PAIN - Is the Body's signal that something is wrong so do not disregard pain no matter how slight. 2 Types: “Acute” & “Chronic” - Acute such as Head Ache or Injury that comes on suddenly, subsides with time and is usually alleviated with common pain relievers. Chronic may begin as Acute but lasts longer even months or years and can cause Depression. Correct your living habits or it will reappear in a more severe form. Look at Acupuncture, Acupressure, Hypnotherapy and Massage if needed to assist. Try a Cabbage Poultice. Use a Compress, Oil, Ointment or Tea. Muscular: use Eucalyptus Oil, Meadowsweet, Rosemary and Wintergreen. Tension: use Valerian. Alternatives are Exercise, Meditation & Biofeedback. Herbs:  Clove Oil: Apply directly to the painful Tooth. Eucalyptus Oil: Externally add the Oil to the pain relieving Essential Oils of Lavender & Peppermint as it contains Cineole that speeds up absorption of the Aromatic pain relievers through the Skin. N.B: Used for External use only as if ingested can be Toxic. Evening Primrose Oil: one of the best sources of the Amino Acid, Trytophan used to reduce pain and also increases the ability to tolerate pain. Take 1gm 4 x times a day to relieve pain and the Nerve damage of Diabetic Neuropathy that sometimes develops in people with Diabetes. Use powdered Seeds instead because it loses much of the Trytophan in the Oil extraction process. Ginger: also used as a pain reliever at 2 - 4 teaspoons of powdered Ginger a day or use externally as a hot Compress to relieve Abdominal Cramps, Headache and Joint Stiffness and add hot Pepper to the Compress. Hypericum: contains Glycosides including Minerals, Pectin, Resin, Rutin, Tannin and Volatile Oil and is used for the Nervous System as Nature's pain killer. Kava Kava: contains 2 pain relieving chemicals, Dihydrokavain and Dihydromethysticin, which have Analgesic effects similar to Aspirin. When you chew the leaf your Mouth goes numb as it is a Narcotic but not addictive and could be used also to relieve the painful symptoms of Canker Sores, Sore Throat, Sore Gums and maybe Tooth Ache. Lavender Oil: is used as a top treatment for pain as some Essential Oils reduce the flow of Nerve Impulses including those that transmit pain and in Lavender Oil they appear to be Linalool and Linalyl Aldehyde. Mix a few drops in 1 x Tablespoon of Vegetable Oil and massage into the painful area. Mountain Mint: high in Pulegone a chemical similar to Capsaicin that also has pain relieving effects. Make a Tea and use the spent Leaves or fresh ones as a Poultice on painful areas. N.B: Do not use this herb if Pregnant. Peppermint Oil: contains Menthol, which has Anesthetic effects. Used as a massage it has pain - relieving effects but dilute it by adding a few drops to a couple of tablespoons of any Vegetable Oil as pure Peppermint can be irritating to the Skin. N.B: Never ingest the Oil as a small amount can be Toxic. Red Pepper: contains pain - relieving Salicylates that are similar to Salicin equivalent to Aspirin and also Capsaicin that stimulates the release of the Body's natural pain - killers, Endorphins. Capsaicin also works externally by interfering with Substance P, a pain transmitter in the Skin. N.B: Test on a small area of Skin before using on a large area to ensure sensitivity and if it irritates do not use. Rosemary: 2 - 3 teaspoons of dried Rosemary to a cup of pain relieving Tea or for a bath fill a cloth bag with 2 ounces of the herb and toss it in the bath water to relax and it may provide pain relief also. Sunflower: is one of the best sources of Phenylalanine a chemical involved in pain control by reducing pain by inhibiting the breakdown of Enkephalins chemicals involved in pain perception. Phenylalanine is used in Acupuncture to make it more effective in reducing pain. Eat plenty of Sunflower Seeds and use the ground Seeds in a Poultice on painful areas.  Turmeric: contains Curcumin, which has anti - Inflammatory effects including relieving Rheumatoid Arthritis and to do this takes 400mg a day or at least 1/3 of an ounce and these could be consumed in Gelatine Capsules purchased from a Health store. Willow Bark: contains Salicin and is an effective pain reliever. Try 1/2 teaspoon of the Bark or up to 5 teaspoons of White Willow, which has a lower Salicin concentration so use a low dose Tea and work your way up to a dose to suite as the individual species vary in strength. N.B: If Allergic to Aspirin do not use or give to Children who have pain with Viral Infections such as Colds and Flu as they could develop Reye's Syndrome, which damages the Liver and Brain and can be fatal.   

