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Healthy Winging

By Ellen Kamhi, PhD, RN Valley Stream, New York

Plant life exhibit in Shenandoah National Park.

It was a big year for me. I turned 50, and my third book, Cycles of Life-Herbs and Energy Techniques for Women, was released in hard cover. It was also a great year for biking!

I have been riding motorcycles as a passenger since 1967. About three years ago, my youngest child left home, and I thought it was time to put more time into my own social life. So I answered a singles ad in a local paper that was from a man looking for a lady with whom to ride into the sunset". That sounded exciting to me. Well, Michael Berman and I hit it off, and we have been riding into many sunsets,first on his 1984, and now on his 1999 two-toned mint green Gold Wing.

We are as different as two people can be! When I first met Michael, I don't think he had eaten a green vegetable in years, while I am a health food fanatic as he puts it. Since I do all of our food shopping,when he looks into the fridge, he has a choice between an organic apple or a carrot for a snack, instead of half a package of Chips-AHoy cookies and bag of potato chips, which would be his first choice.

The end result of my influence has been that he looks fantastic, and has already passed the tightest loop on his belt buckles. He also can run up and down the stairs at work without being winded, and all of his friends and family members are saying that he looks much younger!

Last spring, on our way to Americade in Lake George, New York, I was inspired to write this article. Amidst 100,000 or so bikers, I was able to observe certain overriding characteristics of the crowd. The most outstanding thing was the energy and enthusiasm that permeated the atmosphere—lots of laughing and smiling. Many people were dressed in sexy leather duds, regardless of their age or physique, and loving every minute of it! Some folks had journeyed thousands of miles to participate. There was a great deal of camaraderie and respect for others.

In my field, wholistic medicine, we focus on the importance of the "triune" of health, which consists of the body, mind and spirit. Bikers, on the whole, excelat having a fantastic, high level of mind and spirit balance. However, when it comes to honoring the body, that's a different matter. A majority of the people, both male and female, were overweight, and many expressed a grimace of pain as they got on or off of their bike. A lot of conversation seemed to focus on health problems especially conditions that made motorcycling painful, such as arthritis. Their indomitable spirit shone through, however, when they quickly replaced that grimace with a smile, emanating the determination and joy of arriving at an event on their beloved motorcycle.

I wanted to write this article to let all Gold Wingers know that many of us can remain pain free well into advanced age without the side effects of prescription medication. It does takes a little knowledge, along with some motivation and determination in choosing the right food, moderate exercise, along with a few other natural healing techniques, such as massage and hydrotherapy. Fact is, I wrote a whole book on this very topic, called Arthritis, The Alternative Medicine Guide.

Many Wingers I have spoken to about this say,"But how can we eat healthy on the road? All that is readily available is fast food!" So, here is a description of a beautiful week-long, 1,285-mile summer road trip, and how I managed to eat healthy and exercise the whole way!

The secret is to have healthy snacks like organic almonds, soy milk, dried fruits, a few carrots, packed in the bike—just enough for a day at a time, which we often use to snack on at the side of the road.

I also pick a lot of edible and medicinal plants and "weeds" along the way, just as our ancestors did as they traveled the beautiful highways and byways across our great country in years gone by. Native Americans, Europeans, Afro-Americans, Asians, and all of our collective ancestors were aware of these plant friends still available to us today.

Healthy eating also includes choosing restaurants where you can get broiled or baked fish or chicken, along with a green lettuce salad. Leave off the bread and fried food if you want your waist and aches and pains to disappear! If the thought of stopping on the side of the road for a quick snack of dandelion and wild elderberries makes you grimace more than the pain in your knees and lower back, you may still find it interesting just to be able to recognize and identify the plants that you are driving past as you Wing along the road.

We headed out of New York on the Belt Parkway, over the Verrazano Bridge, and then to the Garden State Parkway in New Jersey all roads I suggest bikers avoid if possible! After sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic, we decided to take the next exit to escape the traffic, and headed west on a New Jersey road that quickly became farm country. Blueberry farms had "pick-your-own" signs, and wildflowers lined the sides of the road. We rode for about an hour, and then stopped for the night. In the morning I found beautiful elderberry trees lining the back parking lot of the hotel. Wow, what a delicious breakfast!

Elder trees grow throughout Europe and North America. Their berries range in color from red to black. Only the blue/black berries are medicinal. This plant has a long history of use as both a food and medicine in many countries. In England, for example, it was a common belief that the elder was a favorite tree of witches who enjoyed residing among its branches. To disturb such a tree was thought to incur a witch’s wrath.

To this day, many British still refuse to cut an elder tree down or burn its branches. In Denmark, the tree was said to house Hylde-Moer, "The Elder Tree Mother," who would haunt anyone found harming the tree. In addition, many believed that an elder tree was a symbol of “good luck."

As a food source, elderberries are commonly made into jams, jellies, chutneys and wine. As a medicinal, the fruit is often prepared as a syrup. For example, the "Duke of Monmouth's Recipe" was made with elder syrup and other herbs, and was used for sciatica. Native Americans used different parts of the plant for infections, coughs and skin conditions. Today, elder can be found listed as an "official medicine" in the Holland pharmacopeia, and was listed in the past in the pharmacopeias of both England and the United States. Elderberries contain vitamins A, B and C, plus various flavonoids including quercetin, and can help prevent or disarm a cold or flu.

