Author: Dara Dietz

Dara D Dietz is co-founder with her Husband of H.E.A.L. Marketplace, a private Natural Healing Association. As a teacher and counselor she has been supporting the members of H.E.A.L. with Natural Healing information and herbal supports since 1998. She continues to maintain strong ties to the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Since healing her own kidney ailments she has assisted thousands of people in discovering and using natural herbal remedies. Dara has written and compiled numerous articles on a wide variety of natural healing topics. Drawing from her own healing experiences and borrowing from the vast wisdom of natural healers long departed, she continues to provide H.E.A.L.’s international membership with down to earth natural healing wisdom in H.E.A.L.’s bi-weekly newsletters. Dara and her husband currently reside in Rutherfordton, North Carolina.
Emotional Healing, My Opinion

Biggest Family Day of the Year!

Dara Dietz

Thanksgiving Dinner at homeWe are a week away from the biggest family day of the year.  Life is messy; there is no escaping the joy, tears and drama ahead.  It’s the same every year, you know the routine.  You spend the first five minutes catching up and the next three days remembering why you only do this once a year.  Those of us blessed with family we actually enjoy spending time with can still appreciate the uninvited drama that manages to show up each year.

I’m all for cutting the drama and enjoying a peaceful uneventful holiday season.  So this year let’s see if we can manage both, Thanksgiving and Christmas, without a single trip to the emergency room.  It is possible with a little planning and forethought.

Try following a few common sense suggestions:

Do not overeat.  Enjoy the special holiday dishes. Take smaller portions.  Eat slowly and only until your stomach feels full.  Stuffing your stomach increases the pressure on an already over worked liver and gallbladder, not to mention your entire digestive system.  Over-stuffing the system with food will lead to irritated nerves and short tempers.  Drama, Drama, Drama!  Not to mention the physical complaints of vomiting and or diarrhea, acid reflux, gallbladder attacks, appendicitis, heart attack, gout, sciatica pain, and the list goes on.

img828Meet the Family: Decide this year to steer clear of the old emotional junk.  Every family has them.  The subjects better left alone.  So, leave them alone.  Allow each person to be new to you.  Someone you are just meeting and getting to know.  Try it; you will be amazed to discover how little you actually know about those who mean the most to you.  We are all constantly growing and changing yet we seldom take the time to get reacquainted.

Be Grateful.  For most of us the small group of friends and family who truly know, accept, and believe in us can be counted on one hand, the few truly blessed ones may need to take a shoe off.  You are who you are today because someone believed in you when you were clueless.  Someone lit your fire and kept it burning by little acts of love and caring.  In this life no one makes good alone.  Your gifts and talents are from the Father above, your ability to develop and grow you owe to the special group of family and friends making up the nucleus of your world.  Who you become is your grateful offering of love back to the Father.

Herbal Supports to have on hand for the Holliday Drama

Here is a quick list to pack:

  • Digestive Tonic, L/P Formula: Upset Stomach to Gallbladder Attack
  • LBF #1: Constipation & LBF #2: Vomiting & Diarrhea 
  • Cayenne & Lobelia
  • NF Formula: Emotional Drama, Panic Attack ect..

BF&C Salve/ M&L Salve

Emotional Healing, My Opinion, Spiritual Healing

Golden Thread of HOPE

Dara Dietz

Orange Easter Lilly with ButterflyToday I want to share a little hope.  This is the golden thread we all live on.  Without hope in something beyond ourselves and this life there is truly no purpose or reason to go on.  If our short span of years in this life is all there is, if this is as good as it gets, why take the ride at all.

No, I don’t believe for a minute that life is only about the short time we are drawing breath here and now.  This life is only the beginning.  Eternity with all the joy and peace of heaven is waiting for each one who truly chooses to be there.  Jesus, the Father, Heaven is not a myth.

