Why Does Your Voice Change Overtime?

Have you suffered from a strained voice? No doubt, this is very common among singers and speakers who use their voices to a great extent. Many people suffer from chronic laryngitis, which can also strain their voice, but we often target the throat, I think many factors contribute to this. From the TCM, a few meridians are actively involved in this case, especially the spleen, stomach, large intestine, and lung meridians. From Western medicine, digestive issues can affect the quality of your voice because your mouth is the entrance to your gut, and the inflammation in your upper GI tract can impact your voice. As we age, the larynx increases its mineral content, making it stiffer and more like bone than cartilage. This makes the vocal cords less flexible. The muscles that allow the vocal cords to move also begin wasting as we age. In women, the hormonal changes associated with menopause alter the vocal folds in several ways. They become stiffer and slightly thickened/swollen. The number of glands producing the mucus that lubricates them reduces, causing dryness, while the quality of the mucus changes and becomes thicker and more difficult to clear. These vocal fold changes can significantly lower the pitch of the voice and make vocal quality rougher.

Here are some self-healing tips that you can apply to get your throat and voice back on track fast.

1. REST Your Voice

Rest your voice; this is the first and also the most important tip to heal a strained voice, lots of patience, and hydration throughout the day to prevent a dry throat. Reduce unnecessary speech and rest your voice as much as you can. It may take a couple of weeks before you feel better when you talk. Sip on honey and gargle your mouth frequently with sea salt water, these remedies can help soothe your vocal cords and relieve the discomfort in your throat.

2. Control Acid Reflux

Chronic acid reflux can damage the esophagus and vocal cords especially when you lie in bed at night when the bad acid is not under control. People who suffer from acid reflux usually take anti-acid drugs to cover the symptoms, but that will not solve the issue. The cause of acid reflux has to be addressed and resolved. Acid reflux is usually caused by weak stomach acids and a lack of strength of the lower esophageal sphincter that is not able to prevent the reflux of the stomach content. If you have GERD, it is recommended to eat super early, at least 3 hours before you go to bed, a light supper with small portions can help manage your GERD symptoms more effectively at night, so you don’t have to suffer from heartburns that can irritate your throat and cause laryngitis as well. A healthy lifestyle is all we need to establish when it comes to our health maintenance.

For more tips to heal your voice, please check my recent video.

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The Most Positive Transit for 2024!

For those who enjoyed my astrology predictions in the past, I created a new series. It is based on daily, weekly and monthly transits of important planets that give you timely predictions to guide your daily, weekly and monthly productivities. Our life is guided by the stars, follow the stars and you will find that many synchronicities, opportunities and doors will open for you. Where to find these astrology predictions? I post them on my social media platforms because it is more time-efficient. As some of you may not know my Facebook account is taken down due to this information and the spiritual war we are in right now, but I am actively working on Instagram and Twitter (X) right now. You could follow my social media channels to get the most recent updates on Vedic Astrology transits and new information and natural remedies related to your health. I will add my social media link at the bottom of this content. Let's talk about the most auspicious transit of the year!

Jupiter will transit in Taurus from May 1st, 2024 to May 14th, 2025, it is a one-year long transit. Jupiter brings success, hope, optimism, prosperity, higher wisdom, and expansion. Jupiter aspects the south lunar node Ketu, which is a very spiritual combination, and spiritual practices such as meditation can bring you lots of intuitive insights. Someone from the past may resurface in your life, it is time to heal relationships. Both Jupiter and Saturn aspect Scorpio sign, which is linked to finances, this will bring reconstruction and expansion in our financial system. A new financial system is on the horizon. This is also a great time for seeking financial advice and financial investments. This transit will bring a great boost to finance, agriculture, food industry, local businesses, etc. This transit will bring financial stability to many of us. Pay attention to your diet and eating habits because Jupiter transits the original 2nd house, and you may expand your food intake as well. If you are involved in disputes or court cases, this is a great time to resolve these issues with Jupiter’s blessings and positive energy. Jupiter's aspect to Capricorn will also bring new career opportunities for those who are seeking. It is a very positive and prosperous transit.

Jupiter transits the same sign every 12 years, if any significant events that happened in your life 12 years ago between May 2012 and May 2013, similar events can be triggered this time. This transit will benefit the Earth signs such as Capricorn, Taurus and Virgo the most in general. 

