 In other words, telling a child what he is makes a much deeper
impression than telling him what to do. The mind-body system actually
organizes itself around such verbal experiences, and the wounds delivered
in words can create far more permanent effects than physical trauma, for we
literally create ourselves out of words.
This is particula rly important when we look at those two potent words
young  and old. There is an enormous differen ce between saying “I’m too
tired to do that” and “I’m too old to do that.” The first statement delivers a
subliminal message that things will improve; if you are too tired now, your
energy will come back and you won’ t be too tired later. Being too old
sounds much more final, because in our culture, old is defined by the
passage of linear time; old things don’ t become young again.
Words have the power to program awareness; it is therefore important to
avoid passively accepting the negative connotations that the word old
carries. Because they expect to accumulate more problems and grievances
in old age, many people glorify youth, not for its specialne ss but because itcame befor e all the tr ouble began.  In Age W ave, an insightful book on aging
in America, Ken Dychtwald cites a birthday card that reads:
(FRONT ) Don’ t feel old. W e have a friend your age…
(INSIDE )…and on good days he can still feed himself.
This type of black humor makes people laugh by exposing just a bit of
the anxiety that could be overwhelming if confronted in full. But whether
funny or just morbid, the joke implies a complaint that anoth er birthday
card states baldly: “You have just turned 30. You will never have fun again
for the rest of your life.” What this message says directly is that aging is
deeply resented;  what is left unsaid is that there is nothing we can do about
it. The sad fact is that our societ y, lacking good models of aging, has loaded
the very word with layers of prejudice.
Dychtwald spells out the implications of putting old and young at
opposite poles:
•  If young is good, old must be bad.
•  If the young have it all, then the old must be losing it.
•  If young is creative and dynamic, old must be dull and staid.
•  If young is beautiful, old must be unattractive.
•  If it’ s exciting to be young, it must be boring to be old.
•  If the young are full of passion, the old must be beyond caring.
•  If children are our tomorrow, then old people must be our yesterday.
The typical American way of handling this polarity is to fixate  on being
young forever. Young, beautiful bodies fill the pages of magazines and
television screens. To judge by mass advertising, America is a paradise
inhabited by people under 30 with perpetually tanned skin, sleek muscles,
and ecstatic smiles. But the image of America as the land of eternal youth is
grossly at odds with reality: as of July 1983, there were more people over
65 in this coun try than there were teenagers, meaning that we officially
ceased to be young a decade ago.
This fact is difficult to reconcile  with a value system in which the words
young  and old are polarized, and the positive pole is youth. Elevating youth
as the ideal of life is one side of the coin; the other is the denial that old age
exists. On televi sion only 3 percent of the characters are over 65, comparedto 16 percent in the general population. Old people are rarely used as
models in advertising. In social situations, asking people their age is
considered rude, and if people answer, many will subtract a few years
(unlike in China and other coun tries where old age is valued—t here, people
will tend to add a few years).
Dychtwald points out that while people over age 65 now enter into
maturity healthier than ever, “the image of youth as vigorous and powerful
and sexy still has as its shadow an image of older people as incompetent,
inflexible, wedd ed to the past, desexed, uncreative, poor, sick, and slow.”
For someone who accepts that these degrading terms apply to old age, their
ascriptive power is just as strong as the ones from childhood that make us
feel guilty, ashamed, and unworthy for years afterward. Words are more
than symbols; they are triggers of biological information. If we look at it
closely, the word young  is a code for many things that actually have nothing
to do with youth. The highes t rates of crime, drug abuse, alcoholism,
suicide, schizophrenia, and social unrest occur among the young.
Nevertheless, youth is a symbolic ideal that almost everyone responds to
positively.
If we wanted to, we could transf er the same positive value to age. An Old
Testament verse dating back to the reign of Solomon declares:
Gladness of heart is life to a man,
joy is what gives him length of days.
The belief that long life represents maximum joy is echoed in other
cultures, particularly in those where reaching great age is esteemed and
every added year holds more value. Hokusai, the great Japanese woodblock
artist, began life as a prodigy—h e could draw proficiently from the age of 6
—but he tells us that he was not satisfied with his skill until he turned 70.
Looking further ahead, he predicted that “at 80 I shall have considerable
talent, at 100 I shall be sublime, and at no I shall render life to a single line,
a single point.” Hokusai did not live to be 110—he died in 1849 as he was
turning 90—but  however old he was, he believed that the best was yet to
come.In our society, the word old implies increasing disorder and frailty, but in
truth disorder, being the result of imbalance, can occur at any age: A 70-
year-old jogger is likely to have an immune system superior to that of a
sedentary 45-ye ar-old. Despite our fears that the aging brain must fall prey
to senility, the vast majority of old people retain their faculties intact, and
many creative abilities ripen toward the very end of life. In 1992, a
marvelous 99-year -old pianist, Mieczyslaw Horszowski, announced his
100th birthday concert in Carnegie Hall, following a long tradition of
masterful musicians who performed into their eighties and nineties,
including Toscanini, Horowitz, Rubinstein, and Serkin. Although we
identify creative  genius with child prodigies such as Mozart, researchers in
creativity point out that the careers that last longest are often those that
began late.
If we look beyond the false duality of “old” and “young,” what we find is
a different reality: The body is a network of messages constantly being
transmitted and received. Some  of these messages nourish and sustain us,
while others lead to disorder and breakdown. Life-nourishing experiences
go far beyond cell biology. The tenderness of a mother watching her toddler
walk for the first time feeds the baby’ s body (witness how a baby
languishes when  motherly love is withdrawn, even for a day). To a growing
child, the sensit ive encouragem ent of a teacher is as important as a hot
lunch. What makes for a straighter spine, vitamin-D milk or self-esteem?
Once we reach adulthood, gaining the wholehearted respec t of co-
workers wards off heart disease as effectively (and much more naturally) as
counting milligr ams of cholesterol. Respect makes the heart feel trusting
and confident, two ingredients that belong inside any healthy body. The
decisions we make in terms of our basic happiness and fulfillment are
therefore exactly the ones that determine how we age.
It has dawned  on medicine that nurturing is immensely valuable
physiologically. If newborns are touched and caressed, their levels of
growth hormone  increase, and the protective coating of the motor nerves,
myelin, become s thicker. A mother ’s loving urge to cuddle her baby
translates directly into life-sustaining biochemical reactions. Babies
deprived of loving attention can become emotionally stunted or
dysfunctional. In experiments with rhesus monkeys, newborns were takenaway from their mothers and provided with a choice of two artificial
substitutes—either a cold, wire- mesh model with a bottle stickin g out of its
middle or a plush, warm, terrycloth model that was not affixed with a bottle
and had no milk to offer. In every case, the baby monkeys chose to cling to
the warm, soft “mother” even though it did not give food. The instinct for
emotional nourishment proved more powerful than did that for physical
nourishment.
The Music of the Body
How can a person sustain a nurturing life? This is a broad, daunting
question, given the harsh conditions of our environment. No two people
lead identical lives or contain the same information inside their mind-body
systems. Nevertheless, there are some basic rules governing everyone’ s
inner intelligence:
  1.  Intelligence is meant to flow.
  2.  Every impulse of intelligence has a physical


speechisslurred.Thebackachesallthewayfromthe
lowerbackupandoverthehead.Thearmsandlegs
acheandfeelextremelyheavyandtired.Thepatientis
extremelychilly,andcannotgetwarm.
Headache
SymptomsFeetcold.Head:feelsheavy.Pains:in
backofhead;spreadingtoforehead;aching;sore,
bruised.Pupilsdilated.Frequenturination.Vision
blurred.
Betterforurinating.
Worseformovement;formovinghead.
Theheadfeelssoheavythatitneedssupport-of
handsorapillow.Italsofeelsconstrictedasifaband
orhoopwereencircling it.Thepersonhasdifficulty
openingtheeyesorkeepingthemopenasthelidsfeel
soheavy.Theurineiscopiousandcolourless.The
personwillhavethecharacteristiclackofthirstand
improvementfromurinating.Labourpains
SymptomsPains:distressing;inback;weak.
Measles
SymptomsOnsetslow.Withfever(seeabove);
headache(seeabove).
WithtypicalGelsemiumheaviness,drowsinessand
lackofthirst.
Glonoine(Gion.)
Othernames:nitro-glycerine; blastingoil;glyceryl
trinitrate
Nitro-glycerine isapowerfulexplosivefirstmadein
1846byanItalianchemistcalledSobrero,butearly
formulationswerehighlydangerousandthecom-
parativelysafeuseofnitro-glycerine asablasting
explosiveonlybecamepossibleafterAlfredB.Nobel
developedamethodforrendering itsafe,andthis
becameknownasthefirst'dynamite'. Itisnowan
importantingredientofmostdynamitesandisused
(withnitrocellulose) insomepropellantsforrockets
andmissiles.
Thevapourproducedinthemanufactureof
nitro-glycerine isabsorbedthroughtheskinandis
mildlypoisonous,causingviolentheadaches.Nitro-
glycerinehasbeenfoundtorelaxmusclesofblood
vesselswhentakenorally,anditisusedmedicinallyto
relieveheartpaininthetreatmentofangina.
Thehomeopathicpreparation ismadefromnitro-
glycerinedilutedwithalcohol.
GENERALSYMPTOMS
Complaintsfromsunstroke.Facered.
Betterforcoldapplications.
Worseforjarringmovement;forheat;forexposureto
sun.
Theprincipaluseofthisremedyisforheadaches
thatresultfromtoomuchsun.Heatinanyform
aggravates,asdoesanyjarringmovementlike
walking.
EMOTIONAL/MENTALSYMPTOMS
Confused.Forgetful.Timepassesslowly.
Uncommunicative.
Thesepatientsarenotwillingtotalkoransweryour
questions.Theyappeardullandconfused.Their
familiarsurroundings feelstrangeandtheyhavea
sensationoftimepassingslowly.
INTERNALMATERIAMEDICA Hamamelisvirginica(Ham.)•93
PHYSICALCOMPLAINTS
Headache
SymptomsEyesred.Facered.Pains:bursting;ham-
mering;throbbing;violent.Withfaintness;hot
flushes.
Betterforcoldcompresses;forpressure;atsunset.
Worseforheat;forjarringmovement;duringmen-
strualperiod;atsunrise;duringthesummer;for
mentalexertion;forwalking.
Causesover-exposure tosun.
Theheadacheincreaseswhenexposedtothesunand
isbetterforbeingpressedfirmlywiththehands.The
patientfeelsfaintandflushedandasiftheheadwill
burst.Anicepackcaneasethepains.
Sunstroke
SymptomsWithheadache(seeabove).
Hamamelisvirginica(Ham.)
Familyname:Hamamelidaceae
Othernames:witchhazel;spottedalder;
bloom;snappinghazelnutwinter-
Witchhazelisasmalldeciduoustreethatgrowsin
dampwoodlandsthroughouteasternandcentral
NorthAmerica. Itgrowstoaheightoftwelvefeetandproducesclustersofyellowflowersintheautumn
whentheleaveshavefallen.Thesearefollowedby
edibleseedswhichareejectedviolentlyfromtheii
shellswhenripe,hencethenamesnappinghazelnut.
Theleavesandbarkareastringentandbitter.They
wereusedbytheNorthAmericanIndiansasapoultice
forpainfulswellingsandtumours.Asaherbalremedy
thevwerefoundtobeamosteffectivetreatmentfor
piles,diarrhoeaandwounds,bothinternallyasatea
andexternally.Theyhavealsobeenusedasageneral
householdremedyforburns,scaldsandgeneral
inflammatoryconditionsoftheskinincludingthe
calmingofinsectbites.
Thehomeopathicpreparation ismadefromthe
freshbarkwhichischoppedandpoundedtoapulp,
mixedwithalcoholandlefttostandforeightdays
beforebeingsuccussed.
GENERALSYMPTOMS
Painssore,bruised.
Worsefortouch.
