3-25-2000

Dear Readers,

I hope this edition finds all of you well. After completing and sending out last weeks newsletter, I spent a weekend starting on a journey into the world of Reiki. As this last week has past, I have experienced things from apprehension to a peacefulness I have never experienced before. For those of you that have experienced a Reiki session, maybe you can understand it. It is a practice that originates in Japan and involves the transference and balancing of energy within the body. At the moment in my studies, Vibrational Medicine, I am studying the effects of different energies and subtle energies that affect us in our everyday lives and the different levels of energy outside the physical body, so the Reiki fits into the subject matter.

This issue will deal with the small intestine and an herb called black walnut. It seems that I see more and more people with digestive problems and gastrointestinal problems all the time. With the stomach being last weeks subject, I think it only fitting to work our way down the digestive tract and try to shed some light on the subject. If you know of anyone who might benefit from this newsletter, please forward it to them or have them subscribe through my web-site. I do not mind this being copied if left in tact, so feel free to copy it and pass it around. At this point I must make the normal disclaimer. I am not a doctor and this information is not meant to replace proper medical treatment by a qualified health care practitioner. If you choose to self-treat, it is recommended that you do so with the full knowledge of your physician. Wouldn't it be nice if doctors had to write disclaimers about using herbs unless they had been trained in the use of them? With that taken care of, let's go.

_CONTENTS

_{Small Intestine
Interesting Facts
Black Walnut}

The Small Intestine

The small intestine is a part of the digestive system that is long and tube-like, on average is about 20 feet long, and averages from 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. It is located between the stomach and the large intestine in the lower part of the abdomen. Its function is to break our foods down into their basic components, to neutralize hydrochloric acid, and to absorb nutrients. At this stage of the digestive process bile from the gallbladder and pancreatic juices are introduced into the small intestine to help with the digestive process. The way to keep the small intestine healthy and in good working order is just about the same as it is for the entire body. Exercise, lots of pure water, and a good diet will keep it in top shape. On the other hand antibiotics, antacids, dairy, fried greasy food, and animal products used excessively will cause the health of the small intestine to deteriorate.

A hyperactive (overactive) condition in the small intestine could show up in the following ways;

Short Transit time - This is the time it takes for a meal to go through the digestive process. If it is less

than 12 hours, it is considered to be a short transit time. This is determined timing your transit time by

starting at the moment you ingest the meal to the time that you eliminate it. (A good way for the average

person to time this process is to time the process using corn).

Lactose Intolerance - This is a sensitivity to dairy products. It is an indication of a deficiency of the bacteria lacto bacillius. (a bacteria that helps to break down milk sugars)

Meckel's Diverticulum - This is a birth defect that is a saclike outpouching of the wall of the small intestine. There are usually no symptoms with this condition, but the outpouching may secrete acid and cause ulcers, which could result in painless rectal bleeding. In children, it is likely to cause brick, currant jelly colored, or black stools. In teens and adults, it is more likely to cause intestinal blockages, which usually result in cramps and vomiting.

Volvus - This is a condition in which the intestine is twisted, thus causing a blockage. (blockages are usually caused by adhesion or tumor)

A hypoactive (underactive) condition in the small intestine could manifest itself in the following ways;

Food not digesting and being eliminated whole or only partially digested.

Transit time taking longer than 24 hours. (again, corn being an easy food to time)

Other conditions that Affect the Small Intestine.

Candida - this is a yeast overgrowth. (also known as candida albicans)

Crohn's Disease - Also known as regional enteritis, granulomatous ileitis, and ileocolitis, is a chronic inflammation of the intestinal wall. This disease affects the entire thickness of the intestinal wall. It most commonly occurs in the lowest portion of the small intestine (ileum) and the large intestine, but it can occur in any part of the digestive tract from the mouth to the anus. Modern research believes that this disease is not known, but has focused it's research in the following areas; the immune system, infection, and diet. In natural modalities, it is believed that in many cases parasites are involved. This would support the infection research being done by modern researchers. This disease is becoming more and more common in the U. S. and many developing countries.

Dysentary - This is a disorder of the intestines that produces diarrhea, blood in the stool, and abdominal pain. (Parasites usually involved)

Gastroenteritis - Inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Causes can include viruses, allergies, spoiled food, certain medications, poisons, alcohol, and foreign organisms. (bacteria, viruses, and parasites)

Ileitis - This is a disease that affects the lower part of the small intestine. It is an inflammatory disease of which there are two varieties; terminal or ileitis and regional enteritis. These two terms are frequently used interchangeably by doctors.

 

LOCATION OF THE SMALL INTESTINE IN DIFFERENT NATURAL MODALITIES:

Kinesiology:
Halfway between the navel and the pubic area

Reflexology:
About 2/3 of the way down from the toes on both feet in the arch of the foot.

Iridology:
In zone two, inside the Autonomic Nerve Wreath in each eye. Right eye at 1:00 to 5:00. Left eye 7:00 to 11:00.

Other notes of Interest:

If using a supplement to reestablish friendly flora in the intestinal tract, it would be wise to look for one that has an Enteric coating. This is a coating that allows the supplement to pass through the stomach without being broken down by the hydrochloric acid of the stomach. This would allow the supplement to get to the small intestine before being broken down thus allowing more of the acidophilus, etc. to be released inside the intestinal tract.

