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Learning Adventures with Earthaven Ecovillage

Understanding Medicines – December 2023

Session Recordings

Session 1: Plant medicines, aka herbal medicinals, and adaptogens

Understanding Medicines: Session 1

Books and Resources mentioned by Swami Ravi in Session 1

Swami Ravi’s notes:

  • Major back up reading: Radical Healing, Introduction pp 1-16 and Section One pp 17-122
  • My choice for more detailed info on herbs:
    • The Earthwise Herbal, A Complete Guide to Old World Medicinal Plants, Matthew Wood
    • The Earthwise Herbal, A Complete Guide to New World Medicinal Plants

      I like Matthew Woods’ ambitious, wide perspective, but you could study any favorite herbal in conjunction with this discussion.
  • Of course, Chinese and Ayurvedic traditions use myriad plant medicines though they each base the preparation and administration of them on their unique systems of thought.
  • Flower Essences: These are certainly plant medicines, though prepared in a unique way and prescribed in a unique way
  • Main reading, is also in Radical Healing, pp107-121
  • Best other resource: The Flower Essence Repertory, Patricia Kaminskz and Richard Katz, where the remedies can also be had. (The Flower Essence Society, Nevada City, California)
  • Link to PDF handout sent after session 1 for sessions 1 and 2

Session 2: Homeopathic Remedies and Cell Salts

Swami Ravi’s notes:

  • Major back up reading: Radical Healing, pp 53-107
  • There are now a near infinite number of books and guides on Homeopathy.
    • Masie Panos (one of my preceptors) did a simple book on home use of Homeopathy
    • Three of my students did another simple guide titled, rather unimaginatively, Homeopathic Remedies….(Dennis Chernin, David Anderson and another)
  • Which book you choose should be coordinated with which remedies you have on hand (in your “home kit?”) So, I suggest, get the book, then buy the remedies….
    What? You don’t want a kit??!!! You probably will, as you learn more… what can be done inexpensively at home – and safely and effectively – with homeopathy is astounding…..
  • Quantum Physics – finally an explanation of how homeopathy works?
    • Living RainbowH20, by Mae-Wan Ho, Chapter 8, esp pp 72-78

Session 3

Session notes:

  • Recommended supplement companies
    • Sears Institute for Anti-aging Medicine https://seaprimalforce.net
    • Advanced Bionutritionals https://www.advancedbionutritionals.com
  • For protection from EMFs, Swami Ravi uses Blushield https://www.blushield-us.com/
  • Swami Ravi is experimenting with Chelactive topical cleansing EDTA chelator for heavy metals. Chelation can have side effects from removing necessary minerals, so only use something like this under guidance.
  • The Environmental Working Group offers a card with a Green 15 fruits and veges that are safe to eat nonorganic on one side and a dirty dozen not to eat if they aren’t organic.
  • For updates on what’s toxic, check out “EHN: Newsroom powered by Environmental health sciences (newsletter)
  • Link to PDF handout sent before session 3.

Recipe for a Turmeric – Ginger adaptogen:

  • Put 2 cups of water in a small to medium pot.
  • Add about 1/4 tsp of turmeric plus 
    • 1 tsp chopped dried ginger,
    • 1/4 tsp of “tea massala” (optional)
    • a dash of black pepper
  • Cook on low until it’s 1/2 the original volume
  • Then add an equal amount of milk 
  • Heat until just before it boils
  • Sweeten with honey or stevia  (optional) (avoid artificial sweeteners, e.g., Nutrasweet)  

Session recordings will be posted here, generally within 48 hours of the class. You will have access to the recordings for at least one year after the last session.

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