Common Horsetail aka Equisetum arvense

 

I am working with common horsetail today. Equisetum arvense, aka "horsetail," is known for its high silica content, which supports bone health, strengthens connective tissue, and promotes the growth of hair, skin, and nails. While most allopathic (conventional) diuretics flush minerals, especially potassium, magnesium, and sodium, along with excess water, horsetail acts as a mild diuretic while replenishing minerals, particularly potassium and silica. 

It is frequently used for urinary tract infections, bladder irritation, and kidney stones. Its astringent and wound-healing properties also make it a good choice for healing wounds, controlling bleeding, and reducing inflammation when applied topically. It is sometimes used to help osteoporosis, arthritis, or brittle nails due to its ability to help the body utilize calcium more effectively. 

30+ years ago, one of my herbal medicine instructors taught me how she used horsetail to keep her long hair after 60! I learned that horsetail is an ingredient in some of the popular hair growth formulas. The high silica content helps fortify hair follicles and hair strands from breakage and splitting, contributes to collagen production for healthy skin and scalp, which leads to healthy hair growth, and is believed to increase blood flow to the scalp, which helps nourish hair follicles. It also has antioxidants that lower inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to hair loss. 

Raw horsetail should not be taken continuously because it contains small amounts of an enzyme called thiaminase. Thiaminase breaks down vitamin B1 (thiamine), which hinders its absorption. Studies in grazing animals show that consuming green or dried horsetail at about 20 % of dietary intake can cause thiamine deficiency in 2–5 weeks. But hold on, heat and alcohol destroy thiaminase, so a tea, syrup, or properly made tincture will not have active thiaminase. It is still recommended you take a break for a week or two every 2-4 weeks. As always, do your own research and check for contraindications. -Wendy aka Mama Asbell

Garlic Mustard Alliaria petiolata

Garlic Mustard, Alliaria petiolata, is a wild edible you can forage. It should not be confused with look-alikes. It was frequently grown as a pot herb and can be eaten fresh in salads or added to dishes to add flavor. It has been used to treat scurvy (antiscorbutic). Some say it has higher vitamin C than oranges! It is helpful to asthmatics, can be used as an antiseptic, and can be used to treat wounds and bug bites. It can also induce sweating to help cleanse the body's pathways or combat a fever. It is also a vermifuge. You can boil the leaves and stems in water, allow the water to cool, and pour it over where there are earthworms. Because it irritates their skin, they will surface, making it easy for you to collect them and invite me to go fishing! :-D The next morning, this plant went into our omelets along with some Canadian Wood Nettle.

Cleavers aka Galium aparine

Cleavers, Galium aparine, are known for their lymphatic, diuretic, and anti-inflammatory (cooling) properties. Research shows Galium aparine stimulates the transformation of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, indicating potential immune-enhancing and cancer-fighting properties.  Cleavers have been used in Western herbal medicine for centuries and are still highly valued. 

Some of the conditions it can be used for:  Swollen lymph nodes, tonsillitis, mastitis, lymphedema, eczema, psoriasis, acne, abscesses, minor wounds, general immune enhancement, possible support in cancer prevention, fatigue, toxin buildup, post-illness recovery, and has had some limited, less documented use for mild anxiety and irritability.

Please keep praying

The weight of this spiritual warfare has landed so heavily upon me that my mind, body, and soul shut down for several days. 

I lost track of time (hours, days) and have barely been functioning. After the heavy stress load from so much this last year, I think this reaction was a protective measure to keep me from having a mental breakdown. It's starting to lift, but I'm not fully over it. In all of the things I have been through, I have never had a reaction like this. 

We've received some very disturbing news on two fronts and had to accept some hard truths. 

All I have been able to do is cry out to the Lord for strength to get up and fight. Please keep us in prayer as we seek the Lord.

Mobile RV Repair

My son, Caleb, has launched a licensed and insured mobile RV repair business serving Virginia, North Carolina, Delaware, and West Virginia. He provides convenient, on-site repairs and maintenance. Caleb and his wife, Elora, are also expecting their first child any day now, so your support means the world to them. If you or anyone you know needs RV service in those areas, he'd truly appreciate your referrals.

Greenbrier Smilax rotundifolia

Greenbrier, Smilax rotundifolia. Ive been eating this plant for years. PULL on the new tips and they will break off in the right place much like asparagus will when you bend it. Raw, they taste a little like a green bean. They can be eaten raw or cooked. We eat them as we hike, etc. They are better when about 6" or under. All parts are edible including the berries. It also has valuable medicinal properties and can be used for weaving, fish hooks, light use cordage, wildlife barriers around gardens, and to make biochar. Grows abundantly in most areas of eastern North America.

Cliff Notes for Osteoarthritis

A client asked me for some research guidance for her father's OA. This is what I sent her. I am sharing it here to help others. My love to all! -Mama Asbell

Osteoarthritis 

Goals: reduce inflammation,  improve lubrication,  support any remaining cartilage,  promote comfort, help cushion joints by improving joint fluids, and relieve pain.

Herbs: Turmeric (reduces cartilage wear), boswellia serrata (reduces joint inflammation, protects remaining cartilage), willow bark, ginger (some studies say ot works as well as ibuprofen), other anti-inflammatory herbs.

Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, MSM, omega 3, type 2 collagen, Vit D (deficiency worsens OA) (research how much you can safely take--much, much higher than what we are being told), hyaluronic acid, stay hydrated. 

Dehydration is very common in older folks and causes a wide range of problems. For OA: eed enough fluid to keep joints well hydrated.

Red light therapy (Amazon), Rezzimax Pro Tuner II (I'm enrolled in a class on this) helps relieve chronic pain by targeting the Vagus nerve and affects pain perception, follow an anti-inflammatory diet, hot cold therapy, joint supporting devices, vibrating heating pad (brings blood flow to area, disrupts pain signals, improves flexibility,  relaxes tight muscles, increases lymphatic drainage, etc).

