Date: July 7th 2000

Spirit of Health Newsletter Volume 4 Issue 7

THE BLOOD STREAM: "RIVER OF LIFE"

[ONLINE: To view the online version of this newsletter, go to-
http://www.healthfree.com/health/newsletter/news4_7.htm ]

This newsletter features Dr. John Christopher on the subject of #
blood stream.

Dr. Christopher was a Master Herbalist and Naturopathic Doctor of#
great renown here in America and even abroad. His teachings were#
learned by so many and his influence was so great, that most #
would agree that he stood out amongst the three largest promoters#
of natural healing in the latter half of the 20th Century.

The following excerpts of his writings are reproduced with #
written permission of the Publisher, Christopher Publications, PO#
Box 412,Springville, UT 84663 1-800-372-8255.

This material is available on a CD ROM of Dr. Christopher's #
complete works, available at #
http://healthfree.com/christopher/index.html

Here is Dr. Christopher:

THE BLOOD STREAM: "RIVER OF LIFE" - Volume 1 Number 2 of the Dr. #
Christopher Newsletters

We very seldom give even a second thought to the blood that is #
coursing through our bodies until we have had an injury and this #
precious blood flows out before our eyes. Then, as we frantically#
stop the bleeding, we notice that it is a red color so we figure#
we are blessed with "good blood."

The blood of each individual is as different from that of another#
individual as is the iris of the eye or the fingerprint. As we #
build our lives for better or worse, so do we change and build #
our blood stream.

For many years we have taught that all disease stems from the #
blood stream. While I was in the Army I had many soldiers come to#
me with bad cases of furunculosis (boils). So I would lance, top#
and drain the boil, as was routine, and I could have said, #
"Well, I've drained the boils, so you will have no more trouble."#
Had I said this, the soldier would know I was not telling the #
truth, because the outbreak of boils often, or usually, recurred!#
Doesn't one realize that this condition comes from an impure #
blood stream or some other internal common cause? The impurities #
and poisonous waste accumulations in a boil are brought to that #
point by a blood stream loaded with waste and mucus materials, #
and to work only on lancing the boil is a case of "working on the#
effect", when one should clean up the blood stream, i.e., "work #
on the cause".

The same principle applies with tumors, cysts, dermatitis, cancer#
and most other isolated malfunctions. The weakened or injured #
areas accumulate toxic waste, because there is not enough #
vitality to discard this low vibrating material, and here we have#
evidence of "disease".

Instead of using just an external application, we have #
recommended to our patients that they also do the most important #
part of the entire program - that of going into the cause by #
cleaning up the bowels, the blood stream, and keeping this #
"cleaning condition" permanent. This is done by following the #
mucusless diet, as we explain it in "The Three Day Cleanse and #
Mucusless Diet" booklet, using the three day cleanse each month, #
or more often, and by strictly following the recommended "fast" #
each seventh day. (Of course, on the fast, use only steam #
distilled water in abundance.)

[Editor's note: See 2 Week Herbal Colon Cleanse Program: #
http://www.healthfree.com/health/rescue/coloncleanse.htm]

One of the first things we do to improve the circulatory system #
is to clean out the channels the blood flows through because, #
over the period of years, due to faulty diet and the use of hard #
water, the walls of arteries, veins, and capillaries become #
coated with inorganic waste materials. This waste forms a lining #
that does not allow the cell structure of the veins and arteries #
to be fed property, so these originally soft pliable tissues #
become hard and lose their elasticity. Then, like an "old" rubber#
hose, they cannot expand or contract with ease and they become, #
through weakness, ballooned out, or brittle and then break, as in#
varicosity. The heavy use of breads, pastries and refined sugars#
leach out the calcium from the veins and arteries and when there#
is a calcium deficiency we have weakness, which allows #
malfunction.

