins). The second is by indirect immune stimulation (lectins). There is good evidence that a number of immune functions are stimulated by Mistletoe therapy, which aids in the healing of the imbalance with cancer.  There is also a growing body of clinical evidence that Mistletoe is in some cases highly effective when used alone, but also effective when used in conjunction with chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery (Kienle, Kiene, & Albonico, 2006).  Mistletoe has shown a benefit for overall survival, quality of life, and reduction of side effects from chemotherapy and radiation (Kienle, Kiene, & Albonico, 2006).  A myriad of research already exists in Europe, whereas some hospitals have specialized in this therapy for over 50 years.  Currently, this medicine is under investigation by the National Institute for Health (NIH).

If Mistletoe is prepared homeopathically, in that ‘like cures like,’ healing takes advantage of this growth pattern and one’s body is inspired to heal from the inside out.  Otherwise known as a poison, Mistletoe as a homeopathic becomes an ally.  Mistletoe generates warmth forces and engages our most positive self to create a fire within. During treatment we look for a reaction of increased warmth as a rise in temperature and sometimes a fever.  Igniting the warmth within; the whole being can effectively clean house. In essence our immunity is brought to the front line again and the nonessential is burned away.  A veil can be lifted and a person may see themselves more clearly.  One’s heart can be opened.

I knew of a young woman who had uterine cancer. She had been through 5 rounds of chemotherapy. She was exhausted from the treatments and couldn’t bear to continue.  She had researched Mistletoe on her own. By the time she presented to the clinic she had metastases in her lungs.  The other side of her story was that her husband was abusive, and within her culture she was being judged for not becoming pregnant right away after the marriage.  In her religious beliefs, she was told that she couldn’t have cancer that young. She was told by her community that she was making it up.  Meanwhile she could barely get herself to treatments.  With Mistletoe therapy, she not only tolerated higher doses of the 6th round of chemotherapy, her metastases had retracted, and more   profoundly she found her place amongst her community in a strong way. She began to speak out about her story. She divorced her husband when it was unheard of in her culture. She maintained her place among her community and became a nurse.  At one point, her mother and father asked why she had such strong opinions, when prior as the eldest of 8 children care took of the others without ever questioning the demands.  I find that in this woman’s story she was able to discover her inner fire and personal power to direct her will for her life’s work and path. She physically healed, though more importantly she came to know herself in a higher form.  I have and continue to witness this effect in others who have chosen Mistletoe therapy.

Interestingly when I ventured to look at Mistletoe from a historical perspective I found that in ancient times Mistletoe was considered ‘The Golden Bough,’ that gave access to the underworld. Mythology of Egyptian, Greek, Norse, and India refer to Mistletoe as the metaphorical womb of the earth.  I see this as a need to return to oneself, to the mother, to whom we pass through to be here on Earth or as a remembering one’s place again.  Norsemen’s word for mistletoe was ‘Guidehel,’ the same as ‘guide to hell.’  Another meaning might mean that mistletoe helps us ‘through the hell of cancer, something so foreign and mindboggling.  Multiple metaphors can be inferred for meaning and understanding the place Mistletoe has in our day and age.  Anachronistic in its nature, Rudolf Steiner implied that Mistletoe is a plant that has remained from the Earth’s evolutionary past (Bott, 1984) as gifted from the Old Moon.  

One Legend :

For its supposedly mystical power mistletoe has long been at the center of many folklore. One is associated with the Goddess Frigga. The story goes that Mistletoe was the sacred plant of Frigga, goddess of love and the mother of Balder, the god of the summer sun. Balder had a dream of death which greatly alarmed his mother, for should he die, all life on earth would end. In an attempt to keep this from happening, Frigga went at once to air, fire, water, earth, and every animal and plant seeking a promise that no harm would come to her son. Balder now could not be hurt by anything on earth or under the earth. But Balder had one enemy, Loki, god of evil and he knew of one plant that Frigga had overlooked in her quest to keep her son safe. It grew neither on the earth nor under the earth, but on apple and oak trees. It was lowly mistletoe. So Loki made an arrow tip of the mistletoe, gave to the blind god of winter, Hoder, who shot it , striking Balder dead. The sky paled and all things in earth and heaven wept for the sun god. For three days each element tried to bring Balder back to life. He was finally restored by Frigga, the goddess and his mother. It is said the tears she shed for her son turned into the pearly white berries on the mistletoe plant and in her joy Frigga kissed everyone who passed beneath the tree on which it grew. The story ends with a decree that who should ever stand under the humble mistletoe, no harm should befall them, only a kiss, a token of love. What could be more natural than to translate the spirit of this old myth into a Christian way of thinking and accept the mistletoe as the emblem of that Love which conquers Death? Its medicinal properties, whether real or imaginary, make it a just emblematic of that Tree of Life, the leaves of which are for the healing of the nations thus paralleling it to the Virgin Birth of Christ.

 

I have witnessed the positive attributes of Mistletoe so many times that now I feel ethically compelled to offer this therapy where deemed appropriate.  Even in patients who are terminal, I believe from an esoteric point of view that Mistletoe will help a person cross over and ascend into the next stage of life.  

The medicine is given primarily by self-injection. Also it is given orally, topically and on rare occasion intravenously.  Injections occur on a schedule, usually with a series of shots interspersed with 1-2 week breaks.  Depending on the type, if the person is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation, or depending on the stage of the illness the frequency and timing of Mistletoe varies.  The therapy must be guided by a licensed medical provider.