Do your own research. Carefully check for contraindications.

Prayer Please

 Please pray for my family. Heavy spiritual warfare. Weariness. Thank you!

Another Grandchild to Love and to Pray For

Joshua and Jurnee hid this in a little treasure chest I gave Joshua years ago. He gave it to me on Mother's Day. Clint and I will welcome our second grandchild in December. Because of a blood test, we already know the baby is a boy. We know his name, but we will keep that to ourselves so the parents can announce it at the time of their choosing. Joshua proposed to Jurnee today, too, so there is another wedding in our near future.

Behold, children are a gift of the Lord,
The fruit of the womb is a reward.
Psalm 127:3

Shared with a friend recently...

"I unintentionally experimented with prayers for travel recently. I learned the prayers of my friends make a big difference on the road."

How to Help a Grieving Friend

 I keep sharing this because so many have told me it has helped them on both sides of the table in different types of grief including divorce. 

Repost from 10/15/2018: This post has helped a lot of people on both sides of the coin and has been printed as a handout.

Believe me, it's no time for words when the wounds are fresh and bleeding; no time for homilies when the lightning's shaft has smitten, and the man lies stunned and stricken. Then let the comforter be silent; let him sustain by his presence, not by his preaching; by his sympathetic silence, not by his speech. -George C. Lorimer

October 15 is the national day of remembrance for miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss. I've lost nine precious babies to stillbirth and miscarriage. Much of what you read here can be applied more broadly to include other types of loss and pain.

Here is a video from Megan Devine, which a friend recently shared, that shares about what works for those grieving and why other things like "cheering them up" do not. It will better equip you to help the hurting in your life.

When I lost one of my miscarried and stillborn babies, one of the things that helped me the most was someone telling me, "This sucks!!" I knew by their succinct words that they understood my pain. You don't need eloquence to show compassion. Your job isn't to move them to where you want them to be; it's to meet them where they are.

One of the most hurtful things ever said to me, for example, was by a Christian in law who claimed to be pro-life who told me less than 24 hours after the loss of my baby that crying was "feeling sorry for myself." Their words created a lot of pain in my heart. They did not care what I was going through, and their words showed it. Their words suggested I was doing something wrong by mourning my baby. I share this with the goal that others won't say such hurtful things in a woman's time of great pain. It is not helpful, but it is very hurtful. 

Crying is a normal, natural response to loss. Jesus cried in grief too. Would you have said, "It's self pity for you to cry since you are going to raise Lazarus anyway?" Or, would you have shown Him understanding and compassion? Think before you speak. Words hurt and can't be taken back, but they can be forgiven. Be gentle and kind with each other even when you do not understand what the other person is going through.

Please don't add your misplaced expectations to someone else's struggle. You will only burden them further. Acknowledge a person's right to feel as they do. 

If you have had a pregnancy loss, I am praying for you today and offer my friendship. My email is in the header. 

A pharisee is hard on others and easy on himself, 
but a spiritual man is easy on others and hard on himself.
-A.W. Tozer

I had a friend comment:

That person that said that to you COULD NOT be a Christian! They may be a self proclaimed Christian, but if they really had Christ in their heart they could have never said something so cruel and cold! 

My reply: Christians aren't perfect, and we fail each other often. We have to bear with each other in love to keep unity in the church. I have forgiven them completely and have love for them. Grudges lead to bitterness and that's a weed I don't want growing in my life. It's too destructive! I pray for their well being and success of their business daily. Doing that honors Jesus and gives me peace and keeps me growing in Christ. Their words are a good example to show others what not to say to someone because it does not in any way help. It creates another burden on the person. If we claim to be pro-life, but deny a mother the freedom to mourn a pregnancy loss, we really aren't very pro-life. We have to come beside people and meet them where they are in whatever circumstance life throws at them...not drag them along to where we want them to be. I fail people too and am thankful when they forgive me and bear with me in love.

Call Upon the Lord in the Midst of Your Sorrow

The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit. Psalm 34:18

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds. He telleth the number of the stars; he calleth them all by their names. Great is our Lord, and of great power: his understanding is infinite. Psalm 147:3-5

Bless the Lord, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits: Psalm 103:1-2

This Happened Yesterday

Hannah passed her test and received her learner's permit.
Clint let her drive home.

Update on Karen: Please Pray

Currently, Karen is unable to swallow, which means she cannot take her pain pills. Her pain is extreme. The dysphagia could possibly be a side effect of the very strong antibiotic she is on.

She posted this on her FB. "I'm definitely in the middle of the battle. I'm struggling to survive infection again, and days of waiting for antibiotics against the sepsis-causing bacteria (started on topical antibiotics again.) I'm also not sure if each day is the last, but I long to live and I long to die. I keep praying for any word The Lord would have me share. The best word I can give is to keep serving Him. In the days of many children and being a wife, you don't think it will come to an end. It will! As Joe so tenderly cares for me it reminds me of the days I prepared for him, cooking or taking care of our Littles. I see his tender hands and heart cleaning my wound, holding my hand as I cry out in agony 💔, and watching his face with the sorrow that's hidden away as best he can, that I wouldn't grieve that this is hurting him so deeply. God has given us 41 Years together to be shaped into His Image through this life of marriage and eight Children! For every day I am so grateful!"

Please pray she can get some pain relief. It is extreme. Please pray for her husand's strength and for the Lord to lead him to the best things to do to help her. Please pray for Malcolm as he shoulders the weight of the workload of their farm which is their income. Please pray for Myles as he continues to have GM seizures. Please ask the Lord to give me words to encourage, uplift, and show His love to her in the midst of another extreme battle.

