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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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