A Gingerbread Tradition

One of my favorite traditions, from my childhood, has to be when we would create an entire gingerbread village for Christmas. Of course, we had enough people to make houses (10 children plus 2 adults)! My mom always spent extra time landscaping the village. There were vast lakes with overhanging waterfalls, frozen in time. Miniature ice skaters danced playfully on their mirrored surfaces. Bears slept in caves, pine trees with tiny red berries begged to be eaten, and new-fallen, powdered sugar snow accented the scenery.

Each of us made blueprints of the house we would build and my mom cut out the shapes and baked them, equipped with stained-glass candy windows! My mom was responsible for the church, with its steeple pointing towards the heavens and the windows depicted beautiful mosaics. It truly was a masterpiece, year after year. I don't have to0 many pictures that showcase what I'm talking about, but I've included a few. I'll try to find some more.

'Tis the Season

Inside My Medicine Cabinet

First of all, I guess I should clarify that I don't really have a medicine cabinet, rather a tackle box filled with my medical and emergency supplies. However, Inside My Medicine Tackle Box does not have quite the same ring. Moving on...

I firmly believe in being as prepared as possible for any emergency situation, especially since I have kids. I also take a holistic approach to medicine, so some of the items in my medical tackle box might sound unfamiliar, but here goes:

Tools and Miscellaneous Supplies

Large and small nail clippers
Tongue depressors
Small pen light
Cotton swabs
Thermometer
Surgical scissors
Dissection kit (from my Anatomy and Physiology classes, but it comes in handy)
Ice packs
Water bag
Matches
Emergency blanket
Disposable gloves

Bandages, etc.

Various sizes and shapes of self-adhesive bandages
Various sizes and shapes of gauze, self-adhesive and non-adhesive
Pre-wrap
Various sizes of kinesiology tape
Surgical tape
Mole skin
Adhesive strips (great for sealing wounds, instead of having to use stitches)
Skin glue

Wound care, etc.

Colloidal silver spray (as an alternative to Bactine)
Herbal salve (as an alternative to Neosporin- I have one with Pau d' Arco, Calendula, Plantain, and such)
Aloe gel (100% pure, great for burns)
Oreganol (This particular brand of oregano oil is great for serious fungal infections, spider and snake bites, etc.)
Zinc oxide cream (Weleda makes a good one, it's great for diaper rashes and various skin rashes)
Insect sting and bite gel (Sting Stop by B&T is a homeopathic formula I use for minor stings and bites)

Colds, Ears, and Eyes

Immune system formula (like System Well Ultimate Immunity by Nature's Way)
Cough drops (organic and sweetened with stevia or other natural sweetener)
Nasal spray (I have one with grapefruit seed extract, xylitol, and saline)
Olive leaf throat spray
Herbal eye drops (I use a homeopathic and herbal blend with fennel, clover, eyebright, in an isotonic solution)
Ear oil (Wally's Ear oil has garlic and other anti-fungal/healing herbs)

Tooth, Gums, and Mouth

Clove oil (helps numb tooth and gum pain)
Tooth and gum ointment (Perio Rub by Nature's Answer makes one with clove, olive leaf extract, phytoplenolin, and many other therapeutic herbs)
Cold sore gel (Herpanacine has l-lysine, astragalus, sarsaparilla root, and additional anti-oxidants)

Pain and Inflammation

Arnica gel (Boiron, for contusions and other aches)
Turmeric (reduces inflammation, increases circulation, etc)
Pain relief spray (Stop Pain with menthol, glucosamine, chondroitin, boswellia, etc)
DLPA (helps body and mind cope with pain, neurally)

Homeopathy in Your First Aid Kit

Homeopathic remedies are prescribed on the principal that 'like cures like'. They are constructed by placing a tiny amount of the remedy in a dilution. I have a kit at home, which looks like a mini chest of drawers, that is filled with some of my favorite remedies. I don't think it's any secret that my husband and I shun the conventional medical world. Personally, I choose to take our health in our own hands. Along with treating ourselves, we have been treating our children (since they were just babies) with homeopathy, as needed.

My basic philosophy is to try the simplest route first, then move on to the next phase if necessary. I have detailed the steps to healing in another article. Here is a list of my favorite remedies to have on hand, along with arnica montana (which I also wrote about in another article):

allium cepa- headache, burning, tearing eyes with runny nose, toothache, and earache. Also used for allergies, hayfever, and laryngitis.

antimonium tartaricum- respiratory conditions, rattling of mucus with little expectoration, drowsiness, chills, and spasmodic cough.

apis mellifica- swelling, pain, and inflammation associated with insect bites and stings.

arsenicum album- restlessness, exhaustion, feelings of despair, fear or worry, depression.

belladonna- high sudden fever and perspiration, hot, red skin, flushed face, spasms, scarlet fever.

bryonia alba- aching muscles aggravated by motion, stitching pains.

calcarea carbonica- chills and susceptibility to cold, night sweats, commonly used for teething.

chamomilla- teething pain with irritability.

cinchona officinalis- diarrhea with gas and bloating.

colocynthis- sharp pains, cramps, colic, abdominal pain often with nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, menstrual cramps.

drosera rotundifolia- violent coughs with exhaustion, cramps, absence of thirst, shivering, nosebleeds. Also used for growing pains, bone pain, stiffness or hoarse voice.

dulcamara- conjunctivitis, cystitis, wheezing cough. Also used for hives, ringworm, itchy crusting eruptions and large smooth warts.

eupatorium perfoliatum- stiffness and bone pain associated with the Flu.

ferrum phosporicum- low or mild fever associated with cold and Flu.

hepar sulphuris calcareum- painful and hoarse dry cough.