Mistletoe extracts are used in cancer for both adjuvant and palliative purposes, either alone or in combination with chemotherapy or radiation. Many Anthroposophic doctors also suggest other remedies and healing modalities to support a person going through cancer treatment.  These might include remedies for pain, for cardiac and liver support, and additionally for immunity, constitutionally, if appropriate as well as nutrition and a healthy mindset are key to healing.

Mistletoe walks with you through life’s most trying tribulations. It has the capacity to assist us to remember who we are, lines us up for our innate goodness, and calls forth the strength to face all within our worldly realm.   Ultimately, we all are capable.  LOVE WHICH CONQUERS DEATH, penetrates our souls in a higher way beyond our initial understanding.  So why is it that we aspire to kiss under the Mistletoe in the dark of these wintery nights?  Think about it. When everything shakes out in life, what is left?  When someone receives a cancer diagnosis or a chronic debilitating disease a person asks many questions? Who am I? How do I want to live my life? What really matters?  Is it that Love, Beauty, and Connection unites us all?!

References:

                Bott, V. (1984). Spiritual science and the art of Healing: Rudolf Steiner’s Anthroposophical Medicine.    Healing arts press: Rochester, Vermont.

                Husemann & Wolff (2003).  Anthroposophic approach to medicine Vol.3. Mercury Press:Spring Valley, NY.

                Kienle, G., Kiene, H., and Albonico, H. (2006).  Anthroposophic Medicine: effectiveness, utility, costs, safety.  Schattuer:New York

                Murphy, C.  (2001). Mistletoe and Cancer Therapy.  Lantern Books.

                Walker, B. (1983) The Women’s Encyclopedia o fmyths and secrets.  Harper Collins:

San Francisco, CA.

                www.theholidayspot.com/christmas/history/mistletoe  

                www.paam.net

                www.weleda.com/iscador (USA)