One way to build good veins and arteries and to keep them clean, #
has been the use of cayenne. Cayenne is a medicinal and #
nutritional herb. It is the purest and most certain stimulant. #
This herb is a great food for the circulatory system in that it #
feeds the necessary elements into the cell structure of the #
arteries, veins and capillaries so that these regain the #
elasticity of youth again, and the blood pressure adjusts itself #
to normal. It rebuilds the tissue of the stomach and heals #
stomach and intestinal ulcers; in equalizing the blood #
circulation, cayenne produces natural warmth; and in stimulating #
the peristaltic motion of the intestines, veins and arteries, it #
aids in assimilation and elimination.

[Editor's note: Cayenne Powder and Concentrate can be found at #
Southern Botanicals: http://www.botanicals.net/]

When the venous structure becomes loaded with sticky mucus, the #
blood has a harder time circulating; therefore, higher pressure #
forces the liquids through. Cayenne regulates the flow of blood #
from the head to the feet so that it is equalized; it influences #
the heart immediately, then gradually extends its effects to the #
arteries, capillaries, and veins (the frequency of the pulse is #
not increased, but is given more power).

Just to show how great an herb cayenne is, it is listed as having#
the following therapeutic action: stimulant, tonic, carminative,#
sialagogue, stomachic, rubefacient, pungent, alterative, #
astringent, antispasmodic, sudorific, emetic, antiseptic, #
condiment and antirheumatic.

We have found that one should gradually "build up" the use of #
cayenne to one teaspoon three or more times a day, that is, start#
with the use of this herb in small amounts and then increase. As#
an example: Start using 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne mixed in a #
little water three times a day for three or four days, then add #
another 1/4 teaspoon each time three or four days until one is #
using a teaspoon or more three times or more per day. Note - this#
is a food and not a drug, but use with prudence.

Another great herbal food used to get the blood stream moving #
freely and also for aiding the heart, is the hawthorn berry. This#
excellent heart food (as described by many of the old #
Herbalists), knows as "Haws" - Hawthorn berry or Mayblossom #
(Crataegus Oxyacantha), fresh or dried haws or fruits; specific #
for organic and or functional heart disorders (dyspnea, rapid and#
feeble heart action, hypertrophy, valvular insufficiency, heart #
oppression).

The blood stream, or "river of life" is so important, but we must#
have a good strong heart to keep the flow in motion. Another #
excellent herb for cleansing the veins is Sassafras (Sassafras #
Officinale). Therapeutic action: Rootbark: alterative, aromatic, #
diuretic, diaphoretic, stimulant, emmenagogue, anti-rheumatic, #
arterial depressant (when taken in large doses over too long a #
period).

This is a fine tea for cleaning and strengthening the arteries #
and veins, but we recommend that it be used for a six week period#
and then switch to another tea, such as Hawthorn berry for six #
weeks before using it again for a six week period. When Sassafras#
is used too long at a time, it thins the blood stream in some #
cases a bit too much. It is good herbal tea, but should not be #
"overused"--in other words "use with prudence".

One might say, the principle of cleansing the blood stream, is to#
use alterative herbs. The herbal concept provides the reader #
with the keys to vital energy and a healthy body through proper #
cleansing and correct diet. There are more than one hundred #
specialized plants which are concentrated to assist in cleaning #
the blood and the vital eliminative tissues and organs. The #
correct knowledge and use of these agents will greatly strengthen#
the individual's power and usefulness as a botanic physician in #
providing healing. Dr. Nowell provides us with the following #
valuable information concerning these potent healing aids:

Alteratives, or, as they are sometimes called, Antiscorbutics, #
are remedies which gradually alter and correct impure conditions #
of the blood. It is because of this that many of these agents are#
commonly called "blood purifiers" or "blood sweeteners".

They alter the character of the blood stream because of being #
possessed of certain properties which the Vital Force can use in #
stimulating or strengthening the organs of nutrition and #
secretion, building up so that waste materials may be carried and#
a supply of helpful pabulum may be provided for the organism.

Removing impurities from the blood stream is only part of the #
work of the rational physician. All such conditions arise because#
of the improper functioning of one or more organs--most #
frequently the secretory organs--which fail to carry out the #
impurities of the blood. It is, however, possible that impurities#
may arise from improper food or impure air. Whatever the cause, #
the only means of cleansing the blood stream that would satisfy #
the nature-cure physician would be one that would attend also to #
removing the cause while seeking to purify the blood.