Update on Brandon and Wendy

Brandon's fever has left, and his pain has gone away. We have no idea what was going on with him.

My rib has stayed put. I guess it's decided not to give me the slip. :-) 

Thank you all for asking and praying. 

Alzheimer's: A Physician Caused Disease article

https://www.cachevalleydaily.com/news/local/wallach-alzheimer-s-a-physician-caused-disease/article_dfdc05a2-9297-5c35-bf16-9816d5472d43.html 

copy and paste

How to Detox from CT Scan Iodine

 It was asked in one of my groups, so I am sharing my answer here:

"Iodine contrast leaves the body in most people within 24-48 hours. In people with kidney issues, it can take two weeks. The iodine is excreted in urine, so plenty of hydration along with herbs that support the kidneys, liver, and lymphatic system. I recently had a CT. I used milk thistle and burdock root. Other good choices would be dandelion root, red clover, nettles, etc. I worked up a good sweat, have been eating plenty of fiber, and have been exercising. You can also treat the symptoms of your reaction (hives/rash-antihistamine herbs like nettle), but you should notify your doctor and let them know you are having a reaction, if you have not done so."

I said, "Yes."

So, I am in the ER, in the kind of pain the doctors thought was a kidney stone, 

...and this guy asks me if I want to play doctor with him.

I'd marry him again.

As of this month, we have been a couple for 39 years.

Happy Easter 2025!

  Happy Eas✞er!

to our family and friends

near and far, 

old and new,

close and estranged

from The Asbell Family!

Dear Reader, As we observe Easter, let us examine ourselves and truly see weak areas that need to be strengthened so we can increase our testimony. Let us live like we truly experience the redemptive love the Father has for us. He offered His only Son.

Father, we ask that You show us our hearts and convict us of where we need to work so we can become brighter testimonies of Your love. Please help us to become resolved to make the changes in ourselves as necessary. Thank You for Jesus and for loving us so very much!

My love to all!

Therefore, brothers,

since we have confidence to enter the holy places

by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us

through the curtain, that is, through his flesh,

and since we have a great priest over the house of God,

let us draw near with a true heart

in full assurance of faith,

with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience

and our bodies washed with pure water.

Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering,

for he who promised is faithful.

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works,

not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some,

but encouraging one another,

and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Hebrews 10:19-25

\

Update on Brandon and Me

Brandon arrived home safely yesterday. He was very tired and went right to bed, so I did not get to see him. He is still running a fever and still has the pain in his abdomen. The pain is no worse. 

While washing dishes yesterday, my rib popped back into place as I stretched to reach a pot. I had the lidocaine patch on, so it was not painful. It was a pop and a shift. It was creepy and cool at the same time. When the patch wore off, there was very little pain. I could move like normal. It was wonderful!

Around midnight, I came fully away very suddenly. The rib had slipped out again!! Oh, it hurt! My groaning woke up Clint. He put another one of those "mercy patches" on me. It wore off at 12 noon. I have a slight pain, so I guess the rib is back in its proper place again. 

Since nothing came back on the scans and my blood work and urine was fine, I figured it has to be something mechanical. When I was researching "musculoskeletal pain that feels like gallbladder or kidney stones," it says this slippery rib pain mimics gallbladder, kidney stones, or a broken rib. I have now put those on my list of things to never try. I have "slipping rib" under things to never do again. I've had babies naturally. I've walked around with broken bones in my foot. I have a good pain tolerance. This makes me make noise and grab hold of things to steady myself as I walk. 

Update on Brandon and me

Brandon started having pain and was running a fever. The pain became more consistent, so he went to the ER yesterday morning. Based on his symptoms, they suspected appendicitis. However, they could not find anything wrong with him.

I started having tenderness under my right ribs on the way home from Minnesota. The pain increased to the point I could not get up and down without crying out. As it progressed, I had to have help getting out of bed. I went to the ER last night and they suspected kidney stones or gallstones. However, everything looked great on all of the tests. They gave me lidocaine patches to help with the pain, which is allowing me to get up and down without grunting and gasping.

After researching this morning, I think I have "slipping rib" syndrome aka interchondral subluxation, caused by twisting in the seat of the suburban as I napped on the way home. It can mimic the pain of a diseased gallbladder or the passing of a kidney stone. I had mentioned the long ride and the pain starting on the way home to them, but they did not consider any musculoskeletal issues.

On the positive note, they said all of my organs look perfect. My blood tests came back great. The only thing they saw was slight arthritis on my hips and spine, which is expected but less than most people my age. I was called "the picture of health." I give God the glory for that because it has to be His blessing me. 

As I left, they thanked me for being a good and fun patient. Yep, I was cutting jokes and having fun with them when I wasn't praying for the other patients in the ER. And yes, I took out that IV long before they planned to remove it. I warned them ahead of time that I would do that "and not get a drop of blood anywhere." I've had some experience. One of the nurses told us they knew there was fun in our home because it showed so brightly there. 

I am concerned about Brandon's pain and fever. Please pray for him as he drives home from NC today.

It seems strange that we both had strong pain on the same day, and nothing could be found by the hospitals for either of us. 

Thank you to all who took the time to check in on us. We love you too! May the Lord abundantly bless you and yours for any prayers you lifted for our well-being. 

Please pray for Karen and Myles

Update: Myles is still sedated. He can swallow some and is more alert. His hands are starting to grasp the cup as he drinks. He has a ways to go yet. Please keep praying. Karen's primary doctor has not returned her calls for months now. She needs help with the pain. Her medication is about to run out. She has no way to get meds other than through her primary care provider. From what she told me, the wait for a new doctor is 6 months.