                *Lyrics from the song-Holly Jolly Christmas written by Johnny Marks

     Our family consists of a mom, a dad, two daughters, a son, a grandfather, a grandmother, 3 cats, 1 kitten, 1 puppy, 2 rabbits, and a bee hive; all of us living in the suburban rolling hills of Happy Valley, Oregon. Like a diamond, the happiness and health in our family has revealed itself through our multi-faceted striving and learning. The brilliance of who we are as a whole family unit and what our task or karma together may be is seen out rightly in our eye to eye contact, working side by side, or the silence between the moments we share.
     This year after much consideration we decided to homeschool our three children. Many reasons existed. One reason was financial and another was a concern for how our children were learning. We questioned ‘What was the best way for our children to learn?’ Ultimately the decision seemed to be guided by a spiritual impetus, like a call from something higher to inquire.
     12 years ago I had researched homeschooling when we lived rurally. My younger sister was the first to capture my attention for exploring another type of education as she chose to homeschool my niece and nephew for kindergarten and 1st grade.
     At the time, as a Family Nurse Practitioner in Northeast Washington State I had been exposed to homeschool families. Often I’d be treating a mother and her five children would sit in the lobby studying, quiet as mice. They didn’t carry video game devices. ‘How novel,’ I thought. I was inspired and enchanted by this phenomena and the idea of being a central part of my children’s education.
     Through my review of curriculum and pedagogical approaches I stumbled across natural learning rhythms and a description of the 3 fold; thinking, feeling, willing or also known as head, heart, and hand; seeing a way to educate the whole child from the inside out. I didn’t think much about it, not knowing yet about Waldorf education. A few years prior I had been introduced and began my study into Anthroposophic Medicine through a friend. It wasn’t until I moved back to the city, my hometown area, pregnant with our third child and daunted by the thought of homeschooling that I remembered something about Waldorf education. We enrolled our eldest, then later our younger two for the next nine years in a Waldorf school.
     Neither my husband nor I attended private school as children, as we come from humble backgrounds, so without a financial plan we started the initial commitment of paying $400 odd sum dollars per month. At the time I was yet to set up my NP practice and my husband was re-establishing his career.
     The stress of meeting the payment, even with financial assistance drove me to accept a second job, later even a third and my husband took on extra projects. In the back of my mind I remembered reading that the presence of the mother and the rhythm made in the home was essential and if the strain outweighed this then it defeated the goal of paying for a private Waldorf Education. Fortunately my children had the everyday blessing of grandparents for childcare. We managed over the years to find the money almost like magic and we are firm believers in investing in something worthwhile. We often heard that parents would take loans out for tuition. This seemed counter-intuitive so as the monthly payment approached nearly $3,000/month we had to reconsider our decision.
     Like many parents we work wholeheartedly to provide the best for our children. We witnessed the value of a private Waldorf education and its ideals. Overall we rarely doubted the quality of the education, as well as knowing the teachers on the average are paid a pauper’s wage, we saw it deemed its price. Even so, we found ourselves tilting our heads of how this could be? My husband and I make a good living, both being professionals and consciously have chosen to live extendedly with my parents to minimize resources and costs. We have impeccable credit and have not mismanaged our money. We also haven’t been hit negatively by the downturn in the economy. We hold steady and increasing incomes, just not enough to match the rising cost necessary for 3 children’s education. Sometimes the joke between us is “If we knew we wanted our children to have a Steiner-based education we would have had only one.” Of course we wouldn’t ever think of trading back any one of our children.
     In an ideal world Rudolf Steiner indicated that education should not cost and it ought to be accessible to all. What that might look like is another matter. Another option for Waldorf education exists in our area through a public charter called the Portland Village School, though was too far us to travel. I then, painstakingly explored other schools. I relinquished to enrolling my children in the local public school. I thought the foundation of my children’s education was solid. I had known other parents from sports and knew them to be wholesome people.
     I wanted to tour the schools and have my children visit for a day, then found this was not allowed. I felt this was odd. How could I know it would be a good choice? I wondered if as an average citizen I wasn’t supposed to question the quality of the education. I’m not your typical hover parent, overbearing or overprotective, but fancied the idea in the moment. I did have the opportunity to attend a school carnival with my younger two. Sure this would show me the community, and I could meet teachers and the principal. My high-school student was permitted a 10 minute tour. Again it all felt so odd. When I asked parents why they liked the school I got strange looks and one father said he liked it because there was a computer in every room and the school scored very high state-wide for academics. I wondered, “Was their definition for good academics and mine the same? It probably was not. I started to develop a pit in my stomach. People seemed nice enough, though it didn’t feel right. How does an education truly serve the developing human being? For us, a Waldorf school had come the closest to meeting this expectation.
     For many years we felt overbooked and rushed. We wondered how it would be to simplify. The more we wanted to simplify the more demanding life became. We loved our life, our jobs of service, and our community. I had heard from homeschooling moms that time seemed to open up, that two and a half hours of homeschool was equivalent to six hours of regular school. How could it be? I thought, ‘Even a private Waldorf school is an institution.’ ‘Who knows their child better than a parent?’ Another homeschool mom said children want to learn, just give then the space to freely do so.
     And still another homeschool mom expressed people often zone into one facet of their lives and forget to look at the whole picture. It’s vital to start teaching our kids, when they are little, their responsibility not only for themselves, but for their relationship to others, the world around them and ultimately God. Part of that is to live a life a ‘Truth’ and that sometimes; truth is the hardest thing to admit to ourselves and others. Then all the while the ‘World’ around us continually tells us that the ‘ends justify the means.’ How can we live a truthful and loving life with that concept? Needless to say, how can our children form properly if we allow only teachers and coaches to develop our children? They may be helpful but into today’s settings how can that be true? Rudolf Steiner said ‘The teacher must be one who is true in the depths of his being. They must never compromise with untruth, for if they did so we should see how through any channels untruth would find its way into our teaching, especially in the way we present our subjects. Our teaching will only bear the stamp of truth if we are intently striving after truth in ourselves.’
     In the state of Oregon about 18,000 children were homeschooled in 2008. More and more states are working collaboratively between public and homeschool sectors. There are many facets and options for the type of homeschooling one might choose from unschooling to teacher-assisted on-line programs. There are Waldorf-based homeschooled curriculums. For instance Shining Star School led by Marsha Johnson is a co-op for Waldorf family’s homeschooling here locally. Live Education is a Waldorf guided curriculum led by Rainbow Rosenbloom in California.
     For us we are highly educated and have grandparents who want to help us. We don’t worry about lack of socializing our children as we are highly involved with our local community through various activities, like sports, and spiritual endeavors. I like what another past homeschooling parent said to me, ‘Really where in life in an average setting do you surround yourself with 25-30 others the exact same age?’ We live multi-generational and see the world at-large is just the same.
     We’re fortunate our children have established friends and we can continue to foster the relationships. Plus there are many options of co-ops where other homeschoolers take a class or share events. Our awareness remains to avoid overbooking ourselves as a family.
In the first few weeks, to be honest I nearly rocketed out of myself. A friend told me, ‘It’s like you have moved to a foreign country,’ and absolutely I felt this. I rearranged my clinic schedule to afternoons as I chose to homeschool weekdays 9 am-noon. Daily I remember and I am inspired by the success of a fellow medical colleague and her husband who have been homeschooling their 7 children while maintaining their livelihoods….and yes they are sane!
     My portion includes main lesson (covering the main subjects required of each year), foreign language, and arts. In the afternoons my mother does handwork and my father teaches music and both as well tutor all our children for reading, math, writing, and projects. Physical education is mostly taught by my husband and is incorporated with sports, horseback riding, dance, and swimming for this year. My fifth grader will likely train with his past class for the Olympiad. Eurythmy and Spatial Dynamics will be offered privately from the outside, though I am looking to connect a resource for the broader Waldorf homeschool community at-large. My high school student chose an online teacher- assisted program from Oak Meadows in Vermont, which allows for moderate amount of parent involvement overseeing assignments. Additionally she has joined the local high school Equestrian Team.
     I let go of attempting to reproduce all a public or Waldorf School might offer and traded it for the intimacy and luxury of tailoring the day to what is essential for my children. One unschooling author writes that a child moving from an institutionalized school to homeschool may need to do literally nothing for many months, just to find their own natural learning rhythm again. Even though this has not been necessary for my children I am taking their cues for learning. Surprisingly there zest for learning and enthusiasm for life has opened another doorway for them.
     The process has created an intense transformation for our family. It’s not without worry or frustrations. I knew we could not know the implications or insights of this choice until we entered inside the choice.
     Being like barometers the feedback from our children displays the effects of our choice. My high school student says she ‘Loves homeschooling and doesn’t miss the drama of her classmates,’ even though she has fond memories of her past experiences. Our younger two are content. Other comments are ‘I like that we are at home……. I like that my mom takes the extra time with me when things are harder and we move faster when it’s easy.’ There has been less bickering among the siblings and actually a deeper bond seen as they encourage each other when things are challenging or one of them has a breakthrough of learning something new.
      The experience is much richer than I could have imagined. Interestingly time has indeed opened up. When I go to work I think, ‘Wow, today I’ve already spent quality time with my children.’ As a family we have slowed down and are enjoying so many things together. We save gas money from less running around and also plan meals and groceries more efficiently. I am actually remembering what food is in the cupboard.
       We had planned to homeschool for 1 year. As for now we will take one day at a time and see what wants to unfold. There are many ways to educate a child, so as the year comes to end we will look once again inside ourselves and take inventory. The health of our family is precious and through homeschooling we have regenerated our life forces. In times like this, this is worth its price in gold.