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Why Should You Keep Your Wisdom Teeth?

In recent years, the topics of the connection between mouth/tooth health and body health have gained more and more interest. your oral health is far more important than you might have realized and we are becoming increasingly aware of the connection between the body, the mouth, teeth, and gums. According to the meridian system, poor tooth health can affect organ health and cause blockages of energy flow. Conditions in the mouth have a profound potential to reflect and influence our health as a whole. Disruptions to the flow of energy through the mouth may affect remote regions of the body and disruptions of other areas in the body may manifest in the mouth. These relationships are a result of communication between the meridians and the teeth. At least 46% of the motor and sensory nerves in the cortex of our brain are linked to our mouths and faces. Wisdom teeth are connected to our small intestine and the front of our pituitary gland according to the meridian system. The small intestine is linked to the heart meridian in TCM, therefore, the wisdom teeth are also linked to the heart function. When any tooth is removed we are breaking the energy flow in a particular meridian that streams through that tooth. Research shows that heart disease and stroke may be associated with a decline in oral health. Studies have shown that gum disease is more frequent and severe among people who have diabetes. Research also shows that people who have gum disease have more challenges to control their blood sugar levels. Tooth removal before the age of 35 can be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease.

Wisdom teeth extractions can be quite dangerous. A report by dentist Jay Friedman in the American Journal of Public Health reveals that 67% or more of preventative wisdom teeth removals are unnecessary. The article explains that most of the pain and infections surrounding wisdom teeth are not caused by the teeth themselves, but rather the symptoms that arise from their surgical removal, which can cause long-lasting or permanent damage.

What is the spiritual and physical connection between the wisdom teeth and your pineal gland? Please check my recent video.

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Why Does Your Health Start from Your Mouth?

Your gut health starts from your mouth and your mouth is the entrance of your gut. Your mouth contains over 700 different microbes. Some of these microbes make their way to your stomach and gut every time you swallow. This is why your health starts from your mouth. According to studies, the pathogens in your artery walls are identical to those in your mouth, therefore, your heart health is closely linked to your oral health. I discussed the importance of oral care in the past. Today, I am going to discuss a toothache plant.

Spilanthes is a member of the Asteraceae plant family, which also includes asters, daisies, and sunflowers. It has flowers similar to that of Echinacea. Now it grows in various tropical and sub-tropical areas of the world, including America, Africa, India, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Sri Lanka. Spilanthes is a genus comprised of around 60 species of plant. Both Spilanthesacmella and Spilanthesoleracea were referred to as the ‘toothache plant’.

The major bioactive compounds in Spilanthes are spilanthol and alkylamides.There are other bioactive compounds, such as N-isobutylamides, phenolic compounds, coumarins, and triterpenoids. The active ingredient in spilanthes is found in its leaves and blooms, spilanthol is one of the most potent natural analgesics and numbing agents. If you chew the blooms or leaves, you will experience not only numbness but also increased saliva production, you should experiment with only a small amount to experience how you react. The saliva production can help enhance your digestion and cleanse the mouth. Traditionally, spilanthes has been used for the treatment of toothache, digestive discomfort, and gum care. Spilanthes also fight against pathogens that contribute to coughs and sore throats. Topical application tincture of Spilanthes can quickly relieve the pain of inflamed gums. Its pain-numbing (analgesic) properties can be used on other areas of the body as well.

Spilanthes extract is perhaps the quickest and most effective remedy to relieve tooth pain. To learn more, please check my recent blog.

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How to Amplify the Frequency Healing to Boost Your Health?

Music is the divine vibration that raises one’s inner being to peace and bliss. The teaching of ancient sages of India suggested that the pronunciation of vowels corresponds to the vibration of five inner planets: Venus (O), Jupiter (A), Saturn (E), Mars (I), and Mercury (U). The power of sound, music, and vowels are the creative forces of the universe.

Mantra has been used to harness this divine power for thousands of years. A mantra is a sacred sound, a syllable, a word, or a group of words in Sanskrit with many layers of meaning. It is a language of human spiritual physiology. The practice of chanting mantras can activate the nervous system and cells in the body to reach a harmonious state by the vibration of divine sound.

