masterherbalist

my love and prayers to Betty. Both she and Milford....very sweet and humble people.

I found the Color Concordance interesting. I spent a little time during the Advanced Class talking to Beth Lauder about music and colors. I am still an artist- a musician and a healing arts teacher. Best book I read on the subject was the Artist's Way. Really unlocked the block in my life.

What a Long, Strange Trip it's Been. Jerry Garcia

Ride your Harley as long as it takes!

The Masterherbalist here. I saw your post. Darling, the best way to ensure that you do not develop diabetes is to cleanse and nourish the pancreas. Dr. Christopher has a Pancreatic formula. This feeds and cleanses the organ so it can function. What Dr. Christopher taught us is that dis-ease is largely due to malnourishment. Eventually our organs cannot function properly because of lacking vitamins and minerals. Of course, I would suggest to you, that no matter what your weight concerns, nothing beats the care and feeding of the liver, the bowel, the pancreas and the bloodstream. You can check out herbsfirst.com for the formulas. I do watch what I eat, but I do eat unbalanced from time to time so I make sure that I am taking my bowel, liver, pancreas and blood stream formulas. Thinking of you often and thanking God for the part you have played in my life.

Second atempt in approximately two months. There were warning signs. My heart goes out to Tony Dungy and his family. What a painful time.

Ah, 1976. I had been "involved" in the ministry for a few years. I would go on the road and come back to a place that I had rented so I could go to "twig". I felt that there was a "we know best for you" drive to have me give up the rock n roll lifestyle and go WOW, go CORPS. Music and I were one in the same. I could not seperate the two. I also wasn't going to quit my day job. So, in "functions", they played JN and other "ministry" music. I listened but I was underwhelmed. Some of the songs were good, some of the playing was good, some of the mixing and production was good, but I felt like someone was stepping on the hose and not allowing the full force of the talent flow. There was something missing that made it sound canned, contrived, flat. I had a few opportunities to speak with various WP members. I was left with the impression that it was okay to sacrafice the creative flow for spiritual integrity. I just did not see it that way. I wrote, a few times, what I thought were family love letters of suggestions and feedback. I got a response or two that seemed to say that I just wasn't spiritual enough and my priorities were wrong. I saw the America Awakes thing as a little over the top. Too much hype and show business. After all, I had been involved in the ground level financing through music of the Jimmy Carter campaign. Jimmy was a nice guy and had very strong beliefs, but I was troubled that such a "folksy" individual was going to be swallowed up by the very political machine that the government certain appeared to be. Lawyers and big business seemed to run the country. Laws were argued to support their position whether it was to the good of the people or not. Back to the music....... I felt surely that if I went WOW or CORPS I would be definitely doing something musically. When a "leader" told me that the ministry had enough musicians and that I should commune with God about what my ministry in the Body of Christ really was. The Lord and I did have a talk. Although I never played music in a ministry function, I did serve as a twig leader, children's fellowship coordinator, and branch assistant. Every chance I had, I spoke to musicians in the WP group where we could discuss music, not religion or TWI and music. I found only a few who could speak to their art and artistry. Some had gotten what I termed "way-brain" where being a leader or a teacher in the ministry was more important than music-in other words they were living someone else's life. 1976- the year I THOUGHT about changing my life and going WOW. I didn't that year. Ironically, I went in 1977, the year of healing. Healing-that very topic, that next to music, was my passion. The area that I wanted to continue researching, experimenting and seeing come to pass before my eyes. And something I continue to teach.

:P Aw, shucks! Y'all remembered. I am touched. Very thankful. So, what have I been up to lately? I have been approached by both of my biological children about health and healing. The one son has become a licensed massage therapist, and the other wishes he would have paid attention to the natural therapies. But now he is listening. Kind of cool to see that Proverbs is correct. Train up a child in the way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it. Other than that I continue my studies and teaching in the field of herbs and natural healing. I have also returned to songwriting and playing music. Life goes by quickly, children. No time to dwell on the past or on mistakes. Live in the now. Don't even consider tomorrow. Live in the right now. Thats all for "right now"/ Love you all.