As we started down the road towards our next destination, Moonlight Bay Bed and Breakfast in Rock Hall, Maryland, we passed one of my favorite stopoffs, a Fresh Fields health food store. Here you can find all kinds of organic, delicious, prepared foods. I bought some cherries, a salad and some yogurt, while Michael chose a roasted turkey sandwich on whole wheat bread, and energizing ginseng tea, that we stashed in the bike for lunch. Mind you, he would have been just as happy with KFC, but since I requested that we stop at Fresh Fields, he chose healthy food which he has found to taste just as good, if not better!

We took the New Jersey Turnpike across to Maryland, then 95 South onto 290 South to 213 South, and finally 20 South, to get to Moonlight Bay. It is truly one of the most beautiful and relaxing places I have ever been. Nestled on the shores of Chesapeake Bay, the town of Rock Hall has a long and romantic history as a fishing village. Moonlight Bay B&B is run by Dorothy and Robert Santangelo, who have created an ambiance of luxury harmonized with a warm and friendly atmosphere. The breakfasts are pleasing to look at, as well as healthy to eat, and Rock Hall is the best place to dine on fresh crab dishes of all kinds. We enjoyed traveling around on the back roads that surround the old town, which lead to beautiful waterways and wildlife preserves.

After relaxing in Rock Hall for two days, we headed over the scenic Chesapeake Bay Bridge to Route 50, then Route 66, across Maryland into Virginia, where we picked up Skyline Drive at Fort Royal. The plan was to stop at Luray Caverns, and then continue down the Blue Ridge Parkway south. Skyline Drive is an incredible motorcycle road, complete with breathtaking scenic views, picnic areas, and trails that go down to babbling brooks and waterfalls. The ten-dollar fee gets you a pass that can be used every time you get back on the road for a week. The only downside is that traffic moves slowly, especially if you get behind a slow-going Winnebago! Another hazard for motorcycles is deer that run onto the road at any time without warning, day or night. As always, I watched the side of the road for medicinal weeds, and found one that has been been used for centuries for mild mood depression—St. John’s Wort.

Saint John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) grows in open fields and waste areas. It is widely distributed in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia. The flowers are used as the medicinal part, and are ready to harvest close to St. John's Day June 24 in England. When harvesting your own, check the edges of the yellow flowers with a magnifying glass for tiny black dots, which contain some of the desired active constituents. The species name, perforatum, describes the tiny perforation-like holes that can be seen through the leaves if they are held up to the sunlight. When the bright yellow flowers of St. John's Wort are crushed, they exude a bright red liquid. This was thought to represent the beheading of St. John The Baptist. St. John's Wort has been used throughout recorded history. In ancient Greece it was considered an excellent remedy for menstrual cramps, wound healing, headaches, sciatic and nerve pain. It was also hung above the doorway to dispel evil spirits. During the Crusades, the Knights of St. John treated battle wounds with crushed flowers and stems. St. John's Wort is most well known in the U.S. as a treatment for mild to moderate depression. I have my own theory on how this remarkable herb works I call The Sunshine Theory.

Depression is a "dark" state of mind. People who are depressed feel "blue." In fact, one particular kind of depression, seasonal affective disorder (SAD), is directly linked to lack of sunlight, and can be helped by exposure to light. Light is “captured" by the body as biophotons, which enhance the absorption of the sun's rays. The ancient Druids believed that because St. John’s Wort blooms near the Summer Solstice (the longest day of the year), it is imbued with the highest intensity of sunlight. Perhaps that’s why St. John's Wort can help you have a "sunny" disposition! Be sure to tell your health care practitioner if you are using St. John's Wort, especially if you are taking prescription drugs.

After we enjoyed our tour of Luray Caverns, it was time for dinner. We cruised through Luray, looking for a restaurant. It appeared that the only places in town were a greasy-spoon diner or a few fast food establishments. Then I saw an interesting Grand Old Inn, called The Mimslyn. It had a sign outside saying "fine dining." Michael wasn’t up to spending an extravagant amount on dinner, and when you are from New York, "fine dining" comes with a high price tag. But, since there were not many places to choose from, he agreed to stop in and look at the menu. Well, in Luray, Virginia, "fine dining" means about $15 total per meal. And it definitely was fine! He had pork chops that were thick and juicy, and I had a pastry filled with asparagus, spinach, mushrooms and cheese. The salad was dark green lettuce and other organic baby greens, and to top it off, they even had herb tea and tempting desserts—although we passed on those. The Mimslyn Inn, built in 1931, gives you the feeling of being transported back to a time when the abundant heritage of Virginia was unfolding. Great stop-off point for a motorcycle trip!

The next morning we left Luray and got back on Skyline Drive, headed for some ancient healing baths in Warm Springs, Virginia. Along Skyline Drive, the Shenandoah National Park has postings about local plant life. Of course, I never pass up an opportunity to learn more about local plants, so we stopped at a roadside rest to get a closer view.

We got off at the Waynesboro exit, took 64 East to 81 South to 64 East again, until we found Route 39, a small back road that goes through Bath County, Virginia, right to Warm Springs. Along the road, the beautiful white tops of Wild Carrot, also called Queen Ann’s Lace, decorated the roadside.