4/17: Karen has end-stage cancer and has 5 very unstable tumors on top of a major artery. She told me, "Time is short." Her special needs son, Myles, caught a virus last week. He has had a time of it, and it has increased his seizures. He was in the hospital but is now home. He is very lethargic, can not eat, or swallow. That's all I know at this time. She is very afraid for her son's life. I am not asking questions of her because I know that is the last thing she needs. Please pray with me for Myles, Karen, her husband, and her other son.

Aquiring Some Phlebotomy Skills

After my refresher course on suturing, I wanted to keep going.

Emily and Hannah were willing to expand skillset to include phlebotomy, so we did it together.

 From our first try, we closed our eyes and learned to insert the needle into the vein by feel. This was a tip a nurse friend gave us.

I purchased two kits because I could not find one with all I wanted.

I love being 56 years and having two children at home. They make me laugh every day! I love where God led me. It is a good place!

Edge Hill House c 1740

Rather than share the photos here, I have made the album on my FB public. 

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.4179474898947889&type=3

Don't be a fool.

The fool has said in his heart, “There is no God, Psalm 53:1a

Our first grandchild will be a boy!

Bethany made the beautiful bunny quilt for her future nephew.

Clint and I were unavoidably late to the gender reveal, so Caleb and Elora came out and told us in person which was very special.

Shipping out some more quail eggs

15 dozen freshly laid, unwashed Jumbo Brown Coturnix Quail eggs priority shipped with insurance

$100

Contact me at the email address in the header of this page.

Included free are three dozen extra to cover possible breakage.

Bethany and Jeremy

Bethany and Jeremy flew in from Chicago to attend Caleb's and Elora's baby gender reveal party.

Are you struggling with self worth? self esteem? self value? depression? suicidal thinking?

 I've been told this has been very helpful, so I try to share it every so often.

Originally posted August 31, 2019

For the Hurting: How God Sees You: Recognize Your Reality

Please excuse the typos. This is something I put together very quickly recently to help someone. I shared something similar years ago, but it must have been accidentally deleted while preparing the blog for a backup. This is a battle I know well because this is how I had to fight my own severe internal struggles. Those who have heard my full spoken testimony say it is very powerful. The reason it is powerful is the Truth you will find in these verses. I had to repeat something very similar to the first paragraph many, many times to myself. Sometimes I have to remind myself again. None of the lies of the enemy or the lies of others can stand in the light of God's Word.

**********

Dear one, you are fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of your loving Creator. You are so precious in the Lord's sight that He knit you in your mother's womb (a hands-on, individual, and detailed work), knows the numbers of hairs on your head (cares about the details of your life), and collects your tears in a bottle so He can wipe them away Himself later (a tender, deeply caring and loving Father). 

You are precious to Him! While only the wealthy and famous have earthly bodyguards, He has set His angels (Heavenly bodyguards) to watch over you. He has chosen and appointed you, called you from darkness to light, and loves you so deeply He gave His son to die to pay your penalty for your sins so you could be heirs with Christ and bear fruit that will last an eternity. He calls you a chosen race, a royal priesthood, His friend, a member of His household, and tells you that through Christ, you are a conqueror and an overcomer! 

His love and mercy for you have no end! He has removed your sins as far as the east is to the west...infinitely apart from you! If the God of the universe can show you unending love and mercy, don't you think you can show yourself a little too? Find your worth in what Jesus has done for you. A Holy Magnificent Almighty God, who even notices you or I, and then gives His Son to die for us while we were still filthy in our sins...places a very, very, very high value on us....we are priceless! Your value is right there in what Jesus did. An all-seeing, all-knowing, all-powerful God deemed you worth dying for! 

Let that hurt that hinders you, and that you are holding onto so tightly go, and grab ahold of God's truth about who you are ...and get to work learning more about Him, doing what He has asked of you, and living for Him so others may see through your life what He has given you and also offers to them. Drink deeply from His Word, His love letter to you. Now, go back and read this again, slowly, and let the words sink in until you recognize your reality.

**********

Don't fall for the deception of the "imposter syndrome." This syndrome is identified by feelings of unworthiness and failure which cannot be erased even in face of a wealth of information that proves that the opposite is true. Break free from that. There's plenty of proof in the verses below to convince anyone of God's love for and value of them. Don't let your fear/self-doubt/deep hurt keep you from being free.

Don't allow any negative self-talk. Renew your mind, transform it with God's Word. Every time you have a negative thought towards yourself, challenge it with God's view of you. Self-discipline to bring your view of self into line with God's Word. It will take time and repetition. You are worth the effort. As you undertake this, show yourself grace.

Be your own best friend. If you would not say it to your most loved relative or friend, don't say or think it about yourself. If you do, you are your own enemy! Be your own encourager!

Don't fall for the deception that God's Word is for everyone except you. Beat down so low I could not raise my head to see God's love for me, I felt that as a young person. It followed me into early adulthood. Sometimes we can be so damaged down by other people's words, opinions of us, and actions towards us that we feel like it is impossible for anyone to love us, even God. It's not true!! He loves you! He loves you! He really, truly does love you with a pure, unfailing love that is unlike any love you've ever experienced. He loves you! Post it on your wall, set it as the wallpaper on your devices, set reminders so your personal assistant announces it every so often, put alarms in your phone to remind you, repeat it to yourself often. Repeat it until you believe Him! He loves you! 

Does God lie? No!!! Then believe what He says about you and your worth to Him.

Read what God has done for you and what He thinks of you. Read them aloud. There is healing for you in these words. I believe there is power in the spoken Word. 

