[YEA]  03/16/2010: Danny from Okeechobee, Florida writes: "I use a piece of ice to kill ring worms. I know this works if you catch it early and its a small area. It just amounts to freezing it like the doctor did when i was a kid.You gotta be able to stand the pain but after a while it will be numb so bear with it till numb and then some. This is a one shot treatment that works for me."

EC: Warning! You can damage tissue or cause frostbite by icing too long.

Read tips about icing here: http://orthopedics.about.com/cs/sprainsstrains/ht/iceinjury.htm

[QUESTION]  03/16/2010: Jerilyn from Aliquippa, Pennsylvania writes: "My daughter who is 31 years old got the swine flu (none of us went to the doctor except her but we know that it was the swine flu we had). She got it the worst. She cannot get rid of the build up of fluid in her ears (she's been to the doctors for it and he gave her penicillin and a nasal spray which she wouldn't use because nasal spray aren't good for you to use, per a cousin of mine who is a doctor). After a month of the fluid in her ears, she still can't get rid of it. If she goes to another doctor I know they aren't going to be able to tell her what to take to get rid of it. What would you suggest? She has tried echinacea, warmed onions on the ears, Vitamin C (large doses), penicillin and the natural ocean mist nasal spray to no avail. Please, if you can tell us what to get naturally to get rid of the fluid in her ears, we would appreciate it. We are use to using natural treatments, so whatever we have to get to get rid of this, she will do.

Thank you.
Jerilyn"

03/17/2010: Susan from Ormond Beach, Fl writes: "Had a Nissen Fundoplication in Feb. 2010 and it seems to almost be the answer to a GERD nightmare. Had a sliding hiatal hernia that had started causing damage to my escophagus and 3 doctors said it would lead to cancer. No brainer to have the surgery. Only drawback is that my mouth after a week or so after surgery began to feel like it was hit with a blow torch. Understand the acid can now just slide right up into the mouth and, if not controlled, could cause damage to one's teeth. As for ibuprofen which is so often mentioned, I can't take it as it causes photo-synthetic reaction to sunlight."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  04/28/2007: Christine from Aurora, co writes: "I'm completely floored about the info on ibuprofen causing reflux. I was using ib. several times a day because of back injuries from a car accident when my reflux started. I use it from time to time still but was put on Protonix (a proton pump inhibitor)for my reflux, and am figuring out that it is RUINING my health. I diddn't know that PPI's inhibit absorption of calcium, minerals, B-12, healthy digestion, etc. I gained 15lbs within the first 9 mos. of starting it --and i don't gain weight like that. Since then, I've had 2 babies & the weight doesn't come off; I only lost 10lbs after the last one in the 5 mos after birth --that is not normal. I'm almost positive my thyroid is off and I'm estrogen dominant --I have to take progesterone. I've tried getting off this PPI 5 times, and no luck --each time I fail the PPI becomes less effective and now I have breakthru reflux even though i'm taking the PPI. Has anyone had luck weaning themselves off of a PPI????"

04/10/2009: Irene from Asheville, NC writes: "I am responding to Christine from Colorado. I had very bad reflux which even caused asthma for yrs. It was due mostly to a hiatal hernia which was very large. Even though I've fallen many times in my life, I never broke a bone till last summer. Since then I broke my left wrist twice in 6 mo. and found out it was the result of taking Nexium and other PPIs for yrs. It keeps your body from absorbing calcium and other important minerals , so I decided to have surgery. I researched and found the "best" surgeon on the East Coast in Ocala, Fla. and had several procedures done at the same time. A new surgery called EsophyX where they put a special instrument down into the esophagus to make a new valve; and then I had a laparoscopic procedure called Nissen fundoplication. My doctor does a loose wrap so that you can burp and pass gas (one of the negatives of the older versions of the Nissen. My hiatal hernia was so large that half my stomach was protruding into my chest, pressing on the lungs, therefore the asthma and breathing problems I had. Well, it's 8 wks. post surgery--it's a long recovery--the surgery itself is not too painful afterwards. It's just the 6 wk. semi-liquid and soft food diet (good for losing weight) and I still had lots of burping and gas and some burning. Last week, I started eating some normal foods like salmon and mashed potatoes and salad and felt great for a week or so; I assumed I was healing, but I've had a relaps e the last 4 days and have that annoying gas and burning feeling and constipation (which has been a problem since surgery). I would say this could be a solution, but I am not going to recommend it at this time. I do NOT take Nexium or PPIs any more though, but do have to take gas pills and an over-the-counter pepsid once or twice a day on the bad days. I will never take those prescription pills again.

I will give periodic updates on my progress. I do understand from reading blogs on the type of surgeries I had that it could take at least 6 months to feel better. There are ups and downs, so when I'm in the down period, I naturally feel that maybe this isn't working. I'm trying to be positive though. I take every digestive enzyme and probiotics on the market, baking soda, DGL licorice and nothing seems to help this gas, and hence the burning. Any other remedies out there? I'm tired of spending so much money and not getting help. Thanks, Irene"

04/11/2009: Joyce from Joelton, Tn writes: "Hello Christine,

Most all the NSAIDS from aspirin on can cause acid reflux and worse problems such as bleeding PUD (peptic ulcer disease) causing anemia. I think your back problems will probably fare better painwise as well as acid regurge wise if you replace that NSAID with MSM (methylsulfonylmethane). I think you will find few to no adverse reactions to it also."

03/17/2010: Susan from Ormond Beach, Fl writes: "Had a Nissen Fundoplication in Feb. 2010 and it seems to almost be the answer to a GERD nightmare. Had a sliding hiatal hernia that had started causing damage to my escophagus and 3 doctors said it would lead to cancer. No brainer to have the surgery. Only drawback is that my mouth after a week or so after surgery began to feel like it was hit with a blow torch. Understand the acid can now just slide right up into the mouth and, if not controlled, could cause damage to one's teeth. As for ibuprofen which is so often mentioned, I can't take it as it causes photo-synthetic reaction to sunlight."

[YEA]  03/17/2010: Sarah from Indianapolis, In, Usa writes: "I would like to tell everyone about a remedy not listed on this site...Mangosteen juice! I bought the juice for its super-antioxidant properties, but I found a very happy unknown (to me) cure. My boyfriend and daughter snore terribly, and the first night we all tried the juice, they both stopped snoring. Not only that, but they both breathed through their noses all night! All it takes is 1/3 cup of juice 2 hours before bedtime. The juice has strong anti-inflammatory properties which may be what stops the snoring."

I tried 2 teaspoons of acv to 8oz of water 3-4 times a day. It burns going down. So I added 1/4 teaspoon to it. Its been about 2 weeks now. I havnt had to take any meds yet. I have more energy. My sinuses are getting better. But I still have a little heartburn. How can acv be a alkaliser if it says acidity right on the bottle."

[YEA]  09/21/2008: Judy from Pardes Hanna, Israel writes: "I started using stronger and stronger medicines for acid reflux and wanted to try something else. Looking in your site, I got some apple cider vinegar. I take less than a teaspoonful in a large glass of water, twice a day, and have stopped using any medicine. Thank you so much."

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  03/17/2010: Keith from Monroeville, Nj, Usa writes: "HI...Im 54 yrs.and I've had heartburn since I was a child. It got worse the older I got. My Mom always cooked us a well balanced dinner. By the time I was in my late teens I had severe heartburn and always had antiacids in my pocket. Even kept baking soda in my lunch box.We couldnt afford going to doctors unless it was an emergency. I had insurance when the first brand of Acid Reflux meds came out in the mid 80's. I thought it was a Blessing. Soon I lost my insurance and could buy some over the counter brands. But it always seemed to come back twice as bad when I didnt take anything, and a pack of antiacids only lasted 2 days.

I tried 2 teaspoons of acv to 8oz of water 3-4 times a day. It burns going down. So I added 1/4 teaspoon to it. Its been about 2 weeks now. I havnt had to take any meds yet. I have more energy. My sinuses are getting better. But I still have a little heartburn. How can acv be a alkaliser if it says acidity right on the bottle."

[YEA]  03/17/2010: Capirussa from Orlando, Florida, Us writes: "Honey has also been a successful treatment of acne for me. I bought a jar of organic RAW honey and it made all the difference from the regular, processed market brands. I suggest it to anyone because not only is the organic honey full of enzymes and good things that have not been filtered out and help kill the acne bacteria, it is also non-drying for your skin or harsh in any way and I've had some degree of success with it in removing the old acne scars. Since the honey comes in a rather solid form, you can just take a spoon to it and carve some out and it'll more or less melt between your fingers once you start to rub it onto your face. I would leave it on as a mask for an hour or so, then just rinse off with warm water. Don't use soap. In fact, that's another thing that helped my skin improve, I stopped using soap and any harsh chemicals on it. The PH balance of the skin returned to normal and along with the honey, helped destroy any bacteria that was lingering where it wasn't meant to be. Good luck everyone, I LOVE THIS SITE! Thank you earth clinic and all who contribute. It has been an amazing help."

[YEA]  04/03/2008: Winnie from Washington, DC writes: "Thank you earth clinic. we''re all in this together. I spend lots of time reading about remedies and testimonies, the yes and the nays, its all good. I am pleased to read the nays that come from people who understand that even though the product didn't work for them, doens't mean the other testimonies are fake, just as we all are individuals, we get different responses.it's all good, learn from it and ask your higher power to send you what works. thats what i did; I have been trying lots of things, every time I read a testimony, I run out and buy the stuff and start using,and a week later, I decide, this thing is not working, and sometimes get angry because I have a cabinet full of ingredients'don't want to use anymore; then i started reading the testimonies from my heart, and listening to how I really feel about a product.

What happened is that ideas started coming to me, and one of them is honey, I decided to try honey on my acne face, I had half a jar of manuka honey at home so I started using it along with baking soda and lemon juice, and imediately I could see a glow. I also had pain in my gum, and have been using OP with some results, but still had soreness with brushing, then todaY i DECIDED TO USE THE HONEY inplace of oil, put a tsp in mouth for about 5 to 10 minutes, then spit it out and brush, wow! no pain or soreness, I also had a bump on my face, i put a dab of honey and went to bed, this money bump gone. I tok the honey jar and spoke into it thanking all the bees that gave me this wonderful product, I thanked the farmers,the store keepers and last but not least this wonderful site, earthclinic. thank you for taking us back to earth, now i know everything works, at the right time with the right attitude. Love always."

[YEA]  03/17/2010: Capirussa from Orlando, Florida, Us writes: "Honey has also been a successful treatment of acne for me. I bought a jar of organic RAW honey and it made all the difference from the regular, processed market brands. I suggest it to anyone because not only is the organic honey full of enzymes and good things that have not been filtered out and help kill the acne bacteria, it is also non-drying for your skin or harsh in any way and I've had some degree of success with it in removing the old acne scars. Since the honey comes in a rather solid form, you can just take a spoon to it and carve some out and it'll more or less melt between your fingers once you start to rub it onto your face. I would leave it on as a mask for an hour or so, then just rinse off with warm water. Don't use soap. In fact, that's another thing that helped my skin improve, I stopped using soap and any harsh chemicals on it. The PH balance of the skin returned to normal and along with the honey, helped destroy any bacteria that was lingering where it wasn't meant to be. Good luck everyone, I LOVE THIS SITE! Thank you earth clinic and all who contribute. It has been an amazing help."

03/17/2010: Michelle from Germfask, Mi/usa writes: "I also have silent reflux and have most of the above symptoms but I also lose my breathe when laughing. The doctor tells me it's just acid reflux. I don't get heartburn so it's the silent type. I would also like to know if I should use ACV or baking soda? Thanks everyone this is a great site."

[QUESTION]  03/16/2010: Sasha from New York, Ny writes: "I am told I have silent acid relux.. no heartburn, but tightness in my throat, esophogeal spasms, excess mucus, hypersalivation, and anxiety from all of the above. Difficlut to belch, but when I do it seems to relive the symptoms a bit. It's as though its gas not acid that is causing the problem. It began a few months ago after a bout with bronchitis and asthma related symptoms. I used an albuterol inhaler and not sure if that inflamed my throat / esophogus. (not using anymore, no asthma symptoms) Was put on Prilosec by the ENT (didn't work), Acipehx by the GI (made the symptoms worse) and digestive enzymes by a homeopathic doctor (felt some burning in my tummy) I have given up coffee, wine, citrus, chocolate, tomatoes etc. Would like to know how I can determine if I have too much or too little acid? Is there a home PH test I can use? With the symptoms I described, do you think ACV with baking soda would work? Is aloe vera a good remedy (it has citric acid??) Look forward to some guidance here. My daughter is getting married in June and I really want to feel good by that time. Thanks in advance"

03/17/2010: Michelle from Germfask, Mi/usa writes: "I also have silent reflux and have most of the above symptoms but I also lose my breathe when laughing. The doctor tells me it's just acid reflux. I don't get heartburn so it's the silent type. I would also like to know if I should use ACV or baking soda? Thanks everyone this is a great site."

03/17/2010: Sally from New York, Ny writes: "I've been reading about Ospemifene which will be marketed under the name Ophena. Can anyone tell me if it is produced without cruelty to animals? I was horrified when I found out how estrogen is produced from pregnant horses urine and the suffering that many tens of thousands of mares go through, not to mention the foals that are slaughtered."

11/11/2008: Janis from Renton, US. writes: "For all that are suffering from vaginal atrophy. Keep in mind that there is a drug in clinical trials right now called Ospemifene. Ospemifene is one of a class of drugs called selective estrogen receptor modulators. In tests ospemifene appears to have an estrogen like effect on the vagina and it is supposed to be absolutely safe to be used for vaginal atrophy. I am just wondering if anyone else has heard of this. I am waiting for this to become available to try. Also wondering if anyone has figured out what can be used in the meantime until I will be able to try the ospemifene."

05/26/2009: Serenity from Oswego, IL writes: "Has anyone tried this medication yet. I have vaginal atrophy and need help with what to do."

06/14/2009: Teri from Dallas, TX writes: "Evening Primrose capsules help amazingly well with vaginal atrophy. through trial and error, trying over the counter,perscription drugs, and other natural methods, I finally came around to trying Evening primrose capsules and it was the perfect solution for me. Most of the medical and holistic formulas I tried caused an allergic reaction in my vagina. But a simple Evening primrose capsule once at night brought the tissue back to normal. I suggest inserting it at night so it can absorb while you are sleeping. Otherwise you will need to use a thin pad for protection as your body heat melts the capsule. Good luck."

08/12/2009: Louise from Detroit, Us writes: "Has anyone used vitamins e capsule for vaginal atroph?"

08/19/2009: Chica from Detroit, Mi writes: "Did you take the evening primrose capsule orally? It sounds like you used it as a suppository... so did it help with the atrophy of the outside vaginal tissue?"

11/14/2009: Mary from Mukilteo, Washington writes: "Does anyone know the brand of a vegetarian Evening Primrose gel capsule? Thank you"

03/17/2010: Sally from New York, Ny writes: "I've been reading about Ospemifene which will be marketed under the name Ophena. Can anyone tell me if it is produced without cruelty to animals? I was horrified when I found out how estrogen is produced from pregnant horses urine and the suffering that many tens of thousands of mares go through, not to mention the foals that are slaughtered."

03/17/2010: Joyce from Joelton, Tn. writes: "Hello to Tricia, Phil & others interested in scratch cooking,

Tricia, you have the basic gravy recipe, but you can vary it more than with milk. Tomato gravy used to be one our favorites as a child. Just use your recipe for basics but use tomato juice for part of the water.

For those interested in "red eye gravy", you start with drippings left in skillet from frying country ham, then use coffee for the liquid instead of water."

10/29/2009: Tricia from Ireland writes: "My Mom made what she called a healthy gravy by letting any fat or residue left in a pot or pan reduce to just prior to burning then add a tablespoon or two of water and stir. This gave you use of the leftover nutrients without any E no's added. I usually do it but add milk instead of water cos I prefer white sauces. If I want to make a fancy sauce I add the herbs as necessary. You can learn which herbs to use by reading the ingredients on the back of the packets at the supermarket. I get annoyed when I see "Herb mix" printed on them because then I can't copy it."

03/17/2010: Joyce from Joelton, Tn. writes: "Hello to Tricia, Phil & others interested in scratch cooking,

Tricia, you have the basic gravy recipe, but you can vary it more than with milk. Tomato gravy used to be one our favorites as a child. Just use your recipe for basics but use tomato juice for part of the water.

For those interested in "red eye gravy", you start with drippings left in skillet from frying country ham, then use coffee for the liquid instead of water."

03/17/2010: Brendak from Columbus, Ms writes: "I would like to know more about the MACA. How much and how often do you take it? Does it come in powder or pill form? I thought there wasn't anything out there to help me so I am willing to try anything. Thanks for your help."

[QUESTION]  05/08/2009: Alice from Manama, Bahrain writes: "Hi! I would like to request that a new ailment would be listed in that section.."female sexual dysfunction". I only found erectile dysfunction and low libido listed and these have remedies for men.. I hope you would consider fulfilling my request

Thanks"

06/02/2009: Mocity from Missouri City, TX writes: "I would also like some remedies for this problem. I have been like this for about 1 year now and would like to try something natural. I am only 33 years old and don't think I should have this problem. It is affecting me seriously now. Your help is appreciated."

12/03/2009: Mrsksims from Saint Louis, Mo writes: "I'm in the same boat at Mocity. I am a 7yr breast cancer survivor and had a hysterectomy/oophrectomy last Oct. I'm only 33, with a 24 yr old husband and NO libido and NO arousal and NO orgasm. I can not take hormone replacement therapy because of my history with cancer (the reason why I had the surgery in the first place.) I saw my doctor on Monday and he recommended a sex therapist and a medicine normally prescribed for male impotence, that my insurance won't cover. HELP. please."

12/03/2009: Lisa from Thousand Oaks, Ca, USA writes: "Hi Mrsksims from Saint Louis, MO, I just recommended to Loren from Queens, NY to take maca. It is a root found in South America very high up and is wonderful. Read all about it. It is highly touted for restoring the libido, hormone balance and many other wonderful benefits of which I've written of already so I won't repeat them but you can look at other posts of mine. I wanted to write you asap as I can see you are really hurting. See my other posts for other things to help you and give you hope. Write if you have any other questions. Also look into raw cacao and all of its benefits. Chock full of magnesium/chromium, highest of antioxidants on the planet which protect us from cell mutation, builds serotonin in us which makes us feel happy, and so much more- truly! Take your health in your hands, Lisa"

03/17/2010: Brendak from Columbus, Ms writes: "I would like to know more about the MACA. How much and how often do you take it? Does it come in powder or pill form? I thought there wasn't anything out there to help me so I am willing to try anything. Thanks for your help."

03/17/2010: Derbychick77 from Mayfield, Ky, Usa writes: "Bill thank you so much for your help. I tried the lemon/baking soda mixture and it was a little better than the ACV/BS combo but still not great. LOL I will definately try the other things you suggested. I am also tired all the time. Is there anything I can add to my regimen to help with that? I have been exercising 3-4 days a week but that really doesn't seem to be helping that much for the fatigue. Thanks again:)"

02/19/2010: Peter from Chicago, Ill writes: "To Bill from San Fernando,

From all the emails that I read from you to Earthclinic, obivously you are very knowledge person.

Can you help me on Ted's alkaline formula, what happens if you put in 1/2 tsp instead of 1/4 tsp of Baking Soda in ACV, or whole glass of water instead of half glass, how does this change the effectivness if any ?

Same question for the lemon and lime formula, keep adding baking soda until stop fizzle, what happen if you add too much, what happen ? Also when I add baking soda to lime and lemon, there is always some fizzle. does half glass of water makes stronger vs whole glass?

Thanks!"

02/19/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines writes: "Hi Peter...Whenever I've taken any of Ted's alkalizing remedies -- whether its the Lemon/Lime remedy plus Baking Soda or the Carbibarb remedy or just Baking soda on its own, it's very important to understand just why you are taking these different remedies.

Taking Baking Soda -- 1/4 tspn in half a glass of water is generally taken after a meal as a digestive aid or outside meals just to alkalize the intestines and blood or extracellular fluid.

Lemon/Lime plus baking soda is used to normalize more parameters because limes and lemons contain many additional useful minerals as well as Vitamin C. Here is where you add the Baking Soda until the fizzing stops so that all the citric acid -- as well as the ascorbic acid -- has been neutralized and converted to its more alkaline salt form -- citrates and ascorbates. These are easily absorbed by by the intestines. This is also my own favourite way of alkalizing, because its not complicated !!

ACV plus 1/4 tspn Baking soda. Used the same as lemon and lime, but gives you more energy through the formation of malate salts -- which are utilized in energy production -- via the Krebs Cycle -- in your body.

Carbicarb remedy -- Usually this consists of using sodium carbonate and potassium bicarbonate salts with citric acid together in solution. There are variations of this -- using the sodium and potassium citrate forms which are just as good. The reason you use this form of alkalizing is to alkalize both your blood(extracellular fluids) and intracellular fluids as well and is perhaps more useful. When I use this remedy, I sometimes add a 1/8 to 1/4 teasoon of magnesium sulphate or mag chloride crystals to help balance the potassium and calcium. Useful if you have sodium retention issues.

And you should always be very careful with these remedies if you have any renal issues since the kidneys are the main organs that balance the electrolytes held in the blood.

When I took these remedies for particularly my own candida problem, I deliberately upped my doses to 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda and took them 2 - 3 times a day. Here, I was aggressively targeting a higher pH to kill off the candida. But, in general, as a regular maintenance dose, 1/4 tspn Baking Soda is fine.

When you take these remedies, you are generally advised to take them in just half a glass of water because not only should you take the correct amount, but you should also take them at the proper concentrations, so that these electrolytes are fully and quickly absorbed through the intestines into the blood by osmosis between the different concentration gradients. So taking these remedies in half a glass of water provides the best medium for absorbtion into the blood. A weaker concentration -- ie full glass -- would therefore slow down and hinder absorbtion of these important electrolytes.

Also, whenever I took these alkalizing remedies, I never suffered any ill-effects, but I have read of some who have used them that have suffered headaches, night sweats, insomnia and kidney pains."

02/20/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas writes: "Hi Bill, wow! I can't thank you enough for expanding on the alkalizing formulas. I am the type of person who needs to understand the process of how things work so I feel I can make an intelligence decision. Your post has really helped to bring the information together.

I do have one more question that you may could help with. I am concerned about taking the alkalizing formulas to close to meals as not to interfere with digestion. I did note in your post that 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda could be taken after meals to help with digestion. But what if you are taking 1/2 tsp of baking soda or any other of the formulas how close to meals can you take them? Would you please expand on this? Also, when you cleared yourself of candida did you eat a strictly candida diet? Whoops, just thought of one more question how long was it before you noticed improvement? I do appreciate your help in this. Thanks"

02/20/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Pr...I'll try and answer your questions as best I can here :

"But what if you are taking 1/2 tsp of baking soda or any other of the formulas how close to meals can you take them?"

You should always take these alkalizing remedies at least one hour before meals or two hours after meals on an empty stomach. And it is the same for 1/4 tspn or 1/2 tspn amounts of baking soda. The purpose of this is to completely avoid stomach acids that are stimulated during mealtimes, which would neutralize the bicarbonate as well as cause gas.

"Also, when you cleared yourself of candida did you eat a strictly candida diet?"

No, I ate no special diet -- except for complete elimination of sugars and sweetners. I'm someone who enjoys food. My own regimen is based on the 'Mr Muscle Principle'. Remember those old TV ads that initially showed a black dirty drain? Then after you use the Mr Muscle Cleaner, magically the drain is gleaming and clean again !! That is my emphasis or principle. If you eat something bad, drink a little too much etc, then be sure to alkalize thoroughly the next day since its very difficult anyway to avoid acid, processed foods in our diets now. I also dislike drinking things like carrot and celery juice, tastes horrible(and who's to say these vegetable juices aren't also poisoned with heavy metals and poison fertilizers?). I also regularly take doses of sodium thiosulphate to get rid of heavy metals from my body, and do the same with iodine via kelp supplements which leeches out halides from your body. My outlook here is simple, what's the point of becoming well if you can't enjoy yourself occasionally? So the point here is moderation, nothing in excess and avoid bad habits.

"...how long was it before you noticed improvement?"

LOL...Believe me, I went through far worse before it got better really. The improvement was slow to be sure -- and it took a full year to eradicate my candida. Of all the microbes, I reckon fungus is the hardest to eradicate. They are a tough enemy to defeat."

02/21/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas writes: "Thanks Bill for answering my questions and your answers are very helpful."

02/22/2010: Peter from Chicago, Ill writes: "Bill,

Need your advise. Would you say the Carbicarb remedy is the better way to alkaline since it does alot more !
(Per Your email-Carbicarb remedy will provide sodium/potassium balance as well as increase the alkalinity of your blood and cell fluids as well.)

To make Carbicarb, let me know if I do this right.

I assume Ted wants us to mix 1/2 sodium bicarbonate and 1/2 potassium bicarbonte togather and add them in the lemon juice until it stop fizzle. Is this what Ted meant when he wrote 50/50 ?

Another question regarding Ted formula for people with sodium isssue, could they just use sodium free Baking Soda, would that solve the problem ? Thank for your expertise !"

02/22/2010: Peter from Chicago, Ill writes: "Bill, just to make sure I understand what is carb-bicarb, is below from Ted call carbicarb ?

7. For People with Sodium Issues and Want to Alkalize and Normalize Many Biological Parameters: One whole freshly squeezed lemon (or lime) and keep adding the bicarbonate until the fizz stops. The bicarbonate is made of 50/50, sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate. Sorry, sodium must always be there to achieve somewhat of a sodium/potassium balance. Take this twice a day once in the morning and once in the evening on an empty stomach. This is done to avoid diarrhea problems, if taken along with food.

What about sodium carbonate plus baking soda ? Is that carb-bicarb also ?
Thanks for your advise !"

02/22/2010: Alain from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada writes: "Answer to Peter about carbicarb

In its strictest definition, the carbicarb is the mix of Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Bicarbonate.

See for example http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/77/1/227

As I recall. Ted'd first mention of carbicarb was here
http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/asthenia.html

Read the page to understand why the sodium carbonate was considered.

He later on developed a more elaborate formula that included potassium in the form of either a bicarbonate or citrate.

A carbonate is a salt formed from the bounding of a mineral with the anion -CO3 see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/(CO3)(2-)

A bicarbonate is a salt formed from the bounding of a mineral with the anion -HCO3 see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hco3

He also developed an alkaline formula in which sea salt is one of the component. Search for the keyword ORMUS in EC.

The use of Sodium and Potassium insures a better equilibrium of the Sodium/Potassium ratio. It also depends how someone is deficient in either. See http://www.naturalnews.com/024539_potassium_sodium_blood.html

The use of an alkaline salt with a weak acid such as Lemon/Lime juice or ACV or citric acid ... makes the solution more neutral so that is neither acid nor alkaline when it enters the stomach. It does not mean however that the solution is not alkalizing. Such formula might be easier to digest.

One should always be careful when using these formulas that use salts. The urine and saliva pH should be monitor to see how effective a formula is.

I hope these info may help in better understanding some of the concepts.

Good Luck

Alain"

02/23/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "To answer your other questions:

"To make Carbicarb, let me know if I do this right.

I assume Ted wants us to mix 1/2 sodium bicarbonate and 1/2 potassium bicarbonte togather and add them in the lemon juice until it stop fizzle. Is this what Ted meant when he wrote 50/50 ?"

The inference here is to use 1/4 tspn of both potassium and sodium bicarbonate and the juice of one lemon or lime. If you 1/2 tspns of each, you would have to use 2 lemons or 2 limes here. What is important here is to add the lemon or lime juice until the fizzing stops -- this is not an exact measurement and will depend on the amount of juice, then you will have created the necessary potassium and sodium citrates for alkalizing your body. This will create a proper maintenance dose, because you will get the same amount of bicarbonates as using just 1/2 sodium bicarb alone, but with the added potassium, you will affect and normalize more parameters. If you wanted to increase this dosage - then just take these dosages more often, this is safer than just upping the dose.

"...could they just use sodium free Baking Soda, would that solve the problem ? Thank for your expertise !"

No, there is no such thing. The definition of Baking Soda is simply Sodium Bicarbonate powder."

02/23/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines writes: "Hi Peter...A great answer from Alain in answer to your carbicarb question.

These formulas become fairly advanced when learning about them and you start adding other substances and fine tune them for particular reasons. For instances I deliberately make my own Mag Water - Mag Bicarbonate - from Phillip's Milk of Magnesia(MoM) and soda water because I have the double advantage of both supplementing with a solution of magnesium that contains and supplies me with large amounts of alkalizing bicarbonates as well without sodium issues to worry about.

I also experiment and try mixing other minerals, such as carefully mixing 1/16 tspn borax plus 1/4 tspn Mag sulphate plus 1/8 tspn sea salt plus 1/8 tspn plus Vitamin C(ascorbate) in a full glass of water. I sip this mixture slowly. I'm testing this out on myself at the moment but would NOT advise you or anyone one else to do this, because everyone has a different metabolism with their own problems and sensitivities and there is a danger of diarrhea. I'm taking this mineral mixture for specific reasons -- I live in the tropics, so its very hot -- hence taking the Vit C with magnesium salt is very cooling; Vit C is an antioxidant and immune booster that also acts as an absorbtion synergist; I am at risk of parasites, ticks and fungus -- hence the borax which also acts together with the magnesium sulphate(epsom salts) to balance my hormones and enzymes; and the sea salt is the same but also acts as an effective antibiotic, stomachic and cleanser.

Regarding Safe Remedy Combinations, you can learn about this from Ted's comments at this EC link:

http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/remedy-combinations.html"

02/23/2010: Shaun from Old York, Uk writes: "Alain, I like you. You are my kind a guy. Kudos to you matey. Shaun"

02/24/2010: Rose from Girona, Spain writes: "To Bill from San Fernando,

Thanks very much for posting all this information regarding alkalizing formulas. I'd like to know more in detail, if you don't mind, how did you get rid of your candida issues in one year, as it is so difficult, really. Apart from alkalizing... with which of the formulas? or did you combine them? And did you take any fungal products o did any other specific treatment? Thank you very much in advance."

02/25/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines writes: "Hi Rose...This is what I took to cure my candida:

* Ted's alkalizing remedies using either whole squeezed lemon/lime or 2 tbspns ACV plus 1/2 tspn baking soda(Arm & Hammer brand) three times a day -- always taken 2 hours after or one hour before meals. I mainly used the Lemon/Lime alkalizing cure. This is Ted's Alkalizing Remedy and this is THE NUMBER ONE CURE for Candida in my book.

* I also used 1/2 tspn Baking soda straight in a full glass of water occasionally, mainly to alkalize my intestines and blood.

* One tablespoons of virgin coconut oil stirred into my coffee or taken raw at least 3 times a day.

* Blackstrap molasses(for the minerals) in my coffee, no refined sugar or aspartame sweetener allowed in my diet.

* You should also take herbs of your choice that support your liver and kidneys -- eg milk thistle, burdock etc. throughout this alkalizing, because there will be a die-off effect and it might last a while.

I didn't use any special diet except to eliminate all processed sugar and sweetners. I ate relatively normally.

When I started this remedy at the beginning, I got fairly severe flu-like symptoms -- it almost seemed as if the remedy was making me worse. But this die off or Herxheimer Effect always happens when you get the fungal toxins in your blood from microbes and fungus, so think of it as a good sign. Many people give up at this point, because they think the remedy is either causing the problem or just isn't working. But stick with it!!

Your liver and kidneys are overworked initially, until your immune system can get on top of the candida. After this die-off it was easy. All my skin problems just disappeared slowly (except the jock itch -- but that's another story) and I haven't had a cold or flu in over 2 years.

Mind you, it took me a full year to completely get rid of my candida. And even though I'm clear of candida now, and since it is very difficult to eat non-acidic foods these days, I still always alkalize and take coconut oil and molasses a couple of times a week as a preventative even now (plus I'm now also supplementing borax, magnesium, natural sea salt, using hydrogen peroxide etc as recommended by Ted on this site).

Also, don't be confused as many are, with 1/4 tspn doses of Baking soda in these remedies. As far as I'm concerned a simple maintenance dose is 1/4 tspn taken once or twice a day. If you're specifically targeting candida or another problem and a higher pH -- then you should raise the dose to 1/2 baking soda 3 times a day with lemon/lime or ACV. I also took a few days off from this remedy once a week, to give my body a break."

02/25/2010: Peter from Chicago, Ill writes: "Bill, need your advice. Alot of time I need more than 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to stop the lemon juice fizzle. Is that OK ?

* Ted's alkalizing remedies using either whole squeezed lemon/lime"

02/25/2010: Rose from Girona, Spain writes: "Bill,

Did you have systemic candida or where did you have it and how did you know you were free from it? How do you test it?"

02/25/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Rose...There are about 20 or more symptoms for candida, but remember the symptoms can vary between people who have it which is why even doctors can easily mis-diagnose candida.

If you have systemic candida, then usually an organ or a different area of the body is affected -- eg liver, kidney, bladder etc. Other pointers -- if a woman keeps getting thrush again and again, this is another symptom of candida I think.

My own intestinal candida symptoms were -- severe grogginess and brainfog in the morning, insomnia, jock itch(tinea cruris), BM and toilet only once every 4 days, constipation with dry, hard stools, low energy, bloated feeling all the time, tired all the time, psoriasis, eczema, toenail fungus and I regularly caught colds and flu.

I knew my intestinal candida was gone because all my symptoms(above) just slowly disappeared, one after another, over a period of a year. I also have much more energy now, I sleep better and I haven't had cold or flu in over 2 years.

The only symptom that did not go away was my jock itch -- but I suspect that could have been MRSA. I got rid of that by applying Milk of Magnesia directly over it every night. It disappeared in only two days and I'ld had that jock itch for 7 years, used all the recommended drugs and creams and couldn't get rid of it until I used the MoM."

