GERD and Hiatal Hernia: Action Steps to Relief
The first rule of thumb for healing or avoiding GERD and hiatal hernia is DO NOT DRINK WHEN YOU EAT. It dilutes the digestive juices and causes the food in the stomach to swim in liquid which can easily come back up with movements like bending, lying down, etc.A man, who had bought my book at the Bodhi Tree Bookstore in Los Angeles when it first came out, called me to say, "I just tried what your book said about not drinking with my meals and I'm cured of this reflux that's been plaguing me for years. Thanks!!"The hiatal hernia is a protrusion of the stomach through and above the diaphragm. It can also be aggravated by:
- Eating too fast without chewing.
- Weight gain.
- Tension, like family feuds while we eat.
ACTION STEPS to Relieve GERD and Hiatal Hernia
- Drink very little, to no liquid at all, when you eat. Drink fluids between meals.
- Making a serious attempt to relax before eating by taking a deep breath, doing a short meditation or prayer, etc. - anything that will calm the wild beast within.
- Kinder food combining is very helpful too. Especially avoid eating bread with meat/fish or even vegetarian proteins like veggie burgers. For occasions when the reflux gives us the yips, even just from drinking water, you'll find the Indigestion/Reflux/Hiatus Hernia Therapy Pack your friend.
- The deep massage move (see video below) is accomplished by taking a deep breath, then, on exhalation, using your knuckles or the pads of your fingers to press gently into your belly just below the sternum and at the same time pulling down toward the navel with as much pressure as is reasonably bearable. Repeat this motion on an angle downward to the left just under the border of the ribcage. This will pull the stomach back down and out of the diaphragm where it was stuck. Alternatively, you might find it easier if someone else does it for you.
[youtube id="-55CoKwAIug" width="600" height="350"]Between the Indigestion/Reflux/Hiatus Hernia Therapy Pack, the above move, better food combining and not drinking with your meals, you are indeed likely to feel very much better.Salut!! Doc EveFYI - The Allergies Therapy Packs (Male & Female) are still on special for the remainder of Spring. Achoo and gesundheit!!From So. Calif., call 310-855-1111 / Otherwise, call 541-482-2112Email: doctoreve@evesherbs.com EvesHerbs.com Come find us on 
for daily tips and updates
Depression: Get Dirty, Be Happy
Depression compliments of the immune system?Apparently, a worn and inefficient immune system can lead to depression. Conversely, strengthening and supporting our immune systems (spleen, thymus and bone marrow, primarily) makes us happy, says recent research¹ connecting the dots between a haywire immune system and depression.One of the reasons given is that we weren't allowed enough harmless germs in our mere youths. Everything was sterilized of anything live, whatsoever. And then immunizations added insult to injury, disabling the immune system by taking away it's job - it became indolent and unable to recognize the myriad invaders we come up against.A healthy, employed immune system produces cytokines that tell the brain to produce the serotonin², which we need to feel happy - well, most of the time anyway. A course of action might be to make it O.K. to let an occasional minor infection have its way in our body, to take some time out and rest and let it get on with it. I've always believed that allowing some small tremors can often prevent the big, major quake.
My Working Observations Linking Depression and the Immune System
What rang my bell, while reading this research, was remembering a recurring theme from when I first started in practice. People I had given the Bactotox, were the ones that reported "feeling very much better", and just "happier", usually within a week. Others also felt improvements in their general maladies, but didn't quite have that "up" feeling along with it, unless there was a lot of adrenal and pancreatic support. This has been a consistent result over the years.One of my favorite thoughts on this topic is from an essay by Michel de Montaigne (II: 12, 629) - "What an outrageous sword the mind is, even for its owner..."So, the upshot is... get a little dirty and let your, and your children's, immune systems get some exercise in dealing with your everyday, garden variety, "bugs", and give depression a much needed vacation.Best of Health to you as always,Doc EveP.S. - The Allergy Therapy Packs are on sale for the Spring season.From So. Calif., call 310-855-1111 / Otherwise, call 541-482-2112Email: doctoreve@evesherbs.comEvesHerbs.com Come find us on for daily tips and updates
Eggs and Cholesterol - No Worries, Mate
Must one worry about eggs being a culprit for increased LDL? Lots of research* says not. Besides, as we've discussed, it's not the cholesterol that causes heart disease, but rather inflammation. What could make a difference, however, is what we eat in combination with our eggs.If the side dish includes bread, butter and jam, which is yummy for the moments we're eating them, then problems can follow. Wheat and/or sugar in combination with the egg protein makes the system acidic and can result in inflammation of the arteries. You can also see the result as reflux, a common woe.