The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. Psalm 103:8

In fact, even the hairs on your head are all numbered. Do not be afraid; you are more valuable than many sparrows. Luke 12:7

You keep track of all my sorrows. You have collected all my tears in your bottle. You have recorded each one in your book. Psalm 56:8 

He will wipe every tear from their eyes. Revelation 21:4

You were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your bodies.  1 Corinthians 6:20

For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is His love for those who fear Him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear Him. Psalm 103:11-13

Since you are precious in My sight, Since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life.  Isaiah 43:4

I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. John 15:15-16

And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into His image with intensifying glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. Psalm 139:14

Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2

Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time. 1 Peter 5:6 

Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life. Psalm 143:8 

For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline. 2 Timothy 1:7

Glorify the LORD with me; let us exalt his name together. I sought the LORD, and he answered me; he delivered me from all my fears. Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame. . Psalm 34:3-5

Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the chief cornerstone. In him, the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in him, you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Ephesians 2:19-22

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.  1 Peter 2:9

So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus. And because you belong to Him, the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you from the power of sin that leads to death. Romans 8:1-2

For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

Each time he said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 

The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning. Lamentations 3:22-23

Not that we are competent in ourselves to claim anything for ourselves, but our competence comes from God. 2 Corinthians 3:5

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. Hebrews 4:16

The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Though they stumble, they will never fall, for the Lord holds them by the hand. Psalm 37: 23-24

The battle is not ours, but God's. 2 Chronicles 20:15

 Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always. 1 Chronicles 16:11

But now, this is what the Lord says—he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine." Isaiah 43:1

He does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us. Psalm 103:10-12

No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 87-39

For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, Colossians 1:13

In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16

Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?

I John 5:5

Now that you know the way out, do as I have done...share the Way with someone else. 

Bird Flu

I was asked if I would treat the bird flu the same as any influenza. This is my answer. -Wendy

**********

"The different ways the bird flu attacks the human body by "tricking" the immune system is very interesting. While the seasonal flu has mechanisms that moderate immune activation, the bird flu causes a dysregulated, hyperinflammatory response by bypassing normal immune checkpoints. In some ways it acts similarly to the Swine Flu.

The bird flu also directly infects endothelial cells/inner lining of the lung which can cause pulmonary edema and ARDS. And, it can reproduce in more organs besides the lungs which is why I think there are cases of organ failure.

For prevention, I'd do the normal things like avoiding crowds, washing hands, good nutrition, supplements, immune-stimulating herbs, staying hydrated, daily sunshine, exercise, etc.

For the early infection, I'd look to reduce the viral load, inhibit viral replication, regulate cytokine signaling, and work to protect the lungs. It depends on what is available, but Boneset, Chinese Skullcap, Quercetin, Green Tea, Turmeric with black pepper, Astragalus root, and licorice root are some I might consider.

Cytokine control and lung protection would be my concern as it progressed. I might go with Berberine, Andrographis, Black Seed Oil, Pomegranate peel or another rich tannin source.

If I saw symptoms of a cytokine storm starting, I'd use grape leaves. I save a couple of 5-gallon bucketfuls from my vines every year. The chickens, goats, and rabbits are happy to get what we don't use. Grape leaves contain resveratrol. Resveratrol is a powerful anti-inflammatory that can reduce the overproduction of cytokines. It is also an immune modulator and a strong anti-oxidant which will help protect tissue damage from inflammation.

I have chronic Epstein Barr Virus and frequently use L-lysine to get a handle on it when it reactivates in my system. Because of that, I am aware of how L-lysine limits L-arginine which is an amino acid that viruses need to thrive. It's pretty amazing to watch this work on a virus. So, I would probably use that during the first two phases.

During the convalescent phase, I'd be focused on healing the lung tissue and rebalancing the immune system. Again, Astragalus, Ginger, NAC, Licorice, and Turmeric with black pepper are options I might choose. -Wendy"

6 down, 1 to go

Clint has homeschooled the classroom and behind the wheel for Driver's Ed for all of our children.

Emily passed her behind the wheel yesterday afternoon.

Per our tradition, she took her first solo trip to our neighbor-owned convenience store.

Emily is already a great driver. Clint taught all of our children in a Suburban. The smaller cars are a cakewalk after driving the big tank.

Cabbage Patch Kid Still Teaching Diapers (special mention to Fluffin')

I brought out my old Cabbage Patch doll which Clint bought for me when I was 16 years old. They were all the rage way back then. I have used "Gordon," the name on his birth certificate, to teach all of my children how to change diapers. 

Emily and Hannah just had their turns.

One of the best things for those of us with the gift of teaching is that sometimes we get to see our students apply the knowledge they have learned...

Fluffin, Hannah's kitten, deserves special mention for her patience with Emily and Hannah.

Clint's Cousin has a rare and aggressive form of cancer.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/t2ueqp-support-jasons-fight-against-cancer

Please pray for Jason and his family. 

Caleb's No Buck Buck

Caleb has been having fun with the buck he received for free.
If it was a doe, I would have entitled this " A No Dough Doe."

Enneagram -why would a serious-minded, mission-focused Christian seek anything outside of God's Word?

Satan is very deceptive and very cunning in knowing how to distract us from our calling in Christ. If he can't get your soul, he will steal your time and work to render you ineffective. He knows exactly how to lure and entice us into falling for deception. Stay in God's Word. Study it. Keep focused on what you are called to do. Discernment is not knowing right from wrong but right from "almost right."

elow is what someone wrote about the teachings of the Enneagram and the dangers of it. I encourage you to research and pray hard for the Lord to give you wisdom and leading in this area. Do a Bible study on who God says you are. He can renew your mind and set you free of deceptive thinking. Discover who you are, what you are worth, and how you should react to the world around you in the pages of Scripture. Why would you seek knowledge from something that is so very horoscope-like?

God tells us "Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. Matthew 24:35." 

Why would you want to define yourself by anything other than His Word? His Word is what will stand for all time. It will never fail.