02/25/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Peter...That should be OK but if you are really not happy with the dose quantity and it's causing diarrhea or other problems, just make up the lemon/lime remedy as per normal in half a glass of water, then pour away or save half of this solution in another glass, then add ordinary water back up to half a glass and drink that.

Doing this effectively dilutes the original solution and strength by half."

03/16/2010: Derbychick77 from Mayfield, Ky, Usa writes: "Hi Bill. Your answers have been a great help. I would just like to know if the lemon/lime mixture will also help with the decrease of blood pressure like the ACV does? I hate the taste of the ACV and hate even worse the ACV and Baking Soda combo. Any insight on this would be greatly appreciated as my husband needs to use this as well but refuses to use anything with any type of vinegar. Thanks:)"

03/16/2010: Rebel from Somewhere, America writes: "Hi. I am not Bill, But I did a little experment with myself and blood pressure.

I also take Baking Soda daily and was concerned that it may raise my pressure, so I took my pressure 1st thing in the morning and got a reading of 135/95.

After taking the Baking Soda, I tested again about 45 minutes latter. My pressure was then 121/85.

So at least in my case the baking soda seemed to lower my pressure.

I believe somewhere on here it is also said that, SEA SALT also lowers pressure so long as it is natural.

Sea Salt like Baking Soda is Alkaline and being alkaline might actually help with blood pressure.

Try a test on yourself and see, Please let us know."

03/16/2010: Rebel from Somewhere, America writes: "Wow, It might help if I read, what you actually wrote.LOL. Anyway, IT is always lemon juice that I mix with my Baking Soda.

I skim read alot and sometimes, I miss the point. But yes, I use lemon juice!"

03/17/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi DerbyChick77...If you look at Rebel from Somewhere's post above my post here, you will see that the lemon/lime mixture does indeed help with blood pressure. But I'm thinking here that maybe you wont like the taste of this one either..LOL.

So here are some suggestions on how to gently lower blood pressure. First and foremost, Magnesium. You can take this internally or transdermally in crystalline hydrate form using Magnesium Chloride or Mag Sulphate(Epsom Salts) and there are three ways to take magnesium.

First you could take and ingest 1/4 tspn in a glass of water of either Mag chloride or Mag Sulphate crystals two or three times a day. But, have to say that this is the slow way to take magnesium. The best and fastest way to raise your magnesium levels is:

* Having a hot bath 2-3 times a week with 3 cups of mag chloride or mag sulphate crystals added to the bathwater. Stay in the bath for at least 1/2 hour to allow the magnesium to be absorbed transdermally. This will rapidly and safely bring your body magnesium levels up, without causing problems with digestion or diarrhea as might occur with mag ingestion.

* Spray yourself(or indeed any sore, arthritic areas) using a garden sprayer containing 8 oz water and 3-4 heaped tspns of either Mag chloride or Mag sulphate crystals. Allow this to completely dry on your body and have another quick shower afterwards if you like. This is my method -- since I don't have a bath. It is also less wasteful and does the job just as well.

Here is a link showing the multitude of benefits from magnesium chloride:

http://curezone.com/art/read.asp?ID=49&db=5&C0=74

Another simple protocol is to just take Cayenne pepper tablets and Hawthorne Berry tablets -- both exceptionally good for BP and heart.

See these links:

http://www.cayennepepper.info/

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-hawthorn-berry.html"

03/17/2010: Derbychick77 from Mayfield, Ky, Usa writes: "Bill thank you so much for your help. I tried the lemon/baking soda mixture and it was a little better than the ACV/BS combo but still not great. LOL I will definately try the other things you suggested. I am also tired all the time. Is there anything I can add to my regimen to help with that? I have been exercising 3-4 days a week but that really doesn't seem to be helping that much for the fatigue. Thanks again:)"

It will def make you cough in a heartbeat! I make sure my mouth is closed and VERY GENTLY breath in through my nose and hold it in as long as I can then repeat. Let me just say that I have suffered my entire life (I am 57) with sinus problems and ACV is without a doubt the most awesome cure. NOTHING will work quicker to open your sinuses and relieve the pressure... Especially if you can tolerate it full strength as I do. Read up on this site about keeping your body NON-ACIDIC!!! It is truly the key to a healthy immune system and preventing these kinds of "agonies" from happening in the first place!"

[YEA]  05/02/2006: Lori from Orland, CA writes: "I came upon your website today looking for a natural cure for my sinus infection. Never having had one like this, I was miserable.. mostly from the severe headache, upper jaw pain and pressure. I did not want to go to the doctor, mostly because I knew he would just prescribe antibiotics (which I am against), and for the fact that I no longer have health insurance. I tried drinking 4 oz. of ACV mixed with 12 oz. of water. I noticed right away that my sinuses were clearer. But, unfortunately, my stomach became pretty upset. So I tried boiling the rest of my drink and inhaling the steam... boy, did that do the trick! My headache is almost gone and I can breathe through half of my nose!! I will continue the steam therapy throughout the day and look forward to more miraculous results! Thank you so much for this website! I can't wait to see how this helps my allergies, too! Bless you!"

03/17/2010: Randy from Wolverine Lake, Mi writes: "To make the ACV more pallatable, and get added benefits of oxygenation to your system as well as other benefits of PH balance to make your body less acidic, mix this way...

2 TBLS ACV, 1/2 tsp baking SODA to 8oz water.

(I use just a little water in the above mix and gulp it down then follow with water)

Also, When I steam with ACV, I do it straight, no dilution. CAUTION THOUGH! IT IS STRONG AND YOU DO NOT WANT TO BREATH IT IN THROUGH YOUR MOUTH AT ALL!

It will def make you cough in a heartbeat! I make sure my mouth is closed and VERY GENTLY breath in through my nose and hold it in as long as I can then repeat. Let me just say that I have suffered my entire life (I am 57) with sinus problems and ACV is without a doubt the most awesome cure. NOTHING will work quicker to open your sinuses and relieve the pressure... Especially if you can tolerate it full strength as I do. Read up on this site about keeping your body NON-ACIDIC!!! It is truly the key to a healthy immune system and preventing these kinds of "agonies" from happening in the first place!"

[YEA]  03/17/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "Due to my allergies I used to have very itchy eyes which was quite disaggreable. The more I scratched the more they itched. I tried a lot of things but nothing ever seemed to work well. One thing which relieved the itching a bit was powder charcoal inside my eye as an eye liner but now I have found something else, which funny enough is helping quiet well. Although I have tried to find the English name for the product I don't manage. It is a calcium supplement, actually calcium salts. Here in France it is called Sels Calcaires. You take a tiny little bit of the powder morning and evening before the meals and let melt in your mouth. As it is a homeopathic remedy you should wait 15 minutes before eating. I started taking it because of my age (52) thinking that maybe I needed a bit of calcium and to my suprise my eyes stopped itching right away so did my throat. The connection between the calcium and my allergies is not clear to me. Actually I have just had a blood test and the calcium level is actually very good so I didn't even seem to be missing any still..... but what do their levels really mean? I hope that this helps other people with the same problem because although it is not a dangerous condition it does wreck your life! I wonder whether things will stay this good after I finish taking the salts because you are supposed to take them only for 4 to 6 weeks."

03/17/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Maria...It took a year to cure my candida. And coconut oil wasn't the only remedy I used. I also used the following.

* Ted's lime/lemon plus Baking soda 3 times a day for alkalizing the body.

* Occasionally Ted's ACV plus BS or BS on its own on in water to provide more energy and to provide more bicarbonates respectively.

* Teaspoon of Blackstrap Molasses in my coffee for minerals.

* Milk thistle to support my liver throughout the cure.

* Kelp tablets for iodine.

* My own homemade decoction of Tinospora cordifolia, Phyllanthus niruri(Chanca piedra or Stonebreaker) and Tumeric, all of which grow in my garden. I took this for liver, kidney and intestinal support throughout the cure. I have recently included Neem leaves in this decoction, because I found a Neem tree in my neighboorhood the other day. Neem, amongst all its other highly beneficial properties, is also highly alkalizing.

I had terrible constipation for about 7 years and usually had a bowel movement once every 4 days. Not good. The coconut oil had an immediate effect on this, my stools became smaller and softer, and eventually I started to have regular BM everyday. I cook everything in VCO now, even use it on my salads. I have banned all other polyunsaturated veg oils from my diet now, since most of these are highly processed chemically and suffer oxidation too quickly which is bad for the body. VCO should be unprocessed, stable and it takes 2-3 years to oxidize this oil.

Just to say that intestinal candida is an insidious problem that can be very hard to eradicate. It is insidious because initially you don't notice its effects, they sort of creep up on you and since I'm over 60 y o I just thought it was age...LOL. But then I stumbled on EC and read about candida. I now regard any yeast, mold or fungus as the prime human enemy now, far more destructive on the human body than viruses, bacteria etc. Fungus's are way more adaptable than any other microbe, they are neither plant nor animal, they can hide for years, they can transfer their nucleus via their hypha by penetrating host cells in order to hide and breed when under attack. The overall effect of this is to continually weaken and wear down the body's immune system, and eventually to provide a wonderful acid environment to allow in a plethora of other viruses and bacteria. This is why it takes so long to get rid of and recover from candida.

Simply put, there is no one magic bullet for candida. I still regard Ted's lemon/lime remedy as the prime remedy that hepled to destroy my candida. But I also have a very high regard for VCO too."

06/28/2009: Colleen from Livingston, NJ writes: "Hi, My Mom and I have been doing some research regarding Candida. We are both convinced that we have this condition since we both fit the symptoms to a tee.

Anyway, my question is, my Mom has been diagnosed with high blood pressure and I've been seeing mixed commentary on the web to whether or not taking the Coconut Oil is good for people who have high blood pressure. Should she continue taking Coconut Oil and will it lower her pressure or make it higher?

Any commentary or personal results are appreciated!! Thanks!"

[YEA]  11/28/2009: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines writes: "Hi Colleen...As a help to you here is a website showing much of the research on coconut oil in our diet:

http://coconutoil.com/research.htm

There are many myths that have been spread around about saturated fats and the above web-site should explain all.

I use extra virgin coconut oil internally and externally on body every day, I regard this oil as far more curative even than olive oil because coconut oil is a stable saturated fat, whereas olive oil is a monounsaturated vegetable oil, therefore less stable and much more prone to quickly oxidise.

When I started taking coconut oil, I actually lost weight, my blood pressure went down, my cholesterol levels went down and rebalanced, I had more energy and it was a major factor in getting rid of my Candida."

03/16/2010: Maria from Wilmington, DE, Usa writes: "This is a question to Bill from the Philipines. Bill how long did you take the coconut oil to cure your candida? Maria"

03/17/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Maria...It took a year to cure my candida. And coconut oil wasn't the only remedy I used. I also used the following.

* Ted's lime/lemon plus Baking soda 3 times a day for alkalizing the body.

* Occasionally Ted's ACV plus BS or BS on its own on in water to provide more energy and to provide more bicarbonates respectively.

* Teaspoon of Blackstrap Molasses in my coffee for minerals.

* Milk thistle to support my liver throughout the cure.

* Kelp tablets for iodine.

* My own homemade decoction of Tinospora cordifolia, Phyllanthus niruri(Chanca piedra or Stonebreaker) and Tumeric, all of which grow in my garden. I took this for liver, kidney and intestinal support throughout the cure. I have recently included Neem leaves in this decoction, because I found a Neem tree in my neighboorhood the other day. Neem, amongst all its other highly beneficial properties, is also highly alkalizing.

I had terrible constipation for about 7 years and usually had a bowel movement once every 4 days. Not good. The coconut oil had an immediate effect on this, my stools became smaller and softer, and eventually I started to have regular BM everyday. I cook everything in VCO now, even use it on my salads. I have banned all other polyunsaturated veg oils from my diet now, since most of these are highly processed chemically and suffer oxidation too quickly which is bad for the body. VCO should be unprocessed, stable and it takes 2-3 years to oxidize this oil.

Just to say that intestinal candida is an insidious problem that can be very hard to eradicate. It is insidious because initially you don't notice its effects, they sort of creep up on you and since I'm over 60 y o I just thought it was age...LOL. But then I stumbled on EC and read about candida. I now regard any yeast, mold or fungus as the prime human enemy now, far more destructive on the human body than viruses, bacteria etc. Fungus's are way more adaptable than any other microbe, they are neither plant nor animal, they can hide for years, they can transfer their nucleus via their hypha by penetrating host cells in order to hide and breed when under attack. The overall effect of this is to continually weaken and wear down the body's immune system, and eventually to provide a wonderful acid environment to allow in a plethora of other viruses and bacteria. This is why it takes so long to get rid of and recover from candida.

Simply put, there is no one magic bullet for candida. I still regard Ted's lemon/lime remedy as the prime remedy that hepled to destroy my candida. But I also have a very high regard for VCO too."

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  03/16/2010: Erin from Tampa, Fl writes: "I'd like to add my qualified 'yea' to this method. Eating Jalfrezi Curry which contains these two ingredients makes me feel much better, for a little while. When I'm suffering pain from a cyst it's hard to find foods that won't increase my discomfort, so it's nice to know there's a food that will ease it a bit."

EC: More about this Indian curry dish here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalfrezi

[YEA]  03/27/2008: Stella from South Portland, Maine writes: "I have been suffering from severe endometriosis for the past eight years. I have had multiple surgeries and a virtual chemical cocktail of pain meds and hormones. This is the first month in five years that I have not had to use pain medication and have not been bed ridden for three days. What I did-- 1 T. EVCO 1 T. Tumeric in hot water as tea every night for a month. The first month I didnt notice a change in pain, but I did sweat and obnoxious amount at night. I attribute the sweating to my hormones becomming balanced. This month I am pain free. I have also stopped eating out of plastic containers--removed any skin cleaning products, shampoo or tolitries with any suspect ingredients, stopped using tampons, and taken 3 T. of ACV daily. I am truly amazed, I'm not sure what is working but something is. Those of you who have suffered with this know-- I was ready to try anything to avoid another surgery--compared to the spectrum of options I was given by the medical community (removal of more intestines, colon, bladder, or take bunches of hormones) the EVCO & Tumeric is pretty tame. Good luck."

[WORKED TEMPORARILY]  06/27/2008: Stella from South Portland, Maine writes: "Update on my experience with coconut oil and tumeric. To my fellow sufferers out there like everything else this seems to have only had a one time relief effect. So without many options I am soldiering on to the next maybe-cure. What I am trying now is large doses of b-complex vitamins along with liver supportive teas such as milk thistle and nettle. The theory behind this being that the liver is what balances hormones and excretes excess hormone. The belief being that a body suffering from endometriosis has an overload of estrogen or estrogen mimickers (ex. plastic, bisphenol-a etc.) That being said... b-complex appears to assist the liver in getting rid of this excess estrogen. Good luck--i will keep posting my results."

10/22/2009: Sp from Nashville, Tn writes: "Thank you so much for the information and your update Stella. I had surgery 6 months ago to remove some the endometriosis and want to avoid any future female related surgeries.

I will try the milk thistle and nettle for my endometriosis. I am taking EVCO and turmeric on a daily basis for other ailments and love it and am seeing a positive effects on my body."

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  03/16/2010: Erin from Tampa, Fl writes: "I'd like to add my qualified 'yea' to this method. Eating Jalfrezi Curry which contains these two ingredients makes me feel much better, for a little while. When I'm suffering pain from a cyst it's hard to find foods that won't increase my discomfort, so it's nice to know there's a food that will ease it a bit."

EC: More about this Indian curry dish here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jalfrezi

03/17/2010: Ranjana from Mumbai, India writes: "My aunt has 80% grey hair and she uses Herbal powder which has catnip, nettle, horsetail & indigo. She mixes this powder with mehndi and she gets beautiful burgundy colour."

[YEA]  03/17/2009: Amber from Portland, Oregon writes: "Many people (including myself) use natural plants to color thier hair, such as Henna (for Orange/Red color, and adds brilliant shine to hair), Henna with Indigo (to achieve brunette to black colors), and Cassia; a plant that can be used to add shine or add a bit of golden color to very pale blond or white hair. There are other plants and spices that can enhance tone as well. (for more on this, read on)

About the results: I am a dark blonde who used to lighten my hair. I have colored my hair all types of ways, and most recently I decided to 'go dark'. Well, I can tell you that nothing colors and strengthens my hair like the henna. And I now use the henna + indigo mix to achieve a very exotic dark color, that fully saturates (dyes used to wash out easily), shines, and is actually healthy for my hair! The shine you can achieve with the use of henna is head-turning and like no other. Henna binds with your hair, so it is much different than a dye. You can also use chemical lighteners or dyes over it, or apply it over chemically dyed/lightened hair, and as long as you are using PURE henna, you will get nice results. The horror stories you may have heard only relate to people using 'compound' hennas, again, like you would buy in the store, mixed with other ingredients.

How it basically works: Henna can be combined with an acid (lemon juice, apple cider vinegar) and left to sit for 12 hours to release the dye. It can then be added to color the hair (usually for 2 hours) or it can be diluted and/or applied for a lesser duration, to add just a touch of tint and gloss to the hair. Indigo can be mixed with water and mixed into the Henna, or applied seperately after a Henna treatment. Cassia can be applied alone, or added to the aforementioned mixes. These plants should be purchased in a pure form (not in mixes from the beauty supply).

Where you can find out more: You can find a wealth of information at this website: www.hennaforhair.com about how to color your hair with these plants, and a very interesting history. There are also personal mixes, techniques, forums where you can ask questions about your specific hair type/goals, and order the products. You can also order small samples very inexpensively so that you can experiment on 'brush harvested' hair. I can't say enough great things about the women who run this website. If you are curious, and check it out, they offer all the info and help you need to become confident about trying this.

I have also since read on many natural health and hair sites that Honey can be used as a natural lightener. So if you are a blonde, perhaps that will work for you, as well as lemon juice. One could also use the cassia to get the brilliant shine that henna gives, without turning into a redhead! If I ever grow my natural hair out again, this is what I will do!

One last thing I want to say, is that it feels very good to get off of the chemical-dye train, to find natural plant dyes that achieve colors and results so beauteous that nature could only provide. It may seem time-consuming at first, but after learning and becoming experienced with the use of these dyes (and it doesn't take long!) it has become a nice beauty ritual; it feels more natural and personal...and has become something I look forward to doing, taking time to relax while the mix does it's magic, and the hair is always more beautiful each time! It has been about 2 years that I have been using these plant dyes, and I am glad to be able to share this info on earth clinic, so that perhaps others can start using this too."

03/18/2009: C.S.M from VERO BEACH, FL writes: "Yes!!! I am thrilled, too, to be off chemical hair dyes!!!

Using information from Long Hair Community--Henna Forum, I bought pure Body Art Henna.

I tried numerous experiments using hair from my brushes until I found the result I was looking for.

This product colors my grey hair as no previous boxed henna could. I mix it with cassia to give me a beautiful, brilliant, non fading strawberry blond. Leaves hair stronger. I am amazed!

Thank you Earth Clinic for being here!"

07/30/2009: Nooree from Miami, Florida writes: "Thanks! for this post. I have been using Henna to Dye my hair for a long time but I do not know what Cassia is. Where can I get it and how much to use with henna. It seems like Cassia mixing with Henna will give a nice shine to your hair. Even though Henna itself gives a little shine also. I have been mixing henna and keeping it for just few hours before using in my hair. I will keep it soaked for over night now before using it, to enhance the color. Thank you Amber and C.S.M. both for this knowledge. Thanks you every one on Earth Clinic to make life easier with natural products and God bless Ted for being an Angel for us to research and bring the remedies for us. Thanks alot. I learned alot of this site."

08/06/2009: Amber from Portland, Oregon writes: "Hi Norree: Cassia is another plant that can be used for hair color. It has very little dye in it however, just a small touch of golden which will show up on only the lightest hair colors. It will add shine and gloss, and is often used to dilute the color of Henna, for achieving a less red-orange color. A great site to visit and learn all about these haircolor methods and uses is HennaforHair.com"

08/07/2009: Tricia from Ireland writes: "Amber, I have been looking into this thru a few different websites. I cannot find the answer to this question on any of them and there doesn't seem to he any professional henna-ists in my area. Although I am totally grey haired because I have been using a permanent chemical colourant on my hair the main body of hair is chemically browned and I have one inch in lenght of total grey regrowth. If I use a BAQ henna plus mix to dye it brown will my grey hair be the same colour as the main body and if not how do I go about making sure that the two are the same?. If you don't know the answer you may be able to send me in the right direction. Henna for hair website which I found the most informative only seems to cover the topic of grey interspersed throughout the hair and not regrowth. thanks."

02/09/2010: Lorie from Chico, California writes: "Just a note to be careful with Henna products. I own a salon that uses 97-99% plant derived hair color so we often have guests who come to us because they want organic color. We have had a lot of experience with guests who have Henna on their hair. It's fine if they are staying dark or going darker. Where Henna causes problems is when you are trying to lift the color out of your hair. With Henna, the more you try to lift the color out the more you push the red molecule in - resulting in brassy reddish/orange hair. Once Henna is on your hair, there is no way to lift it out, you have to let it grow out. Also be careful with Lemon Juice to lighten hair. Lemon juice will lighten your hair about a level. If you are already light it can lighten it to a nice blond color. If you are dark enough where you still have a orange undertone, lemon juice will just lighten you enough to take you to a brassy blond. Any time you are coloring or lightening your hair you have to think about the undertone you are exposing and whether or not you want to enhance it or neutralize it. That being said, it helps to know what products you will need to achieve the results you want. What works for one person may not work for another."

02/09/2010: A from Pdx, Or writes: "this is not quite true:

that might fit with the 97% grade henna used in that salon, but it should be pointed out that there are two grades of henna: pure, henna and compound henna (this is the stuff you see in boxes at salons and is mixed with chemicals)

pure henna DOES lift, and easily. this is widely known. search hennaforhair.com forums and pages for more info.

it is INDIGO that is permananent. henna can be lightened with peroxide or bleach, and can also be lightened with honey. i have done blonde highlights on my henna'd hair no problem, and this is widely understood about being able to lighten henna, but NOT indigo.

just wanted to set things straight. if you are considering adding henna to your hair, it is extremely important to use pure 100% henna (body art quality)."

03/03/2010: Prakash from Mumbai, India writes: "where to buy indigo in india? though henna is easily available I have 80percent grey hair, only henna makes my hair orangish would love to have brown colour using plant dye"

03/17/2010: Ranjana from Mumbai, India writes: "My aunt has 80% grey hair and she uses Herbal powder which has catnip, nettle, horsetail & indigo. She mixes this powder with mehndi and she gets beautiful burgundy colour."

[QUESTION]  03/17/2010: Guppydas from Lamsai, Prathumthani, Thailand writes: "Hello everybody. I am writing this in a desperation as I have been suffering this condition for more than 3 years now and it got worst due to improper medical procedure. Please excuse me if I am too graphical in explaining the sysmptoms.

3 years ago, a small acne like boil developed on right thigh. Disappeared in 2 days. Only to appear a week later. Then it changed the location. This time, on left thigh. Sometime then I also had an attack of Herpes Zoster on my Left shoulder and left back. I was completely exhausted by this two infections.

Eventually after a month or so, Herpes disappeared, leaving pain in the spot which is more intermittent. However, the infection around thigh didn't go away. In fact it became more stubborn and aggressive.

I do not like to take anti-biotics as I know the devastating unwanted effects they have. Still I visited doctor and I was put on some heavy doses of Antibiotic. I was dead against use of any cut and drain procedure. I believed this could be sorted by medication.

With patience I kept taking the medication to no benefit. The infection spread, finally covering almost the entire region on buttocks, inner thighs and groins. It was painful, foul smelling and not improving at all.

All this resulted in extreme exhaustion and finally in May 2009, I was taken to local hospital for check up and treatment. I was given 2 units of blood, put on drip for 5 days. During this, without my permission, the doctors performed a incision to drain the fluid out. Did bring good relief. However the entire procedure was conducted in a very unprofessional manner. No local anesthesia or numbing aid was given.

Eventually this short lived relief faded away in 3 months. I was completely bed ridden for a month during July and August 2009. Finally to get admitted to a bigger hospital. Results of diagnosis came around and to my shock and surprise, I was found HIV .

However, the doctors were nice and explained me the benefits to do a proper incision procedure to drain out the infected area so that the medication bring about healing faster. I agreed. I was taken to the surgery room. General anesthesia and after 3 hours, I was back in my bed in my ward. Felt very good. For few months. Then, the reality started sinking in.

The wound was not healing at all. 8 spots about 2 cm wide and 1/4 centimeter deep at least were not healing up. Once again there was pus formation and pain returned. This happened relatively swiftly before I could get to doctors and get some medical attention.

NOW, cutting long story short, I cannot get any medical attention nor can I afford any. So a well learned friend of mine suggested to take Food grade H2O2. I started taking that about 10 days ago. I am taking 3% food grade in about a litre of bottled water (says no chlorine on the lable). Can't get distilled water here. Don't see much difference. The only thing I see different is sleepiness. I don't fall asleep but I am sleepy all the time.

Ok this is getting too long. I did cut it short. My question is, in addition to the above treatment, I wish to take mega doses of Vitamin C. Any suggestions, warming, comments, recommendation on this? Vitamin C H2O2? Any other suggestions to heal this wounds faster? I am held back due to this. I can't sit or sleep properly. I need to travel back to my Home country and infection holds me back from travelling for so many hours in an airplane. The discharge is foul smelling and is constantly painful. Any suggestions are welcome. Please please help. I am emotionally and financially broke due to this condition.

Thank you all for your support.

PS: No doctor has so far given any name to it. However looking on Internet, I found two conditions (two names) most fitting to describe this infection on buttocks. 1) Hidradenitis Supprativa 2) Acne Inversa. many misdiagnose it as Acne Vulgaris. Yes I have had inherent Acne problem all my life. I also have a long medical history. I can share if it is helpful."

03/17/2010: Saf from London, Uk writes: "Hi all,

just wondering where I can buy sugar beets in the uk or online? I've looked everywhere but ive had no luck so far. Please reply if you know as i am having surgery next week which i am not tooo keen on.

thanks,
saf"

[YEA]  02/04/2010: Mar from New York, Ny writes: "MOLASSES, ALOE VERA AND BEETS - Yes it does work!!!!!

I had a 5cm cyst on my left ovary. My doctor gave me a 2mth window time to see if it would go away by itself. So every day for one month, I drank the juice of 2pounds of raw beets, one leave of aloe vera (the inside) and one bottle of molasses. I drank this mixture every day 3 times a day again for one whole month. When I went to get a check up on the cyst it was GONE.

My doctor performed an indovaginal sonogram and a a c125 blood test, and they both showed that the cyst was gone. Good luck and try it. Everytime you drink this remedy think positively, truly imagine the cyst drying out. Have faith that it will disappear."

02/14/2010: Floatinglotus from Chicago, Il writes: "I'm glad to hear that combination works! I want to try it as I just learned yesterday that I have an 8 cm cyst on my right ovary. Just for clarification, were you drinking a whole bottle of molasses each day or was the total combination of 2 lbs beets, 1 aloe leaf and 1 bottle of molasses divided over the 30 days?"

EC: No! Here's a better description of the remedy

10/17/2009: Adriana from Pembroke P, Fl replies: "Thank You Brittany.!!

For all of you who keep asking about quantities... Brittany gave the quantities in here post of 4/17/2009. Here they are in case you missed them:

"With all three ingredients you put all equal amounts in a small bowl. [1]I first mash the beets (1 or 2 slices of the canned beets) with a fork. [2]Then pour about a tablespoon full of aloe vera juice on top of that.[3]Then I take about a tablespoon full of molasses and cover that, mix it, then eat it. You don't have to have a blender to mix it."

If using raw or slightly steamed beets, just grate them on a cheese grate. Use gloves."

03/17/2010: Saf from London, Uk writes: "Hi all,

just wondering where I can buy sugar beets in the uk or online? I've looked everywhere but ive had no luck so far. Please reply if you know as i am having surgery next week which i am not tooo keen on.

thanks,
saf"

[NAY]  03/17/2010: Jean from Vancouver, B.c. writes: "nay, made the skin burn and go bright red even though it was washed off immediately."

[YEA]  12/30/2008: John from Altoona, Wisconsin writes: "I suffered from cold sores for many years. Then I read about a cure that used sauerkraut juice to cure them. I tried it at several outbreaks and they quickly disappeared. It may be the L-lysine in the juice. They went away and have not come back for years."

[NAY]  03/17/2010: Jean from Vancouver, B.c. writes: "nay, made the skin burn and go bright red even though it was washed off immediately."

03/17/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Toxela...Here is the MSDS(Material Safety Data Sheet) -- which accords with ALL research and is the Bible in this regard.

http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/H4070.htm

You will notice that under the Cancer List in the Toxicity Info section, 3% HP has no Known or Anticiated cancer causing effects.

Also you will notice that Phenocetin -- used as the HP stabilizer for 3% HP IS a cancer causing agent.

Therefore 35% pure food grade HP is NOT a carcinogen."

[YEA]  02/04/2007: Joe from Somerville, NJ writes: "I've used hydrogen peroxide, 3% pharmacy grade cut 50% with water, to rinse my mouth before brushing, which has been a great help with eliminating bad breath and plaque. But here's a remedy that no one may have thought - a treatment for "tinea cruris" commonly known as jock itch. I had an issue with this for several months and during this period, several times a week, I used Curex and other over-the-counter options to eliminate it, spending $20.00 to $30.00 to no avail. I knew hydrogen peroxide was effective in killing bacteria, so, as a last resort, I cut the pharmacy 3% grade 50%, just like the mouth wash, and used it-in 2 days!!! the itch and soreness was gone! No joke. Total cost 20 cents!"

05/04/2009: Ben from Bellevue, KY writes: "Are you people kidding me diluting the peroxide, it doesnt work anyways but diluting it would only make it not powerful and for using it as mouth wash my grandfather has been doing it for 30 years and he does not dilute it. This is folly, Avoid listening to these."

03/14/2010: Toxeia from Lf, Tx writes: "Hydrogen peroxide (3%, 35%, any concentration) is a carcinogen (read: Can cause cancer). Orally, it is also a bad idea to use as it causes a condition known as "brown hairy tongue." While the name isn't very authoritative sounding, I've seen it myself in patients that claim to use H2O2 as a daily mouth rinse."

03/17/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Toxela...Here is the MSDS(Material Safety Data Sheet) -- which accords with ALL research and is the Bible in this regard.

http://www.jtbaker.com/msds/englishhtml/H4070.htm

You will notice that under the Cancer List in the Toxicity Info section, 3% HP has no Known or Anticiated cancer causing effects.

Also you will notice that Phenocetin -- used as the HP stabilizer for 3% HP IS a cancer causing agent.

Therefore 35% pure food grade HP is NOT a carcinogen."

03/17/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi DerbyChick77...If you look at Rebel from Somewhere's post above my post here, you will see that the lemon/lime mixture does indeed help with blood pressure. But I'm thinking here that maybe you wont like the taste of this one either..LOL.

So here are some suggestions on how to gently lower blood pressure. First and foremost, Magnesium. You can take this internally or transdermally in crystalline hydrate form using Magnesium Chloride or Mag Sulphate(Epsom Salts) and there are three ways to take magnesium.

First you could take and ingest 1/4 tspn in a glass of water of either Mag chloride or Mag Sulphate crystals two or three times a day. But, have to say that this is the slow way to take magnesium. The best and fastest way to raise your magnesium levels is:

* Having a hot bath 2-3 times a week with 3 cups of mag chloride or mag sulphate crystals added to the bathwater. Stay in the bath for at least 1/2 hour to allow the magnesium to be absorbed transdermally. This will rapidly and safely bring your body magnesium levels up, without causing problems with digestion or diarrhea as might occur with mag ingestion.

* Spray yourself(or indeed any sore, arthritic areas) using a garden sprayer containing 8 oz water and 3-4 heaped tspns of either Mag chloride or Mag sulphate crystals. Allow this to completely dry on your body and have another quick shower afterwards if you like. This is my method -- since I don't have a bath. It is also less wasteful and does the job just as well.

Here is a link showing the multitude of benefits from magnesium chloride:

http://curezone.com/art/read.asp?ID=49&db=5&C0=74

Another simple protocol is to just take Cayenne pepper tablets and Hawthorne Berry tablets -- both exceptionally good for BP and heart.

See these links:

http://www.cayennepepper.info/

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-hawthorn-berry.html"

02/19/2010: Peter from Chicago, Ill writes: "To Bill from San Fernando,

From all the emails that I read from you to Earthclinic, obivously you are very knowledge person.

Can you help me on Ted's alkaline formula, what happens if you put in 1/2 tsp instead of 1/4 tsp of Baking Soda in ACV, or whole glass of water instead of half glass, how does this change the effectivness if any ?

Same question for the lemon and lime formula, keep adding baking soda until stop fizzle, what happen if you add too much, what happen ? Also when I add baking soda to lime and lemon, there is always some fizzle. does half glass of water makes stronger vs whole glass?

Thanks!"

02/19/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines writes: "Hi Peter...Whenever I've taken any of Ted's alkalizing remedies -- whether its the Lemon/Lime remedy plus Baking Soda or the Carbibarb remedy or just Baking soda on its own, it's very important to understand just why you are taking these different remedies.

Taking Baking Soda -- 1/4 tspn in half a glass of water is generally taken after a meal as a digestive aid or outside meals just to alkalize the intestines and blood or extracellular fluid.

Lemon/Lime plus baking soda is used to normalize more parameters because limes and lemons contain many additional useful minerals as well as Vitamin C. Here is where you add the Baking Soda until the fizzing stops so that all the citric acid -- as well as the ascorbic acid -- has been neutralized and converted to its more alkaline salt form -- citrates and ascorbates. These are easily absorbed by by the intestines. This is also my own favourite way of alkalizing, because its not complicated !!

