Table of Contents
In this issue:
From the Desk of Dr. Moffat: Black Friday Postcard Reminders have been mailed! Pumpkin disaster!
What’s New on the Website? Updating the broken links and images
Case of the Month: Respiratory Syncitial Virus
Product of the Month: PQQ
Media Reviews: (Book) Hello from Heaven by Bill and Judy Guggenheim
Tips and Tricks for a Healthier Life: Life is like a big ball of knotted yarn
Healthy Recipes: Fermented Cranberries in Honey
Inspiration & Perspective: Wisdom from Elisabeth Kubler Ross
What’s New at Our House? My Cob and Bottle Brick greenhouse is finally airtight! Forest sculpting completed. Laser level.
(Please note that full names are never used in this newsletter or on my website without the full consent of the sender or client. Some cases also encompass groupings of cases with similar symptoms and suggestions for healing in an attempt to educate the general public.)
From the Desk of Dr. Moffat
Well, it’s official. About 1000 postcards have been mailed out for the upcoming Black Friday Special as of today (11/15/22) so watch for your reminder in the mail. As usual, our totally hot deal of the year is 50% off Consults for the months of Dec/Jan/Feb IF you make your appt. Nov. 25-28.
You can check it out here: https://naturalhealthtechniques.com/2022-black-friday-half-off-medical-intuitive-consults/ I’ll just have to do the best I can to get my “Out of Country” people notified as they will never get the reminder card in time for the special. Oh the woes and challenges of making things streamlined!
We had a huge pumpkin disaster this year with Petunia (the pumpkin pictured on the Black Friday page). Very grateful that nobody got hurt! Very. If you’re into watching us harvest her, watch the short video:
She was donated to the Deary Library, carved up as a HUGE Jack-o-lantern and what really surprised us was that NONE of the seeds were developed inside of her so we had no seed to sell or share. That was a first for us. Wow.
What’s New on the Website?
My assistant, Mariane has been busy updating broken links, inserting updated images and building a website for Our Permaculture Homestead. Oh so much to do! But she’s doing a great job and it’s something I’ve needed to do for several years now. Thanks Mariane!
Case of the Month: RSV (Respiratory Syncitial Virus)
Along with Cytomegalovirus, Respiratory Syncitial Virus (RSV) comes up often when in the process of using muscle testing—especially in people who have had a history of asthma, bronchitis or pneumonia at some point in their lives. It’s a real concern in children.
When we were cleaning my mom’s house out after she died, my brothers and I were going through her paperwork. I ran across her little 3 x 5 cards she kept on each child with their shot history. My brothers threw theirs out, but I kept mine as a memento. What really bowled me over was looking at the card and finding that I had suffered with pneumonia THREE times in my very young years! This is serious business for an infant! No wonder I’ve had so many challenges with my lungs!
All total I’ve had pneumonia five times in my life. Asthma? For me, 13 years. When I first started studying for my Naturopathic Degree, I worked with a local mentor. She helped me balance out my supplements (like I do for you) but there was something else. She added in Viral Immune System Stimulator drops about 4 months into the process. I had never had a homeopathic remedy in my life, so of course I asked a lot of questions (as my clients are well-aware) and got a lot of nothing back.
Now, I’ve researched and studied several sources on what these remedies are, how they are made and theoretically how they work, but truly?. . . I don’t really totally understand it. I know that the strengths she was giving to me (30C and 30X) work on physical body and that the stronger dilutions of 1C and 1M (which doesn’t make sense because they are diluted even more) work on the mental/emotional levels of healing.
In any event, my asthma was GONE within 6 weeks! I couldn’t believe it. Of course I jumped on board with those remedies for my own practice and have never looked back, and I did have to attend to the emotional aspects of the dis-ease.
So, when I see RSV in the news, I know it’s not a new thing. It happens every year! I know it can be very dangerous and cause lots of chronic health issues, and I have a healthy respect for this virus (which is why we STILL mask up, isolate ourselves and basically have minimal contact with people). I have too much to do. I’m not ready to kick the bucket like one of my good friends did last month. This virus is something to take seriously.
I recommend that all my clients have Viral Immune System Stimulator and Bacterial Immune Stimulator drops as two staples in their medicine cabinet. When they have them, I know when they email me with some symptoms, I can tell them to take one or the other remedy and most often they won’t even be slowed down (well, until the last two years, but that’s another set of stuff to take, right?)
So what is RSV? Let’s get into it. . .
Respiratory Syncitial Virus
Respiratory Syncitial virus is an RNA paramyxovirus that shows its horrid little face in the fall and winter months and is responsible for multiple recurrences of pneumonia and bronchitis. The Merck Manual states that 70% of humans under the age of 5 have RSV show up in blood test titers.
Symptoms of RSV: Difficult breathing, cough and wheezing are common symptoms. Crepitant rales are often present (which means when you listen to the lungs with a stethoscope you would hear something that sounds like Rice Krispies being squished.) There can also be congestion, runny noses, sneezing, a low-grade fever, sore throat and mild headaches. Pretty much the symptoms of any cold or flu, right?
