BEAR FooT DOCTOR ® In Step With Nature
email us
  • Home
  • Treatments
  • Dynamic
  • News
  • Videos
  • Art
  • Books
  • About us
  • Online Consultations
  • Links
  • Disclaimer

GREATNESS

10/24/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture


Samkhya  philosophy teaches us that Purusha is “pure consciousness” and Prakruti is “the first power of action”. This active power gave rise to Pradhana which is the primal matter that arose at the start of the universe. The first product of Pradhana was Mahat.


Mahat means “great” and it is manifest in the great power of cosmic intelligence. Cosmic intelligence is the energy supporting all that exists in our universe. Its expression is translated into the multitude of different forms of matter that manifest in the diverse world in which we live.The fundamental elements of life are ether, air, fire, water and earth which are found both inside our minds and bodies and also in the natural environment that surrounds us. All life is due to the presence of Mahat. Even tiny creatures such as single celled organisms have a unique purpose and function.
 
Mahat forms the inner and outer boundaries of the whole universe. When Mahat first became manifest, the whole universe suddenly came into being. If Mahat turns out to be immortal - as some believe - the universe will never end!


In humans, Mahat is called the Buddhi. This is our own unique personal and powerful intelligence, it allows us to discern truth from lies and decide things such as what is good and what is bad. Through its power we can also gauge what is eternal and what is merely temporary and transient. If used correctly and uncorrupted by a selfish ego, it provides us with an excellent moral compass. If we follow its course, we can feel really great, be really great and help to inspire greatness in others.



0 Comments

SEASON OF MISTS AND NASTY CHESTINESS

10/5/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Autumn is with us again with the wonderful changing colours of the leaves and the soft gentle mists. Unfortunately this season can see an increase in the number of colds and respiratory problems. The days shorten, temperatures start dropping and coughs and sneezes become more common. This means that we need to consider herbs that can assist us, if we tend towards such seasonal problems.

Grindelia spp. also known as Gumweed can date its usage back to the indigenous Indians of North America. It has several beneficial uses but the one we will be looking at especially is that of unblocking congested chests and sinuses.

As an expectorant herb it relaxes the smooth muscles of the respiratory tract, it is antispasmodic, hypotensive and a bronchodilator, making it desirable to use in cases of asthma and bronchitis. It is also kind as it is demulcent, allowing it to work smoothly and gently.

Fortunately this herb can assist many respiratory conditions including colds, thick phlegm, coughs and sore throats. What’s more herbalists have used it to help more severe conditions such as emphysema and COPD. When there is really thick mucus it can be used in conjunction with Plantain.

Ayurvedic properties of Grindelia:
Hrdaya - heart tonic
Kasavasahara - assists cases of bad coughs and restricted breathing
Kushthaghna - helps skin problems
Mutrala - diuretic
Rakadhara - benefits the circulatory system
Udaraprasamana - relieves allergies

If you think that this herb may be for you please consult a professional herbalist and see what they advise. Caution is needed if you are taking allopathic hypotensive medication. Like many things, it can be toxic in high doses. For those with heart and kidney problems careful protocols should be adopted. In some cases it may be contraindicated completely. But when used judiciously, it can have wonderful results.


0 Comments

THE BEAR'S BREECHES

10/1/2018

0 Comments

 
Picture
Acanthus mollis is a somewhat paradoxical name for this fascinating herb as ‘Acanthus’ means thorny and ‘mollis’ means soft. In common parlance it is also called either ‘Oyster Plant’ or ‘Bear’s Breeches’.

The reason that it got the name ‘Oyster Plant’ is because during pollination, the bees have to force themselves between the top and bottom lips of the flower petals, rather like a chef forces open oysters. 

The alternative nickname ‘Bear’s Breeches’ possibly arose from the simple fact that some styles of dress breeches that were worn years ago were tight fitting, especially those that were used for livery, formal and court dress. A major use of Acanthus mollis is for treating any dislocated joints; first it assists by relaxing the joint and then tightening it to help reposition the dislocated articular surfaces as they should be. This tightening can be seen as being synonymous to being confined in tight clothing. 

The whole plant, from roots to flowers, secretes a viscous liquid emollient, which is both astringent and also a very effective detergent. It is known to contain abundant mucilage, tannins, carbohydrates, minerals and has a bitter quality. It has been used during treatment to soften tissues and tumours. Its properties as an astringent, antidiarrhoeal, expectorant, make it useful in cases of bronchitis, colds, diarrhoea, liver problems. Externally, it can be used as a poultice to repair damaged joints, healing wounds and burns, assisting scar tissue, stomatitis of the mouth and lips, pharyngitis and vaginitis. The American Indians applied the leaves to venomous snake bites. 
0 Comments

    Author:
    ​Dr. Colin Perry

    Traditional Doctor of Naturopathy, Master Herbalist and Podiatrist.

    TELEPHONE
    01481 822778 and
    ​make an appointment.

    Archives

    October 2021
    January 2021
    May 2020
    March 2020
    December 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    July 2019
    March 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017

    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed

Powered by Create your own unique website with customizable templates.