This article provides examples illustrating the advantages of a collaborative approach to diversity work in organizations over the expert approach that is more common in the field.
If you are trying to develop a program to address the issue of diversity in your organization, you will likely seek help from a diversity expert. I can tell you from my experience as a consultant, if your organization puts out a Request for Proposals around diversity, you will quickly receive a number of proposals from individuals and organizations all touting their expertise in the area of diversity consulting and training.

As you evaluate these consultants and trainers, however, I urge you to distinguish between their expertisethe consultants knowledge, skills, and experienceand whether or not they view their role as an expert consultant.

A story from my own consulting practice will illustrate the difference.

Case Example I was part of a team of consultants under contract with a 200-employee nonprofit service agency. The leadership of this organization was very committed to honoring diversity and invested a lot of money and time into developing a comprehensive diversity program. We, the consultants, were brought in as experts to help. We designed and implemented a substantial diversity project, including a needs assessment and the development of an organization-wide diversity council. Both the consulting team and the client were pleased with the results of the project. The Council helped make diversity an important part of the life of the organization at every level, and it still operates today.

However, the project was not nearly as effective as it could have been. When we did the needs assessment, we uncovered important organizational issues (hierarchical conflict, issues around delegation of authority) that were clearly connected to the diversity issues we were documenting, but they were, in fact, not diversity issues themselves. As such, the client asked us to leave those issues out. As experts, we obliged, but to the detriment of the effectiveness of the organization (those issues did not go away).

As we got into the implementation phase, our expert recommendations included the development of a strategic plan. Fortunately, we were experts in strategic planning, so we brought them through it step by step. When the client group was slow to complete their activities and consistently failed to follow through on promises, we stayed in our expert roleby actually finishing the plan for them. With the best of intentions, we made some short-term progress, but at the expense of long-term effectiveness.

An alternative to the expert consulting role is what Peter Block and others call the collaborative consulting role. When a consultant works in collaborative role, he still brings his expertise and specialized knowledge, but all steps of the consulting process, from assessment through implementation, involve collaboration between consultant and client. In the case described above, had we been in a collaborative role, we would have pushed back at the client when they shied away from addressing the conflict and authority issues. It still would have been their decision as to whether or not to address them, but our half of that partnership would require us to support them in going there. As for the underperforming planners, we would have sat down with the client to determine the source of the problem and co-designed a program to increase performance. That may not look like diversity work, but it would have had a direct impact on the success of the diversity work at hand.

So, what should you expect when working with more collaborative diversity consultants?

They wont always talk about diversity. An Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist still knows about your brain, heart, and lungs (and everything else she learned in medical school), and she will bring in that knowledge when it becomes relevant. The same is true in organizations. It is useful to treat diversity as a separate issue, but it will never be completely independent from other organizational issues like conflict resolution, organizational structure, roles and responsibilities, systems and processes, etc. When the diversity consultant takes you in those directions (where they link to diversity), go with him.

They will push you. If diversity were easy, you wouldnt need a consultant. It requires looking at tough issuesinequities in your organization, deeply held values and attitudes, conversations that are difficult to work throughand as a leader, you will need to show your employees that you can take the hard road when necessary. A good consultant will support as she pushes, but a consultant that does not push you at all will rarely get the results you are looking for.

They wont have all the answers (at least they wont give them to you). If you want a diversity consultant to do an assessment and then provide a list of specific recommendations about what you should do next, I know you can find several that will oblige. But be careful what you wish for. When the consultant tells you what to do, it robs you of the power to create your own organization. I know it sounds easier, but it often leads to low employee buy-in of the solution and chronic implementation delays. This is your organization, and you are smart enough to solve your own problems and make your own decisions. A good diversity consultant will help you, but he will not do it for you.

Conclusion In the end, a collaborative diversity-consulting project achieves the same goals that management consultants generally strive towards: empowering people and organizations to solve their own problems. By working collaboratively with the client to address the challenges and opportunities of diversity work in their organization, we model the kind of relationship we are trying to generate in a diverse workplace: one based on respect and value of the different power, knowledge, experience, and skills that each individual brings. So consider carefully both your approach to this work and the consultantsand beware of the expert. The success of your diversity initiative (and maybe your organization) depends on it.

About the Author

Jamie Notter is President of Notter Consulting, a firm specializing in increasing the the effectiveness and power of leaders, teams, and organizations through the strategic application of consulting, facilitation, and training. For more information, visit www.notterconsulting.com

Article Title: Lets Go Nuts and Fight Cancer
Author Name: Marilyn Diamond/Donald Schnell
Contact Email Address: Marilyn@spiritualjava.com
Word Count: 1,365
Category: Self-help, Alternative Health, Weight Loss
Copyright Date: 2003

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Publishing Guidelines:
Thank you for publishing this article in its
entirety including the resource box. When possible, please notify me of publication by sending either a website link or a copy of your ezine upon publication via email to Marilyn@SpiritualJava.com. Thank you!
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Lets Go Nuts and Fight Cancer2003 Marilyn Diamond and Donald Schnell

America loves wars. Currently, we are so busy fighting the War on Terrorism that weve forgotten about the thirty-year long War on Cancer.