Thisisasmallremedywhoseuseforacutecomplaints
islimitedtonosebleeds,varicoseveinsandpiles,but
because itissouseful(takenasatonic)forthese
symptoms Ihaveincluded ithere.Symptomscuredby
Hamameliswillbeworsefortouch.
Therearenomarkedemotional/mental symptoms.
PHYSICALCOMPLAINTS
Nosebleed
SymptomsBlood:dark;thin.
Worseduringthemorning.
Piles
SymptomsPileslarge;bleeding.Painssore,bruised.
Causeschildbirth;pregnancy.
Thesearepilesthatoccurtowardstheendofpreg-
nancy,andalsoafterchildbirth(becauseofthepress-
ureofthebaby).If,onceArnicahasbeengivenasa
routineprescriptionforthebleeding,agreatdealof
sorenesspersistsandtherearenoindicationsfor
prescribingabiggerremedy,thenHamameliswillhelp.
Itisessentialtoseekprofessionalhelpforbothvar-
icoseveinsandpilesifthesymptomsdonotclear
easily.
VaricoseVeins
SymptomsVaricoseveins:oflegsandthighs;
painful;swollen.
Worsefortouch;afterchildbirth;duringpregnancy.
Thesearehard,knottyvaricoseveinsthatfeelsoreand
bruisedandaresensitivetotouch.
NBSEEALSOPAGES203-26FORGENERALADVICE,DOSANDDON'TS.
94•Heparsulphuriscalcareum(Hep-s.) INTERNALMATERIAMEDICA
Heparsulphuriscalcareum
(Hep-s.)
Othernames:calciumsulphide;sulphuretoflime
Heparsulphuriscalcareum isanimpurecalciumsul-
phidespeciallypreparedbvHahnemannusingoyster
shells(Cakareacarbonica),insteadofordinarylimeand
flowersofsulphur.Beingachemicalcombination
ofCakareacarbonicaandSulphur, ithassomeofthe
propertiesofboth,butasahomeopathicremedv itis
verydifferentfromeither.
BeforeHahnemann's time,ordinarvcalciumsul-
phidewasusedasanexternalremedyforitch,
rheumatism,gout,goitreandtubercularswellings.
Nowadays itisusedinthemanufactureofluminous
paint,inmedicine,fordepilatories,andinveterinary
medicine.
Thehomeopathicremedyismadebyheatingfinely
powderedoystershellandflowersofsulphurina
hermeticallysealedcrucible.Awhitepowderispro-
ducedwhichisdissolvedinhothydrochloricacidand
thentriturated.
GENERALSYMPTOMS
Catchescoldseasily.Complaintsfromcoldwind.
Likessourfoods.Painsneedle-like.Sweat:cold;
profuse;sour.
Betterforwarmthofbed;forheat;forwrappingup.
Worseforgettingcold;forcolddryweather;forfresh
air;forlyingonpainfulside;atnight;forpressure;for
touch;forbeinguncovered;forcoldwind.
ThisisoneofthechilliestremediesintheMateria
Medica.Hepartypeshatethecold,especiallydrycold
andbecausetheylackinternalwarmththeycatch
coldsmoreeasilythanothermoreresilientpeople.
Whensicktheyaresosensitivetocoldthatifapartof
thebodyescapesthebedclothes-ahandorafoot-
theyfeelworseandstarttocoughorsneeze.
Theirsymptomsareusuallyworseatnightandmay
developwhentheyareasleep-theymaycoughmore
inthenight,forexample.Theyareworseforpressure
andconsequentlyareworseforlyingontheoffending
partofthebody.Theyareonlyreallybetterforlying


 will soon know the bliss of inner peace. Remember, it is your
highest self that only wants peace. When you are practicing kind-
ness, peace shows up right on schedule. When you are at peace with
yourself and your world, you know that you are a worthy recipient
of all that comes your way. You begin to trust in the energy that
brings the fulfillment of your desires.
When you are in turmoil and consequently preoccupied with
winning and defeating, you are at the mercy of your ego, which
loves the confusion. All of the inner confusion keeps you wonder-
ing about yourself and your own value in comparison to others.
This brings in the doubt about your worthiness to receive and
manifest.
Make it your own special mission to be kind to others each day at
least once, and to extend the same privilege to yourself as much as
possible. You always have a choice in how your inner self is going to
react. The choice of guilt, worry, fear or judgment is nothing more
than a thought transferred to your physiology. When your physical
self is imbalanced with these emotions, you become too sick and
too unhappy to even think about participating in the act of co-
creating a blissful life. You sabotage yourself, and all because of an
unwillingness to be kind to yourself and to others.
Begin to process the universe as a friendly rather than an unfriendly
place. Place all of your wounds from the earlier stages of your life
90
Manifest Your Destiny
into the category “Lessons for Life.” Stop leading with those
wounds and making them your badge of identification.
Disengage yourself from the attitude of this being an evil world
filled with evil people, and, beginning today, look for the good in
people you meet. Remember, for every act of evil there are a mil-
lion acts of kindness. This universe runs on the energy of harmony
and balance. Breathe in that energy and breathe out those ideas of
your being life’s victim. All of the attachment to your traumas cre-
ates a cellular toxicity in your body, and a spiritual poisoning of your
soul,
Say it over and over until it registers: “I am what I am and I am
worthy of the abundance that is the universe and all that is in it,
including me.”
You are now on a path of knowing you are worthy of attracting and
manifesting in your world. You are aware of your highest self. You
trust in yourself and the divine wisdom that created you. You know
that you are not separate from your environment and that the power
to attract is within you.
The next principle involves the energy of love and how important
it is to know and experience it in all of your being before you begin
applying the last three principles of manifestation.
91
Mira Bai knows that to find the Divine One
The only indispensable is Love.
—MIRA BAI
CONNECTING TO THE DIVINE SOURCE WITH
UNCONDITIONAL LOVE
The Sixth Principle
here is no greater power in heaven or on earth than pure,
unconditional love. This is the heart of the sixth principle of manifes-
tation.
The nature of the God force, that unseen intelligence in all things,
which causes the material world and is the center of both the spiri-
tual and physical plane, is best described as pure, unconditional love.
It is the glue that holds all things material in place and keeps them
from collapsing into uncountable particles. This God force is the
oversoul to which we are always connected because we are localized
extensions of that force.
You may feel infinitely worthy of attracting to yourself material
92
Manifest Your Destiny
and spiritual prosperity, but if you are not living the way of uncondi-
tional love you are interfering with your ability to manifest in your
life. In order to be divinely aligned with this universal infinite energy,
you must become unconditional love.
Though it seems easy and even appropriate to announce, “I prac-
tice unconditional love,” it is far from a reality for most of us on this
physical plane. Unconditional love has eluded most of us, largely
because we tend to identify it as affection or sentiment.
THE ENERGY OF LOVE DISSOLVES LIMITATIONS
When I speak of love emanating from your soul and from the
divine consciousness of God, I speak of something that the lower self
or the ego cannot grasp. I am not speaking about “feeling good”
toward others, romantic love, showering everyone with affection or
“touchy-feely” behavior. This unconditional love that I write of here
is an experience of the harmony of life. It is simply too deep and too
profound for our ordinary selves to activate.
This energy of unconditional love is the power behind creation. It
guides all of our natural laws. This love can be imagined as a vibration
that carries thought forms from one’s mind into material expression.
In its highest nature, love is the force that we recognize as the will of
God. It is the alchemy that we embrace to make sense of how things
are materialized from the world of spirit.
These are strong words, which are essential for you to know if you
are to make the transition from one who takes what life presents to
one who becomes a co-creator with the universal energy of uncondi-
tional love.
I suggest you embark on an experiment in which you practice only
unconditional love for several days, perhaps even a week. Make this a
private activity, but vow to yourself that you will only allow uncondi-
tional loving thoughts to emanate from your consciousness. Make an
93
WAYNE W. DYER
intense proclamation to live uncondieinel love for a designated
period of time.
During this time refuse to have judgmental or critical thoughts. In
your quiet time think only peace and love. In all of your relationships
think and act in only loving ways. Extend loving thoughts and energy
wherever and whenever you encounter anyone or anything. Become
unconditional love for this period of time.
This practice of becoming unconditional love is a prerequisite to
the manifesting process. By pouring love into your immediate envi-
ronment and practicing gentleness in all of your thoughts, words and
actions, your immediate circle of friends will begin responding in a
whole new way. Furthermore, this act becomes expansive very
quickly and you can radiate this love to your community and to peo-
ple you read about in newspapers, including those who are labeled
terrorists, murderers, scam artists and the like.
You emphasize the “un” in unconditional love. You become
detached and loving toward all. You are not loving the hostile act, but
you are loving the spirit that is blocked in those who are harmful and
unloving. When you can live this way and reject all thoughts and
actions that are not of an unconditionally loving nature, you will
experience the essence of your spirit and know how to overcome
limitations in your life.
This is a task that your conditioning will not easily encourage. But
for a few days you can persevere just so you know what the divine
universal spirit is like. It judges no one and no thing, it does not mor-
alize, it does not show favoritism, it merely exists as unconditional
love, radiating harmony and allowing everything and everyone to
unfold. Each day millions of flowers open and then close without any
force, only with the all-flowing unconditional love that is the heart of
universal, infinite and eternal energy. With this exercise you are culti-
vating that aspect of yourself.
94
Manifest Your Destiny
As you practice being unconditional love, contemplate and medi-
tate on the sacred unconditional love that is the heart of yourself also.
Imagine an atom of unconditional love that is at the very center of
your existence. Feel this presence in your heart and feel it opening
and radiating outward. Soon this impersonal feeling that is not
dependent on anyone or anything, or any belief system, will radiate
to a feeling of being connected to the infinite energy of unconditional
love that is God.
With this transformation you are on the path of manifestation.
You will connect by ridding yourself of all judgment, anger, moraliz-
ing, preaching, hate, rancor and all of the other various tools of the
ego.
What can you expect as you practice a few days of being total,
unconditional love? If all of your meditations are devoted to love, and
if you pour love into every single situation and every single person
you meet, and beyond that to everyone on the planet and to the
infinity of the universe, you will feel yourself becoming a different
person. You will sleep more soundly. You will feel at peace virtually all
of the time. Your relationships will be more deeply spiritual. Most
significantly, you will begin recognizing the “coincidences” of your
life with greater regularity. Your thought forms of unconditional love
will begin to produce what you desire without your even being aware
of how it is happening. Your dreams will be more intense, and the
vision of your purpose will become clearer.
I am suggesting that you can love more, and unconditionally,
without expecting anything in return; as a result, the limitations
that you experience will disappear. Try it before you reject it. There
is an oft-quoted piece from the New Testament that seems appro-
priate to insert here. For me, it is one of the


 tree contains
tannins and mucilage.
Medicinal Actions & Uses  Due to their
astringent properties, both the leaves and the fruit
of European nettle tree may be taken as a decoction
to reduce heavy menstrual and intermenstrual
uterine bleeding. The fruit and leaves may be used
to astringe the mucous membranes of the gut in
peptic ulcers, diarrhea, and dysentery.
Centaurea cyanus ( Asteraceae )
Cornflower
Description  Annual or biennial plant growing
to 3 ft (90 cm). Has a multi-branched stem, a basal
rosette of leaves, and sky-blue flowers in summer.
Habitat & Cultivation Native to the Near
East, cornflower grows wild in all temperate regions,
often in cornfields. The flowers are gathered just
after they open.
Parts Used  Flowers, seeds, leaves.
Constituents  Cornflower contains flavonoids,
sesquiterpene lactones (including cnicin), acetylenes,
and coumarins. Cnicin is slightly antibiotic.
History & Folklore  Cornflower’s medicinal
properties were first mentioned in the 12th-century
writings of Hildegard of Bingen. Later, the herbalist
Pierandrea Mattioli (1501–1577) recommended it
on the basis of the Doctrine of Signatures, which
held that a plant’s appearance indicated the ailments
it would cure. Cornflower’s deep blue color
symbolized healthy eyes, and for this reason it
became a treatment for eye ailments. (In France,
the plant is called casse-lunette, or “break glasses.”)
