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Perpetual Motion: The Natural Way to Overcome Chronic Fatigue Syndrome < back to article list >

By Mary Jo Ruggieri, PhD, RPP

Energy is perpetual, you cannot create it, you cannot destroy it, all you can do is use it. If your body machine is well balanced and functioning at an optimal level, you will have continual and boundless energy! Does this sound like you? Do you have energy to spare?? Your energy level is the sum total of many variables, such as the quality of the food you eat, how well you digest your food, your perception of yourself, your level of stress and your daily environmental conditions, Rain or Shine.

One of the most misunderstood conditions in our society today is what is being termed as chronic fatigue syndrome or lack of energy. Deepok Chopra, MD, Director of the Chopra Center for Well-being, believes that chronic fatigue is a very common problem that can manifest itself as a moderately severe impediment to the enjoyment of life, or it can be devastating when it assumes the form of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. The solution to the problem, he says, is always the same: More Energy.

Learn more about Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Let's now move into the area of understanding Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Charoula Dontopoulos, our Certified Herbalist, will explore symptoms, and herbal remedies for this often misunderstood and yet very real problem called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Our chat begins as Charoula talks about CFS and what we can do to help ourselves, naturally, of course.

Do you, or someone your know, feel consistently irritable? Abnormally tired? Difficulty sleeping? Are your lymph nodes swollen or tender? Are you experiencing a low grade fever? Do you feel disoriented, foggy, or chronically depressed? Are your allergies worsening?

If your answer is yes, to any of the above, you may be suffering from Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Long thought to be an imaginary women's complaint we now know that CFS is an auto-immune system disorder caused by a virus known as the Epstein-Barr Virus. Chronic-Fatigue often reactivates such latent organisms as Candida (yeast), Herpes, and Lyme disease, and has been connected with mononucleosis.

Root causes of CFS may include: hereditary factors such as yeast, hypoglycemia, or diabetes; antibiotics or cortico-steroidal drug abuse; physical and emotional stress; and poor diet, alcohol, smoking, or drug abuse.

Today there is no conventional medical treatment for CFS. However, the good news is that CFS responds well to many holistic protocols. This approach includes dietary and lifestyle changes, a stepped up use of herbs and supplements, exercise, and bodywork, especially energy based bodywork such as Polarity Therapy.

If you have established that you are suffering from CFS, begin using the following herbal protocols, daily:

Essiac Tea - made from Burdock root, Slippery Elm Bark, Sheep Sorrel and Rhubarb, is an important cleanser, and helps clear the body of accumulated toxins. Take two ounces of tea in warm or hot mineral water daily.

The juice of Aloe, an anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anti-viral. Take half a cup of the juice in eight ounces of mineral water or juice, twice daily.

Garlic has anti-viral properties, therefore, eat six cloves a day (an amount equal to one dose of penicillin!)

Take thirty drops, twice daily, of a tincture containing Echinacea, Goldenseal, Pau D'Arco, Astragalus, Dandelion leaves and root, Siberian and American Ginseng, St. Johnswort, and Milk Thistle. This will help purify the blood, remove toxins from the liver, kill bacteria, and boost the immune system.

Drink two cups a day of a tea made of Oatstraw, Chamomille, Red Clover, Dandelion leaves, and Lemon Balm, to soothe nerves, build the blood, and provide essential minerals. For a strong brew, use one tablespoon of the mixed herbs per cup of water. Boil the water and pour over the herbs. Wait for a half an hour before straining.

Start the day with a green drink containing Spirulina. This algae boots the immune system, contains Beta Carotene, Vitamin E, and more iron and than beef liver. It is a high quality protein rich in B vitamins and minerals.

Learn more about our herbal therapy services.

Be reminded, that foods are also plants. For CFS, add to your diet: brown rice, grains, especially oats which are good for the nervous system, cooked green and red vegetables, onions and garlic, sea vegetables, fruits with low sugar content, such as berries, grapefruit, lemons, fresh vegetable juices, beans and legumes. Cold water fish like salmon are also highly beneficial. Salmon and Flaxseed oil are both rich in Omega-3 essential fatty acids which kill bacteria and viruses and are needed for energy metabolism and immune health. Eating generous amounts of Reishi, Maitaki, and Shitaki mushrooms will also build your immune system.

Above all, avoid the following foods: sugar, caffeine, alcohol, high sugar fruits like oranges, peaches, and dried fruits, fried and processed foods.

Charoula's information is a plan of action that will build the body's natural defense systems creating choices that alter the detrimental affects of Chronic Fatigue. How to Beat the Winter Colds - Coming Next.

A word from Shakti Gawain - Everything is energy. We are all part of one great energy flow.

Learn more about our polarity therapy services.

May the long time sun shine upon you.

Mary Jo Ruggieri, PhD, RPP
Director, Columbus Polarity Center

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