With severe symptoms there is difficulty breathing and low oxygen saturation. In infants you can add irritability, lethargy, and poor feeding.
Complications of this disease include asthma and inner ear infections.
RSV is often preceded with bacterial pneumonia—usually pneumococcal types. Often there are no symptoms and no fever, but if you do end up in the hospital, you’d be in the 15% statistic of those lung cases hospitalized for the virus.
Spread of RSV: Respiratory Syncitial Virus is spread through droplets in the air (coughing/sneezing) but it can also be passed with hand shakes and by touching contaminated objects. So minimize exposure, wash your hands, STOP SMOKING IN FRONT OF US KIDS (whoops—a little inability to forgive my parents there. My bad. Freaking chain-smokers!), stay home if your sick, support the immune system, eat less sugar and more live raw foods.
High Risk Factors: People most at risk are the very young and very old, people with heart and lung challenges, compromised immune systems and people with neuromuscular diseases (like muscular dystrophy—they can’t expel mucous very well).
Lab Test for Diagnosis of RSV: These days it is diagnosed with nasal swab using an ELISA (Enzyme Linked Imunosorbant Assay) Snap test which we are now all familiar with these last two years, but it can also be diagnosed as part of an ELISA viral panel blood screen. You can purchase a test over-the-counter without a prescription. As the disease progresses, and Xray is also good to do to check for pneumonia
Allopathic Treatment of RSV includes fluids, oxygen, Acetaminophen/Ibuprophin (no aspirin) for low-grade fever, supportive care. There is also monoclonal antibody treatments these days for this disease.
Helpful Links and References for RSV:
Product of the Month: PQQ Pyrroloquinoline quinone
PQQ or Pyrroloquinoline quinone (AKA methoxatin or pyrroloquinoline quinone disodium salt), possibly an essential vitamin, is a supplement which binds to proteins within the cell.
When you Google this substance, it reads like a chemistry book! My brain doesn’t work so well in that way. I like the overall view of things so that’s what I’m sticking with.
It was originally discovered in 1964 as a cofactor for enzymatic reactions in bacteria. PQQ is classified at a nootropic (substances used to enhance brain function, mental focus, motivation and creativity).
PQQ acts as an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective molecule inside the mitochondria (the powerhouse of every cell) resulting in more energy.
PQQ is about 100 times more effective than Vitamin C at processing free radicals.
PQQ Has Been Used For:
- Alzheimer’s
- Anti-Aging Treatments for the Skin
- Degenerative Joint Disease (Rheumatoid Arthritis and Osteoarthritis)
- Dementia
- Fatigue (rather common these last couple of years)
- Fatty Liver Disease
- Head Injuries and Strokes
- Improving Cardiac Function
- Insulin Resistance
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Protection Against Radiation
- Stimulating Nerve Regrowth
PQQ has recently been promoted in helping with fatigue symptoms and by improving cognition in older adults (it raises blood flow to the cerebral cortex). Studies have also shown PQQ may also protect against radioactivity, help with insulin resistance and in rodent studies it even enhances nerve growth outside the brain by increasing Nerve Growth Factor (NGF).
PQQ is a compound made by bacteria in the soil by Bacillus subtilis and Acetobacter and is found in interstellar dust, human breastmilk and in some fruits and vegetables (fermented soy, green peppers, kiwi, parsley, tea, papaya, spinach and celery). Ahh, another great reason to eat your fruits/veggies!
It comes in tiny capsules in the dose range of 10, 20 and 40mg/capsule, but can also be found as soft gel caps, chewable tablets or as lozenges. You should be able to find a good brand (like Life Extension) on the internet.
Helpful Links and References for PQQ:
- Interested in the biochemical aspects of this supplement, PQQ? Check out this extensively referenced article: https://examine.com/supplements/pqq/#research-breakdown
- Dr. Lewis Clark on PQQ: https://drlewisclarke.com/pqq-the-benefits-and-why-your-brain-cells-need-it/
Media Reviews: Hello from Heaven by Bill and Judy Guggenheim (book)
In honor of the healers, friends and my own healing team who have passed over these last two years, I’m re-reading (and processing my own grief while doing so) the book Hello From Heaven.
Over the years I have given copies of this particular book out a couple of dozen times. I’ve read at least 20 books or more having to do with death and dying and this book is THE best one I’ve found. Here’s the book summary: https://naturalhealthtechniques.com/hello-from-heaven-book-summary/
Tips and Tricks for a Healthier Life:
As I watch my own life and the lives of my clients unfold, to me it seems like life is like a big ball of homespun yarn with knots in it. It’s not perfect, but it’s perfect in its own way. There are thick and thin parts of the ball and sometimes the critters jump in, start playing with the ball and really make a mess of it.
You really can’t ruin your life. Most of us are given a set of challenges that we will need to work through as we go along. When I work up cases for people and pets that the medical system has given up on, I find multiple core causes. We work at them and then get to a knot (sticking place or plateau) in the progression of unraveling the dis-eases.