Medicinal Actions & Uses  Cornflower is still
used in French herbal medicine as a remedy for the
eyes (the strained infusion is used as an eyewash,
and the petals applied as a poultice), but opinion
differs as to its efficacy. The petals are also taken as
a bitter tonic and stimulant, improving digestion Blue cohosh  is mainly wild-harvested but is also
cultivated commercially.
Medicinal Actions & Uses  Current
medicinal uses of blue cohosh are not that
different from the past—the root is still valued
as a women’s remedy. It is often prescribed as
a uterine tonic, bringing relief from uterine and
ovarian pain, while regulating to improve menstrual
blood flow. The herb also has anti-inflammatory
activity and may be used in treatments for
arthritic and rheumatic conditions.
 QCautions  Only take under professional
supervision. Do not take during pregnancy or while
breastfeeding. The plant can cause contact dermatitis.
Cedrus spp. (Pinaceae)
Cedar
Description  Cedar of Lebanon ( C. libani ) is a
majestic flat-topped tree growing to 130 ft (40 m).
It has dark green needle-like leaves and oval cones.
African cedar ( C. atlantica ) grows to 115 ft (35 m).
Habitat & Cultivation  Cedar of Lebanon
is native to mountain forests of Lebanon, Israel,
and southwest Turkey. Atlas cedar is native to
the Atlas Mountains of Morocco, growing from
4,600–7,200 ft (1,400–2,200 m) above sea level.
Parts Used  Leaves, wood, essential oil.
Constituents  The essential oil of Atlas cedar
wood contains mainly alpha-pinene (up to 79%).
History & Folklore  Cedar of Lebanon is
thought to have been used in building Solomon’s
Temple and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon.
The oil has been used for thousands of years in
incense, perfumes, and embalming.
Medicinal Actions & Uses  Cedar of Lebanon
is antiseptic and expectorant, acting to disinfect the
respiratory tract. Cedarwood essential oil has been
used for thousands of years for perfumes and for
embalming. It is most commonly distilled from Atlas
cedar and eastern red cedar ( Juniperus virginicus ).
The oil is strongly antiseptic, astringent, diuretic,
expectorant, and sedative. Diluted and massaged
US_180-201_Brassica_dictamnus.indd   185 26/02/16   12:47 pm
186Cephaelis ipe C a C uanhaother medicinal plantsand possibly supporting the liver as well as improving
resistance to infection. The seeds have been used as a mild laxative for children. A decoction of the leaves is used to treat rheumatic complaints.
Related Species  Greater knapweed (C. scabiosa)
formed part of the medieval salve, an ointment applied to heal wounds and to treat skin infections.
Self-help Use  Conjunctivitis, p. 310.
Cephaelis ipecacuanha (Rubiaceae)
Ipecac
Description  Small shrub with a slender stem
growing to 1 ft (30 cm). Has a few oblong leaves,
small white flowers, and purple-black berries.
Habitat & Cultivation  This herb grows mainly
in Brazil. Cultivation has been attempted in Southeast
Asia with limited success. The root of 3-year-old plants is unearthed when the plant is in flower.
Parts Used  Root, rhizome.
Constituents  Ipecac contains isoquinoline
alkaloids, tannins, and glycosides. The alkaloids are expectorant and, at a larger dose, cause vomiting and diarrhea. They are also strongly amebicidal.
History & Folklore  Ipecac came to Europe
in 1672, and achieved fame as a cure
for dysentery. But the cure was not without controversy. It appeared to work well in some cases but to have no effect in others. Now it is possible to see why. There are two types of dysentery—amebic and bacillary. While the herb is strongly amebicidal, it has little effect against bacilli.
Medicinal Actions & Uses  Though a highly
effective emetic (even moderate doses of ipecac will stimulate vomiting until the contents of the stomach are cleared), it is now rarely used in conventional medicine as safer substitutes have been developed. Ipecac continues to be a common ingredient in patent over-the-counter cough medicines, as its strong expectorant action helps to clear phlegm and ease irritable coughs. It is used in the treatment of bronchitis and whooping cough. Ipecac is also still used for amebic dysentery.
 QCautions  Do not use the root or rhizome.
T ake formulations containing ipecac carefully and only as instructed on the label. Several deaths have resulted from overdose.climates; it is said to “want sight of the sea.” It is cultivated for its fruit, and harvested in late summer or autumn.
Parts Used  Fruit, bark.
Constituents  The fruit contains up to 70%
sugars, fats, starch, proteins, vitamins, and tannins.
History & Folklore  In ancient Egypt, carob
pods were combined with porridge, honey, and wax as a remedy for diarrhea. They also featured in recipes for expelling worms, and treating poor eyesight and eye infections.
Medicinal Actions & Uses  Carob pods are
nutritious and, due to their high sugar content, sweet-tasting and mildly laxative. A decoction of the pulp can be used as an antidiarrheal, gently helping to cleanse and relieve irritation within  the gut.
Iceland moss is used
to ease coughs and treat congestion. It also has a soothing and bitter tonic effect on the digestive tract.Carob seeds were used to weigh gold and gave rise to the word “carat.”
Helonias root was chewed
by Native American women
to prevent miscarriage.Cetraria islandica (Parmeliaceae)
Iceland Moss
Description  Y ellow-green lichen growing in
undulating, leathery tufts up to 3 in (8 cm) across.
Habitat & Cultivation  Iceland moss is native
to northern and alpine areas of Europe. It flourishes
in sub-Arctic and mountainous regions on rocks and on the bark of trees, especially conifers. It is harvested throughout the year.
Part Used  Whole plant.
Constituents  Iceland moss contains lichen acids
(including usnic acid) and about 50% polysaccharides. Usnic acid and the other lichen acids are powerfully antibiotic. The polysaccharides are antiviral.
History & Folklore  Iceland moss has been
used since ancient times as a cough remedy, and has also been used in European folk medicine as
a cancer treatment.Medicinal Actions & Uses  Strongly demulcent,
Iceland moss soothes the mucous membranes of the chest, counters congestion, and calms dry and paroxysmal coughs, being particularly helpful as a treatment for elderly people. Iceland moss is also very bitter and, within the gut, has both a demulcent and bitter tonic effect—a combination almost unique in medicinal herbs. It is thus of value in all kinds of chronic digestive problems, for instance irritable bowel syndrome.
Chamaelirium lutea (Liliaceae)
Helonias,
False Unicorn Root
Description  Herbaceous perennial growing to
3 ft (1 m) with large, green leaves forming a basal rosette


 minor 135
sea beet 178sea buckthorn 16, 220sea fennel 198sea holly 206seabeach sandwort 171seaweed 44
see also bladderwrack; help
sedative herbs, action of 13
seeds, collecting 289Selenicereus grandiflorus 268–69self-heal 256Sempervivum tectorum 269Seneca snakeroot 252Senecio, S. aureus syn. Packera aureus 269
S. jacobaea 19, 269, 298
senna 13, 15, 22, 30, 45, 75Senna alexandrina see Cassia sennaSerenoa, S. adamsonii 136
S. japa 136S. repens syn. Sabal serrulata 48, 51, 136,
197
sesame 269–70Sesamum indicum 269–70sex drive, low 316sex hormones 12, 13shamanistic medicine 18–19, 25
North American 49South American 53
shan yao 43, 91shan zhu yu 196shatavari 174sheep’s sorrel 264sheng di huang 125sheng jian 155sheng ma 79shepherd’s purse 183shi chang pu 57shingles 304shu di huang 125si gua luo 230Siamese ginger 61Siberian ginseng 94Siddha medicine 36side effects from herbal treatments 10,
298
silver birch 178silverweed 255–56
Silybum marianum syn. Carduus marianus
34, 72, 137
sil
ymarin 137
singabera 155sinus problems 309, 312siris tree 163sisal agave 161skin health, effects of herbs 12, 13skin problems 303–305skin rashes 303, 318skullcap 49, 134, 135skunk cabbage 274sleep problems see insomniaslippery elm 16, 48, 50, 145, 264Smilax spp. 21, 270smooth sumac 262soap bark 53, 260soapwort 267Socotra dragon tree 196Solanum, S. dulcamara 270
S. insidiosum 271S. melongena 69, 270–71S. tuberosum 23, 52, 271, 298
Solidago, S. canadensis 271
S. odora 271S. virgaurea 32, 271
Solomon’s seal 252–53Sorbus aucuparia 271–72sore nipples 315sore throats 311sorrel 264South American medicine 21, 52–53southern prickly ash 153southernwood 172soya 38, 217Spanish sage 131spasmolytic herbs, action of 13spastic constipation 307spearmint 114, 235speedwell 281sphagnum moss 28Spigelia, S. anthelmia 272
S. flemmingania 272S. marilandica 272
spike lavender 108spiny bamboo 176spiny restharrow 242spirits, plant spirits 18
see also “vital spirits”
sprains 312“spring” tonics 137squaw root 79squaw vine 235–36squaw weed 269squill 280Stachys officinalis syn. S. betonica 272star anise 222–23star grass 164steam inhalations 297, 299Stellaria media 272–73, 289steroid anti-inflammatories 28Stillingia sylvatica 273stimulant herbs, action of 13stings 303stinking mayweed 169stomachache 305stomachic herbs, action of 13stone root 193storax 36, 229storing herbs 288–89strawberry tree 170stress 118, 148, 152, 308
in old age 319
stretch marks 317strewing herb 98Strychnos nux-vomica 273Styrax benzoin 273su xian hua 41suan zhoa ren 43suma 246summer savory 267sunburn 303sundew 203sunflower 49, 107suppositories 297sutherlandia 45Sutherlandia frutescens 45sweet basil 116, 241sweet cherry 257sweet chestnut 184sweet flag 13, 39, 57, 298sweet gale 14, 238–39sweet marjoram 242sweet potato 223sweet sedge 57sweet sumac 262sweet violet 282sweet woodruff 174–75sweet wormwood 10, 43, 67sweet-scented goldenrod 271swellings 303Swertia chirata 16, 39, 273–74Symphytum officinale 10, 12, 13, 35, 138,
286, 290
Symplocarpus foetidus 274synergy, herbal 31syphilis 23, 24syrups 293
US_323-331_Index_General.indd   330 26/02/16   4:43 pm331 general indexSyzygium, S. cumini  274
S. gerrardii 274
T
Tabebuia  spp. 139
T. avellanedae  139
T. impetiginosa 53, 139
Tabernanthe iboga  45
tai chi symbol 43
tamarind 274
Tamarindus indica  274
Tamus communis  180
Tanacetum, T. parthenium  33, 78, 140, 286,
291
T. vulgare 78, 140, 274–75
Tang Materia Medica  177, 204, 261
tannins 11, 14
tansy 78, 140, 274–75
Taraxacum, T. mongolicum  141
T. officinale  16, 47, 65, 141, 289
tarragon 173
tart cherry 257
taxol 31
Taxus, T. baccata  275
T. brevifolia  31, 275
tea 39, 81, 181, 215, 222, 224
tea tree 13, 16, 26, 46, 47, 112
teasel 203
teething  318
tension  308
during pregnancy 317
premenstrual 315
sinus headaches and 309
Terminalia, T. arjuna  142
T. belerica 142, 275
T. chebula  142, 275–76
thalidomide tragedy 28–29
Thea sinensis see Camellia sinensis
Theobroma cacao  276
Theophrastus 165, 171
Thlaspi bursta-pastoris see Capsella
bursa-pastoris
Thomson, Samuel 27, 50, 110, 215
thornapple 200–201
three-leaved caper 88
thrush  314
Thuja occidentalis  276
thyme 31, 35, 48, 143, 198, 276–77, 286
thymol 14, 143, 276
Thymus, T. serpyllum  143, 276–77
T. vulgaris  31, 35, 48, 143, 198, 276, 286
tian nan xing  171
tiger nut 199
Tilia spp. 277
tinctures 292, 293, 299
tinnevelly senna 75
tobacco 49, 69, 110, 182, 240
tongue ulcers  306
tonic herbs, action of 13
tonic wines 293
tonsillitis  311
toothache  308
toothache tree 153
tormentil 256
toxic herbs 19, 22, 55
toxicity in the body, effect of herbs 12
toza 229
trade and trade routes, effects of 20, 21,
22–23, 36, 37, 44
trailing eclipta 204
tree of heaven 162–63
tree lungwort 229
Trifolium pratense  14, 277
Trigonella foenum-graecum  277–78Trillium erectum  278
Tropaeolum majus  52, 278
tropane alkaloids 69
Trotula (woman physician) 22
trout lily 206
true unicorn root 164
Tsuga canadensis  278
tulsi (holy basil) 116


 may be mis sing in our meals. The solution, however, ma y not be as
simple a s just adding those taste s to our meals. For example, when we feel
down or  tired, we may crave the Sweet taste. As much as that taste can
provide a quick pick-me-up, o verdoing it can also lead to more fatigue.