Normally cleanses are best done seasonally, Autumn and Spring. Sometimes one might have an impulse for another time of year. I suggest a time of 4-8 weeks to complete, so as not to shock the body. Be aware that as you detoxify your physical body, your emotional and mental bodies may be agitated. It is not unusual to get headaches, nausea, cramps, and become moody at times. This is good and well worth it. It will better suit you to have a healthcare provider who is experienced in nutritional cleanses meet with you and tailor the best approach for you. If you have any known medical illnesses always consult a medical provider. Any focus you are able to give yourself matters, so enter the process without expectations and observe your response.
1. Read article “Sound Nutrition” and follow for 1-2 weeks. Eliminate processed sugar, red meat (exception is wild game, buffalo ok the first few weeks, then eliminate to birds, and later to fish), and wheat. Eat only organic or biodynamic. No juice, coffee, alcohol, or soda. Only herbal teas (green/black, ok), and water. For many this step may be all that can be achieved and can have many positive effects.
2. Drink filtered H20 (half your weight = amount of ounces/day).
3. Drink Liver or Nettle leaf Tea (1cup 2-3x/day). Limbos on 39th/HolgateBv.
4. In the morning before tea or breakfast blend 1 granny smith apple, juice of one lemon, 1-2 garlic cloves, 2T flaxseed, 2T extra virgin olive oil, thin as needed with water. An hour later eat hot cereal.
5. Late afternoon or nightly applied external application of yarrow to the liver, or castor oil to abdomen.
6. Supplement with liver/gallbladder herbs, like Dandelion, Milt Thistle, Chelidonium. At New Seasons has a product called Herb Pharma Liver tincture—-take 1 dropperful with meals 3x/day.
7. Bitters 30 drops or 1tsp with meals– Uriel Pharmacy has Chicory/ginger bitters (www.urielpharmacy.com) New Seasons carries similar products
8. Supplement with high-dose digestive enzymes. Marcozymes 3-5 tabs between meals at Pohala Clinic.
9. Juicing- stay with primarily vegetables like carrot, beets, spinach,celery, etc. 2-40z twice daily.
10. Exercise low-level, especially towards the end of the cleanse. Yogic breathing and stretches are excellent choices. Make it something you enjoy.
11. Lymphatic Skin Brushing before shower.
12. Water (hydro)therapy. Sea salt,Epsom, or mock oil dispersion baths.
13. Receive some type of body work, such as Reiki, massage, cupping, acupuncture weekly.
14. Anthroposophic constitutional remedies.
15. Supplement with Ultraclear (intracellular detoxification drink by Metagenics) at Pohala Clinic This usually takes 28 days and can start after 1-2 weeks.
16. Toward the end consider colonics at least 2 back to back (like a FRI/SAT). All That’s Well Ends Well Clinic—–
(503) 230-0812. The therapists are very kind and sensitive.
17. Spiritual awareness of positivity in your environment, depending on your preference. I smudge with cedar, frankincense, sage, or sweet grass. Lighting a candle, sweeping a floor, cleaning a closet…….. Remember or write down 5 things you are grateful for each night.
18. Expose yourself to nature as much as possible; lie on the earth, dig in the dirt, put your feet in a rushing creek, go somewhere new! Let yourself be ALIVE.

No one wants to discover that their child has lice. Lice carry the stigma of poor hygiene or a symbol of filth. Though there may be more cases in overcrowded areas or lower economic classes, lice hits across all socio-economic classes. No one is immune to being exposed to lice. Children who are more social, have long hair, and who have a weakened immunity or etheric (life) body may be more susceptible, though once the majority of a classroom becomes affected lice rarely discriminates.
We have seen more outbreaks of lice in Oregon over the last several years. The lice themselves have become resistant to the usual RID treatment and the climate has maintained milder moister conditions. Places like Hawaii deal with the potential for lice on a daily basis. One could feel as if we are being taken over by the insect world. One mother who moved from the severe cold winter climate of Minnesota with her 4 children said she never heard of lice and was horrified it took six months to rid her entire family of them.
Checking your child for lice/nits: When there is a risk for lice, such as reported by your children’s school, the first line of defense is checking and treating your child. The second is notifying the teacher so she can reduce the likelihood of spreading in the classroom.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR: small white eggs affixed to the hair strand, near the scalp. Dandruff flakes and hair debris fall off the hair, nits stay on. If you find even one then please treat your whole family. It can travel to both parents and siblings, though is not always the case.
Lice treatment:
1. The easiest and least toxic is to soak your child’s hair in oil (neem, olive, coconut oil or mayonnaise are the best but whatever you’ve got will do), put a bathing cap (or Saran Wrap) on their head for 2-4 hours, or even overnight. Rinse in Listerine (golden Listerine is 30% alcohol which kills lice), wash in Tea Tree, Rosemary or Coconut shampoo (lice don’t like these). Adding essential oils like rosemary, basil, thyme, oregano, lavender or lemon grass are agitating to lice and though may provide sanity relief in the form of aromatherapy.
2. Blow dry or flat iron the hair: high heat kills lice but do so without burning the scalp and check for any missing eggs. Once the hair is flattened it also makes it easier to remove nits and lice. Still you must remove one by one each nit or louse; otherwise you risk more eggs laid and hatching within 3-7days.
3. Put on a head lamp. It allows your hands to be free for searching and gives added light for identifying lice and nits.
4. Comb it out with a lice comb in ½-1 inch strands, little by little, from the scalp to the end of the hair. Once you see or feel a louse or nit one must actually with fingers grab the nit and pull out. The combs aren’t effective enough to pull out. It can be gathered on a napkin for later discarding safely.
5. Recent research indicates that live lice rarely leave the hair…so unless a child has a huge infestation it is unlikely to transfer via hats, pillows and such. Put pillows in dryer for 15minutes. Bag stuffed animals for 2weeks. Spend most of your energy on the child’s hair, not on cleaning the house.
If an infestation returns it may be worthwhile to purchase an electric nit comb at any local pharmacy. Each time the comb hits an egg or live louse it makes a zapping noise, electrocuting the nit or louse. There are numerous other methods or products along the spectrum…New Seasons or your local natural foods store also carry non-toxic Nit Kits. If you do use RID or other pesticide ingredient brand just be very careful how long you have the product on your child and yourself. Whatever method you choose, it would be wise to treat the whole family and to repeat this process every 7 days, three times, to conquer the lice life cycle.
Most school policies state the students may return to class after 24 hours lice-free. A zip lock bag is useful for hats and scarves. Long hair should be tied back and braided. Haircutting is always an option. When there is a known infestation in a classroom or one’s home check your child’s hair daily …catching it early makes a huge difference
Prevention:
1. Use Tea Tree, Rosemary, or Coconut based shampoo
2. Mix tea tree oil, rosemary oil, lavender oil and water in a mist bottle and spray your child’s hair before going to school.
3. Tie your child’s hair back in a pony tail or bandana.

