Experience teaches us that the normal signs of old age can be put off by years, even decades, if the right and natural measures are taken in time. But this is only possible if we do not let the speed of our times infect us; rather, we should remember Goethe’s advice and take things slower and calmer as we get older. The transition from a fast pace of life to a quieter one may not be easy; on the contrary, many people complain as different physical problems crop up and they find it increasingly difficult to cope. They confirm Solomon’s observation that the years of old age are far from welcome. For this reason the wise man of biblical fame admonished the young: ‘Remember, now, your Grand Creator in the days of your young manhood, before the calamitous days proceed to come, or the years have arrived when you will say: “I have no delight in them”.’ All those who maintain the right attitude towards the Creator throughout life will not moan about the difficulties of old age, because their heart will remain young.

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The healing processes will proceed much faster in the case of illnesses that enable the patient to move around, if he increases his intake of oxygen by walking briskly in the fresh air, possibly through an aromatic forest or woodland, on a regular basis. Anyone putting this ‘prescription’ conscientiously into practice will enjoy positive results. As a rule, even depression can be overcome by taking a brisk walk in the fresh air for as little as an hour. Mind you, a slow walk will not have the same effect or benefit as would a strenuous march requiring vigorous breathing, which results in oxygen rushing to the brain cells and normalising their function.

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French cuisine is famous, not least because its secrets are found in the kitchen garden where a great variety of herbs abound and beg to be used. Escoffier, the modest Frenchman of small stature, came to be known as the King of Cooks because he mastered the use of culinary herbs in our European gardens and markets in a way that no one else has been able to match. No wonder his skill and art enabled him to produce the tastiest and most stimulating sauces, gravies and dressings that inspired the enthusiasm of even kings and princes!

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During the fast it is necessary to maintain the normal rhythm of movement and take adequate rest. All extremes are harmful, so avoid them. For instance, do not spend your days on the couch or in bed in the mistaken belief that you must conserve your energy while not eating. On the other hand, do not engage in arduous sports or walks; it would do you no good. The balance of movement and rest during your fast will revive you, restoring vitality and giving you a new foundation for health and well-being. However, I want to stress that it is important to lead up to your fast days slowly and also to return to your normal diet in the same way.

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This simple breakfast has cured many of their constipation. For more stubborn cases, psyllium seed or ground linseed should be added.

Alternatively, if you are bothered with intestinal sluggishness, have been overdosed with laxatives, if even natural plant laxatives no longer give relief, or if you simply want to normalise your bowel movement, the following recipe will be helpful.

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A change of climate, environment and latitude, long walks and hikes, breathing exercises (especially diaphragm-breathing), physical training, singing, vocal breathing exercises, etc., are all beneficial and may help to change the patient’s mental outlook. Hydro-therapeutic treatments such as baths, cold or hot showers, Schlenz baths (see pages 433-6), underwater massage, walking or stamping in cold water, walking barefoot, also walking barefoot in the early morning when the dew is still on the grass, are further sources of help which can be employed according to the doctor’s advice and bearing in mind the individual’s needs.

In accordance with the patient’s condition, doctors and nurses

should try various approaches and watch and note the patient’s reactions to each treatment, however small the influence of the shock effect may be. Moreover, anything contributing to a happy atmosphere should be encouraged by the nursing staff, as physical therapy and cheerfulness alone can quite often work small miracles.

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patient brings everything up, then the remedies must be given by means of an enema.

If, in spite of all precautions, the patient loses consciousness anyway, there is no need to panic as the spell will pass off without doing any harm, and perforation can be prevented.

Keep the bath hot by adding hot water; it should last half an hour, the patient being massaged all the while and the cold compresses being renewed. After the bath apply hot packs and give frequent herbal enemas. If blood comes instead of urine, this means that the stone has become stuck in the ureter and has damaged it. At this stage, it would be beneficial to give Solidago by enema in order to stimulate the kidneys, for if he has a severe attack, the patient will usually be unable to retain anything given by mouth. Continue the packs and enemas for half an hour and then follow up with another hot bath, with massage and compresses.

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For this purpose there are some fine natural medicines available. Aesculaforce and Hypericum perforatum are good for the circulation and have aided many people in their effort to get rid of varicose veins. For this reason they are equally effective for the treatment of dilated veins in and around the anus. These remedies help to reduce the pressure in the veins and thus have a healing effect on the entire venous system.

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