ACV plus 1/4 tspn Baking soda. Used the same as lemon and lime, but gives you more energy through the formation of malate salts -- which are utilized in energy production -- via the Krebs Cycle -- in your body.

Carbicarb remedy -- Usually this consists of using sodium carbonate and potassium bicarbonate salts with citric acid together in solution. There are variations of this -- using the sodium and potassium citrate forms which are just as good. The reason you use this form of alkalizing is to alkalize both your blood(extracellular fluids) and intracellular fluids as well and is perhaps more useful. When I use this remedy, I sometimes add a 1/8 to 1/4 teasoon of magnesium sulphate or mag chloride crystals to help balance the potassium and calcium. Useful if you have sodium retention issues.

And you should always be very careful with these remedies if you have any renal issues since the kidneys are the main organs that balance the electrolytes held in the blood.

When I took these remedies for particularly my own candida problem, I deliberately upped my doses to 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda and took them 2 - 3 times a day. Here, I was aggressively targeting a higher pH to kill off the candida. But, in general, as a regular maintenance dose, 1/4 tspn Baking Soda is fine.

When you take these remedies, you are generally advised to take them in just half a glass of water because not only should you take the correct amount, but you should also take them at the proper concentrations, so that these electrolytes are fully and quickly absorbed through the intestines into the blood by osmosis between the different concentration gradients. So taking these remedies in half a glass of water provides the best medium for absorbtion into the blood. A weaker concentration -- ie full glass -- would therefore slow down and hinder absorbtion of these important electrolytes.

Also, whenever I took these alkalizing remedies, I never suffered any ill-effects, but I have read of some who have used them that have suffered headaches, night sweats, insomnia and kidney pains."

02/20/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas writes: "Hi Bill, wow! I can't thank you enough for expanding on the alkalizing formulas. I am the type of person who needs to understand the process of how things work so I feel I can make an intelligence decision. Your post has really helped to bring the information together.

I do have one more question that you may could help with. I am concerned about taking the alkalizing formulas to close to meals as not to interfere with digestion. I did note in your post that 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda could be taken after meals to help with digestion. But what if you are taking 1/2 tsp of baking soda or any other of the formulas how close to meals can you take them? Would you please expand on this? Also, when you cleared yourself of candida did you eat a strictly candida diet? Whoops, just thought of one more question how long was it before you noticed improvement? I do appreciate your help in this. Thanks"

02/20/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Pr...I'll try and answer your questions as best I can here :

"But what if you are taking 1/2 tsp of baking soda or any other of the formulas how close to meals can you take them?"

You should always take these alkalizing remedies at least one hour before meals or two hours after meals on an empty stomach. And it is the same for 1/4 tspn or 1/2 tspn amounts of baking soda. The purpose of this is to completely avoid stomach acids that are stimulated during mealtimes, which would neutralize the bicarbonate as well as cause gas.

"Also, when you cleared yourself of candida did you eat a strictly candida diet?"

No, I ate no special diet -- except for complete elimination of sugars and sweetners. I'm someone who enjoys food. My own regimen is based on the 'Mr Muscle Principle'. Remember those old TV ads that initially showed a black dirty drain? Then after you use the Mr Muscle Cleaner, magically the drain is gleaming and clean again !! That is my emphasis or principle. If you eat something bad, drink a little too much etc, then be sure to alkalize thoroughly the next day since its very difficult anyway to avoid acid, processed foods in our diets now. I also dislike drinking things like carrot and celery juice, tastes horrible(and who's to say these vegetable juices aren't also poisoned with heavy metals and poison fertilizers?). I also regularly take doses of sodium thiosulphate to get rid of heavy metals from my body, and do the same with iodine via kelp supplements which leeches out halides from your body. My outlook here is simple, what's the point of becoming well if you can't enjoy yourself occasionally? So the point here is moderation, nothing in excess and avoid bad habits.

"...how long was it before you noticed improvement?"

LOL...Believe me, I went through far worse before it got better really. The improvement was slow to be sure -- and it took a full year to eradicate my candida. Of all the microbes, I reckon fungus is the hardest to eradicate. They are a tough enemy to defeat."

02/21/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas writes: "Thanks Bill for answering my questions and your answers are very helpful."

02/22/2010: Peter from Chicago, Ill writes: "Bill,

Need your advise. Would you say the Carbicarb remedy is the better way to alkaline since it does alot more !
(Per Your email-Carbicarb remedy will provide sodium/potassium balance as well as increase the alkalinity of your blood and cell fluids as well.)

To make Carbicarb, let me know if I do this right.

I assume Ted wants us to mix 1/2 sodium bicarbonate and 1/2 potassium bicarbonte togather and add them in the lemon juice until it stop fizzle. Is this what Ted meant when he wrote 50/50 ?

Another question regarding Ted formula for people with sodium isssue, could they just use sodium free Baking Soda, would that solve the problem ? Thank for your expertise !"

02/22/2010: Peter from Chicago, Ill writes: "Bill, just to make sure I understand what is carb-bicarb, is below from Ted call carbicarb ?

7. For People with Sodium Issues and Want to Alkalize and Normalize Many Biological Parameters: One whole freshly squeezed lemon (or lime) and keep adding the bicarbonate until the fizz stops. The bicarbonate is made of 50/50, sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate. Sorry, sodium must always be there to achieve somewhat of a sodium/potassium balance. Take this twice a day once in the morning and once in the evening on an empty stomach. This is done to avoid diarrhea problems, if taken along with food.

What about sodium carbonate plus baking soda ? Is that carb-bicarb also ?
Thanks for your advise !"

02/22/2010: Alain from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada writes: "Answer to Peter about carbicarb

In its strictest definition, the carbicarb is the mix of Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Bicarbonate.

See for example http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/77/1/227

As I recall. Ted'd first mention of carbicarb was here
http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/asthenia.html

Read the page to understand why the sodium carbonate was considered.

He later on developed a more elaborate formula that included potassium in the form of either a bicarbonate or citrate.

A carbonate is a salt formed from the bounding of a mineral with the anion -CO3 see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/(CO3)(2-)

A bicarbonate is a salt formed from the bounding of a mineral with the anion -HCO3 see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hco3

He also developed an alkaline formula in which sea salt is one of the component. Search for the keyword ORMUS in EC.

The use of Sodium and Potassium insures a better equilibrium of the Sodium/Potassium ratio. It also depends how someone is deficient in either. See http://www.naturalnews.com/024539_potassium_sodium_blood.html

The use of an alkaline salt with a weak acid such as Lemon/Lime juice or ACV or citric acid ... makes the solution more neutral so that is neither acid nor alkaline when it enters the stomach. It does not mean however that the solution is not alkalizing. Such formula might be easier to digest.

One should always be careful when using these formulas that use salts. The urine and saliva pH should be monitor to see how effective a formula is.

I hope these info may help in better understanding some of the concepts.

Good Luck

Alain"

02/23/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "To answer your other questions:

"To make Carbicarb, let me know if I do this right.

I assume Ted wants us to mix 1/2 sodium bicarbonate and 1/2 potassium bicarbonte togather and add them in the lemon juice until it stop fizzle. Is this what Ted meant when he wrote 50/50 ?"

The inference here is to use 1/4 tspn of both potassium and sodium bicarbonate and the juice of one lemon or lime. If you 1/2 tspns of each, you would have to use 2 lemons or 2 limes here. What is important here is to add the lemon or lime juice until the fizzing stops -- this is not an exact measurement and will depend on the amount of juice, then you will have created the necessary potassium and sodium citrates for alkalizing your body. This will create a proper maintenance dose, because you will get the same amount of bicarbonates as using just 1/2 sodium bicarb alone, but with the added potassium, you will affect and normalize more parameters. If you wanted to increase this dosage - then just take these dosages more often, this is safer than just upping the dose.

"...could they just use sodium free Baking Soda, would that solve the problem ? Thank for your expertise !"

No, there is no such thing. The definition of Baking Soda is simply Sodium Bicarbonate powder."

02/23/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines writes: "Hi Peter...A great answer from Alain in answer to your carbicarb question.

These formulas become fairly advanced when learning about them and you start adding other substances and fine tune them for particular reasons. For instances I deliberately make my own Mag Water - Mag Bicarbonate - from Phillip's Milk of Magnesia(MoM) and soda water because I have the double advantage of both supplementing with a solution of magnesium that contains and supplies me with large amounts of alkalizing bicarbonates as well without sodium issues to worry about.

I also experiment and try mixing other minerals, such as carefully mixing 1/16 tspn borax plus 1/4 tspn Mag sulphate plus 1/8 tspn sea salt plus 1/8 tspn plus Vitamin C(ascorbate) in a full glass of water. I sip this mixture slowly. I'm testing this out on myself at the moment but would NOT advise you or anyone one else to do this, because everyone has a different metabolism with their own problems and sensitivities and there is a danger of diarrhea. I'm taking this mineral mixture for specific reasons -- I live in the tropics, so its very hot -- hence taking the Vit C with magnesium salt is very cooling; Vit C is an antioxidant and immune booster that also acts as an absorbtion synergist; I am at risk of parasites, ticks and fungus -- hence the borax which also acts together with the magnesium sulphate(epsom salts) to balance my hormones and enzymes; and the sea salt is the same but also acts as an effective antibiotic, stomachic and cleanser.

Regarding Safe Remedy Combinations, you can learn about this from Ted's comments at this EC link:

http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/remedy-combinations.html"

02/23/2010: Shaun from Old York, Uk writes: "Alain, I like you. You are my kind a guy. Kudos to you matey. Shaun"

02/24/2010: Rose from Girona, Spain writes: "To Bill from San Fernando,

Thanks very much for posting all this information regarding alkalizing formulas. I'd like to know more in detail, if you don't mind, how did you get rid of your candida issues in one year, as it is so difficult, really. Apart from alkalizing... with which of the formulas? or did you combine them? And did you take any fungal products o did any other specific treatment? Thank you very much in advance."

02/25/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines writes: "Hi Rose...This is what I took to cure my candida:

* Ted's alkalizing remedies using either whole squeezed lemon/lime or 2 tbspns ACV plus 1/2 tspn baking soda(Arm & Hammer brand) three times a day -- always taken 2 hours after or one hour before meals. I mainly used the Lemon/Lime alkalizing cure. This is Ted's Alkalizing Remedy and this is THE NUMBER ONE CURE for Candida in my book.

* I also used 1/2 tspn Baking soda straight in a full glass of water occasionally, mainly to alkalize my intestines and blood.

* One tablespoons of virgin coconut oil stirred into my coffee or taken raw at least 3 times a day.

* Blackstrap molasses(for the minerals) in my coffee, no refined sugar or aspartame sweetener allowed in my diet.

* You should also take herbs of your choice that support your liver and kidneys -- eg milk thistle, burdock etc. throughout this alkalizing, because there will be a die-off effect and it might last a while.

I didn't use any special diet except to eliminate all processed sugar and sweetners. I ate relatively normally.

When I started this remedy at the beginning, I got fairly severe flu-like symptoms -- it almost seemed as if the remedy was making me worse. But this die off or Herxheimer Effect always happens when you get the fungal toxins in your blood from microbes and fungus, so think of it as a good sign. Many people give up at this point, because they think the remedy is either causing the problem or just isn't working. But stick with it!!

Your liver and kidneys are overworked initially, until your immune system can get on top of the candida. After this die-off it was easy. All my skin problems just disappeared slowly (except the jock itch -- but that's another story) and I haven't had a cold or flu in over 2 years.

Mind you, it took me a full year to completely get rid of my candida. And even though I'm clear of candida now, and since it is very difficult to eat non-acidic foods these days, I still always alkalize and take coconut oil and molasses a couple of times a week as a preventative even now (plus I'm now also supplementing borax, magnesium, natural sea salt, using hydrogen peroxide etc as recommended by Ted on this site).

Also, don't be confused as many are, with 1/4 tspn doses of Baking soda in these remedies. As far as I'm concerned a simple maintenance dose is 1/4 tspn taken once or twice a day. If you're specifically targeting candida or another problem and a higher pH -- then you should raise the dose to 1/2 baking soda 3 times a day with lemon/lime or ACV. I also took a few days off from this remedy once a week, to give my body a break."

02/25/2010: Peter from Chicago, Ill writes: "Bill, need your advice. Alot of time I need more than 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to stop the lemon juice fizzle. Is that OK ?

* Ted's alkalizing remedies using either whole squeezed lemon/lime"

02/25/2010: Rose from Girona, Spain writes: "Bill,

Did you have systemic candida or where did you have it and how did you know you were free from it? How do you test it?"

02/25/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Rose...There are about 20 or more symptoms for candida, but remember the symptoms can vary between people who have it which is why even doctors can easily mis-diagnose candida.

If you have systemic candida, then usually an organ or a different area of the body is affected -- eg liver, kidney, bladder etc. Other pointers -- if a woman keeps getting thrush again and again, this is another symptom of candida I think.

My own intestinal candida symptoms were -- severe grogginess and brainfog in the morning, insomnia, jock itch(tinea cruris), BM and toilet only once every 4 days, constipation with dry, hard stools, low energy, bloated feeling all the time, tired all the time, psoriasis, eczema, toenail fungus and I regularly caught colds and flu.

I knew my intestinal candida was gone because all my symptoms(above) just slowly disappeared, one after another, over a period of a year. I also have much more energy now, I sleep better and I haven't had cold or flu in over 2 years.

The only symptom that did not go away was my jock itch -- but I suspect that could have been MRSA. I got rid of that by applying Milk of Magnesia directly over it every night. It disappeared in only two days and I'ld had that jock itch for 7 years, used all the recommended drugs and creams and couldn't get rid of it until I used the MoM."

02/25/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Peter...That should be OK but if you are really not happy with the dose quantity and it's causing diarrhea or other problems, just make up the lemon/lime remedy as per normal in half a glass of water, then pour away or save half of this solution in another glass, then add ordinary water back up to half a glass and drink that.

Doing this effectively dilutes the original solution and strength by half."

03/16/2010: Derbychick77 from Mayfield, Ky, Usa writes: "Hi Bill. Your answers have been a great help. I would just like to know if the lemon/lime mixture will also help with the decrease of blood pressure like the ACV does? I hate the taste of the ACV and hate even worse the ACV and Baking Soda combo. Any insight on this would be greatly appreciated as my husband needs to use this as well but refuses to use anything with any type of vinegar. Thanks:)"

03/16/2010: Rebel from Somewhere, America writes: "Hi. I am not Bill, But I did a little experment with myself and blood pressure.

I also take Baking Soda daily and was concerned that it may raise my pressure, so I took my pressure 1st thing in the morning and got a reading of 135/95.

After taking the Baking Soda, I tested again about 45 minutes latter. My pressure was then 121/85.

So at least in my case the baking soda seemed to lower my pressure.

I believe somewhere on here it is also said that, SEA SALT also lowers pressure so long as it is natural.

Sea Salt like Baking Soda is Alkaline and being alkaline might actually help with blood pressure.

Try a test on yourself and see, Please let us know."

03/16/2010: Rebel from Somewhere, America writes: "Wow, It might help if I read, what you actually wrote.LOL. Anyway, IT is always lemon juice that I mix with my Baking Soda.

I skim read alot and sometimes, I miss the point. But yes, I use lemon juice!"

03/17/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi DerbyChick77...If you look at Rebel from Somewhere's post above my post here, you will see that the lemon/lime mixture does indeed help with blood pressure. But I'm thinking here that maybe you wont like the taste of this one either..LOL.

So here are some suggestions on how to gently lower blood pressure. First and foremost, Magnesium. You can take this internally or transdermally in crystalline hydrate form using Magnesium Chloride or Mag Sulphate(Epsom Salts) and there are three ways to take magnesium.

First you could take and ingest 1/4 tspn in a glass of water of either Mag chloride or Mag Sulphate crystals two or three times a day. But, have to say that this is the slow way to take magnesium. The best and fastest way to raise your magnesium levels is:

* Having a hot bath 2-3 times a week with 3 cups of mag chloride or mag sulphate crystals added to the bathwater. Stay in the bath for at least 1/2 hour to allow the magnesium to be absorbed transdermally. This will rapidly and safely bring your body magnesium levels up, without causing problems with digestion or diarrhea as might occur with mag ingestion.

* Spray yourself(or indeed any sore, arthritic areas) using a garden sprayer containing 8 oz water and 3-4 heaped tspns of either Mag chloride or Mag sulphate crystals. Allow this to completely dry on your body and have another quick shower afterwards if you like. This is my method -- since I don't have a bath. It is also less wasteful and does the job just as well.

Here is a link showing the multitude of benefits from magnesium chloride:

http://curezone.com/art/read.asp?ID=49&db=5&C0=74

Another simple protocol is to just take Cayenne pepper tablets and Hawthorne Berry tablets -- both exceptionally good for BP and heart.

See these links:

http://www.cayennepepper.info/

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-hawthorn-berry.html"

03/17/2010: Derbychick77 from Mayfield, Ky, Usa writes: "Bill thank you so much for your help. I tried the lemon/baking soda mixture and it was a little better than the ACV/BS combo but still not great. LOL I will definately try the other things you suggested. I am also tired all the time. Is there anything I can add to my regimen to help with that? I have been exercising 3-4 days a week but that really doesn't seem to be helping that much for the fatigue. Thanks again:)"

03/17/2010: Jutta from South Surrey, B.C. writes: "to Bruce from New Westminster. Choices carries 35% Hydrogen Peroxide. The bottle says 35% and they have put a sticker on the front changing it to 29% , probably for some legal reason to keep it on the market. 4 litres for approx $60.00..smaller amts are cheaper of course."

[BETTER BUT WITH SIDE EFFECTS]  03/16/2009: Ben from Cape Town, South Africa writes: "I am taking 7 drops x 3 daily after coming down from 17 x 4 daily (25 X 3 times were just too much H202 at a time) At the same time I am taking a bath in H202 daily. Sometimes I feel a little queesy. Tell me, am I overdoing the h202 intake because besides pulling my face whenever I think of H2O2 I feel just wonderfully alive. Anyone out there who knows?"

03/23/2009: SAM from IRVINE, CA, USA writes: "TO BEN FR. CAPE TOWN, YOU ARE DOING GREAT WITH THE DROPS, AND THE BATHS. WHEN YOU FEEL NAUSEA, OR QUEEZY, YOU MAY BE TAKING A LITTLE TOO MUCH, HOWEVER, KNOW THIS, YOUR BODY IS DETOXING, THAT'S WHY YOU FEEL QUEEZY, SO JUST REDUCE THE DROPS OF EACH DOSE. YOU SHOULD ALSWAYS START SLOW AND BUILD UP BY ONE DROP P/DAY, AND REDUCE THE SAME BY ONE DROP P/DAY. BEST SUCCESS TO YOU... SAM"

03/31/2009: Glenys from Wellington, New Zealand writes: "Ben (and any others who have done the HP drops in water therapy}. What's your feedback now? I have been looking into this for some time now, have ordered some food grade HP, but I am still scared to try it! I don't seem to be able to find much feedback from people who have completed it successfully and still recommend it. There seems to be a lot of feedback where people get to a certain stage, then either give up or you don't hear anything from them ever again. So - feedback from people where it's worked, pleeease. Thankyou."

[YEA]  04/11/2009: Tina from Vancouver, Canada writes: "Glenys, I have been using 3% H2O2 Orally for just over a month working my way up to 25 Drops/3 times a day for 2 weeks now, and I feel great. I have been recently diagnosed with Rheumatiod Arthritis, and living with it for 1.5 yrs. It was sudden onset, and extreamly painful, to the point where I was suddenly using a cane to walk short distance's. I started feeling the positive effects right off the bat, and would definatly recomend it as worth a try. I have gone from taking a handful of pills every morning just to walk to stopping all med's including my allergy medication. The only side effects I have experienced are extreme thirst, high energy and weight loss. Also recently my muscles have become sore, because after a year and a half, I am actually using them again. I say Yeah to H2O2. Deffinatly give it a try, just remember to take on an empty stomach, and follow the drop schedule."

04/24/2009: Glenys from Wellington, New Zealand writes: "THANKYOU SOOO MUCH FOR REPLYING TINA!

I have started. I am going very slowly - I am increasing by one drop of 35% each day, and only once a day. Chicken eh? lol. I'm up to 14 drops in a huge glass of fildered water, which I take first thing in the morning. I feel ok. So far, I have some very smelly diarrhea, which I'm assuming is good - getting rid of toxins etc, but nothing that freaks me out yet. I'm intending to keep increasing by about one drop per day until I'm taking the 20 drops three times a day. I will keep posting. lotslove. Glenys"

05/24/2009: Glenys from Wellington, New Zealand writes: "Ok, I got up to 15 drops three times a day, but only for a few days. I take my hat off to those brave souls who get this far and keep going - I couldn't - Disgusting LOL! I was feeling nauseous, not from the effects, but from the taste - just couldn't handle even the thought of it. So now I've backed down to 15 drops in 750 mls water once a day, and am trying the inhalation method for the rest of the day. Not into the habit of remembering yet, but will get there. I wasn't sick to start off with, but I came across this site when I had a week off work with sinusitis, and I'll give this therapy my best shot for a while - see if I can fix my nose. I am sqirting 2% up my nose too, when my nose gets blocked. At first I couldn't even tolerate the smallest amount of HP in my nose, but now I almost welcome the sting. So far, I DO feel good, and I think my sinuses are improving. I will post again. Good luck everyone. "

06/02/2009: Tina from Vancouver, Canda writes: "Hi Glenys, bin a bit busy lately, more energy and the sun is shining. I have stuck with the HP oral drops now for 4 months, and am almost pain free. I only suffer from tendon pain and muscle pain latelty, which my chiropractor believes might be from the rapid weight loss I experienced, I dropped 20 lbs in the first 3 months. I have posted another entry dated April 14, 2009 which is page one of the peroxide page at the moment which has more details of what I have been experienceing lately. I am glad that you gave it a try."

09/18/2009: Max from San Jose, Costa Rica writes: "Hi Gleny, try the fresh coconut water if you have the HP taste as a problem. Its cheap and easy. Its like sterilized water made by nature, only better. Once you come to the maintenance level, try 5 to 10 drops (food Grade HP 35%) per nut every day. I am sure you will not feel the HP taste and receive some added benefits from the coconut water. I dont know if finding coconuts is a problem for you, if so, try with fresh apple juice. Rgs, Max"

02/23/2010: Bruce from New Westminster, British Columbia writes: "This is in response to " Tina's" post from Vanvouver. I was wondering where in this city of Vancouver she was able to find Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide ?"

02/24/2010: Bessie from Calgary, Alberta, Canada writes: "Hi Bruce - I'm not Tina but, when I lived in Vancouver, I bought my 35% food-grade hydrogen peroxide from Choices Market on 16th Avenue (Vancouver). You may want to give them a call to see if they still stock it. Good luck!"

03/17/2010: Jutta from South Surrey, B.C. writes: "to Bruce from New Westminster. Choices carries 35% Hydrogen Peroxide. The bottle says 35% and they have put a sticker on the front changing it to 29% , probably for some legal reason to keep it on the market. 4 litres for approx $60.00..smaller amts are cheaper of course."

03/17/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Elsaeasterly...There are three ways of making natural VCO. The first method is simply to boil the coconut milk until only the oil is left. The second method is to put the coconut oil in a centrifuge where the aqueous portion and the oil distinctly seperate as two different halves. And the third method is by fermenting the coconut milk.

What I think you must have purchased is a form of VCO made from the fermentation process. I have also used this form of VCO internally, and -- yes -- it does smell sour and rancid even, but it will not hurt you. The sourness is basically the coconut wine turned to "vinegar" that is left over from the natural fermentation process. Alot of Filipinos make VCO this way -- and regularly make a brew called "Lambanog" or coconut wine. I've tried this wine which is pretty unique, sort of like a tasty nutty wine but deceptively powerful stuff !! Interesting that coconut wine turns to vinegar very rapidly, so the Filipinos just adapt and use it for cooking instead. Nothing is wasted.

Check on the your bottles of VCO and see whether your VCO was made by fermentation. If this is the case, then this is why your coconut oil smells off or vinegary and it won't hurt you.

If you're not happy with this fermented VCO form, then next time just buy another VCO made from the boiling process or made by centrifuging -- this should be stated on the label."

03/16/2010: Elsaeasterly from Elsewhere, Ca, Usa writes: "Bill,

I have been consuming VCO for a few months with no problems. A couple of weeks ago I put a spoonful into my oatmeal, took a bite, and it was rancid! It ruined my whole bowl of cereal. I had to throw away about 3/4 of a jar of oil. I bought a new jar, checked the expiration date (2011), had it for a couple of weeks and the same thing happened. I'm confused. I went through 2 or 3 jars with no problems. The storage temperature has been the same - 76 degrees, a soft solid state. I thought VCO was stable at room temperature. Anyway, this is becoming very expensive. Do you have any idea why this would be happening?"

03/17/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Elsaeasterly...There are three ways of making natural VCO. The first method is simply to boil the coconut milk until only the oil is left. The second method is to put the coconut oil in a centrifuge where the aqueous portion and the oil distinctly seperate as two different halves. And the third method is by fermenting the coconut milk.

What I think you must have purchased is a form of VCO made from the fermentation process. I have also used this form of VCO internally, and -- yes -- it does smell sour and rancid even, but it will not hurt you. The sourness is basically the coconut wine turned to "vinegar" that is left over from the natural fermentation process. Alot of Filipinos make VCO this way -- and regularly make a brew called "Lambanog" or coconut wine. I've tried this wine which is pretty unique, sort of like a tasty nutty wine but deceptively powerful stuff !! Interesting that coconut wine turns to vinegar very rapidly, so the Filipinos just adapt and use it for cooking instead. Nothing is wasted.

Check on the your bottles of VCO and see whether your VCO was made by fermentation. If this is the case, then this is why your coconut oil smells off or vinegary and it won't hurt you.

If you're not happy with this fermented VCO form, then next time just buy another VCO made from the boiling process or made by centrifuging -- this should be stated on the label."

[SIDE EFFECTS]  03/16/2010: Kdbruce from Asheville, Nc writes: "I have been doing fresh sqeezed lemon with baking soda till it stops fizzing then 1/2 glass of water twice a day for two days morning & night. I have acidic problems and Candida and was hoping for help but both nights I was up all night and couldn't sleep at all!! I thought the alkalizing would have a relaxing effect but it seems to do the opposite! Can Ted or anyone else tell me why this the case and what I should do differently?? I really want to continue but I am exhausted from lack of sleep :(

Thanks Ted for all your wisdom and knowledge!! I trust your words but something is not right...

Love this site!!! :) it's the best!!
KD Bruce"

03/16/2010: Maria from Wilmington, DE, Usa writes: "This is a question to Bill from the Philipines. Bill how long did you take the coconut oil to cure your candida? Maria"

06/28/2009: Colleen from Livingston, NJ writes: "Hi, My Mom and I have been doing some research regarding Candida. We are both convinced that we have this condition since we both fit the symptoms to a tee.

Anyway, my question is, my Mom has been diagnosed with high blood pressure and I've been seeing mixed commentary on the web to whether or not taking the Coconut Oil is good for people who have high blood pressure. Should she continue taking Coconut Oil and will it lower her pressure or make it higher?

Any commentary or personal results are appreciated!! Thanks!"

[YEA]  11/28/2009: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines writes: "Hi Colleen...As a help to you here is a website showing much of the research on coconut oil in our diet:

http://coconutoil.com/research.htm

There are many myths that have been spread around about saturated fats and the above web-site should explain all.

I use extra virgin coconut oil internally and externally on body every day, I regard this oil as far more curative even than olive oil because coconut oil is a stable saturated fat, whereas olive oil is a monounsaturated vegetable oil, therefore less stable and much more prone to quickly oxidise.

When I started taking coconut oil, I actually lost weight, my blood pressure went down, my cholesterol levels went down and rebalanced, I had more energy and it was a major factor in getting rid of my Candida."

03/16/2010: Maria from Wilmington, DE, Usa writes: "This is a question to Bill from the Philipines. Bill how long did you take the coconut oil to cure your candida? Maria"

03/17/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Maria...It took a year to cure my candida. And coconut oil wasn't the only remedy I used. I also used the following.

* Ted's lime/lemon plus Baking soda 3 times a day for alkalizing the body.

* Occasionally Ted's ACV plus BS or BS on its own on in water to provide more energy and to provide more bicarbonates respectively.

* Teaspoon of Blackstrap Molasses in my coffee for minerals.

* Milk thistle to support my liver throughout the cure.

* Kelp tablets for iodine.

* My own homemade decoction of Tinospora cordifolia, Phyllanthus niruri(Chanca piedra or Stonebreaker) and Tumeric, all of which grow in my garden. I took this for liver, kidney and intestinal support throughout the cure. I have recently included Neem leaves in this decoction, because I found a Neem tree in my neighboorhood the other day. Neem, amongst all its other highly beneficial properties, is also highly alkalizing.

I had terrible constipation for about 7 years and usually had a bowel movement once every 4 days. Not good. The coconut oil had an immediate effect on this, my stools became smaller and softer, and eventually I started to have regular BM everyday. I cook everything in VCO now, even use it on my salads. I have banned all other polyunsaturated veg oils from my diet now, since most of these are highly processed chemically and suffer oxidation too quickly which is bad for the body. VCO should be unprocessed, stable and it takes 2-3 years to oxidize this oil.

Just to say that intestinal candida is an insidious problem that can be very hard to eradicate. It is insidious because initially you don't notice its effects, they sort of creep up on you and since I'm over 60 y o I just thought it was age...LOL. But then I stumbled on EC and read about candida. I now regard any yeast, mold or fungus as the prime human enemy now, far more destructive on the human body than viruses, bacteria etc. Fungus's are way more adaptable than any other microbe, they are neither plant nor animal, they can hide for years, they can transfer their nucleus via their hypha by penetrating host cells in order to hide and breed when under attack. The overall effect of this is to continually weaken and wear down the body's immune system, and eventually to provide a wonderful acid environment to allow in a plethora of other viruses and bacteria. This is why it takes so long to get rid of and recover from candida.

Simply put, there is no one magic bullet for candida. I still regard Ted's lemon/lime remedy as the prime remedy that hepled to destroy my candida. But I also have a very high regard for VCO too."

03/16/2010: Cat from Austin, Tx writes: "make sure that your "protein" shake has no soy! It depletes iodine."

[YEA]  02/04/2007: Anne-Marie from Palm Coast, FL writes: "While I would not consider myself "cured" of anything, I have found that Iodine..or the lack thereof...causes me to have panic and anxiety attacks. This is a recent (within 3 months) development for me as I have never had panic and anxiety attacks prior. And although I now take Kelp in a Thyroid supplement (for my newly developed Hypothyroidism), My Iodine test (painting a 2x2 in sq on my abdomen) still shows a regular Iodine insufficiency. Interestingly, I also drink protein shakes that contain 30% FDA Iodine each. I drink 2-3 of these each day. Yet, my Iodine is consistently depleted."

03/16/2010: Cat from Austin, Tx writes: "make sure that your "protein" shake has no soy! It depletes iodine."

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  03/16/2010: Nvr2fit from Sacramento, Ca writes: "Apple Cider Vinegar has nearly cured my arms of eczema after only 3 days. I still have slightly bumpy forearms on the tops of both arms, but I am so amazed it is nearly gone. I took 1 tablespoon of ACV 3 times a day so far for 3 days and will continue for 7 more days for a total of 10 days. Incredible since 3 days ago the tops of my arms were enflamed incredibly itchy, unsightly red bumpy patches from my wrist to past my elbows. I have never given my testimonial about anything and had to for this because I am truly surprised it works so well and so fast! I was on the verge of picking up my prescription for Elidel which I knew would only mask the problem rather be the cure, but I was getting desperate as the eczema was spreading up my arm. On top of that with my insurance is costs $160! Bottom line, I'm a believer in the power and potency of ACV and encourage anyone to use it for their eczema. If necessary I know I will use it again and again."

03/16/2010: Michelle from Charlotte, Nc writes: "Luis, I want to say "Thank You" for making me feel better. My throat is killing me and I'm looking for a quick cure. You have lifted my spirits from "howling at the moon to macing yourself". You're the best and I think I won't take a chance with the Cayenne Pepper cure. LOL!!!"

[SIDE EFFECTS]  07/23/2007: Luis from New York, NY writes: "So I've been having a sore throat for the last 6 days. Today saw a doctor and she prescribed Zithromax 5 day treatment. We'll see. However, the pain I have in my throat is terrible and I can't swallow. 3 advils do not help. So I came here and found the Cayenne Pepper Water gargle thing. I went, took 1 teaspoon into 1/2 cup warmish water. the first few gargles went well. I'm used to spicy food so the tongue thing didn't worry me. But my throat pain is deeper than the gargle hits. So the last round I let some of the solution drop deeper into my throat. When it came into contact with whatever is irritated, my entire head caught fire. I had extraordinary pain from my throat through my ears and I was tearing and shaking uncontrollably, gripping my sink with both hands... I howled from the pain. it took a good 5 minutes and deep breathing to calm down. Basically, I maced myself it seems. This did nothing for the pain in my throat either, only, it showed me that the infection does in fact radiate to my ears. Now I will wait for the antibiotic to kick in I think. I'm still shaken up by it but I think I'll survive."

EC: OUCH!!

*** DO NOT EXCEED 1/8th TEASPOON OF CAYENNE! ***

03/16/2010: Michelle from Charlotte, Nc writes: "Luis, I want to say "Thank You" for making me feel better. My throat is killing me and I'm looking for a quick cure. You have lifted my spirits from "howling at the moon to macing yourself". You're the best and I think I won't take a chance with the Cayenne Pepper cure. LOL!!!"