Julie Foster’s personal experience:
When my eldest daughter, Laurel contracted lice from a Summer Camp we were able to clear it right away and then applied a second treatment 1 week later. I didn’t feel worried as once I treated my niece’s hair when my sister fell hysterical. To calm my niece I pretended there was a lice family I was telling to go away and live somewhere else. She too contracted lice from a Summer Camp.
When my youngest, daughter Liviya caught it from one of her classmates I was optimistic. I was humbled by the time she caught it 3 times in 1 year over a 4month period. It took an active participation of all the families to check and be vigilant, as well as it become a daily ritual for me to check for it to finally leave. Liviya was also a trooper and quite comical. One night as we sat for 2 hours removing nits and lice she broke out in song from the Monty Python’s Life of Brian movie singing “Look on the bright side of life…….”
I caught it once during this time and particularly found the electric comb useful since my husband could not check my hair well enough. My son Gaven caught it once and we opted after the many months of Liviya to just cut his hair very short.
All and all stay positive, be practical, and keep your wits. I like what one mother stated “A sense of humor kept my sanity and spirits up. I have been thinking quite fondly of the NYC roaches who never tried to set up shop in my children’s hair. And my own two cents is it doesn’t matter at all who has it, who gave it, who had it first…let’s just get rid of it!

When striving to optimize health we can see that the Earth has supplied us with all the medicines needed to care for ourselves. I once heard that 99% of our nutrition exists through our living and breathing of the Cosmos. This certainly helped me when I thought my toddlers never ate, yet seemed to grow vibrantly. Water is sacred. Water is life. Without it we could not survive. Food as medicine is important before looking to medications whether they be natural or pharmaceutical. And even of utmost importance are the thoughts we think day in and day out that feed our mind.

Remember, in diet and nutrition as in all matters of health, the key is to connect with the body’s innate wisdom. Some cravings, like those for salt, protein or water, are expressions of the body’s needs. Other cravings, like those for alcohol, chocolate, sugar or baked wheat goods, are symptoms of an imbalance in the body and are a cry for raised consciousness.

Our digestive system and our whole body will function better if we follow the old guideline of ‘breakfast like a king, lunch like a prince, and supper like a pauper.” This means eating your richer and heavier proteins and fat foods, like meat, fish, eggs, dairy, butter, oils, legumes, beans, seeds, and nuts mostly before 3:00p , and your fruits, desserts, and sweets after 3:00p. Vegetables and grains are ‘neutral’ and can be eaten pretty much anytime.

No diet will be beneficial if we dislike it. Enjoyment of our food is a sign of health. When our body and soul are in healthy balance, then what tastes good to us is good for us. For most of us, however, taste in food and drink is strongly influenced by factors that have nothing to do with nourishment. Nevertheless we are all capable of educating our senses, including our sense of taste. It is also important to add that due to justifiable social considerations we may not always be able to eat according to our taste.

Improving the quality and rhythm of our eating can be a path of cleansing and strengthening for body, mind, and soul. As in all paths, occasional lapses are to be expected and should not discourage us. The major indulgence we may allow ourselves once in a while is less harmful than the little indulgences we repeat every day.

These pages are meant only as a guide and not a rigid prescription. The task is courageous, and self-detached exploration into the nature of food and into our own nature as well.

A note about your liver: Like Prometheus in the Greek myth, everyone’s liver today is under attack. The story goes that by day Prometheus’ liver was pecked away by vultures, then by night the liver fully recovered. If we cannot get to sleep before 10p, then the liver continues to breakdown and cannot regenerate. Every hour before midnight is like 2 hours of sleep.

Any toxic, cooling or stressful influence on modern life will weaken liver energy. As the word suggests, the liver is the center of our life forces, and also of our will. We have a sense of well-being and a ‘can do’ attitude when our liver is healthy. When the liver is stressed we are irritable, when its congested we are depressed, when its depleted we are exhausted and when its dysfunctional we crave addicting substances and can become angrily irritable. When its healthy we desire foods which truly nourish and strengthen us, when it’s unhealthy we often desire foods either for their stimulating effect or for their numbing effect. Substances which stress and weaken the liver are alcohol, chocolate, colas and soft drinks, sugar, coffee, peanuts and peanut butter, fats and oils, which are fried or heated, and in many people, wheat flour products.