Why is the Creator's H20 NOT sufficent? Why does man always think he has a better idea: "if a little oxygen is ok, let's add more!"

Some funny, funny comments in this thread. And you know, truely funny stuff has a ring of truth to it. For me, VP was a man. Like RAF stated, God gave me opportunities to learn- in the written Word, studying Bullinger, and working with people. Yeah, I was hardheaded and equated the Word with TWI. But the Lord put good ole skepticism in my genes. I also was stupid enough to believe that God would talk to me-so consequently when things went sour and then sour-er, I walked, I believe, in wisdom. The first sour I remember is when the rule that ALL the ABUNDANT SHARING went to Jerusalem, uh, International. So that shows you how long ago that was. I simply kept my mouth shut and as a sower, sowed the good seed on good soil. Sometimes the need was at my twig level. Sometimes the need was for a WOW from our area. I remember teachings when VP challenged the students that if they found something different than what he was teaching, to come see him and be prepared to show him where he was wrong. SEE, I TOLD YOU THAT WAS A LONG TIME AGO. Cause it didn't last long. That's just my two cents worth. I really find the fact that comical remarks are made and can be made by those of us who are ex-twi. There was a point in time where we could only cry, question why, why, why and try to make sense of what happened. It appears in humor, we have made peace. My heart is warmed. Unfortunately some of the comments caused me to laugh while I was sipping my herbal tea and it shot out my nose. Now THAT'S funny!!!!

Mr. P Mosh; You make the Masterherbalist smile............ As someone who is a teacher in herbs, health and nutrition, but also does litigation, I was attracted to what I thought was one topic and turned out to be my favorite. Though it will fall on deaf ears ("a man convinced against his will is of the same opinion still" & "there's two things that a man fights the hardest over-his wallet and his fork.") I submit the following; Whether you believe that fast food advertising is not geared to get you to buy their product, or not, consider this: they employ laboratories to develop "tastes" for their "food". (Gawd, I hate to call it food). These are specific chemicals accomplishing two things: uniformity in products no matter where the purchase is made, and ensuring that the chemical taste leaves a memory attracting a "fix" over and over again. "tastes good. boy do I want a _____". Sizes too are tested and approved for the average American. Nutritionally deficient of course, but we are trained by our taste buds, not our brains and common sense to nourish the vehicle of our beings. The Masterherbalist hath spoken........

RAF- I have to disagree with you. Tallahassee and the Panhandle of Florida is L.A. (lower alabama) Geez.

Well, Dr. Christopher's foundational teaching is that there are no incurable diseases. herbsfirst.com has alot of Dr. Christopher's newsletters. One of his patients was a baby who had no sight.

Well, my studies began in the B-I-B-L-E and then the twi. However, I did the School of Natural Healing Courses (Dr. Christopher); read anything I could get my hands on from Paul Bragg; N.W. Walker; Bernard Jensen, Dr. Richard Schulze (fellow student of Dr. Christopher). I took courses in nutrition, studied under other herbalists, chiropractors, massage therapists. I was very slow to make the decision to do the School of Natural Healing, and spent many years in trial and error in Jethro Kloss' Back to Eden, etc. I spent alot of money through trial and error and wish I had not been so stubborn and taken Dr. Christopher's courses first. Dr. Schulze has a great webpage American Botanical Pharmacy. I also keep tabs on the Braggs' webpage, Christopher Hobbs (4th generation herbalist). It is a great journey. I spent my twi years in researching healing and health. I began researching herbs and trees and grasses as used in the Bible. I ministered healing to people. I was not pleased with the results and decided to go further. I was certain that there was a definitive answer to a world sick and diseased, which was not just limited to "unbelievers". If I can be of any further help, drop me an e-mail or PT. The Masterherbalist