Arnica

As far as first aid remedies go, arnica (Arnica Montana) is one of those staples everyone should have, especially those with kids. I keep the 30 c homeopathic pellets, a well as a fast-absorbing gel, in my kit at home. Additionally, I keep trial sizes inside a small clip-on kit I take with us on hikes and camping trips.

Arnica is a yellow-orange flower, similar to the daisy in appearance. It is a native to the mountains of Europe and Siberia, though cultivated in North America. It is commonly prepared in homeopathic formulas and is available in many forms: cream, ointment, liniment, salve, tincture, and tablets.

The beauty of Arnica lies in the fact that it treats a wide variety of conditions, such as bruising, sprains, muscle aches, wound healing, rheumatic pain, inflammation and swelling, and other ailments associated with overexertion or trauma. Homeopathic formulas of arnica are also considered safe, even for small children.

Midwifery and Homebirths

Anybody who has witnessed or experienced the birth of a newborn child knows that it truly is a miracle. Birth is sacred and beautiful and should be celebrated. Midwife Shafia M. Monroe says:

My role as a midwife is to help a woman and her partner celebrate her newness and embrace her sensuality. The Western culture has taken birth from our view and put it in a place that is hard to find. On television, we see birthing women often in hysteria, sweating profusely, out of control and not looking pretty. Pregnancy has been mystified as nasty and not a nice thing; it is thought of as a shameful and an unclean act.

I have heard many stories of hospital births from friends and family members. Each woman described their experience with some margin of disappointment; something still left to be desired. Yet the majority of them fear the thought of having a natural childbirth, let alone a homebirth. Why? Because we live in a nation of fear. Women have been told for far too long that hospital births are the only safe births. That doctors should control and decide every factor of pregnancy and labor. Women have effectively been silenced.

The reality is that hospitals have never been proven to be a safe place for delivery. The 2002 statistics, from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, ranks the U.S. as 28th among industrialized nations for healthy births at 7 infant deaths per 1000 births. Furthermore, a study reported in the BMJ Medical Journal in 2005, stated that homebirths have been proven "very safe and successful for women who have been helped to stay low-risk through nutrition and good prenatal care."

I feel incredibly fortunate that my first birthing experience went well. I owe it all to the loving guidance, support, and expertise of my midwife. She inspired me to trust in my own body, forgo drugs, and to feel my birth. She told me that I did not have to wait until I was 10 cm dilated to start bearing down. I was only 5 cm dilated when I began to have strong urges to push. Initially I was frightened to let go and the pain became intense. When I finally relaxed and let my body respond with each contraction, I became fully dilated quickly. 20 minutes later, my first son was born: healthy and beautiful.

My dream is that women everywhere begin reclaiming their womanhood. I want them to let their voices be heard. I wish that their fear would dissipate and be replaced with confidence of self and of faith in the miracle of birth so that birth customs will once again become a family affair, rather than one of solidarity and segregation. Husbands, fathers and mothers, and other siblings will be full participants and be filled with feelings of compassion and togetherness. After all, the delivery of a child should always be special and the experience, one to look back on and smile.

To Vaccinate or Not to Vaccinate

Vaccines are capable of causing serious damage. Because they contain lab-altered viruses, bacteria and toxic substances, vaccines have the ability to cause mild to severe neurological and immune damage, or even death, depending on the vaccine given, the combination of vaccines given, the health of the child at the time of vaccination, and the genetic or biological factors that predispose the child to this damage. Vaccines are potent and toxic drugs that contain formaldehyde, mercury, aluminum, antibiotics and other toxic components. Thoughtful parents are beginning to question the practice of injecting these toxic substances into the bodies of small babies and artificially manipulating their fragile immune systems during the crucial time of brain and immune development (Sheppard, 2008).

My husband and I decided, early on, not to vaccinate our children. This decision has been met with an onslaught of criticism. Over the years, I have heard accusations stating that we are putting our children's health, and subsequently their lives, at risk, as well as those of the public around us. In fact, some blatantly tell us that public health officials and doctors say they are safe and necessary, so who are we to question the "experts"?

I do not get into a heated debate over the issues, however, I will put forth the fact that the data and studies, on this matter, are full of holes and carry with them a slew of limitations. In all my personal decisions, especially those of such great importance as my children's lives, I consider first what and who is to gain from pushing a product so vehemently. Everything, in our society, is driven by money. To think that the vaccine-campaign is unique to this is absurd.