One simple mantra is OM, which is the sound of the universe. Chanting the Om mantra is a sacred practice that relaxes and charges the body and mind. OM Mantra is said to have self-healing power that not only energizes you but also improves your immunity. One of the benefits of chanting the OM mantra is environmental purification. The mantra tends to purify the environment around you to help you create a positive environment around you. Through chanting the OM mantra, you form a firm control over your emotions and you are able to channel your thoughts towards positive emotions. Om chanting is a good exercise if you want to strengthen your vocal cords. The vibrations also open up the sinuses to clear the airways.

One of the best ways to chant the OM mantra is in a group. When the mantra is chanted in a group, the effects are amplified, and this will produce immense positive vibrations. Acoustic therapies are becoming more and more popular today to promote healing, boost energy, and increase our vibration. These powerful healing tools not only benefit our physical health but also our emotional well-being and spiritual health.

To learn more about other sound and frequency healing modalities, please check my recent video.

By the way, I will be presenting information on practical hands-on tips from Traditional Chinese Medicine to overcome chronic health challenges such as chronic pain, digestive issues, insomnia, heart issues, etc. on March 16th at the Metaphysical Psychic & Wellness Fair in Parksville, there are other amazing speakers as well, everyone is welcome to check them out. Please check my poster below for more details and I am looking forward to meeting you there.

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A Simple Remedy for Your Thyroid Health

A sluggish thyroid function can not only affect your weight but also your energy levels and metabolism. Apart from metabolism, thyroid hormones affect breathing, the nervous system, heart function, body temperature, etc. Untreated hypothyroidism can contribute to hypertension, dyslipidemia, infertility, cognitive impairment, and neuromuscular dysfunction. Let's shed some light on how to boost your thyroid function from ancient Ayurvedic medicine. 

Guggul is the common name for the flowering Mukul myrrh tree, it is derived from an oily sap of the Mukul myrrh tree. This tree is a shrub with thin, shiny bark and thorny branches. It is commonly found in India and other dry regions such as Northern Africa and Central Asia. Guggul is known by the Sanskrit name “Guggulu,” which means, “protects from disease”. There are many varieties of Guggulu and each has different uses, which are determined in part by the color and age of the resinous myrrh gum. Guggul was once relatively abundant in many parts of India. However, it is very difficult to harvest the resinous sap without damaging the tree, leaving it susceptible to infection and decline. You may not be aware that the trees take several years to mature to the point where they can be safely harvested and they need time to recover between harvest periods, without this recovery period, they are at risk of damage and even death.

The health benefits of guggul are traced back hundreds of years ago in India. People in the past used it as Ayurvedic medicine. Traditionally, guggul was used for joint pain, weight management, liver problems, intestinal worms, ulcers, bladder infections, and heart problems. Guggul is known for its powerful detoxifying and rejuvenating qualities. In general, Guggulu has an affinity for all of the tissues in the body as well as the circulatory, digestive, nervous, and respiratory systems.  The active ingredient in Guggul extract is known as guggulsterone, which has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties at the cellular levels. Guggulsterone also has been shown to upregulate the bile salt export pump which is responsible for the removal of cholesterol metabolites from the liver.  Studies have shown that guggul can reduce the symptoms of hypothyroidism by increasing T3 levels and T4 levels and improving liver conversion of thyroid hormones. It also increases iodine uptake, which is needed to make thyroid hormones. Studies have indicated the consumption of guggul extract increases iodine uptake by the body and stimulates the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which keeps the thyroid gland healthy and active. Guggul may not produce noticeable benefits for those who do not have a thyroid gland or have undergone radioactive iodine treatment. Because much of its benefit comes in boosting the function of the existing thyroid gland.
Researches suggest that taking guggul orally can help treat severe acne on the face, chest, and back, and prevent acne outbreaks. Guggul promotes skin health through collagen production. It also restrains the growth of skin-damaging enzymes.

