"The I in illness is isolation, and the crucial letters in WEllness are WE."
A very clever quote. Social isolation refers to a lack of contact with members of one's species. In humans, it may be caused by a pervasive withdrawal or avoidance of social contact or communication.
When it comes to physical illness, B H Bruummett says, "The magnitude of risk associated with isolation is comparable with that of cigarette soothing and other medical and psychosocial factors. It is still unclear why social ties and relationships are protective of health, but study after study reveals that those individuals that isolate are more likely to get an illness. However, our understanding of how and why social isolation is risky for health—or conversely—how and why social ties and relationships are protective of health, still remains quite limited."
Brummett studied isolation and found that isolated individuals report fewer interactions with others, fewer sources of psychological/emotional and instrumental support, and lower levels of religious activity. The obvious question is whether adjusting for one or more of these factors reduces the association of social relationships/isolation with health, and which factors constitute the active ingredient in social isolation producing its deleterious effects on health. The crucial letters in WEllness are WE. Interaction with other individuals , whether in a relationship or not is preventative medicine. Individuals who are in a marriage or partnership are less likely to get ill. However those individuals in an unhealthy marriage or partnership will get ill.
When it comes to physical illness, B H Bruummett says, "The magnitude of risk associated with isolation is comparable with that of cigarette soothing and other medical and psychosocial factors. It is still unclear why social ties and relationships are protective of health, but study after study reveals that those individuals that isolate are more likely to get an illness. However, our understanding of how and why social isolation is risky for health—or conversely—how and why social ties and relationships are protective of health, still remains quite limited."
Brummett studied isolation and found that isolated individuals report fewer interactions with others, fewer sources of psychological/emotional and instrumental support, and lower levels of religious activity. The obvious question is whether adjusting for one or more of these factors reduces the association of social relationships/isolation with health, and which factors constitute the active ingredient in social isolation producing its deleterious effects on health. The crucial letters in WEllness are WE. Interaction with other individuals , whether in a relationship or not is preventative medicine. Individuals who are in a marriage or partnership are less likely to get ill. However those individuals in an unhealthy marriage or partnership will get ill.
So, if you are single, have many social relationships, and if you are married/partnered make sure you are happy to avoid getting ill.
The botanical, Uva Ursi (Arctostaphylos uva ursi) is used primarily to treat urinary tract infections. It acts as an antiseptic and is most effective in an alkaline environment. Although capsules are effective, I prefer the tincture. I use 1 teaspoon two to three times a day during acute UTI's. After the symptoms subside I use D-mannose (active ingredient: cranberry). There are many active ingredients in this botanical. Some are ursolic acid (which acts like a diuretic), tannins, resins and phenolic acid.
The class of berberines can be used for urinary tract infections. These include Goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) and Oregon grape root (Berberis aquifolium). Both are antibacterial and inhibit bacteria from adhering. The main constituent for both is berberine. I feel that Goldenseal is overused. Most individuals when they feel ill will go a local health food store and buy echinacea and goldenseal. I use more Oregon grape root in lung, sinus and mouth infections rather than for urinary tract infections. I prefer adding the Oregon grape tincture 1 dropperful to a cup of simmering ginger tea.
So the next time you are wandering in a forest look for:
Top picture: Oregon grape root
Middle picture: Goldenseal
Bottom picture: Uva ursi
Until tomorrow...
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