Foods which strengthen and cleanse the liver are bitter herbs like yarrow, dandelion and chicory, root vegetables like beets, carrots, turnips and parsnips, vegetables in the onion-garlic-leek family, vegetables in the kale, cabbage, broccoli family (crucifers) and thistles like globe artichokes. Sour and bitter tastes strengthen the liver while sweet tends to weaken it, especially a sweet breakfast. The liver functions better when you eat most of your proteins, fats or oils before 3:00p.m.and most of your carbohydrates, fruits, sweets, grains after 3:00pm.

Many traditional cultures have developed a process whereby foods ferment naturally and produce lactic-acid. Such foods are sauerkraut, cultured milk products (like yogurt), sourdough bread (without yeast), kombucha, and pickled beets, cucumbers, and other vegetables made without vinegar. All these foods are healthy especially for the liver. Some of these, available from local Whole Foods, New Seasons, such as Kim Chi – a culture of chopped organic carrots and cabbage (Organic sauerkraut and pickles by Bubbies). Look for these in the refrigerated section. They are refrigerated because they are fresher, full of enzymes and not pasteurized. All of these processes can be learned and made at home.

Actively choosing foods that are more alkaline, like green foods are preferred and cancer-preventative. Mostly people are eating foods that create acidity, such as pastries or what I call the ‘beige’ diet, consuming alcohol, drugs, or unnatural tobacco. The incredible amount of chemicals and pesticides in our food are cooling and destructive to life.

I think it’s important to focus on the foods one may have rather than think about a ‘diet’ of foods one cannot have. My diabetic patients often express a feeling of denying oneself, to eat well is seen as a punishment. Think about what you CAN have. Invite the soul to relish in the goodness of the foods that nourish throughout. Likewise one can create a soul blockage or overastralizing effect by becoming overly rigid to the use of nutrition. Breathing into and out of life enlivens the etheric or life-body of who we are.

Below is a list (though not complete) for everyday nutrition. Sometimes and usually a good idea is to bring the body through a nutritional cleanse twice a year, Spring and Fall. These are the natural Earth cycles to clear and renew. This is a further discussion where I often guide individuals to get back on track or optimize their health with nutrition through a nutritional cleanse. Often I review and advise patients to come in February or August to prepare.

Use it as a starting point. Inspire oneself to unfold the creative beauty of choosing foods that nurture from the inside out. Sometimes foods or drinks can be seen as sacred or medicine, used sparingly. My husband’s English mother used alcohol for illness in the way of ‘hot totties’ colds and homemade dandelion wine for anxiety, while with my upbringing alcohol was seen negatively, I would imagine only becoming sicker thinking about it. Just a little can be medicine and used very once and awhile, whereas regular use soon becomes detrimental. In the South, chocolate was originally considered food only for the Gods. Of course today we can see why, though it’s use was primarily used in ceremonies to pray and give offering for thanks.

Sources of food from most natural places are preferred. Organic good and biodynamic sources are even better. No matter how small your living space, work to have a garden of some sort and share with your community. Otherwise, local and farmers markets preferred. Become thoughtful of where your food is coming from and what it takes for it to arrive on your plate.

There are endless sources of nutrition and diets. This is to provide sensibility for your day to day practice. I encourage you to explore, question what you read, and utilize an educated healthcare practitioner that can meet you with the truth about nutrition rather than the collective beliefs in our times. I do not believe in the Standard American Diet, the news on cholesterol, the recommendations for diabetics. etc.

For those with Cancer and chronic debilitating illnesses certain aspects must be considered. If a person is under a specific athletic training, starting an exercise program, or one experiences places where their health has been taxed, such as from surgery or a recent acute illness , then I often recommend constitutional therapies, nutritional supplementation or administration of nutritional IVs or injections. In all ways your nutrition can be tailored to your unique needs.

Jump in, enjoy! I wish the best in your journey for vibrant health. The smallest change you are able to make will have lasting results on all of your being. If you make an undesirable choice, just make another until it becomes rightful. Line yourself with who you are and who you want to become.

Resources to start for your review are:
• Nourishing Traditions By Sally Fallon.
• Weston Price Foundation
• www.bodyecology.com
• www.dietcure.com. Take 9 quizzes to assess nutritional deficiencies.
• Gerson therapy.
• Movies: Food Inc. Super Size Me, Queen of the Sun (upcoming new release), The real dirt on Farmer Jon.

Nourishing
BEVERAGES: Filtered water, some research shows now that alkalizing water good in our times of high cancer rates. Fresh, organic vegetables juices, especially beet, carrot, parsley, or other green juices. These are rich, powerful, alive and are infinitely better than any supplement or vitamin in powder or pill form. Best juice oneself, yet brands Naked or Columbia good. Organic loose berb teas. Chamomile, fennel, and licorice root good for indgestion, especially in children. Yarrow, dandelion root, peppermint are good for the liver. Horsetail (Equisetum), cornsilk, rosehips and parsley are good for kidneys. Kombucha or probiotic drink containing healthy enzymes and bacteria.

Best Avoided Alcohol, cocoa, black and pekoe tea, coffee, and soft drinks. Any juice with added high fructose corn syrup or sugar or artificial sweeteners. Avoid all diet drinks, containing aspartame (nutrasweet, Equal, etc.), which is a known poison whith toxic effects on the nervous system. Splenda is chlorinated table sugar. Fruit juices in moderation as high sugar content.

Nourishing
BREADS:   Sprouted Grains and Rice bread are easy to digest. Rye & Spelt are preferable to Wheat. Sourdough is preferable to yeast.
If you bake your own bread, keep your flour in the freezer to retard rancidity or else use a flour mill and grind it fresh each time you bake.