[QUESTION]  03/16/2010: Sasha from New York, Ny writes: "I am told I have silent acid relux.. no heartburn, but tightness in my throat, esophogeal spasms, excess mucus, hypersalivation, and anxiety from all of the above. Difficlut to belch, but when I do it seems to relive the symptoms a bit. It's as though its gas not acid that is causing the problem. It began a few months ago after a bout with bronchitis and asthma related symptoms. I used an albuterol inhaler and not sure if that inflamed my throat / esophogus. (not using anymore, no asthma symptoms) Was put on Prilosec by the ENT (didn't work), Acipehx by the GI (made the symptoms worse) and digestive enzymes by a homeopathic doctor (felt some burning in my tummy) I have given up coffee, wine, citrus, chocolate, tomatoes etc. Would like to know how I can determine if I have too much or too little acid? Is there a home PH test I can use? With the symptoms I described, do you think ACV with baking soda would work? Is aloe vera a good remedy (it has citric acid??) Look forward to some guidance here. My daughter is getting married in June and I really want to feel good by that time. Thanks in advance"

03/16/2010: Sasha from New York, Ny writes: "I am intrigued by your solution- I was put on Prilosec by my ENT(didn't work) then aciphex by the GI (made my symptoms worse) and digestive enzymes by the Naturopathic doc. Nothing worked. I have silent reflux, no heartburn, but spasms and throbbing in throat / larynx, constantly clearing my throat from excess mucus... I wil try your remedy- did you use baking soda with the Apple Cider Vinegar?? Before or after eating? Aloe vera juice when???? What is orange peel extract? in what form does it come?"

[YEA]  11/13/2009: Crazydogjack from New Castle, Pa, USA writes: "Okay. Here's my advice to acid reflux. If you take the "medication" traditionally given for reflux, what happens is that it depletes the acid in your stomach and then you don't digest your food properly. I was on medication for 11 years and decided there was a better way. There are a slew of side effects from taking those suggested meds. This is what I came up with on my search for something better to cure this problem. I was very skeptical that it would work but I thought what the heck I'll try it and it worked.

In the begininning I used a combination of orange peel extract every other day, Organic Apple Cider Vinegar and water daily and organic Aloe Vera juice as needed. After two months I became symptom free. I drink the Apple Cider Vinegar and water everyday because of the health benefits. I also keep aloe vera juice on hand and I keep the orange peel extract on hand just in case I have a flare up. I have been symptom free for over a year and I feel great! Best of luck to you! I am sure this will work for you too!"

03/16/2010: Sasha from New York, Ny writes: "I am intrigued by your solution- I was put on Prilosec by my ENT(didn't work) then aciphex by the GI (made my symptoms worse) and digestive enzymes by the Naturopathic doc. Nothing worked. I have silent reflux, no heartburn, but spasms and throbbing in throat / larynx, constantly clearing my throat from excess mucus... I wil try your remedy- did you use baking soda with the Apple Cider Vinegar?? Before or after eating? Aloe vera juice when???? What is orange peel extract? in what form does it come?"

I have been consuming VCO for a few months with no problems. A couple of weeks ago I put a spoonful into my oatmeal, took a bite, and it was rancid! It ruined my whole bowl of cereal. I had to throw away about 3/4 of a jar of oil. I bought a new jar, checked the expiration date (2011), had it for a couple of weeks and the same thing happened. I'm confused. I went through 2 or 3 jars with no problems. The storage temperature has been the same - 76 degrees, a soft solid state. I thought VCO was stable at room temperature. Anyway, this is becoming very expensive. Do you have any idea why this would be happening?"

03/16/2010: Rebel from Somewhere, America writes: "Wow, It might help if I read, what you actually wrote.LOL. Anyway, IT is always lemon juice that I mix with my Baking Soda.

I skim read alot and sometimes, I miss the point. But yes, I use lemon juice!"

02/19/2010: Peter from Chicago, Ill writes: "To Bill from San Fernando,

From all the emails that I read from you to Earthclinic, obivously you are very knowledge person.

Can you help me on Ted's alkaline formula, what happens if you put in 1/2 tsp instead of 1/4 tsp of Baking Soda in ACV, or whole glass of water instead of half glass, how does this change the effectivness if any ?

Same question for the lemon and lime formula, keep adding baking soda until stop fizzle, what happen if you add too much, what happen ? Also when I add baking soda to lime and lemon, there is always some fizzle. does half glass of water makes stronger vs whole glass?

Thanks!"

02/19/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines writes: "Hi Peter...Whenever I've taken any of Ted's alkalizing remedies -- whether its the Lemon/Lime remedy plus Baking Soda or the Carbibarb remedy or just Baking soda on its own, it's very important to understand just why you are taking these different remedies.

Taking Baking Soda -- 1/4 tspn in half a glass of water is generally taken after a meal as a digestive aid or outside meals just to alkalize the intestines and blood or extracellular fluid.

Lemon/Lime plus baking soda is used to normalize more parameters because limes and lemons contain many additional useful minerals as well as Vitamin C. Here is where you add the Baking Soda until the fizzing stops so that all the citric acid -- as well as the ascorbic acid -- has been neutralized and converted to its more alkaline salt form -- citrates and ascorbates. These are easily absorbed by by the intestines. This is also my own favourite way of alkalizing, because its not complicated !!

ACV plus 1/4 tspn Baking soda. Used the same as lemon and lime, but gives you more energy through the formation of malate salts -- which are utilized in energy production -- via the Krebs Cycle -- in your body.

Carbicarb remedy -- Usually this consists of using sodium carbonate and potassium bicarbonate salts with citric acid together in solution. There are variations of this -- using the sodium and potassium citrate forms which are just as good. The reason you use this form of alkalizing is to alkalize both your blood(extracellular fluids) and intracellular fluids as well and is perhaps more useful. When I use this remedy, I sometimes add a 1/8 to 1/4 teasoon of magnesium sulphate or mag chloride crystals to help balance the potassium and calcium. Useful if you have sodium retention issues.

And you should always be very careful with these remedies if you have any renal issues since the kidneys are the main organs that balance the electrolytes held in the blood.

When I took these remedies for particularly my own candida problem, I deliberately upped my doses to 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda and took them 2 - 3 times a day. Here, I was aggressively targeting a higher pH to kill off the candida. But, in general, as a regular maintenance dose, 1/4 tspn Baking Soda is fine.

When you take these remedies, you are generally advised to take them in just half a glass of water because not only should you take the correct amount, but you should also take them at the proper concentrations, so that these electrolytes are fully and quickly absorbed through the intestines into the blood by osmosis between the different concentration gradients. So taking these remedies in half a glass of water provides the best medium for absorbtion into the blood. A weaker concentration -- ie full glass -- would therefore slow down and hinder absorbtion of these important electrolytes.

Also, whenever I took these alkalizing remedies, I never suffered any ill-effects, but I have read of some who have used them that have suffered headaches, night sweats, insomnia and kidney pains."

02/20/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas writes: "Hi Bill, wow! I can't thank you enough for expanding on the alkalizing formulas. I am the type of person who needs to understand the process of how things work so I feel I can make an intelligence decision. Your post has really helped to bring the information together.

I do have one more question that you may could help with. I am concerned about taking the alkalizing formulas to close to meals as not to interfere with digestion. I did note in your post that 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda could be taken after meals to help with digestion. But what if you are taking 1/2 tsp of baking soda or any other of the formulas how close to meals can you take them? Would you please expand on this? Also, when you cleared yourself of candida did you eat a strictly candida diet? Whoops, just thought of one more question how long was it before you noticed improvement? I do appreciate your help in this. Thanks"

02/20/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Pr...I'll try and answer your questions as best I can here :

"But what if you are taking 1/2 tsp of baking soda or any other of the formulas how close to meals can you take them?"

You should always take these alkalizing remedies at least one hour before meals or two hours after meals on an empty stomach. And it is the same for 1/4 tspn or 1/2 tspn amounts of baking soda. The purpose of this is to completely avoid stomach acids that are stimulated during mealtimes, which would neutralize the bicarbonate as well as cause gas.

"Also, when you cleared yourself of candida did you eat a strictly candida diet?"

No, I ate no special diet -- except for complete elimination of sugars and sweetners. I'm someone who enjoys food. My own regimen is based on the 'Mr Muscle Principle'. Remember those old TV ads that initially showed a black dirty drain? Then after you use the Mr Muscle Cleaner, magically the drain is gleaming and clean again !! That is my emphasis or principle. If you eat something bad, drink a little too much etc, then be sure to alkalize thoroughly the next day since its very difficult anyway to avoid acid, processed foods in our diets now. I also dislike drinking things like carrot and celery juice, tastes horrible(and who's to say these vegetable juices aren't also poisoned with heavy metals and poison fertilizers?). I also regularly take doses of sodium thiosulphate to get rid of heavy metals from my body, and do the same with iodine via kelp supplements which leeches out halides from your body. My outlook here is simple, what's the point of becoming well if you can't enjoy yourself occasionally? So the point here is moderation, nothing in excess and avoid bad habits.

"...how long was it before you noticed improvement?"

LOL...Believe me, I went through far worse before it got better really. The improvement was slow to be sure -- and it took a full year to eradicate my candida. Of all the microbes, I reckon fungus is the hardest to eradicate. They are a tough enemy to defeat."

02/21/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas writes: "Thanks Bill for answering my questions and your answers are very helpful."

02/22/2010: Peter from Chicago, Ill writes: "Bill,

Need your advise. Would you say the Carbicarb remedy is the better way to alkaline since it does alot more !
(Per Your email-Carbicarb remedy will provide sodium/potassium balance as well as increase the alkalinity of your blood and cell fluids as well.)

To make Carbicarb, let me know if I do this right.

I assume Ted wants us to mix 1/2 sodium bicarbonate and 1/2 potassium bicarbonte togather and add them in the lemon juice until it stop fizzle. Is this what Ted meant when he wrote 50/50 ?

Another question regarding Ted formula for people with sodium isssue, could they just use sodium free Baking Soda, would that solve the problem ? Thank for your expertise !"

02/22/2010: Peter from Chicago, Ill writes: "Bill, just to make sure I understand what is carb-bicarb, is below from Ted call carbicarb ?

7. For People with Sodium Issues and Want to Alkalize and Normalize Many Biological Parameters: One whole freshly squeezed lemon (or lime) and keep adding the bicarbonate until the fizz stops. The bicarbonate is made of 50/50, sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate. Sorry, sodium must always be there to achieve somewhat of a sodium/potassium balance. Take this twice a day once in the morning and once in the evening on an empty stomach. This is done to avoid diarrhea problems, if taken along with food.

What about sodium carbonate plus baking soda ? Is that carb-bicarb also ?
Thanks for your advise !"

02/22/2010: Alain from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada writes: "Answer to Peter about carbicarb

In its strictest definition, the carbicarb is the mix of Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Bicarbonate.

See for example http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/77/1/227

As I recall. Ted'd first mention of carbicarb was here
http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/asthenia.html

Read the page to understand why the sodium carbonate was considered.

He later on developed a more elaborate formula that included potassium in the form of either a bicarbonate or citrate.

A carbonate is a salt formed from the bounding of a mineral with the anion -CO3 see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/(CO3)(2-)

A bicarbonate is a salt formed from the bounding of a mineral with the anion -HCO3 see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hco3

He also developed an alkaline formula in which sea salt is one of the component. Search for the keyword ORMUS in EC.

The use of Sodium and Potassium insures a better equilibrium of the Sodium/Potassium ratio. It also depends how someone is deficient in either. See http://www.naturalnews.com/024539_potassium_sodium_blood.html

The use of an alkaline salt with a weak acid such as Lemon/Lime juice or ACV or citric acid ... makes the solution more neutral so that is neither acid nor alkaline when it enters the stomach. It does not mean however that the solution is not alkalizing. Such formula might be easier to digest.

One should always be careful when using these formulas that use salts. The urine and saliva pH should be monitor to see how effective a formula is.

I hope these info may help in better understanding some of the concepts.

Good Luck

Alain"

02/23/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "To answer your other questions:

"To make Carbicarb, let me know if I do this right.

I assume Ted wants us to mix 1/2 sodium bicarbonate and 1/2 potassium bicarbonte togather and add them in the lemon juice until it stop fizzle. Is this what Ted meant when he wrote 50/50 ?"

The inference here is to use 1/4 tspn of both potassium and sodium bicarbonate and the juice of one lemon or lime. If you 1/2 tspns of each, you would have to use 2 lemons or 2 limes here. What is important here is to add the lemon or lime juice until the fizzing stops -- this is not an exact measurement and will depend on the amount of juice, then you will have created the necessary potassium and sodium citrates for alkalizing your body. This will create a proper maintenance dose, because you will get the same amount of bicarbonates as using just 1/2 sodium bicarb alone, but with the added potassium, you will affect and normalize more parameters. If you wanted to increase this dosage - then just take these dosages more often, this is safer than just upping the dose.

"...could they just use sodium free Baking Soda, would that solve the problem ? Thank for your expertise !"

No, there is no such thing. The definition of Baking Soda is simply Sodium Bicarbonate powder."

02/23/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines writes: "Hi Peter...A great answer from Alain in answer to your carbicarb question.

These formulas become fairly advanced when learning about them and you start adding other substances and fine tune them for particular reasons. For instances I deliberately make my own Mag Water - Mag Bicarbonate - from Phillip's Milk of Magnesia(MoM) and soda water because I have the double advantage of both supplementing with a solution of magnesium that contains and supplies me with large amounts of alkalizing bicarbonates as well without sodium issues to worry about.

I also experiment and try mixing other minerals, such as carefully mixing 1/16 tspn borax plus 1/4 tspn Mag sulphate plus 1/8 tspn sea salt plus 1/8 tspn plus Vitamin C(ascorbate) in a full glass of water. I sip this mixture slowly. I'm testing this out on myself at the moment but would NOT advise you or anyone one else to do this, because everyone has a different metabolism with their own problems and sensitivities and there is a danger of diarrhea. I'm taking this mineral mixture for specific reasons -- I live in the tropics, so its very hot -- hence taking the Vit C with magnesium salt is very cooling; Vit C is an antioxidant and immune booster that also acts as an absorbtion synergist; I am at risk of parasites, ticks and fungus -- hence the borax which also acts together with the magnesium sulphate(epsom salts) to balance my hormones and enzymes; and the sea salt is the same but also acts as an effective antibiotic, stomachic and cleanser.

Regarding Safe Remedy Combinations, you can learn about this from Ted's comments at this EC link:

http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/remedy-combinations.html"

02/23/2010: Shaun from Old York, Uk writes: "Alain, I like you. You are my kind a guy. Kudos to you matey. Shaun"

02/24/2010: Rose from Girona, Spain writes: "To Bill from San Fernando,

Thanks very much for posting all this information regarding alkalizing formulas. I'd like to know more in detail, if you don't mind, how did you get rid of your candida issues in one year, as it is so difficult, really. Apart from alkalizing... with which of the formulas? or did you combine them? And did you take any fungal products o did any other specific treatment? Thank you very much in advance."

02/25/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines writes: "Hi Rose...This is what I took to cure my candida:

* Ted's alkalizing remedies using either whole squeezed lemon/lime or 2 tbspns ACV plus 1/2 tspn baking soda(Arm & Hammer brand) three times a day -- always taken 2 hours after or one hour before meals. I mainly used the Lemon/Lime alkalizing cure. This is Ted's Alkalizing Remedy and this is THE NUMBER ONE CURE for Candida in my book.

* I also used 1/2 tspn Baking soda straight in a full glass of water occasionally, mainly to alkalize my intestines and blood.

* One tablespoons of virgin coconut oil stirred into my coffee or taken raw at least 3 times a day.

* Blackstrap molasses(for the minerals) in my coffee, no refined sugar or aspartame sweetener allowed in my diet.

* You should also take herbs of your choice that support your liver and kidneys -- eg milk thistle, burdock etc. throughout this alkalizing, because there will be a die-off effect and it might last a while.

I didn't use any special diet except to eliminate all processed sugar and sweetners. I ate relatively normally.

When I started this remedy at the beginning, I got fairly severe flu-like symptoms -- it almost seemed as if the remedy was making me worse. But this die off or Herxheimer Effect always happens when you get the fungal toxins in your blood from microbes and fungus, so think of it as a good sign. Many people give up at this point, because they think the remedy is either causing the problem or just isn't working. But stick with it!!

Your liver and kidneys are overworked initially, until your immune system can get on top of the candida. After this die-off it was easy. All my skin problems just disappeared slowly (except the jock itch -- but that's another story) and I haven't had a cold or flu in over 2 years.

Mind you, it took me a full year to completely get rid of my candida. And even though I'm clear of candida now, and since it is very difficult to eat non-acidic foods these days, I still always alkalize and take coconut oil and molasses a couple of times a week as a preventative even now (plus I'm now also supplementing borax, magnesium, natural sea salt, using hydrogen peroxide etc as recommended by Ted on this site).

Also, don't be confused as many are, with 1/4 tspn doses of Baking soda in these remedies. As far as I'm concerned a simple maintenance dose is 1/4 tspn taken once or twice a day. If you're specifically targeting candida or another problem and a higher pH -- then you should raise the dose to 1/2 baking soda 3 times a day with lemon/lime or ACV. I also took a few days off from this remedy once a week, to give my body a break."

02/25/2010: Peter from Chicago, Ill writes: "Bill, need your advice. Alot of time I need more than 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to stop the lemon juice fizzle. Is that OK ?

* Ted's alkalizing remedies using either whole squeezed lemon/lime"

02/25/2010: Rose from Girona, Spain writes: "Bill,

Did you have systemic candida or where did you have it and how did you know you were free from it? How do you test it?"

02/25/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Rose...There are about 20 or more symptoms for candida, but remember the symptoms can vary between people who have it which is why even doctors can easily mis-diagnose candida.

If you have systemic candida, then usually an organ or a different area of the body is affected -- eg liver, kidney, bladder etc. Other pointers -- if a woman keeps getting thrush again and again, this is another symptom of candida I think.

My own intestinal candida symptoms were -- severe grogginess and brainfog in the morning, insomnia, jock itch(tinea cruris), BM and toilet only once every 4 days, constipation with dry, hard stools, low energy, bloated feeling all the time, tired all the time, psoriasis, eczema, toenail fungus and I regularly caught colds and flu.

I knew my intestinal candida was gone because all my symptoms(above) just slowly disappeared, one after another, over a period of a year. I also have much more energy now, I sleep better and I haven't had cold or flu in over 2 years.

The only symptom that did not go away was my jock itch -- but I suspect that could have been MRSA. I got rid of that by applying Milk of Magnesia directly over it every night. It disappeared in only two days and I'ld had that jock itch for 7 years, used all the recommended drugs and creams and couldn't get rid of it until I used the MoM."

02/25/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Peter...That should be OK but if you are really not happy with the dose quantity and it's causing diarrhea or other problems, just make up the lemon/lime remedy as per normal in half a glass of water, then pour away or save half of this solution in another glass, then add ordinary water back up to half a glass and drink that.

Doing this effectively dilutes the original solution and strength by half."

03/16/2010: Derbychick77 from Mayfield, Ky, Usa writes: "Hi Bill. Your answers have been a great help. I would just like to know if the lemon/lime mixture will also help with the decrease of blood pressure like the ACV does? I hate the taste of the ACV and hate even worse the ACV and Baking Soda combo. Any insight on this would be greatly appreciated as my husband needs to use this as well but refuses to use anything with any type of vinegar. Thanks:)"

03/16/2010: Rebel from Somewhere, America writes: "Hi. I am not Bill, But I did a little experment with myself and blood pressure.

I also take Baking Soda daily and was concerned that it may raise my pressure, so I took my pressure 1st thing in the morning and got a reading of 135/95.

After taking the Baking Soda, I tested again about 45 minutes latter. My pressure was then 121/85.

So at least in my case the baking soda seemed to lower my pressure.

I believe somewhere on here it is also said that, SEA SALT also lowers pressure so long as it is natural.

Sea Salt like Baking Soda is Alkaline and being alkaline might actually help with blood pressure.

Try a test on yourself and see, Please let us know."

03/16/2010: Rebel from Somewhere, America writes: "Wow, It might help if I read, what you actually wrote.LOL. Anyway, IT is always lemon juice that I mix with my Baking Soda.

I skim read alot and sometimes, I miss the point. But yes, I use lemon juice!"

03/17/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi DerbyChick77...If you look at Rebel from Somewhere's post above my post here, you will see that the lemon/lime mixture does indeed help with blood pressure. But I'm thinking here that maybe you wont like the taste of this one either..LOL.

So here are some suggestions on how to gently lower blood pressure. First and foremost, Magnesium. You can take this internally or transdermally in crystalline hydrate form using Magnesium Chloride or Mag Sulphate(Epsom Salts) and there are three ways to take magnesium.

First you could take and ingest 1/4 tspn in a glass of water of either Mag chloride or Mag Sulphate crystals two or three times a day. But, have to say that this is the slow way to take magnesium. The best and fastest way to raise your magnesium levels is:

* Having a hot bath 2-3 times a week with 3 cups of mag chloride or mag sulphate crystals added to the bathwater. Stay in the bath for at least 1/2 hour to allow the magnesium to be absorbed transdermally. This will rapidly and safely bring your body magnesium levels up, without causing problems with digestion or diarrhea as might occur with mag ingestion.

* Spray yourself(or indeed any sore, arthritic areas) using a garden sprayer containing 8 oz water and 3-4 heaped tspns of either Mag chloride or Mag sulphate crystals. Allow this to completely dry on your body and have another quick shower afterwards if you like. This is my method -- since I don't have a bath. It is also less wasteful and does the job just as well.

Here is a link showing the multitude of benefits from magnesium chloride:

http://curezone.com/art/read.asp?ID=49&db=5&C0=74

Another simple protocol is to just take Cayenne pepper tablets and Hawthorne Berry tablets -- both exceptionally good for BP and heart.

See these links:

http://www.cayennepepper.info/

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-hawthorn-berry.html"

03/17/2010: Derbychick77 from Mayfield, Ky, Usa writes: "Bill thank you so much for your help. I tried the lemon/baking soda mixture and it was a little better than the ACV/BS combo but still not great. LOL I will definately try the other things you suggested. I am also tired all the time. Is there anything I can add to my regimen to help with that? I have been exercising 3-4 days a week but that really doesn't seem to be helping that much for the fatigue. Thanks again:)"

After taking the Baking Soda, I tested again about 45 minutes latter. My pressure was then 121/85.

So at least in my case the baking soda seemed to lower my pressure.

I believe somewhere on here it is also said that, SEA SALT also lowers pressure so long as it is natural.

Sea Salt like Baking Soda is Alkaline and being alkaline might actually help with blood pressure.

Try a test on yourself and see, Please let us know."

02/19/2010: Peter from Chicago, Ill writes: "To Bill from San Fernando,

From all the emails that I read from you to Earthclinic, obivously you are very knowledge person.

Can you help me on Ted's alkaline formula, what happens if you put in 1/2 tsp instead of 1/4 tsp of Baking Soda in ACV, or whole glass of water instead of half glass, how does this change the effectivness if any ?

Same question for the lemon and lime formula, keep adding baking soda until stop fizzle, what happen if you add too much, what happen ? Also when I add baking soda to lime and lemon, there is always some fizzle. does half glass of water makes stronger vs whole glass?

Thanks!"

02/19/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines writes: "Hi Peter...Whenever I've taken any of Ted's alkalizing remedies -- whether its the Lemon/Lime remedy plus Baking Soda or the Carbibarb remedy or just Baking soda on its own, it's very important to understand just why you are taking these different remedies.

Taking Baking Soda -- 1/4 tspn in half a glass of water is generally taken after a meal as a digestive aid or outside meals just to alkalize the intestines and blood or extracellular fluid.

Lemon/Lime plus baking soda is used to normalize more parameters because limes and lemons contain many additional useful minerals as well as Vitamin C. Here is where you add the Baking Soda until the fizzing stops so that all the citric acid -- as well as the ascorbic acid -- has been neutralized and converted to its more alkaline salt form -- citrates and ascorbates. These are easily absorbed by by the intestines. This is also my own favourite way of alkalizing, because its not complicated !!

ACV plus 1/4 tspn Baking soda. Used the same as lemon and lime, but gives you more energy through the formation of malate salts -- which are utilized in energy production -- via the Krebs Cycle -- in your body.

Carbicarb remedy -- Usually this consists of using sodium carbonate and potassium bicarbonate salts with citric acid together in solution. There are variations of this -- using the sodium and potassium citrate forms which are just as good. The reason you use this form of alkalizing is to alkalize both your blood(extracellular fluids) and intracellular fluids as well and is perhaps more useful. When I use this remedy, I sometimes add a 1/8 to 1/4 teasoon of magnesium sulphate or mag chloride crystals to help balance the potassium and calcium. Useful if you have sodium retention issues.

And you should always be very careful with these remedies if you have any renal issues since the kidneys are the main organs that balance the electrolytes held in the blood.

When I took these remedies for particularly my own candida problem, I deliberately upped my doses to 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda and took them 2 - 3 times a day. Here, I was aggressively targeting a higher pH to kill off the candida. But, in general, as a regular maintenance dose, 1/4 tspn Baking Soda is fine.

When you take these remedies, you are generally advised to take them in just half a glass of water because not only should you take the correct amount, but you should also take them at the proper concentrations, so that these electrolytes are fully and quickly absorbed through the intestines into the blood by osmosis between the different concentration gradients. So taking these remedies in half a glass of water provides the best medium for absorbtion into the blood. A weaker concentration -- ie full glass -- would therefore slow down and hinder absorbtion of these important electrolytes.

Also, whenever I took these alkalizing remedies, I never suffered any ill-effects, but I have read of some who have used them that have suffered headaches, night sweats, insomnia and kidney pains."

02/20/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas writes: "Hi Bill, wow! I can't thank you enough for expanding on the alkalizing formulas. I am the type of person who needs to understand the process of how things work so I feel I can make an intelligence decision. Your post has really helped to bring the information together.

I do have one more question that you may could help with. I am concerned about taking the alkalizing formulas to close to meals as not to interfere with digestion. I did note in your post that 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda could be taken after meals to help with digestion. But what if you are taking 1/2 tsp of baking soda or any other of the formulas how close to meals can you take them? Would you please expand on this? Also, when you cleared yourself of candida did you eat a strictly candida diet? Whoops, just thought of one more question how long was it before you noticed improvement? I do appreciate your help in this. Thanks"

02/20/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Pr...I'll try and answer your questions as best I can here :

"But what if you are taking 1/2 tsp of baking soda or any other of the formulas how close to meals can you take them?"

You should always take these alkalizing remedies at least one hour before meals or two hours after meals on an empty stomach. And it is the same for 1/4 tspn or 1/2 tspn amounts of baking soda. The purpose of this is to completely avoid stomach acids that are stimulated during mealtimes, which would neutralize the bicarbonate as well as cause gas.

"Also, when you cleared yourself of candida did you eat a strictly candida diet?"

No, I ate no special diet -- except for complete elimination of sugars and sweetners. I'm someone who enjoys food. My own regimen is based on the 'Mr Muscle Principle'. Remember those old TV ads that initially showed a black dirty drain? Then after you use the Mr Muscle Cleaner, magically the drain is gleaming and clean again !! That is my emphasis or principle. If you eat something bad, drink a little too much etc, then be sure to alkalize thoroughly the next day since its very difficult anyway to avoid acid, processed foods in our diets now. I also dislike drinking things like carrot and celery juice, tastes horrible(and who's to say these vegetable juices aren't also poisoned with heavy metals and poison fertilizers?). I also regularly take doses of sodium thiosulphate to get rid of heavy metals from my body, and do the same with iodine via kelp supplements which leeches out halides from your body. My outlook here is simple, what's the point of becoming well if you can't enjoy yourself occasionally? So the point here is moderation, nothing in excess and avoid bad habits.

"...how long was it before you noticed improvement?"

LOL...Believe me, I went through far worse before it got better really. The improvement was slow to be sure -- and it took a full year to eradicate my candida. Of all the microbes, I reckon fungus is the hardest to eradicate. They are a tough enemy to defeat."

02/21/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas writes: "Thanks Bill for answering my questions and your answers are very helpful."

02/22/2010: Peter from Chicago, Ill writes: "Bill,

Need your advise. Would you say the Carbicarb remedy is the better way to alkaline since it does alot more !
(Per Your email-Carbicarb remedy will provide sodium/potassium balance as well as increase the alkalinity of your blood and cell fluids as well.)

To make Carbicarb, let me know if I do this right.

I assume Ted wants us to mix 1/2 sodium bicarbonate and 1/2 potassium bicarbonte togather and add them in the lemon juice until it stop fizzle. Is this what Ted meant when he wrote 50/50 ?

Another question regarding Ted formula for people with sodium isssue, could they just use sodium free Baking Soda, would that solve the problem ? Thank for your expertise !"

02/22/2010: Peter from Chicago, Ill writes: "Bill, just to make sure I understand what is carb-bicarb, is below from Ted call carbicarb ?

7. For People with Sodium Issues and Want to Alkalize and Normalize Many Biological Parameters: One whole freshly squeezed lemon (or lime) and keep adding the bicarbonate until the fizz stops. The bicarbonate is made of 50/50, sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate. Sorry, sodium must always be there to achieve somewhat of a sodium/potassium balance. Take this twice a day once in the morning and once in the evening on an empty stomach. This is done to avoid diarrhea problems, if taken along with food.

What about sodium carbonate plus baking soda ? Is that carb-bicarb also ?
Thanks for your advise !"

02/22/2010: Alain from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada writes: "Answer to Peter about carbicarb

In its strictest definition, the carbicarb is the mix of Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Bicarbonate.

See for example http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/77/1/227

As I recall. Ted'd first mention of carbicarb was here
http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/asthenia.html

Read the page to understand why the sodium carbonate was considered.

He later on developed a more elaborate formula that included potassium in the form of either a bicarbonate or citrate.

A carbonate is a salt formed from the bounding of a mineral with the anion -CO3 see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/(CO3)(2-)

A bicarbonate is a salt formed from the bounding of a mineral with the anion -HCO3 see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hco3

He also developed an alkaline formula in which sea salt is one of the component. Search for the keyword ORMUS in EC.

The use of Sodium and Potassium insures a better equilibrium of the Sodium/Potassium ratio. It also depends how someone is deficient in either. See http://www.naturalnews.com/024539_potassium_sodium_blood.html

The use of an alkaline salt with a weak acid such as Lemon/Lime juice or ACV or citric acid ... makes the solution more neutral so that is neither acid nor alkaline when it enters the stomach. It does not mean however that the solution is not alkalizing. Such formula might be easier to digest.

One should always be careful when using these formulas that use salts. The urine and saliva pH should be monitor to see how effective a formula is.

I hope these info may help in better understanding some of the concepts.

Good Luck

Alain"

02/23/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "To answer your other questions:

"To make Carbicarb, let me know if I do this right.

I assume Ted wants us to mix 1/2 sodium bicarbonate and 1/2 potassium bicarbonte togather and add them in the lemon juice until it stop fizzle. Is this what Ted meant when he wrote 50/50 ?"

The inference here is to use 1/4 tspn of both potassium and sodium bicarbonate and the juice of one lemon or lime. If you 1/2 tspns of each, you would have to use 2 lemons or 2 limes here. What is important here is to add the lemon or lime juice until the fizzing stops -- this is not an exact measurement and will depend on the amount of juice, then you will have created the necessary potassium and sodium citrates for alkalizing your body. This will create a proper maintenance dose, because you will get the same amount of bicarbonates as using just 1/2 sodium bicarb alone, but with the added potassium, you will affect and normalize more parameters. If you wanted to increase this dosage - then just take these dosages more often, this is safer than just upping the dose.

"...could they just use sodium free Baking Soda, would that solve the problem ? Thank for your expertise !"

No, there is no such thing. The definition of Baking Soda is simply Sodium Bicarbonate powder."

02/23/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines writes: "Hi Peter...A great answer from Alain in answer to your carbicarb question.

These formulas become fairly advanced when learning about them and you start adding other substances and fine tune them for particular reasons. For instances I deliberately make my own Mag Water - Mag Bicarbonate - from Phillip's Milk of Magnesia(MoM) and soda water because I have the double advantage of both supplementing with a solution of magnesium that contains and supplies me with large amounts of alkalizing bicarbonates as well without sodium issues to worry about.

I also experiment and try mixing other minerals, such as carefully mixing 1/16 tspn borax plus 1/4 tspn Mag sulphate plus 1/8 tspn sea salt plus 1/8 tspn plus Vitamin C(ascorbate) in a full glass of water. I sip this mixture slowly. I'm testing this out on myself at the moment but would NOT advise you or anyone one else to do this, because everyone has a different metabolism with their own problems and sensitivities and there is a danger of diarrhea. I'm taking this mineral mixture for specific reasons -- I live in the tropics, so its very hot -- hence taking the Vit C with magnesium salt is very cooling; Vit C is an antioxidant and immune booster that also acts as an absorbtion synergist; I am at risk of parasites, ticks and fungus -- hence the borax which also acts together with the magnesium sulphate(epsom salts) to balance my hormones and enzymes; and the sea salt is the same but also acts as an effective antibiotic, stomachic and cleanser.

Regarding Safe Remedy Combinations, you can learn about this from Ted's comments at this EC link:

http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/remedy-combinations.html"

02/23/2010: Shaun from Old York, Uk writes: "Alain, I like you. You are my kind a guy. Kudos to you matey. Shaun"

02/24/2010: Rose from Girona, Spain writes: "To Bill from San Fernando,

Thanks very much for posting all this information regarding alkalizing formulas. I'd like to know more in detail, if you don't mind, how did you get rid of your candida issues in one year, as it is so difficult, really. Apart from alkalizing... with which of the formulas? or did you combine them? And did you take any fungal products o did any other specific treatment? Thank you very much in advance."