PALPITATIONS - Warm the Feet and drink a glass of very cold water. Place cold Compress across the Throat and an Ice Bag over the Heart for 1/2 an hour to assist the Heart to slow down. Press the Wrists and Eyeballs. Find the cause - Blood Pressure, Debility, Emotional Stress or a Heart Weakness. Herbs: Hawthorn Berries.

PANCREATITIS - The Pancreas is a large Gland situated at the back of the Abdominal Cavity, behind the Stomach and between the Duodenum and Spleen that has two functions. (1) As an Exocrine Gland it produces various Enzymes for Digestion that flow through the Pancreatic Duct to the Duodenum - the beginning of the Small Intestine. (2) As an Endocrine Gland it produces Hormones that are released into the Bloodstream including Glucagon and Insulin, which are essential to normal Carbohydrate metabolism and Hormones connected to Digestion. Cause: it is damaged due to “Acute” or “Chronic” Inflammation of the Pancreas by Alcoholism, Infection, Injury or Tumour and then produces abnormalities to the Endocrine or Exocrine functions. Acute: it appears to digest itself due to the liberation of it's Digestive Enzymes into the Tissues caused by Alcoholism, Infections such as Mumps, regurgitation of Bile up the Pancreatic Duct, Trauma and some Vascular Diseases. There is severe abdominal pain and the person becomes seriously ill. Chronic:  can be caused by repeated attacks of Acute, or directly from Alcoholism or Disease of the Biliary Tract creating recurrent Abdominal pain and malabsorption with Fatty, offensive stools and, less often Diabetes. It is most common in most Western Cultures where Alcoholism is widespread. Symptoms: Agonising persistent pains in the Stomach.

Treatment: Avoid Alcohol completely, a low Fat diet and take in Pancreatic Enzymes by Mouth or Insulin.  Herbs: Dandelion: as a Tonic.

PANIC - Dose immediately with Rescue Remedy and give a 2^nd Dose 15 minutes later and a 3^rd dose 30 minutes later. Treat up to 5 times daily for 24 hours or longer at 2 to 3 times a day - see Rescue Remedy under Bach Essences. 

PARALYSIS OF THE LIMBS: Use Comfrey Root Poultices and rub in Chamomile Oil. Herbs: Bitters Tea: Sage Tea: Thyme Tea: as an Oil by packing a bottle loosely with the Flowering herb and cover in Olive Oil and leave standing in the Sun or in a warm position for 2 weeks. 

PARASITES / see Gut Parasites. 