Best Avoided Frequent use of white bread and white flour, products such as macaroni, noodles, pasta, crackers, muffins, doughnuts, cookies, cakes, pastries. (unless spelt or rice based )

Nourishing GRAINS Rice, quinoa (high-protein), millet, spelt easier to digest. More will forces of digestion are necessary for Wheat, corn, barley, rye. If easily bloated with wheat-type substance consider celiac testing or removal trial.

Avoid Processed, boxed cereals which are sweetened, fortified, etc. have little or no nutritional value.

Nourishing EGGS:  Best in morning and no later than 6p.

Avoid Eggbeaters & powdered or replacement eggs. Eggs are harder to digest when hard-boiled.

Nourishing MEATS Fresh fish, chicken, or turkey (organically raised) broiled or baked. Wild game or organically raised buffalo, deer, elk. Use sparingly.

Avoid most other meats, especially pork, shell fish. Canned meats usually have nitrates, nitrites, antibiotics, or hormones.

Nourishing OILS:  We must have fat to think properly. Consume moderate amount of good fats, such as organic butter, virgin olive oil, coconut. Almond, grapeseed oil, avocados and oil. It has been a big lie that humans do better on a low fat diet. Fats are essential for many systems in the body to be healthy. Use cast iron or stainless steel pans.

Avoid Most all other oils, especially cottonseed oil, canola (rapeseed) oil. No rancid or continuously heated oils. No hydrogenated oil or fats, such as margarine, soybean oil…If you knew how they were made you wouldn’t want them. Whenever any oil is heated, stir-fried, sautéed, etc. , it gets more rancid and more toxic (especially for liver) faster. If you must fry or sauté, try not to get the skillet too hot and use a little butter or coconut oil. Olive oil cannot be heated past low-medium. Absolutely DO NOT USE Teflon, non-stick pans, sprays, or aluminum.

Nourishing NUTS:  Raw is better than salted or roasted. Almonds. Almond milk, raw almond, macadamia, cashew, sunflower butter freshly made best.

Avoid Peanuts & peanut butter highly allergen and also contain aflatoxins.

Nourishing SEASONINGS Kitchen herbs are specified medicines that compliment and aid digestion for most dishes. Chives, garlic, parsley, bay, oregano, basil, sage, thyme, savory, kelp, dulse, rosemary. Lots of cayenne, ginger, and horseradish to warm the digestive fires.

Avoid Any artificial flavorings. No MSG, or hydrolyzed proteins. Words like ‘natural flavorings’ are not good.

Nourishing SOY/LEGUMES: Soy is best when fermented, as in miso, tamari, or tempeh. Legumes, such as lentils, beans, and peas can replace animal protein when added to a grain in those who eat vegetarian or vegan diets.

Avoid Unfermented soy products contain many natural toxins or antinutrients, which can be harmful. Avoid soy milk, soy cheese, soy butter, and soy protein powders, and other processed soy products. Use non-genetically modified tofu sparingly.

Nourishing SPROUTS Sunflower, broccoli, fenugreek, radish, garlic, clover, buckwheat, and wheat, which can be made into wheat grass juice.

Nourishing SWEETS Raw honey, agave, molasses, maple syrup, stevia used sparingly. Best not before 3p and not more than ½-1tsp /day.

Avoid White sugar, high-fructose corn syrup. Any artificial sweetener: nutrasweet, saccharin, phenylketonurias, aspartame. These are severely toxic to the nervous system, even for diabetics causing symptoms similar to MS and other neurologic disorders.

Nourishing SEEDS  Sunflower, pumpkin, sesame, chia, and flax. Better raw, not toasted. Better before 3p.

Avoid Roasted or salted seeds.

Nourishing VEGETABLES All green vegetables, like broccoli, kale, chard, lettuce, sprouted greens, cabbage, spinach, celery, cucumber, etc. Root veggies like beets. Sweet potatoes, yams, carrots.

Avoid Use sparingly tomatoes, eggplant, or white potatoes as they are a part of the deadly nightshade family.

By: Julie Foster MSN, FNP/Philip Incao MD

Almost daily I am asked about “What can I do about the Swine Flu?” There is an inundation of information for health care providers and consumers alike. How do we sort through it?

 
There are many layers one can look at. In the spiritual realm I see the Swine Flu represents the Dragon in the Time of Michaelmas. One author says as a collective culture we are waiting for an epidemic. In Anthroposophy one might say ‘Facing something like the Swine Flu is just the kind of work we as humans are meant to be doing.’

The dark forces of Kali Yuga cycling to Kali Satya, the materialism of the Mars energy transforming to the divinity of a new Mercury influence in the evolution of earth, or the end times of 2012 in the Mayan calendar amidst a country at war all stand at the back-drop of this affair.

The Swine Flu is nothing new…………….This piglet too has its recurring rhythm. And like the Earth whom historically has melted away her icecaps will too return to an ice-age. This is what happens on this planet. We are one giant petri dish. Somehow we all get to be together in this. The challenge is ‘How do we want to be with it?’ Do you and I want to be paranoid, in denial, swinging with our monkey-mind in the polarities of fear or rather stand in our personal collective power regardless of the outcome? It is well known in histories past that while clergy and healers amidst an epidemic who were immune to diseases as such, shared a belief of facing the fire with conviction, power, and positive intent.
The flu vaccine is not my personal preference. In the past I have resorted to saying perhaps it is good for the elderly and chronically ill, but then I think they are too weak to receive any vaccine. Some might think as a health care provider I am at increased risk too. I have been exposed to many harsh illnesses and it is rare that I get sick. I get sick when I become unbalanced. For instance if I’m forget to drink enough water the day before, or I feel an emotional stress, on top of seeing a patient with a virus or severe depression. When my terrain gets chaffed the dark forces come knocking.

