The Endocrine System #2 The Gonads/Second Sacral Chakra

The second set of glands in the Endocrine System are the Gonads: the gonads consist of the ovaries in females and testes/prostate in males, and are responsible for producing the sex hormones of the body, which determine the secondary sex characteristics of adult males and females.

The testes produce androgen testosterone after puberty starts, which effects many parts of the body: muscles, bones, sex organs, and hair follicles. During puberty, testosterone controls the growth and development of the sex organs and body hair, (pubic, chest, and facial). With the inherited genes for baldness, testosterone triggers the onset of androgenic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern baldness.

The ovaries are located in the pelvic cavity/uterus in females. The ovaries produce progesterone and estrogens. Progesterone is most active in females during ovulation and pregnancy where it maintains appropriate conditions to support a developing fetus. Estrogens function as the primary female sex hormones. The release of estrogen during puberty triggers the development of female secondary sex characteristics such as uterine development, breast development, and the growth of pubic hair.

The gonads are connected to the second sacral/naval chakra which is located in the groin, and is related to emotion, sexuality and creativity. The herbs for the gonads and second chakra include burdock, gravel root, white pond lily, chickweed, mistletoe, black cohosh, false unicorn, squaw vine, motherwort, wild yam, slippery elm, bayberry, cramp bark, red raspberry and uva ursi.

FEATURED HERB 1 of 2 for FEB 2014: GENTIAN

HERBS ARE NATURE'S MEDICINE . . .

One of my favorite and not-popularly-known herbs is GENTIAN, though it is considered to be one of the most popular of the bitter stomachic herbs by herbalists. One of its greatest uses has been to alleviate exhaustion brought on by chronic disease; and is also used for treating general debilitation in the body. The herb is also considered a excellent tonic - an effective strengthening agent for the entire human body. Fevers can be alleviated by its use and gentian remedies also aid in stimulating the menstruation and is used as a major emmenagogue.   As a major anthelmintic agent, it aids in the quick elimination of intestinal worms, and is prized for its antiseptic actions.

An excellent and reliable tonic and blood purifier.  Good for liver complaints and dysentery.  Most effective for jaundice, hepatitis, enlargement of liver and spleen, and rheumatism. Prevents cramps and convulsions. Gentian root will improve the appetite and strengthen the digestive organs.  Good for gastritis, indigestion (its most common use is as a digestive bitter with alcohol tinctures), heart burn and stomach aches.  When used for these conditions, gentian should be taken 30-60 minutes before meals. Increases circulation, benefits the female organs, and invigorates the entire system Useful in fevers, colds, gout, scrofula, acne, rashes, obesity, ulcers, some cancers, diabetes. Expels worms. Excellent in suppressed menstruation and scanty urine. Because of its bitterness, it is better to combine gentian root with some aromatic herbs such as a small amount of licorice. It is more effective than quinine. Allays  poison from insect and snake bites. Yellow gentian is useful as a blood-builder during convalescence, since it is raises the white blood cell count. Kills plasmodia (organisms that cause malaria) and worms.

Used externally as a wash for wounds and inflammations; also the fresh leaves are placed on open wounds and inflammations to act as a refrigerant; and they are soothing as footbaths. Native Americans also applied an infusion of blue gentian root to relieve backache. Chinese use one of their species for pelvic inflammatory disease, genital herpes, venereal sores, and venereal diseases.

Gentian is used in combination with elderflower, verbena, cowslip flower and sorrel for treating symptoms of sinus infections.

Gentian root can be added to other herbs to help alleviate any of the above conditions. To make a decoction, boil the root for twenty minutes, covered, then strain and cool. The herbal decoction can be taken for abdominal fullness and stomach pains, once daily before meals.  A tincture can also be taken, 30 drops or ½ tsp two-three times every day to stimulate the digestive system, or whenever necessary to inhibit sudden cravings for sweet foods and sugar. The tincture of gentian is also used to help treat liver imbalances such as hepatitis, and to help alleviate inflammations in the gall bladder. Gentian is applied to the skin for treating wounds and cancer.
  

The use of gentian root is contraindicated in cases of gastric and duodenal ulcers as well as in hyperacidity cases. Expectant mothers and individuals with very high blood pressure also may not tolerate gentian root well.

I use Gentian in one of my main tonic formulas: FO TI LONGEVITY, which can be purchased on my website (see direct link on side pages).


The Chinese name for Fo Ti is Shou Wu, and it is the main herb of this liquid tonic formula, and is for men and women. The other  main three ingredients I added to this formula are drawn in this black-colored liquid containing 15% alcohol, as well as various other herbs that  manufacturers claim gently increases the energy level, tonifies, warms, and invigorates the blood, nourishes the liver and kidneys, addresses diabetes and benefits the eyes. It is said that regular use strengthens the bones and tendons and improves sleep, restores blackness to the hair and is suitable for long-term use. This Chinese patented formula contains the herbs Dong Quai, Solomon's Seal, Rehmania, Ligusticum, Angelica Glabra, Villous Amomum (a type of Cardimom) and Cloves.

. . . MAKE NATURE'S MEDICINE YOUR OWN

This information is shared to help you balance your natural healing energies and is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or cure for disease, nor as a substitute for medical supervision. Inquire
about our herbal workshops and classes, and 4- and 6-month herb courses. The monthly Healing Marketplace is temporarily on hold. Sacred Healing 7 Herb Center carries a full line of herbal products, gemstone jewelry, chakra crystals and other healing accessories, and offers Private Health Consultations, and Empowerment Consultations. Contact info: 347-407-4312, eMail: theherbalist1750@gmail.com; website: www.sacredhealing7.com; herbsarenaturesmedicine.blogspot.com.

The Endocrine System: #1 Adrenal Glands/First Root Chakra

Article for Week of  Feb 16 2014

The endocrine system includes all of the glands of the body and the hormones produced by them. When the body is stressed, your capacity to adapt is reduced, which can wreak havoc on the immune, nervous and endocrine systems. By regulating the functions of organs in the body, these glands help to maintain the body’s natural balance.

First, are the Adrenal Glands: the adrenal cortex and adrenal medulla. The adrenal cortex produces a variety of cortical hormones, one of which is androgens (such as testosterone to regulate the growth and activity of cells that are receptive to male hormones. The adrenal medulla produces hormones that help increase the flow of blood to the brain and muscles to improve the “fight-or-flight” response to stress and also work to increase heart rate, breathing rate, and blood pressure while decreasing the flow of blood to and function of organs that are not involved in responding to emergencies.

The adrenal glands are connected to the first root chakra which is the grounding force that allows us to connect to the earth energies and empower our beings. The first chakra governs the spinal column, kidneys, legs, feet, rectum and immune system. Its crystals/gemstones include hematite, black tourmaline, obsidian and onyx.

The herbs for the adrenals and first chakra include juniper berries, parsley, gravel root, oak bark, plantain, uva ursi, chaparral, burdock, marshmallow, purple loosestrife, golden seal, hyssop and wild carrot.

CREATE NATURAL REGULARITY AND JUMPSTART YOUR DAILY ENERGY LEVEL: drink a full glass of room temperature Alkaline water within 20min of waking and another glass within the next hour; another 5-6 glasses throughout the day.