Guggulsterone, an active ingredient of guggul, can break down fat cells (lipolysis), which promotes weight loss. Guggulu supports weight loss by removing accumulated toxins and excessive buildup of tissues. It also supports the digestion of oils and fats. It also has effects on specific fat-storing hormones such as insulin, leptin, and thyroid hormone. These 3 hormones help regulate the metabolism and also influence satiety and appetite. 
Guggulsterone helps reduce inflammation, insulin resistance, and metabolic syndrome, which leads to improved function of arteries and the heart. Its cholesterol-lowering activity is responsible for preventing fat deposition within blood vessels, as a result, it helps prevent plaque formation and reduces the risk of heart disease. Guggulu reduces inflammation in the joints and lubricates and rejuvenates the tissues within and around the joints, which supports the movement of joints.
Here are some amazing health benefits of Guggulu:

• Balances cholesterol levels.
• Boosts thyroid function.
• Promotes weight loss.
• Reduces acne and prevents acne outbreaks.
• Reduces pain and inflammation in arthritis.
• Reduces the risk of heart attack and strokes.
• Provides anti-inflammatory and anti-parasitic properties.
• Detoxifies and rejuvenates the body.

Because of guggulu’s subtle and penetrating qualities, it is often used to carry other substances deep into the tissues. The qualities of the other herbs help direct where exactly the Guggulu travels in the body, and its combination with other herbs enhances its detoxifying and rejuvenating qualities.
Guggul is taken orally through supplements. There is no well-established and precise dosing guideline currently. However, the following dosages have been claimed effective in some studies. The dosage ranges from 50mg up to 500mg (or more) in some cases. 

• For Thyroid Function: 500 to 1,000 mg per day
• For Weight Loss: 500 to 1,000 mg per day
• For Inflammation: 500 mg per day

Guggul also poses risks when it is combined with certain medications. It is best to be cautious or avoid taking guggul with other medications. Excessive use can lead to dryness of mouth, impotency, vertigo, and affects the liver or lungs. Guggul should be avoided for pregnancy, during pregnancy, breastfeeding, and in cases of excessive uterine bleeding, or acute kidney infection.

Here are a few ways to use guggulu externally: in a healing balm to promote healthy skin and improve the movement of joints. You can also use Guggul for gargling to support healthy oral mucus membranes, teeth, and gums.

By the way, Shift In Action Group in Parksville is going to host another amazing Metaphysical, Psychic & Wellness fair on March 16th in Parksville. Let's support the local events, bring more light and raise our vibration for the global shift at this turning point for humanity. I will offer holistic health consultation, palm reading, face reading, tongue reading, Vedic astrology reading, tarot card reading, relationship compatibility analysis, etc. Please check my poster below for the services that I offer at the fair. I am looking forward to meeting you there. 

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Why Should You Concern about Infertility Now?

Infertility rates have been rising drastically in recent years. According to statistics, one in 6 people globally is affected by infertility. Lifestyle and environmental factors such as a poor diet, smoking, toxins in our foods, water, skincare, laundry detergents, and pollution can have severe impacts on fertility. Vaccines are playing a big role in infertility even though we haven't obtained enough data at this point due to this spiritual war we are in, but the time will tell. Let’s dive into the ancient wisdom to solve the modern disease.

Tribulus terrestris is derived from the Greek “tribulos”, which means “water chestnut.” It is also known in Chinese as “Bai jili” and in Hindi as “Gokharu”. Other names include bullhead, goat’s head, cat’s head, devil’s thorn, devil’s eyelashes, etc. Tribulus is native to southern Asia, Southern Europe, Australia, and Africa. It thrives in warm climates and tropical areas. The whole plant is used for medicine, including fruit, seeds, and roots, which are most commonly used.
 
The plant contains many nutrients such as alkaloids, amino acids, calcium, cinnamic acid, dioscin, fatty acids, flavonoids, glucose, iron, phosphorus, phytosterols, potassium, steroidal saponins, sterols, tannins, and vitamin C. This medicinal herb has diuretic, adaptogenic, liver tonic, and antibacterial properties. Both the root and fruit of the plant have been used medicinally in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Indian Ayurvedic medicine for many years.
 
Tribulus health benefits include the following:

1. Boosts libido for both men and women.
2. Supports bladder health and relieves UTIs.
3. Increases endurance especially combined with other herbs such as Ginseng and Rhodiola Rosea.
4. Regulates testosterone production and promotes healthy erections.
5. Boosts the circulatory system.
6. Enhances physical strength and promotes muscle functions.
7. Helps regulate blood sugar and cholesterol levels.
8. Reduces water retention, pain, and inflammation.
9. Fights against cancers.