The Enneagram makes you focus on SELF while God's Word points you to Christ. The Enneagram defines you and leaves you there. Christ defines you and improves you with sanctification. Christ reveals our value according to Him, who we are, how we are to live, and so much more. 

Again, why would a serious-minded, mission-focused Christian seek anything outside of God's Word? 

If there is even a single question that the enneagram could lead to self-focused thinking and sinful practices, is it worth it? even when you have the Word of the Most High at your fingertips?

********

"I get the Enneagram is a hot topic. Whenever I post anything uncovering the demonic roots, I get people trying to defend it, and I GET IT.

I actually went through the COACHING CERTIFICATION for it. I was a huge cheerleader, and I believed it helped me understand myself and family members better, but it was a trap, and I’ll prove it.

The reason it was helpful, was because I was able to feel VALIDATED. “Oh, I’m not crazy, I’m just a personality type! So it’s OK I’m like this! It’s OK my family members are like this! I can’t feel bad about it, and I can’t judge them, because it’s just a personality thing!"

WRONG!

If you look at the language, it talks about things like "CORE MOTIVATORS" - should we not all be motivated by the Holy Spirit? Some of those core motivations: to be in control, to be good/right/perfect, to appear needed, to appear successful - so many of those can be spirits that are NOT of God. We don't want to be “motivated" by perfection, control, etc!! That is COMING INTO AGREEMENT WITH spirits, who are then allowed to operate in our personality.

"CORE FEARS" is another language - GOD HAS NOT GIVEN US A SPIRIT OF FEAR, but of power, love, and a sound mind.

Emotional Continuum of Anger, Shame, and Fear. Spirits!!!! Those are not of God!!!

"Primal Response" is more language - we are not to go by fleshly desires, but we are MADE NEW! We've been REDEEMED!!! We have the mind of Christ!!!!!

“Stances:" Aggressive, withdrawn, compliant - NOT OF GOD!

"Centers Blindspots:" we come into agreement with "unproductive feelings, actions, thinking" - NOT OF GOD!

I am who GOD says I am! I am not "triggered by fear!" I am not "triggered by anger!" I am not "triggered by shame!"

Look to the BIBLE, look to GOD - he has made you IN HIS IMAGE!!! Not in 9 Enneagram personalities!

I hope this helps set someone free." -Lea Jacobson

More food for thought: The Problem With the Enneagram

Isn't it ironic that Christians use non-Christian beliefs or methods, and then other Christians have to rush in to tell them not to?

Tippy

Tippy, Clint's coworker, is the man we asked for prayer for due to a brain tumor. He has completed all of the treatments and is cancer-free. He will resume work in mid-April. Clint and I are overjoyed at the news!! Thank YOU, Lord!!

And, Tippy, thank you for the organic matter you left for medicine making and my garden at the end of my gate.

not because of anything we have done

He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, 

2 Timothy 1:9

Joshua Update

Joshua's arm is healing well. He has lost some range of motion, but with physical therapy, they believe he can get nearly all of it back. His scar has to be massaged daily to keep the scar tissue from connecting to his connective tissues. He still has to wear the cast for a few more weeks. He has worked every day since his accident except for a few here and there due to the surgery or appointments. Thank you to all who have been asking about him and praying along.

Circumvention Becomes Easier than Compliance

"When regulatory tyrrany becomes bad enough, circumvention is easier than compliance." -Joel Salatin

Cancer and The Concern of Addiction to Opiods

Someone asked me about possible Fentanyl addiction when using it for pain relief, so I am sharing it here hoping it helps someone else.

The brain has two responses to opioids. When no pain is present, it can trigger the euphoria people seek as a high (behavioral-leads to addiction). When pain is present, the opioid effect is bonded to pain receptors and basically "used up" while blocking the pain. There is very little that goes to the pleasure center of the brain.

Because cancer patients are looking to control pain for a better quality of life, the risk of addiction for those in moderate to severe pain is only about 10%. https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/EDBK_100020 The prescribing doctor should have protocols in place to help prevent that from happening. People at higher risk are those with past or current addictions. Chemical dependence is due to a body adaptation. This is where you would need to taper off the medicine to allow the body to compensate. With fentanyl, chemical dependency is expected after several weeks to a few months. Fentanyl makes the body produce fewer endogenous opioids (natural opioids) so if you are on it long-term and decide to stop, you would taper down slowly to allow the body to pick up its production. -W

Update on Joshua

Joshua had his first post-op appointment on the 24th. The surgeon told Joshua he had one of the worst fractures he had ever seen. "He had to undo a lot of work towards the end of my surgery and it added another 45 minutes. He had to break up a lot of the healing that had taken place too. He also pointed to a long fracture running longways on my radius. He said he's never seen one like that before me." Tomorrow, he goes back to the doctor for a splint and physical therapy. Thank you to all who have asked and prayed for him.

Chicken Egg Price Solution

Chicken egg prices are $6 a dozen in Walmart where I live. The boxes of 5 dozen eggs I used to pay $9 for years ago are now around $30. When people ask me about raising chickens to save on eggs, I share this: (I do keep three breeds of chickens, btw.)

I recommend raising jumbo coturnix quail. I do. The feed ratio conversion is better than most livestock. I get an egg a day from my hens. The eggs and birds I sell to pay for my feed costs. The meat and eggs I get are free most of the time. 

The yolk-to-white ratio is larger than a chicken egg. Scrambled, they are fluffier. They make baked goods have a lighter and fluffier texture too. Boiled, they are excellent. They are wonderful pickled with different seasonings. Then there are the Scotch eggs. 

The boiled eggs have about 17 calories and 12 grams of protein each.

My girls love taking boiled quail eggs into theme parks to snack on to avoid the expensive and junky foods they sell. They make great meals when out to avoid buying fast food too. Quail eggs make wonderful party and holiday appetizers which are always a hit. I took them to an art gallery and they were consumed before anything else. 