This past week and for the next couple of weeks I will stand helplessly by as one of the best friends I’ve known in this life dies.  He has fought a good fight and will lose his battle with prostate cancer in the very near future.  Why is he dying?  Why not do all the great herbal therapies and live? There is life within reach of anyone who chooses to do the work.

He did do the work. Seven years ago we all rejoiced in his victory over cancer.  My friend moved in with us, my husband and myself, shortly after we purchased our current home.  He was a huge blessing, helping renovate and remodel this massive house.  I don’t think we could have done it without his help. Two years ago he received emotionally shattering news.  Unable to emotionally cope with his loss it was not long before his cancer returned.  He has chosen not to do a program this time.  God bless him, he has done all he can.  His heart is broken.

Our life and times are in the Father’s care. All His plans for us are perfect. This side of eternity our vision is imperfect.  We do not see the reality the Father knows so we must trust in His undying love and care for us.  He holds nothing back.  All heaven in vested in the salvation of man.  This knowledge, this reality is the golden thread binding our heart with the infinite heart of God.

Emotional Healing, Getting Started, Herbal Healing

Support for the College Bound

Dara Dietz

college boundMember Q&A: Maybe you have already covered this topic, but I was wondering what you might recommend for our youngsters who are just off to university.  Bearing in mind their diets normally deteriorate extremely (over here most tend to self-cater) and their alcohol consumption goes through the roof… maybe this might be a topic for a newsletter at some point.   Thinking it through I guess the Superfood should be a mainstay but I wonder if there is something else that isn’t too much trouble for them that would also support?

Answer: Yes, Superfood would be a staple for any child going away to college.  The Lower Bowel Formula #1 to keep the bowels open and moving well.   Digestive Tonic & LBF #2 on hand for; “the Morning after the night before”   (Vomiting & Diarrhea)

The hard living you have described as being part of the college life will present a bill down the road for those who partake largely during their college career.   There are formulas to support the different areas of the body but these will not be much benefit until the person has decided to support themselves with a better lifestyle.  This will come when the physical & emotional bills are presented.  This type of abuse of the human system will require rebuilding.  When we are young and our powers are strong it is hard to be convinced that this is not how it will always be.  We throw our limited physical resources away on such vain things.  Once depleted, damaged or gone they are never fully regained.  Our health is a gift lightly esteemed until it is broken.

As for Tonics that might prove helpful; The Brain Formula will assist by increasing blood flow to the brain.  Supporting the remaining brain cells not yet destroyed.  A good Kelp Blend to support the Thyroid gland which will provide a good usable source of energy without whipping up the adrenals with caffeine.

The NF Formula would be an excellent aid for the emotional pressure in those who tend to lose it when the heat is on.  This is a nerve food formula which supports the emotional health as well as the physical health of the nerve cells.  It is one I would use as needed not on a daily routine unless the person is suffering from an anxiety issue or depression.

Herbal Healing, Herbs & How to Use Them, Infection, Colds & Flu

Detoxing with Echinacea

Dara Dietz
Windblownsm

Member Question: I have the flu and cannot believe it.  I have not been sick for 10 years and now I am watching everything I eat and I get sick.  I am obviously doing something wrong.

Answer: This is what we call a healing crisis; it is very common when the body is being cleansed.  You are doing a deep work on your system, pulling toxins out from everywhere.  Just the change in your food program to a better way of eating can create a healing crisis.  You are not doing anything wrong.  It is going to be important for you to use enough Echinacea, to support your immune system to prevent feeling bad while the toxins are processing out.

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Your immune system needs a boost.  The diseased condition in your body is not separate or isolated from the rest of your system.  To heal you must detox your entire body.  This condition in your body was created over many years and will take time and effort to clear.   When the process is complete you can be assured your entire body will be benefitted from the work you will have done. It is suggested at this time you will be best served by using an ounce of Echinacea for six days each week.