To a very large extent a great number of agents may be classed as#
Alteratives, as they are of service in promoting the elimination#
of impurities. There are agents which will promote a speedy #
action on a given organ which may merely relieve an engorgement.

Such an agent we would scarcely call an Alterative. The true #
Alterative is an agent which slowly but surely cleans and #
purifies the blood stream and, at the same time, steadily tones #
up the organ or organs which may not be able to secrete #
impurities from the blood.

When it is understood that the liver, kidneys and skin are the #
chief organs for carrying off impurities and waste matter, it is #
readily seen what the last paragraph means. If the liver is #
torpid, and bile retained in the system, we may find in one case #
the retained bile has affected the digestion. In another case we #
may find a skin eruption. If the kidneys fail to secrete as they#
should, the bloodstream is polluted. The skin may be retaining #
impurities, or the lungs may be unable to oxygenize the blood due#
to impure air being breathed.

It is therefore necessary to know what organ is at fault when #
prescribing Alteratives. Merely to class an agent as an #
Alterative is not enough. There are stimulating and toning #
Alteratives and there are relaxing Alteratives. Food, air, and #
other essential factors must be considered in addition to the #
administration of remedies, or the blood stream may never be #
cleansed.

Prescribing Alteratives without an intelligent idea as to the #
cause of the impurities would be foolish. The physician must at #
all times seek to give such aid to the Vital Force as can be used#
to restore normal functioning wherever necessary.

An individual who has gone along with a good mucusless diet and #
the regular three day cleanses, and who also has observed the one#
day a week fast, is well along the path to gaining ground and #
finding better health. When one also works along with the bowel #
to get it cleaned out, it is good to use a blood purifier to #
speed up the health process.

Dr. Shook, my teacher in herbal pharmacy, in his textbook says:

An excellent blood purifier is Burdock (Arctium Lappa), as a #
blood purifier we use the root. Nature has not produced for us #
many herbs whose food and medicinal value equal this one. Its #
ancient history as a reliable remedy for bad blood, ulcers, #
tumors and many skin diseases such as what we today call Eczema, #
Pityriasis, Psoriasis, Furunculosis (Boils), Acne, Lupus, etc., #
to say nothing of internal disorders such as Syphilis, Scrofula, #
Leprosy, Cancer, etc., and the modern proofs of its marvelous #
efficacy in the treatment of humanity's most fearsome and #
loathsome diseases is proof positive that very few if any herbs #
are more virtuous or possess more curative powers.

Constituents - Inulin (takes place of starch, and in the spring #
and fall, is frequently present to the extent of 45%). a bitter #
principle, resin, fat (9 percent), mucilage, sugar, wax, tannin #
(phlobophane, lappin [crystalline gluceside]). Ash 3 to 4 #
percent. The inulin, a major part of the root, also called #
Atlantin, is very important. It was first found in Elecampane #
(Inula Helenium) to the extent of 24%, but in Burdock, it often #
reaches 40% or more.

It is upon this remarkable substance, we believe that much of the#
curative action of Burdock depends because it has the #
above-named effects upon the system and is most remarkable in its#
beneficial action on the lungs.

The antiscorbutic properties of the root make the decoction very #
useful for scurvy, rheumatic and arthritic affections. The #
following formula, a decoction, is for syphilis, scrofula, skin #
diseases, furunculosis, tumors, abscesses, acne, and a general #
cachectic condition of the system.

Put 4 ounces of the dried cut herb into three pints of distilled #
water. Soak four hours or more and then simmer 30 minutes slowly.#
Strain, cool and keep in a cool place.

Dose for adults. A wineglassful (2 oz) 3 or 4 times a day. For #
children, less according to age.

If it is desired to make up more of this decoction, and it is #
desired to keep it for any length of time, it should be boiled #
down to 1/3 of its original amount and add to the finished amount#
of tea 1/2 vegetable glycerine. In other words to one pint of #
tea add 8 oz. or to a quart add one pint, etc.