In the bowel, there are hair like projections on the villa that absorb nutrients. When someone goes through chemotherapy and they lose hair on their head, some of the hair is also lost on the villa. Losing these hairs lessens the body's ability to absorb nutrients from the food we eat.

The length of the human intestine is like that of a herbivore. It is this observation that leads us to believe that our intake of meat should be limited.

Vitamins, Minerals, Herbs, Supplements, etc. for the Small Intestine.

VITAMINS - A, C, and E.

MINERALS - Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus, and Iron.

HERBS:
Psyllium - adds bulk to the stool and absorbs toxins to be carried out for elimination.

Slippery Elm - soothes and nourishes any part of the body with a mucousal lining. Also helps with the pH balance.

AloeVera Juice - heals and nourishes.

Chlorophyll - feeds and cleanses the body.

Garlic - antimicrobial properties against bacteria, fungi, and worms. Stimulates bile flow. This herb is very underused and has a wide range of healing qualities.

HERBAL COMBINATIONS (Nature's Sunshine Combinations):

Intestinal/Soothe and Build (formerly UC3-J) - this combination is used for crohn's disease, colitis, ulcers, celiacs, and has also been used for acid reflux.

Caprylic Acid Combination - This combination is used for candida overgrowth. It destroys candida. (yeast)

OTHER NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS:

Bifidophilus Flora Force - this supplement contains 1 billion friendly flora (enteric coated).

Acidophilus - helps regulate the intestinal tract.

Probiotic Eleven - represents a unique combination of healthful probiotics to help maintain and replenish intestinal supply. These microorganisms perform essential functions in the body and are affected by aging, adverse intestinal pH, microbial interactions, environmental and dietary temperatures, stress, physiological factors, peristalsis, bile acids, host secretions and immune responses.

Sources:
Mary's Herbs
Merck Manual of Medical Information Home Edition, Pocket Books division of Simon and Schuster; New York, New York; 1997
The Complete Book of Symptoms & Treatments, Roland Bettschart, Gerd Glaeske, Kurt Langbein, Reinhard Saller, Christian Skalnik; Element Books, Boston Ma. 1998.

The black walnut, referred to as the "Imperial nut" by Greeks and Romans, has been used in great varieties for hundreds of years. The tree itself is a source of fine grained wood which is very highly prized.

The hulls over the nut can be used as a very mild natural laxative that will neither impair the digestive functions nor cause nausea, irritation, or pain. In addition, black walnut helps with intestinal problems and relieves various skin irritations. It can also be used to treat sore throats, tonsillitis, hemorrhoids, ringworm, sinus problems, and thyroid deficiencies.

Black walnut has been used since the 17^th century in Russian hospitals and was also used in folk medicine before the discovery of vitamins. In ancient times the entire tree, except for the roots, was utilized for everything from ulcers to the bite of a mad dog. Today the tree continues to offer a wide range of uses. In China, this large tree is considered to be a prime food source for becoming strong, and Texas Folk medicine considers the black walnut second only to tobacco juice for the treatment of scorpion stings.

This herb is also considered my many to be a good travel companion for journeys in places where food and water may contain bacteria and parasites which cause nausea, stomach pains, and diarrhea. It is interesting to note that some herbalists feel that using the green, undried pulp is superior as a parasitic than the dried form. The black walnut is currently in demand because of the theory that parasites are at the root of colon cancer. The tree has been used in local herbal practices around the world and continues to be used in countries from Pakistan to the United States. While the Black Walnut has many uses for the intestinal system, it can also be used as a preventive measure before problems ever begin to appear.

This large tree also provides the world with an important source of protein, phosphorus, and vitamin A. Black walnut also contains Iodine, which can be used to treat the thyroid. In addition, this herb is also rich in Manganese, which is important for the brain, nerves, and cartilage. For this reason some claim that the nut has the ability to "feed the brain." This manganese rich herb is also an important source of relief from skin irritations and can actually help the skin to heal. It has the ability to clear complexions and to relieve itching and inflammation. It provides relief from a number of problems including eczema and herpes.

In a recent study, black walnut has also been proven to reduce the risk of heart attacks. The study found that eating moderate amounts of walnuts, without increasing total dietary fat and calories, lowers cholesterol and provides heart saving effects.

Two tablets are recommended to be taken with meals twice a day. For liquid use, 1/2 teaspoon should be consumed with water 3 times daily.

Sources:
A Handbook of Native American Herbs by Alma R. Hutchens (Boston: Shambhala, 1992)
"Black Walnut" by David Lytle in The Herbalist (May 1995).
Handbook for Herbal Healing by Christopher Hobbs (Capitola, CA: Botanica Press, 1990).
Heinerman's Encyclopedia of Nuts, Berries, and Seeds by John Heinerman (Wesy Nyack, NY: Parker Publishing Co., 1995)
"Notes about Nuts" by Connie Krochmal in The Herbalist (Sept. 1979)
Nutritional Herbology by Mark Pederson (Warsaw, IN: Wendell W. Whitman Co., 1994)
The Energetics of Western Herbs by Peter Holmes (Boulder, CO: Artemis Press, 1983)
Weiner's Herbal by Michael A. Weiner, M.S., M.A., Ph.D. and Janet Weiner (Mill Valley, CA: Quantum Books, 1990).

For educational purposes only
This hand out was prepared by Nature's Field
P.O. Box 425, Springville, UT 84663
It may be copied and distributed provided
it is not altered in any way.