I agree with many naturalists and allopathics alike that the Swine Flu Vaccine has been rushed and I am unsure of trusting the motives involved to bring it to the masses. Still I may have a patient who chooses these options. I hold no negative judgment. This is a choice and if so I often guide my patients to use Anthroposophic remedies to work with any harmful effects.

At this time of year or as with any shift toward illness in the larger community there are precautions I take for myself and family as well as taking the time to council patients.
1. Basic Nursing Care…….warmth, light, rhythm, and love. Rest is absolutely essential and natures best healer. REST at the first sign of illness, DON’T WAIT. Children under 7 need 10-12 hours of sleep each night. Akin to the guidance of our kindergarten teachers, 3 layers of clothing on top and 2 on the bottom. (Thank goodness for this Indian summer). If chilled take a bath. Epsom Salt, yellow mustard, baking soda or favorite oil (seek Anthroposophic Medicine provider for instructions about what may be in your kitchen for healing). Draw a leminscate in the water 7 times with a prayer each time to create a healing space. I also like sweating when possible in an Inipi Sweat Lodge or more commonly a sauna at home or in a gym would work. Make sure your home and environment can be ventilated and exposed to light. Our grandfather Sun has many more healing qualities than he gets credit for. Microbes don’t like this.
2. Prevention- Always use proper nutrition as your first medicine. I cannot emphasize this enough! I like the knowledge of the Weston Price Foundation and/or the cookbook Nourishing Tradition by Sally Fallon.
The following recommendations are basic and safe, yet not limited. For instance I often choose a different treatment plan from one person to the next. This does not preclude the advice of your health care provider. The joy of medicine for our patients is that there are so many great choices of providers for people to find a healer that prescribes to one’s liking and is a good fit respectively.

• Echinodoron tablets (Weleda pharmacy)
• Emergen-C packets. This is easy for children
• Mucococinnum or OTC oscillococcinum 1tab or vial per week in flu season.
• Higher doses of buffered Vitamin C. When the bowels are loose (metabolic system) it is difficult to maintain head (nerve-sense system) congestion. It helps flush our system. See health care provider for dosing.
• Travel remedy (Uriel pharmacy)/Airborne for flying or large public exposure.
• Cordiodoron (Weleda) 1-2 tabs twice daily to balance stress
• Lavender/moor oil (Hauschka) or Solum Aesculus Oil (Uriel pharmacy) for weather sensitivity and protection from unkind external forces.
• Vit D & antioxidants. Many reputable articles out there in support of this. See provider for dosing.
• Good probiotic. Studies have shown if the gut is well populated with good bacteria then the bad guys have a harder time setting up residence. Easiest is to ingest lacto-fermented foods such Kombucha, Kefir, or obtain good brand through your health care provider.
• Essential Fatty Acids- The good fats maintain a healthy circulation and nervous system. Coconut oil, flax seed, fish oils, etc. Good OTC is Nordic Naturals or from your health care provider.
• Sugar feeds bacteria and viruses. Natural Sugars only- agave, molasses, maple syrup, stevia, evaporated cane juice, honey if you must have sweets.
• Drink fresh filtered water ½ your weight in ounces each day.
• Eat a diet more alkaline based, like green veggies, green drinks, raw foods, wholesome soups. No white flour, processed foods.
• Osteopathic or Chiropractic care to maintain a healthy and oxygen-filled nervous system.
• Other body work to facilitate a balanced well being (Acupuncture, Massage, etc.)
• Live your life fully. Move and have fun. We all know that people with positive well-being weather adversity better.

3. Establish relationship with trusted health care provider. I like knowing my patients before something hits hard. In this way I can better assess the severity of a health change. Choose a provider who will take the time to address your questions and concerns. This is important to be better equipped to meet the unknown.

4. If you become sick: Consider using Ferrum phosphoricum (Weleda), Infludo (Weleda), Mucococcinum/Oscillococcinum. Liquid Echinacea or elderberry for children too (True Botanica or Seroyal pharmacies). For adults I have had good success with Bio-vegetarian (Priority One). Again, there are so many approaches and good products, if one is not working switch to invite the body to work with the remedy and illness. I look at a person’s constitution or tendencies for health and illness and provide treatment with Anthroposphic remedies. Actually it is a good idea to consult with your anthroposphic provider to obtain on-hand things that are good for you and your loved ones.

Above all, be sure your decision is born from a conscious place of centeredness, whatever decision you make. Make your decision out of a true and sincere vigilance instead of from denial or fear. It has been said the Earth has everything on her to heal whatever us humans encounter. Even so, my late Irish great-grandfather who lived through the swine flu in 1918 said those who died were the ones who went back to work too early or didn’t seek or receive proper nursing care.
With this in mind I suggest if you find yourself sick with the Swine Flu do not try to be a hero with yourself. If you think in the slightest you or a loved one is taking a turn for the worse seek your health care provider as soon as possible. It is quick and easy to assess a developing pneumonia or dehydration, which are the most common causes of death in an untreated flu.
I refuse to give into the majority response. I am neither laisser-faire. I feel concern about my children, especially my youngest who has a thin veneer. But it is to say I am aware and awake standing guard if it arrives.
Hopefully these reflections provide something of use for you and others.

Pohala Clinic now has a website for our patients. Feel free to browse through the site. It is our intent to create another opportunity for our patients to be informed and connected to our services. We think the site speaks for itself…..so enjoy! A special thanks to our Web Designers, Brad & Eli at Hot Pepper Studios. There will be more to come……so stay in touch.