Thank You Everyone RE: Re: MRSA questions

[Guest guest]

Hi Mindy,

When I first started learning about essential oils, I was also heavily

reseaching magnesium. Often I felt overwhelmed thinking, " There's so

much to learn! " But believe me, it finally all comes together so

don't worry, it'll come together for you too.

's doctor wasn't willing to treat the S. maltophilia and

aspergillus, and he didn't agree about magnesium deficiency -- even

when I pointed out that nearly each of the meds was taking at

the time is known to deplete magnesium.

So it simply boiled down to a leap of faith. I belong to another CF

list that researches other ways to ameliorate the effects of CF. Now

that we were facing S. maltophilia and aspergillus, I decided that if

I was going to walk the talk with this alternative med group, then I

better walk the walk.

And was willing to try anything at that point. If I'd boiled

shoes and told him to drink the juice he probably would have done it!

But luckily it didn't come to that.

Even though is really creative, he also has a strong logical

side. And the logical science behind magnesium deficiency affecting

lung pH, and low lung pH creating a hospitable environment for bugs

made sense to him. And because inhaling tea tree essential oil for

just a few minutes a day wasn't too much trouble, he readily agreed to

try it.

But, he also made necessary dietary changes based upon what we were

researching in the group. Sulfur is absolutely necessary, and pwcf are

low in sulfur (among other things). So, started taking 1,000 mg.

daily of MSM, a natural sulfur derivative. And he started eating foods

high in sulfur: brussel sprouts, broccoli, garlic. One of his

roommates said she could attest to the fact ate brussel sprouts

at least three times a week because she could smell them cooking when

she got home from work. Within a month, I saw a slight improvement in

his nailbed color and clubbing. He didn't see the difference, but I

sure did.

He also drank a half gallon of cranberry-grape juice (no sugar added)

each week. Cranberries and grapes are high in helpful flavonoids,

which are antioxidants.

But it's not just the foods you add, if you want to decrease

inflammation, you have to take away foods that are known to increase

inflammation. And this goes against the CFF teaching of " eat more

fats. " They don't tell you the important differences between good and

bad fats.

So during this " recovery period, " cut out all foods that

contained any fats or oils except olive and canola oil. He only used

butter, not margarine (which is what we always used). But he doesn't

eat a lot of butter, not by choice, just because he doesn't regularly

prepare foods that call for butter.

The food changes really made a difference in cutting inflammation.

Now, isn't so restrictive in his diet, but when he feels

inflammation coming on (i.e., increased mucus production) he looks at

what he's been eating and makes adjustments.

There's lots of information on the web about helpful foods, spices,

herbs, essential oils. A lot of good books out there too. Perfect

summer reading!

Anyway, since you're looking for essential oils, look for bottles that

are dark brown or blue glass, never plastic bottles. Make sure the

label states the Latin name, not just the English name because there

are so many different varieties of plants and each variety has

slightly different properties.

For example, standard tea tree oil is Melaleuca alternifolia. This is

the variety most commonly found and used. The most common Manuka oil

is Leptospermum scoparium. A new one that I'm anxious to try is called

Lemon-Scented Tea Tree oil (LSTTO), though it's from the manuka family

(Leptospermum petersonii).

I like to use organic oils whenever possibly, especially if I'm using

it for inhalation. But sometimes I can't find organic, and the price

is higher. has a listing of oils she can order for you, but

these would ship from New Zealand and currency exchange might be cost

prohibitive.

If you're interested in some EO web links I have, write to me

privately and I'll gladly share. I'm now hooked and would love to

expand the types of oils I have!

Kim

---Mindy Bowie <mindybowie@y...> wrote:

I'll be headed out to the mall today to find Manuka oil. In a few

weeks we should know if it's working. I'll send a response to the

group. Why do the CF foundations not know about tea tree and manuka

oils? The news needs to get out to everyone in the CF community.

Mindy