A good place to begin any detoxing program is to consume a full four ounce bottle of Echinacea each week.  An ounce a day for four days in a row each week you are working a program. As the toxic condition of the body is processed out the immune system must attach and neutralize each piece of toxic “die-off”.  What is not neutralized is reabsorbed causing a back-lash of detoxing symptoms.  Echinacea sends a chemical command to the immune system to produce more immune system. With more immune cells available to attach and neutralize the flood of “die-off” there is less to be reabsorbed back into the body.

While cleansing a major disease or condition it is common to need to increase ones intake of Echinacea several times. Pay attention to how you are feeling; when flu like symptoms appear the time has come to step up your use of Echinacea.

For a full write-up on a good Echinacea formula, with the four forms of the plant, how to make it, and how much to take, see Echinacea: Telling the Immune System to Gear Up.

Here is a good plan for gradually stepping up the use of Echinacea.

  • Start: begin using one ounce each day for four days each week you are working a program.
  • Step one: begin using an ounce a day for six days each week you are working a program.
  • Step two: begin using 1.5 ounces each day for six days each week you are working a program.
  • Step three: begin using 1 oz. in the morning and 1 oz. at night for six days each week you are working a program.

It is unlikely to need more than two ounces each day but if the need arises feel free to increase another step. Only you can know exactly what your body needs to keep you comfortable while doing your detoxing program.  Be kind to yourself, do the work and feel good.  You do not have to feel bad while you work on yourself.

Understanding the Healing Crisis

If you find you are detoxing too rapidly and need to slow the process down a bit you can step down from juice fasting to a raw food program.  This will provide less alkalinity into the system thus slowing the body’s ability to detox.  If the need arises to further slowdown the detoxing process continue your raw food program with the exception of a baked potato or serving of brown rice.  Always use caution when applying the brakes to your detoxing program.  Often the body is in a detoxing mood and will not appreciate the interruption.

Digestion & Gut, Herbal Healing, Herbs & How to Use Them

Q&A: Are Herbal Laxatives, like Senna, addictive?

Dara Dietz

Jug Plant 2Member Question: I recommended #1 formula to a friend and she is concerned about the Senna in the product.  Can you explain to me why the product is not addictive because I get that concern a lot and I have not found it to be addictive?  I can pass it on to her.

Answer:

The Senna herb is not addictive in the sense of taking over a function produced or done by the body.  This is where addiction happens. You will become dependent on a substance such as laxatives which grease up or bulk up the waste in the bowel allowing it to be eliminated without the muscular action of the bowel working.   Over time this will destroy the muscle tone of the bowel since the bowel is not doing the work it was created to do.

The herbal bowel supports we use in our LBF #1’s, support bowel function.  When the chemistry in these herbs comes in contact with the bowel they cause it to contract more effectively.  This formula does not work on the content of the bowel but on the bowel structure itself.  Over time the muscle tone of the bowel will regain strength and the formula will not be needed.

This may take years because the bowel is not a muscle you can exercise at will.  The peristaltic waving motion of the bowel is initiated when food is chewed and swallowed.  Moving the meal you are consuming from your stomach to your small intestine.  Your previous meal is now moved from your small intestine to the colon and the final waste from the meal before that one should be eliminated within an hour or so.  (This is in a perfectly functioning body, I’ve not seen too many of these)

The herbal supports the Father has provided for clearing the septic back up from our body and healing the bowel work perfectly.  There are no withdrawal issues when the herbs are discontinued or backlash of any kind when used wisely.

Herbal Healing, Herbs & How to Use Them, Skin, Wounds & First Aid

Q&A Herbs for Every Emergency

Dara Dietz

Member Question: I’d like to know what I need to have on hand for everyday emergencies. Can you provide a list of the herbal preparations I should have on hand?

Answer: This is a question I am often asked.  Normally it follows on the heels of some household emergency, which could have been handled with dispatch, except for a needed herbal preparation.   With this in mind we will discuss a few must-haves to keep on hand.