Wild Carrot (Daucus carota) is referred to by many names, including “Birds Nest." (In fact, it is the main ingredient in the oriental “Bird’s Nest Soup.") Queen Ann’s Lace grows throughout most temperate regions of the world. It can be seen along roadsides and abandoned fields. It grows over a two-year life cycle. In the first year, the leaves look just like the feathered leaves of garden-variety carrots. The root is a pale yellow, with a carrot-like flavor, and can be used in soups and stews. The distinctive umbrella-shaped flower appears during the second year, and gives the plant the name “Queen Ann’s Lace." It refers to the elaborate lace collars Queen Ann was known for, and the tiny purple-red flower often found in the center of all the tiny white flowers is said to represent the loss of her head!

Small, oblong brown seeds can be gathered from the flower tops in late fall, after they dry and curl up into the “birds nest." Folklore claims that using a strong tea made from these seeds helps to prevent pregnancy if taken soon after sex. Scientific investigation has found that certain chemical constituents in this herb cause the release of sex hormones from the pituitary gland, although no study has been done to confirm its contraceptive effect, so don’t depend on it!

We got to Warm Spring Inn and settled down for some serious “de-stressing." The entire area is steeped in rich historical tradition and was a favorite hangout of Thomas Jefferson and George Washington, who referred to it as “the back country." Warm Springs Inn is a former courthouse and jail built in the early 1900s. Our room cost $50, and was clean and picturesque. The innkeepers are European and give the place a continental flair, including art-nouveau antiques and a delicious menu of freshly cooked dishes, including a special German pancake for breakfast. Michael enjoyed an aged sirloin steak, and I had mushrooms stuffed with crabmeat, green and yellow squash, and a baked potato. Everything was perfect!

While we were eating, we noticed another motorcycle parked outside, and the rider noticed our Gold Wing, too. We started talking over dinner, and it turned out that Doug is the designer of “the ultimate electric vest" (www.gr8designs.com), which uses a special heat-conducting material, instead of just using wires through the vest. I tried one on, and put his card in my holiday gift wish file.

Directly across the street are the Jefferson Pools, where I had a wonderful massage, and we soaked in separate men’s and women’s bathhouses. In 1761, Thomas Jefferson designed these unique octagonal buildings to house the “curing baths" still fed by a bubbling warm spring that delivers comfortable 96-degree water filled with healing minerals. The concept of “taking of the waters" is widely recognized throughout Europe and Japan as one of the best treatments for aches, pains and ailments of all kinds. In fact, physicians in those countries will often write a prescription for a visit to a bathhouse.

I make it a habit to visit natural hot springs all across the country. They are usually very low priced (the Jefferson Pools bathhouse is $12 per visit), since they are not “in favor" with Americans today. As I settled in for my bath session in the soothing, warm, healing waters, I experienced a deep sense of connection to the thousands of people who since 1761 have visited these springs.

After a delightful respite that night, we continued on Route 220 from Warm Spring to nearby Hot Springs, Virginia, where the lavish luxury resort, The Homestead, is located. This super-fancy resort seems a lot less biker friendly than the more picturesque and comfortable Warm Springs area. The water in the Homestead is delivered into individual bath tubs in a spa area, instead of the more organic and authentic original Jefferson Pools. After a quick walk through town, we left Hot Springs on Route 220, and experienced one of the best motorcycle roads we have ever been on. Route 220 between Hot Springs and Covington is five miles of pure biking bliss. The road is smooth and sassy, and is a continuous, slightly downhill banked path with one S-curve after another!

From Covington, we took 64 west and 81 south to Natural Bridge, a national historic landmark in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Although this is a commercial tourist spot, it is a remarkable site, with great historic significance. Thomas Jefferson purchased the awe-inspiring Rock Bridge from King George III in 1774 to preserve it as a mountain retreat.

Unfortunately, we were coming to the end of the time we had to travel, so we headed home on Route 81. Of course, I continued to eat healthy by stopping in local health food stores in a few towns on the way, and opting for local restaurants over fast food rest area establishments.

A word about exercise: motorcycling is fun and exhilarating, but it is definitely “sitting." What I do to keep in shape on the road is to take long walks every day, do some yoga and stretching in the morning and evening, and some “isometrics" while we are riding. Isometrics can be done by pressing parts of the body against an object—such as your butt muscles against the bike seat, your arms on the handlebars or passenger grips, your thighs into the sides of the bike, etc.

While we were heading back home on Route 81, we started to pass a lot of Gold Wings. Folks were coming home from Wing Ding in Greenville, SC. Everyone we spoke to had enjoyed a great weekend.One couple had a two-toned metallic green Gold Wing like ours, and had just purchased a matching trailer at Wing Ding—great find!

In closing, I wish you a year of happy, healthy Winging!

Ellen Kamhi PhD RN, The Natural Nurse®, is the author of several books, and is on TV and radio nationally. For more information, visit www.naturalnurse.com.

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Acacia wood is one of the first references to plants in the bible.
G-d instructs Moses to use acacia wood to build the Sacred Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant. Later in history, Christ's crown of thorns was also fashioned from Acacia.

You shall make upright frames of acacia wood for the tabernacle. [Exodus 26:15]

Garlic was prized by the Isrealites . They complained of missing it after they left Egypt.

During the Middle Ages it was a common Christian tradition to carry garlic as a good luck charm that could ward off demons and vampires. Now scientific research has linked the consumption of garlic to various health benefits- including having the ability to kill pathogenic microorganisms- perhaps their belief was not that far from the truth!