As a music industry professional, I can remember being chided for not coming to fellowship, each and every time it was scheduled. I advised that I was working on the road and was not home to attend twig. Looking into very pained eyes, I added that I would find a twig wherever I was on the road. THat made 'em happy. Also, have to add that I like the comment in the thread about the quality of ministry music not just in talent but in technical. I sort of at one time thought my place in the body was to contribute some constructive criticism, based on my background to those in charge. To say that it was met with a dull thud is an understatement as I was admonished that I was missing the spirituality. I responded that I wasn't missing that part at all, it was just that if you want to get the Word in culture, you have to play at a certain calibur. It was thanks but no thanks. Oh well. Never gave it up. At one point was told point blank "we have enough musicians in the ministry, you need to find some other function God has called you to do". (That's how I go into research and teaching of health & healing). The next year another leader told me "But being a musician is something you are, not something you do- you can't hide your light". I think I found only one musical soulmate in the ministry. Well, that's my two cents. Still playing........................................

Thanks Zixar for your words of wisdom. I was reading it and thought to myself of the nutrients or lack thereof which will cause more dis-ease in the body. The burden placed on the kidneys, liver, etc. This does not appear to be very sound thinking. We are wonderfully and awesomely made. The body is designed to do one thing and that is to sustain life. Playing with the body this way will get you results that the body is designed to do. And that includes dis-ease when it is lacking nutrients it needs to do the job. Just my two cents, though Zixar stated it pretty well.

Wow! Just goes to show that you don't really know someone until you sit a spell and talk. Certainly has had an effect on my impressions of Ted. Thanks for the sharing. As a musician, I was drawn to creating something a little more dramatic in the ministry's music. Music should move you without effort. Sometimes I felt that the presentation was a little too churchy and stiff. Then VP talked about what this rock band could do to an audience and what that rock band could do, and wondered why we weren't doing it. I thought, "Yeah, now that's what I'm talking about". My "background" first and then my music was "counseled against." That my background was old man nature and not any part of me any longer. Then that "we have enough musicians in the ministry and your calling is something else". Only somewhat undaunted, I attempted to get the vision of Way Productions on the twig level into reality in my area. But by that time, things were unravelling in the ministry. There was an almost celebrity class status. For example, if you were okay to play twig, but asked to play a branch function, and someone who was in Joyful Noise or another "name" ministry musician, you were tactlessly told "no, we already have the music and have no additional time". Geez, but I still played music. I was a musician. It was something I was, not something I did. Couldn't help it. Still can't. Like Ted, I have worked in the fringe area of the Big Business of music. I have seen what price "success" demands. Not easy. Not always pretty. Most days not really worth it. Sometimes it is fun. But mostly I write and play because it is what I do. I play primarily for myself-it has always been the healing balm for my soul. Refreshes my body and soul. It is my prayer of thanks for the gift of music to the Creator. Like Janis Joplin said, I can't pray quiet to my God. When I play for others, it is fun but audiences do not drive me. Many musicians need and look for an audience. After playing since I was 8, I have figured out why that it is that I don't seek an audience. It was a great answer to a long time question. The big thing I look for is communication. Somehow between the heart and soul of the musician and the finished recording, the communication sometimes gets muffled. Some of today's music is nothing but manufactured computerized babble, put out by non-musician "suits". There are plenty of singers who try to impress you with technical skill or computer corrected vocals. Yeech, where is the heart? Ok, I'm done. Sorry, Ted. I was never sure just "who" you were. Sure, I saw you on stage, but I wasn't sure that I liked or connected with you. I wasn't sure if you were attempted to emulate Elvis and I wasn't an Elvis fan. The songs themselves were special, but I wanted to rearrange them, change the vocal and present them in a different style. Of course, in the early days, when I was stupid and talkative, I was told that any criticism was sacrareligious. Anything that JN did was God-inspired and who was I to question God. I remember questioning the VP directive that musicians should believe God to maximize their practice time so we could spend more time studying the Bible and serving God's people rather than practicing. I never could get my mind wrapped around that idea. These are just my thoughts. No offense to anyone is meant. Just my observations. I am thankful that you were willing to share your music with us. That you were willing to do whatever it took. Thanks for your heart. The Masterherbalist