Arnica Oil: Prevents Bruising when applied shortly after a fall ect…  Gently apply over banged-up area being careful not to introduce directly into an open wound.

Cayenne Extract: Any time there is bleeding cayenne will arrest it by the time you can count to ten.

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LOBELIA-Emergency UsesDownload

For serious cuts, puncture wounds, abrasions, apply directly over and in the wound to cleanse and stop the blood flow.  Cover with natural, breathable bandage only.  The Cayenne will not be hot on the outside of the body as long as it can breathe.  Do not use plastic bandage.

Nose Bleed, take 1 tsp. orally.  This will normally stop the bleeding very quickly.  It bad cases it may still be necessary to apply pressure by packing the nostril.  (This is an adult dose, when dealing with a child you will not need to use as much)

Chest pain, Heart Attack, Stroke, use 1 tsp. directly in the mouth.  The symptoms should clear very quickly.  If more is needed then use more.  Cayenne seldom tastes hot in the mouth when someone is on their way to the floor.  They are so numbed out that the heat of the cayenne is seldom even noticed.   For the tightness in the chest you can use 1 tablespoon of Hawthorne extract in a glass of water.  Hawthorne Extract normally works very quickly but cannot be used by anyone who is using a drug to slow or relax the heart.  If you are not taking medications for the heart you can use the Hawthorne Freely.

Stomach Ulcers pain, Cayenne will not only stop the pain but will heal the ulcer.  See our Information sheet on Ulcers for more healing tips.

Dizziness, Fainting, Vertigo:  When the room is spinning out of control, cayenne will stop the spin and put you back on your feet within moments.  See our info sheet on Dizziness.

Digestive Tonic, Acid Reflux, sour stomach, Gas, bloating, bad breath, vomiting, any upset in the upper digestion.  This formula can be used freely.  It actually tastes good too.  A good dose is 1 tsp. in a cup of hot water or glass of cold water.  For acid reflux or upset tummy, drink entire amount in cold water quickly, all at once. This will get the chemistry on the stomach in a strong dose to clear the issue.

LG/AP Formula: Use 1 tsp. with 1 tsp. Digestive Tonic for serious vomiting issues and to quickly quiet the symptoms of a gallbladder attack.

Infection Salve: Use topically over any infected area and to prevent infection.  This is also helpful for wasp stings, ant bites etc.. Goop generous amount over affected area, cover lightly with cloth bandage.

LBF #2: Vomiting & Diarrhea, see instruction at my blog

BF&C Tincture & Salve: Sprang’s, Strains, Back pain, Bone Spurs, this excellent aid for all things Bone, Flesh & Cartilage.  This is an amazing fix for soft tissue injuries.  Apply the salve to the affected area as soon as possible following the injury.  Often a soft tissue injury will clear overnight.  My husband has used this time and again for his back strains.   Between the Herbal Extract and Salve this formula is the best thing out there for knitting us back together.

Anti-Spasmodic Drops: Female period relief, Seizure, 10 to 15 drops directly into the mouth will quickly stop a Seizure.  This dose will also clear the menstrual cramps.  10 to 15 drops in swallow of water is helpful for a crampy bowel.  A Baby with Colic can be assisted with 1 or 2 drops directly in the mouth.  This is best given while actively feeding.  The drops will calm the spasm allowing the air to pass more easily.

Jewelweed Salve: Natures antidote for Poison Ivy, Poison oak ect… This is one of the best Anti-itch creams I’ve come across.  It has been used for very successfully for itchy hives when nothing else was helping.

M&L Salve: Tension Headaches, Locked or Frozen joints, Whiplash, Read more on this amazing combination at my blog.

Emotional Healing, My Opinion

Happy Birthday to me!

Dara Dietz

Dara CloseupWow, can I really be %# already. This just can’t be true. My heart still beats inside the body of a young girl. The years have flown in a flash. So much still I’d love to do, so much yet to know about living, loving and being me. I’m just beginning to know who I am and what I really want from this life.