[Genesis 13:14-16] Throughout history, the mandrake plant has been associated with fertility and sexual prowess. It has a root that resembles a human image, and has been favored by both priests- Hebrews considered it a protection against evil spirits, and witches, who used the potent extract to induce hallucinations. Used incorrectly, the toxins in the Mandrake can cause dizziness, insanity and even death. In the famous biblical love ballad, The Song of Solomon, there is a reference to the pleasant smell given off by the mandrake.

..The Mandrakes give a smell, and at our gates are all manner of pleasant fruits.
[Song of Solomon 7:12-13]

In Matthew 2:11, Myrrh is mentioned as one of the wise men's original gifts to the Christ Child. Myrrh is the gum resin exuded from a small shrub-like tree, which has been used to anoint the dead, and act medicinally as an expectorant or astringent. In the Book of Esther there is a description of myrrh being used as part of the beauty treatment given to wives of the king.

...six months with oil of myrrh and six months with perfumes and cosmetics for women [Esther 2:12}

In The Song of Solomon 1:13 and 4:6, myrrh is compared with the joys of sexual love.

In Genesis 18, the majestic oak tree is designated as the tree under which Abraham greeted two angels and supposedly G-d himself, all disguised as travelers. The oak is mentioned over 60 times in the Bible. Oak is important in all areas where is grows as a source of food- acorns- and for its wood and shade.

Remember that it is not you that support the olive root, but the root that supports you. [Romans 11:16-18]

The leaf of the Olive Tree was carried by a dove to Noah on Mount Ararat, signaling the imminent recession of the flood waters. Individual olive trees can live over 1000 years, leading to the use of olive oil as a 'longevity herb'. There are Olive Trees in the Garden of Gethsemane in the Holy Land that are reputed to still be living since Christ slept there during his last night of freedom.

The grapevine is symbolized in many places throughout the bible. Here Christ states:

When Adam and Eve were in the Garden of Eden , Eve was tempted by the serpent to eat the fruit from the Tree of The Knowledge of Good and Evil. Although this fruit is not directly identified, there are many passages suggesting that it was the grape. Other fruits, including orange, fig and pomegranate have been considered, also. However, popular belief awards this dubious honor to the apple. The Apple of Eve represents the loss of innocence, indulgence and giving into temptation.

The Almond tree symbolizes many things to the ancient Isrealites. An almond tree grew from Aaron's staff that his brother, Moses, stuck into the ground.

Almonds have been prized for their oil and nutritive seeds in many areas of the world. Almonds are an excellent high protein food, also rich in minerals.

...they took the body of Jesus and bound it in linen clothes with the spices{ myrrh and aloes}, as is the burial custom of the Jews. [John 19: 39-40]

Aloe is well known wherever it grows in the world as a healing agent, especially soothing to the skin. It is often referred to as 'the burn plant.'

Cinnamon is a delicious spice long coveted for its aromatic qualities. Cinnamon was used in the holy oil used in the tabernacle to anoint priests and sacred vessels, as mentioned in
Exodus 30 : 22-25.

In the fascinating book, The Essene Gospell of Peace a 3rd Century Aramaic Manuscript was translated by Edmond Bordeaux Szekely in 1937. These manuscripts are widely known as The Dead Sea Scrolls. This text claims to contain exact healing formulas dictated by Jesus to the sick, as he traveled through the Holy Land performing healings. A scribe followed Jesus and wrote down his prescriptions in Aramaic, the ancient pre-hebrew language used at that time. The following is from this text:

" So eat always from the table of G-d: the fruit of the trees, the grain and grasses of the field, the milk of beasts, and the honey of bees. For everything beyond these is of Satan, and leads by the way of sins and of diseases unto death. But the foods which you eat from the abundant table of G-d give strength and youth to your body, and you will never see disease."

Natural Medicine is a general term used to describe a multitude of medical philosophies and disciplines that focus on less invasive, less toxic
and more natural approaches to health care, that always take into account the "wholistic" perspective dealing with the entire individual, not
only a health condition.

The term "Arthritis" is often used loosely as if it encompassed one entity, although over 100 types of Arthritis have been identified. It is not one disease, but an aggregate of illnesses whose common features include joint pain, stiffness and inflammation. For millions of Americans, arthritis limits everyday movements such as walking, standing or even holding a pen. The most common form of Arthritis is Osteoarthritis , usually attributed to joint "wear and tear'. Rheumatoid arthritis, although less prevalent , attacks people of every age group, although it is more common in women. It is an inflammatory disease in which the body's immune system attacks its own healthy tissues. In reality, wholistic practitioners often find that patients actually have a continuum of symptoms. Even those who are officially diagnosed with Osteoarthritis often have some degree of auto immune involvement.

Although psychological and emotional factors often have a part in the development of arthritis, in this article we will focus on several physical parameters that we have seen in virtually all cases of arthritis, and will offer suggestions about specific botanical medicines(herbs) that may be useful.

The Eclectic doctors at the turn of the century referred to Alteratives as 'Blood and Lymphatic cleansers. ' Alteratives are non-toxic herbs which assist the organs of detoxification and elimination liver,bowels,kidneys,skin,lungs, and connective tissue), by removing deleterious substances such as environmental (xenobiotic) toxins as well as those generated internally (endobiotic toxins). In ancient systems of medicine throughout the globe, rheumatic ailments, and other painful conditions, are thought to originate from the accumulation of these toxins in the body.