PARKINSON’S Disease - Symptoms: A group of Neurological disorders characterized by trembling and shaking, slowing of movement, loss of Muscle control and Muscle rigidity with most effected over 60 years of age and approximately 1 in 200 people have Parkinson's with Men more susceptible than Women. Cause: An imbalance develops in the Brain between 2 chemicals, Dopamine & Acetylcholine, usually due to degeneration of the Cells that produce Dopamine. Change to a more natural Lifestyle to look after the Body, Mind and Spirit. Utilize Thyme Sitz Baths periodically - soak 200grm of Herb in 5 Litres of cold water for 12 hours then heat & strain and put in the bath and bathe for at least 20 minutes. Do not dry off but put on a dressing gown and go to bed for an hour and work up a Sweat. Good for Shaking Palsy accompanied by stiffness of the Limbs. Take 4 - 5 Cups of Yarrow Tea throughout the day and 3 - 5 drops of Sorrel Juice every hour diluted in 3 parts of the Herbal Tea. Massage the Spine with Sorrel Juice and Yarrow Tincture. Use Swedish Bitter Compresses to the back of the Head for 4 hours also. Herbs: Evening Primrose Oil: contains traces of the Amino Acid Trytophan, which boosts the effectiveness of L - dopa and the ground Seeds contain even more. A couple of teaspoons of the Oil a day or include the ground Seeds in your baked goods may assist. Fava Bean: one of the best plant sources containing the compound, L - dopa the natural precursor of Dopamine in the Brain and if the Brain makes less Dopamine taking L - Dopa can assist as it is a standard Therapy for Parkinson's. 16 ounces of Fava Beans should provide enough L - Dopa or 2 ounces of Sprouts to have an effect on Parkinson's for even better when the Beans are Sprouted they contain 10 times more L - dopa than the un - sprouted Beans. Eating Fava Beans in the early stages could assist. They and other Legumes also contain Choline and Lecithin that may also assist in having a positive effect in preventing or relieving some of the symptoms the Disease. The herb is also high in fibre, which assists to prevent Constipation a common problem in Parkinson's. As a result produces Gas to which the Body eventually adjusts but the Flatulence needs to be then also reduced by using Beano available at Pharmacists or use other herbs to suite. N.B: If already taking L - dopa discuss this herb with your Doctor before using. Ginkgo: used to treat Stroke recovery and Alzheimer's Disease as it improves Blood Circulation through the Brain, which would deliver more L - dopa where it is needed. Dosage: 3 Capsules a day containing 300 - 500mg of 50:1 Extract with 25 % Flavonoids. N.B: Taking more then 240mg a day may cause Diarrhoea, Irritability and Restlessness and if any of these occur use a lower dose. Passionflower: contains 2 effective compounds Harmine and Harmaline Alkaloids that have been reported to be effective against Parkinson's. Dosage: 10 - 30 drops 3 times a day of a Tincture containing 0.7% Flavonoids. St. John's Wort: contains MAO Inhibitors - Monoamine Oxidase. MAO depresses Dopamine and if these can be inhibited this would seemingly boost Dopamine and decrease the risk of Parkinson's just as Nicotine does. A Tincture of this herb standardized to 0.1% Hypericin could be used taking 20 - 30 drops 3 times a day. N.B: If MAO Inhibitors are taken on a regular basis there is a possibility of interaction with some foods and medication. Avoid Alcohol beverages, Smoked or Pickled foods as well as Cold & Hay Fever remedies, Amphetamines, Narcotics, Trytophan and Tyrosine. N.B: do not take if Pregnant and avoid exposure to intense Sunlight as it can make the Skin more sensitive to the Sun. Velvet Bean: contains a generous amount of L - dopa the same as Fava Beans, around 50,000 parts per million and is also high in Fibre.

PAROXYSM - A sudden attack such as Convulsions, or a sudden exacerbation of Disease or a particular symptom such as the pain in Trigeminal Neuralgia / see TICS. 

PAROXYSMAL TACHYCARDIA - A sudden attack, usually of Convulsions - Tachycardia. Herbs: Hawthorn: as the Berries are effective in increasing the Muscular action of the Heart.

PATELLA LOCK - Horses: A Common Condition due to an abnormal flexion of the Hind Legs. Treatment: Massage raw Linseed Oil into the front of the Stifle Joint, at the site of the Medial Ligament, as this may retention it if you persist with the treatment.

PENCILLIN REACTION - * Some severe reaction on occasions and if so should not be given again. Symptoms: Elevated Heart rate, Perspiration rate, Sweating, Veins stand out accompanied by blind galloping. 

PERIPHERAL VASCULAR Disease -  See  Intermittent Claudication.

Symptoms: Intermittent Claudication occurs when Cholesterol laden plaque narrows the Arteries of the Leg creating Leg pain when exercising after a short distance.

