December 2004 Newsletter
Remember that today, Saturday, Dec. 11th is the second, and last, part of the 75% off sale. And today I am adding all the jewelry at 20% off. Melissa Lockwood, former owner of the Ruby Rabbit and a dear friend of mine, will be here watching the shop when I am with BodyTalk clients. Part of the time we will both be available to visit with you. Melissa is mostly doing "readings" these days, and so why not come by and meet her? Or if you already know her, come by and say hello. There will be coffee and herbal teas and conversation available all afternoon...from noon to 5:00 pm. And now for the info part of the newsletter...
HERBS
Cayenne vs Black Pepper
Black Pepper makes us sneeze because there is a fungus on it. What I use in my cooking instead of black pepper (which upsets my tummy) is cayenne pepper. I just keep it in the pepper shaker. I don’t own any black pepper. And listen to cayenne, or "red" pepper’s properties:
"The potent, hot fruit of cayenne has been used medicine for centuries. It was considered helpful for various conditions of the gastrointestinal tract, including stomach aches, cramping pains, and gas. Cayenne was frequently used to treat diseases of the circulatory system. It is still traditionally used in herbal medicine as a circulatory tonic. Rubbed on the skin, cayenne is a traditional, as well as modern, remedy for rheumatic pains and arthritis due to what is termed a counterirritant effect. A counterirritant is something that causes irritation to a tissue to which it is applied, thus distracting from the original irritation (such as joint pain in the case of arthritis.) Cayenne contains a resinous and pungent substance known as capsaicin. This chemical relieves pain and itching by acting on sensory nerves. Capsaicin temporarily stimulates release of various neurotransmitters from these nerves, leading to their depletion. Without the neurotransmitters, pain signals can no longer be sent. The effect is temporary. Capsaicin and other constituents in cayenne have been shown to have several other actions, including reducing platelet stickiness and acting as antioxidants." This is from a reference book called, "The Natural Pharmacy," which also says that the only side effects to cayenne are that you do not want to get it in the eyes or other sensitive areas, as it can burn. Also taking large amounts internally may cause ulcers (we are talking really large amounts.) You can buy cremes with this herb mixed in, or mix it into a cream yourself. And to make sure you are not allergic before using it on a large section of skin, rub a tiny amount on the inside of the wrist to check for your reaction.
"The Natural Pharmacy" goes on to say cayenne is beneficial in treatment of bursitis, diabetic neuropathy, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, rheumatoid arthritis and shingles.
ESSENTIAL OIL
Ginger
"Ginger has been used as a domestic spice and as remedy for thousands of years... Fresh ginger is used in China for many complaints including rheumatism, bacterial dysentery, toothache, malaria, and for cold and moist conditions such as excess mucus and diarrhea. It is best known as a digestive aid... In the British Herbal Pharmacopoeia it is spefcifically indicated for flatulent intestinal colic." This is from "The Encyclopedia of Essential Oils" by Julia Lawless.
Ginger, fresh and shredded, can also be drunk in a tea for digestive complaints or cold symptoms. It can also be used in a hot compress for relief of congested chests or stomach aches.
GEMS AND MINERALS
Celestite
An excellent tool for use in astral travel, celestite will assist one in accessing pre-determined sites and also in surrendering to the inner peace required. It is an excellent assistant for dream recall. It helps one to achieve inner balance. It assists in comprehension and mental activities, and helps one to contact his own heightened powers of rationality, including the ability to see all facets of a problem, situation or idea. It brings bright hope in days of despair. Celestite also is helpful to the artist, musician, etc. And it helps in the quest of bliss.
Celestite is an excellent healing stone, especially in disorders of the eyes,hearing, and in balancing mental dysfunctions. It advances order at the cellular level, facilitates elimination of toxins, and can ameliorate digestive disorders.