Herbal alterative 'superstars' include Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum), Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale), and Burdock (Arctium lappa) .The term' Tonic' is synonymous with the more modern designation 'Adaptogen' . A tonic is an herb which is safe to use daily, affects many body systems (hormonal systems, organs functions etc.), and has a homeostatic(balancing) effect on the body which helps people to cope with
stress in a positive manner.Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is the king of tonic herbs, creating optimal health and energy when used daily .It works synergistically with Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus). The ancient Ayurvedic medical system from India has honored Ashwaganda( Withania somnifera) for thousands of years. Modern research has discovered that Ashwaganda contains withanolides, which improves stamina and helps with stress management. Bupleurem and Rehmannia are two of China's most powerful adrenal tonics, which combat fatigue and create well-being.

Individuals suffering from joint and muscle pain due to autoimmune problems, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and fibromyalgia, often have a condition known as "leaky gut syndrome." This allows molecules that are usually too large to exit through the gastrointestinal lining to escape and enter the bloodstream, which leads to the formation of "circulating immune complexes"(CIC), implicated in the production of an inflammatory response resulting in joint and muscle pain. Furthermore, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents( NSAIDS), the pharmaceutical drugs usually prescribed for arthritic conditions, actually increases the problem of "leaky gut", which leads to a worsening of the overall disease process. Specific nutrients which coat and soothe the intestinal lining, thus helping to heal "leaky gut", can help arthritis. These include:

L-glutamine is an amino acid which scientific research has shown to be able to soothe irritated gut linings and help to regrow flattened "villi"- the tiny finger like protrusions that line the GI tract, and act as a surface for the absorption of nutrients.

Primrose oil supplies essential fatty acids needed to soothe and re-establish well formed cell membranes.

Gingko biloba , well known for its effects on brain function, acts to increase circulationto the small capillaries within the GI tract . It also acts as an anti-oxidant, which can help to strengthen the intestinal lining, and heal a "leaky-gut".

Marshmallow Root and Okra are " dumulcents", which coat the gastrointestinal lining and heal irritated tissues.

The proliferation of "unfriendly" microorganisms, including bacteria, yeast, fungi and parasites, is often undiagnosed by conventional medicine. Yet, these organisms are present in a large majority of people who suffer from a wide variety of symptoms including gas, bloating, digestive disturbances, skin rashes, allergic reactions and muscleand joint pains. The presence in the intestinal tract of an excess of these organisms is referred to as "dysbiosis". Not only can this situation cause the above mentioned symptoms, but it can weaken the body's immune system. In order to get rid of these "invaders" and reestablish a "healthy" gut flora, a variety of herbs act to discourage the growth of pathogenic(disease causing) organisms, while building and supporting the immune system:

Barberry root contains berberine, the yellow compound that is also found in Golden Seal Root. Berberine helps the liver filter out bacteria, and can inhibit the growth of streptococci and other microorganisms. It helps to kill parasites and tonifies the intestinal tract.

Citrus Seed Extract contains proanthocyanadins(OPC's), biologically active flavonoids which help to heal irritations to the lining of the intestinals. Citrus Seed Extract has a very high level of activity against micro-organisms. ( Journal of Orthomolecular Medicine, Vol 5, Nov 1990)

Black Walnut Hulls is a time honored "vermifuge" ( worm destroyer) used traditionally in Western Herbal Medicine. It is high in tannic acid which tonifies the digestive tract and helps rid the body of parasites.

Thyme and Oregano Leaf Oil are essential oils with powerful antimicrobial effects. They have been proven to destroy parasites, worms, fungi, bacteria and viruses.

It is also important to "re-inoculate" the gastro-intestinal tract with 'friendly' bacteria. Acidophilus taken as a supplement can be helpful for this purpose.

Poor circulation can often be helped by massage along with the topical application of medicinal herbs. When some part of the body is injured, the innate, natural response is to rub the afflicted area. This act of rubbing itself seems to be therapeutic; however, the use of herbs when applied topically can enhance the healing response.Menthol has been used for eons of time in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is one of the principle essential oils derived from peppermint, and acts as a powerful analgesic when applied topically. Initially, it produces a cooling sensation to inflamed areas, followed by a profound warmth. TCM refers to painful afflictions of muscles and joints as 'Bi' syndrome, which menthol helps to alleviate.

Capsiacin is a resin found in many species of 'hot peppers'. Historically, shamans and folk healers have used capsaicin as a skin rub for pain. More recent scientific studies have proven that Capsiacin depletes substance P, a chemical believed to be overabundant in the peripheral nerves of patients with arthritis, fibromyalgia and other painful syndromes. Substance P is released in response to injury or inflammation and pain. Extreme care in handling Capsiacin is necessary, as the oleo-resins are quite pungent and can burn sensitive tissues (eyes, nose, genitalia, mucous membranes, open tissue), so extra special care should be used during and after application. The hands and under the finger nails should be thoroughly washed with hot, soapy water after applying it to the area.