02/25/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines writes: "Hi Rose...This is what I took to cure my candida:

* Ted's alkalizing remedies using either whole squeezed lemon/lime or 2 tbspns ACV plus 1/2 tspn baking soda(Arm & Hammer brand) three times a day -- always taken 2 hours after or one hour before meals. I mainly used the Lemon/Lime alkalizing cure. This is Ted's Alkalizing Remedy and this is THE NUMBER ONE CURE for Candida in my book.

* I also used 1/2 tspn Baking soda straight in a full glass of water occasionally, mainly to alkalize my intestines and blood.

* One tablespoons of virgin coconut oil stirred into my coffee or taken raw at least 3 times a day.

* Blackstrap molasses(for the minerals) in my coffee, no refined sugar or aspartame sweetener allowed in my diet.

* You should also take herbs of your choice that support your liver and kidneys -- eg milk thistle, burdock etc. throughout this alkalizing, because there will be a die-off effect and it might last a while.

I didn't use any special diet except to eliminate all processed sugar and sweetners. I ate relatively normally.

When I started this remedy at the beginning, I got fairly severe flu-like symptoms -- it almost seemed as if the remedy was making me worse. But this die off or Herxheimer Effect always happens when you get the fungal toxins in your blood from microbes and fungus, so think of it as a good sign. Many people give up at this point, because they think the remedy is either causing the problem or just isn't working. But stick with it!!

Your liver and kidneys are overworked initially, until your immune system can get on top of the candida. After this die-off it was easy. All my skin problems just disappeared slowly (except the jock itch -- but that's another story) and I haven't had a cold or flu in over 2 years.

Mind you, it took me a full year to completely get rid of my candida. And even though I'm clear of candida now, and since it is very difficult to eat non-acidic foods these days, I still always alkalize and take coconut oil and molasses a couple of times a week as a preventative even now (plus I'm now also supplementing borax, magnesium, natural sea salt, using hydrogen peroxide etc as recommended by Ted on this site).

Also, don't be confused as many are, with 1/4 tspn doses of Baking soda in these remedies. As far as I'm concerned a simple maintenance dose is 1/4 tspn taken once or twice a day. If you're specifically targeting candida or another problem and a higher pH -- then you should raise the dose to 1/2 baking soda 3 times a day with lemon/lime or ACV. I also took a few days off from this remedy once a week, to give my body a break."

02/25/2010: Peter from Chicago, Ill writes: "Bill, need your advice. Alot of time I need more than 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to stop the lemon juice fizzle. Is that OK ?

* Ted's alkalizing remedies using either whole squeezed lemon/lime"

02/25/2010: Rose from Girona, Spain writes: "Bill,

Did you have systemic candida or where did you have it and how did you know you were free from it? How do you test it?"

02/25/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Rose...There are about 20 or more symptoms for candida, but remember the symptoms can vary between people who have it which is why even doctors can easily mis-diagnose candida.

If you have systemic candida, then usually an organ or a different area of the body is affected -- eg liver, kidney, bladder etc. Other pointers -- if a woman keeps getting thrush again and again, this is another symptom of candida I think.

My own intestinal candida symptoms were -- severe grogginess and brainfog in the morning, insomnia, jock itch(tinea cruris), BM and toilet only once every 4 days, constipation with dry, hard stools, low energy, bloated feeling all the time, tired all the time, psoriasis, eczema, toenail fungus and I regularly caught colds and flu.

I knew my intestinal candida was gone because all my symptoms(above) just slowly disappeared, one after another, over a period of a year. I also have much more energy now, I sleep better and I haven't had cold or flu in over 2 years.

The only symptom that did not go away was my jock itch -- but I suspect that could have been MRSA. I got rid of that by applying Milk of Magnesia directly over it every night. It disappeared in only two days and I'ld had that jock itch for 7 years, used all the recommended drugs and creams and couldn't get rid of it until I used the MoM."

02/25/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Peter...That should be OK but if you are really not happy with the dose quantity and it's causing diarrhea or other problems, just make up the lemon/lime remedy as per normal in half a glass of water, then pour away or save half of this solution in another glass, then add ordinary water back up to half a glass and drink that.

Doing this effectively dilutes the original solution and strength by half."

03/16/2010: Derbychick77 from Mayfield, Ky, Usa writes: "Hi Bill. Your answers have been a great help. I would just like to know if the lemon/lime mixture will also help with the decrease of blood pressure like the ACV does? I hate the taste of the ACV and hate even worse the ACV and Baking Soda combo. Any insight on this would be greatly appreciated as my husband needs to use this as well but refuses to use anything with any type of vinegar. Thanks:)"

03/16/2010: Rebel from Somewhere, America writes: "Hi. I am not Bill, But I did a little experment with myself and blood pressure.

I also take Baking Soda daily and was concerned that it may raise my pressure, so I took my pressure 1st thing in the morning and got a reading of 135/95.

After taking the Baking Soda, I tested again about 45 minutes latter. My pressure was then 121/85.

So at least in my case the baking soda seemed to lower my pressure.

I believe somewhere on here it is also said that, SEA SALT also lowers pressure so long as it is natural.

Sea Salt like Baking Soda is Alkaline and being alkaline might actually help with blood pressure.

Try a test on yourself and see, Please let us know."

03/16/2010: Rebel from Somewhere, America writes: "Wow, It might help if I read, what you actually wrote.LOL. Anyway, IT is always lemon juice that I mix with my Baking Soda.

I skim read alot and sometimes, I miss the point. But yes, I use lemon juice!"

03/17/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi DerbyChick77...If you look at Rebel from Somewhere's post above my post here, you will see that the lemon/lime mixture does indeed help with blood pressure. But I'm thinking here that maybe you wont like the taste of this one either..LOL.

So here are some suggestions on how to gently lower blood pressure. First and foremost, Magnesium. You can take this internally or transdermally in crystalline hydrate form using Magnesium Chloride or Mag Sulphate(Epsom Salts) and there are three ways to take magnesium.

First you could take and ingest 1/4 tspn in a glass of water of either Mag chloride or Mag Sulphate crystals two or three times a day. But, have to say that this is the slow way to take magnesium. The best and fastest way to raise your magnesium levels is:

* Having a hot bath 2-3 times a week with 3 cups of mag chloride or mag sulphate crystals added to the bathwater. Stay in the bath for at least 1/2 hour to allow the magnesium to be absorbed transdermally. This will rapidly and safely bring your body magnesium levels up, without causing problems with digestion or diarrhea as might occur with mag ingestion.

* Spray yourself(or indeed any sore, arthritic areas) using a garden sprayer containing 8 oz water and 3-4 heaped tspns of either Mag chloride or Mag sulphate crystals. Allow this to completely dry on your body and have another quick shower afterwards if you like. This is my method -- since I don't have a bath. It is also less wasteful and does the job just as well.

Here is a link showing the multitude of benefits from magnesium chloride:

http://curezone.com/art/read.asp?ID=49&db=5&C0=74

Another simple protocol is to just take Cayenne pepper tablets and Hawthorne Berry tablets -- both exceptionally good for BP and heart.

See these links:

http://www.cayennepepper.info/

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-hawthorn-berry.html"

03/17/2010: Derbychick77 from Mayfield, Ky, Usa writes: "Bill thank you so much for your help. I tried the lemon/baking soda mixture and it was a little better than the ACV/BS combo but still not great. LOL I will definately try the other things you suggested. I am also tired all the time. Is there anything I can add to my regimen to help with that? I have been exercising 3-4 days a week but that really doesn't seem to be helping that much for the fatigue. Thanks again:)"

Thanks a lot for everyones post, im so glad for the internet and reputable site."

03/16/2010: Jenay from Los Angeles, California writes: "hello,,i was wondering if is possible to mix flax seed oil with acv and baking soda?"

[YEA]  11/11/2007: Linda from Melbourne, Australia writes: "Hi all, I have been taking flaxseed oil for about 3mths 4 tablespoons a day so i decided to use it as a mosturiser on my face, i do suffer from acne as well im 40 and never looked my age after about a week i noticed a difference in my skin and it started to clear up my acne its been 4 weeks now and i am so happy my skin glows and looks so healthy, people have started to comment how good my skin looks, as well as the flaxseed oil i use vco with it, it helps me maybe it could help others, you can find it in a fridge in health food shops cost $11 and last for couple months. Hope others find it good as well. cheers Linda"

11/01/2009: Roslyn from Queens, N.Y. writes: "Hi Linda from Melbourne Australia. I take omega everyday and also suffer with acne. You use the flaxseed oil as a moisturizer do you put it on day and night? If you apply during the day do you also use SPF sunblock as well? You said it helped with your acne - did you break out before it got better? Also what is vco? I have cut sugar, diary and deep fried foods out of my diet which helps alot. Thanks. I will appreciate any advice that you have."

EC: VCO is an acronym for Virgin Coconut Oil.

03/16/2010: Jenay from Los Angeles, California writes: "hello,,i was wondering if is possible to mix flax seed oil with acv and baking soda?"

03/16/2010: Cat from Austin, Tx writes: "I tell all my sisters, every female: STOP INGESTING SOY!... and its many products. Do your research and study what soy does to your thyroid. Then, check your grocery labels intensely because soy is in just about all packaged food labeled as vegetable protein, gluten...etc; in names disguised to fool the American public. So, do watch what you buy. It is used exclusively in most restaurants so try to cook at home as much as possible or eat simply of meat, fruit, salad with your own dressing (store bought salad dressing is loaded with SOY OIL). For me, first getting rid of soy, switching to red palm and coconut oil, stopped my extreme thyroid problems. Now I am slowly losing the weight that I could not lose no matter how much I exercised or ate well.. Applied Coconut oil with a drop of iodine soothes my aching neck. So ladies, if you find that you eat right, exercise and still cannot lose excess weight, you need to get rid of soy in all its forms. THIS KNOWLEDGE IS FINALLY CATCHING ON. Believe me, where the female goes, the nation follows. EXCESSIVE BLEEDING AND OVARY SWELLING, losing eyebrows,head and body hair, sore turkey neck, itchy skin, weight gain and a host of other SOY problems is the legacy of soy that catches up to you even if you are a tiny person. Without soy in my diet, I no longer suffer from extreme daily bleeding. And, my eyebrows are growing back and my hair has stopped falling out with my hairline slowly growing back in. BEWARE! IT IS THE SOY SISTERS."

[BETTER BUT NOT CURED]  12/14/2007: Linda from Concord, CA writes: "[WITH SIDE EFFECT] I began using VCO on doctor's orders to help combat hypothyroid. My skin, hair, energy levels were all positive results. I also used VCO as a deodorant. However, after a few days I began gaining weight, got dizzy spells and some diarrhea. My blood pressure soared! After continued trials for a couple of weeks, my doctor advised me to stop using it. This was disappointment as I got good results in other areas; however, every attempt made to try it again caused my BP to go higher. I do full body cleanses once or twice a year. Possibly it might help if I did just liver cleanse? I'm 60 years old, exercise daily, eat healthy foods, do drink 1.5 cups coffee in morning and am Blood Type A. Disappointed as not being able to use coconut oil due to HBP. Would appreciate any comments on my HBP problem to be answered on this site. Any insight would be beneficial. Thanks, a CA gal"

08/13/2008: Ione from Sacramento, CA writes: "According to D'Adamo and the "Eat Right 4 Your Type" diet, just about no one should eat coconut oil. I'm a fan of that diet, but I also know that one size does not fit all. Some of the things ER4YT says I can tolerate, in truth, I cannot (wine, sulfa drugs, etc). As a Type A, non-secretor, it says that I can tolerate coconut milk. But not coconut oil? It doesn't make all that much sense to me. I started taking it for thyroid help, but I love what it has been doing for my skin. I haven't had any side effects so far. I don't understand how anyone can lose weight taking this tho. At 120 calories in 1 tbls, if you take it 4 times a day, you are adding 480 calories."

03/16/2010: Cat from Austin, Tx writes: "I tell all my sisters, every female: STOP INGESTING SOY!... and its many products. Do your research and study what soy does to your thyroid. Then, check your grocery labels intensely because soy is in just about all packaged food labeled as vegetable protein, gluten...etc; in names disguised to fool the American public. So, do watch what you buy. It is used exclusively in most restaurants so try to cook at home as much as possible or eat simply of meat, fruit, salad with your own dressing (store bought salad dressing is loaded with SOY OIL). For me, first getting rid of soy, switching to red palm and coconut oil, stopped my extreme thyroid problems. Now I am slowly losing the weight that I could not lose no matter how much I exercised or ate well.. Applied Coconut oil with a drop of iodine soothes my aching neck. So ladies, if you find that you eat right, exercise and still cannot lose excess weight, you need to get rid of soy in all its forms. THIS KNOWLEDGE IS FINALLY CATCHING ON. Believe me, where the female goes, the nation follows. EXCESSIVE BLEEDING AND OVARY SWELLING, losing eyebrows,head and body hair, sore turkey neck, itchy skin, weight gain and a host of other SOY problems is the legacy of soy that catches up to you even if you are a tiny person. Without soy in my diet, I no longer suffer from extreme daily bleeding. And, my eyebrows are growing back and my hair has stopped falling out with my hairline slowly growing back in. BEWARE! IT IS THE SOY SISTERS."

03/16/2010: Pippi from Lakewood, Nj writes: "does anybody know if the hydrogen peroxide has to be food grade or just the regular oral kind? does it have to be warmed and diluted? i don't want to harm my ear."

05/26/2009: Eva from Denham Springs, Louisiana, United States writes: "Most of the children on my father's side have had to have tubes put in their ears. I suffered from many ear infections throughout childhood. Typically, it was from swimming, but I even got it from taking a shower or bath occasionally.

Ear drops from the doctor were warm, oily, expensive, and took about a week to cure the infection. My mother heard that you could get rid of it with hydrogen peroxide and I have never looked back. Any time my ear starts to hurt, I put a few drops of 3% hydrogen peroxide into my ear and let it sit until it stops bubbling. Then, I drain out the ear and put one drop of rubbing alcohol. The peroxide cleans and sanitizes the ear canal. The drop of alcohol mixes with any water or peroxide left in the ear and evaporates it quickly.

This method usually takes care of the infection overnight, and I haven't had an earache for more than two days since I started using it. I don't know how safe this is, because I'm not a doctor. I do know that I have been doing it for the past 14 years and still have good hearing and no known problems with my ears."

[YEA]  06/03/2009: Louis from Scotia, NY, USA writes: "About a year ago I had a really bad ear ache that started without warning. At the time, it was late Saturday and I knew that if I were holding my ear from the pain that waiting til Monday just wasn't an option. With that, I went online to find out if there are any homeopathic remedies that I could use. Mind you, I've never been fond about homeopathic anything..! It's like your Mom giving Cod Liver Oil which never worked, know what I mean. With that, it made sense when I ran into another posting where someone stated that they used Hydrogen Peroxide. Pretty straight forward right? Have a skinned knee use Alcohol or peroxide, made sense (not the alcohol but the HP). This one guy said that his earache went away in just a few hours. Figuring that it'll take a day or so before it felt better, I was HUGELY surprised when it worked...! If there's one thing that I've done since is use peroxide for an earache. Meanwhile, I thought the guy who wrote this POV was just making it sound like it was slice bread to just promote the option but no lie, it worked and I've never looked back. This will work, hand over fist, no question and you don't have to wait. Just spend the $0.89 on a bottle and get relief NOW...! :)"

[YEA]  02/04/2010: Matt from Fremont, Ca writes: "Let me start by saying that I have used this site many many times, but this is the first time I am writing in. The reason I chose to write in now is because this remedy is quite extraordinary. It works! I had my wife help, but she poured 1/4 tsp of Hydrogen Peroxide into my infected ear and it worked immediately. If you are like me, be prepared for what could be a loud POP! After the POP! my ear felt better. Thanks to all that make this site what it is! :)"

03/16/2010: Pippi from Lakewood, Nj writes: "does anybody know if the hydrogen peroxide has to be food grade or just the regular oral kind? does it have to be warmed and diluted? i don't want to harm my ear."

03/16/2010: Sunny from Hyderabad, Ap writes: "Please can anyone guide me where to buy 35% food grade hydrogen peroxide in India as I dont know where it is available?"

03/16/2010: A. Nonnie Mouse from Portland, Oregon writes: "Just a point of clarification - demodex do not feed on dead skin. They feed on sebum. Dust mites eat dead skin."

[YEA]  01/29/2010: Marie from San Francisco, Ca writes: "Hi All,

I had been suffering from some bites..first I suspected bedbugs and then possibly a smaller mite that may very well be demodex mites. It's possible I had both. The diatomaceous earth may have eliminated the bedbugs. But it didn't get rid of the same symptoms others had posted..a crawling and slight stinging sensation late in the evening or just as I tucked into bed, esp. on my upper arms, chest, shoulders and face.

I tried diatomaceous earth around the house and powdered myself but continued to get these bites. Here's my three-pronged approach. Because the demodex mites feed on dead skin, I believe that I have a more active skin buildup (from exposure to sunblock, creams and spending time outdoors) that sloughs off more than others. I am not sure what led to the infestation but for me it could have been my dog, noticeable attack at the start of winter when I turned on the heat. And the rainy season began around the same time. I am not sure.

When I was living in Japan many years ago it was almost a daily routine to steep in a hot bath. The common practice of taking a bath in Japan was to first wash yourself outside of the bathtub with soap, rinse off, and then soak in very hot water in the tub. Next, whether in the bath if you're the only person taking the bath or out of the bath water, with a damp washcloth you scrub and remove a layer of dead skin on your arms, neck and anywhere you can reach (and back if you can have someone help you scrub your back).

I did use peppermint castille soap (not sure if this made a difference), scrubbed myself well with both brush and washtowel, then I used a little coconut oil around my neck (slight irritation/eczema which helps almost instantly) and mainly jojoba oil on my face and body. Before sleeping I wash my face and then apply the jojoba oil on my face, and esp around my eyebrows and the rim of my scalp and back of my head I use both jojoba oil and a little tea tree oil.

Having done these things, I have felt great relief from the bites for the last two weeks. I also do wash linens, clothes regularly and continue to monitor what works and what doesn't. My theory is that you have to approach the solution with a three-pronged approach. If there is an infestation you have to address the source.

That's number 1)Where are these mites? They are mostly already on our bodies and reproducing, head and face especialy, very likely at the root of our hair follicles.

Number 2) And then to create an unattractive environment for the mites which would include reducing the dead skin on our bodies and keeping clothing, linen and floors clean (lint may remover works, too).

3) Strengthen your immune system.. I take vitamins occasionally but have also been drinking apple cider vinegar (2 tbs per qt H2O/daily) for other reasons (has been effective with hot flashes and sore muscles), but have no idea whether this is helping eliminate mites other than creating an alkaline environment in my body which appears to be a deterrent for viruses but uncertain whether in affects mites.

Hope this helps."

03/16/2010: A. Nonnie Mouse from Portland, Oregon writes: "Just a point of clarification - demodex do not feed on dead skin. They feed on sebum. Dust mites eat dead skin."

03/16/2010: Maurice Escargot from Sacramento, Ca writes: "You say that the coconut oil caused your hair to grow back thicker, your eyebrows to grow back, your hands and feet to warm up, yet you mention it doesn't cure thyroid problems. All these symptoms are for hypothyroidism. Why do you say, then, that coconut oil DOESN'T cure thyroid problems?"

[YEA]  04/08/2008: Dorie from Ft Lauderdale, Florida writes: "Coconut Oil for Hypothyroid patients: I heard that virgin coconut oil was a good supplement for people suffering with hypothyroidism. I went to a natural food market and bought a jar of it. That was 2 months ago and I have gone back to buy more several times. I am taking 3 tablespoons in the morning. It has not helped with my weight although I know a few people who used it and lost weight immediately. It has stopped my hair loss (it use to fall out by the handful) and in fact not only is my hair thicker but my eyebrows are growing back. I no longer have cold hands and feet either. It doesn't cure thyroid problems but it certainly is a great supplement to help with the effects of the disease."

07/11/2008: Kelley from Graham, Washington,USA writes: "You say you take 3 TBLS of coconut oil. Can you tell me how you consume it.....is it by spoonful?!"

03/16/2010: Maurice Escargot from Sacramento, Ca writes: "You say that the coconut oil caused your hair to grow back thicker, your eyebrows to grow back, your hands and feet to warm up, yet you mention it doesn't cure thyroid problems. All these symptoms are for hypothyroidism. Why do you say, then, that coconut oil DOESN'T cure thyroid problems?"

03/16/2010: Derbychick77 from Mayfield, Ky, Usa writes: "Hi Bill. Your answers have been a great help. I would just like to know if the lemon/lime mixture will also help with the decrease of blood pressure like the ACV does? I hate the taste of the ACV and hate even worse the ACV and Baking Soda combo. Any insight on this would be greatly appreciated as my husband needs to use this as well but refuses to use anything with any type of vinegar. Thanks:)"

02/19/2010: Peter from Chicago, Ill writes: "To Bill from San Fernando,

From all the emails that I read from you to Earthclinic, obivously you are very knowledge person.

Can you help me on Ted's alkaline formula, what happens if you put in 1/2 tsp instead of 1/4 tsp of Baking Soda in ACV, or whole glass of water instead of half glass, how does this change the effectivness if any ?

Same question for the lemon and lime formula, keep adding baking soda until stop fizzle, what happen if you add too much, what happen ? Also when I add baking soda to lime and lemon, there is always some fizzle. does half glass of water makes stronger vs whole glass?

Thanks!"

02/19/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines writes: "Hi Peter...Whenever I've taken any of Ted's alkalizing remedies -- whether its the Lemon/Lime remedy plus Baking Soda or the Carbibarb remedy or just Baking soda on its own, it's very important to understand just why you are taking these different remedies.

Taking Baking Soda -- 1/4 tspn in half a glass of water is generally taken after a meal as a digestive aid or outside meals just to alkalize the intestines and blood or extracellular fluid.

Lemon/Lime plus baking soda is used to normalize more parameters because limes and lemons contain many additional useful minerals as well as Vitamin C. Here is where you add the Baking Soda until the fizzing stops so that all the citric acid -- as well as the ascorbic acid -- has been neutralized and converted to its more alkaline salt form -- citrates and ascorbates. These are easily absorbed by by the intestines. This is also my own favourite way of alkalizing, because its not complicated !!

ACV plus 1/4 tspn Baking soda. Used the same as lemon and lime, but gives you more energy through the formation of malate salts -- which are utilized in energy production -- via the Krebs Cycle -- in your body.

Carbicarb remedy -- Usually this consists of using sodium carbonate and potassium bicarbonate salts with citric acid together in solution. There are variations of this -- using the sodium and potassium citrate forms which are just as good. The reason you use this form of alkalizing is to alkalize both your blood(extracellular fluids) and intracellular fluids as well and is perhaps more useful. When I use this remedy, I sometimes add a 1/8 to 1/4 teasoon of magnesium sulphate or mag chloride crystals to help balance the potassium and calcium. Useful if you have sodium retention issues.

And you should always be very careful with these remedies if you have any renal issues since the kidneys are the main organs that balance the electrolytes held in the blood.

When I took these remedies for particularly my own candida problem, I deliberately upped my doses to 1/2 teaspoon Baking soda and took them 2 - 3 times a day. Here, I was aggressively targeting a higher pH to kill off the candida. But, in general, as a regular maintenance dose, 1/4 tspn Baking Soda is fine.

When you take these remedies, you are generally advised to take them in just half a glass of water because not only should you take the correct amount, but you should also take them at the proper concentrations, so that these electrolytes are fully and quickly absorbed through the intestines into the blood by osmosis between the different concentration gradients. So taking these remedies in half a glass of water provides the best medium for absorbtion into the blood. A weaker concentration -- ie full glass -- would therefore slow down and hinder absorbtion of these important electrolytes.

Also, whenever I took these alkalizing remedies, I never suffered any ill-effects, but I have read of some who have used them that have suffered headaches, night sweats, insomnia and kidney pains."

02/20/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas writes: "Hi Bill, wow! I can't thank you enough for expanding on the alkalizing formulas. I am the type of person who needs to understand the process of how things work so I feel I can make an intelligence decision. Your post has really helped to bring the information together.

I do have one more question that you may could help with. I am concerned about taking the alkalizing formulas to close to meals as not to interfere with digestion. I did note in your post that 1/4 teaspoon of baking soda could be taken after meals to help with digestion. But what if you are taking 1/2 tsp of baking soda or any other of the formulas how close to meals can you take them? Would you please expand on this? Also, when you cleared yourself of candida did you eat a strictly candida diet? Whoops, just thought of one more question how long was it before you noticed improvement? I do appreciate your help in this. Thanks"

02/20/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Pr...I'll try and answer your questions as best I can here :

"But what if you are taking 1/2 tsp of baking soda or any other of the formulas how close to meals can you take them?"

You should always take these alkalizing remedies at least one hour before meals or two hours after meals on an empty stomach. And it is the same for 1/4 tspn or 1/2 tspn amounts of baking soda. The purpose of this is to completely avoid stomach acids that are stimulated during mealtimes, which would neutralize the bicarbonate as well as cause gas.

"Also, when you cleared yourself of candida did you eat a strictly candida diet?"

No, I ate no special diet -- except for complete elimination of sugars and sweetners. I'm someone who enjoys food. My own regimen is based on the 'Mr Muscle Principle'. Remember those old TV ads that initially showed a black dirty drain? Then after you use the Mr Muscle Cleaner, magically the drain is gleaming and clean again !! That is my emphasis or principle. If you eat something bad, drink a little too much etc, then be sure to alkalize thoroughly the next day since its very difficult anyway to avoid acid, processed foods in our diets now. I also dislike drinking things like carrot and celery juice, tastes horrible(and who's to say these vegetable juices aren't also poisoned with heavy metals and poison fertilizers?). I also regularly take doses of sodium thiosulphate to get rid of heavy metals from my body, and do the same with iodine via kelp supplements which leeches out halides from your body. My outlook here is simple, what's the point of becoming well if you can't enjoy yourself occasionally? So the point here is moderation, nothing in excess and avoid bad habits.

"...how long was it before you noticed improvement?"

LOL...Believe me, I went through far worse before it got better really. The improvement was slow to be sure -- and it took a full year to eradicate my candida. Of all the microbes, I reckon fungus is the hardest to eradicate. They are a tough enemy to defeat."

02/21/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas writes: "Thanks Bill for answering my questions and your answers are very helpful."

02/22/2010: Peter from Chicago, Ill writes: "Bill,

Need your advise. Would you say the Carbicarb remedy is the better way to alkaline since it does alot more !
(Per Your email-Carbicarb remedy will provide sodium/potassium balance as well as increase the alkalinity of your blood and cell fluids as well.)

To make Carbicarb, let me know if I do this right.

I assume Ted wants us to mix 1/2 sodium bicarbonate and 1/2 potassium bicarbonte togather and add them in the lemon juice until it stop fizzle. Is this what Ted meant when he wrote 50/50 ?

Another question regarding Ted formula for people with sodium isssue, could they just use sodium free Baking Soda, would that solve the problem ? Thank for your expertise !"

02/22/2010: Peter from Chicago, Ill writes: "Bill, just to make sure I understand what is carb-bicarb, is below from Ted call carbicarb ?

7. For People with Sodium Issues and Want to Alkalize and Normalize Many Biological Parameters: One whole freshly squeezed lemon (or lime) and keep adding the bicarbonate until the fizz stops. The bicarbonate is made of 50/50, sodium bicarbonate and potassium bicarbonate. Sorry, sodium must always be there to achieve somewhat of a sodium/potassium balance. Take this twice a day once in the morning and once in the evening on an empty stomach. This is done to avoid diarrhea problems, if taken along with food.

What about sodium carbonate plus baking soda ? Is that carb-bicarb also ?
Thanks for your advise !"

02/22/2010: Alain from Ottawa, Ontario, Canada writes: "Answer to Peter about carbicarb

In its strictest definition, the carbicarb is the mix of Sodium Carbonate and Sodium Bicarbonate.

See for example http://circ.ahajournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/77/1/227

As I recall. Ted'd first mention of carbicarb was here
http://www.earthclinic.com/CURES/asthenia.html

Read the page to understand why the sodium carbonate was considered.

He later on developed a more elaborate formula that included potassium in the form of either a bicarbonate or citrate.

A carbonate is a salt formed from the bounding of a mineral with the anion -CO3 see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/(CO3)(2-)

A bicarbonate is a salt formed from the bounding of a mineral with the anion -HCO3 see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hco3

He also developed an alkaline formula in which sea salt is one of the component. Search for the keyword ORMUS in EC.

The use of Sodium and Potassium insures a better equilibrium of the Sodium/Potassium ratio. It also depends how someone is deficient in either. See http://www.naturalnews.com/024539_potassium_sodium_blood.html

The use of an alkaline salt with a weak acid such as Lemon/Lime juice or ACV or citric acid ... makes the solution more neutral so that is neither acid nor alkaline when it enters the stomach. It does not mean however that the solution is not alkalizing. Such formula might be easier to digest.

One should always be careful when using these formulas that use salts. The urine and saliva pH should be monitor to see how effective a formula is.

I hope these info may help in better understanding some of the concepts.

Good Luck

Alain"

02/23/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "To answer your other questions:

"To make Carbicarb, let me know if I do this right.

I assume Ted wants us to mix 1/2 sodium bicarbonate and 1/2 potassium bicarbonte togather and add them in the lemon juice until it stop fizzle. Is this what Ted meant when he wrote 50/50 ?"

The inference here is to use 1/4 tspn of both potassium and sodium bicarbonate and the juice of one lemon or lime. If you 1/2 tspns of each, you would have to use 2 lemons or 2 limes here. What is important here is to add the lemon or lime juice until the fizzing stops -- this is not an exact measurement and will depend on the amount of juice, then you will have created the necessary potassium and sodium citrates for alkalizing your body. This will create a proper maintenance dose, because you will get the same amount of bicarbonates as using just 1/2 sodium bicarb alone, but with the added potassium, you will affect and normalize more parameters. If you wanted to increase this dosage - then just take these dosages more often, this is safer than just upping the dose.

"...could they just use sodium free Baking Soda, would that solve the problem ? Thank for your expertise !"

No, there is no such thing. The definition of Baking Soda is simply Sodium Bicarbonate powder."

02/23/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines writes: "Hi Peter...A great answer from Alain in answer to your carbicarb question.

These formulas become fairly advanced when learning about them and you start adding other substances and fine tune them for particular reasons. For instances I deliberately make my own Mag Water - Mag Bicarbonate - from Phillip's Milk of Magnesia(MoM) and soda water because I have the double advantage of both supplementing with a solution of magnesium that contains and supplies me with large amounts of alkalizing bicarbonates as well without sodium issues to worry about.

I also experiment and try mixing other minerals, such as carefully mixing 1/16 tspn borax plus 1/4 tspn Mag sulphate plus 1/8 tspn sea salt plus 1/8 tspn plus Vitamin C(ascorbate) in a full glass of water. I sip this mixture slowly. I'm testing this out on myself at the moment but would NOT advise you or anyone one else to do this, because everyone has a different metabolism with their own problems and sensitivities and there is a danger of diarrhea. I'm taking this mineral mixture for specific reasons -- I live in the tropics, so its very hot -- hence taking the Vit C with magnesium salt is very cooling; Vit C is an antioxidant and immune booster that also acts as an absorbtion synergist; I am at risk of parasites, ticks and fungus -- hence the borax which also acts together with the magnesium sulphate(epsom salts) to balance my hormones and enzymes; and the sea salt is the same but also acts as an effective antibiotic, stomachic and cleanser.

Regarding Safe Remedy Combinations, you can learn about this from Ted's comments at this EC link:

http://www.earthclinic.com/Remedies/remedy-combinations.html"

02/23/2010: Shaun from Old York, Uk writes: "Alain, I like you. You are my kind a guy. Kudos to you matey. Shaun"

02/24/2010: Rose from Girona, Spain writes: "To Bill from San Fernando,

Thanks very much for posting all this information regarding alkalizing formulas. I'd like to know more in detail, if you don't mind, how did you get rid of your candida issues in one year, as it is so difficult, really. Apart from alkalizing... with which of the formulas? or did you combine them? And did you take any fungal products o did any other specific treatment? Thank you very much in advance."

02/25/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Philippines writes: "Hi Rose...This is what I took to cure my candida:

* Ted's alkalizing remedies using either whole squeezed lemon/lime or 2 tbspns ACV plus 1/2 tspn baking soda(Arm & Hammer brand) three times a day -- always taken 2 hours after or one hour before meals. I mainly used the Lemon/Lime alkalizing cure. This is Ted's Alkalizing Remedy and this is THE NUMBER ONE CURE for Candida in my book.

* I also used 1/2 tspn Baking soda straight in a full glass of water occasionally, mainly to alkalize my intestines and blood.

* One tablespoons of virgin coconut oil stirred into my coffee or taken raw at least 3 times a day.

* Blackstrap molasses(for the minerals) in my coffee, no refined sugar or aspartame sweetener allowed in my diet.

* You should also take herbs of your choice that support your liver and kidneys -- eg milk thistle, burdock etc. throughout this alkalizing, because there will be a die-off effect and it might last a while.

I didn't use any special diet except to eliminate all processed sugar and sweetners. I ate relatively normally.

When I started this remedy at the beginning, I got fairly severe flu-like symptoms -- it almost seemed as if the remedy was making me worse. But this die off or Herxheimer Effect always happens when you get the fungal toxins in your blood from microbes and fungus, so think of it as a good sign. Many people give up at this point, because they think the remedy is either causing the problem or just isn't working. But stick with it!!

Your liver and kidneys are overworked initially, until your immune system can get on top of the candida. After this die-off it was easy. All my skin problems just disappeared slowly (except the jock itch -- but that's another story) and I haven't had a cold or flu in over 2 years.

Mind you, it took me a full year to completely get rid of my candida. And even though I'm clear of candida now, and since it is very difficult to eat non-acidic foods these days, I still always alkalize and take coconut oil and molasses a couple of times a week as a preventative even now (plus I'm now also supplementing borax, magnesium, natural sea salt, using hydrogen peroxide etc as recommended by Ted on this site).

