Internal Cleansing is Fundamental to Healing
The physical effect of an illness is to bring about a body cleansing, and if we co-operate with that effort, the body can finish its work quickly and effectively. At the onset of illness, inflammation or fever, a sick person should be helped to empty the bowels thoroughly first with an enema if one is comfortable with this, or with a Dulcolax (bisacodyl) suppository (the adult size can be used from age one year old on). The bowel cleansing should be continued for several days by followed by milk of magnesia, Smoothe Move tea, Laxadoron tablets (Weleda), prunes, or whatever works for that person in order to have one more than the usual number of bowel movements per day.

Horsetail tea (l tsp. per cup of water, boiled 3 minutes) helps flush the kidneys which are responsible for eliminating toxins from our bodies. Hot lemonade (honey, fresh lemon and hot water), miso soup, vegetable broth (no MSG please), and herb teas can be drunk, warm to hot, in large quantities (up to 2 gallons per day). Urinary output is an important measure of hydration, and when a person has no urine output for 12 hours, or significantly diminished urine output in the presence of fever, it is imperative that the doctor be notified quickly.

Fluids carry healing properties whether as plain water, or as a carrier for an herb or oil. A warm mist vaporizer with eucalyptus oil assists relief of congestion in almost all respiratory conditions. Inhalation (with chamomile, or chamomile and eucalyptus) bring a concentrated humidity for quick relief of mucus and soothing of irritated passageways. Occasionally, asthma gets worse with concentrated humidity or odors, and with asthma it is important to use caution.

Warmth
Warmth, is of such prime importance in healing it stands alone. Lack of warmth underlies chronic illness more often than we realize. The addition of warmth maintains health in a well person, and supports healing in a sick one.

Warmth exists on many levels. Emotional warmth is the foundation of children's total growth, and though not quite as critical in adult survival, is essential for adult well-being. Sincere interest in the sick person, willingness to listen and grow in understanding of her/his particular situation and make-up, are the caregiver's gifts of warmth to the patient. They may be delivered with objectivity, as by a health professional, or with great attachment, as by a parent. But in either case, the support of companionship and human warmth during illness promotes healing.

The body creates physical warmth in the form of fever in an effort to rouse the immune system to action and bring the illness process to completion. The presence of fever is the signal of a competent immune system, and action of the organizing forces of the sick person trying to take charge in the illness situation. Fever has been known to cure illnesses: including some cancers, and currently research is based on these observations.

From the Home Care Course given by Kelly Sutton, M.D. and Thomas Cowan, M.D. Drs. Sutton and Cowan are in practice at the Aurum Center for Healing in Peterborough, N.H.

Chamomile Wrap
Reccomended For: Stomach ache and pain.

Contraindications: Do not use when there is fever, or infection in any other part of the body.

Materials:

Boiling water
Chamomile Flowers
Strainer
Silk/Cotton wrap
Wool wrap
Wringing Towel (tea towel)
Bowl
Wool blanket
Fork