Camphor is a penetrating, medicinal oil derived from the tropical tree, Cinnamonium camphora. When applied topically, Camphor may redden the skin and produce a warming sensation. When rubbed into painful, stiff joints, ligaments and muscles, it provides soothing "camphor-ice" relief. In Chinese Medicine, Camphor is called Zhang Nao. It is believed to " invigorate the blood and relieve stagnation ", thus causing pain relief. Wintergreen(Gaultheria procumbens) is a low growing evergreen shrub found in the damp woods of the Eastern U.S. Oil of wintergreen has chemical properties similar to salicylic acid- an aspirin like compound with pain relieving properties. Cloves(Eugenia caryphylii) and Allspice(Pimenta diocia) contain the essential oil , Eugenol which acts as an excellent anesthetic (numbs pain). Folk healers in the Caribbean use Clove and Allspice as an important ingredient in topical rubs and liniments to relieve the pain of arthritis and painful muscles, tendons, ligaments, and sinews throughout the body. The Chinese use cloves in salves and balms for treating Kung fu injuries, arthritis which is worse with damp, cold conditions and fungal infestations of the skin.Boswellia (Boswellia seratta) Boswellia is a gum resin extracted from the bark and trunk from a tree in India. The tree is scraped and the resin is allowed to exude from the tree until it dries. It has been used traditionally in Ayurvedic medicine to treat chronic pain and inflammation.

. An anodyne helps achieve pain relief. Since pain is such a common human affliction, societies around the globe have experimented with many plants to discover which ones were most useful for this purpose. The combined global plant wisdom of Native American, Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic traditions of India, Jamaican Maroon 'science', and Western herbal traditions all have discovered plant medicines for coping with discomfort.

White Willow Bark (Salix alba) contains glycosides, which are converted in the body into active salicylates, similar to the chemicals found in Aspirin. Thus, it is often referred to as Nature's Aspirin, yet does not cause gastrointestinal bleeding as does Aspirin.

Kava-Kava (Piper methysticum) is used in the South Pacific to relax the mind and body, achieve a tranquil state, and ease pain and anxiety, which often exacerbates pain. Research on Kava reveals the active Kava pyrones to be a strong skeletal muscle relaxant, and was used by the Hawaiians for arthritis and for soothing tight and aching muscles.

Jamaican Dogwood (Piscidia spp.) was used historically as one of themost effective pain relievers by the Eclectic (M.D.) physician's at theturn of the century ,used for fibromyalgia, joint pain, and the pain associated withbone fractures. In the Amazon and Jamaican rainforests, the curanderos (healers) and 'Bush doctors' use the plant to treat migraines ,joint pain, sprains, muscular aches and neuralgia.

In Chinese herbal traditions, Yan Hu Suo (Corydalis ambigua) is the strongest pain killer in the Materia medica. Although very effective, it is non-addictive and virtually free of side effects.

Boswellia is derived from the gum exhuded from the tree Boswellia serrata, native to India. It has been documented in the medical literatureto block inflammatory compounds which lead to a heightened pain response.

The name, " Phyto-Nutrition" refers to the presence of high amounts of "Phyto-Nutrients"- specific nutritional components needed by the body that can be found in certain foods and herbs. This innovative, delicious tasting food medicament contains impressive levels of bioflavonoids, antioxidants and botanicals which can help to strengthen the structural integrity of cartilage and connective tissue. In Arthritis, and other inflammatory problems, joint and tissue destruction is often exacerbated due to a deficiency of several key nutrients. Joint Phyto-Nutrition® is specifically designed to contain many of the exact nutritional components that the body needs to build healthy tissues. . The flavonoids found in abundance in Joint Phyto-Nutrition® act in synergy to reinforce the collagen matrix which provides structure to ligaments, tendons, and connective tissues. The flavonoid complex also acts as a powerful antioxidant, and stops the release of inflammatory compounds. It's paste like consistency is based on the ancient Ayurvedic medicine known as Chyawanprash, a traditional medicinal paste taken by the teaspoon or spread on bread or crackers.

Hawthorn(Creteagus oxycantha) possesses a rich array of bioflavonoid components , responsible for the deep hues of red, blue, and purple found in many berries. It also contains quercetin, another powerful bioflavonoid. Bioflavonoids increase the collagen building activity of Vit C in the body.

Pine Bark is a premier source of oligo-proanthocyanadins (OPC's) , which display an antioxidant activity 50 times greater than vitamin C, and Rose Hips, the orange-red fruit found on rose bushes in the fall, are brimming with citrus bioflavonoids.

Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is a plant native to the tropics which contains components that have been scientifically assayed and shown in clinical trials to promote the healing of damaged connective tissue, including, skin, veins, tendons, ligaments, cartilage and joints.

Glucosamine has been shown in scientific studies to help relieve pain and inflammation. It can help to stimulate the repair of cartilage tissue, by providing the building blocks the body needs.