What about other remedies for fertility, please check my recent video.

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Why is Spring the Best Time to Rescue Your Liver?

According to TCM, the energy in our body follows the cosmic cycles and spring is the best time to enhance the energy flow in your liver meridian. Your liver is a Chief General and has its own intelligence. It has accumulated wisdom for many generations and organizes many functions in the body, one of the most important tasks of the liver as we all know is detoxification. When the energy is depleted in your liver meridian, you may experience chronic fatigue, insomnia, irritability, digestive issues, and dry eyes. Based on the Five Element Theory in TCM, each organ in our body is associated with our emotions. For example, anger and frustration are associated with the liver. Let’s dive into how emotions affect our health.

Anger
If you have a hot temper and easily engage in arguments with others, your self-healing ability is likely to be twice as slow as others. For example, if you already feel under the weather, but you are spending 30 minutes arguing with others, this will have a negative impact on your self-healing abilities and take extra time to recover. If you have just had an upset argument with someone recently, it is best to distract yourself as much as you can. As long as the memory of the argument is repeated in the mind, your stress level will rise again. In other words, hostility triggered by the upset memories will only cause more damage to your health.

Stress
Short-term stress can increase your body’s immune response, but if the stress becomes chronic, the situation is completely different. Long-term stress can affect your memory and impact your decision-making ability. It also reduces your immune function and decreases your productivity. In addition, stress can also increase allergic reactions. According to the studies, when you are under chronic stress, your allergy symptoms can be worse.
 
Women tend to bottle up their feelings after a conflict with their loved ones. This likely doubles their risks of heart disease and stroke. But if you let yourself yell out due to the anger, you are not doing yourself a favor either. According to the studies, even a few minutes of an explosion of anger will cause blood pressure and heart rate to rise rapidly, which will increase the possibility of heart attack by 19%. Even if you find a middle way to express your anger, such as impatience or grief, the stress and depression associated with anger are equally unhealthy, and it will suppress your immune system as well.
 
Depression
Depression and sadness are linked to the lungs and large intestine. The tears contain a lot of stress-related hormones and neurotransmitters. It is thought that tears are a great way for the body to remove harmful chemicals under pressure. If you suppress your negative emotions, this will eventually affect your immune function, memory, and digestion. Serotonin and dopamine are two important neurotransmitters that contribute to your happiness and inner calmness. When you are in a good mood, their levels are higher in your body. Another important function of these neurotransmitters is to help reduce pain, which should explain why 45% of people with depression are also suffering from various physical pains.
 
Fear is associated with the kidneys. Fear mixed with stress and anger will trigger the body's 'emergency mechanism', which can attack the heart function, increase the blood pressure and pulse, threaten the immune system, and make the person feel very anxious.

How to boost your liver health with the ancient remedies from TCM, Please check my recent video.

Ancient Remedies for Cancer Treatments

Many ancient remedies have been used for centuries to treat a variety of health challenges including cancers. They may be forgotten because of the dominance of mainstream medicine, but they are safe and effective and can be used as complementary cancer treatment options. Let’s dive into a few popular ones.

Mistletoe is a type of parasitic plant that grows on various types of trees, such as apple, oak, and pine. The plant is also called European mistletoe and differs from American mistletoe, which is commonly used as a decoration. The plant has thick, bristly leaves that are lance-shaped or oval. It has dense branches in oval shapes that are two inches long. Mistletoe attaches to a host tree or bush, penetrating the branches and absorbing nutrients and water to survive. This parasitic behavior is the most common feature of many species and types of mistletoe. Some species are toxic, especially the mistletoe found in America.

Mistletoe has been harvested for its leaves, stems, and berries for centuries due to its medicinal benefits. Mistletoe extract is most commonly prescribed as a complementary treatment for cancer in Europe. Mistletoe is known for its potential anti-cancer properties. It may prevent diabetes, soothe respiratory disorders, calm the nervous system, lower blood pressure, promote good sleep, eliminate inflammation, reduce snoring, and relieve menstrual pain. Researchers have found that chemical components in mistletoe may promote the release of the neurotransmitters dopamine, glutamic acid, and GABA. These neurotransmitters help improve insomnia and epilepsy. Mistletoe is one of the most widely researched alternative therapies for cancers. Research suggests that mistletoe helps boost the immune system to fight against cancers. It possesses anticancer qualities that inhibit cancer cell proliferation and even kill existing cancer cells. Antioxidants in mistletoe help improve blood circulation and protect the heart and blood vessels from damage. Mistletoe has been used in traditional medicine to help balance blood sugar levels by stimulating the secretion of insulin. The chemical components found in mistletoe help to get a restful sleep by showing a soothing effect on the nervous system, therefore, it helps regulate the sleep cycles.