Two cents from the Masterherbalist: Distilled water is best. Not R/O. (Sorry). Dr. Christopher, my teacher, taught this years ago and I thought he was nuts. Then he pointed out that the rains sent to earth are "distilled". Then I thought he might have a point. I had a tough R/O case- he told me it was the best, had spent a few thousand on this and it was the best water. I asked him for a gallon of his water which I would put through the ole distiller and see what we get. Lots of copper, iron and other inorganics. When he saw what was left, he realized that this left over "stuff" actually causes kidney problems. The digestive problems mentioned in this thread are not unusual. One of the first things I would ensure is that the bowels and the liver are functioning. Then I would look at ways to feed the friendly flora (bacteria). Back to the beginning of the digestive process, make sure that your food is a balance of live or raw food to cooked. See, our mouths have teeth and saliva to begin the digestive process. Most people don't give this a thought. However, our saliva has enzymes to begin the breakdown process. Then the peristalic action down to the stomach. The stomach looks to the liver for bile to breakdown complex foods such as fats. Then to the small and then large intestines where the nutritional absorption occurs (or not). Most Americans have such impaction in this area, very little nutrition can be absorbed. Thus, we are forever hungry, forever overweight, etc. Because our bodies are STARVING!!! Though water is, next to air, the most important thing to sustain our lives-elimination and digestion are up there too. Let me know if I can help any further.

Personally, I think what comes around goes around. It is a principle that God created in the beginning. Sort of like if this is an apple tree, it can only produce apples-can't produce grapefruit. So somehow, in twi twisted logic, if we walked away from the household of God, we no longer had the hedge of protection. Personally, I always thought my God was bigger than that. I always figured I could go anywhere and do anything, cause that Christ in me wasn't moving. And as long as I respected the principles, precepts that creation was built upon, then life was great. Dot, I remember talking to someone years ago who began sharing with me white witch stuff like using silk thread, etc one year and the next year was going to fellowship. I was shocked. But I took up her invite to go to fellowship. Never was too taken up with witchcraft. The only spells I cast are in music and song. It's amazing the power of music.

Dot- Sorry I'm late with my well wishes, but better late than never. I am sure that your day was terrific. Thanks for sharing this past year with us and we are looking forward to sharing with you in this next year. May our Father continue to speak knowledge in your heart's ears to get the gusto out of life you deserve! That is my blessing for you!!!!

Well, it did one thing for me.............................................................................. .................made me start reading Bullinger and EW Kenyon, etc directly. At least I didn't have a whole ministry screaming at me. It was very soothing. It was very peaceful. My fellowships kind of reminded ya of Corps nights when the verse and a translation was DISCUSSED. And there could be a difference of opinion. I also remember at one point were Dr. W. encouraged his students to challenge him where appropriate with the Word and research to back up the differing view. Ah, but it must have been a dream, because next thing I knew, I was being reproved for having a reprobate mind, the spirit of slumber, etc. Sure glad I kept my Bullingers stuff. I was sure disappointed in the biography done by a wayfer. I don't recall any visions or signs given to him. Oh well.