Moreover, the source of the Sweet taste matters: cookies or dates? The best
solution is to fig ure out what’ s causing our fatigue and to include the taste
we need in our meals—preferably via fresh foods, rather than treats.
Similarly, a craving for cof fee may indicate that the Bitter taste is missing in
our mea ls. Bitter taste makes us feel light and ener getic. The so lution is to
add Bitt er taste via bitter greens  in our diet, rather than going overboard on
cof fee.
A d eeper understanding of th e tastes is needed. Dif ferent tastes have
dif ferent digestive and post-dig estive ef fects on our bodies. A balanced
meal includes six dif ferent tastes altogether: Sweet, Salty, Sour, Pungent,
Astringent and Bitter. Dif ferent tastes stimulate the secretion of dif ferent
enzymes for digestion, so our system can work optimally and ultimately
satisfy our body’ s need for all the tastes. This curbs cravings!
Our sens e of taste can give us a  guide map to proper nutrition, provided we
understand a little more about the dif ferent tastes and their ef fect on our
body an d our emotions. There is intelligence behind each taste, and our
cravings can give us deep insig ht into what’ s going on with our body andwhat’ s taking place emotionally. Our taste buds identify tastes, of course,
but they also un lock the nutritive value of food and provide an initial spark
for the digestive process.
Each of  the six dif ferent taste s communicates intelligence to our body,
providing coded  information to our nervous systems that relates  to a meal’ s
nutritional conte nt. If we eat foods that correspond to each of these tastes
throughout the day, our meals w ill provide diverse nourishment that leaves
us f eeling satiated. If we do not have all six tastes in our die t, our brain
receives signals calling for more  food, because our body’ s nutri tional needs
have not been satisfied. So, we keep eating, and we take in  too many
calories, even though we remain undernourished.
In a perfect world, all six tastes  are accounted for at every meal. But let’ s
examine one taste at a time to see how we can improve our hea lth through
the food we eat.
S W E E T  T A S T E
Sweet ta ste is composed of the elements Earth and W ater. The qualities of
this taste are he avy, moist, consolidating, soothing and cooling, and these
are the qualities that are imparted to our body and mind via this taste. Like
its c onstituent elements, Swee t is a stabilizing taste; it can increase
lubrication, tone areas of deficiency and calm the nerves. Because of its
consolidating quality, for many, Sweet taste is a nice way to finish of f a
meal.
Sweet taste is the most pleasurable taste and hence the reason for its
overconsumption. It is also considered a celebratory taste. It is customary to
have it at weddings, birthdays and other special occasions by way of cakes
and other sweet treats. W e can also overdo it on Sweet taste by
overconsuming fruits such as mangoes, oranges, pineapple, and even
apples. This is the taste that is most responsible for many health problems,
such as weight gain, inflamma tion, and diabetes, to name a few. On the
other hand, having too little of this taste can be depleting to our bodies, and
can cause irritation.The real ity is that people rarely have too little Sweet taste in the ir diet; it is
mostly c onsumed to excess. Sugary treats are now available all the time and
enjoying a desert after a meal ha s become more common. Not only that, but
refined s ugar in various forms is in all the processed foods tha t are readily
available to soothe our discomfo rts and sedate us; hence the reason it is so
addictive. Even if we are not de liberately adding Sweet taste to our meals,
simply c hewing food extracts the sweetness from it, and that’ s the ideal way
to experience Sweet taste in our meals.
Not too much and not too little is the A yurvedic way. So, having a cookie or
ice-cream once in a while is fin e, but having them after every meal would
be too much. Y ou also want to a llow a little gap after a meal, of at least 30
minutes, so your food can be digested before loading your system with
sugar. T his prevents fermentatio n of your undigested food and the resulting
toxicity.
Sweet ta ste can be very groundi ng for V ata people, as its elements of Earth
and W ater are b alancing to the elements predominant in thos e with V ata
constitution (Eth er and Air). Sw eet taste can be cooling for Pitta people but
for K apha people, it adds more o f the same elements (Earth and W ater) that
can lead to too much Kapha. This is toxic to the physiology and promotes
the already-problematic sedentary lifestyle among Kapha people.
The healthiest way to add Swe et taste to our meals is by enjoying sweet-
tasting v egetables such as carrots, beets, sweet potato, squashes and peas.
Other fo ods with Sweet taste include dairy products, sweet juicy fruits,
nuts, see ds, grains, legumes, meat and eggs. Many foods have a natural
sweetness to them, and chewing  them well extracts the Sweet taste, which
is one of the reasons grandma told us to chew our food well.
Sweet ta ste is balancing in the w inter months (V ata Season) and should be
avoided in the spring time (Kapha Season) as our bodies naturally seek to
detoxify from the overconsumpt ion of Sweet taste during the winter months
Enjoying the fresh juicy sweet fruits in the summer months (Pitta Season) is
a great way to include the Sweet taste and to balance the heat.
Overconsumption of Sweet taste can indicate a desire or nee d for love,
comfort and nurturance. A cl ient who had a death in the family beganbaking cupcakes and enjoying them, as this was her way of nurturing
herself.  W e can find ot her ways for se lf-love and nurturance so we d on’ t
overdo t he Sweet taste. Self-massage with oil, prayer and meditation, eating
well, and getting enough sleep are some of the ways to take care of yourself
in ch allenging times. Ultimately, all tastes mer ge into the taste o f sweetness
if we allow ourselves to fully enjoy our meals.
Cutting out refined sugar comp letely from your diet can be the one single
thing you can do to move towards bettering your health. Many of my clients
have lost weight and reduced th e inflammation-led incidences o f aches and
pains in their body as a result of this one single change.
S A L T Y  T A S T E
Salty taste is composed of the elements Fire and W ater. The qua lities of this
taste are hot, he avy and moist. Its heating quality stimulates di gestion and
improves the taste of foods. Like Sweet taste, Salty taste tends to be
somewhat moist and heavy, not as much as Sweet taste, and yet a little more
than Sou r taste. It stimulates water retention, and is initially warming, but
its l ong-term action is more moistening and grounding an d not very
warming.
Excessive use of this taste creates more intensity and stimulation, which can
be a ddictive. Examples are potato chips or corn chips; once  you begin
eating t hem, it  is often dif fi cult to stop. Just like the Sweet taste,
overconsumption of Salty taste is common and problematic. The Salty taste
can be as addictive as Sweet taste. Overuse can be heating t o our body,
causing inflamm ation and irritation to the mucus lining of th e stomach,
which creates burning after eating. T oo little Salty taste can be drying.
Salty tas te is a balancing taste for those with V ata constitution (Ether and
Air) and in excess can imbalance Pitta (Fire and W ater) and Kapha (Earth
and W ater). Reducing salt consumption in spring and summer is a great way
to ba lance our b ody in these sea sons, especially for those with Pitta (W ater
and Fire) and Kapha (W ater and Earth) constitution.It’ s best  to add a little bit more salt to your meals, rather than eating salty
snacks. Commo n Salty foods include salt, sea or rock sa lt, and sea
vegetables like seaweed, kelp, salted nuts and chips.
Salt crav ings ma y point out to the need to


consume up to thirty thousand ants a day, and because  its diet
supplies so little nutrition, th e animal doesn’t have enough energy
to do more than sleep for sixteen hours a day.The beloved giant panda is also at a dead end. Although it is a
true bear, and one of the earliest to evolve, the panda is badly
served by having the wrong intestinal tract, which, unlike other
bears’ d igestive systems, can  only digest bamboo leaves. W hy did
the gian t pand a lose, or neve r gain, a typical bear’s abilit y to eat
almost anything? “Why” doesn’t count in evolution. An adaptation
occurs, and either it contributes to a species’ survival or it doesn’t.
Homo sapiens  has eluded every dead end, including those that
other primates ran into. Our nearest relations among living
species are the chimpanzee an d the gorilla, but we did not descend
from th em or any other ape, contrary to popular opinion. The last
common ances tor between humans and chimpanzees lived around
thirteen millio n years ago, ac cording to the best current e stimate,
leading to a genetic split. O ne branch of the split evolv ed into
chimps, gorillas, orangutans, and their relations, while the other
branch led to our hominid ancestors.
A chimp  is a modern species, and so are we. (Interestingly, the
genetic evoluti on of chimps was two or three times more complex
than ou rs, the result of two f actors: first, chimps pass on twice as
many random mutations from parent to offspring as human
parents do—on average a human baby inherits around seventy
new mutations from its parents. Second, there is something in
genetics referred to as a “bottleneck,” where not enough new genes
are available. Fewer genes lead to fewer mutations, ca using a
species to remain closed off f rom new traits. According to genetic
analyses, over millions of years chimps ran into three bottlenecks
that squeezed their gene pool, while humans ran into only one
bottleneck whi le migrating out of Africa 200,000 years ago. Once
out of the bott leneck, our species expanded explosively to cover
the globe.)
The great reality shift poses a  profound mystery that cannot be
unraveled by examining our genes. Even with twice the m utation
rate as Homo sapiens, chim panzees have not gained self-
awareness. That’s not the same as lacking intelligence. Primate
studies increasingly show that chimpanzees are much closer to
human intelligence than was previously thought. According to
primatologist Frans de Waal,  the idea that only humans can make
tools is now “an unsustainable position. Then we also got the apes-have-no-theory-of-mind claim s, which now have been s eriously
weakened. The  culture claims, the idea that only humans a re great
at cooperation, and so on—none of [them] really holds up.”
Theory of mind  is a term fro m philosophy  and psychology
about k nowing someone else’s mental state without being  told. A
shorthand definition is “mind-reading.” Many dog lovers would
swear that their pet knows when the owner is happy, sad, or angry.
But proving that any animal understands that it has a mind
remains controversial. It is fascinating to consider that our
common ancestor thirteen million years ago had the hidden
potential for traits that flowered in chimps along one branch of the
divide and in humans on the other.
But chimps didn’t experienc e the great reality shift that gave
Homo sapiens  self-awareness. There are limits to what a chimp
can learn and understand. For example, if you place a peanut
under a  yellow  cup and no peanut under a red cup, a chimp will
quickly learn the difference a nd always pick the yellow cup. But if
you present a c himp with two weights and give him a reward if he
picks up the one that weighs  less, he won’t make the con nection
and will keep p icking up the two weights at random. Lik ewise, if
one chimp teaches herself how to unlatch a complicated bo x to get
at som e food, another chimp cannot learn how to solve the
problem simply by watching the first chimp.
These differences between us and our closest relatives go only
so far. Chimps and gorill as have a much wider r ange of
possibilities open to them than a giant anteater. But they aren’t
remotely close  to us in accessing infinite possibilities. The great
reality shift transcends genetics, and no matter how much we see
ourselves when observing other primates, they do n’t see
themselves in us, because they simply can’t. Some evolutionary
dead ends lead to lives as complex as the ones led by  higher
primates, but they are dead ends nevertheless.
