Improving The Health Of America
Q. Dear Terry, “I have had tinea corporis for quite a while and cannot find any type of cream to make it go away. What do you suggest as I’m very conscious of the way it looks on my arms and legs?” — Sue K., Monroe, LA
A. Dear Sue, Tinea corporis, more commonly known as ringworm, is a common fungal infection that develops on the top layer of the skin. It’s characterized by an itchy, red circular rash with healthy-looking skin in the middle. Ringworm gets its name from the characteristic ring that can appear, but it has nothing to do with an actual worm under the skin. Ringworm is closely related to other fungal infections, including athlete’s foot (tinea pedis) and jock itch (tinea cruris).
In the case of fungal infections, I highly recommend concentrated plant oils.
When it comes to plant oils, I suggest using a formula that features the concentrated plant oil of Ravensara. This oil is pressed from the fresh leaves of the Ravensara aromatica tree. It is known in its native Madagascar as the “tree with good leaves” because of its many health supportive benefits. When combined with myrtle (Myrtus communis), thyme (Thymus satureioides), and bay (Laurus nobilis) oils, this formula is extremely potent in ridding the body of pathogens. I recommend taking 200 mg four times daily for up to 10 days, then reduce to 200-400 mg daily. Stay on 200-400 mg daily for a week or two, and if necessary, do an additional 10 days at the higher dosage.
I would also suggest you use a highly concentrated, encapsulated form of Moroccan oregano oil. This rare form of oregano has been used traditionally for generations. Research shows that the powerful plant phenols in Moroccan Oregano (Origanum compactum) show antioxidant activity and are also known for their antibacterial, antiviral, and antifungal activity. I recommend 300 mg of oregano oil daily.
Be sure to choose formulas which feature concentrated plant oils that have been laboratory tested to accurately identify elements of their natural chemical composition. Unlike essential oils used for massage and aromatherapy, these plant oils are tested and “fingerprinted” based on specific molecular makeup, species, marker compounds, purity and safety for internal medicinal use. The extraordinary potency of these tested plant oils allows for relatively low doses, but very powerful health benefits.
Healthy Regards!
Terry . . . Naturally
Tags: Antibacterial, antifungal, antioxidant, antiviral, athlete's foot, Bay, fingerprinted, fungal infection, Hair and Skin Health, itchy, jock itch, Laurus nobilis, Madagascar, moroccan oregano oil, Myrtle, Myrtus communis, plant oils, ravensara, ravensara aromatica, red circular rash, ringworm, Skin, thyme, Thymus satureioides, tinea corporis
Q. Terry, “My question is about warts. I have had some on the top of my forehead and one beside my nose for years but they haven’t grown and are small or hidden enough that they are not unsightly. However, I have recently gotten some on the sides of my first fingers and these are sore to the touch. What can I do to help kill the HPV virus that causes warts?” — Sharlene H., Charlotte, NC
A. Dear Sharlene, I think it would be wise to have your healthcare practitioner take a look at the new warts just to rule out any other type of skin complication.
Since a wart is caused by a virus, the proper way to eliminate them is to strengthen your immune system’s ability to kill that virus. I always recommend that people who are affected by warts, or by any virus, avoid all grain products, particularly those containing gluten, dairy products, sugar and all artificially sweetened soft drinks. These foods weaken the immune system and in fact may strengthen the virus that causes warts.
I would suggest trying a combination of Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica), Myrtle (Myrtus communis), Thyme (Thymus saturoides), and Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis) concentrated plant oils to boost the immune system. I recommend taking 1 softgel of this blend twice daily. You can also pierce the softgel with a pin and apply the oil to the area of concern. You can also try covering the wart with a Band-Aid® or piece of duct tape. Change the Band-Aid/tape when necessary and in several weeks the wart should die off. Just be sure to choose a formula which features concentrated plant oils that have been laboratory tested to accurately identify elements of their natural chemical composition. Unlike essential oils used for massage and aromatherapy, these plant oils are tested and “fingerprinted” based on specific molecular makeup, species, marker compounds, purity and safety for internal medicinal use. The extraordinary potency of these tested plant oils allows for relatively low doses, but very powerful health benefits.
Healthy Regards!
Terry . . . Naturally
Tags: Bay Leaf, gluten, immune system, Myrtle, ravensara, ravensara aromatica, thyme, Virus, warts
Q. Dear Terry, “My 19 year old granddaughter is away at college. She is sick way too often with colds, coughs and sore throats. She is currently taking a multivitamin, along with Vitamin D and C. What else can we do to boost her immune system? Thank you in advance.” — Billie P., Johnson City, TN
A. Dear Billie, First, if your granddaughter seems to be catching an abnormal amount of colds, flu, etc., I would suggest that she make an appointment to see her healthcare professional. While her poor immune system function is most likely due to college life in general (being up late studying, living in crowded quarters, and less than stellar nutrition, etc.), it’s always good to rule out any other underlying cause(s). For example, anemia and type 2 diabetes are sometimes diagnosed from an initial complaint of a weak immune system. Once any underlying problem(s) have been ruled out, she can concentrate on nutritionally rebuilding her immune system.