Also, don't be confused as many are, with 1/4 tspn doses of Baking soda in these remedies. As far as I'm concerned a simple maintenance dose is 1/4 tspn taken once or twice a day. If you're specifically targeting candida or another problem and a higher pH -- then you should raise the dose to 1/2 baking soda 3 times a day with lemon/lime or ACV. I also took a few days off from this remedy once a week, to give my body a break."

02/25/2010: Peter from Chicago, Ill writes: "Bill, need your advice. Alot of time I need more than 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda to stop the lemon juice fizzle. Is that OK ?

* Ted's alkalizing remedies using either whole squeezed lemon/lime"

02/25/2010: Rose from Girona, Spain writes: "Bill,

Did you have systemic candida or where did you have it and how did you know you were free from it? How do you test it?"

02/25/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Rose...There are about 20 or more symptoms for candida, but remember the symptoms can vary between people who have it which is why even doctors can easily mis-diagnose candida.

If you have systemic candida, then usually an organ or a different area of the body is affected -- eg liver, kidney, bladder etc. Other pointers -- if a woman keeps getting thrush again and again, this is another symptom of candida I think.

My own intestinal candida symptoms were -- severe grogginess and brainfog in the morning, insomnia, jock itch(tinea cruris), BM and toilet only once every 4 days, constipation with dry, hard stools, low energy, bloated feeling all the time, tired all the time, psoriasis, eczema, toenail fungus and I regularly caught colds and flu.

I knew my intestinal candida was gone because all my symptoms(above) just slowly disappeared, one after another, over a period of a year. I also have much more energy now, I sleep better and I haven't had cold or flu in over 2 years.

The only symptom that did not go away was my jock itch -- but I suspect that could have been MRSA. I got rid of that by applying Milk of Magnesia directly over it every night. It disappeared in only two days and I'ld had that jock itch for 7 years, used all the recommended drugs and creams and couldn't get rid of it until I used the MoM."

02/25/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Peter...That should be OK but if you are really not happy with the dose quantity and it's causing diarrhea or other problems, just make up the lemon/lime remedy as per normal in half a glass of water, then pour away or save half of this solution in another glass, then add ordinary water back up to half a glass and drink that.

Doing this effectively dilutes the original solution and strength by half."

03/16/2010: Derbychick77 from Mayfield, Ky, Usa writes: "Hi Bill. Your answers have been a great help. I would just like to know if the lemon/lime mixture will also help with the decrease of blood pressure like the ACV does? I hate the taste of the ACV and hate even worse the ACV and Baking Soda combo. Any insight on this would be greatly appreciated as my husband needs to use this as well but refuses to use anything with any type of vinegar. Thanks:)"

03/16/2010: Rebel from Somewhere, America writes: "Hi. I am not Bill, But I did a little experment with myself and blood pressure.

I also take Baking Soda daily and was concerned that it may raise my pressure, so I took my pressure 1st thing in the morning and got a reading of 135/95.

After taking the Baking Soda, I tested again about 45 minutes latter. My pressure was then 121/85.

So at least in my case the baking soda seemed to lower my pressure.

I believe somewhere on here it is also said that, SEA SALT also lowers pressure so long as it is natural.

Sea Salt like Baking Soda is Alkaline and being alkaline might actually help with blood pressure.

Try a test on yourself and see, Please let us know."

03/16/2010: Rebel from Somewhere, America writes: "Wow, It might help if I read, what you actually wrote.LOL. Anyway, IT is always lemon juice that I mix with my Baking Soda.

I skim read alot and sometimes, I miss the point. But yes, I use lemon juice!"

03/17/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi DerbyChick77...If you look at Rebel from Somewhere's post above my post here, you will see that the lemon/lime mixture does indeed help with blood pressure. But I'm thinking here that maybe you wont like the taste of this one either..LOL.

So here are some suggestions on how to gently lower blood pressure. First and foremost, Magnesium. You can take this internally or transdermally in crystalline hydrate form using Magnesium Chloride or Mag Sulphate(Epsom Salts) and there are three ways to take magnesium.

First you could take and ingest 1/4 tspn in a glass of water of either Mag chloride or Mag Sulphate crystals two or three times a day. But, have to say that this is the slow way to take magnesium. The best and fastest way to raise your magnesium levels is:

* Having a hot bath 2-3 times a week with 3 cups of mag chloride or mag sulphate crystals added to the bathwater. Stay in the bath for at least 1/2 hour to allow the magnesium to be absorbed transdermally. This will rapidly and safely bring your body magnesium levels up, without causing problems with digestion or diarrhea as might occur with mag ingestion.

* Spray yourself(or indeed any sore, arthritic areas) using a garden sprayer containing 8 oz water and 3-4 heaped tspns of either Mag chloride or Mag sulphate crystals. Allow this to completely dry on your body and have another quick shower afterwards if you like. This is my method -- since I don't have a bath. It is also less wasteful and does the job just as well.

Here is a link showing the multitude of benefits from magnesium chloride:

http://curezone.com/art/read.asp?ID=49&db=5&C0=74

Another simple protocol is to just take Cayenne pepper tablets and Hawthorne Berry tablets -- both exceptionally good for BP and heart.

See these links:

http://www.cayennepepper.info/

http://www.herbwisdom.com/herb-hawthorn-berry.html"

03/17/2010: Derbychick77 from Mayfield, Ky, Usa writes: "Bill thank you so much for your help. I tried the lemon/baking soda mixture and it was a little better than the ACV/BS combo but still not great. LOL I will definately try the other things you suggested. I am also tired all the time. Is there anything I can add to my regimen to help with that? I have been exercising 3-4 days a week but that really doesn't seem to be helping that much for the fatigue. Thanks again:)"

03/16/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Tena...I've been using ACV plus baking soda and lemon/lime plus BS for over 4 years now on a regular basis. I use the lemon/lime remedy more often because it alkalizes better and seems to balance more internal parameters than the ACV remedy which is good for extra energy because of the malates created which are used in the Kreb's Cycle of cell respiration.

I also use just 1/4 to 1/2 tspn of Baking Soda on its own in a half glass of water if I need to top up on bicarbonates to alkalize my blood and intestines and I also use this remedy occasionally as an antacid -- always taken a half an hour after meals.

When I had Candida, I used mainly the lemon plus baking soda remedy -- 1/2 tspn plus a whole lemon in a half glass of water, three times a day. I did this to keep my blood and intestinal pH alkaline to help get rid of the candida. But now cured of candida, I take a maintenance dose of just 1/4 tspn twice a day about 3 times a week or whenever I feel I need it.

I also take HP internally. But I don't need to take this very often because there's nothing wrong with me..LOL. But I do take it, 6-10 drops 3% HP in a full glass of water for extra energy or a boost. I've been doing this for about a year now."

08/04/2009: Franz from Bangkok, Thailand writes: "HI I have a question and hope some one can answer me . I put in my drinking water some Apple Cider Vinegar and wonder if I can add as well Hydogen Peroxide as it is difficult for me to take it 3 times a day As well how many drops would be 1 CL ? I appreciate any feedback on this Frank"

[YEA]  12/01/2009: Bill from Los Angeles, California writes: "Frank, I have been using FGHP (35%) for many years with Raw Apple Cider Vinegar. I am 56 yrs old now and have only great things to say about it, Thanks to God. I started using it at age 30. I had severe joint and back pain at the time. After three months, starting with 3 drops 2 to 3 times daily (FGHP) and 1 Capful of the Cider Vinegar, working up to 25 drops of FGHP 2 to 3 times daily, I've had astronomical results. The results were verified by my then girlfriend who was also useing the same program. (1) No more heavy or bad breath, (2) No body odor, (3) You will only need approximately 4 to 5 hours of sleep per day and when you awaken you will be wide awake, not sluggish or groggy. After you reach the 25 drop level you can then taper off. Find the instructions on line. Oh, people think I'm no more than 30-35yrs old! Enjoy."

EC: FGHP - Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide

12/03/2009: Kay from In The Valley, Ca writes: "Bill,

Are you taking the ACV and the FGHP at the same time (mixing them together)? The instructions for the FGHP protocol say 3 hours after food or 1 hour before food. Thanks."

12/06/2009: Kay from In The Valley, Ca writes: "Bill, do you take the ACV and the FGHP at the same time? Most of the instructions for HP say to take it one hour before or three hours after any other food. It would make things much easier if they could be combined, but I'm afraid to try it. I'd love to know if anyone else has combined them. ANYONE? Thanks"

12/06/2009: Joanofarc83 from Morton, Il writes: "I combine Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda, & 5 drops of fgH202. I also add Lugol's solution (6drops). This is all added with 4 oz of filtered water. I have had no ill effects."

12/30/2009: Shenora from Calgary, Alberta, Canada writes: "I have started using the food grade H202 Hydro peroxide 35% and I am feeling quite nervous. I started out with 1 drop from dropper in my ACV water with my honey with 16oz water(spring water). So I will be using this same measurment 3x today. I will add 2 drops tomorrow 3x during the day. I will decrease the honey and ACV if this is fine.Can anyone let me know if I am doing the correct thing here? Thank-you so much for your time here and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

12/30/2009: Lee from New York, New York writes: "Shenora - I am also very curious about the food grade h202, but have not ordered it because I am not clear about how to dilute it. Best of luck - keep us posted."

01/02/2010: Andi from Scottsdale, Az writes: "I Have just started taking the 35% undiluted H2O2 in 5 ozs. of distilled water or juice. I started with 2 drops, due to uncertainty, but no problems, am only up to 4 drops 3xs day. Have not noticed nervousness but do have increased energy throughout the day. The dosing schedules that I have found (I recv'd a pamplet from my health food store when buying the Food Grade H2O2) state a dosing schedule for 35% undiluted H2O2. As for other uses, besides internal, I have found on the internet on various sites. I am planning on trying the ACV along with the H2O2 after just learning about it on EC. Am desperately hoping that between the 2 that I will finaly get long awaited relief for chronic sinus issues, that after anti-biotics, anti-fungals, steriods and ENT and NMD visits over the past 3 months have not relieved a bit, but have cleaned my bank account."

01/02/2010: Windy from Kitty Ville, Ca writes: "I started on the food grade HP too, by the time I got to 6 drops 3 times a day I started having tummy issues so I cut back, I will tell you I felt amazing till then. I got mine from a place out of Flordia, and got a blue dropper bottle too for easy usage, you need to BE VERY VERY CAREFUL with the 35% food grade can cause blindness if you get it in the eye, well so can bleach, just use caution, also need to get distilled water for sure. I think that was my problem I used Brita filter water, I then switched to taking it with milk the book said it was ok. I will be trying it again soon.. food grade HP fills your cells with oxygen like Vitamin C does from what I read.. so reseach it and try it!! GOOD LUCK"

01/09/2010: Noel from Perth, Australia writes: "Hi Andi. I noticed you started using undiluted 35% eight days ago for sinus relief. Has it made any changes yet?

Noel"

01/11/2010: Matt from Brisbane, Qld, Australia writes: "Hi Noel,

i have not used HP with ACV but I use HP regularly as a nasal/sinus flush. it's brilliant. I add 4 mls of 35% food grade HP to 500ml distilled water and snort it into each nostril every morning. Then I gargle. It's an instant shot of alertness and clarity alnd clears my sinuses. Just like an early morning surf. the recipe above is less than 0.50% in strength. i find anything stronger burns my nasal passage. I've seen some posts recommend 3% but it is way too strong for me.

I also take H2o2 internally and use it baths."

01/16/2010: Earnestine from Oak Park, Mi U S writes: "Where can I find the instructions on how to use apple cider vinegar and H202 as Bill from Los Angeles did for pain?"

03/08/2010: Teresa from Springfield, Ohio writes: "Where is the recipe for this for pain? Teresa"

03/14/2010: Bill from Los Angeles, Ca writes: "Hey Kay in the valley. I've always mixed FGHP with Apple cider vinegar. You must however, be careful in Handling the FGHP, so that you don't Burn yourself. I just had a checkup at the doctor last week. My cholesterol was under 140, bp was 113/60, heart rate 53 bpm and my psa was down two points. This combination is working for me, thanks to Yeshua!"

03/15/2010: Tena from Champaign, Illinois writes: "Bill,

Can you tell me how much of the FGHP and ACV you use, and how many times a day you use it? Also I would like to know how long you have been doing this. Thank you."

03/16/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Tena...I've been using ACV plus baking soda and lemon/lime plus BS for over 4 years now on a regular basis. I use the lemon/lime remedy more often because it alkalizes better and seems to balance more internal parameters than the ACV remedy which is good for extra energy because of the malates created which are used in the Kreb's Cycle of cell respiration.

I also use just 1/4 to 1/2 tspn of Baking Soda on its own in a half glass of water if I need to top up on bicarbonates to alkalize my blood and intestines and I also use this remedy occasionally as an antacid -- always taken a half an hour after meals.

When I had Candida, I used mainly the lemon plus baking soda remedy -- 1/2 tspn plus a whole lemon in a half glass of water, three times a day. I did this to keep my blood and intestinal pH alkaline to help get rid of the candida. But now cured of candida, I take a maintenance dose of just 1/4 tspn twice a day about 3 times a week or whenever I feel I need it.

I also take HP internally. But I don't need to take this very often because there's nothing wrong with me..LOL. But I do take it, 6-10 drops 3% HP in a full glass of water for extra energy or a boost. I've been doing this for about a year now."

03/16/2010: Gean from Salina, Ks writes: "The_pheonix, thank you for the response. Quite possibly it is an endocrine issue, since I have weak adrenal function, drop of body temperature even after a brisk walk. Who knows..."

[WARNING!]  04/16/2008: Directrice from Mo. County, Maryland writes: "We know that athletes and small babies are subject to potential illness and even death because of too much water in a short period of time. But I have this theory that when I increased my water intake it predisposed me to Bronchitis.

I am not a "respitory person" meaning, that is not an area I have ever had a problem with. My issues are more circulatory, and digestive. So when I got Bronchitis, not once, but twice, in 2 months I was surprised. Yes, it was going around and is contagious. But neither my husband nor my daughter caught it. I think my body was more hospitable to it for some reaseon.

Let me explain: I have edema. I am overweight, and that is a contributing factor, but I noticed it gets worse when I don't drink and become dehydrated. For some odd reason, I just don't like to drink. I never drink sodas or other soft drinks, mostly tea, and water, small amount of orgnic milk. I just resist drinking especially cold drinks (unless it is really hot). Part of this may be due to the fact that I have a cold body (chronic hyperglycemia). My average temp is around 97 degrees, when up. Morning, basal temp can be as low as 96.5. I am aware of thyroid indicators and will talk about that on the thyroid thread.

At any rate, I know when I am getting dehydrated, skin stars to dry up (I am only 34) so that prompts me to drink. So I read this book, forgot the name, about the value of water and how many illnesses it can cure and I decided to up my water intake. Knowing I am overweight and might need more than the average person, I forced myself to drink 5 times the amount I normally drink. I wasn't measuring but it was probably at least 12 glasses. When normally I may drink 3-5 glasses of total liquid.

That's when I came down hard with bronchitis. Lowered my drinking during illness, recovered and went back to my routine. I started drinking large quantities (and these were large amounts in one sitting, not slowly sipping, I was gulping, I hate it and had to force myself). I got hit with Bronchitis again!

I have since healed and since gone back to my typioal liquid intake, incrasing slightly due to warming weather, and mostly drinking herbal tea to avoid dehydration. I have been fine.

Another note, I saw a connection to salt and the bronchial tubes. I eat VERY little salt No chips, no fast food burgers, pickles, pretzles, rarely fries. I might add half a tsp to a whole baked chicken.

I found this on the net, (not endorsing their products AT ALL) just thought it makes an interesting connection to edema, dehydration, water intake and respritory issues.

This is the reason why in severe dehydration we develop an edema and retain water. The design of our bodies is such that the extent of the ocean of water outside the cells is expanded to have the extra water available for filtration and emergency injection into vital cells. The brain commands an increase in salt and water retention by the kidneys. This is how we get an edema when we don't drink enough water.

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/salt.htm

"Initially, the process of water filtration and its delivery into the cells is more efficient at night when the body is horizontal. The collected water, that mostly pools in the legs, does not have to fight the force of gravity to get onto the blood circulation. If reliance of this process of emergency hydration of some cells continues for long, the lungs begin to get waterlogged at night, and breathing becomes difficult. The person needs more pillows to sit upright to sleep. This condition is the consequence of dehydration. However, you might overload the system by drinking too much water at the beginning. Increases in water intake must be slow and spread out until urine production begins to increase at the same rate that you drink water."

I wonder if it would be beneficial for me to increase my salt a little and I guess it would have to be the right KIND of salt. I will look through Ted's suggestions on this."

03/14/2010: Gean from Salina, Ks writes: "I have a question about water: Whenever I drink a glass or two of water, always on an empty stomach, I get chilled all over even though the water is not very cold. Even if it's warm water the same thing happens. The chill sets in not right away but after 5 or 10 minutes. I have used water drinking through the years to balance my hormones (clears my face in a day, etc.), but only in the last few months I get very cold from drinking water. Anyone have any idea what this might be? Thank you."

03/15/2010: The_phoenix from Townsville, Australia writes: "Hi Gean,

There are always exceptions, and unknowns, but as a rule of thumb I believe we should go with the explanation that fits the bill for most people.

So, for 'chills' after drinking:

- Salt (NaCl) regulates body temp
- after drinking on an empty stomach water stays in the stomach for 45 mins (from a very old Xray study ... I would like to see some additional studies in this area but AFAIK there are no recent ones)
- why does the water stay in the stomach? I tried to find an answer to this .. couldn't come up with anything (science is coming at things from a different perspective to me so sometimes the scientists aren't interested in what interests me) .... my best guess is that the body regulates temp, osmality and acidity (these are part of general homeostatic regulation) ... so the water is held in the stomach while acidity and osmolality are brought to the level required by the duodenum before the water leaves the stomach
- this involves movement of Chlorides from the blood, around the stomach, into the stomach, and in conjunction with this BiCarbonate levels in the blood go up
- in most cases the body doesn't want the excess alkalinity in the blood and it is dumped into the urine (probably this takes Sodium with it)
- in most cases the body is very efficient, and balanced, however digestion is an exception ... the first stage of the process involves an inefficient process i.e. electrolytes, which are normally conserved carefully and micro-managed, are thrown into the initial digestion of food (the body accepts this anomaly as a matter of survival) however, the chlorides in the stomach are not lost and are reabsorbed later while Sodium, or other cations, might be lost, in the urine, as a result of the alkaline flush effect of eating.

In short ... there is a possibility that you are salt deficient ... this reaction will occur very soon after eating, because of the above mechanism (you might not see the alkaline flush in your urine pH immediately because the urine is stored in the bladder until it is full.

What to do?

- count your salt (NaCl) intake ... if you don't eat processed foods you could have a low intake
- if you need more salt I am biased to getting it from vege juices (celery etc) and sea vegetables (kelp)

Another possibility:

- if you are a raw food person OR you take a lot of Baking Soda you might have alkalosis (this can be caused by other things as well). If this is the case cease the BS remedy for a while and/or introduce some faster sugars to your diet (high carbo veges or maybe grain based carbos) ... eat them with your salads

Yet another possibility:

- enodcrine system issues i.e. if you have issues there you might respond very quickly to changes in electrolyte and water levels in the blood e.g. low sugars is one thing that involves the endocrine system and also causes feeling of being cold.

Note that the endocrine system regulates electrolytic excretion from the kidneys by controlling hormonal secretions.

If it persists I would get some medical checks (it might be something less common) and take it from there .... you can look for an alternative remedy if you get a definite diagnosis."

03/16/2010: Gean from Salina, Ks writes: "The_pheonix, thank you for the response. Quite possibly it is an endocrine issue, since I have weak adrenal function, drop of body temperature even after a brisk walk. Who knows..."

03/16/2010: Yajaira from South Gate, Ca writes: "Hi i was wondering has the lymphadema came back or r u totally cured?? im trying to get better please write back"

[YEA]  06/10/2009: Kokila from Roslyn Heights, New York writes: "HI,
I had a terrible case of A. Lymphedma in my legs and B. Ringworm there as well.
Cured both.

Here's how:
Lymphedema: got this during my pregnancy and continued for almost 2 years thereafter.
I believe from Adrenal and kidney depletion...pregnancy is hard on the glands...adrenals control fluids in the body...so do kidneys.
Anyway..tried everything: Lymphatic drainage massage MLD, acupuncture, herbs, compression stockings, you name it.
Here's what worked: a. Wheatgrass juice daily and fresh celery and spirulina and parsley juice.
b. Epsom salt baths (1/2 pound in the hot water with some bubble bath ,,,natural of course). Soaked 20 minutes a night before bed.
c. trampoline work.

Guess what? I'm cured...the massage therapist said I'd never cure it...that there is no cure. Oh yeah?
I sure hated those compression stockings. UGLY!

Now for the ringworm: AGAIN! Tried everything!!! Spent lots of money on creams, etc. tried herbs, etc. NOTHING! WORKED! The itching was driving me crazy ...plus ugly oozing sores on my legs. In desperation I tried: YES! Calamine lotion. IT WORKS FOLKS!
In a few hours I found relief and now it's gone. Try it. The lotion cost me $1.99

Haha!
Best of luck."

07/01/2009: Julia from Colorado Springs, CO writes: "Thank you for posting your success! Are you juicing the wheat grass yourself? I ask because I think it requires a particular kind of juicer. If you are buying powder, know brand names and web sites cannot be posted here, so have included my email. Also, are you using spirulina powder? I don't think I have ever seen fresh spirulina in the store. Thanks again! Julia"

07/20/2009: Zonahead from Allentown, PA writes: "I would like to know the amount of each thing you juiced. did you just put it all together and juice once a day or more? How long did it take before you seen some kind of results?"

03/16/2010: Yajaira from South Gate, Ca writes: "Hi i was wondering has the lymphadema came back or r u totally cured?? im trying to get better please write back"

03/16/2010: Anna from Perth, Australia writes: "Hi Tim, I wanted to ask if you've continued to see success on this treatment at all? Thanks. :)"

[YEA]  03/13/2009: Tim from Perth, Western Australia writes: "I am a 46 year old male who has suffered from regular bouts of depression for most of my adult life. These depressed episodes were not usually linked to any situational cause and indeed could be very difficult to understand for my family because there was no obvious trigger or reason why I was depressed. The symptoms presented as physical as well as mental and I would suffer from joint pain, lethargy and extreme nausea and in severe bouts even cold sweats and shivering that would last for days and sometimes a week. I have tried prescription anti-depressants but the side effects were almost as bad as the ailment so I resolved to put up with the ups and downs (I only probably had episodes bad enough to take off work maybe twice a year).

About 2 years ago someone put me on to 5 Hydroxy Tryptophan or 5-HTP as a precursor to serotonin production and I decided to give it a try (the potential for weight loss was an added incentive) and I found the results somewhat hit and miss until after some research and experimentation I hit on the combination of 5-HTP (100mg) combined with Pyridoxal 5 Phosphate (15mg) (the active enzyme version of vitamin B6 and assists in the conversion of the 5-HTP to serotonin) taken first thing in the morning on an empty stomach (I avoid eating for at least half an hour). The theory from my research into taking it on an empty stomach is that this avoids the 5-htp metabolising into serotonin in the stomach before it can be absorbed into the bloodstream. Further, I have found that the active version of B6 is more effective than the common variety version (pyridoxine) because I think I struggle to metabolise the pyridoxine variety into the active enzyme and therefore have a natural B6 deficiency (probably why I don't produce enough serotonin).

I haven't had a bout of depression for over 12 months now despite the fact that I have experienced (as many others have over the past 4 months) the most stressful and extreme anxiety creating environment of my professional life.

Apart from sharing my discovery on this excellent website I have a question about Apple Cider Vinegar and my 5-HTP regimen. I have in the past week begun to experiment with the ACV and Baking Soda remedy for Acid Reflux and I have a dilemma in that the majority of posts suggest that the ACV/BS solution should be taken on an empty stomach. If I take it first thing in the morning at the same time as the 5-HTP and B6 combo will that cause the 5-HTP to metabolise into serotonin in my stomach before it gets a chance to be absorbed (My research indicates that serotonin itself can't be absorbed). Because I don't want to jeopardise the efficacy of the depression remedy, I am waiting half an hour to drink the ACV concoction which is inconvenient to say the least as it makes me nauseas and I can't eat breakfast before having to leave for work (maybe that is the weight loss trick).

Any suggestions? By the way the ACV/BS Combo seems to be working with some interesting side effects (nausea diarrhoea and gas) but it's still too early to tell."

03/16/2010: Anna from Perth, Australia writes: "Hi Tim, I wanted to ask if you've continued to see success on this treatment at all? Thanks. :)"

03/16/2010: Lynda from Brisbane, Australia writes: "Have you tried the usual natural methods eg reduce salt in the diet and exercise daily, 1hr walks a day, yoga, listen to relaxation tapes. Look at family history, if there is a link I would suggest a full cardiologist check up. The risk of Tia's is increased with High BP. Frequent TIA's increase the risk of Vascular Dementia. Good Luck Lynda"

EC: Tia = Transient ischemic attack or a mini-stroke

03/15/2010: Dee from Oakvile, Ontario, Canada writes: "I have been drinking 2tbsp ACV/3x per day for 9 days now. Notice some change in my evening BP but my morning reads are scary. This morning it was 156/102 (upon wakening) in the evenings (after 6) I'm averaging 135/85. I know that BP upon wakening is usually the highest (most heart attacks happen in the mornings probably linked to this fact). I really don't want to go on meds. Note: I've been using honey, maple syrup or splenda brown sugar to sweeten the mix.

Any suggestions as to why I'm not seeing results? Does it take some time (i.e. 2 or more weeks) in some cases? Discouraged when I read some people seeing immediate results. Has anyone else experienced a longer response time? Appreciate any feedback. Thanks"

03/16/2010: Lynda from Brisbane, Australia writes: "Have you tried the usual natural methods eg reduce salt in the diet and exercise daily, 1hr walks a day, yoga, listen to relaxation tapes. Look at family history, if there is a link I would suggest a full cardiologist check up. The risk of Tia's is increased with High BP. Frequent TIA's increase the risk of Vascular Dementia. Good Luck Lynda"

EC: Tia = Transient ischemic attack or a mini-stroke

03/16/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas, Usa writes: "Hi Teri, thanks for sharing. How much sodium thiosulfate are you adding to your bath water?"

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand writes: "Most borax I buy is a B.P. grade and a U.S.P. grade borax from a chemical supplier. Those are grade are often used that are pharmaceutical grade. However, those that are gotten from natural sources (e.g. borax) and go relatively unprocessed, that is unadded of additives or anything are often labeled 100% Sodium tetraborate or Borax. Without anything else.

My experience is that free heavy metals found in these product found in supermarket, are not as high as those found in more processed foods (baked goods are off the charts with me) and tap water we usually drink (my toxic heavy metals come from the drinking water and rice cooker), or even in more Organic foods and fertilizers which is very high in heavy metals.

Most contaminants from the products I used are heavy metals and they often come from frying pans, aluminum tea pots, aluminum rice cookers, iron pots & pans, or foods that has gone through a lot of processing such as fast food and chocolates, for example. Even Diet Coke is actually very toxic to me, if I have all the appropriate diagnostic devices to find out people will know the real source of toxicity which is from the benzene (sodium benzoate), bisphenol A (plastic degenerates into a pseudoestrogen Bisphenol A) and aspartame (degrades in the body to formaldehyde) and causes me to be diabetic and other sickness- long term ingestion may be more permanent).

I have actually been offline for almost a week being quite sick of neural disorder, from accidentally ingesting this product hidden in some foods they actually have added in the food at a restaurant (aspartame, sometimes they hide in coffee, but they do not REQUIRE LABELING - secret formula and GRAS status of aspartame), but never have I experienced any sickness from the use of supermarket borax or sodium carbonate labeled at 100%.

I actually have a dithizone tests and other tests of heavy metal to check for presence of mercury, lead, cadmium, iron etc. and most of the problems I have encountered came more from fertilizers, tap water, insecticides, water filter, certain pots and pans (cadmium, iron, aluminum).

The reason for all the fear of chemicals and legal disclaimer is that the seller is not given permission by the government for internal consumption even IF THE products are ACTUALLY SAFE if we actuall DO THE CHEMICAL PURITIES TEST.

If people have the money to bother to do the impurity tests a lot of people will be surprise to find that quite often the opposite is true, most processed foods and processed water, drinks, etc. are actually more contaminated. I have seen pools of aluminum found in baking goods (they create a sort of electrolysis and the aluminum ends up in the bakery products, baked goods, whenever an aluminum foil is used. People are sick simply just preparing coffee and tea in aluminum tea pots. I have actually found a simple way to check by using a small laser pointer pointing in these liquids and see tyndall effect (which are like rays of light you can see when you drive headlights in a fog). The clearer the rays, the more contaminated is the boiled water. So I tend actually to worry more about processed food than I do getting borax, or sodium carbonate from the source.

The other reason why I don't worry a lot from their uses is I always take EDTA, or no sugar no milk Green Tea to remove whatever heavy metals I consumed, which is quite often from the office water tank, rice cooker, and other processed foods, rather than sources from natural borax. This is a very slow learning process for most people to unlearn what they have geen taught and I think it is going to take many decades not years for general consumer to realize this fact. I am not entirely optimistic that people will realize this unless they bother to do their own chemical analysis and get the facts straight. The SYSTEM as we know it is a monopoly on medicine and they don't want people to stray off this area, even if THE SYSTEM doesn't work.

In general, if I cannot get USP grade, Food Grade, or Analytical Grade borax, I usually end up having to purchase those found in supermarket. I have little choice. I never tell anyone what to buy, it must be noted that I only tell myself what I can or cannot buy. What you do buy, you just have to decide for yourself. There's a good reason for that, different countries has different standards. However, my own take on the problem is they are relatively pure for most purposes since the quantitities used is actually quite small, such as 1/4 teaspoon per liter of water, so whatever contaminant in the parts per million is reduced fractionally of that amount to multibplied by .001 (about 0.1% percent) of whichever value of contaminant.

It must be noted that a lot of remedies I used is almost like 16th Century medicine and obviously 21st century products isn't selling anymore or hard to find. Therefore much of the decision, ulimately depends on you. If you want an authoritive figure to decide instead of you (if you trust him but I don't), then it is likely they will not recommend any natural remedies I post. Unfortunately for them, their treatment is actually killing me several times over, and I ended up saving my own life without much help from anyone else. That's at least my experience, perhaps, I am unlucky to rely on them.

Ted"

03/15/2010: Lou from Austin, Tx writes: "As far as I know, green tea contains calcium fluoride rather than the sodium fluoride or hydrofluoric acid (H.A. is even worse). I think that CaF may be not as readily absorbed by the body, because it is insoluble, whereas NaF (sodium fluoride) is soluble. It is important to note that even insoluble things such as biogenic silica can be absorbed into the body via the gastrointestinal tract.

However, since I do not know the form of fluoride in green tea, I cannot advocate its consumption. This is due to the fact, that modern agricultural techniques may increase the amount and diversity of the fluorides contained within the tea plant/final product.

Furthermore, I question the duration of many green tea studies showing its beneficial effects. Since fluorides are cumulative, long term studies are necessary to determine the overall impact green tea has on health.
I also wonder about the forms of green tea used in many studies. Are they using fluoride free tea? If so then they should mention it.

Also, are there any benefits to using tea with natural fluorides? (I seriously want to know the answer to this.)

Many companies propose to sell fluoride free green tea.

For further reading on fluoride in green tea I recommend this article.

http://www.poisonfluoride.com/pfpc/html/green_tea___.html"

03/15/2010: Teri from Up North, Indiana writes: "I've been adding a pinch of borax to my green tea for awhile. I believe it is a tip I read from Ted. Helps neutralize the fluoride in green tea. If I take a bath, I also add borax (for fluoride) and sodium thiosulfate (for chlorine) to the water before getting in the tub. I had had no adverse affects to either practices."

03/16/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas, Usa writes: "Hi Teri, thanks for sharing. How much sodium thiosulfate are you adding to your bath water?"

03/16/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "Deborah, do you know what I do with all the information I get from this site and also from books I have been reading? I have a file in my computer where I divide the information by subject, that way I can always go back and review it easily. Of course I can look it up in my books as well but as I have quite a few it is a lot more difficult as it is if I would try to find it on this site every time. From the site I only have to copy and paste. I do the same with books I am interested in. I read the comments on Amazon.com (although I live in Europe... Americans post a lot more comments), then I copy and paste the titles and give them a different color according to whether I think that the book might be interesting or not. That way I don't have to look up books over and over again just because I forget that I have already read the comments about that specific book. There are thousands of titles of books on health subjects so this way I don't waste my time."

03/15/2010: Deborah from Cannington, Ontario writes: "I have been on your site before, I am overwhelmed by the information. I try to find help with things but just give up because I don't know how to sort it all out... how to decide which is best."

03/15/2010: Linda from York County, Maine writes: "Hi Deborah - keep at it, Girl! ...for me, a large part of my enjoyment of this site is the reading...gaining insight, opinions and feedback that help me decide to try something - or not. Maybe if you can set aside some time to put your feet up and browse the comments you'll find it a bit easier to absorb. Best Wishes!"

03/16/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "Deborah, do you know what I do with all the information I get from this site and also from books I have been reading? I have a file in my computer where I divide the information by subject, that way I can always go back and review it easily. Of course I can look it up in my books as well but as I have quite a few it is a lot more difficult as it is if I would try to find it on this site every time. From the site I only have to copy and paste. I do the same with books I am interested in. I read the comments on Amazon.com (although I live in Europe... Americans post a lot more comments), then I copy and paste the titles and give them a different color according to whether I think that the book might be interesting or not. That way I don't have to look up books over and over again just because I forget that I have already read the comments about that specific book. There are thousands of titles of books on health subjects so this way I don't waste my time."

