Chinese Goldthread

How to coexist with Germs

I recently returned from 2 weeks in Mexico, specifically Cancun. Most people, even the locals recommend that you should not drink the tap water there. However, showering, brushing your teeth, boiling or heating water enough for drinks such as coffee are fine. So, that is what I did. My hotel room however, did not have a coffee maker or a kettle. Instead I had to microwave my coffee water. I’m sure that was the cause of my gassy abdomen. Towards the last few days of my time in Mexico, I would awaken in the middle of night with slight cramping and loud uncomfortable gurgling. Fortunately, I’m educated enough to know what was going on. Gases such as CO2 and CH4, the biproducts of germs (bacteria/ microorganisms) were growing or colonizing inside my abdomen. I know that sounds scary, we’re conditioned to be scared of germs. The reality is that we as human beings are primarily made up of germs, bacteria, fungi, viruses, etc. The amount of foreign microorganisms outnumber our own cells by 10 to 1, it is said. Most of these germs are either beneficial and/or have no effect on our health status whatsoever. Sometimes we come into contact with a strain which will cause an unhealthy balance to our normal microbiome. And that is exactly and simply what happened with me.

When I travel I always take a few choice herbs. I bring along some essential oils which have antimicrobial properties. I also wanted oils which act as decongestants since the Corona scare is so prolific; I do not want to risk any excess build up of mucus being misconstrued as symptoms for this supposed pandemic. So I tucked away small vials of peppermint and eucalyptus…. and some chamomile for the sleep and nerves. Therapeutic grade essential oils, which I always use, can be administered internally by experienced and knowledgeable practitioners. Since I self administered, and just telling you my story, it goes to say, that you need to be responsible and informed for your own situation and usage.

The other herb I carry with me on overseas travel is a Chinese herb called Coptis chinensis (Chinese goldthread). This herb is effective for many GI problems as it contains the bitter alkaloid berberine. It’s so effective and extremely safe. So I took three tiny pills on my last two days and immediately felt about 50% less gassy.

Coptis chinensis

when I returned, I was able to add another herb I had in my herbal pantry. That herb is Artemisia vulgaris, plain mugwort. Mugwort is also a very bitter herb useful for many GI conditions. There was a possibility that it was more than just bacteria festering inside my abdomen; it could have been parasites. Mugwort, like it’s cousin wormwood, another Artemisia is very effective as a vermicide (parasite killer). So, now about one and a half day later, I feel 100% back to normal!

I should mention that it’s not just about consuming medicine, I also made changes to my diet and was strategic in certain activities. Bacteria generally thrives when fed sugar, the more refined the faster they colonize. So, I was mindful to not feed these disruptive germs and avoided sugary foods and drinks as much as possible. Parasites on the other hand generally love protein, and so I also avoided excess protein just in case I had parasites. I also noticed that they were most active at night, and so I was deliberate with when I took my berberine pills and oils (on an empty stomach before bed and upon waking).

So you see, it’s very simple to coexist with germs. The bottom line is you must be intuitive with your body, know your herbs and respond normally! There is no need to panic or act drastically. Germs are normal and keeping the balance of our microbiome is a normal everyday, every second activity. It’s just sometimes we need intentional support.

happy family

Psychosomatic Health & Disease

Psycho refers to mind, and soma means body. By now, I expect that most people understand there is at least a connection between the mind and body. Maybe this is a new concept to you? How can that be that our thoughts can change blood pressure, or breathing changes state of mind? Maybe you’re skeptical, and that’s okay. I’ve become so much more aware as I observe human psychology now in our current situation, how easy it is to fall prey to the common narrative of the time.

The common narrative of this time, in this part of the world wants you to believe that mind and body are separate of each other. I believe what happens in studying the systems in isolation is inevitable dissociation. Firstly, the way in which science is performed in the West is very linear and compartmentalized. It uses a language which requires articulation of tangible and measurable components. This is already difficult to do when dealing with the mind, let alone a dynamic organism with many moving pieces. Secondly, research projects have a beginning and end. There is an agenda and hypothesis as to what will be uncovered. Once the information sought after is found, a conclusion of some sort is packaged neatly into a paper and then the rest of world will be told to follow this narrative. One of the problems with this type of science is that it is not complete. This is the reason why a new discovery is always uncovered even centuries later. The other problem is that we stop questioning when such conclusions are found. And worse of all, when someone challenges this common narrative, they are put to the stake as a heretic, nut job or … conspiracy theorist.

I digress, back on the mind body connection, for which you my reader is a believer of. To understand it is rather quite simple if you do not isolate them at all. But let’s not go there just yet. Let’s talk science. What connects the mind and body? Chemicals, specifically neuropeptides. For example, endorphin is the neuropeptide which is known as the happy hormone. Endorphins are created in the brain when triggered by many different activities such as exercise, massage, yoga, meditation, laughter… the things that already make you happy. Once released into the blood stream, they attach to opiate receptors then relaxes the mind and body even further. Remember this is just one chemical, and one example. There are many other chemicals and processes that work in integrating mind and body. However, once you understand the interconnectedness of mind-body, there’s should be no denying. Now you should now have a trail of questions:

  • What are some other peptides, hormones or chemicals which connect mind and body? NPW, NPB, NPY, … So many!
  • What systems of the body are affected by the mind? Cardiovascular, Immune, Digestive, Reproductive… ALL of them.
  • What are some other mental and physical states are affected or is a result of bodily functions? Stress, Fear, Love, ALL of them.
  • Are there synthetic or exogenous chemicals which try to mimic these endogenous chemicals? Yes, pharmaceuticals
  • If pharmaceuticals are being made, why deny the connection of mind and body? Hmmmm good question. Perhaps profit and dependency on their drugs and common narrative?