By David W. Christopher M. H.

This is the second part of David’s article - continued from October 8, 2021

The most common health complaint is that of gastro-intestinal disorders. There is absolutely nothing in drug stores that can approximate the effectiveness of herbs for these disorders. For example, in double blind studies conducted at Brigham Young University, ginger root was found effective in alleviating nausea experienced by volunteers who were spun in circles. While in the same experiments, Dramamine, one of the most popular drugs, barely beat out the placebo. I would definitely have ginger root in my medicine kit. Cayenne can also be effective in digestive disorders by stimulating hydrochloric acid production which effectively breaks down the food in preparation for the intestines.

When the gastrointestinal tract is abused and becomes stagnant, many disorders are manifest. Constipation is the first sign of stagnation and is easily resolved by using Dr. Christopher’s Lower Bowel Formula. Greater stagnation is evident with nausea. At a time like this a quick cleansing of the upper digestive tract is in order and calls for a wonderful herb named lobelia. This herb acts as an effective emetic (to induce regurgitation). After emptying the stomach and upper intestines we can then go to work on the lower intestines, with the herbal laxative.

If nothing is done to eliminate stagnation, the body is more likely subject to infestation of parasites, be it pinworms, E. coli, giardia, or whatever. This leads to a vermifuge as my next candidate for inclusion in this medicine kit. Wormwood is my favorite, especially mixed with molasses. A good substitute is Dr. Christopher's VF syrup. After three days of usage a strong herbal laxative is used. This procedure should be used every week for three weeks.

If gastrointestinal problems are not quickly resolved they may become chronic and result in ulcers or colitis. I mentioned before using cayenne to eliminate stomach ulcers, which is a rough but effective treatment. Colitis (ulcers of the intestines and bowels) is not treated effectively with cayenne but instead we use an herb named slippery elm bark. This herb is very soothing and gentle and over a longer period of time (several weeks to several months) will eradicate any aforementioned conditions. I also find combining licorice root with the slippery elm increases the healing effects. Slippery elm root will effectively stop diarrhea and help inflamed hemorrhoids. Slippery elm gets my vote for being in a natural medicine kit.

Slippery elm is a very soothing herb that can be used on any irritated surface such as bed sores, diaper rash, bruises, scrapes, etc. It is just sprinkled on dry. When combined with small amounts of water it makes an excellent band aid. It sticks to the skin by itself! A small amount of goldenseal could be added to this natural bandage to counter infection, and maybe some comfrey could be added to speed up the healing process. Of course, cayenne could be combined with the slippery elm to stop bleeding. These herbs minus cayenne would be excellent for burns. A very excellent herbal combination to use for burns and healing is Dr. Christopher's Complete Tissue & Bone ointment. He has combined what he considers to be the most effective herbs for skin problems in a natural base of olive and wheat germ oils. This would be an excellent inclusion in any medicine kit but should be refrigerated for long term storage.

 For those of us who seek nature time and venture out of suburbia and maybe into some poison oak, poison ivy, or just some harmless but irritating stinging nettle, good drawing herbs would be essential. My favorite is plantain, and it definitely is in my personal kit. I have it combined with pine tar and it never needs refrigeration. Clay can also be used and is prepared and applied in the same manner as slippery elm bark.

When I finally find time to slip away into the mountains, I tend to overwork my muscles, so I have included in my first aid kit an analgesic. I have combined essential herb oils like cassia, eucalyptus, and mint in olive oil (an ointment called Sensei) and use it effectively for any muscular pain including temple headaches and toothaches.

You never really know when the need for the herbs might occur, so I have kits lying around almost everywhere. I have one in my office, in my car, in my wife's van, and even at home, even though my medicine cabinet is packed with many of the same herbs. I encourage you to create your own herbal first aid kits so you will be prepared to care for yourselves and your loved ones.