ahanu

If you would like to share your story, I would love to hear them.

How do you serve the Kingdom of God in your daily life?

Emilia

For the past few years what I've been able to do is pretty much limited to keeping myself and my daughter alive, prayer, and the odd foray on forums, which has sometimes been all the social life I could physically manage.

I'm just pleased that I am now physically able to take Ruhi Book 6 in my community. That's a new, and welcome, development.

ahanu

Hmm . . .

Do you battle some sort of physical problem? I hope you don't mind me asking. If my questions are too personal, just let me know.

Emilia

Yes, I'm coming out of what might roughly be called Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Otherwise known as my body's on toxic overload so it can't function normally.

But it's improved...vastly, from what it was even 3 years ago.

Our daughter seems to be a few years behind me getting through things. I'm more than a bit stuck at home even though I'm more capable myself, because there are times when she needs a caregiver, and I'm in the best position to take the bulk of that work.

Also, one of my best friends is not in great shape. Between me and my daughter we have managed to learn some things that help her out, so we pinch hit when necessary.

Sometimes the only way I can serve the Kingdom of God is to serve my family and friends as best as I can, but I am happy and grateful that I can do what I can.

And the future? Who knows what that will bring?

At some times I was able to free up enough of my husband's time so he could participate on the ATC or take part in teaching efforts or other things. Since he is physically able, I sort of deputize him on behalf of the family. LOL

Timothy248

I try to treat everyone correctly by God, and tithe when possible though it's difficult as a student.

HBU Ahanu?

Emilia

Oh, the Funds. Universal participation is important, but the amount anyone gives...that's between them and God. And we're not supposed to go into debt in the name of sacrificial giving.

Students are notorious for having little money. I was no different.

Sometimes the most I could do is figure something I could do without, like a cup of coffee in the lounge, and that pocket change was what I had to give. Some months I couldn't afford anything but the (already paid for meal plan) and a bar of soap I really couldn't go without.

I dunno, I usually think the point of the Funds is not so much money but about whether I can give with joy.

Yes, material needs are important for the Faith, but the spiritual progress for the individual comes from a different place.

As for serving the Faith, taking Ruhi Book 6 will be a good test for me to see what I am physically up to. I've made a lot of progress this year and I might be able to be more involved than I have been for quite a while.

Magi728

Ginseng
Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide
L-Carnitine
Coenzyme Q10

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Herbal Remedies

Herbs are useful for treating viral infections and immune suppression found in CFS patients.

Many practitioners suggest starting with antiviral herbs, combined with herbs which stimulate the immune system. Useful herbs in this phase are: echinacea, goldenseal, and licorice.

Once the virus is fairly well eliminated, begin to address some of the secondary factors that cause the weakness in the immune system, such as stress-induced weakness, problems in the intestinal tract, heavy metal poisoning (such as dental mercury), and low- level pesticide poisoning.

For the convalescent or chronic phase of CFS, useful herbs include goldenseal, astragalus (dried root), licorice and Siberian ginseng.

In the recovery phase of CFS Panax ginseng and Siberian ginseng are especially useful.

Herbal medicines are slow to act. The time necessary to completely resolve the situation can vary from as short as four to six weeks to as long as twelve to eighteen months depending upon the duration of the illness and other accompanying health problems.

The following herbs are especially useful for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome:

Echinacea helps protect cells during infection and prevents pathogens, bacteria and viruses from entering. There are many examples of how echinacea was successfully used in strengthening the immune system, warding off the EBS virus and providing relief to the user. Take 15-20 drops in liquid, three times daily for two days. Or, 300 to 325 mg three times daily.

Licorice-300 mg three times daily (20-28 percent glycyrrhizic acid)-do not take with high blood pressure

Lomatium-25 to 35 drops three to four times daily

Astragalus enhances immune function and are good for cold and flu symptoms. It helps to strengthen the production of white blood cells, required for fighting infection and inflammation. Take 150 - 250 milligrams three or four times daily.
Caution: Do not use astragalus in the presence of a fever.

Teas brewed from burdock root, dandelion, and red clover promote healing by cleansing the blood and enhancing immune function. Combine or alternate these herbal teas, and drink 4 to 6 cups daily.

Ginkgo biloba improves circulation and brain function.

Chinese (or Korean) ginseng helps the body fight stress and enhances energy. It also fights viral infection and helps support the immune system. This herb is very powerful. Use caution. Select a standardized extract containing 7 percent ginsenosides and begin by taking half the manufacturer's recommended dose, then gradually increase the dosage until you are taking it as directed on the product label.
Note: Do not use Chinese ginseng if you have high blood pressure, heart disease, or hypoglycemia. If you are sensitive to the effects of caffeine and other stimulants, you may want to consult with a qualified herbalist before using ginseng.