The miracle of being huma n is that we evolved in multiple
dimensions. E verything about us—behavior, abstract t hinking,
curiosity, individual personalities, social networks—exploded
beyond any precedents, as if  life on Earth rushed into unknown
levels of aspiration. A master of three-dimensional chess would be
dumbfounded to lay eyes on o ur game board, which has numerouslevels and adds new ones all the time. But this master wouldn’t be
able to see our setup, because it exists and evolves in
consciousness. This is such an important point that we ne ed to go
into it more deeply.
A w a r e n e s s  i n  M u l t i p l e  D i m e n s i o n s
Infinity can stay in one dimension, or it can exist in se veral
dimensions at once. You might think of a number like two-thirds
spinning out a single string of digits—0.6666666—to infinity, like
a mathematical silkworm spinning an endless thread. That’s an
example of infinity occupying one dimension. But flow, like
creativity, is a state of awaren ess that covers multiple dimensions.
A person is “ in the flow” when everything seems to g o right,
obstacles melt away, and answers come effortlessly. Each aspect
occupies its own dimension, yet somehow they get coordinated
when flow is e xperienced. Th ere is a sense of calmness and also
the experience  of happiness, sometimes to the point of ec stasy. If
the flow is pow erful enough, it can be all-consuming, giving the
impression that the creative ideas are coming of their own accord,
using us as a vehicle, the way a playwright uses actors to mouth
his words.
Flow feels desirable but quit e mysterious, since it comes and
goes, an d some people never experience it. The mystery is solved
when you realize that flow is the unobstructed access to
metareality. In it we are experiencing wholeness. Puddles don’t
flow, but the oc ean does. Only wholeness can orchestrate a  state of
awareness tha t embraces multiple dimensions. Our h ominid
ancestors undo ubtedly becam e multidimensional long, lo ng ago.
There w as a mass awakening  that left its traces in the firs t known
cave paintings. These were only made possible by a seismic shift in
consciousness. The accepted date by scientists for the first
paintings of animals on cave walls has been moving back further
and fur ther. The record was long held by Europe, fir st in a
complex of caves in Lascaux, France (about 17,000 years ago),
then by separate caves in France and Romania (30,000–32,000years ago), representing a hu ge leap back in time. Now the current
record i s held by a cave system  in Indonesia on the South Sulawesi
Peninsula, still in use by the native people. Radiocarbon analysis
has date d the Indonesian paintings at between 35,000 and 42,000
years ago.
Gazing at photos of these prehistoric artifacts (easily found
online) is a fo rm of time tra vel, not physical but mental. At the
oldest French site, the Chauvet-Pont-d’Arc Cave, which is on a
limestone cliff above an ancient riverbed, now dry, the paintings
are not hing less than art. Di scovered in 1994 and soon named a
World H eritage Site by UNESCO, the Chauvet Cave features very
large, very well-preserved animal figures by the hundreds,
depicting thirteen species. In other Ice Age paintings, the chief
subjects are herbivores, like  horses and cattle, but the Chauvet
artists added predators, like the cave lion, the panther, the bear,
and the hyena.
The circ umstances behind th e art were arduous. The cave walls
are dee p inside, far from o utside light, which means that the
painters worked in the dark by the light of flickering torches. As
the ligh t bobbe d back and fo rth, the painters still had suc h a sure
hand that the major curves o f each specific animal—horns, back,
head, and legs—were done in a single stroke, the way an
accomplished drafts


our	unprotected
skin,	since	exposure	when	you	were	a	child	can	lead	to	a	higher	risk	of	skin
cancer	as	an	adult,	and	the	exposure	doesn’t	need	to	be	drastic.	The	best	rule,
however,	is	to	protect	yourself	from	the	sun’s	ultraviolet	(UV)	radiation	as
much	as	you	can.	Best	medical	advice	also	holds	that	you	use	a	higher	sunblock
number.	Simple	measures	like	wearing	a	sun	hat	with	a	wide	brim	help	remove
the	burden	from	sunblocks,	along	with	sitting	in	the	shade	and	wearing
sunglasses	that	are	UV	resistant.
Also	be	aware	that	there	are	a	multitude	of	toxic	ingredients	in	most
sunscreens.	When	choosing	a	sunscreen,	look	for	products	with	the	active
ingredient
zinc	oxide	or	titanium	dioxide.	These	are	physical	protectants,	which
reflect	UV	rays	off	your	skin,	rather	than	chemical	products.
Here	are	some	toxic	skin-care	ingredients	to	look	out	for	and	avoid.
OXYBENZONE	(AKA	BENZOPHENONE-3)
While	the
American	Academy	of	Dermatology	says	oxybenzone	is	safe,	the
Environmental	Working	Group	(EWG)	and	other	toxicology	experts	believe
that	oxybenzone	is	linked	to	hormone	disruption	and	potentially	to	cell
damage	that	may	lead	to	skin
cancer.
23
	Some	studies	have	linked	oxybenzone
use	in	pregnant	women	to	low	birth	weight,
24
	which	can	lead	to	serious	health
problems	later	in	life;	it	also	may	impact	the	adrenal	system
25
	and	may	alsoreduce	testosterone	levels	in	men.
26
NANOPARTICLES
These	are	extremely	tiny	particles	added	to	sunscreen	that	are	easily	absorbed	by
the	skin.	About	100,000	times	smaller	than	the	width	of	a	human	hair,	these
tiny	particles	can	penetrate	the	blood-brain	barrier,	leading	to	damage	or
genetic	changes	in	the	brain	cells.
27
	Be	sure	that	the	ingredients	on	your
sunscreen	are	in	a	non-nano	form.	This	even	goes	for	safer	sunscreen
ingredients	such	as	zinc	oxide	and	titanium	dioxide,	as	micronized	titanium
dioxide	has	been	associated	with	cellular	damage.
28
RETINYL	PALMITATE
In	a
National	Toxicology	Program	study	on	lab	animals,	it	was	found	that	when
skin	is	treated	with	a	mix	of	retinyl	palmitate	(RP),	a	vitamin	A	derivative,	and
skin	cream	and	exposed	to	ultraviolet	light,	the	cream	with	retinyl	palmitate
stimulated	lesion	and	tumor	growth.
29
	As	discussed	earlier,	while	vitamin	A
may	be	considered	a	wonderful	skin-care	ingredient	in	its	natural	state,	it
should	be	restricted	to	night	creams	for	those	that	choose	to	use	it—and	never
used	in	sunscreen.
OCTYL	METHOXYCINNAMATE	(AKA
OCTINOXATE,
EUSOLEX	2292,
AND
UVINUL	MC80)
This	is	an	ingredient	that	is	believed	to	create	free	radicals	inside	the	skin,
which	can	create	cellular	and	DNA	damage.	Similar	to
oxybenzone,	it	works
with	other	penetration	enhancers	to	enter	through	the	skin	and	accumulate	in
the	body.	It	has	the	potential	to	possibly	create	phototoxic	effects,	meaning	that
toxic	reactions	are	provoked	by	light.
30
PADIMATE	O	(AKA	PARA-AMINOBENZOIC	ACID,	OR
PABA)
Because	this	can	be	very	irritating	to	the	skin,	it	has	largely	been	phased	out	of
most	sunscreens.	But	it’s	worth	looking	out	for,	just	in	case	it’s	still	lurking
around	in	some	brands.	According	to	the	EWG,	PABA	can	release	free	radicals,
create	allergic	reactions,	damage	DNA,	and	induce	estrogenic	activity;	and	they
implicated	padimate	O	as	a	nitrosamine,	a	class	of	compounds	that	may	be
carcinogenic.
31
SOLAR	BEAUTY	SMOOTHER	TREATMENTAlmond,	argan,	and	olive	oils	are	particularly	good	for	replenishing	the	moisture	in	dry	skin	and
contain	vitamin	E	and	nourishing	minerals.	Sweet	orange	oil	is	believed	to	be	particularly	effective	in
helping	rejuvenate	and	revitalize	the	skin	against	sun	damage.
2	teaspoons	almond	oil
1	teaspoon	argan	or	avocado	oil
8	drops	sweet	orange	essential	oil
Combine	all	ingredients	until	mixed	well.	Rub	onto	sun-exposed	areas,	reapplying	two	or	three	times
per	day.	For	a	firmer,	more	cream-like	consistency,	store	in	a	glass	or	BPA-free	container	in	the
refrigerator.
Beautiful	Underarms:	Toxic	Versus	Safe
Deodorants	and	Antiperspirants
One	beautiful	way	your	body	was	designed	for	detoxification	is	to	allow	wastes
to	evaporate	through	the	pores	of	your	skin.	A	key	area	where	your	body
detoxes	itself	is	under	your	arms,	where	sweat	glands	and	lymph	nodes	are
located.	The	modern	concept	of	using	antiperspirants	to	stop	your	underarms
from	sweating	can	hold	toxicity	in.	This	is	not	natural	or	recommended.
Clogging	your	body’s	normal	channels	for	waste	removal	is	not	a	good	idea.
You	can	wipe	or	cleanse	your	underarms	during	the	day	if	you	are	concerned
about	excessive	moisture,	and	there	are	natural	solutions	to	prevent	underarm
odor.	Keep	in	mind	that	as	you	clean	up	your	diet	and	improve	your	digestion
and	the	elimination	of	wastes	in	your	system,	your	level	of	offensive	bodily
odors	may	naturally	decrease.	But	you	will	probably	still	want	to	use	something
to	ensure	that	you	always	smell	fresh	and	clean.	When	you	do,	it’s	important	to
choose	your	deodorant	wisely.	Commercial	deodorants	contain	some
potentially	toxic	materials	that	you	should	try	to	avoid.	Some	of	these
ingredients	include	aluminum,	parabens,	propylene	glycol,	triclosan,	TEA,
DEA,	FD&C,	phthalates,	and	talc.
Aluminum	has	been	linked	to	Alzheimer’s,
cancer,	and	allergic	reactions.
Some	people	dispute	the	link	between	the	type	of	aluminum	used	in
deodorants	and	these	diseases,
32
	but	others	believe	it	is	worth	avoiding.	Some
have	suggested	that	aluminum-based	compounds	in	antiperspirants	may	be
absorbed	through	the	skin	and	can	be	a	health	risk	factor,	though	much	more
research	is	needed	to	show	a	definite	link.	With	all	the	alternatives	out	there
nowadays	in	various	deodorants,	you	can	certainly	avoid	aluminum	if	you
choose.
Parabens	mimic	the	activity	of	estrogen	in	the	body.	Since	estrogen	promotesthe	growth	of	breast	cancer	cells,	and	a	woman	is	eight	times	more	likely	to
develop	breast	cancer	in	the	part	of	the	breast	closest	to	the	underarm,	scientists
are	studying	the	connection,	though	further	studies	and	research	are	needed.
RADICALLY	SAFE	DEODORANT
It	is	easy	to	make	your	own	deodorant	that	is	safe	and	effective	in	eliminating	unpleasant	underarm
odor!	The	coconut	oil	and	baking	soda	in	this	DIY	version	both	have	antibacterial	properties	and	help
prevent	odor,	while	the	grape


 many functions being performed at all moments of your life that you
have nothing to say about. They all work perfectly because they are in
harmony with higher universal principles. There is no need for you to
interfere. More likely, any interference on your part would inhibit the
natural flow of these functions.
This, then, is how you as a system of systems function within the largest
system of all, our universe. The energy flows just as it is supposed to. The
food goes in, your perfection takes over, and everything works as it is
designed to do. Interference by you will only curb that natural flow, and
consequently do damage to the perfection that you are.
Now I want you to shift your perspective away from the microscope that
has been  exami ning you and look through the telescope to see the bigger
picture. The universe is a system of systems similar to the perfect systems
that function in a human being. It too works on many principles that are
beyond our control, that work independent of our opinion about them—
work even if we do not understand them. And, most important, they work
best when we do not interfere and simply allow the energy to flow
unimpeded. I like to compare this process to the lettuce (which is nothingmore than energy) making its way throughout your system, dropping off the
precise amount of nutrients where it is supposed to. You, like the lettuce,
perform your functions perfectly. This is the intelligence that is behind all
form. This is the force, or the god, or the spirit, or whatever you choose to
call it, that is a part of all form. Working in harmony without any
interference or attachments.