Excerpts included from THE NATURAL MEDICINE CHEST, and ARTHRITIS- The Alternative Medicine Definitive Guide, authored by

============================================================================================

ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES

This info was sent to me by Chris Castro, SolarFest 2005 General ManagerWe urgently need your help to stop a massive taxpayer giveaway to Big Energy. You will probably recall that in 2001, Vice President Cheney spent months meeting in secret with energy lobbyists to draft the Bush/Cheney "energy strategy," which is nothing more than an excuse to hand over billions of dollars to big oil, natural gas, coal and nuclear companies. With the support of our members, we've been working hard for several years to keep this legislation from becoming law - but it keeps coming back. And now, the Senate could hold a vote on their version of the bill in the next two weeks. The House has already passed its version of the Energy Policy Act of 2005, and Bush wants it on his desk by this summer. So your immediate action is needed. To send an email to your Senators telling them to vote NO on the Energy Policy Act of 2005 click on: http://action.citizen.org/pc/mail/oneclick_compose/?alertid=7707271 It is simply astounding that with so many Americans struggling to pay for health care - and with Bush claiming Social Security can't meet its obligations - that Congress and Bush are willing to simply give away billions in taxpayers' dollars to wealthy corporations. Meanwhile, Bush and members of Congress admit that the bill does nothing to reduce soaring gasoline prices. And you won't believe this: Public Citizen researchers have uncovered a provision tucked away in the 700-page bill provides billions of dollars in federal loan guarantees to companies wanting to build risky "coal gasification" and nuclear plant projects. One of the companies qualifying for this special benefit was started by four former Enron executives - including Thomas White, who headed the corrupt Enron division that defrauded California residents during that state's energy crisis and then was appointed by Bush as secretary of the U.S. Army. The loan guarantee means taxpayers will have to repay the bank if the project fails. This is utterly outrageous! But it's standard operating procedure for this Congress. Most Americans will agree that Congress should not be in the business of slipping taxpayer subsidies into large bills to benefit individual corporations, especially executives from a company that perpetrated one of the greatest corporate frauds in American history. But the Energy Policy Act of 2005 isn't JUST a bag of giveaways to the energy industry, it's far worse: a sweeping plan to eliminate all major consumer protections for electricity and natural gas consumers by repealing the Public Utility Holding Company Act (PUHCA), which has been the backbone of our nation's affordable and reliable energy systems for 70 years. We need a true, forward-thinking energy strategy for America - with real incentives for cleaner fuels and alternative, sustainable energy sources of the future - not the same old taxpayer subsidies for wealthy, polluting industries with connections to Bush and Cheney. You can help us stop this energy bill from becoming law by clicking on http://action.citizen.org/pc/mail/oneclick_compose/?alertid=7707271 to send a message to your Senators to oppose this anti-consumer, anti-environment bill. And you can support Public Citizen's fight against bad energy policy and other important issues by clicking on http://www.citizen.org/join/56ebill/ To read more about the Energy Policy Act of 2005, click on http://www.citizen.org/cmep/energy_enviro_nuclear/electricity/energybill/2005/

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Those who are pushing for continued occupation of Iraq know
they cannot do so unless they can lull the American public into
silence. They believe if they can downplay the casualties they
won't break through the thin ice of popular support. Here's a one
click where you can email all your members of Congress at once.

http://www.usalone.com/iraq.htm

In the next couple weeks there are major demonstrations planned
in protest, plus the Congress will be asked to cough up yet
another 80 billion dollars (80,000,000,000.00) to be raided from
every other pressing social or economic program in our already
busted budget. We already know the TV cameras are controlled
by people with instructions to point them away from the masses
who will turn out next week, people who may have traveled many
miles to make their voices heard by their presence.

That is why we are appealing for all those who care about what
our government is doing in Iraq to take just a minute and one
click to SPEAK OUT NOW by submitting a personal message to
all their members of Congress as well, whatever other action you
taking.

http://www.usalone.com/iraq.htm

Large demonstrations can be reinforced with a similar outpouring
of email with no more effort than an additional link in an outreach
mailing or on a mobilization page. Plus if you have a website or
are involved with one of the groups working on this we can
instantly set you up with a fully enabled working mirror of this form
you can put on a page on your own server, and use our proxy
submission engine for free. Or else you can link to the page
above or post the link everywhere you can.

Or if you want to get off our list
http://www.usalone.org/no_more.htm

Contact e-mail: dc@usalone.com

=========================================================================

Labor & Employment      6/7/2005

Starting June 26, 2005, All Travelers Entering the U.S. Under the Visa
Waiver Program Must Present Machine-Readable Passports

Both the Departments of Homeland Security and State recently issued
announcements reminding all persons traveling from the 27 Visa Waiver
Program countries that as of June 26, 2005, they must have a
machine-readable passport to enter the United States without a visa.
Machine-readable passports have a sequence of lines that can be
electronically read at U.S. ports of entry to confirm the passport
holder's identity and obtain other information typically found on a
passport's inside cover.

The Immigration and Nationality Act initially set October 1, 2003, as
the date by which all travelers from Visa Waiver Program countries would
need to present a machine-readable passport. At the request of 23 of the
27 affected countries, the United States postponed the requirement until
October 26, 2004, for citizens of the requesting countries. For a
limited time, the Department of Homeland Security had been authorizing a
one-time waiver for entry into the country for travelers who did not
have machine-readable passports.

Starting June 26, 2005, travelers from the Visa Waiver Program countries
arriving in the United States will no longer be eligible for these
one-time waivers and will not be able to enter the U.S. without a visa
unless they have a machine-readable passport. Transportation carriers
will be fined $3,300 per violation for transporting any Visa Waiver
Program traveler to the United States without a machine-readable
passport or a visa.

The 27 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program are: Andorra,
Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brunei, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Lichtenstein, Luxemburg, Monaco, the
Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, San Marino, Singapore,
Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom. Last year,
approximately 15 million people entered in the United States under the
program.

