Ruined sex life: Cholesterol is the building block for several hormones, including those made by the adrenal glands, as well as sex hormones. This means that taking cholesterol lowering drugs can lower testosterone levels in men and women, reducing libido, physical and mental drive, and energy. As well as a loss of sex drive, several studies have shown that cholesterol lowering drugs can affect sexual performance in men, leading to erectile dysfunction. This is the case for both statins and fibrates (another type of cholesterol lowering drug). Cells in the testes are capable of producing cholesterol, as it is required in high amounts to produce testosterone. Statin drugs do reach the testes, and they can inhibit cholesterol production there, as well as in the liver. Sexual dysfunction symptoms vanish when the medications are discontinued.

The drug simvastatin (Zocor, Lipex) is able to directly inhibit testosterone production independently of its cholesterol lowering action, via a different mechanism. In some men statin drugs have caused them to develop gynaecomastia; this is the growth of breast tissue in men. The Australian Adverse Drug Reaction Advisory Committee has eleven reports of gynaecomastia connected to simvastatin use. The UK Committee on Safety of Medicines lists “a few cases” of gynaecomastia linked with the use of cholesterol lowering drugs.

Be aware that the risk factors for coronary heart disease, such as obesity, diabetes and smoking are also risk factors for erectile dysfunction. If you do suffer with erectile dysfunction, it could be an early warning sign that you also have clogged arteries and are at risk of a heart attack or stroke.

Cataracts: Taking statin drugs can cause irreversible damage to the lens of the eye. Taking the antibiotic erythromycin in combination with a statin increases the chances of developing cataracts. A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine found that a single course of an antibiotic, typically lasting ten days doubled the risk of cataracts when taken with a statin. Two or more courses of antibiotics tripled the risk.

*25/53/5*

If you suffer from arthritis or gout you will find the external application of honey a great relief. Add one teaspoon of comfrey tincture or Symphosan to four tablespoons of honey, mix thoroughly in a cup, then heat the mixture in a double saucepan (bain-marie). Fold a cloth three or four times, soak it in the hot honey mixture and apply to the parts where the pain is worst -the hands, elbows, knees and feet. This treatment is best given in the evening, so that you can leave the pack on overnight. In order to retain the heat for longer, place on top of the pack a bag of

cherry stones that have been heated on the stove; a bag of hot hay flowers or camomile will serve the same purpose. Then wrap a warm cloth around everything.

Some patients have been helped by this treatment to the extent that they were once again able to walk or move their hands without feeling any pain. It is worthwhile repeating these honey packs for several weeks until you find relief. If you do not have any herbs at your disposal, honey packs can be made without them. The effect will still be very beneficial, even though it might take longer.

*888/28/1*

Herbs that favourably influence the function of organs when taken as teas, tinctures and extracts will also benefit us if we apply them as poultices, as practical experience will prove. Kidney herbs such as Solidago (goldenrod), birch leaves and horsetail, can be crushed or minced and applied raw to the region over the kidneys. This external application will enhance the effect of the same remedies taken internally.

The application of fresh plants will benefit the circulatory and lymphatic systems and ease stagnation in the vascular system. In fact, fresh plant therapy is easy. For example, crushed sorrel, giant dock and rhubarb leaf poultices applied to congestions, bruises, swellings and the like, have an excellent effect. They will dissipate the trouble much better than expensive commercial plasters and ointments. Various leaves found in the garden and fields are suitable, but care must be taken not to employ the leaves of poisonous plants. The leaves of Rhus toxicodendron (poison ivy) can cause a severe rash. Belladonna and other poisonous plants must not be used either. In fact, poisonous plants, it must be remembered, are safe only in the hands of a professional phytotherapist. Other leaf poultices, for example ones made with cabbage leaves, can be applied without having to fear any complications. They are helpful in treating numerous ailments, and if there should be a strong reaction, simply reduce the time the poultices are allowed to remain on the affected area. These poultices are easily prepared and always beneficial.

*852/28/1*

Remember, however, bear’s garlic has a piquant flavour and it is better to use it fresh according to the principle ‘You can have too much of a good thing.’ Of course, this guideline applies to all strong flavourings and seasonings. Another spring vegetable is the radish, of which there are several varieties. Use them wisely in accordance with the same principle, for a little is good for the liver, but too much can harm it.

Many people in the country know of another wild salad herb that stimulates the liver – young dandelion leaves. When these are fresh and tender they should be eaten as a salad every day. If we want to avail ourselves of their benefits even during the warmer season of the year, when the plants are already fully grown, bearing flowers and seeds, there is still a way to enjoy dandelion salad. Here is how. On a mild spring day, when the soil is sufficiently moist, lay out a dandelion bed by making deep grooves into which you plant a row of dandelion roots. Lay the roots in such a way that they appear to be like a long rope in the groove. Cover them with garden peat and soil. When the shoots push through the earth, cut them immediately. This method will give you tender dandelion shoots right into the autumn months. Their effect on the liver is marvellous. During our cleansing treatment in the spring we must do all we can to stimulate the liver. Only by doing so can we be sure of success in fortifying one of the body’s most important organs.

Many people are of the opinion that a ’spring cure’ has fulfilled its purpose when the bowels are thoroughly cleansed. And, it is true, the intestines do have to be paid due attention. Nevertheless, strong laxatives will not benefit them as much as they deserve. Any treatment should not only cleanse or purify, but also build up and heal.

*816/28/1*

The fresh plant extract from the stinging nettle (see pages 368-70) is known in homoeopathy as Urtica mother tincture. In addition to glycosides, tannic acids and formic acid, it also contains a good quantity of silica (40 per cent of the ash constituents), the same proportion of calcium, as well as phosphorus, iron, sodium and a little sulphur.

Urtica is a most reliable remedy for arthritic ailments, inflamed joints of a gouty nature, diminished urine with increased sedimentation and bladder irritation.

In such cases, exudation through the skin becomes acrid and is accompanied by an unpleasant odour. This is the result of an insufficient kidney function and may in time lead to a skin eruption that itches and burns, especially at night. For these symptoms, take ten drops of Urtica mother tincture in a glass of water, sipping it during the day. In addition to Urtica, the kidneys can be further assisted with Solidago or Nephrosolid. Take sips of both remedies, alternating one with the other.

*777/28/1*

Even snake poison could be made ineffective with it. When someone was bitten by a poisonous snake, he told me, another person would suck the bite until blood began to flow. Of course, the attendant would spit the poison out. Next, the leaves and roots of the plant were chewed up, preferably by the unfortunate victim himself. The juice was swallowed but the masticated plant was applied to the bite and bandaged. This treatment was repeated at least twice, and then repeated again on the second and third day. By the fourth day, the effect of the poison would have disappeared and the victim would be out of danger.

These Indians used to do the same thing to treat injuries. Again, the masticated plant would be placed on the affected part, and a serious situation would never arise provided this plant was on hand and was applied immediately. Certain arrow poisons could be neutralised by the same method. And if one wanted to prevent susceptibility to colds and catarrh in bad and blustery weather, he only had to chew the leaves or roots of the plant. The ingested juice would build up resistance to everything we now call infectious diseases.

*740/28/1*