I cannot remember a single day uncolored by the Love of my Heavenly Father. His care has provided comfort and hope when the evil and hurt was all around. He has been my friend and counselor as I have worked to make sense of my early years. Now I know Him as my trusted Friend who has walked every step of this life with me. I have had to make this journey alone, except for Him, but what a great Exception He is.

I want to thank each of you who have shared even a small part of my journey with me and who I have been privileged to share in yours. In sharing I have discovered the only truth of any value in this life. It is only in giving and doing for others that real joy, contentment and healing can be found.

Cleansing & Flushing, Herbal Healing, My Opinion

Starting Week Two of My Juice Fast

Dara Dietz

fresh juiceToday I start the second week of my extended juice fast.  My energy is up today, I feel great.  Why am I doing an extended juice fast?  It is my way of clearing the cobwebs from my life as well as kick starting my weight loss program.

The fresh juice I drink is only a part of my program.  I am using two tablespoons of Superfood three times a day.  Clear distilled water 32 oz. three times a day.  Apple Cider Vinegar one tablespoon in 16 oz. of water twice a day.  Psyllium Husk Powder 1 rounded teaspoon once a day in my evening Superfood.

My need for the LBF #1’s has gone up by three capsules a day.  This was expected.  The waste coming from the liver has no fiber and sits heavy in the bowel.  I’ve lost 11 pounds since beginning my juice fast last Monday.  I can already feel the need to do a liver flush again.  Flushing my liver has been on my schedule since last Friday.  Hopefully I’ll be able to do an “ELF” tonight.

One really weird item: This past month I’ve developed heavy crystals in my left foot.  After setting for any length of time the first step I take feels like I’m crushing glass under my foot.  The sharpness crushes away as soon as I step down.  I’ve never heard of our felt this type of heavy crystals before.  They went away for a couple of weeks after my last liver flush.  It’s apparently time to clean this house I’m living in.

Herbal Healing, Skin, Wounds & First Aid

Hives are Breaking out All Over

Dara Dietz

hives 2I’ve been getting a lot of questions on Eczema & Hives lately. Not sure what is going on out there.

Several of our members have called this past week with fresh outbreaks of hives.  Hives must be cleared from the inside out.  Topical applications will not clear this condition.  The Liver has decided to detox through the skin instead of channeling the waste through the bowels. The skin was never intended for this type of detoxing.  The blisters and scales caused from the caustic waste itch insufferably.

A good liver cleanse is the only fix for this unbearable condition. Several years ago a woman was brought to me covered in blisters from her neck to her knees.  She had been trying for over a month to clear the hives with prescription meds but to no avail.

She had her first liver flush that afternoon followed by a warm ginger bath.  We added two cups ginger powder to a bathtub of warm water.  She soaked in this for about an hour. There was no need to clear the bowels before her liver flush since she was already using the LBF #1’s.  By the next morning all her blisters were down to dry red patches.  She continued juice fasting and liver flushing that week at home and reported the hives were completely cleared by the following weekend.

Since working with this woman I have discovered the power of the ELF (Emergency Liver Flush) for clearing hives in a day instead of the week it took doing the smaller amounts of Olive oil.  These days I still suggest the ginger bath as ginger is a downward motion herb which will encourage the body to detox through the proper channels.  But I have found doing an ELF at the start of the week of liver flushing when dealing with acute skin issues will often completely clear the misery in one day or at the very least greatly reduce the issue.  Continue flushing the liver throughout the week ending with another ELF on day five of the liver flush.

Those who have stopped flushing the liver after the one ELF has cleared the hives have had the condition return in a few weeks.  It is a good idea to finish clearing the liver so you will not have to face the itch again.

Details on how to do an ELF are available on my blog and in the member’s area on the last two pages of the Liver Flushing E-Book.