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother is available at Hyper Panda at Festival City."

12/24/2008: AuntLa from Dubai, United Arab Emirates writes: "I'm a resident in Dubai. Can anyone help me where i can find BSM. I have checked all Supermarkets and Nutrition Centres. I didnt find it."

[YEA]  03/16/2010: Seemaraj from Dubai, U.A.E. writes: "Blackstrap Molasses is available at Spinney's (american brand) for dhs.15. The egyptian one (equally good and half the price) is available at Hyper Panda at Festival City and at Emirates Co-Op (Ghusais). The arabic term for blackstrap molasses is "sucre dhips".

Organic Apple Cider Vinegar with Mother is available at Hyper Panda at Festival City."

03/16/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "I would have to say that I disagree completely with the_phoenix's conclusions. I regard taking lemon or lime with baking soda as the major factor that helped me to successfully cure my candida. My understanding of the use of lemon and lime or ACV with baking soda came after my own long period of use and experimentaton(4 years).

For me, lemon and lime with baking soda is the most useful because:

* It provides good citrate and ascorbate balance between sodium and potassium electrolytes.

* This remedy both alkalizes the blood as well as the internal body cell environment.

*As Ted has said, the lemon or lime remedy normalizes many biological parameters including pH, ORP, phosphates, bicarbonates and antioxidants of vitamin C.

I also use the ACV and baking soda remedy, but usually only if I need more energy, because the malates formed from the malic acid in ACV are utilized in the Kreb's energy cycle of cell metabolism and respiration. But I also use methylene blue or hydrogen peroxide internally, they are usually just as good as ACV, if not better, for increasing the efficiency of cell respiration and increasing energy levels in general.

I've also found, from personal usage, that lemon or lime plus baking soda seems to actually alkalize the body better than using ACV. As Ted says, ACV and BS only alkalizes the body to a pH of 7, whereas the lemon and lime remedy normally alkalizes the body to a higher and more balanced level.

Also, in the_phoenix's post, I note that she gives many reasons for her belief that ACV is better than the lemon/lime remedy and then afterwards, with no further critique on lemon/lime -- no reasons -- she concludes:

"Lemon juice has different properties[WHAT DIFFERENT PROPERTIES?] and hence is NOT a suitable subsitute in most cases although it is also an organic acid and contains potassium."

Here is what Ted from Bangkok offers and concludes regarding the ACV and Lemon/Lime remedies:

"In my opinion the best formula to use is the lime-baking soda formula, after drinking it many biological terrain parameters would be normalized the best."

The judgements the_phoenix offers are neither fair or good enough in the criticisms of the lemon and lime remedy.

Remember that people who have no experience at all read EC, and I would personally hate to think that I would mis-advise or mislead anyone concerning any of the remedies here."

[QUESTION]  03/15/2010: Msg from Somewhere, Europe writes: "Can lemon juice be used instead of acv in all (most) of the remedies?"

03/15/2010: The_phoenix from Townsville, Australia writes: "Hi,

Re your question "can I substitute Lemon juice for ACV as a remedy?"

ACV has different known properties, and possibly some unknown ones, that are behind the different remedies.

For example:

- it is acidic and this is known to effectively treat skin conditions and help keep germs out of skin sores
- it contains acetic acid, which is a short chain fatty acid ... SCFA's are know antibacteriacides so ACV is put on food or ingested to control bacteria on the food or in the gut
- some forms of ACV contain 'the mother' (live yeast and bacteria) that can influence the microbial environment in the gut
- because it is a weak acid it acts as a buffer in the stomach and probably supresses production of the stronger stomach acid
- it contains potassium so it is a form of K supplementation

Lemon juice has different properties and hence is NOT a suitable subsitute in most cases although it is also an organic acid and contains potassium."

03/16/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "I would have to say that I disagree completely with the_phoenix's conclusions. I regard taking lemon or lime with baking soda as the major factor that helped me to successfully cure my candida. My understanding of the use of lemon and lime or ACV with baking soda came after my own long period of use and experimentaton(4 years).

For me, lemon and lime with baking soda is the most useful because:

* It provides good citrate and ascorbate balance between sodium and potassium electrolytes.

* This remedy both alkalizes the blood as well as the internal body cell environment.

*As Ted has said, the lemon or lime remedy normalizes many biological parameters including pH, ORP, phosphates, bicarbonates and antioxidants of vitamin C.

I also use the ACV and baking soda remedy, but usually only if I need more energy, because the malates formed from the malic acid in ACV are utilized in the Kreb's energy cycle of cell metabolism and respiration. But I also use methylene blue or hydrogen peroxide internally, they are usually just as good as ACV, if not better, for increasing the efficiency of cell respiration and increasing energy levels in general.

I've also found, from personal usage, that lemon or lime plus baking soda seems to actually alkalize the body better than using ACV. As Ted says, ACV and BS only alkalizes the body to a pH of 7, whereas the lemon and lime remedy normally alkalizes the body to a higher and more balanced level.

Also, in the_phoenix's post, I note that she gives many reasons for her belief that ACV is better than the lemon/lime remedy and then afterwards, with no further critique on lemon/lime -- no reasons -- she concludes:

"Lemon juice has different properties[WHAT DIFFERENT PROPERTIES?] and hence is NOT a suitable subsitute in most cases although it is also an organic acid and contains potassium."

Here is what Ted from Bangkok offers and concludes regarding the ACV and Lemon/Lime remedies:

"In my opinion the best formula to use is the lime-baking soda formula, after drinking it many biological terrain parameters would be normalized the best."

The judgements the_phoenix offers are neither fair or good enough in the criticisms of the lemon and lime remedy.

Remember that people who have no experience at all read EC, and I would personally hate to think that I would mis-advise or mislead anyone concerning any of the remedies here."

i am wondering if anyone knows if it is safe to apply castor oil packs to the thyroid with a hypeRthyroid condition. or what about to the eyes for thyroid eye disease? i have been reading about all the benefits of castor oil on ec because i hurt my hand wrist and backside yesterday while out looking for crystals. im going 2 go buy some today for my hand but would also like to see what it can do for my thyroid. if anyone knows if this would b benificial to me or has tried it i would love to know thanks. ec is awsome!!"

03/15/2010: The_phoenix from Townsville, Australia writes: "Hi,

Re your question "can I substitute Lemon juice for ACV as a remedy?"

ACV has different known properties, and possibly some unknown ones, that are behind the different remedies.

For example:

- it is acidic and this is known to effectively treat skin conditions and help keep germs out of skin sores
- it contains acetic acid, which is a short chain fatty acid ... SCFA's are know antibacteriacides so ACV is put on food or ingested to control bacteria on the food or in the gut
- some forms of ACV contain 'the mother' (live yeast and bacteria) that can influence the microbial environment in the gut
- because it is a weak acid it acts as a buffer in the stomach and probably supresses production of the stronger stomach acid
- it contains potassium so it is a form of K supplementation

Lemon juice has different properties and hence is NOT a suitable subsitute in most cases although it is also an organic acid and contains potassium."

[QUESTION]  03/15/2010: Msg from Somewhere, Europe writes: "Can lemon juice be used instead of acv in all (most) of the remedies?"

03/15/2010: The_phoenix from Townsville, Australia writes: "Hi,

Re your question "can I substitute Lemon juice for ACV as a remedy?"

ACV has different known properties, and possibly some unknown ones, that are behind the different remedies.

For example:

- it is acidic and this is known to effectively treat skin conditions and help keep germs out of skin sores
- it contains acetic acid, which is a short chain fatty acid ... SCFA's are know antibacteriacides so ACV is put on food or ingested to control bacteria on the food or in the gut
- some forms of ACV contain 'the mother' (live yeast and bacteria) that can influence the microbial environment in the gut
- because it is a weak acid it acts as a buffer in the stomach and probably supresses production of the stronger stomach acid
- it contains potassium so it is a form of K supplementation

Lemon juice has different properties and hence is NOT a suitable subsitute in most cases although it is also an organic acid and contains potassium."

03/16/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "I would have to say that I disagree completely with the_phoenix's conclusions. I regard taking lemon or lime with baking soda as the major factor that helped me to successfully cure my candida. My understanding of the use of lemon and lime or ACV with baking soda came after my own long period of use and experimentaton(4 years).

For me, lemon and lime with baking soda is the most useful because:

* It provides good citrate and ascorbate balance between sodium and potassium electrolytes.

* This remedy both alkalizes the blood as well as the internal body cell environment.

*As Ted has said, the lemon or lime remedy normalizes many biological parameters including pH, ORP, phosphates, bicarbonates and antioxidants of vitamin C.

I also use the ACV and baking soda remedy, but usually only if I need more energy, because the malates formed from the malic acid in ACV are utilized in the Kreb's energy cycle of cell metabolism and respiration. But I also use methylene blue or hydrogen peroxide internally, they are usually just as good as ACV, if not better, for increasing the efficiency of cell respiration and increasing energy levels in general.

I've also found, from personal usage, that lemon or lime plus baking soda seems to actually alkalize the body better than using ACV. As Ted says, ACV and BS only alkalizes the body to a pH of 7, whereas the lemon and lime remedy normally alkalizes the body to a higher and more balanced level.

Also, in the_phoenix's post, I note that she gives many reasons for her belief that ACV is better than the lemon/lime remedy and then afterwards, with no further critique on lemon/lime -- no reasons -- she concludes:

"Lemon juice has different properties[WHAT DIFFERENT PROPERTIES?] and hence is NOT a suitable subsitute in most cases although it is also an organic acid and contains potassium."

Here is what Ted from Bangkok offers and concludes regarding the ACV and Lemon/Lime remedies:

"In my opinion the best formula to use is the lime-baking soda formula, after drinking it many biological terrain parameters would be normalized the best."

The judgements the_phoenix offers are neither fair or good enough in the criticisms of the lemon and lime remedy.

Remember that people who have no experience at all read EC, and I would personally hate to think that I would mis-advise or mislead anyone concerning any of the remedies here."

03/15/2010: Teri from Up North, Indiana writes: "I've been adding a pinch of borax to my green tea for awhile. I believe it is a tip I read from Ted. Helps neutralize the fluoride in green tea. If I take a bath, I also add borax (for fluoride) and sodium thiosulfate (for chlorine) to the water before getting in the tub. I had had no adverse affects to either practices."

Ted from Bangkok, Thailand writes: "Most borax I buy is a B.P. grade and a U.S.P. grade borax from a chemical supplier. Those are grade are often used that are pharmaceutical grade. However, those that are gotten from natural sources (e.g. borax) and go relatively unprocessed, that is unadded of additives or anything are often labeled 100% Sodium tetraborate or Borax. Without anything else.

My experience is that free heavy metals found in these product found in supermarket, are not as high as those found in more processed foods (baked goods are off the charts with me) and tap water we usually drink (my toxic heavy metals come from the drinking water and rice cooker), or even in more Organic foods and fertilizers which is very high in heavy metals.

Most contaminants from the products I used are heavy metals and they often come from frying pans, aluminum tea pots, aluminum rice cookers, iron pots & pans, or foods that has gone through a lot of processing such as fast food and chocolates, for example. Even Diet Coke is actually very toxic to me, if I have all the appropriate diagnostic devices to find out people will know the real source of toxicity which is from the benzene (sodium benzoate), bisphenol A (plastic degenerates into a pseudoestrogen Bisphenol A) and aspartame (degrades in the body to formaldehyde) and causes me to be diabetic and other sickness- long term ingestion may be more permanent).

I have actually been offline for almost a week being quite sick of neural disorder, from accidentally ingesting this product hidden in some foods they actually have added in the food at a restaurant (aspartame, sometimes they hide in coffee, but they do not REQUIRE LABELING - secret formula and GRAS status of aspartame), but never have I experienced any sickness from the use of supermarket borax or sodium carbonate labeled at 100%.

I actually have a dithizone tests and other tests of heavy metal to check for presence of mercury, lead, cadmium, iron etc. and most of the problems I have encountered came more from fertilizers, tap water, insecticides, water filter, certain pots and pans (cadmium, iron, aluminum).

The reason for all the fear of chemicals and legal disclaimer is that the seller is not given permission by the government for internal consumption even IF THE products are ACTUALLY SAFE if we actuall DO THE CHEMICAL PURITIES TEST.

If people have the money to bother to do the impurity tests a lot of people will be surprise to find that quite often the opposite is true, most processed foods and processed water, drinks, etc. are actually more contaminated. I have seen pools of aluminum found in baking goods (they create a sort of electrolysis and the aluminum ends up in the bakery products, baked goods, whenever an aluminum foil is used. People are sick simply just preparing coffee and tea in aluminum tea pots. I have actually found a simple way to check by using a small laser pointer pointing in these liquids and see tyndall effect (which are like rays of light you can see when you drive headlights in a fog). The clearer the rays, the more contaminated is the boiled water. So I tend actually to worry more about processed food than I do getting borax, or sodium carbonate from the source.

The other reason why I don't worry a lot from their uses is I always take EDTA, or no sugar no milk Green Tea to remove whatever heavy metals I consumed, which is quite often from the office water tank, rice cooker, and other processed foods, rather than sources from natural borax. This is a very slow learning process for most people to unlearn what they have geen taught and I think it is going to take many decades not years for general consumer to realize this fact. I am not entirely optimistic that people will realize this unless they bother to do their own chemical analysis and get the facts straight. The SYSTEM as we know it is a monopoly on medicine and they don't want people to stray off this area, even if THE SYSTEM doesn't work.

In general, if I cannot get USP grade, Food Grade, or Analytical Grade borax, I usually end up having to purchase those found in supermarket. I have little choice. I never tell anyone what to buy, it must be noted that I only tell myself what I can or cannot buy. What you do buy, you just have to decide for yourself. There's a good reason for that, different countries has different standards. However, my own take on the problem is they are relatively pure for most purposes since the quantitities used is actually quite small, such as 1/4 teaspoon per liter of water, so whatever contaminant in the parts per million is reduced fractionally of that amount to multibplied by .001 (about 0.1% percent) of whichever value of contaminant.

It must be noted that a lot of remedies I used is almost like 16th Century medicine and obviously 21st century products isn't selling anymore or hard to find. Therefore much of the decision, ulimately depends on you. If you want an authoritive figure to decide instead of you (if you trust him but I don't), then it is likely they will not recommend any natural remedies I post. Unfortunately for them, their treatment is actually killing me several times over, and I ended up saving my own life without much help from anyone else. That's at least my experience, perhaps, I am unlucky to rely on them.

Ted"

03/15/2010: Lou from Austin, Tx writes: "As far as I know, green tea contains calcium fluoride rather than the sodium fluoride or hydrofluoric acid (H.A. is even worse). I think that CaF may be not as readily absorbed by the body, because it is insoluble, whereas NaF (sodium fluoride) is soluble. It is important to note that even insoluble things such as biogenic silica can be absorbed into the body via the gastrointestinal tract.

However, since I do not know the form of fluoride in green tea, I cannot advocate its consumption. This is due to the fact, that modern agricultural techniques may increase the amount and diversity of the fluorides contained within the tea plant/final product.

Furthermore, I question the duration of many green tea studies showing its beneficial effects. Since fluorides are cumulative, long term studies are necessary to determine the overall impact green tea has on health.
I also wonder about the forms of green tea used in many studies. Are they using fluoride free tea? If so then they should mention it.

Also, are there any benefits to using tea with natural fluorides? (I seriously want to know the answer to this.)

Many companies propose to sell fluoride free green tea.

For further reading on fluoride in green tea I recommend this article.

http://www.poisonfluoride.com/pfpc/html/green_tea___.html"

03/15/2010: Teri from Up North, Indiana writes: "I've been adding a pinch of borax to my green tea for awhile. I believe it is a tip I read from Ted. Helps neutralize the fluoride in green tea. If I take a bath, I also add borax (for fluoride) and sodium thiosulfate (for chlorine) to the water before getting in the tub. I had had no adverse affects to either practices."

03/16/2010: Pr from Houston, Texas, Usa writes: "Hi Teri, thanks for sharing. How much sodium thiosulfate are you adding to your bath water?"

03/15/2010: Gemz from Santa Cruz, California writes: "Not all ACV is the same. You will find one creates heartburn while the other cures it. The ACIDS in them are unique. The one you will want to try will be cloudy and murky. Hopefully Organic. The clear pungent stuff from the egg coloring days is the one that creates heart burn.

If you do a search of ACV for heartburn you may find one that works good. I know I tried it off and on and it did not work for me. Then I learned the difference.

Sorry I do not know the names of the acids but they are totally different. Good luck and try the heartburn tips on here. They helped me tremendously!"

[SIDE EFFECTS]  02/17/2010: Christina from Kansas City, Mo writes: "I have tried drinking 1 T. ACV in a cup of hot water, and it only results in heartburn. I want to give this a chance, as so many people attest to the benefits of ACV. Any tips? I have had 2 dental extractions, both teeth were infected, there was communication from the teeth into the sinus, and now I have a sinus infection. It's been a mess. I am on 2 abx now, but so far, nothing has worked. I'm desperate for solutions since I've been sick since Thanksgiving."

03/12/2010: Nicole from Decatur, Ga writes: "Christina from Kansas City, everything does not always work for everybody. You must understand that every human body is different and we have to listen to our bodies when trying remedies. In your case of heartburn, you are having a major side effect of ACV and should stop using it immediately. If you continue, it could cause you to have chronic (continue over time) heartburn even after you stop. You should try a different remedy for your sinus infection."

03/15/2010: Gemz from Santa Cruz, California writes: "Not all ACV is the same. You will find one creates heartburn while the other cures it. The ACIDS in them are unique. The one you will want to try will be cloudy and murky. Hopefully Organic. The clear pungent stuff from the egg coloring days is the one that creates heart burn.

If you do a search of ACV for heartburn you may find one that works good. I know I tried it off and on and it did not work for me. Then I learned the difference.

Sorry I do not know the names of the acids but they are totally different. Good luck and try the heartburn tips on here. They helped me tremendously!"

03/15/2010: Siddareddy from Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh,india writes: "Hi Hashmi, Can you please give the exact address of Namdhari store where we can buy "Apple Cyder Vinegar" and also what is the price of it(for 500ml). Thanks"

[YEA]  04/28/2008: Hashmi Fatima from New Delhi, INDIA writes: "One can buy Apple cider vinegar in New Delhi from any Namdhari store. I have bought from Namdhari Store, New Friends colony, New Delhi."

03/15/2010: Siddareddy from Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh,india writes: "Hi Hashmi, Can you please give the exact address of Namdhari store where we can buy "Apple Cyder Vinegar" and also what is the price of it(for 500ml). Thanks"

03/15/2010: Silvermcfly17 from Hastings, Mi writes: "1 shot glass 3x a day."

[YEA]  10/05/2008: Bob from Boston, Ma writes: "I ended up on your site looking for a cure for shingles. I found it and it involved among other things Apple cider vinegar to be ingested and a mix of Aloe vera and crushed cayenne pepper rubbed on the redness which almost instantly brought the blisters to a head. I was done with shingles in about a week. Because of all the testimonials here, I decided to keep on taking the ACV orally 3 times a day. In liquid form or capsules. I realized that my flow of urine got stronger and started to last much longer. I had prostate problems for a few years and I was taking every day some very expensive herbal tea that was working somewhat. I decided to stop the herbal tea and stay on the ACV only. I now pee like a 15 years old and I'm not on any medication. ACV also cured me of my insomnia! Thank you Earth Clinic for such a great site."

12/16/2008: John from Phoenix, AZ writes: "How much Apple Cider Vinegar do you take 3x/day?"

02/25/2009: Bob from Hastings, Michigan writes: "I would like to know how much ACV you used and was it all by itself or with water or---
Thanks"

03/15/2010: Silvermcfly17 from Hastings, Mi writes: "1 shot glass 3x a day."

03/15/2010: Akemp from Fayetteville, Nc writes: "I have been op for two days and have notice an increase in saliva. I used EVOO. I notice the increase on the first day. Im going to try coconut oil tonight. I also drink avc with water and it causes headaches for me"

[YEA]  03/07/2009: Amy from Austin, TX writes: "Fantastic Oil Pulling Results in Just One Week!

I have been oil pulling with both organic cold pressed sesame oil and organic cold pressed coconut oil.

First thing I noticed was how white my teeth became after about the 3rd or 4th pull. Yesterday I became extremely tired and took a 3 hour nap. I slept extremely hard and woke up very refreshed. I felt like I could breath better. Like there was more room in my chest to breathe. I also noticed last night that my nasal passages shrunk. They opened up, like they had been swollen all along and I hadn't noticed.

But what is really weird is what happened when I went running today. I sweat profusely. I mean I sweat like I did when I was a kid. I was dripping. Even my legs where sweating. Another thing I noticed was that my hair was greasy by the end of the day yesterday and my skin is softer. When I was a kid (am 36 now) my hair would be kind of greasy by the end of the day. But as an adult I have had very dry hair and skin. Also my heels have been cracked and nasty for a long time. Today I noticed that there is a completely different texture to my heels. They are getting soft! It's incredible! I feel like oil pulling unlocked something. Maybe some glands or lymph nodes have been blocked or something. Who knows, but I feel great! Am going to keep doing this!

Oh, and I notice that the coconut oil makes me salivate much more than the sesame. Can't imagine why though. For some reason I am drawn to the coconut more."

03/15/2010: Akemp from Fayetteville, Nc writes: "I have been op for two days and have notice an increase in saliva. I used EVOO. I notice the increase on the first day. Im going to try coconut oil tonight. I also drink avc with water and it causes headaches for me"

03/15/2010: The_phoenix from Townsville, Australia writes: "Hi Gean,

There are always exceptions, and unknowns, but as a rule of thumb I believe we should go with the explanation that fits the bill for most people.

So, for 'chills' after drinking:

- Salt (NaCl) regulates body temp
- after drinking on an empty stomach water stays in the stomach for 45 mins (from a very old Xray study ... I would like to see some additional studies in this area but AFAIK there are no recent ones)
- why does the water stay in the stomach? I tried to find an answer to this .. couldn't come up with anything (science is coming at things from a different perspective to me so sometimes the scientists aren't interested in what interests me) .... my best guess is that the body regulates temp, osmality and acidity (these are part of general homeostatic regulation) ... so the water is held in the stomach while acidity and osmolality are brought to the level required by the duodenum before the water leaves the stomach
- this involves movement of Chlorides from the blood, around the stomach, into the stomach, and in conjunction with this BiCarbonate levels in the blood go up
- in most cases the body doesn't want the excess alkalinity in the blood and it is dumped into the urine (probably this takes Sodium with it)
- in most cases the body is very efficient, and balanced, however digestion is an exception ... the first stage of the process involves an inefficient process i.e. electrolytes, which are normally conserved carefully and micro-managed, are thrown into the initial digestion of food (the body accepts this anomaly as a matter of survival) however, the chlorides in the stomach are not lost and are reabsorbed later while Sodium, or other cations, might be lost, in the urine, as a result of the alkaline flush effect of eating.

In short ... there is a possibility that you are salt deficient ... this reaction will occur very soon after eating, because of the above mechanism (you might not see the alkaline flush in your urine pH immediately because the urine is stored in the bladder until it is full.

What to do?

- count your salt (NaCl) intake ... if you don't eat processed foods you could have a low intake
- if you need more salt I am biased to getting it from vege juices (celery etc) and sea vegetables (kelp)

Another possibility:

- if you are a raw food person OR you take a lot of Baking Soda you might have alkalosis (this can be caused by other things as well). If this is the case cease the BS remedy for a while and/or introduce some faster sugars to your diet (high carbo veges or maybe grain based carbos) ... eat them with your salads

Yet another possibility:

- enodcrine system issues i.e. if you have issues there you might respond very quickly to changes in electrolyte and water levels in the blood e.g. low sugars is one thing that involves the endocrine system and also causes feeling of being cold.

Note that the endocrine system regulates electrolytic excretion from the kidneys by controlling hormonal secretions.

If it persists I would get some medical checks (it might be something less common) and take it from there .... you can look for an alternative remedy if you get a definite diagnosis."

[WARNING!]  04/16/2008: Directrice from Mo. County, Maryland writes: "We know that athletes and small babies are subject to potential illness and even death because of too much water in a short period of time. But I have this theory that when I increased my water intake it predisposed me to Bronchitis.

I am not a "respitory person" meaning, that is not an area I have ever had a problem with. My issues are more circulatory, and digestive. So when I got Bronchitis, not once, but twice, in 2 months I was surprised. Yes, it was going around and is contagious. But neither my husband nor my daughter caught it. I think my body was more hospitable to it for some reaseon.

Let me explain: I have edema. I am overweight, and that is a contributing factor, but I noticed it gets worse when I don't drink and become dehydrated. For some odd reason, I just don't like to drink. I never drink sodas or other soft drinks, mostly tea, and water, small amount of orgnic milk. I just resist drinking especially cold drinks (unless it is really hot). Part of this may be due to the fact that I have a cold body (chronic hyperglycemia). My average temp is around 97 degrees, when up. Morning, basal temp can be as low as 96.5. I am aware of thyroid indicators and will talk about that on the thyroid thread.

At any rate, I know when I am getting dehydrated, skin stars to dry up (I am only 34) so that prompts me to drink. So I read this book, forgot the name, about the value of water and how many illnesses it can cure and I decided to up my water intake. Knowing I am overweight and might need more than the average person, I forced myself to drink 5 times the amount I normally drink. I wasn't measuring but it was probably at least 12 glasses. When normally I may drink 3-5 glasses of total liquid.

That's when I came down hard with bronchitis. Lowered my drinking during illness, recovered and went back to my routine. I started drinking large quantities (and these were large amounts in one sitting, not slowly sipping, I was gulping, I hate it and had to force myself). I got hit with Bronchitis again!

I have since healed and since gone back to my typioal liquid intake, incrasing slightly due to warming weather, and mostly drinking herbal tea to avoid dehydration. I have been fine.

Another note, I saw a connection to salt and the bronchial tubes. I eat VERY little salt No chips, no fast food burgers, pickles, pretzles, rarely fries. I might add half a tsp to a whole baked chicken.

I found this on the net, (not endorsing their products AT ALL) just thought it makes an interesting connection to edema, dehydration, water intake and respritory issues.

This is the reason why in severe dehydration we develop an edema and retain water. The design of our bodies is such that the extent of the ocean of water outside the cells is expanded to have the extra water available for filtration and emergency injection into vital cells. The brain commands an increase in salt and water retention by the kidneys. This is how we get an edema when we don't drink enough water.

http://www.shirleys-wellness-cafe.com/salt.htm

"Initially, the process of water filtration and its delivery into the cells is more efficient at night when the body is horizontal. The collected water, that mostly pools in the legs, does not have to fight the force of gravity to get onto the blood circulation. If reliance of this process of emergency hydration of some cells continues for long, the lungs begin to get waterlogged at night, and breathing becomes difficult. The person needs more pillows to sit upright to sleep. This condition is the consequence of dehydration. However, you might overload the system by drinking too much water at the beginning. Increases in water intake must be slow and spread out until urine production begins to increase at the same rate that you drink water."

I wonder if it would be beneficial for me to increase my salt a little and I guess it would have to be the right KIND of salt. I will look through Ted's suggestions on this."

03/14/2010: Gean from Salina, Ks writes: "I have a question about water: Whenever I drink a glass or two of water, always on an empty stomach, I get chilled all over even though the water is not very cold. Even if it's warm water the same thing happens. The chill sets in not right away but after 5 or 10 minutes. I have used water drinking through the years to balance my hormones (clears my face in a day, etc.), but only in the last few months I get very cold from drinking water. Anyone have any idea what this might be? Thank you."

03/15/2010: The_phoenix from Townsville, Australia writes: "Hi Gean,

There are always exceptions, and unknowns, but as a rule of thumb I believe we should go with the explanation that fits the bill for most people.

So, for 'chills' after drinking:

- Salt (NaCl) regulates body temp
- after drinking on an empty stomach water stays in the stomach for 45 mins (from a very old Xray study ... I would like to see some additional studies in this area but AFAIK there are no recent ones)
- why does the water stay in the stomach? I tried to find an answer to this .. couldn't come up with anything (science is coming at things from a different perspective to me so sometimes the scientists aren't interested in what interests me) .... my best guess is that the body regulates temp, osmality and acidity (these are part of general homeostatic regulation) ... so the water is held in the stomach while acidity and osmolality are brought to the level required by the duodenum before the water leaves the stomach
- this involves movement of Chlorides from the blood, around the stomach, into the stomach, and in conjunction with this BiCarbonate levels in the blood go up
- in most cases the body doesn't want the excess alkalinity in the blood and it is dumped into the urine (probably this takes Sodium with it)
- in most cases the body is very efficient, and balanced, however digestion is an exception ... the first stage of the process involves an inefficient process i.e. electrolytes, which are normally conserved carefully and micro-managed, are thrown into the initial digestion of food (the body accepts this anomaly as a matter of survival) however, the chlorides in the stomach are not lost and are reabsorbed later while Sodium, or other cations, might be lost, in the urine, as a result of the alkaline flush effect of eating.

In short ... there is a possibility that you are salt deficient ... this reaction will occur very soon after eating, because of the above mechanism (you might not see the alkaline flush in your urine pH immediately because the urine is stored in the bladder until it is full.

What to do?

- count your salt (NaCl) intake ... if you don't eat processed foods you could have a low intake
- if you need more salt I am biased to getting it from vege juices (celery etc) and sea vegetables (kelp)

Another possibility:

- if you are a raw food person OR you take a lot of Baking Soda you might have alkalosis (this can be caused by other things as well). If this is the case cease the BS remedy for a while and/or introduce some faster sugars to your diet (high carbo veges or maybe grain based carbos) ... eat them with your salads

Yet another possibility:

- enodcrine system issues i.e. if you have issues there you might respond very quickly to changes in electrolyte and water levels in the blood e.g. low sugars is one thing that involves the endocrine system and also causes feeling of being cold.

Note that the endocrine system regulates electrolytic excretion from the kidneys by controlling hormonal secretions.

If it persists I would get some medical checks (it might be something less common) and take it from there .... you can look for an alternative remedy if you get a definite diagnosis."

03/16/2010: Gean from Salina, Ks writes: "The_pheonix, thank you for the response. Quite possibly it is an endocrine issue, since I have weak adrenal function, drop of body temperature even after a brisk walk. Who knows..."

03/15/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "Thanks once more Bill, you have been a great help so far. Today I ordered a book on coconut oil on Amazon in order to get more information. I am starting to think that my allergies (never tested positive for anything), warts, tiredness, white spots on my skin which are not Viltiligo, bad digestion and maybe even the little red spots on my skin might be Candida so maybe the VCO might help. Worth a try..... My worry is that my husband who has daily medicines for high blood pressure might not react well to it. He is going to ask his doctor. Otherwise I will try sometimes to cook separately for me and for him. After seein the bad effects those pills have on him I am trying my best to stay clear of them. And yes, so far VCO here is always solid, maybe in the summer it will change........ Anyway, if this oil was so bad why wouldn't all people in Asia be dying? One more thing, do you ever use olive oil or none at all?"

[YEA]  02/10/2010: Tanya from Townsville, Queensland, Australia writes: "Favourite way to consume Coconut Oil

Delicious Dairy Free Alternative Coconut Chocolate Spread: I like to get my daily dose of VCO by making a spread with 1 part coconut oil, 1 part agave, 2 parts raw cacao powder, pinch crystal salt, pinch stevia - stir. I love it on wholemeal organic spelt toast :)."

03/08/2010: Piper from Toronto, On, Canada writes: "It is great for pancakes. Coconut oil will cook to a higher temperature without browning."

03/09/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "But isn't coconut oil bad for your health? I have a book about healthy oils and they say that conconut oil is highly saturated and that it is not sure yet whether it may harm your health."

03/10/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Francisca...Coconut oil is probably the best oil to use raw or for cooking -- even better than olive oil in my opinion. I took 1 X tbspn of coconut oil three times a day in my regimen that cured my Candida -- also helped me to loose over 20 lbs and I never even changed my diet much. I cook everything in extra virgin coconut oil now. I also use real butter, and absolutely no margarines or other chemically processed vegetable oils or sugar or sweetners are allowed in my diet at all.

Read the research about why coconut oil is so good for us here(no adverts) :

http://www.coconutoil.com/research.htm

Extracts from "Coconut Oil: Why It Is Good for You"

"In 1987 Lim-Sylianco published a 50-year literature review showing the anti-cancer effects of coconut oil. In chemically induced cancers of the colon and breast, coconut oil was by far more protective than unsaturated oils [or vegetable oils]. For example 32% of corn oil eaters got colon cancer whereas only 3% of coconut oil eaters got the cancer. Animals fed unsaturated oils[veg oils] had more tumors. This shows the thyroid-suppressive and hence, immuno-suppressive effect of unsaturated oils[read vegetable oils]. (Cohen et al. 1986)."

From "Thailand: Land of the Coconut"

"We hear a great deal these days about the presumed health benefits of Asian diets. China and Japan are presented as exemplars of "low-fat, high fiber, largely vegetarian" Oriental regimes. The foods of Thailand are often ignored in such discussions. The delicious, spicy cuisine of Siam is rich in saturated fat from coconut oil and lard, relatively low in fiber and features many and varied animal foods. Yet a comparison of autopsy reports on a group from Bangkok with a group from the US found that coronary occlusion or myocardial infarction was eight times more frequent in the US, diabetes was ten times more frequent and high blood pressure about four times more frequent.(4) Even more intriguing is the fact that Thailand has the lowest rates of cancer, for both men and women, of all the 50 countries studied by the World Health Organization.(3) Here is yet another paradox - Le Paradoxe Thailandais - that the "experts" would rather ignore than explain."