Here's a selection of books that you might find interesting: 1. Back to Eden Jethro Kloss. This was recommended to me when I was.... You know where. It can be a difficult book to read, however, read it in sections. Kloss was raised on a farm. He was a contemporary of the Kellogg brothers. 2. Guide to Body Chemistry & Nutrition; Foods that Heal; Nature has a Remedy- all three books by Bernard Jensen. The great thing about these books is that they are an easy read. 3. The Food Revolution; Diet for a New America- both books by John Robbins (heir to Baskin Robbins). These books are a great overview of what has happened to our concept of food and how it is processed before it comes to the super market. 4. Nutrition & Physical Degeneration by Weston Price. This book is a little hard to find and the author, being a dentist, is not an easy read. However, the photos are very dramatic. In the 1920's & 1930's, Dr. Price went around the world visiting primitive populations and seeing the difference between traditional, nature-based diets and those that went civilized. This book, in 2000, was in its 14th printing. A good, "get your feet wet" type learning experience is the School of Natural Healing's Be Your Own Doctor Course. It is well worth the money because it gives you a taste of simple remedies. I have been asked about Nutritional Healing by Balch- it has some good information, but I would not rely solely on its information. Also Michael Murray, although from the nation's foremost botanical college, is also of the persuasion of inorganic treatments. I used to study homeopathy too, but thought that the Creator left us simply remedies and homeopathy was a little too difficult. I mentioned more than two books so you could look for a variety.

Aha! I found a topic I LOVE!!!!! Ok here it goes.......... First of all, I am a practicing and educated herbalist of 18 years. So, I have seen the stuff come and go. I think I have a pretty good perspective. Plus, I am an oldie "twi-er", which means I studied under Grace Bliss and Ira Hearn. I come from an upper middle class American family who believed in once a year check ups from the family physician and once a year dental visits. My father had health insurance for the family through his employer. Eventually the family physician retired and it came down to whatever physician in whatever group practice was approved by the health carrier. Then, as many in my generation, we left home and did not have the benefit of health insurance. Paid cash or went to clinics. Personally, I have always questioned why taking care of my physical body always had to be the hands of someone else. Then the west coast tried to introduce organics and there was talk about a possible connection between food and health. I was attracted to twi fellowships because there seemed to be a source of information regarding health, healing, and claiming the vitality that should be ours. Now, along the way (oops, bad pun), I found the bull.... radar detector in my brain went off on such things as "eat what you want cause you believe God" "if you don't feel better after I ministered to you it's because you're not believing big" or, the biggie: "the colon cleanse" in the Corps. I went around asking questions about the wisdom in the type of fasting and rotor-rooting effect of the cleanse and was told it was great!!!! I wasn't so convinced. So, you know how it goes, you become "leadership" and your twig or your branch is getting the same cold or flu, or "attacks from the adversary" as everyone else in the world. And you pray for "your people" and they don't instantly heal. And you wonder why like the shadow of Peter, you can't have the same effect. So my research project was on health and healing. And I wrote back and forth especially to Mrs. Wierwille of my continuing research. And then here comes this "new wave" of herbs, bowel cleansing teachers, etc. And I rolled my eyes just like the rest of you. I pooh-poohed, because, just like one of the posts above, if this stuff was so great why isn't the Journal of American Medicine publishing these findings? So, in my studies, reluctantly, I took a course in nutrition. I found a nirvana! Holy smokes! NOBODY teaches this stuff! Boy, if someone would believe that diet equals health, we could really revolutionize health care. But the physicians were laughing- how stupid! That diet would have ANYTHING to do with health. I began my studies with the School of Natural Healing who taught that taking a herb without changing diet and taking responsibility for your own health was no better than doing to the doctor and taking a pill. Once I started to apply all of this information, the prayers for the sick began to bring about immediate results. Those who realized that just as they were taught in twi, that the Creator utilized principle upon principle, began to change their thinking. It was no longer "an attack from the adversary" but the violation of principle in the care and feeding of the physical body. Sure, we had some genetic issues to deal with (sins of the fathers passed onto the sins of the sons), but I really began to see the results. Of course, in the meantime, the "meals" at the Corps Cafeterias were not designed with wisdom, the cleanse was scrapped, Grace Bliss' training had all but been forgotten. Then Dr. W. died of all things CANCER which we were all taught was a devil spirit. And we all left or were M & A'd. And I looked at the forum boards and saw the very people that I fellowshipped with having the same diseases, illnesses, etc. as the rest of the world. I wasn't satisfied with that. Cause no matter what, I am pretty well convinced that we are all family spiritually speaking. And I was not going to take my light and hide in under a basket. If I could help, I would. I realize that there is alot of skepticism. And with what the world has done with herbs and every Tom, Dick, and Harry comes out with remedies and products for sale- I am not surprised. And most of the time, I agree, there isn't a whole lot out there that will "cure" you. What I endeavored to do was to offer my education and experiences, without soliciting products, without being overly judgmental. It was met with a dull thud. Most of the responses were how great the doctors and drugs were and how the poster's faith was in those two things. I thought, my God, do you hear what you are saying? I don't hear "believers" talking. I hear the world talking. Have faith and trust where? Don't you question the source? Is the source a God fearing physician? Are the drug companies really making magic pills? Well, within the last few years, the questions are truely starting to increase in volume. However, the b.s. in the "herb" or "alternative" industry has caused more distrust and alarm. The drug companies are now admitting openly that their remedy will heal your ingrown toe nail, but may cause nose bleeds, liver damage, heart failure, etc. Of course, it is sugar coated in a nice family commercial with upbeat music- so how bad can it be? The 3rd cause of death in the United States is Iatrogenic Events(translation: Doctor caused deaths). Last year's numbers regarding adverse drug reactions is 2.2 million. Unnecessary antibiotic use? 20 million. My efforts were always designed to EDUCATE. Never did I say to take saw palmetto and that would "fix" your problem. Never did I say that prayer is not needed. Never did I say that our medical system does not have a place and don't ever go to a doctor. (Their place, by the way, is emergency and trauma medicine). I wish someone had put the health and healing package together for me in the manner I attempt to do 18 years ago. I would be so much further ahead in my learning and research. I have tried to "preach" taking responsibility for your own health. I have tried sharing that reliance on someone or something other than yourself leaves you vulnerable and compromises your health. I admit, I had high expectations. I figured with what most of us have in common in background and experience, that it would be a breath of fresh air to have someone with some background and a certain amount of credibility. I never promised you a rose garden, or the easy way. I don't expect change to be an overnight, effortless thing. I just did not expect the types of posts that I have seen where drugs and surgery and whatever the doctor says was accepted without question-without the investment of time necessary to research and question "alternatives". The Masterherbalist hath spoken........ I need a green drink!!!!