To learn more, please check my recent video. 

Why Should You Incorporate Sheep Sorrel Into Your Diet?

Sheep Sorrel, also called Red Sorrel or Rumex Acetosella, is a powerful herb used for centuries for treating all kinds of health challenges including cancers. The herb is known as sheep sorrel because it often thrives in places where the sheep roam. Sheep Sorrel grows as a tall weed that is widely available in Europe, North America, Asia, and other places in the world. These plants produce green leaves that have the shape of an arrowhead, while the stems are deeply ridged and have a reddish tinge. The flowers of sheep sorrel appear on a tall and straight stem. The color of the female flowers of this plant is maroon.  Every part of the plant from roots, stems, leaves, and berries can be used. Sheep sorrel served as food for hundreds of years as the plant is edible from its roots to its leaves. It is also used for seasoning meat and bread, and it is still used in food today often as a thickener in soups.

Sheep Sorrel is high in Vitamin C, as well as Vitamin A, B Vitamins, Vitamin K, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. It also contains saponin compounds such as quercetin, anthraquinones, and tannins, which are powerful antioxidants that help prevent cancers.  Sheep Sorrel contains rutin, which is a potent antioxidant and anticancer agent, and also beta-carotene that creates more “T” cells to kill cancer cells. It also can help dissolve tumors and break them down. Sheep sorrel is an important detoxifying herb and the freshly obtained juice of its leaves has a distinct diuretic effect. It is commonly used in folk medicine, especially for treating diarrhea, cancer, fever, scurvy, and inflammation. The leaves and stem of this plant are used as a diuretic tea. Sheep sorrel is also commonly used for reducing inflammation such as sinusitis. The tannins present in this plant help decrease the production of mucus by the body. There is sufficient clinical evidence regarding the use of this plant for treating sinusitis. Sheep sorrel also acts as a vasodilator to maintain the fluid balance in the body. It decreases the stress in the cardiovascular system and helps regulate blood pressure. In addition, this herb also has antibacterial and antiviral properties to fight against infections. People can apply sheep sorrel topically to rinse the skin if they are suffering from skin issues like eczema, herpes, and itchy rashes. Sheep sorrel is hepato-protective, it protects the liver and boosts liver functions. The protocatechuic acid and anthocyanins in sheep sorrel protect the liver from damage.
Here are some amazing health benefits of sheep sorrel:

• Prevents cancers and boosts immunity.
• Detoxifies the liver and supports liver functions.
• Supports digestive health and relieves indigestion and constipation.
• Relieves UTIs due to its diuretic and antibacterial properties.
• Reduces skin irritations, rashes, and minor wounds.
• Promotes healthy bones.
• Improves cardiovascular system and manages cholesterol levels.

You can consume the fresh leaves of the plant as a green vegetable. However, avoid taking the leaves in excess as they can be toxic due to the presence of oxalic acid. Sheep sorrel leaves are nutritious for flavoring mixed salads. You should not overconsume this plant since it contains a high level of oxalic acid, which can be potentially toxic in high doses. It is safe to take sorrel in small amounts but should not exceed 500 grams. Too much oxalic acid can cause kidney stones. People suffering from health conditions like kidney stones or arthritis should be particularly cautious if they want to incorporate sheep sorrel weed into their diet. Large doses of sheep sorrel can cause diarrhea and cramps. If you are taking sorrel supplements, always take the lower dose as directed by a clinician.

Spring is coming, it is the best time for cleansing your liver because the energy is peaking in the liver meridian in spring. Lymphatic drainage is a great way to help support the liver detox and remove toxins from the body. Detox is more important than nutrition. Please check my TCM treatments for lymphatic drainage.