According to Jane Sheppard (author of Vaccine Toxicity and Safety of Vaccinations: A Parent's Right to Choose), "In the past 25 years, EVERY childhood vaccine, produced by drug companies, has been mandated for use by all American children. Many members of both the ACIP and the FDA's advisory committees have blatant conflicts of interest, with strong financial ties to the pharmaceutical companies that make vaccines (2008)."

Dr. Neustaedter (author of Vaccine Choices) reminds parents that it is not only their right to choose to vaccinate, but he also explains that we should investigate and research the issue in depth before making any decision. Government agencies, public school officials, and medical personnel often coerce parents into thinking they do not have a choice. However, in the U.S., we have a legal right to exempt our children from vaccines, even if they are or will be attending public school!

There are many great resources available on vaccinations. Be informed.

Resources

Books:
The Vaccine Guide: Risks and Benefits for Children and Adults by Randall Neustaedter, OMD.

Child Health Guide: Holistic Pediatrics for Parents by Randall Neustaedter, OMD.

Super Healthy Kids: Strengthening Your Child's Resistance to Disease by Jane Sheppard.

Articles:
Sheppard, J. (2008) Vaccine Toxicity and Safety of Vaccinations: A Parent's Right to Choose. Retrieved on 19 November from www.healthychild.com.

Palevsky, L. B. MD, FAAP. Aluminum and Vaccine Ingredients: What Do We Know? What Don’t We Know? http://www.909shot.com/doctors_corner/lawrence_palevsky_aluminum_and_vaccine_ingredients.htm

Sears, R. W. MD, Is Aluminum the New Thimerosal?, MOTHERING No. 146, January-February 2008, pp. 46-53.

Vaccine Excipient & Media Summary http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/B/excipient-table-1.pdf
http://www.cdc.gov/vaccines/pubs/pinkbook/downloads/appendices/B/excipient-table-2.pdf

Institute for Vaccine Safety, Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health - Thimerosal Content in Some US Licensed Vaccines http://www.vaccinesafety.edu/thi-table.htm

National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) http://www.nvic.org

Congressman Dan Burton, Hearings on vaccine-autism connection http://www.house.gov/burton/autism.htm

Special Report: Autism & Vaccines: A New Look at an Old Story, The Vaccine Reaction, published by National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC) Summer 2000

Opening Statement by Chairman Dan Burton, Committee on Government Reform, “FACA: Conflicts of Interest and Vaccine Development: Preserving the Integrity of the Process”, June 15, 2000 Washington DC

Majority Staff Report, Committee on Government Reform, U.S. House of Representatives
June 15, 2000

The Case Against Immunizatons, Richard Moskowitz, M. D. Journal of the AIH, March 1983

How Vaccinations Work, Philip Incao, M.D . May 5, 1999 Updated 2006
http://www.compwellness.net/mp/How%20Vaccinations%20Work.pdf

The Vaccine Guide: Risks and Benefits for Children and Adults, Randall Neustaedter, OMD 2002

Generation Rescue Cal-Oregon Unvaccinated Survey http://generationrescue.org/survey.html

Vaccine Safety Research Priorities: Engaging the Public, Barbara Loe Fisher, National Vaccine Information Center, presentation to the National Vaccine Advisory Committee, Washington, D.C., April 11, 2008 http://www.nvic.org/Issues/vaccine_safety_priorities_2008.htm

Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System http://vaers.hhs.gov

Leading Dr.: Vaccines-Autism Worth Study CBS News Exclusive: Former Head Of NIH Says Government Too Quick To Dismiss Possible Link, WASHINGTON, May 12, 2008 Sharyl Attkisson CBSNews.com

Maca Root

Maca root, or lepidium meyenii, comes fom the Junin plateau of Peru's Central Highlands and was revered by the Incan people. It is an adaptogen, which is an herb that produces a non-specific response in the body; increasing or decreasing a physiological demand as needed. Simply put, an adaptogen has a normalizing effect on the body. Because of this, maca helps rebuild a weak immune system and increases energy, endurance, and stamina without putting stress on the adrenal glands, like caffeine does.

According to Chris Kilham (2008), from Discovery Health, "during the height of the Incan empire, legend has it that Incan warriors would consume maca before entering into battle. This would make them fiercely strong." In addition to this increase in strength, it increases libido, sexual function, and fertility. So what gives maca it's powers?

Scientists have found two major groups of compounds which make up the maca root: macamides and macaenes. These help normalize steroid hormones like testosterone, progesterone, and estrogen, making maca an effective anti-aging super food. Safety has also been tested. Studies showed that it carries no toxicity and no adverse pharmacologic effects.

The popularity and availability of maca root has definitely increased since the release of these positive studies. Most health food stores now carry a good quality, naturally dried, non-irradiated powder, which can be mixed in a shake or drink. It should be treated like a food and as such, anywhere from 3-10 grams a day can be consumed.