There is a quail egg peeler on Amanda for around $30. It works great if you follow the directions. I have two because when I give eggs away, people often want to borrow it.

There is a protein in them that works like an antihistamine. Last year, I noticed my seasonal allergies had improved, but I had no idea why. I have a customer who buys them for his daughter who has asthma and allergies. He is the one who informed me about the medicinal effects. I later found research online to support it. He said quail eggs work better for his daughter than the medications did. 

You've heard of chicken math, let's do some quail math: I get one egg a day from my hens. It costs me about 5 cents to feed one quail a day.  3-4 jumbo quail eggs equal one chicken egg. 5 cents x 4 = 20 cents to equal one chicken egg. 20 cents x 12 = 2.40 for the equivalent of a dozen chicken eggs.

They are very easy to incubate and hatch around 17 days or so. 

Quail can be kept where chickens can't. I know people who raise them as quiet pets in apartments. They are also being raised in garages, basements, etc. I raise mine in a shed. Keeping them in a building protects them from predators and helps protect them from the germ infecting the wild birds and chickens. 

Added: One advantage of the quail over the chickens is that they are easier to house indoors to protect from the hyper-response to diseases. I agree with Joel Salatin and others that you do not slaughter every bird. You keep the survivors and breed those for a stronger, healthier flock. This wisdom in livestock management has been around for many centuries because it works.

Ivermectin Research Links

My long time friend and former co-worker of Clint's asked me what I thought of a post that was going around on FB. 

Saw this...

Personally I mix 3 milliliters in a glass of Orange juice and down it. About twice a month but do yall REMEMBER WHEN the Media laughed and said ivermectin was ONLY for horses and cows? THEY KNEW it was made for people since 1987.

Here’s what they didn’t tell you

1 – It prevents the damage caused by drugs created using mRNA technology, blocks the entry of Spike Protein into cells and, if the person was vaccinated, they can treat themselves for damage already done through Ivermectin.

2 – It only has beneficial effects and no harmful effects in the treatment of the C virus. In fact, even before entering the cell, it has already destroyed the virus in the blood.

3 – It has a very powerful anti-inflammatory action against and has a powerful impact on traumatic and orthopedic injuries, it strengthens muscles and has no side effects like corticosteroids.

4 –It treats autoimmune ailments such as: rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, psoriasis, Crohn's disease, allergic rhinitis.

5 – It improves the immunity levels in cancer patients and treats Herpes Simplex and Herpes Zoster, plus reduces the frequency of sinusitis and diverticulitis.

6 – It protects the heart in cardiac overload. In an embolism for example, it prevents cardiac hypoxia because it stimulates the production of basic energy so that the tissue is not destroyed and thus improves cardiac function.

7 – It is anti-parasitic, anti-neoplastic (anti-cancer). Allegedly, it suppresses the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells, preserving healthy cells and improving the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatment.

8 - It can kills cancer cells resistant to chemotherapy, defeating the resistance to multiple chemo-therapeutics that tumors develop, and combined with chemotherapy and/or anti-cancer agents, it provides an increase in the effectiveness of these treatments.

9 – It is antimicrobial (bacteria and viruses) and increases immunity.

10 – It reaches the Central Nervous System and regenerates the nerves.

11 – It helps to regulates glucose, insulin metabolism, cholesterol levels and reduces liver fat in steatose.

12 - It can be used as a prophylactic agent and has been associated with a significant reduction in infection, hospitalization and mortality rates due to C-19.

Steve, I apologize for letting this sit so long. I took very detailed notes on seven classes offered by Darryl Patton aka The Southern Herbalist and the man who studied with Tommy Bass, through Patreon this weekend. He does have some free information there, so I encourage those interested to check it out. I will push hard and try to get through the next eight lessons before this coming weekend. While the classes are only an hour long, it takes me 2.5 to 3 hours for each class because I verify the information and try to find supporting evidence to add to my notes. 

Discussing this with someone, they told me I'd end up in "the jail of the FB" over it. Been there, done that, might buy the T-shirt next time.

"THEY KNEW it was made for people since 1987."  

*** This fact is easy to find with a Google search. Now, in the 90s when I started using Ivermectin in our livestock, I read somewhere it was used to treat parasites in humans in the 70s in the Vietnamese people. I can not find a source for that, but I do not doubt it has been used off-label in humans for longer than generally thought. Many drugs are used off-label for one thing or another.  Sometimes it's the off-label successes of drugs that promote further research. -W (As I thought on that last sentence, I remembered this: https://www.wtkr.com/news/investigations/norfolk-doctor-leading-charge-for-controversial-covid-19-treatment If a medical doctor is willing to go this far, I would imagine he has seen some very compelling things. There are many other stories of doctors and nurses speaking out on ivermectin being useful. An Ivermectin forum or group may be beneficial for those wanting to learn more. A friend just posted a sheet of paper from her doctor given to her immediately after her cancer diagnosis and IVERMECTIN was at the top of the list followed by FENBENDAZOLE (another livestock wormer)).

1 – It prevents the damage caused by drugs created using mRNA technology, 

***I could not find any research supporting this. That statement simply means there is no research to support it that I can find in the limited time I have.

blocks the entry of Spike Protein into cells
***https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10671224 This research suggests that ivermectin has the potential to hinder the SARS-CoV-2 virus's ability to infect cells by binding to its spike protein ***https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7129059/  Ivermectin inhibits the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro

 and, if the person was vaccinated, they can treat themselves for damage already done through Ivermectin. 