How to Alkalize Your Breakfast Eggs and Eliminate Cholesterol and Inflammation Worries
Alkalize your egg breakfast by eating them in combination with one of the following suggestions:
- Left over roasted spuds from dinner the night before.
- Grits.
- Frijoles - one of my favorites - half a can per serving should be plenty.
- Make an omelet with spinach, onions, mushrooms or any veggie(s) you prefer with a little feta or other goat cheese.
These combinations are easier to digest, are more alkaline, and will leave you with plenty of energy for the day, since the digestive process is not so heavily burdened with the egg/bread/sugar combination.Let us know what you think after you've tried the difference - we'd love to hear about more egg/veggie combinations you have created.On days there is not much choice, or you've decided to indulge an egg/bread/sugar combination, accept a little help from your herbal friends, the Gentian Root or the Patic Fe formula. They are both gentle "roto-rooters" that will plumb your system of the offenders and restore energy.P.S. - When at all possible, buy them organic, as happy, healthy and chemical-free chickens produce much tastier eggs.Best of Health to you as always,Doc EveFrom So. Calif., call 310-855-1111 / Otherwise, call 541-482-2112Email: doctoreve@evesherbs.comEvesHerbs.com Come find us on for daily tips and updates*Fernandez ML. Dietary cholesterol provided by eggs and plasma lipoproteins in healthy populations. Curr Opin Clin Nutr Metab Care. 2006; 9:8-12.
Chronic Cough and the Plunging Neckline
We know it's quite the thing to have the chest "exposed" for that chic and plunging neckline. But while bronchitis or plain old chronic coughs are living within, any little wisp of air that touches that skin will set off another round of coughing paroxysms.The air can still be quite cool in the Spring, especially at night, and repeated exposure of the chest to nippy breezes can prolong recovery from seasonal bronchial infections and coughs.
Simple Steps to Help Relieve a Chronic Cough
- The lengthy coughs, that are going around right now, will stop much more quickly with the "old wives' tale" of a warm flannel to cover that sensitive area. It helps to wear the flannel under a snug T-shirt to keep it in place and then a turtle neck over those to protect the vulnerable throat.
- The old standby of warm lemon and honey tea is still a soothing and comforting drink to help with the symptoms. Fresh thyme from the garden can also be used, since it is an expectorant and aids in relaxing the respiratory tract. Allow a couple of 6-7 inch sprigs to steep in hot water for 5 minutes or so, strain if necessary, and add honey if you wish. Just a reminder: don't use honey with children under the age of one.
- Take your herbs to fortify the immune and respiratory systems into maximum strength for taking out those brawling micrococci.
Herbal Formulas for Chronic Cough
Of course, our old favorite formulas, BACTOTOX and HERBA PNEU, along with some extra rest, should make short work of it. If a chronic cough has been ailing you for a long while, you might fortify treatment with the Enhance formula as well.Best of Health to you as always,Doc EveFrom So. Calif., call 310-855-1111 / Otherwise, call 541-482-2112Email: doctoreve@evesherbs.comEvesHerbs.com Come find us on for daily tips and updates
High Blood Pressure Control and Weight Loss in One Formula
Yours truly had a high blood pressure event that shot it through the roof for several days, and I spent some time shaking like a shaved chihuahua. Imagine my jaw drop when both my cousin in Germany and my sister in Australia said on the phone to me, "Why don't you take those herbs I saw in your catalogue!?" Let's just say that high blood pressure also, occasionally, addles the aging brain.My sister and cousin were referring to the HBP formula, of which I took 3 capsules, 4 times the first day, along with the same dosage of the MNF formula for its calming effects. Sometime after the second dose, I noticed that I started to "come down", and after 3 days, my blood pressure had returned to normal. I started lowering the dosage, but I always have it handy if I need to pick it up again.