The Cleanse was a BAD idea, and let me tell you why. Back when I was a skeptical baby herbalist, I asked ALOT of questions concerning the WISDOM used in employing the cleanse. Dr. Christopher taught us that natural therapies can warm you or burn the house down. My experience was people sickened, weakened and miserable. I was told that this was necessary as the toxins were released. Look, if you ain't terminal-you have the TIME to do a cleanse the CORRECT way. It won't be half as uncomfortable. It will be more effective and the method of coming off the cleanse is as important as doing the cleanse itself. I like the posts about Dr. Schulze. Once again, though, much of these posts cover only part of the story. More and more I am seeing how herbs and natural therapies are taking a negative hit because they are being employed in a way as the posts reflect. Every body is different. Not one size fits all. So you come to the masterherbalist and you say I got a bad case of poison ivy. I have A LOT of questions. Besides your dietary review, I want to know what medications you are taking; how long do you normally have a cold or the flu? There is alot more here than just take an herb. Although cortizone can be beneficial used sparingly, it really silences the very immune response that is saving your life. It doesn't take away the cause-just masks the symptoms.

DIAZBRO: Been everywhere you've been, done that, and got a drawer full of t shirts. Especially the admonishing by leadership. To the point where I was told the ministry had ENOUGH musicians and I needed to find my place in the body (ie something ELSE). Maybe we should start our own thread.......... I play guitar, sing demos and have a little studio myself. "Almost heaven, SW Florida."