Discover A Natural Antibiotic

Pau D’Arco, also known as Lapacho, is native to the Amazon rainforest, the bark of the Pau D’Arco tree has been used in traditional medicine by indigenous people for centuries. Traditionally, the bark of this tree was used to reduce inflammation, ease arthritic pain, and clear up infections. It has also been used as a dye for textiles. Indigenous tribes have been using this herb to treat a variety of ailments such as malaria, anemia, colitis, respiratory illness, coughs, colds, yeast and fungal infections, fever, arthritis, circulatory problems, skin issues, etc. Many studies have shown its amazing health benefits and it may be the answer to antibiotic resistance. Pau D’Arco processes many medicinal properties including antifungal, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, and anti-parasitic properties. Pau D' Arco is rich in certain compounds such as flavonoids, benzenoids, minerals, and antioxidants, especially its high content of quinoids, such as anthraquinones, furanonaphthoquinones, lapachones, and naphthoquinones. These specific compounds are responsible for the numerous health benefits of the plant. Clinical studies suggest that pau d’arco’s main active compounds, lapachol and β-lapachone, are responsible for the bark’s anti-cancer activities. 

Here are some amazing health benefits of Pau D’Arco.

• Supports a healthy microbial balance.
• Reduces inflammation and relieves arthritic pain.
• Fights against fungal infections such as candida.
• Boosts immunity and prevents cancers.
• Detoxifies the body and promotes weight loss.

The easiest way to take Pau d’Arco is in a tea. They are widely available in health stores and online. However, the active compounds in Pau D’Arco may be less bioavailable when made into a tea because they do not disperse well in water. Here are a few ways to enjoy this medicinal herb.

• Tea: Add 2 teaspoons of bark to 4 cups of boiling water. Allow to steep for 20 minutes, then leave it to cool down. When it is cool, strain the tea and drink it in small amounts throughout the day. You can also use the liquid to cleanse the skin or as a vaginal flush for candida or yeast infections.
• Spray: Pau D’Arco is also available as an oral spray in the mouth. It is believed to have excellent uptake this way. 

Precautions: Pregnant or breastfeeding women are not advised to take Pau D’Arco. Those who have blood thinning issues or preparing for surgical procedures are also not recommended to take Pau d’Arco because it is known to thin the blood. 

Please check the popular health posts in 2023 here.

Wheel of Health for 2024 Based on TCM

The Wheel of Health is based on the ancient wisdom of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Let’s break it down to each month.

January - Preservation
This is the time to nourish the Ying energy in your body. It is a good idea to dress warm outside to prevent a cold/flu. It is important to keep your head, neck, hands, and feet warm in the cold weather.
 
Diet: Eat more foods with a warm nature such as stews and soups. Dark color foods such as black beans, sesame seeds, and chestnuts are very tonic to the kidneys.
 
February – Raise the Yang Energy
 
When everything comes back to life in spring, you should get up early and be physically active. After the beginning of spring, the weather can still be dry, therefore, hydration daily is very important. In early spring, the weather changes drastically, from warm to cold, so you should not take off your winter clothes too quickly, especially the elderly and those with weak immunity should be more conservative and keep warm outside.

Diet: The diet should incorporate some spicy, sweet, and warm foods.  Eat more foods with a sweet nature, such as dates, yams, leeks, spinach, etc. Less sour taste foods such as tomatoes. The sour taste enters the liver and has astringent properties, which is not conducive to boosting the rising of the Yang energy and the release of liver energy. Sun Simiao, the king of Chinese medicine in the Tang Dynasty, said: "In spring, it is better to reduce sourness and increase sweetness to nourish the spleen." Traditional Chinese medicine believes that the spleen and stomach meridians work together. The energy in the liver meridian rises in spring, and excessive energy in the liver meridian can affect the energy flow in the spleen meridian. Therefore, in spring, you should eat more foods with a sweet nature and less sour taste foods, which nourish the spleen meridian. Eat more foods that help release the Yang energy, such as onions, parsley, cilantro, leeks, etc.

To learn more, please check my recent video.

What Can Methylene Blue Do to Your Health?