Now for the big leap! A momen t ago you were the system that was using
the lettuce. Now imagine yourse lf as a giant piece of lettuce. Shift outward
and beco me the metaphorical lettuce that is a part of the biggest picture of
all, your place in the universe. You too are a large chunk of energy flowing
perfectly within  a larger system  and within a larger system to infinity. You
too can do exact ly what you are designed for, as long as you do not interfere
with your role within this perfec t system. You do not have to try to do what
you think is your role, you have to be like the lettuce and let everything
work perfectly. You need to understand that every attachment you have to
how things are supposed  to be interferes in some way with your perfect
functioning within the larger system. You need to understand that every
possession that you become attached to has the same effect on this perfectly
functioning energy system, as if the lettuce in your intestines had picked up
some baggage that it had to take along with it on its journey. You know
what would happen to you if that lettuce somehow decided that it had to
have more in order to function properly. It would affect not only the lettuce,
and your stomach, and your respiration, but eventually your existence as
well.
Obviously I realize that we are much more complex than a piece of
lettuce. But the analogy serves to remind us that the universal principles
work perfectly without any interference or assistance. When you apply the
principle of detachment to your daily life, you will discover that you are
functioning freely, and flowing with the energy system that is the universe.
Even more significantly, you will discover you are allowing the energy of
the entire universe to flow uninterrupted through you.
The more that you are able to flow without the attachments, the happier
and more contented you will feel. Moreover, the things that you previously
chased after endlessly, always ending up wanting more anyway, will now
arrive in your life in the precise  amounts necessary to take care of you and
your loved ones. Combine this with the practice of the principle of
abundance, and you will find more and more flowing into your life in analmost effortless fashion. You will eventually keep the energy flowing by
circulating and giving away all that you do not need. Then, miracle of
miracles, the more you give away, the more you have.
It is a gloriously perfect system when you allow it to work without any
interference. Our interference is due to some kind of attachm ent that we
have grown to believe we cannot possibly live comfortably without.

HOW  I LEARNED TO APPL Y THIS PRINCIPLE

In the fourth through the eighth grades I would sit in my seat in school
silently pining for Earlene Rentz, the love of my life. I thought that she was
beautiful, yet I could never seem  to muster the courage to tell her. We lived
in the same neighborhood, and I was friendly with her older brother, so I
would see her quite regularly. She always held a special place in my heart.
Recently I received a letter from  her telling me that she had read some of
my books and that she had seen a story about me in the Wayne State
University alumni magazine. On a lark I decided to call her.
Earlene and I talked for about forty minutes. I told her of my youthful
love for her, and she replied, “I knew that.” I couldn’ t believe that she knew
all those  years. During our conversation she said, “Wayne, the thing that
stands out the most about you in my mind is that you were never very
concerned with possessions, and you were the most generous person in our
class.” I was somewhat surprised that this was Earlene’ s most prominent
memory, and yet when I look back, I believe her assessment was correct.
Somehow I knew that being attached to something was the surest way to be
certain that one never appeared to have enough of it. While many of the
other children my age would talk about wanting something, I was generally
quite content with what I had. In fact, I would help my friends figure out
ways to get the things they seemed to want so desperately. When I was a
teenager and a young man, my friends had souped-up drag racers and would
talk endlessly about wanting this or that fancy car, yet I was in love with my
1950 Plymouth with its profusion of rust spots and its deficiencies. It never
seemed to matter. As I look back, I see that I was comfo rtable with
detachment even then.
I have very few of the items that seem to decorate the lives of wealthy
people. Fancy clothes play no part in my life, and hoarding a lot of
expensive possessions does not even enter my consciousness. Yet,paradoxically again, I seem to have acquired the ability to have all of the
things anyone could ever desire. It seems the less I concern myself with
acquisitions the more they arrive in my life for me to use and recirculate.
There is something very profound in the seeming paradox “More is less.”
For me, having more means having to insure it, protect it, polish it, worry
about it, try to double it, brag about it, price it, maybe sell it for a profit, and
on and on.
Of course, one can appreciate the beauty in any object and truly receive
enjoyment from  it, but that is not attachment. That is simply allowing the
energy of your appreciation and love to flow through the object and back
into you. If you wonder abou t the difference between attachment and
enjoyment, ask yourself how you would react if suddenly an object you
value was gone—stolen, broken, lost, or whatever. Would you be distorted
with anger and worry? Would you become immobilized and unable to
function effectively with yourself and your loved ones? That is attachment.
The need that is attached to the object gives it some degree of control or
power over your emotions. I truly know in my heart, as does my wife, that
if any object that we have sudde nly disappeared, I would say something like
“It is now where it is suppose d to be. I hope that whoever is using or
observing it is receiving some kind of joy and happiness. It is just a thing
and I am not attached to it.”
This is not to suggest indifference to thieves and careless peop le. It is a
suggestion that you not allow your stuff to own you. Be able to detach
yourself and your humanity and life purpose from mere thing s that only
have the value we ascribe to them. If we can ascribe value to a thing simply
by a thought process, then of course we can detach ourselves from that
value-added process equally ef ficiently through a dif ferent process.
A perfect example of this presented itself while I was writing this book.
After a three-ho ur radio talk show in Miami, I made an impulsive choice
to accep t a long-standing invitation. Marie Provenzano, whose  business is
providing luxury facials, had written me numerous letters describing how
she had benefited from my tapes  and books. Over the years, she had invited
me to her studio for a comp limentary facial treatment as her way of
showing her appreciation. For whatever reason that was operating in the
universe, I decided to stop on my way home from Miami and have my very
first facial.As I settled in for this new expe rience, Marie told me she had had a mild
stroke several years earlier and she felt she had cured herself through
repeatedly listening to my tapes. It felt very good to hear that I had played a
role in helping someone overcome such an affliction. She showed
absolutely


~n ton~ue. In add1t1on to these discomforts, 1 was inflicted
Wit~ msomn1a, fr~yed nerves and great irritability of temper. The
reg1 me ~as contmued for sixteen weeks without a break, and
altho~?h 1t resulted in the disappearance of my cough and catarrhal
cond:t1ons and also of painful sciatica from which 1 had suffered,
n?netheless the cure seemed more unpleasant to me than the
disease. _Th~ final upshot was that after two years of this teratment.
I lost faith m doct?rs an~ began series of ventures on my own,
although much agamst the1r advice.
"I will not prolong this story by giving all the details. Suffice it to
say, t~ere came a momen.t when feeling weak and ill, 1 ·recalled the
text~ In Command V of the Holy Bible, which runs, 'Drink waters of MR. ARMSTRONG AND REVIVAL OF URINE THERAPY : 49
thine own cistern', a text which in its turn, reminded me of the case
of a young girl whose father gave her own urine to drink when she
was suffering from diphtheria with the result that he cured her in
three days. Other cases also came to my mind (jauncjice was one)
which had been cured by the same means. Nor was this all; I
remembered that the doctor had told me that lungs had been
damged, after examining my urine. Thereupon I asked him in my
then innocence: 'If I am losing vital tissues and sugar through my
urine, then why not drink the urine and replace these elements in
that way?' to which he had replied that the organs could not
assimilate dead matter of urine. This, however, as I have proved
since, was nothing but a theoretical fallacy.
"And here to digress for a moment. I grant that it is unwise
dogmatically to assert that any given text of scripture means only
this or that, for other people may read into the Bible some other
interpretation. Nevertheless, I believed and still believe that the texts
1 have quoted, and many others also bear reference to that vital
fluid which is within our bodies; and believing it I acted in
accordance to that belief to find in the end that it proved to be my
physical salvation. Fortified by my faith, in what I thought to be the
courrect interpretation of,the text, 1. fasted for forty-five days on
nothing but urine and tap water ahd this, despite the doctors'
assertion that eleven days without food was the limit to which a
human being could go. I also rubbed urine on my body-a very
important factor in the cure with which I shall deal in Chapter XVII.
1 finally broke my fast and though it gave me no discomfort beyond a
ravenous hunger, I nevertheless ate cautiously for. a time and
continued to drink my own urine, noticing that its changes in
temperature, quantity, taste, etc., depended almost entirely on what
1 ate or drank, and the amount of exercise I took.
"At the end of the treatment I felt that I was an entirely new man.
1 weighed 140 lb.; I was full of vim, looked about eleven years
younger than acctually I was and had my skin like that of a young
girl. I was thirty-six at the time and am now over sixty. Yet by SO : AUTO-URINE THERAPY
~:~~~~=do~?rinking of every?rap of water I passed, living on a well
look and ~ l~t and never eatmg more than absolutely I required, I
f f ee mu~h younger than most men of my age and keep
treeb rho~ those maJor and minor ailments to which the body is said
o e e1r.
"Having now related the essential details of my self-cure from
~~~~ and a~l that contributed to the result, I will merely add that
g convinced that knowledge must not be selfishly 'hidden d
a b~shel', but should be shared with one's fellows I b un er
advise and s~pervise the fasting of others on the same lines. ~~:nre:~
~ff~h~ bo~k IS therefore largely devoted to results obtained on those
u enn~ rom a variety of diseases including medically diagnosed
cases o cancer, Bright's disease, gangrene, and many others which
from the orthodox stand-point are labelled incurable."
I
CHAPTER II
GENGRENE
Th_A~cor~in~ ~0 medical science, gangrene is an incurable disease
on;s 1~: ata isease ~nd :he patient can escape death in rare case~
y. e root~ of this disease are very deep. In case; the toe is
~~~ec~ed, thehpatlent cannot be regarded as safe merely by cutting it
f ~h ven w en the affected part is removed, the decay advances
u er and further and becomes incurable. This fatal disease ma
;et on as a _result o~ a number of other diseases. It may develop eve~
r~m an moculatlon against the smallpox, or from aral sis
~~ab~te;., ~ wound caused by falling of a heavy weight a:emi: o;
e e ICiency of red-corpuscles. As injured part ;f the ~d
worsened by some · t 1 d.. Y.. In erna!Sease IS prone to gangrene A T B
~at l~nt sometimes falls pray to it. A burn caused b b il".., - -
liqUid or aicd, may be affected by gangrene. y o mg Ol, or
Though declared as incurable by Allopathy, Armstrong hAls GENGRENE : 51
cured a number of gangrene patients with urine treatment. So a brief
account of his experiments would certainly be interesting.
Armstrong was first approached by a woman patient of
gangrene in 1920. Her age was 53 years. She had been treated by a
well-known doctor of Bradford who was also a dietician. The
woman suffered from anaemia; her lungs were also badly affected,
one leg was almost dead and patches of different size were visible
on both the legs. The eyes were jaundiced, the colour had become
pale like that of a Eurasian lady. Armstrong was first reluectant to
take up her case as in his opinion she required a treatment of more
than two and half months, but at last, he undertook her treatment.
The experiment was so successful that Armstrong himself was
amazed and came to realize that gangrene was not incurable as
considered generally in Allopathy. The patient fasted on urine and
tap water. In addition, urine was rubbed on her entire body along
with pads on the affected parts. In ten days intestines and kidneys
resumed their regular functions. In the beginning the number of
patches increased but their pain was reduced. Breathing became
regular and easier. Sleep was sounder and the leg become normal in
eighteen days of fasting. The application of urine renovated the skin
so that there was no sign of a single patch.
As soon as the above patient was. discharged after complete
cure, another came in. She was a woman of forty years. Her right
leg was so septic that doctors had advised her to get it out off. The
disease started two years ago with a swelling on the ankle. She tried
various systems and doctors but the disease went from bad to
worse. She was suffering also from constipation, piles, eczema and
sleeplessness. The dead part of the leg had become hollow in places.