 Cause: Poor Oxidation of the Leg Muscles because of the reduced Blood flow in the narrowed Leg Arteries. Herbs: Garlic: is a terrific herb for treating any Cardiovascular symptom. Eat at least 1 Clove a day or chop it up and put in a Salad or sprinkle it over a Pasta dish to walk better and lower the Blood Pressure & Cholesterol levels. Ginkgo: is the premier plant to use for Intermittent Claudication as it improves the Blood flow through the Legs just as it does through the Heart and Brain by opening - dilating - the Arteries. Take 40mg of Ginkgo Extract twice a day. Ginger: is effective as Aspirin and Garlic in preventing the Blood Clots that trigger Heart attack and similar clotting in the Legs can trigger the Intermittent Claudication pain. Hawthorn: A powerful Heart medicine. Take 120 - 240mg x 3 times a day but check with your Doctor first. Purslane: Saturated Fat is a major culprit in causing any form of Cardiovascular Disease including Intermittent Claudication. Beneficial Oils known as Omega - 3 Fatty Acids help to prevent Cardiovascular Disease. Purslane is the best Leafy source of this and it is well endowed with Anti - Oxidants, the substances that mop up the Free Radicals the highly reactive Oxygen Molecules that damage the Body's Cells and contribute to Heart Disease. Purslane is a delicious Vegetable and you only need to steam the Leaves and eat them like raw Spinach or add them raw to Salads and Soups. 

PERIOD PAIN - Due to contraction in the Muscles of the Womb reducing the Blood flow and causing the Muscles to Ache. Exercise and heat increase the Circulation of Blood. Hot Water bottle useful aided by a hot Aromatic compress. Herbs: Boil 2 Teaspoons Cramp Bark in 2 1/2 cups of water for 1- 15 minutes and add 2 teaspoons of dried Rosemary and leave to steep for 15 minutes then strain. Soak a clean cotton cloth or bandage in the liquid and when cool wring out and place the hot compress on the abdomen and relax. A Decoction of Ginger drunk frequently before and during the period assists also. 

PERIOSTITIS - Inflammation covering the Bone. Relieve temporarily with Ice or a Hot Compress. Herbs: Use Hot Comfrey Root Poultices or Comfrey Paste for long term Relief. 

PHLEBITIS / see also Varicose Veins - Symptoms: Inflammation of a Vein resulting in the formation of a Blood Clot and must be contained if the Clot moves freely it can be dangerous.

PILES - ANAL FISSURE / see also Haemorrhoids - Main Cause: Straining or Constipation creating Varicose Veins either at the end of the Anal Passage or within the Rectum. For fast relief place Ice in a small Test Tube and Insert half way and when Warm Repeat. Or Insert Castor Oil on Cotton Wool. Eat light, easily digested food and refrain from violent exercise. Herbs: Chickweed or Comfrey Ointments and Wild Weed. Externally: Borage, Mullein, Plantain and Witch Hazel Solutions. Internally: Strong Chamomile Tea, Comfrey and Fleabane.  Linger for days: with a dull Ache or Bleed use Slippery Elm and Yarrow. Bleeding: Shepherd's Purse - 100 gm to 5 Litres of Boiling Water and Infuse for 5 minutes. Compound Infusions: Pilewort - 3, Stone Root - 1, Dandelion Root - 2, Witch Hazel Bark -1. Also for Haemorrhoids. Fo Chickweed or Comfrey Ointments and Wild Weed. Externally: Borage, Mullein, Plantain and Witch Hazel Solutions. Internally: Strong Chamomile Tea, Comfrey and Fleabane.  Linger for days: with a dull Ache or Bleed use Slippery Elm and Yarrow. Bleeding: Shepherd's Purse - 100 gm to 5 Litres of Boiling Water and Infuse for 5 minutes. Compound Infusions: Pilewort - 3, Stone Root - 1, Dandelion Root - 2, Witch Hazel Bark -1. Also for Haemorrhoids. Formula: 30 mg. Pilewort, 30mg. Senna fol., and the aqeous extractives of 180mg. Cascara and 240mg. Cranesbill Root.

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