I like a combination of black currant and elderberry, plus zinc, selenium, lactobacillus sporogenes and lactoferrin. All of these ingredients have anti-viral, antibacterial, or immune supportive properties. I suggest taking 1 capsule daily to maintain good health. Then, when she feels she needs extra support, she can increase to 1 capsule every three to four hours.
Another great combination to battle viruses uses Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica), Myrtle (Myrtus communis), Thyme (Thymus saturoides), and Bay Leaf (Laurus nobilis) concentrated plant oils. All of these flu-fighting plant oils are exciting and work very well together. I recommend taking 1 softgel of this blend daily. When extra support is needed, she can take up to 4 softgels daily. Just be sure to choose a formula which features concentrated plant oils that have been laboratory tested to accurately identify elements of their natural chemical composition. Unlike essential oils used for massage and aromatherapy, these plant oils are tested and “fingerprinted” based on specific molecular makeup, species, marker compounds, purity and safety for internal medicinal use. The extraordinary potency of these tested plant oils allows for relatively low doses, but very powerful health benefits.
Have your granddaughter give these suggestions a try and I think she will be amazed at the results.
Healthy Regards!
Terry . . . Naturally
Tags: Antibacterial, Bay Leaf, black currant, colds, coughs, elderberry, Flu, immune system, Lactobacillus sporogenes, lactoferrin, Laurus nobilis, Myrtle, Myrtus communis, ravensara, ravensara aromatica, selenium, sore throats, thyme, Thymus saturoides, zinc
Q. Dear Terry, “I have been doctoring with my gynecologist for yeast infections for the last 2 years. Every month I get sore and have to go in and be treated with gentiviolet cream or with a pill. I would love to be able to avoid getting this every month. I also take a drug to eliminate stomach acid everyday called Prilosec. I think this is contributing to the problem. Is there something more natural that I can use for my stomach, and anything you can recommend for all these yeast problems? Thank you so much.” — Tami R., Liberty, MO
A. Dear Tami, First, please check with your doctor to make sure you do not have an underlying problem that is giving rise to all these yeast infections. Elevated blood sugar can cause chronic yeast problems, as can a weak immune system. If he or she finds no serious underlying cause, then I do have some suggestions for you. First, I recommend a blend of clinically studied probiotic bacteria, blended with a probiotic (food for the bacteria so they are vigorous and active) and encapsulated DGL (deglycyrrhizinated licorice). It used to be that DGL was only active in the chewable form, but you had to take a great deal, and the taste can be very unpleasant for some people. I have recently learned of a form that is just as effective when taken as a capsule, and you can use less of it to achieve the same effects. This will help soothe and repair the irritation in the lining of your stomach. Talk with your doctor about a one month trial without the Prilosec. If he or she approves, then stop taking the Prilosec and see if your stomach irritation is taken care of by the supplement alone. I bet it will be. The probiotic blend in the above formula serves two roles. First, it helps with irritable bowel issues to improve digestion, and second, it helps reduce the amount of yeast in your GI tract by squeezing them out of their homes. The probiotic blend in the above formula should have at least 12 billion of the probiotic species Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium longum, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Bifidobacterium lactis, along with 50 mg of the probiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS). The next step is to use essential oils that have been evaluated for purity and safe use in oral form. Essential plant oils can be up to 100 times more concentrated than herbal extracts. Use a blend of Ravensara (Ravensara aromatica), Thyme (Thymus serpyllum), Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus radiata), and Clove (Eugenia caryophyllus) suspended in extra virgin olive oil in a capsule, three times a day. These oils are very good at killing off the excessive yeast that are causing you problems. Once you no longer have yeast issues, you can reduce your dose to once per day. Lastly, eliminate the refined sugars and grains from your diet as much as possible. Grains and sugars “feed” the yeast and it is like throwing gasoline on a fire. Take away their preferred foods and you will feel much better!
Healthy regards!
Terry . . . Naturally
Tags: Bifidobacterium longum, clove, DGL, elevated blood sugar, essential oils, eucalyptus, Eucalyptus radiata, Eugenia caryophyllus, fructooligosaccharides, gentiviolet cream, GI tract, grains, improve digestion, irritable bowel, Lactobacillus acidophilus, probiotic, probiotic bacteria, ravensara, ravensara aromatica, refined sugars, stomach acid, thyme, thymus serpyllum, virgin olive oil, weak immune system, Women's Health, yeast, yeast infections