In spite of so many troubles, she did not lose heart and agreed to fast
on urine. After the fast on urine for five d·ays her wounds were found
. in the process of healing and the skin was softer. The mouth trouble
disappeared the very next day. After sleeplessness of several weeks;
she got a sound sleep on the third day. After a week, her intestines
and kindneys began to function properly. The poles were cured. CHATER Ill
GROWTHS AND CANCER
There are several types of cancers. It affects various parts of the
body, and is considered an in curable and dangerous disease. Its
tumour grows, within the body, known as 'growht', which appears
as swelling outside the body. But all the swellings on the body are
not malignant. Cancer means sure death. According to the dodors,
growth or cancer develops due to the deficiency of natural alkalies
in the diet. In 1912, the late Dr. F. Forbers Ross of London, a fully
qualified physician, wrote a book, Cancer-Its Genesis and
Treatment. On the basis of 22 years' practice, he had come to the
conclusion that malignancy and other growths are due to a diet
deficiency in natural salts especially potash. By putting patients on a
more balanced diet and administer ing potash salts in an assimilable
form, he cured a large number of cases of this dreaded disease. But
the orthodox doctors with vested interest, say


	Albert	Michelson	and	Edward	Morley,	proved	that	light	traveled	at
the	same	speed	no	matter	what	direction	it	moved	in.	This	was	important
because	the	so-called	“ether	wind”	that	was	thought	to	sweep	energy	through
the	universe	should	have	made	light	travel	slower	going	upstream	than
downstream.	When	Michelson	and	Morley	proved	that	this	wasn’t	true,	even
Einstein	became	convinced	that	space	was	a	void	without	activity,	a	belief
that	was	also
wrong
,	as	it	turns	out.	Physicists	now	believe	that	space	is	full	of
activity	in	the	form	of	invisible	fluctuations	in	the	quantum	field.	These	so-
called	virtual	fluctuations	account	for	matter	and	energy	and	also	for
distortions	in	time	and	space.	Thus,	in	a	curious	way	the	disproved	notion	of
the	ether	has	been	revived	indirectly.
To	find	out	where	matter	and	energy	come	from,	physics	wound	up
positing	a	universal	field	that	envelops	not	just	what	we	observe	but
everything	that	could	possibly	exist.	Modern	physics	finds	it	easy	to	make	the
material	world	disappear	into	nothingness,	but	that	is	deeply	disturbing,
almost	as	disturbing	as	the	disappearance	of	a	dying	person.	Here	is	how	the
disappearing	act	of	a	rock,	tree,	planet,	or	galaxy	works:
First,	the	rock,	tree,	or	planet	disappeared	from	sight	when	scientists
realized	that	solid	matter	is	made	up	of	atoms	that	cannot	be	detected	by	the
naked	eye.
Second,	atoms	disappeared	when	it	was	discovered	that	they	are	made	upof	energy,	mere	vibrations	in	the	void.
Finally,	energy	disappeared	when	it	was	found	that	vibrations	are
temporary	excitations	in	a	field,	and	that	the	field	itself	doesn’t	vibrate	but
maintains	a	flat,	constant	“zero	point.”
Theoretically,	to	reach	the	zero	point	in	Nature	one	could	cool	empty
space	down	to	absolute	zero,	and	instantly	everything	would	cease	to	vibrate.
Yet	the	zero	point	also	exists	here	and	now—it	provides	the	starting	point
from	which	everything	in	the	universe	springs.	Since	matter	and	energy	are
constantly	emerging	and	then	vanishing	back	into	the	void,	the	zero	point
serves	as	the	switching	station	between	existence	and	nothingness.	Newton
had	established	that	matter	and	energy	cannot	be	destroyed,	but	they	can
oscillate	in	this	shadowy	way	at	the	subatomic	level,	as	long	as	the	sum	total
of	matter	and	energy	isn’t	altered.
The	Zero	Point	Field
It	wouldn’t	be	so	disturbing	if	this	vanishing	act	was	due	to	occur	only	when
the	cosmos	dies	billions	of	years	from	now	by	cooling	down	to	absolute	zero.
Nor	would	it	be	so	disturbing	if	matter	only	collapsed	into	the	void
theoretically.	Such	isn’t	the	case,	however.	Matter	and	energy
have
	to
disappear.	If	they	remained	stable,	which	is	how	rocks,	trees,	and	planets	look
to	the	eye,	chaos	would	break	loose.	Matter	would	exist	only	as	randomly
floating	particles	in	interstellar	space.	Exploded	bits	of	the	Big	Bang	would	be
flying	apart	at	millions	of	miles	an	hour	without	any	relationship	to	one
another.	There	would	be	no	forms,	no	evolution,	no	organization—in	other
words,	no	universe	as	we	know	it.	At	best,	gravity	could	possibly	pull
together	larger	clumps	of	matter,	but	gravity	is	also	a	wave	function	that
fluctuates	around	the	zero	point.
The	fact	that	chaos	doesn’t	totally	dominate	remains	a	huge	mystery,
which	may	only	be	solved	by	Akasha.	Here	the	needs	of	physics	and	the
Vedic	rishis	begin	to	converge	in	startling	ways.	The	rishis	were	focused	on
consciousness	as	a	universal	principle.	But	to	have	a	thinking	universe,	they
needed	to	explain	how	the	cosmic	mind	works,	how	it	holds	itself	together
and	organizes	itself	into	thoughts.	If	the	“mind	field”	was	totally	stable,	it
would	be	a	dead	zone,	or	at	best	filled	with	a	constant,	meaningless	buzz.
Physics	also	needs	to	know	how	the	universe	holds	itself	together	and
organizes	into	coherent	forms.	Otherwise,	the	inconceivable	fireball	that
appeared	at	the	instant	of	the	Big	Bang	would	have	blown	itself	apart,	the	way
dynamite	blows	itself	apart,	without	bothering	to	create	forms	along	the	way.
Physics	was	drawn,	step-by-step,	into	the	void	because	nothing	in	the
visible	world	was	adequate	to	explain	what	had	to	be	explained.	The	zero
point	became	an	all-inclusive	“field	of	fields”	that	encompasses	every	unseen,or	virtual,	particle	in	the	universe.	It	was	calculated	that	the	zero	point
contained	10	to	the	40th	power	more
energy
	than	the	visible	universe—that	is,
a	one	followed	by	forty	zeros.	The	void	turned	out	to	be	a	seething	exchange
of	energy,	not	just	between	photons	and	electrons	but	in	every	conceivable
quantum	event.	Suddenly	the	unseen	has	become	incredibly	more	powerful
than	the	seen.	But	in	what	way	is	the	“field	of	fields”	like	a	mind,	the	thing
the	rishis	were	looking	for?
Thinking,	the	basic	operation	of	the	mind,	organizes	reality	to	make	sense.
The	universe	does	this	physically.	It	forms	complex	systems.	DNA	is	one
example,	but	genes	didn’t	create	life	simply	by	stringing	simple	molecules
along	a	double	helix.	There	are	spaces	between	each	genetic	bit,	and	this
sequencing	is	all-important.	An	amoeba	differs	from	a	human	being	in	the
sequence	of	carbon,	oxygen,	hydrogen,	and	nitrogen	along	its	genes,	not	in
the	atoms	themselves.	The	fact	that	empty	spaces,	or	gaps,	between	genetic
material	are	so	important	brings	us	back	to	the	void,	where
something
	is
arranging	random	events	so	that	they	are	meaningful.
Once	a	form	has	been	created,	it	has	to	be	remembered	in	order	to	stay
together.	The	universe	remembers	what	it	has	created	and	meshes	it	with	older
systems.	The	Earth’s	ecosystem	is	a	good	example.	Life-forms	constantly
relate	to	each	other	in	exquisite	balance.	The	oxygen	given	off	by	plants
during	photosynthesis,	for	example,	would	eventually	poison	the	entire
atmosphere,	killing	off	all	vegetation	that	needs	carbon	dioxide,	were	it	not
for	the	evolution	of	animals,	which	consume	the	oxygen	and	return	carbon
dioxide	back	to	plants.	This	extremely	complex	balance	can	be	traced	back	to
the	void,	where	every	single	fluctuation	of	virtual	energy	is	passed	along	and
absorbed	by	a	virtual	particle	in	need	of	energy.	(As	one	popular	writer	has
put	it,	it’s	as	if	the	cosmos	were	passing	along	a	penny,	so	that	every	time	one
particle	is	a	penny	poorer,	another	gets	a	penny	richer.)	The	basic	pattern	is
very	simple,	but	when	trillions	of	energy	exchanges	are	involved	every
second,	as	they	are	with	life	on
Earth
,	the	ecosystem’s	ability	to	keep	one
form	separate	from	another,	yet	in	dynamic


 Adhatoda vasica is useful in
Kasa – cold, cough
Raktapitta – bleeding disorders like nasal bleeding, Ulcerative colitis and
menorrhagia
Jwara – fever
Hima with Coriander Seed Powder + Sugar
Antardaha – internal burning sensation
Trushna – Excessive thirst
Sroto vishodhana – cleanses channels•Prataha – administer it in morning1.
2.
3.
4.35. Coriander Drink for
Fever, Burning Sensation,
Thirst
Y
Coriander drink is a very easy to make natural cleanser and coolant drink
useful in fever, burning sensation, thirst and such other high Pitta conditions.
It is especially benecial for those, who suﬀer from excessive body heat, as in
summer, or during fever, or in some people, who have Pitta body constitution
(who have tendency of complaining of excess heat, all the time irrespective of
weather). It is also very good for those who complain of insatiable thirst all the
time.
It is one of the easiest way to make, natural herbal detox drink.
Preapration
Take one part of crushed coriander seeds.(Eg: 10 g rams)
Add six parts of water (Eg: 60 ml)
Keep it co vered over one night.
Next morning, lter it, and mix with a little quantity of sugar, and
drink it in empty stomach.
Benets
is recipe for coriander seeds is natural coolant drink.It is also a natural detox drink, and the best non alcoholic summer drink.
It also cleanses all the body and tissue channels and energizes the body.
It is actually a classical drink, explained in the ancient Ayurvedic texts.
It is called as Dhanyaka hima –
Reference – Sharangdhara samhita madhayama khanda – 2nd chapter, 7–8
shloka.
Dhanyaka hima should be drunk in the morning with a little quantity of
sugar to get relief from internal burning sensation, excessive thirst. It also
cleanses and detoxify all the body channels.
Dosage: 40–50 ml to be taken in morning in empty stomach along with half a
spoon of sugar.
How long can it be consumed?
It can be taken for a period of 6–8 weeks.
Shelf life: It can only be stored for 10 hours once it is made.
It can be refrigerated and used within 2 days time. But refrigeration is not a
hardcore Ayurveda principle.•
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•36. Hot Infusions – Phanta
Y
Synonyms: Hot infusion, Hot tea, Herbal tea, Tea
Water Medium
If you want to bring in swift action by quick absorption, herbs in water
solution form is the best way.
Herbs in water solution form are the fastest medium of medicine delivery.
Active principles of herbs are dissolved in water medium.
Water is readily absorbed into the body without any delay from stomach and
intestines.
Water is absorbed right from stomach till large intestines.
Hence, water soluble plant elements have chance for
Quick absorption
Maximum absorption chances all the way from stomach to large
intestine.
If you want to make the water – soluble – plant extract –
You can keep the herbs powder in w ater for some period of time.
mild extraction, suitable for coolant herbs.
Suitable for herbs with volatile principles which would evaporate on
heating.•
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•is is Hima – cold infusion.
If you want to make water soluble plant extract –
You can keep the herbs powder in hot water for some period of time.
e hotness of hot water acts as an extraction force. So, this is forced
extraction.
Better extraction, compared to Hima (cold infusion). suitable for herbs
with more stable volatile principles which can tolerate some amount of
heat (hot water).
is is Phanta – hot infusion.