***I could not find any research supporting Ivermectin can reverse vaccine damage. 

2 – It only has beneficial effects and no harmful effects in the treatment of the C virus. In fact, even before entering the cell, it has already destroyed the virus in the blood. ***https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0166354220302011 The FDA-approved drug ivermectin inhibits the replication of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro

3 – It has a very powerful anti-inflammatory action against and has a powerful impact on traumatic and orthopedic injuries, it strengthens muscles and has no side effects like corticosteroids. 

*** https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/fcp.12902 This study on rats with induced arthritis suggests that ivermectin might be used for RA. The results were similar to an anti-inflammatory drug known as dexamethasone. It's plausible to think that if it helps inflammation in RA that it can help with inflammation (a source of pain) in other areas of the body.

4 –It treats autoimmune ailments such as: rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, fibromyalgia, psoriasis, Crohn's disease,and  allergic rhinitis.

***Ivermectin is thought to be an immunomodulator. An immunomodular doesn't stimulate the immune system to fight better or harder. It modulates it...sort of resets it, if you like. An immunostimulant could cause adverse effects in someone with an autoimmune (think over excited immune system or a turbo-charged engine) condition. However, an immunomodulator resets the immune system and teaches it to fight the correct enemy instead of seeing the body as the enemy.  This is more like a car's ECU which adjusts and fine-tunes different components to keep things running properly and smoothly. -W

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1828942/ The immunomodulating effects of ivermectin may provide an alternative approach for treatment of disease problems involving immunosuppression.

5 – It improves the immunity levels in cancer patients and treats Herpes Simplex and Herpes Zoster, plus reduces the frequency of sinusitis and diverticulitis. 

***https://www.nature.com/articles/s41523-021-00229-5 Ivermectin converts cold tumors hot and synergizes with immune checkpoint blockade for treatment of breast cancer and https://www.mdpi.com/2076-2607/8/3/409 Ivermectin Inhibits Bovine Herpesvirus 1 DNA Polymerase Nuclear Import and Interferes With Viral Replication and I could find NOTHING at all on sinusitis or diverticulitis.

6 – It protects the heart in cardiac overload. In an embolism for example, it prevents cardiac hypoxia because it stimulates the production of basic energy so that the tissue is not destroyed and thus improves cardiac function.

***https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5652136/ Antihypertrophic Effects of Small Molecules that Maintain Mitochondrial ATP Levels Under Hypoxia However: https://www.nature.com/articles/s41401-024-01382-w Cardiovascular adverse effects of antiviral therapies for COVID-19: Evidence and plausible mechanisms

7 – It is anti-parasitic, anti-neoplastic (anti-cancer). Allegedly, it suppresses the proliferation and metastasis of cancer cells, preserving healthy cells and improving the effectiveness of chemotherapy treatment.

***https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9641399 Ivermectin inhibits tumor metastasis by regulating the Wnt/β-catenin/integrin β1/FAK signaling pathway and https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcmm.15195 

Ivermectin suppresses tumour growth and metastasis through degradation of PAK1 in oesophageal squamous cell carcinoma and https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/09603271221143693 Repurposing Ivermectin to augment chemotherapy’s efficacy in osteosarcoma 

8 - It can kills cancer cells resistant to chemotherapy, defeating the resistance to multiple chemo-therapeutics that tumors develop, and combined with chemotherapy and/or anti-cancer agents, it provides an increase in the effectiveness of these treatments.   

***There is certainly anecdotal evidence going back years saying it does kill cancer. All one has to do to find the stories is go looking for alternative cancer treatments. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37185919/ suggests it can inhibit growth and possibly cause apotosis (cell death). 

9 – It is antimicrobial (bacteria and viruses) and increases immunity. 

***Has antiviral and anti-inflammatory properties: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7578741/

10 – It reaches the Central Nervous System and regenerates the nerves.

***https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5929173/ "Ivermectin exhibits poor penetration of the blood-brain barrier of vertebrate animals due to the presence of a drug-transporting p-glycoprotein.6 However, studies in knockout mice for the p-glycoprotein encoding gene, mdr-1, displayed levels of ivermectin in the brain which were 90-fold greater than normal mice.16 Furthermore, it is well established in the veterinary world that certain breeds of dogs, such as collies, are sensitive to the neurotoxic effects of ivermectin as a loss of function in the mdr-1 gene in these breeds allows for an accumulation of ivermectin within the brain.17 Symptoms of neurotoxicity include lethargy, drooling, tremors/seizures, inability to stand, disorientation, and coma."

11 – It helps to regulates glucose, insulin metabolism, cholesterol levels and reduces liver fat in steatose.

*** https://www.nature.com/articles/ncomms2924 "Treatment of wild-type mice, but not of FXR-null mice, with ivermectin decreases serum glucose and cholesterol levels, suggesting that ivermectin regulates metabolism through FXR." and https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/10.1177/14791641221095091 "Evidence has shown ivermectin may decrease BG levels."

12 - It can be used as a prophylactic agent and has been associated with a significant reduction in infection, hospitalization and mortality rates due to C-19.

****https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9525042 "Regular Use of Ivermectin as Prophylaxis for COVID-19 Led Up to a 92% Reduction in COVID-19 Mortality Rate in a Dose-Response Manner: Results of a Prospective Observational Study of a Strictly Controlled Population of 88,012 Subjects"

As you consider all of the research above, you might want to learn about a few of the doctors who caught themselves some trouble for using it off label: https://www.unmc.edu/healthsecurity/transmission/2024/08/14/doctors-accused-of-spreading-misinformation-lose-certifications and https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/hospital-physician-relationships/washington-physician-fined-license-restricted-for-prescribing-ivermectin.html and https://www.medpagetoday.com/special-reports/features/110124 There are many more.

On the form and dosage recommendations, I can only recommend one see their doctor for an accurate diagnosis and use it at their own discretion. There are Ivermectin, cancer, and alternative medicine groups on FB one can glean information from and then do their own research.