The machine-readable passport requirements do not affect the separate
deadline mandated by Congress requiring Visa Waiver Program country
passports issued on or after October 26, 2005, to contain biometrics in
order to be used for visa-waiver travel to the United States.

For further information, contact:

David Z. Izakowitz
<http://www.mcguirewoods.com/lawyers/index/David_Z_Izakowitz.asp>;
Partner
Court Square Building
310 Fourth Street N. E., Suite 300
P.O. Box 1288
Charlottesville, Virginia 22902-1288
T: 434.977.2574
F: 434.980.2268
dizakowitz@mcguirewoods.com <mailto:dizakowitz@mcguirewoods.com>

Jacquelyn E. Stone
<http://www.mcguirewoods.com/lawyers/index/Jacquelyn_E_Stone.asp>;
Partner
One James Center
901 East Cary Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219-4030
T: 804.775.1046
F: 804.698.2183
jstone@mcguirewoods.com <mailto:jstone@mcguirewoods.com>

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firm provides ancillary business and consulting services.

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Charlotte 704.373.8999          Charlottesville 434.977.2500
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legal matter requiring attention.

AUDIO THEATRE COMMUNITY

Howdy-ho Wily Coyotes,

Now that the last Star Wars movie is out, either beloved or derided by the millions, many people's thoughts stray to one question: What will become of that plucky little robot, and his supporting co-stars, now that the gravy train's left the station? During the "Revenge of the Sith" press junket, R2-D2, relegated to the lower end of the pop journalist spectrum, answered that very question during a conversation with Arizona Public Access' Maisie McCallister. Simply click on: http://www.coyoteradio.org/Listen.html to go to a short MP3 of the match up between the robotic phenom and the oldest entertainment journalist in the western states. As always, please feel free to pass this link on to any friends you think might like them. Please also feel free to send your feedback via our "Contact Us" button. Until next we meet, I remain your radio pal, Andrew Johnson-Schmit President-for-Life Coyote Radio Theater Prescott, AZ USA Website http://www.coyoteradio.org Blog http://www.twoblog.com/bmachine/coyoteradio_Coyote_Radio.php

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Amityville. Until the 1970's, just another sleepy Long Island
community.

In 1974 Ronald Defeo murdered his entire family with a shotgun,
claiming that he was instructed to do so by voices in his head.

What I want to know is: why don't these voices ever tell anybody to
do anything nice for a change?

You know, like, "Hey, thanks for the foot rub." "Yes, the Voices told
me to!"

ANYWAY, less than a year later the Lutz family moved in.

Twenty-eight days later they fled . . . IN TERROR!

Turns out the house was haunted. Not that this should have
been surprising; I mean what with the windows that look like big
evil eyes and everything. All kinds of spookiness were afoot.

A priest, played by Rod Steiger, showed up to exorcise the house
and was thrown out by a mysterious, but apparently
non-Catholic, disembodied voice.

So the Lutzs fled with only the clothes on their backs and a very
lucrative book deal.

Shortly thereafter, the terror truly began when the crappy movie
version and a long line of progressively worse sequels were
released. The nadir was undoubtedly reached with "Amityville 17:
Carrot Top's Haunted Playground."

The next installment threatened to reach a Ralph Nader, but then
it was decided to go back to the beginning and remake the first
one.

So ANYWAY, that's the point of this message. The 2005 version
of "Amityville Horror" is coming out soon- I'm sure you've seen
the faux-Blair-Witchy, pseudo-doc trailer.

This one purports to finally tell the truth about what happened.
Well, lemme tell ya. It's all a bunch of lies!

To find the real, horrifying truth about the Amityville Horror, simply
click http://www.coyoteradio.org/Listen.html

for the mp3 sound file "Amityville Realty." It will shiver yer timbers,
mateys.

There's also the complete 4-1-1 about our next show, this Friday
at the Granite Peaks Unitarian Church (The Church of Satan
branch church was booked all weekend.)
http://www.coyoteradio.org/Next_Live_Show1.html

When you're done, surf on over to
www.twoblog.com/bmachine/coyoteradio_Coyote_Radio.php
and join the ongoing discussion about the future of community
radio in Prescott and its own private horrors.

Yer timbers may never be the same again.

Keep on yappin' in the free world,

Christian Smith
Coyote Radio Comedy Idiot Savant

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

DONATIONS TO THE HELEN KELLER SERVICES FOR THE BLIND

                                  Portions of the proceeds from leasing X-Cursion Media scripts will be donated to:
                                                                             The Helen Keller Services for the Blind.
                        X-Cursion Media is set up for making donations to the Helen Keller Services for the Blind, but
                        there are   several details that must be worked out.     We will keep the visitors to this site informed.
                        We're going to have specific goals for EACH year.     We only have 6 months left in this year (2005), but
                       let's say the X-Cursion Media goal is to raise $3,000.00.    That money will be given to the Helen Keller
                       National Headquarters in Sands Point, Long Island, NY.    Monthly reports will be given to update everyone
                       on the count or tally on how much money was raised.      So,   when   someone   does   any   of   the    following:

                       1.   Leases X-Cursion Media scripts                                 -      www.bradleyphoenix.com/lease.html

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            Portions of the proceeds of X-Cursion Media will be DONATED to the Helen Keller Services for the Blind
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The goal   for the remainder of this year (2006)    is:   $4,000.00   (four thousand dollars).

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