Link: http://www.westonaprice.org/Thailand-Land-of-the-Coconut.html

My own reasons for adopting my diet are simply historic. Before 1900, the only fats used within the Western diet were saturated fats like lard, tallow and butter, with a very small amount of monounsaturates like olive oil. This 1900 western diet was also enhanced by a much greater intake of salt(natural) by eating large quantities of salted fish and/or meat(or "jerky") because there were no refrigerators or freezers around to preserve these meats in 1900.

And even with this diet -- which by present day standards would be dismissed or defined as a "horrible and unhealthy" saturated fat and salty diet -- there was no Heart Disease, Cancer, Obesity, Altzheimers, Parkinson's, Diabetes, Arthritis etc. that exists in such epidemic proportions in the West today. Makes you wonder exactly how all that marvellous(sic) pro-vegetable oil research could have got it so wrong, doesn't it ?

In the Philippines, where I now live, I have observed that in the beautiful semi-provinces where I reside, most poor Filipino families make their own coconut oil for cooking by boiling or fermenting the coconut milk and living on a purely sticky rice diet that includes much caught fish as well as a considerable amount of dried, salted fish. And strangely, these poor people on this diet suffer no plague of 'western modern ailments' such as those I've defined above.

But also I've noticed in my treks into the larger and more modern Filipino towns and cities such as Manila or Cebu, I see and hear about the heart disease, the obeisity, diabetes, arthritis, Altzheimer's etc. The reason for this must be linked to the influx of MacDonald's, KFC, Burger King's and other fast food chains that always seem to spring up first in all the major towns and cities of poor developing countries. All that chemically processed food and fats from the fast food chains makes quite a difference in your diet or health and seems to have an entirely detrimental effect on the human body.

My diet hasn't got a fancy name. Just stay away from all processed food, avoid all veg oils, avoid canned goods, avoid sugar and sweeteners and you should become much healthier. And its not really a diet for me -- because a diet always implies that you will "come off the diet eventually". This has simply become a habit for life for me now."

03/11/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "Many thanks Bill but I am even more confused because just before I got to your answer I saw a post where someone says they had bad side effects from eating coconut oil so I went to the page where this post was posted and I found a lot of similar comments. I don't know what to believe now.... I do use it for my skin but I am afraid to use it internally. I am going to my homeopathic doctor tomorrow and I am going to ask his opinion. By the way, how did you take the oil? Mine is not liquid.... do you just spoon a bit out of the jar and take it? Thanks!

By the way, I have started to try the watch this feedback option but I thought that I would get further feedback on the post in my inbox. It didn't happen so far though... not even with this one!"

EC: Hi Francisca,

The "Watch this Feedback" option only shows the first post in a thread (the parent post). If we start adding all the responses to the parent post, it may clutter your account, but I will check with the programmer. We will try to implement the email notification soon!

Deirdre

03/11/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Francisca...I certainly understand your confusion regarding the internal use of coconut oil. If you have used VCO on your skin without problems then it's very likely you will have no allergy to coconut oil.

But if you have intestinal candida, then the likelihood is that when you start taking VCO you will feel worse before you feel better because of the fungal die-off or Herxheimer effect. I've been through this same Herx effect when I was getting rid of my candida, the symptoms are flu-like and you feel liverish because of the initial strain of the liver removing all the fungal toxins from your body. I simply persisted with the VCO, because I wanted the candida gone. Sure enough the Herx effect went after a while, but it still took about a full year to get rid of my candida(I was also using Ted's alkalizing protocols plus taking Blackstrap Molasses and liver/kidney support herbs as well).

I also suspect that some new users of VCO who perhaps may have had candida and didn't know it, have mistaken the Herx or fungal die-off effect for an allergic reaction, since both sets of symptoms seem very similar.

Coconut oil has also been used for years in baby foods, it contains lauric acid in similar amounts to human breast milk fats, which is a major ingredient that protects the baby and builds up the baby's immune system. Coconut oil is also regularly used in foods now given to hospital patients with intestinal trauma or after major intestinal operations -- such are its gentle and protective effects and qualities.

I also live in the Philippines now, all the locals use coconut oil for cooking here. Extra virgin coconut oil for me is way the best of all the veg oils, for all the reasons that I have given already. I only cook with VCO now, and sometimes take a raw tablespoon in my coffee when I'm ill or constipated now and then and I also use it on my own skin. I've been using VCO now for over 4 years.

I hope this helps to allay some of your fears about VCO."

03/11/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Francisca...Forgot to add that I took VCO either raw or in my coffee. When I had candida, I took 3 tbspns a day. Now I just take it a few times a week. VCO is nice in coffee, makes it taste sort of creamy..."

03/14/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "Bill, how do you use coconut oil in raw food? Mine is solid... do you warm it up or do you use some liquid kind? I only find the solid form where I live..... I am still a bit afraid after reading about people who had so many problems.... haven't tried it yet!"

EC: Hi Francisca,

Your coconut oil will turn to liquid on a warm summer day!

03/15/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Francisca...I guess your having a bit of a battle with yourself using coconut oil at the moment!! I confess, with my candida problems, I really didn't hesitate to use VCO raw to begin with. I had bad constipation for about 7 years with my candida, VCO helped to cure this aspect of my ailment very quickly indeed.

Perhaps the best way to use coconut oil to begin with is to use it for cooking, as this seems to cause the least problems. Many here on EC use it for oil pulling because it tastes so much better than olive oil but appears to achieve the same thing. Perhaps you could try oil-pulling with VCO first?

Using coconut oil for cooking seems to be the quickest way to get used to coconut oil. Since I'm living in the Philippines, my bottles of VCO are always as a liquid oil(The temperature here is always above 76 degrees). But if you're using VCO for cooking where you are(colder), then I would just treat it like butter for cooking, no difference really. Coconut oil is very safe for cooking -- safer than most other vegetable oils -- because it doesn't oxidize so quickly.

In my own mind, if you take the plunge and actually start using coconut oil, the worst that can possibly happen is the die-off or Herx effect. In my case, it wasn't that terrible, and always uppermost in my mind was the fact that I knew all about the problems that I had, so I also knew that my flu-like symptoms -- or die-off effect -- were confirmation that the coconut oil was actually helping and doing good. Many people on this site report that taking coconut oil has caused problems -- so they immediately blame the VCO or assume that they must have an allergic reaction to it.

Although an allergic reaction is possible, my argument is that VCO is very safe. However, all those people arguing against VCO have given their opinions and reasons as to why these adverse reactions have occurred in their bodies, without realizing or addressing or including the possibility of them having candida causing a Herx reaction -- Simply because there are many similarities between the symptoms of a Herx reaction and an allergic reaction and this causes confusion I think. And behind all of this is this seemingly ingrained and unmovable belief that saturated fats like VCO are bad for you, despite all the evidence I've provided to the contrary on EC.

In regard to its safety, why else would they have used coconut oil both in baby foods and with food for people in hospital with intestinal trauma since the 1960s? Isn't this a testament to VCO's safety? These facts alone, perhaps, represent the greatest proof that allergic reactions with VCO must be rare indeed."

03/15/2010: Shaun from Old York, Uk writes: "Coconut oil is indeed the business. It is the very essence of the 'tree of life'. It is just fabulous. Anyone who thinks otherwise should open their mind and try it for a while - and also search out info in the libraries etc., etc., and of course the WWW. If the world ate virgin coconut oil it who be a far, far happier and healthier place. That we all eat (... or have eaten) crappy grain oils is a crying criminal shame. Organic lard (pork fat) is also very, very good. Variously some sort of mix of lard and coconut oil should should suit just about everyone's palate."

03/15/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "Thanks once more Bill, you have been a great help so far. Today I ordered a book on coconut oil on Amazon in order to get more information. I am starting to think that my allergies (never tested positive for anything), warts, tiredness, white spots on my skin which are not Viltiligo, bad digestion and maybe even the little red spots on my skin might be Candida so maybe the VCO might help. Worth a try..... My worry is that my husband who has daily medicines for high blood pressure might not react well to it. He is going to ask his doctor. Otherwise I will try sometimes to cook separately for me and for him. After seein the bad effects those pills have on him I am trying my best to stay clear of them. And yes, so far VCO here is always solid, maybe in the summer it will change........ Anyway, if this oil was so bad why wouldn't all people in Asia be dying? One more thing, do you ever use olive oil or none at all?"

03/15/2010: Linda from York County, Maine writes: "Hi Deborah - keep at it, Girl! ...for me, a large part of my enjoyment of this site is the reading...gaining insight, opinions and feedback that help me decide to try something - or not. Maybe if you can set aside some time to put your feet up and browse the comments you'll find it a bit easier to absorb. Best Wishes!"

03/15/2010: Deborah from Cannington, Ontario writes: "I have been on your site before, I am overwhelmed by the information. I try to find help with things but just give up because I don't know how to sort it all out... how to decide which is best."

03/15/2010: Linda from York County, Maine writes: "Hi Deborah - keep at it, Girl! ...for me, a large part of my enjoyment of this site is the reading...gaining insight, opinions and feedback that help me decide to try something - or not. Maybe if you can set aside some time to put your feet up and browse the comments you'll find it a bit easier to absorb. Best Wishes!"

03/16/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "Deborah, do you know what I do with all the information I get from this site and also from books I have been reading? I have a file in my computer where I divide the information by subject, that way I can always go back and review it easily. Of course I can look it up in my books as well but as I have quite a few it is a lot more difficult as it is if I would try to find it on this site every time. From the site I only have to copy and paste. I do the same with books I am interested in. I read the comments on Amazon.com (although I live in Europe... Americans post a lot more comments), then I copy and paste the titles and give them a different color according to whether I think that the book might be interesting or not. That way I don't have to look up books over and over again just because I forget that I have already read the comments about that specific book. There are thousands of titles of books on health subjects so this way I don't waste my time."

How and why many people can take ACV, without adverse mucous lining reactions, is a mystery to me.

Note that the strength and type of vinegar might make a difference but I only used the raw unfiltered product that the vast majority of EC'ers use (that famous american brand is imported into Australia and available in local health stores).

It is obvious, from the range of posts that come in to EC, on any given topic, that common symptoms can have a variety of causes and that people can have different reactions to the various remedies (there are always exceptions to every rule!)

Some of the possible explanations for the differences with ACV:

- some say that it is a measure of our capacity to buffer acid i.e. the fact that I get mouth cankers from it means (in their view) that my alkaline reserves are low (too much involved to discuss that in this post)
- ACV contains a lot of minor chemicals (mainly organic) and some of us could react to them
- some might be 'seeing' ACV as a food, and enjoy taking it, thus triggering normal digestive responses while others see it as a 'medicine' and subconsciously force it down
- some of us do have minor damage to our stomach from other sources e.g. over time, tea and coffee affect the stomach lining
- people on the SAD diet probably always have food in their stomach, except perhaps first thing in the morning

What can you do about it?

- try the neutralized ACV prescriptions (ACV plus Baking Soda) but note that ACV has a few different properties that treat disease in different ways and when it is neutralized some of those properties change (in short it may or may not work the same as pure ACV)
- look for other ways to deal with hot flushes"

[SIDE EFFECTS]  02/05/2010: Corinna from London, Kent, England writes: "I am aware of the benefits of apple cider vinegar and really really want to take it as it helps me with my hot flushes like nothing else. However, everytime I take it (2 tbl of ACV with plenty of water with food or without food) I get severe stomach pain afterwards. I tried it out at least 6 times over the course of the last 9 months but it is a persistant pattern. Does anybody have an idea why this is and what I can do about it? Thank you!"

02/21/2010: Joywin from Vancouver, Wa writes: "The reason you may be experiencing a stomache ache after taking ACV is because your body is already producing enough stomach acid. Those of us who don't produce enough don't experience the burning, on the contrary, it stops the burning and some of the gas! Best of luck on that one."

03/15/2010: Tony B from Olympia, Wa, Usa writes: "Hello Corinna from London,

As the previous reply stated, you may be producing too much stomach acid with (or without) ACV.

You may also have (or are on the way to) stomach ulcers. Excessive stomach acid production is always a precursor to stomach ulcers.

In either case, you might try 1 tsp. of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda (sodium bicarbonate) with 4-8 oz. warm water 5-10 minutes before taking ACV. This should help reduce the pH in your stomach before taking ACV (which is acidic).

The only downside to combining ACV with baking soda that you may temperarily produce gas (belching). This should pass in a few minutes.

If this doesn't help, you should see your doctor as soon as possible! Stomach ulcers (or high stomach acid production) can be a symptom of a serious health condition.

Regards,
Tony B"

03/15/2010: The_phoenix from Townsville, Australia writes: "Hi Corinna,

Re your stomach pain from taking ACV.

Some people just can't seem to tolerate ACV and I am one of them .... I get mouth and oesophagal ulcers (cankers) plus stomach pain every time, with or without honey/water. Theoretically everyone should have trouble taking it but a lot of people seem to have no trouble and do well on it.

The reasons I say this are:

- the mouth and O are not designed for acid (including acidic softdrinks)
- after we eat food the stomach secretes a film (layer) of bicarbonate, to protect the lining of the stomach, before it starts to produce the gastric acids.

Based on this theory my expectations are that acetic acid (vinegar) is likely to damage the mouth, O and stomach (the latter because the acid goes straight into the stomach before it gets a chance to produce the chemical that protects the stomach lining).

How and why many people can take ACV, without adverse mucous lining reactions, is a mystery to me.

Note that the strength and type of vinegar might make a difference but I only used the raw unfiltered product that the vast majority of EC'ers use (that famous american brand is imported into Australia and available in local health stores).

It is obvious, from the range of posts that come in to EC, on any given topic, that common symptoms can have a variety of causes and that people can have different reactions to the various remedies (there are always exceptions to every rule!)

Some of the possible explanations for the differences with ACV:

- some say that it is a measure of our capacity to buffer acid i.e. the fact that I get mouth cankers from it means (in their view) that my alkaline reserves are low (too much involved to discuss that in this post)
- ACV contains a lot of minor chemicals (mainly organic) and some of us could react to them
- some might be 'seeing' ACV as a food, and enjoy taking it, thus triggering normal digestive responses while others see it as a 'medicine' and subconsciously force it down
- some of us do have minor damage to our stomach from other sources e.g. over time, tea and coffee affect the stomach lining
- people on the SAD diet probably always have food in their stomach, except perhaps first thing in the morning

What can you do about it?

- try the neutralized ACV prescriptions (ACV plus Baking Soda) but note that ACV has a few different properties that treat disease in different ways and when it is neutralized some of those properties change (in short it may or may not work the same as pure ACV)
- look for other ways to deal with hot flushes"

03/15/2010: Shaun from Old York, Uk writes: "Coconut oil is indeed the business. It is the very essence of the 'tree of life'. It is just fabulous. Anyone who thinks otherwise should open their mind and try it for a while - and also search out info in the libraries etc., etc., and of course the WWW. If the world ate virgin coconut oil it who be a far, far happier and healthier place. That we all eat (... or have eaten) crappy grain oils is a crying criminal shame. Organic lard (pork fat) is also very, very good. Variously some sort of mix of lard and coconut oil should should suit just about everyone's palate."

[YEA]  02/10/2010: Tanya from Townsville, Queensland, Australia writes: "Favourite way to consume Coconut Oil

Delicious Dairy Free Alternative Coconut Chocolate Spread: I like to get my daily dose of VCO by making a spread with 1 part coconut oil, 1 part agave, 2 parts raw cacao powder, pinch crystal salt, pinch stevia - stir. I love it on wholemeal organic spelt toast :)."

03/08/2010: Piper from Toronto, On, Canada writes: "It is great for pancakes. Coconut oil will cook to a higher temperature without browning."

03/09/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "But isn't coconut oil bad for your health? I have a book about healthy oils and they say that conconut oil is highly saturated and that it is not sure yet whether it may harm your health."

03/10/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Francisca...Coconut oil is probably the best oil to use raw or for cooking -- even better than olive oil in my opinion. I took 1 X tbspn of coconut oil three times a day in my regimen that cured my Candida -- also helped me to loose over 20 lbs and I never even changed my diet much. I cook everything in extra virgin coconut oil now. I also use real butter, and absolutely no margarines or other chemically processed vegetable oils or sugar or sweetners are allowed in my diet at all.

Read the research about why coconut oil is so good for us here(no adverts) :

http://www.coconutoil.com/research.htm

Extracts from "Coconut Oil: Why It Is Good for You"

"In 1987 Lim-Sylianco published a 50-year literature review showing the anti-cancer effects of coconut oil. In chemically induced cancers of the colon and breast, coconut oil was by far more protective than unsaturated oils [or vegetable oils]. For example 32% of corn oil eaters got colon cancer whereas only 3% of coconut oil eaters got the cancer. Animals fed unsaturated oils[veg oils] had more tumors. This shows the thyroid-suppressive and hence, immuno-suppressive effect of unsaturated oils[read vegetable oils]. (Cohen et al. 1986)."

From "Thailand: Land of the Coconut"

"We hear a great deal these days about the presumed health benefits of Asian diets. China and Japan are presented as exemplars of "low-fat, high fiber, largely vegetarian" Oriental regimes. The foods of Thailand are often ignored in such discussions. The delicious, spicy cuisine of Siam is rich in saturated fat from coconut oil and lard, relatively low in fiber and features many and varied animal foods. Yet a comparison of autopsy reports on a group from Bangkok with a group from the US found that coronary occlusion or myocardial infarction was eight times more frequent in the US, diabetes was ten times more frequent and high blood pressure about four times more frequent.(4) Even more intriguing is the fact that Thailand has the lowest rates of cancer, for both men and women, of all the 50 countries studied by the World Health Organization.(3) Here is yet another paradox - Le Paradoxe Thailandais - that the "experts" would rather ignore than explain."

Link: http://www.westonaprice.org/Thailand-Land-of-the-Coconut.html

My own reasons for adopting my diet are simply historic. Before 1900, the only fats used within the Western diet were saturated fats like lard, tallow and butter, with a very small amount of monounsaturates like olive oil. This 1900 western diet was also enhanced by a much greater intake of salt(natural) by eating large quantities of salted fish and/or meat(or "jerky") because there were no refrigerators or freezers around to preserve these meats in 1900.

And even with this diet -- which by present day standards would be dismissed or defined as a "horrible and unhealthy" saturated fat and salty diet -- there was no Heart Disease, Cancer, Obesity, Altzheimers, Parkinson's, Diabetes, Arthritis etc. that exists in such epidemic proportions in the West today. Makes you wonder exactly how all that marvellous(sic) pro-vegetable oil research could have got it so wrong, doesn't it ?

In the Philippines, where I now live, I have observed that in the beautiful semi-provinces where I reside, most poor Filipino families make their own coconut oil for cooking by boiling or fermenting the coconut milk and living on a purely sticky rice diet that includes much caught fish as well as a considerable amount of dried, salted fish. And strangely, these poor people on this diet suffer no plague of 'western modern ailments' such as those I've defined above.

But also I've noticed in my treks into the larger and more modern Filipino towns and cities such as Manila or Cebu, I see and hear about the heart disease, the obeisity, diabetes, arthritis, Altzheimer's etc. The reason for this must be linked to the influx of MacDonald's, KFC, Burger King's and other fast food chains that always seem to spring up first in all the major towns and cities of poor developing countries. All that chemically processed food and fats from the fast food chains makes quite a difference in your diet or health and seems to have an entirely detrimental effect on the human body.

My diet hasn't got a fancy name. Just stay away from all processed food, avoid all veg oils, avoid canned goods, avoid sugar and sweeteners and you should become much healthier. And its not really a diet for me -- because a diet always implies that you will "come off the diet eventually". This has simply become a habit for life for me now."

03/11/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "Many thanks Bill but I am even more confused because just before I got to your answer I saw a post where someone says they had bad side effects from eating coconut oil so I went to the page where this post was posted and I found a lot of similar comments. I don't know what to believe now.... I do use it for my skin but I am afraid to use it internally. I am going to my homeopathic doctor tomorrow and I am going to ask his opinion. By the way, how did you take the oil? Mine is not liquid.... do you just spoon a bit out of the jar and take it? Thanks!

By the way, I have started to try the watch this feedback option but I thought that I would get further feedback on the post in my inbox. It didn't happen so far though... not even with this one!"

EC: Hi Francisca,

The "Watch this Feedback" option only shows the first post in a thread (the parent post). If we start adding all the responses to the parent post, it may clutter your account, but I will check with the programmer. We will try to implement the email notification soon!

Deirdre

03/11/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Francisca...I certainly understand your confusion regarding the internal use of coconut oil. If you have used VCO on your skin without problems then it's very likely you will have no allergy to coconut oil.

But if you have intestinal candida, then the likelihood is that when you start taking VCO you will feel worse before you feel better because of the fungal die-off or Herxheimer effect. I've been through this same Herx effect when I was getting rid of my candida, the symptoms are flu-like and you feel liverish because of the initial strain of the liver removing all the fungal toxins from your body. I simply persisted with the VCO, because I wanted the candida gone. Sure enough the Herx effect went after a while, but it still took about a full year to get rid of my candida(I was also using Ted's alkalizing protocols plus taking Blackstrap Molasses and liver/kidney support herbs as well).

I also suspect that some new users of VCO who perhaps may have had candida and didn't know it, have mistaken the Herx or fungal die-off effect for an allergic reaction, since both sets of symptoms seem very similar.

Coconut oil has also been used for years in baby foods, it contains lauric acid in similar amounts to human breast milk fats, which is a major ingredient that protects the baby and builds up the baby's immune system. Coconut oil is also regularly used in foods now given to hospital patients with intestinal trauma or after major intestinal operations -- such are its gentle and protective effects and qualities.

I also live in the Philippines now, all the locals use coconut oil for cooking here. Extra virgin coconut oil for me is way the best of all the veg oils, for all the reasons that I have given already. I only cook with VCO now, and sometimes take a raw tablespoon in my coffee when I'm ill or constipated now and then and I also use it on my own skin. I've been using VCO now for over 4 years.

I hope this helps to allay some of your fears about VCO."

03/11/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Francisca...Forgot to add that I took VCO either raw or in my coffee. When I had candida, I took 3 tbspns a day. Now I just take it a few times a week. VCO is nice in coffee, makes it taste sort of creamy..."

03/14/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "Bill, how do you use coconut oil in raw food? Mine is solid... do you warm it up or do you use some liquid kind? I only find the solid form where I live..... I am still a bit afraid after reading about people who had so many problems.... haven't tried it yet!"

EC: Hi Francisca,

Your coconut oil will turn to liquid on a warm summer day!

03/15/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Francisca...I guess your having a bit of a battle with yourself using coconut oil at the moment!! I confess, with my candida problems, I really didn't hesitate to use VCO raw to begin with. I had bad constipation for about 7 years with my candida, VCO helped to cure this aspect of my ailment very quickly indeed.

Perhaps the best way to use coconut oil to begin with is to use it for cooking, as this seems to cause the least problems. Many here on EC use it for oil pulling because it tastes so much better than olive oil but appears to achieve the same thing. Perhaps you could try oil-pulling with VCO first?

Using coconut oil for cooking seems to be the quickest way to get used to coconut oil. Since I'm living in the Philippines, my bottles of VCO are always as a liquid oil(The temperature here is always above 76 degrees). But if you're using VCO for cooking where you are(colder), then I would just treat it like butter for cooking, no difference really. Coconut oil is very safe for cooking -- safer than most other vegetable oils -- because it doesn't oxidize so quickly.

In my own mind, if you take the plunge and actually start using coconut oil, the worst that can possibly happen is the die-off or Herx effect. In my case, it wasn't that terrible, and always uppermost in my mind was the fact that I knew all about the problems that I had, so I also knew that my flu-like symptoms -- or die-off effect -- were confirmation that the coconut oil was actually helping and doing good. Many people on this site report that taking coconut oil has caused problems -- so they immediately blame the VCO or assume that they must have an allergic reaction to it.

Although an allergic reaction is possible, my argument is that VCO is very safe. However, all those people arguing against VCO have given their opinions and reasons as to why these adverse reactions have occurred in their bodies, without realizing or addressing or including the possibility of them having candida causing a Herx reaction -- Simply because there are many similarities between the symptoms of a Herx reaction and an allergic reaction and this causes confusion I think. And behind all of this is this seemingly ingrained and unmovable belief that saturated fats like VCO are bad for you, despite all the evidence I've provided to the contrary on EC.

In regard to its safety, why else would they have used coconut oil both in baby foods and with food for people in hospital with intestinal trauma since the 1960s? Isn't this a testament to VCO's safety? These facts alone, perhaps, represent the greatest proof that allergic reactions with VCO must be rare indeed."

03/15/2010: Shaun from Old York, Uk writes: "Coconut oil is indeed the business. It is the very essence of the 'tree of life'. It is just fabulous. Anyone who thinks otherwise should open their mind and try it for a while - and also search out info in the libraries etc., etc., and of course the WWW. If the world ate virgin coconut oil it who be a far, far happier and healthier place. That we all eat (... or have eaten) crappy grain oils is a crying criminal shame. Organic lard (pork fat) is also very, very good. Variously some sort of mix of lard and coconut oil should should suit just about everyone's palate."

03/15/2010: Francisca from Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France writes: "Thanks once more Bill, you have been a great help so far. Today I ordered a book on coconut oil on Amazon in order to get more information. I am starting to think that my allergies (never tested positive for anything), warts, tiredness, white spots on my skin which are not Viltiligo, bad digestion and maybe even the little red spots on my skin might be Candida so maybe the VCO might help. Worth a try..... My worry is that my husband who has daily medicines for high blood pressure might not react well to it. He is going to ask his doctor. Otherwise I will try sometimes to cook separately for me and for him. After seein the bad effects those pills have on him I am trying my best to stay clear of them. And yes, so far VCO here is always solid, maybe in the summer it will change........ Anyway, if this oil was so bad why wouldn't all people in Asia be dying? One more thing, do you ever use olive oil or none at all?"

[YEA]  03/15/2010: Ron S from Lloydminster, Alberta writes: "I have used food grade h202 in my hot tube for many years. It works well."

[QUESTION]  05/03/2009: Deborah from Edmonton, Canada writes: "Hi, This information may be on your site somewhere but I haven't accessed it yet. I was wondering if you could tell me of a chemical free solution to keeping a hot tub. The therapeutic value of hydrotheray is nullified by the chlorine/bromide we have to use. I do have an ultraviolet light. Do you recommend food grade hydrogen peroxide?

Thank you"

[YEA]  03/15/2010: Ron S from Lloydminster, Alberta writes: "I have used food grade h202 in my hot tube for many years. It works well."

[QUESTION]  03/15/2010: Msg from Somewhere, Europe writes: "Can lemon juice be used instead of acv in all (most) of the remedies?"

[YEA]  03/15/2010: D from Pittsburgh, Pa, Usa writes: "I took the purple pill for years and years until it stopped working. I went to the doc for coughing fits, and hoarseness not realizing it was connected to acid reflux. He doubled my prescription of the purple pill to 2 a day, nothing got better in fact I got worse. I started searching for natural remedy, found this website and tried the apple cider vinegar plus honey and water. It started working immediately to fix the acid reflux. I went off the purple pill immediately and stayed on the ACV plus honey. It took 2-3 months but my hoarseness went away and eventually the cough. While taking the p pill, I had all the tests- barium xrays, endoscope, cat scans for the stomach and hoarseness and the ACV plus honey is what helped me. Now after 5 months, I am fine but I also changed my diet for a couple of months(stopped tomatoes, onions, coffee, menthol, mint)and stopped eating 3-4 hours before bed. I elevated the head of my bed 3-4 inches too. Now I only have problems if I over eat and go to bed too many days in a row. I am eating tomatoes, and onions again with no problem. I still don't eat menthol or mint or cafeine, to protect my esauphagous. The doctor told me it may take months or years to heal if ever. The purple pill does something to cause motility problems I guess, you can read side effects on the p pills websites. I spread the word about your website and the apple cider vinegar with MOTHER (buy in health stores or online) and honey to everyone I meet. You saved me. Thank you so much!!!!!"

Can you tell me how much of the FGHP and ACV you use, and how many times a day you use it? Also I would like to know how long you have been doing this. Thank you."

08/04/2009: Franz from Bangkok, Thailand writes: "HI I have a question and hope some one can answer me . I put in my drinking water some Apple Cider Vinegar and wonder if I can add as well Hydogen Peroxide as it is difficult for me to take it 3 times a day As well how many drops would be 1 CL ? I appreciate any feedback on this Frank"

[YEA]  12/01/2009: Bill from Los Angeles, California writes: "Frank, I have been using FGHP (35%) for many years with Raw Apple Cider Vinegar. I am 56 yrs old now and have only great things to say about it, Thanks to God. I started using it at age 30. I had severe joint and back pain at the time. After three months, starting with 3 drops 2 to 3 times daily (FGHP) and 1 Capful of the Cider Vinegar, working up to 25 drops of FGHP 2 to 3 times daily, I've had astronomical results. The results were verified by my then girlfriend who was also useing the same program. (1) No more heavy or bad breath, (2) No body odor, (3) You will only need approximately 4 to 5 hours of sleep per day and when you awaken you will be wide awake, not sluggish or groggy. After you reach the 25 drop level you can then taper off. Find the instructions on line. Oh, people think I'm no more than 30-35yrs old! Enjoy."

EC: FGHP - Food Grade Hydrogen Peroxide

12/03/2009: Kay from In The Valley, Ca writes: "Bill,

Are you taking the ACV and the FGHP at the same time (mixing them together)? The instructions for the FGHP protocol say 3 hours after food or 1 hour before food. Thanks."

12/06/2009: Kay from In The Valley, Ca writes: "Bill, do you take the ACV and the FGHP at the same time? Most of the instructions for HP say to take it one hour before or three hours after any other food. It would make things much easier if they could be combined, but I'm afraid to try it. I'd love to know if anyone else has combined them. ANYONE? Thanks"

12/06/2009: Joanofarc83 from Morton, Il writes: "I combine Apple Cider Vinegar, Baking Soda, & 5 drops of fgH202. I also add Lugol's solution (6drops). This is all added with 4 oz of filtered water. I have had no ill effects."

12/30/2009: Shenora from Calgary, Alberta, Canada writes: "I have started using the food grade H202 Hydro peroxide 35% and I am feeling quite nervous. I started out with 1 drop from dropper in my ACV water with my honey with 16oz water(spring water). So I will be using this same measurment 3x today. I will add 2 drops tomorrow 3x during the day. I will decrease the honey and ACV if this is fine.Can anyone let me know if I am doing the correct thing here? Thank-you so much for your time here and a HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

12/30/2009: Lee from New York, New York writes: "Shenora - I am also very curious about the food grade h202, but have not ordered it because I am not clear about how to dilute it. Best of luck - keep us posted."

01/02/2010: Andi from Scottsdale, Az writes: "I Have just started taking the 35% undiluted H2O2 in 5 ozs. of distilled water or juice. I started with 2 drops, due to uncertainty, but no problems, am only up to 4 drops 3xs day. Have not noticed nervousness but do have increased energy throughout the day. The dosing schedules that I have found (I recv'd a pamplet from my health food store when buying the Food Grade H2O2) state a dosing schedule for 35% undiluted H2O2. As for other uses, besides internal, I have found on the internet on various sites. I am planning on trying the ACV along with the H2O2 after just learning about it on EC. Am desperately hoping that between the 2 that I will finaly get long awaited relief for chronic sinus issues, that after anti-biotics, anti-fungals, steriods and ENT and NMD visits over the past 3 months have not relieved a bit, but have cleaned my bank account."

01/02/2010: Windy from Kitty Ville, Ca writes: "I started on the food grade HP too, by the time I got to 6 drops 3 times a day I started having tummy issues so I cut back, I will tell you I felt amazing till then. I got mine from a place out of Flordia, and got a blue dropper bottle too for easy usage, you need to BE VERY VERY CAREFUL with the 35% food grade can cause blindness if you get it in the eye, well so can bleach, just use caution, also need to get distilled water for sure. I think that was my problem I used Brita filter water, I then switched to taking it with milk the book said it was ok. I will be trying it again soon.. food grade HP fills your cells with oxygen like Vitamin C does from what I read.. so reseach it and try it!! GOOD LUCK"

01/09/2010: Noel from Perth, Australia writes: "Hi Andi. I noticed you started using undiluted 35% eight days ago for sinus relief. Has it made any changes yet?

Noel"

01/11/2010: Matt from Brisbane, Qld, Australia writes: "Hi Noel,

i have not used HP with ACV but I use HP regularly as a nasal/sinus flush. it's brilliant. I add 4 mls of 35% food grade HP to 500ml distilled water and snort it into each nostril every morning. Then I gargle. It's an instant shot of alertness and clarity alnd clears my sinuses. Just like an early morning surf. the recipe above is less than 0.50% in strength. i find anything stronger burns my nasal passage. I've seen some posts recommend 3% but it is way too strong for me.

I also take H2o2 internally and use it baths."

01/16/2010: Earnestine from Oak Park, Mi U S writes: "Where can I find the instructions on how to use apple cider vinegar and H202 as Bill from Los Angeles did for pain?"

03/08/2010: Teresa from Springfield, Ohio writes: "Where is the recipe for this for pain? Teresa"

03/14/2010: Bill from Los Angeles, Ca writes: "Hey Kay in the valley. I've always mixed FGHP with Apple cider vinegar. You must however, be careful in Handling the FGHP, so that you don't Burn yourself. I just had a checkup at the doctor last week. My cholesterol was under 140, bp was 113/60, heart rate 53 bpm and my psa was down two points. This combination is working for me, thanks to Yeshua!"

03/15/2010: Tena from Champaign, Illinois writes: "Bill,

Can you tell me how much of the FGHP and ACV you use, and how many times a day you use it? Also I would like to know how long you have been doing this. Thank you."

03/16/2010: Bill from San Fernando, Luzon, Philippines writes: "Hi Tena...I've been using ACV plus baki