From Drugs to Herbs

Migraine headaches will be the topic for the next few posting as I have a few people asking or help in this area.

First and foremost as in all conditions the importance of hydration can not be overestimated. I would first like to ask you to all go out and buy Dr. Batmanghelidj's book "Your bodies many cries for water - you are not sick; you are thirsty. Don't treat you thirst with medication."'

When you read this book you will develop a much deeper relationship with water. After air it is the second most important thing on our planet that keeps us alive. Without air we die. Without water we can survive a bit longer but ultimately we would die of dehydration. There are many people walking around in severe dehydrated conditions.

Once of the best way to hydrate the body is with a simple herbal tea. Herbal water: 1 to 2 litres of boiled spring water - boil it for about 1 or 2 minutes and then add the following: 1/2 to 1 teaspoonful of Coriander seed, Fennel seed, Marshmallow root, and Mint leaf. This is a simple and very effective formula for hydration that also lubricates the channels (Marshmallow) and supports the kidney for elimination (Coriander) cools the livers (Fennel) and encourages penetration (Mint).

Just this simple herbal water has helped many people with what looked like a serious medical problem but turned out to be easily addressed with this herbal hydrating formula.

Another pleasant and fun way to get some fluids into you - no not coffee - coffee is a diuretic and will dehydrate you even further. But having a cup of Pomegranate juice - diluted half in half with water 2 hours after lunch is a great pick me up. Pomegranate has many wonderful properties. It is astringent in taste which is a great benefit, as the astringent taste is not commonly found in the western diet. You will remember that Ayurved recommends that all six taste be present at our major meals - bitter, astringent, pungent, sweet, sour and salty.

Water is essential for proper elimination - the bowels or kidneys cannot function without water. So without water we will not detox naturally. The toxins will build up in our system and will often try to be eliminated when we are sleeping in the night. Do you ever wake up with a headache. It might be because there is toxic overload and your dehydrated body cannot eliminate the toxins without the help of water and proper dietary and herbal support.

So my friends lets take a look at one of the givers of life - water and our relationship with this life giving substance.

Tomorrow I will talk about the circadian cycle and how to achieve proper rest.