How the HBP Formula Helps With High Blood Pressure and Weight Loss
The yucca and chickweed in the HBP formula contain anti-inflammatory saponins that "wash" the arteries and congestion in the gut, as well as assisting in both plaque and cholesterol reduction. Yucca's cortisone-like action helps to ease stress, and it's anti-inflammatory effects help with arthritis too. High in vitamins A and B, calcium and potassium, the American Indians valued its many uses for healing, and also as a hair wash.HBP's Hawthorn Berries have been famous in healing all manner of heart diseases for the last 2,000 years or so. In more recent years, research cited in a University of Maryland Medical School article* on Hawthorn, have confirmed its efficacy and safety. It is high in anti-oxidants that reduce damage from free radicals, especially in heart disease.Chickweed in the HBP formula is highly touted for weight loss because it helps suppress the appetite.So... HBP and MNF to control high blood pressure, clear the arteries and gut, and lose weight - such a deal!To find these formulas on our web store, just click on them below:
Hope to see you Los Angeles in a few weeks (March 1 thru 8) - Some appointments are still available.*https://umm.edu/health/medical/altmed/herb/hawthornBest of Health to you as always,Doc EveFrom So. Calif., call 310-855-1111 / Otherwise, call 541-482-2112Email: doctoreve@evesherbs.comEvesHerbs.com Come find us on for daily tips and updates
Fatigue and Exhaustion: Reverse the Cycle and Get Your Energy Back
Fatigue and exhaustion are symptoms that are the result of a minor or major primary cause. For this article, we will stick with the more common causes and how to deal with them.
Common Causes of Fatigue and Exhaustion
1) Constipation: Proper bowel function is very often overlooked as a cause of fatigue and exhaustion and should be the first thing to consider. Constipation may be interfering with the absorption of energizing nutrients in the intestines, while the lingering toxins in the waste matter will cause fatigue. Ideas differ in regard to what "regular" means. One patient said he was "regular" during his first visit, which was at odds with my reading. A little later, I discovered that "regular" to him meant once a week - maybe.2) Adrenal Exhaustion: Stress and its effects on the Endocrine System, especially the adrenal glands, is another common cause. Overwork, plus the constant flogging of the adrenals with coffee, energy drinks, sugary foods and drugs, both Rx and non-Rx, will most definitely lead to fatigue and exhaustion. Mental fatigue will fit in this category and goes along with adrenal insufficiency.3) Pancreas Fatigue: Insulin production from the pancreas metabolizes sugars for energy. Over-consumption of sugary foods, carbohydrates and alcohol can exhaust the pancreas over time. The logic of, "Well, it never bothered me before" doesn't help, as the body puts up with all manner of abuses in our youth. But as the body ages, and these habits overwhelm the system, it will definitely let us know it is not pleased.4) Illness: Your body may be fighting off a disease that's going around the office or home and sending you signals to get more rest. Extra sleep will help your immune system do a better and faster job of eliminating most diseases.5) Lack of Sleep: Pushing through longer and longer days with less and less sleep will aggravate all of the above.6) Lack of Exercise: Feeling tired can lead to physical inactivity and the abandoning of an exercise program. Though it may seem like a good idea at the time, not exercising at all will increase exhaustion and weakness greatly over time.