Siberian ginseng increases the body's resistance to stress, fatigue, and disease. It also has been shown to increase mental alertness, and possesses strong antioxidant properties. Choose a standardized extract containing 0.5 percent eleutheroside E and take 100 to 200 milligrams twice daily, in the morning and again in the afternoon.

Carrot juice, kelp and bee pollen provide energy if fatigue is due to low blood pressure.

Use goldenseal to control infection. At the first signs of a sore throat, take a few drops of alcohol-free goldenseal extract, hold it in your mouth for a moment, then swallow.
Caution: Do not take goldenseal on a daily basis for more than one week at a time, and do not use it during pregnancy. If you have a history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, or glaucoma, use it only under a doctor's supervision.

Licorice root supports the endocrine system.
Caution: Do not use this herb on a daily basis for more than seven days in a row. Avoid it completely if you have high blood pressure. If licorice is to be used for an extended period of time, increase the intake of potassium rich foods.

Milk thistle protects the liver.

Pau d'arco is good for treating candida infection.

St. Johns wort has antiviral properties. It also is good for mild depression that is the bye product or CFS. Select a product containing 0.3 percent hypericin and take 300 milligrams three times daily.

Skullcap and valerian root improve sleep. Insomnia is another associated condition of CFS.

Ashwaganda is a rejuvenating tonic instrumental in boosting strength, stamina, vigor and sexual energy. It is believed to be useful for balancing life forces. Take-25 mg three times daily (1.7 percent with anolides, 1.5 percent alkaloids)

Cat's claw has anti-inflammatory and immune-promoting properties. Start by taking 250 milligrams of standardized extract three times a day, and gradually increase the dosage over a period of four weeks until you are taking 1,000 milligrams three times daily.
Caution: Do not use cat's claw if you are pregnant or nursing, or if you are an organ-transplant recipient. Use it with caution if you are taking an anticoagulant (blood thinner).

Take one dose of an echinacea and goldenseal combination formula supplying 250 to 500 milligrams of echinacea and 150 to 300 milligrams of goldenseal three times daily for five to ten days. This formula is especially valuable if you are battling an acute infection, such as a sore throat.

Kava kava is a calmative herb that helps ease the anxiety associated with CFS. Choose a product containing 30 percent kavalactones and take 250 milligrams twice daily, the first dose in the middle of the day and the second before bedtime.
Caution: In excess amounts, this herb can cause drowsiness. Do not exceed the recommended dose. Do not use kava kava if you are pregnant or nursing, if you have Parkinson's disease, or if you are taking a prescription medication for depression or anxiety.

Olive leaf has antifungal and antiviral effects. Take 250 milligrams of standardized extract two or three times daily.

Valerian is a good relaxant that improves the quality of sleep. If insomnia is a problem, valerian can help. Studies show that people taking this herb fall asleep faster, wake up fewer times during the night, and feel refreshed upon awakening in the morning. Select a standardized extract containing 0.5 percent isovalerenic acids and take 200 to 400 milligrams half an hour before bedtime.

arthra

Well daily I recite the obligatory prayers...usually and only a few times have I forgotten to do so due to scheduling issues.

Style of life is to me important so I have begun avoiding media that is contentious as in the past election.

I've lately been promoting the Education Under Fire program at the nearby university and have Ruhi classes in my home.

To me the local Baha'i community is the foundation so I support the Assembly and activities in the area.

...........................................

But I'm also curious about Ahanu as well.. Share your story Ahanu..

I've seen his posts on this and another forum.

ahanu

At the time I wrote this post, I was feeling the pointlessness of going out to the club with my roommates in Beijing, so I was looking to do more productive things, such as the volunteer work I read about in Chaoyang. Still trying to arrange a time to meet with Baha'i friends in Beijing. As for the past, I used to do a lot of stuff in the local church with the youth pastor. I used my artwork a lot. I miss the religious community, so, yes, I'm looking forward to some Baha'i activities here. I'm looking for ideas.

Noexalt

Ahanu,

How many Baha'is are there in Beijing? I know there are some sensitivities to teaching the Faith there...

If I was in China, I would love to see what I can do to help North Korean refugees. I know that North Korean refugees pass through Beijing on the way to SE Asia and then to South Korea. Maybe there is some shelter there. I know Chinese Christians have been the biggest organizers for refugees.

ahanu

There are a lot of Baha'is in Beijing. With the Virtues in Us program, I'm sure there are a lot of education-focused activities.

Iconodule

I try to pray as often whenever I can, I try to read something holy even if only a portion once a day and I try not to sin, though that is hte hardest.

tonyfish158

keep serving brothers and sisters