When we have a case of blood poisoning in a specific area of the #
body resulting from the sting of an insect, bee, hornet, or black#
widow spider, the bite of a "mad" dog, or infection from a cut #
or sliver, we need a powerful blood purifier that will give #
immediate relief to that area. Plantain (Plantago Major), Lily of#
the Valley leaves (Convallaria Majalis), and the common Lilac #
leaves have this power of purifying the blood stream in such an #
isolated area.

Because the Plantain is so common and grows the world over, it #
has become one of our favorite herbs for this infectious #
condition. In our own practice over the years we have seen many #
miraculous healings occur after using plantain. We have seen #
arms, legs, etc., saved from serious infection by using this #
amazing herb, i.e., a man with a badly swollen arm with a "red #
stream" from the infected hand, and who had a lump under the #
armpit; a girl who, after stepping on a poisonous shell, "passed #
out" because of the intense pain resulting from a swollen leg #
with the usual "red streak", etc. But let us give an example #
taken from Dr. Shook's works which we reprinted in our lesson #
material. Many other old-time Herbalists such as Dr. Nowell, #
Jethro Kloss, etc., tell amazing stories, but here is one I like:

A woman with only one arm came to me in great distress. She had #
been stung by a bee on the only hand she had left. Several years #
previously, she had been similarly stung by a bee. That time she #
had gone to a Doctor because the whole arm was swollen and she #
was in grave danger.

The Doctor lanced and drained the pus from the infected hand, but#
still the arm had continued to swell. Ultimately, the arm was #
amputated. This lady was in abject despair, believing she would #
lose her other arm.

Outside my door there was some Plantain (Plantago Major) growing.#
I picked some of the leaves and gave them to the woman, telling #
her to wash and crush them, make a poultice and apply to the part#
where she had been stung. Next day this lady returned to thank #
me and pay for my advice. The hand was entirely well. No sign of #
poison or inflammation was to be seen, where, but twenty-four #
hours before there was swelling, inflammation and risk of #
amputation.

The word "Alterative" is intended to mean that certain herbs #
gradually alter and correct a bad condition of the blood, without#
necessarily producing evacuations of the bowels beyond normal #
evacuation.

They change the process of nutrition and excretion and restore #
the morbid organs of the system to healthy action. They promote #
absorption of inflammatory deposits chiefly by stimulating the #
lymphatic glands, though this is not all. The purification of the#
entire blood stream, by means of better digestion and regular #
secretion requires the maintenance of a mild alterative influence#
to be continued for some time. Therefore, it follows that the #
term "Alterative" is property applied to those agents, which #
slowly, moderately and steadily expend their influence upon badly#
functioning organs, thus bettering the condition of the blood.

Over the years we have used a very unusual Alterative - a #
combination of herbs that has the ability of aiding many people #
who have found nothing else to help them in advanced diseases #
caused by bad blood. We have had hundreds of people express #
gratitude for the remarkable results they have received from #
following this program of a mucusless diet and the use of herbal #
aids.

-----------------------------------------------

We hope you enjoyed Dr. Christopher's information and find it #
useful. The combination of herbs and complete written programs #
for restoring health to ones digestive track can be found at #
http://www.healthfree.com/health/healing/coloncleanse.htm. #
Information on Liver, Kidney and Blood cleanses can be found at #
http://www.healthfree.com/health/rescue/

Excellent herbal formulas inspired by the works of Dr. #
Christopher and other great natural healers may be obtained from #
- http://www.botanicals.net.

You may obtain a CD ROM Dr Christopher's complete works from our #
website at http://www.healthfree.com/christopher/

Sincerely,

Ron Radstrom,
Founder
Health Freedom Resources

Copyright 2000 Health Freedom Resources, Inc. All rights #
reserved.

Health Freedom Resources may be contacted at:
727-443-7711 phone / 727-442-4139 fax
website: http://www.healthfree.com

Herbal formulas may be obtained from
Southern Botanicals at:
727-461-5455 phone / 727-442-4139 fax
website: http://www.botanicals.net

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