What You Can Do To Get Your Energy Back
1) SLEEP: Keep your sleep rhythm as consistent as possible by going to bed and waking up at the same times each day. If this is not possible, get to bed a couple of hours earlier a couple days a week.2) EXERCISE: If you stopped exercising, make time for this essential part of your life-style. Start back with an easy routine and build up slowly. Exercise will improve digestion, ability to sleep and, of course, energy.3) FOOD: If constipation is a problem, use herbal supplements to get things moving, along with reducing meats and increasing fruits and vegetables as a long term plan. Minimize alcoholic, caffeinated and sugary foods and beverages. Avoid crash-dieting and go for long-term changes.4) SUPPLEMENTS: Here are suggestions for supplements by category:
- Constipation: Mild - Patic Fe, Moderate - PS:SS or Severe - Natural Herbal Laxative
- Adrenal Support: Female - Blend E:V, Male - Blend S
- Pancreas Support: Patic Fe or Pan D-2
- Immune Support: Bactotox, A-Defense, Enhance or AHCC
- Sleep Support: Slumber or Sublingual Melatonin
FOR A COMPLETE SUPPLEMENT PACKAGE, including herbal supplements and suggested dosages, dietary instruction sheets, my book, Feeling Very Much Better, which includes lists of foods to buy and foods to avoid as well as some delicious recipes, check out these Therapy Packs:FATIGUE and EXHAUSTION Therapy Pack - FemaleFATIGUE and EXHAUSTION Therapy Pack - MaleBest of Health to you as always,Doc EveFrom So. Calif., call 310-855-1111 / Otherwise, call 541-482-2112Email: doctoreve@evesherbs.comEvesHerbs.com Come find us on for daily tips and updates
Thyroid Imbalance: How to Fix It Using Herbs and Diet
A thyroid imbalance, whether under- or overactive, likely indicates that it has been overworked and undernourished or assaulted by years of abuse from food, drugs or environment. Genetic causes may be part of the problem, but in any case, studies show that cleansing and nutritionally supporting the thyroid with proper amounts of natural iodine and other essential nutrients is a good place to start.Overstimulating the thyroid can happen easily with the many forms of stimulants to which we have become accustomed. These include diet pills, allergy medications, coffee, soft drinks - including, and especially, diet ones - along with chocolate and candy. We use these as pick-me-ups, but the actual effect is that of flogging an already tired horse into deeper thyroid imbalance.Thyroid hormones vitally effect most body tissues with roles in:
- Bone health
- Energy and metabolism
- Growth and development
- Heart and circulation
- Normal mental functions
Instead of resting and properly nourishing ourselves to regain energy, we stress our thyroid and endocrine system further. After years of this, the metabolism either slows or over-produces against itself. We often suffer from lack of restful sleep and become nervous and anxious, further straining the glands.Symptoms of Thyroid Imbalance can include:
- Thinning hair
- Fatigue/insomnia
- Irregular heartbeats
- Weight loss/gain
- Goiter
- Nervousness/hyperactivity/tremors
- Weak or brittle nails
- Hot flashes/increased perspiration
Fix a Thyroid Imbalance Using Herbs and Diet
Reducing the above stimulants and following the food suggestions in Ch. 7 on the hormonal system in my book, Feeling Very Much Better, is a good place to start. Combine this with fresh vegetable juices and herbal supplements for optimal effects.Eve's Herbs TQH formula is our primary supplement for thyroid imbalances and, in particular, hot flashes and thinning hair. Among other herbs and numerous nutrients, it contains bladderwrack, a form of kelp, which is high in iodine - extra important these days with the aftermath of the Fukushima nuclear accident still looming on the west coast.For those who use homeopathics, Thyroidinum 9C is also available in both the liquid and pellets.A complete package of supplements along with dietary instructions and my book are available in male and female Therapy Packs. Click on the appropriate one:THYROID IMBALANCE Therapy Pack - FemaleTHYROID IMBALANCE Therapy Pack - MaleBest of Health to you as always,Doc EveFrom So. Calif., call 310-855-1111 / Otherwise, call 541-482-2112Email: doctoreve@evesherbs.comEvesHerbs.com Come find us on for daily tips and updates