3. Giving it time:

Herbs definitely take longer to create relief of some symptoms and conditions than some of their pharmaceutical counterparts. Look at all antacids, for example. All offer near-instant relief and some even promise to stop heartburn BEFORE it starts; yet, none of them promise to eliminate condition that is causing heartburn to keep coming back. The big difference between those types of products and herbal medicines is focus. The focus of herbal medicine is to create a healthy environment in body system, rebuild, cleanse, and permanently heal.

The primary focus of "quick-fix" medicines is to relieve symptoms temporarily, such as pain, indigestion or depression. Relieving distressing symptoms is not necessarily a bad thing. If I've got terrible heartburn, for example, quick relief can be very valuable and I won't hesitate to chew a few antacid tablets if I don't have time to make some nice ginger tea for same effect. However, if I fail to acknowledge that some imbalance of my total physical system, as well as some corresponding imbalance in my non-physical system (either mentally, emotionally, and/or spiritually) is causing me to manifest symptoms and continue to treat those symptoms without dealing with causative factors, then simple heartburn will eventually turn into something far more serious.

To completely balance an chronic or very serious condition in holistic, herbal way, may take six months to a year. Usually, I see improvement within a week or so but each person's system is different so my advice would be to hang in there for at least a month or two (in absence of allergic reactions, of course) before deciding that a certain regimen is not working for you. Also, just because one herb doesn't work, please don't decide that none of them will. In fact, most drugs have far more potential for allergic reaction than full plant herbal preparations, by far. Each person's chemistry and metabolic make-up is unique. I'd keep trying until you find right combination and dosage. Therein is an important key to cure.

4. Shaking things up:

I believe that shaking bottle (when using a tincture, or other stored liquid preparation) before each use actually rejuvenates, reactivates and stimulates potency of medicine. This is a component of homeopathic medicine called sucussion, which, I feel, applies equally to herbal tinctures. Of course, proper sucussion in homeopathy involves striking bottle against a soft object (like a pillow) for 100 times.

This I do when I first buy a new tincture but only then. After that, I just tap it 10 times before use. Note: This is not according to any homeopathic guideline and you might hear different suggestions from a homeopathic physician. This is just what works for me.

5. Detoxing slowly:

Whenever I take a strong detox formula, such as a total system cleanse or a colon cleanse program, I start even more slowly than with singles or tonic formulas and build up to maximum dosage. I try to begin at a time when I can rest--at least for first two days after I start. I also skip a day every week or so, to give my body time to rest and renew.

In addition, I add tonic herbs like lemon balm to support my body and keep my energy level high. Drinking lots of water (and, even more important, spreading that water throughout day so that I drink some at least every two hours) is a definite focus for me.

Taking more showers helps my skin eliminate more and reduces chance of skin eruption from toxins being released. Brisk towel rubs are also something I do when cleansing, to help skin release and to stimulate circulation and blood flow on skin surface.

6. Mixing and matching:

I have learned to be a little cautious about adding several different formulas into my system at once. If I were under a doctor's care for a pre-existing condition, I would think it most advisable to consult with my doctor before adding any herbal medicines to system.

In general, I have learned (through experience) not to add more than two new formulas at a time. It's what works for me. By honoring what your body tells you, you can determine what is safe for you. Using more than one formula is sometimes perfect, and appropriate. If we learn to listen to Spirit of our body, we will know. Until then, it might be wiser to err on side of caution by using only one new formula at a time or by working with a wellness counselor and monitoring our body system closely during first few days of any new addition to our regimen.

7. Hearing spiritual message:

Experience has taught me, to point that it is absolute Truth for me, that our physical bodies are a kind of diagnostic tool for our spiritual selves. If we are living in balance, in accordance with what is true and progressive for our path, keeping our minds positive and our emotions cleared, we will not manifest illness. It is when we are out of spiritual balance that physical warnings appear.

I have learned not to look so much at why any ingested ingredient causes imbalance but why I chose to take it in first place. This is decidedly a metaphysical approach to self-treatment and I realize it isn't for everyone!

Working with herbs is a wonderful journey into natural health and wellness that, when approached with respect, responsibility and a sense of exploration can yield dividends for rest of your days. I believe herbs provide a viable supplementation to traditional medicines and, for some like myself, are preferred method of treatment. We're all adults here. Make wise choices; chices which work for you. Self treatment requires self-responsibility and monitoring. Don't try it if you aren't willing to explore, expand and learn what may now be new to you.

My mind is keenly alert and aware, while my body relaxes, perfectly.....

I am taking a very deep breath now.....

As I inhale I notice how my chest expands to take in each cleansing breath.

As I exhale, I notice how all of tension leaves my lungs..... I feel good, I feel fine, I feel perfectly and completely, relaxed..... Nothing will disturb me.

Each and every breath that I take is assisting me in relaxing deeply, soundly and perfectly.

I am thinking about a place that is very relaxing..... As I firmly picture that place in my mind, my body relaxes perfectly.

All of my cares are just drifting away.

I may feel myself relaxing in this very calm and peaceful place. I feel and see and hear and smell this scene of deep, relaxation. All of my cares are drifting away. I know I can always bring them back when I want to, but I prefer to let them drift away..... As my cares are drifting away..... My body relaxes deeply, soundly and perfectly.....

When I go to bed tonight, I will sleep soundly as well. I will let all tension of day drift off into space. Now I am ready to emerge from this wonderful state of mind. Whatever was bothering me before this session will cease to bother me at all.

Whenever I use this exercise, I will find myself relaxing very quickly and very deeply.

At count of three, I will emerge from this condition. One..... Two.....Three..... I am wide awake..... alert..... and feeling good in every way!

How are you feeling? I hope you are feeling great. This exercise may take you three to five minutes initially. Read this script into a tape recorder or other recording device. Use it any time you desire. The best time to beat stress is before it has a chance to take hold. Use this exercise before entering those stressful periods of day. This will make it harder for stress to take hold. Then, use it while going through periods of stress. Finally, use it just after a stressful period.

Once you practice this exercise, you will be able to relax in just about a minute. Five or ten strategically placed "mental vacations," will vastly improve your life.