December 1999- Volume 2:2

Garlic ~ used to prevent infections of all kinds, including those which have now become immune to antibiotics

Lavender and tea tree oils ~ used to stimulate production of white blood cells, and are active against one or more bacteria and viruses

Vitamin C ~ stimulates immunity and is antiviral

Zinc ~ stimulates the immune system, and acts as an antiviral agent

Olive leaf ~ antiviral, as well as antibacterial, helps to fight off everyday cold symptoms

Echinacea ~ a natural antibiotic which boosts the immune system ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
All of the above-mentioned herbs and vitamins have several qualities in common, but one quality that is of utmost importance is the fact that they all assist in boosting and maintaining the immune system. I have had personal success with each of these herbs and vitamins. They are some of my particular favorites, and I use them on a daily basis. I use these herbs and vitamins not only on myself, but also on my beloved 7-year-old son, as well as on the rest of my family members and loved ones. In addition, should anyone ask me for my opinion on alternative medicinal remedies, I would highly encourage the use of the herbs and vitamins cited.

Following are a few hints, and a bit of history on the herbs and vitamins referenced. Garlic is most likely one of the best-known remedies known to man. In the ancient East Indian medicinal practice known as Ayurveda, "a remedy using garlic was found on a Sumerian clay tablet which dated back to 3000 B.C.E." (Illustrated Encyclopedia of Natural Remedies). For leprosy as well as cancer, Ayurvedic practitioners prescribed garlic quite liberally. During earlier times lepers used to peel and eat garlic rather habitually, so when the British arrived in India, the disease of leprosy became known as "peelgarlic." As for our own traditional home and folk remedies which have been shared, passed down to us from our grandmothers and wise, healing-women in this country, garlic has been known to bring down fevers and treat infections in the stomach and respiratory system, and is also a wonderful decongestant. And these are only a few of the qualities for which garlic is known. Personally, I love the flavor of garlic, and use it in nearly every dish I cook! I have also known it to repel those pesky mosquitoes in the summer months.

Lavender oil, which is something I have used for years, as my mother taught me, is a wonderful relaxant, especially when used in a hot bath. Also, it may be used in combination with other herbal oils for a very relaxing, yet stimulating massage. It is a calming antidepressant and is emotionally balancing. Lavender's "antiseptic, antibacterial, and painkilling properties make it valuable in treating cuts, wounds, burns, bruises, allergies, insect bites, and throat infections. It is also a decongestant, so it is effective against colds and flu as well" (Illustrated Encyclopedia of Natural Remedies).

Tea tree oil is fantastic for many complaints associated with basic aches and pains of the human body. It is used primarily as an anti-infection oil; although it is also antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral. Tea tree is used for a variety of skin disorders, and is used to clean cuts and infected wounds. Additionally, this oil encourages the formation of scar tissue. This herb has been used as an expectorant which alleviates inflammation and is a valuable immune stimulant. Tea tree has been used to bring down fevers, kill fleas and lice, and as a deodorant. Many times, it has been used in my household as an inhalant to clear up congestion, and for acne which plagues me from time to time.

Vitamin C, ah, yes, an old favorite of many individuals (as well as one of my personal favorites, definitely on my top five list!), but many individuals do not consume vitamin C properly. This particular vitamin is water soluble, and is not stored by the body, so we need to ensure that we receive adequate amounts in our daily diet. One way to be assured vitamin C is in the human system is to take vitamin C that has rose hips included in the formula. This helps to guarantee quick absorption into the body.

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The 1999 World AIDS Day theme, "AIDS - End the Silence, Listen, Learn, Live!," was chosen to encourage people around the world to open new lines of communication concerning the AIDS epidemic. The goal of this year's theme is to motivate people, particularly adolescents and young adults under 25, to speak out about the issue and to educate themselves and others to help stop the spread of HIV/AIDS. Half of all new HIV infections in the United States occur among people under 25.

World AIDS Day was first observed on December 1, 1988, after an international summit of health ministers called for a new spirit of social tolerance and a greater exchange of information on HIV/AIDS. The annual observance endeavors to strengthen global efforts to address the challenges of the AIDS epidemic, which continues to spread throughout every region of the world. The American Association for World Health coordinates efforts for World AIDS Day in the United States.