Methylene blue is a synthetic chemical compound in the medical field and other fields. It has been used as a therapeutic medicine for a variety of purposes throughout history. It was first synthesized in 1876 by Heinrich Caro, a German chemist, and was originally used as a dye for textiles. This dye has been used in treating various health conditions and is known for its versatility and effectiveness in its applications. In the early 20th century, methylene blue was used as an antimalarial drug. During World War I, it was used to treat gas gangrene in soldiers. It was also used to treat urinary tract infections and methemoglobinemia, a condition in which the blood cannot carry oxygen effectively.

Methylene blue works by acting as a redox agent, meaning that it can act as both an oxidizing and reducing agent. Depending on the conditions, this allows it to act as an electron donor or acceptor. Methylene blue therapy has also been shown to have a positive effect on the function of mitochondria, which are the energy-producing organelles in cells. By improving the function of mitochondria, methylene blue can help improve the overall cellular health of the body. One of the most well-known uses of methylene blue is for methemoglobinemia, a condition in which the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is reduced. Methylene blue acts as a reducing agent and helps to convert methemoglobin back to hemoglobin, allowing the blood to carry oxygen more effectively. In addition, methylene blue has also been used to treat cyanide poisoning, as it can help detoxify cyanide and improve the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood.

Methylene blue is also used as a diagnostic tool in various medical procedures. For example, it has been used to visualize the urinary tract during cystoscopy and to identify bladder cancer cells. It has also been used to treat conditions such as jaundice in combination with light therapy, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. The primary ways that methylene blue benefits the body are its role as a nitric oxide inhibitor and an estrogen antagonist. It helps improve thyroid function and increase the metabolic rate and overall energy production. You may not be aware that REDOX (reduction-oxidation) reactions are vital to the electron transport chain (ETC). The ETC allows mitochondria to pump protons out of the mitochondria and generate ATP. Methylene blue makes REDOX reactions more efficient because it can accept and donate electrons. This increases ATP and energy production.

Here are some amazing health benefits of methylene blue.

• A blood-brain barrier-permeable antioxidant that can cross the blood-brain barrier and act as an antioxidant in the brain.
• Supports mitochondrial functions and boosts energy production.
• Improves memories and helps treat Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease.
• Helps relieve depression, emotional traumas, and PTSD.
• Provides antibacterial and antiviral properties that help treat urinary tract infections and sepsis.

 
Regarding the dosage of pharmaceutical-grade methylene blue, 0.5–2 milligrams daily per kilogram of body weight is a common dose. Adverse effects of methylene blue can come from chemical impurities, so it’s important to use only pharmaceutical-grade methylene blue. Methylene Blue transforms from an antioxidant to an oxidant at excessive dosages, so less is more with this one. Larger doses may also harm your gut bacteria, and it is not recommended if you have high blood pressure.

You can check more information on how the Redox Signaling molecules work here. 

7 Golden Pits to Boost Your Health and Detoxification

Did you know that there are seven pits in the body called the Golden Pits in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM)? These areas are often located in the conjunction points between joints and tendons. Regular stimulation of these areas with your hands can help detoxify the body, reduce fatigue, release blockage in the meridians, and improve your health in many ways. Let’s dive into it.

The Lumbar Triangle

The lumbar triangles are the two hollows in the waist on the back, located on both sides of the connection between the buttocks and the lumbar vertebrae. The most important place in the lumbar triangle is the "Lumbar Eye Acupoint", which is located right on the lumbar triangle. According to Traditional Chinese Medicine, the waist on the back is the temple of the kidney meridian, which governs the Qi or energy. Regular massage on the Lumbar Triangle can not only relieve lower back pain but also help regulate menstruation and relieve pain caused by energy blockage in the spine. Especially for people who stay in an environment with A/C all year round, regular massage of the Lumbar Eye Acupoint on both sides of the waist can enhance energy flow in the kidney meridian and prevent arthritis and chronic pain later on.

How to do it? Make fists with both hands, press the Lumbar Eye Spot with your thumb joints, rotate and massage 30-50 times until the spot is sore, then rub this spot on both sides with your palms up and down with moderate pressure, and rub quickly until the waist becomes warm. You can also use your fists to tap the Lumbar Eye Acupoint with light pressure. Repeat the tapping 15-30 times around the lumbar triangle regularly. The best time to perform this exercise is in the evening between 7 pm to 9 pm when the energy is peaking in the kidney meridian.

To learn more, please check my recent video.