If you want to make water soluble plant extract –
You can boil the herbs with water.
e boiling water acts as a powerful extraction force.
Better extraction, compared to Hima (cold infusion) or Phanta (hot
infusion).
Suitable for herbs with more stable, heat resistant plant active
principles.
is is Kashaya/decoction.
Hima – Phanta – Kashaya
Hima – cold infusion – mild form of water extraction
Phanta – hot infusion – moderate form of water extraction
Kashaya – decoction – high form of water extraction
Purpose of Phanta – Hot Infusion•
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•Herbs with volatile principles may lose their active principles by very high
temperature – are converted to Phanta.
Here volatile principles are expected to tolerate a moderate temperature of
~60–80 degree Celsius.
(140–180 degree Fahrenheit)
Herbs having cold potency are usually served as Phanta.
Eg
Madhuka pushpa – ower of Madhuca longifolia
Chandana – Sandalwood
Parushaka – Falsa fruit – Grewia asiatica
Mrunala – Lotus stalk
Kamala – Lotus ower
Examples for Coolant Herbs
Sariva – Indian Sarsaparilla – Hemidesmus indicus
Draksha – Raisins – Vitis vinifera
Usheera – Khas Khas – Vetiveria zizanioides
Dosage Form for Pitta disorders cannot be excessively hot.
In cases of Pitta disorders with low digestion strength, some amount of
hotness is required to improve digestion. Eg: fever.
Hence, hot infusion is a perfect medicine for high Pitta, low digestion
strength conditions such as•
•
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•Fever
Bleeding disorders
Burning sensation
Gastritis
Excess sun exposure
During summer etc
Hot infusion is also useful in high Pitta associated with Kapha conditions.
Example: A Pitta person having a Kapha disorder, or vice versa.
Fever with high Kapha Dosha.
Bleeding disorders such as nasal bleeding, heavy periods, etc in a Kapha
body type person.
Obese with Pitta body type.
Replacing Kashaya with Phanta
In case of children, very weak patients, underweight patients and in chronic
disorders, where patient cannot tolerate strong decoctions, Phanta is used as
substitute for decoction (Kashaya).
Phanta – Hot Infusion
Herb + hot water S keep it for some time (10–20 minutes) S
macerate, lter S drink the liquid part.
Hima for high Pitta.
Phanta for moderate Pitta.•
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•Hot water is prepared by boiling the water. It is allowed to cool down
to ~60 degree Celsius.
Hima is suitable for highly volatile herbal compounds (very high heat
sensitivity).
Phanta is for moderate volatile herbal compounds (low heat sensitivity
– can tolerate a temperature up to ~80 d egree Celsius).
Procedure for Making Phanta
Sharangdhara Samhita Madhyama Khanda 3rd Chapter
Well pounded herb ingredients are taken in in 1 pala = 48 grams
quantity.
ey are added with 4 Pala (192 ml) of hot water.
It is macerated and ltered.
e obtained liquid is Phanta. It is administered in a dose of 96 m l.
Detailed Procedure of Phanta Kalpana
Herbs are taken in a clean mortar and ground to form coarse powder.
1 part of coarse powder is taken in a clean wide mouthed vessel.
In another vessel, water is boiled.
is boiled water is added to herbs in 4 p arts quantity.
e boiled hot water + herbs mixture is kept undisturbed for a few
minutes.
Once it starts cooling down, it is  macerated well, ltered.
e ltrate liquid is called Phanta or Churnadrava.•
•
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•It is administered in dose of two Palas – 96 m l.
Honey, sugar or jaggery to be added shall be in the same proportion as
that of Kwatha.
Coarse Powder vs Fine Powder
If coarse powder is used, the ltering of Phanta will be lot easier.
If ne powder is used, then the ltering will be diﬃcult, especially
when Phanta is highly concentrated.
In ne powder, ltered hot infusion may contain some precipitates.
e total surface area of the herb is more in case of ne powder.
More the surface area, better the extraction of medicinal components
of herbs into water.
Hence, ne powder yields out more medicinal value into the water
than coarse powder.
Anupana – Additives for Phanta
Additives to Phanta is similar to Kashaya.
If sugar candy/sugar is to be added –
In Vata Dosha – 1/4th part of Kashaya/Phanta
In Pitta Dosha – 1/8 part of Kashaya


remains intact in the pulp. In contrast, for hard veget ables like beet s and
rutabaga, you need a higher speed to cut through the dens er ﬂesh and
you need the faster spinning basket to extract the juice from the ﬁber.
P o t a s s i u m  P o w e r
Prep time: About 3 min • Juicing time: 2 min • Yield: 2 servings
Ingr edients
3 tomatoes1/2 cup spinach
2 celery stalks
2 carrots
1 apple
1/2 to 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 teaspoons ﬁnely chopped walnuts
Dir ections
1 Cut the tomatoes and apple if necessary to ﬁt the juicer feed
tube.
2 Turn on the juicer and place a jug under the spout.
3 Working on a slow speed, process the tomatoes and spinach,
alternating them to help push the spinach leaves through.
4 Increase the speed to medium and process the celery, carrots,
and apple.
5 Stir the turmeric into the drink. Pour into 2 glasses, garnish
each with walnuts, and enjoy!
Per serving: Calories 146 (From Fat 27); Fat 3g (Saturated 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 104mg;
Carbohydrate 31g (Dietary Fiber 3g); Protein 4g.
E x e r c i s e  E l i x i r
Prep time: About 3 min • Juicing time: 2 min • Yield: 2 servings
Ingr edients
2 tomatoes
1 cup packed spinach
1 handful green beans
1 small zucchini1 apple
1 piece (1-inch) peeled ginger
1/4 teaspoon ground turmeric
2 teaspoons sesame seeds
Dir ections
1 Cut the tomatoes and apple if necessary to ﬁt the juicer feed
tube.
2 Turn on the juicer and place a jug under the spout.
3 Working on a slow speed, process the tomatoes, spinach, and
beans.
4 Increase the speed to medium and process the zucchini, apple,
and ginger.
5 Stir the turmeric into the drink. Pour into 2 glasses, garnish
each with sesame seeds, and enjoy!
Per serving: Calories 110 (From Fat 20); Fat 2g (Saturated 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 30mg;
Carbohydrate 23g (Dietary Fiber 3g); Protein 4g.
Antioxidant Juices
Truth be told, we’re all rusting from the inside out! Oxidation
from free radicals is damaging our cells and aging our bodies.
But there is help in slowing down the ravaging oxidants.
Antioxidant foods rid the body of these free radicals and keep
us safe from their damaging effects.
Top antioxidant vegetables include kale, spinach, Brussels
sprouts, alfalfa sprouts, broccoli, beets, red peppers, and
eggplant. Toss in antioxidant-rich herbs like thyme androsemary or sage and oregano, and you have the ﬁxin’s for the
fountain of youth.
Use fresh herbs
I’m a culinary herbalist, which means  that I’ve studied growing and using
herbs, as well as the medicinal beneﬁt s of herbs, and I use that
knowledge in cooking. This is the way that anci ent Greek, Chinese, and
Indian healers used herbs — as preventive medicine in foods.
Smoothies are a perfect way to enjoy herbs. Just be sure to use only
fresh herbs — dried herbs don’t have any of the medicinal values noted
here:
 Alfalfa: High in chlorophyll, nourishes cells
 Basil: Antidepressant, soothing, relieves indigestion
 Garlic: Antioxidant, anti-cancer, thins blood,  lowers chol esterol
 Lemon balm: Antioxidant, relaxes, stimulates bile for digestion,
antihistamine, antidepressant
 Parsley: Antioxidant, high in chlorophyll, tonic
 Peppermint: Soothing, digestive tonic, relieves pain
 Rosemary: Antioxidant, antiseptic, soothing, anti-inﬂam matory
 Sage: Antioxidant, antibiotic, anti-inﬂammatory
One or two large leaves (for example, of basil or dandel ion) or a few
smaller leaves (for example, of mint, oregano,  or thyme) are blended right
in with smoothie recipes.A n t i - A g i n g  E l i x i r
Prep time: About 3 min • Juicing time: 2 min • Yield: 2 servings
Ingr edients
1 orange
1/2 lemon
1/2 red pepper
2 celery stalks
1 cup Brussels sprouts
3 broccoli spears
1 beet
1/4 teaspoon hot pepper seeds
Dir ections
1 Peel the orange and lemon, leaving the white pith on.
2 Cut the broccoli and beet if necessary to ﬁt the juicer feed tube.
3 Turn on the juicer and place a jug under the spout.
4 Working on a slow speed, process the orange and lemon.
5 Increase the speed to medium and process the red pepper,
celery, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli.
6 Increase the speed to high and process the beet.
7 Stir the hot pepper seeds into the drink, pour into 2 glasses,
and enjoy!
Per serving: Calories 101 (From Fat 6); Fat 1g (Saturated 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 109mg;
Carbohydrate 23g (Dietary Fiber 3g); Protein 5g.G r e e n  G o o d n e s s
Prep time: About 3 min • Juicing time: 2 min • Yield: 2 servings
Ingr edients
1 cup coarsely chopped kale
3 to 6 sprigs fresh thyme
1/2 cup alfalfa sprouts
1/2 lemon
1 zucchini
2 celery stalks
2 broccoli spears
1 apple
1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh rosemary
Dir ections
1 Peel the half lemon, leaving the white pith on.
2 Cut the broccoli and apple if necessary to ﬁt the juicer feed
tube.
3 Turn on the juicer and place a jug under the spout.
4 Working on a slow speed, process the kale, thyme, alfalfa
sprouts, lemon, and zucchini.
5 Increase the speed to medium and process the celery, broccoli,
and apple.
6 Stir the rosemary into the drink, pour into 2 glasses, and enjoy.
Per serving: Calories 148 (From Fat 14); Fat 1g (Saturated 0g); Cholesterol 0mg; Sodium 123mg;
Carbohydrate 32g (Dietary Fiber 4g); Protein 9g.Tip: Depending on the variety of thyme you use, it may have lots
of thymol, a healing essential oil that can be pungent but high in
antioxidants. Use less thyme if you want.
Elimination Juices
Sometimes nature needs a friendly intervention. For those times
when nothing is moving, make up a glass of one of these juices
and all will soon be well.
One of the best natural laxatives is the prune. Eat it stewed,
drink the juice, or eat the dried form for relief from
constipation. Prunes are rich in antioxidants, vitamin A,
potassium, iron, and dietary ﬁber — that’s why I use them
whole in these drinks. Prunes also feed the friendly bacteria in
the digestive tract for extra moving power.
Spice it up!
Most spices have medicinal value and,  for that reason, they’re welcom e
in smoothies. But unless you add spices in medicinal doses (usually 1 to 3
teaspoons), don’t expect that they’ll do all they can for your body. Still,
they’re a healthy way to bring out the ﬂavors of smoothies. Here are some
of the most popular spices that jazz up smoothies and their medicinal
values:
 Cayenne: Tonic, antiseptic, aids blood circulation and elimination
 Cinnamon: Aids digestion, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea;  calms
stomach pain
 Clove: Antioxidant, anesthetic, ﬁghts fungal  infection
 Echinacea: Stimulates immune system, anti-inﬂam matory,
antiseptic, lymph tonic Fennel: Soothing digestive, anti-inﬂammatory
 Ginger: Anti-nausea, relieves headache and arthritis
 Licorice: Tonic, anti-inﬂammatory, antibacterial
 Turmeric: Antioxidant, antiviral, anti-inﬂammatory
In my recipes, I recommend adding between 1/8 and 1/4 teaspoon of ground
spices for every one or two servings. If you’re using a tincture, follow
directions for the number of drops; 1/2 to 1 garlic clove is pretty strong; a
1/2-inch piece of candied ginger in smoothies is warming. A good rule to
follow is to start with a small amount, taste, and add more if you want.
P r u n e  P o w e r
Prep time: About 2 min • Juicing time: 2 min • Yield: 1 serving
Ingr edients
1 black plum
1 carrot
1 celery