These experiences and lessons are just a part of the journey into wellness. Every day we make choices intentionally or unintentionally and they affect our health. These choices have no regard for social or financial status. I see clients in all echelons of society who are physically/ mentally/ spiritually challenged.
The thing is, when we know we can do better; when we feel it in our gut that we know what the right things to do are, then we can make better choices.
Sometimes the best choice is to reach out and ask for help. Know what I mean? When you start asking friends and your Guides and Angels for help, people are more than happy to turf anyone your way who may have a key to understanding for you. They are sent to unravel those knots in that ball of yarn so you can be off and running again. Every knot unraveled getting you one step closer to your goals.
And another thing. . . some of your Guides/Angels have been assigned to you from your day of birth. Did you know that?
They actually volunteered to be there for you every single minute of every single day. If you ask for a sign that you are on the right path and doing the right thing, they are more than happy to make communication with you. They probably attempt contact every day and in many ways! Are you listening? Maybe you’re just not seeing the signs? Look!
One of the things that has taken me the farthest towards my own goals is to have the Attitude of Gratitude. This is a good month to re-commit to that goal.
This is Turkey Month: In the New Thought World, a turkey re-presents the Giveaway. What can you give away this month and next in preparation for a new (January) beginning?
Do you have items in your surroundings that always bring up negative emotions for you? Find someone who will appreciate it! Give it away!
Do you have ideas and emotions you’d like to trade for happier/healthy ones? Surround yourself with a MasterMind group who will keep you accountable and on track for this.
You see, life is a buffet. We get to choose what we put on our plates for the most part.
Here’s to better choices in 2023.
Healthy Recipes: Fermented Honey Cranberries
It’s Cranberry Season! I’ve been hearing that many of you are just done with most of the fermented products. You’re sick of them, but natural products are much more effective than anything you can get from a capsule and your GUT is responsible for 40% of your immune system so here’s that link to the famous Fermented Honey Cranberries. Last year we made 12 quarts (gave 3 quarts away as gifts) and we have one quart left. We put a tablespoon onto our mixed fruit salads a few times each week or put a couple tablespoons into plain organic yogurt. Tastes MUCH better than sauerkraut! https://naturalhealthtechniques.com/cranberries-fermented-in-honey/
Inspiration & Perspective
― Elisabeth Kübler-Ross
What’s New At Our House?
Well, after 14 years, we finally accomplished our goal of sculpting our property enough that we can get in there and clean up the forest to plant a 40-acre food forest. We now have ponds, swales, and a perimeter road around our 40-acre piece of heaven. We are focused on burning the slash piles as we can (weather permitting).
Our friend Doug, with the big equipment, was very kind to me in putting up with my wishes to bury as much slash as possible making hugelkultures on the sides of each swale for future planting but there was a LOT of slash.
Our forests around here are sick with the pine bark beetle and a fungus kills the roots of the fir trees. It’s very sad. We’re replacing the trees with deciduous trees. This time we’re trying seed–oak, maple, sycamore, hazelnut, black walnut, locust (black and honey), pecan, apricot, plum– but we’ve been planting hundreds of pots of things in the forest the last couple of years. Some of the poplars are still looking good from last year so I’m hopeful.
Mostly my guys (Michael and our friend Doug) make fun of me for planting things for the wildlife that can’t be cared for, but I shall persist!
I’m on year three of building my cob and bottle brick greenhouse in the back yard. It’s coming along. Totally enclosed now for the first time. It’s holding its own temperature-wise. This morning it was 18 degrees outside and 46 degrees inside. Warm enough to keep my bananas, citrus, ginger, coffee, pineapple, and pomegranate plants alive. I’m crossing my fingers for spring! The raised wicking beds will be put in next year so I can get my babies into the ground. Must figure out plumbing this winter!
We’ll be making pizza for Thanksgiving in the Double Chambered Cob Oven. Have not finished the outdoor kitchen yet but I got more cob on the outside and inside this year. The pandemic kind of put a ringer in access to doors, windows and even plywood!
This year I got kind of a wake-up call as to how far I’ve come as a homesteader. Our friend Doug told me to go shoot some lines for the swales. Shoot some lines. . . now a couple of years ago, I would have been at a total loss! But this year? “Sure thing.” I collected my laser level, loaded it up into the Mule (utility vehicle) and headed out into the forest. Michael was oh so supportive. . .”Do you even know what you’re doing?” I pulled everything out and put it all together—ignoring the comment. Totally set it up and marked out several swales. I had Michael stop every 15 feet or so and put the flags where I told him to, then leap-frogged the laser level to a new location when the little red light wouldn’t read the sensor. I looked like a pro! Ha! Totally impressed Michael (and secretly myself—I never could have done that before!) And so it goes.
P.S. As always, please share as you are guided and discard the rest. From our house to yours, we wish you a peaceful, love-filled holy season. Denice ❤