The War on Cancer was declared in 1971. It has cost taxpayers billions of dollars, and the only outcome is that cancer statistics have climbed from one out of eleven in the 1970s to one out of two in 2002.

From about 1 in 11 in 1970, to 1 in 7 in 1980, to 1 in 4 in 1990, to about 1 in 2.15 people in the U.S. who are expected to develop cancer in their lifetime in 2002. When will it reach 1 in 1 … if we let it? Don Weaver, To Love and Regenerate the Earth
In just one year, 1996, more Americans lost their lives from cancer than from war in the entire 20th century. Ten million had died by 1996 since the War on Cancer was first declared. One in two families will be presently touched by cancer, and one out of four babies will die of the disease.

This is a WAR we are certainly losing. This is a war we must wage.

In 1986, three professors at the prestigious Cornell University Medical Center were certain theyd discovered a natural weapon to fight cancer. They announced a naturally occurring remedy to stem the rising tide of the killer disease. Realizing that we were in the middle of an epidemic they announced their cure to the world.

The press conference never made front-page news.

We never heard about it.

We ask whole auditoriums of people if theyve ever heard this news.

Essentially no one raises a hand.

Do you know about this?

The Cornell doctors recommended that each of us should be sure to consume more selenium then the RDI suggests. Selenium is a naturally occurring mineral. It should be found in soil. It should be available from our foods.

The RDI is the recommended daily allowance. It is set at 70 mcg of selenium a day for both men and women.

But research claims we need not lower than 200 and as high as 600 mcg for the antioxidant effect and to help prevent cancer.

Ask the average doctor if you need to take a selenium supplement. The answer will probably be, No, just eat a balanced diet and youll be fine!

Typically, the average doctors twelve hours of nutrition in medical school hasnt kept pace with the thousands of studies in nutritional science. Unfortunately, many physicians are as overweight and under-exercised as their patients. Their rates of cancer are as high and in some cases even higher than the average population. Doctors need this information as much as the lay public.

The information is here.

The experts at Cornell University had proof that America could stem the rising tide of cancer, if each individual would consume about 600 mcg of selenium a day. Not 70 mcg, as the RDI erroneously suggests. Nearly 10 times the amount of the RDI!

This is potentially life saving information. One out of two Americans is now struck with cancer.

Now heres the problem. Is selenium in our soils? Is it in our foods?

Selenium occurs most abundantly in soil containing volcanic ash. The soil in northeastern, Pacific, southwestern, and extreme southeastern regions of the U.S. are all deficient in selenium. In Canada, the north central and eastern regions are deficient. Food grown in these areas will also be deficient in selenium.

In fact the average American diet contains about 33 mcg of selenium a day. This is about one half of what is minimally required and 1/20th of the Cornell recommendation for cancer prevention.

Selenium has been shown to improve the efficiency with which DNA can repair itself after being exposed to damaging substances. This means your body can fight poisons better when adequate amounts of the mineral are available.

Poisons? What kind of poisons?

The toxic residues of all the denatured, artificial foods you eat, pesticides, anti-biotics, bacterial contamination, vaccines, drugs, environmental pollutants. . .

The benefits are real!
A study conducted at the University of Arizona of 1,700 elderly Americans showed that those with low levels of selenium are more apt to have polyps in the gastrointestinal tract (33% compared to 9% in those with a high level of selenium).
The same study showed those taking 200 mcg of selenium over 4.5 years have 63% less prostate cancer, 58% fewer colorectal cancers, and 46% fewer lung cancers. Overall, there were 30% fewer new cancers, and 50% less overall death from cancer.
The Health Professional Follow-up Study found that those men with the highest intake of selenium (top 20 percent versus the bottom 20 percent) had a 51 percent lower risk of developing prostate cancer. In a clinical trial 1,312 people were given 200 mcg of selenium a day for four and a half years. They found a drop in prostate cancer of about 50 percent compared to controls not taking selenium.
Another study of 3,000 older Dutch people showed a reduction of lung cancer risk by 50% for those on selenium. And in Finland in a study of over 12,000 people, cancer deaths were highest among people with the lowest intake levels of selenium. Selenium creates selenium superoxide dismutase, your bodys most powerful antioxidant enzyme. Its known as SOD.
Remember this acronym. Its going to be BIG buzz for those who are savvy about health. Selenium has the ability to bond with heavy metals in your body. You take these metals in from air pollution, cigarette smoke, or from the food you eat. When selenium bonds to hazardous metals they can be safely excreted from your body. If they are not excreted, they may damage your organs and even cause cancer.
Isnt it time to listen to the scientists who are telling us adequate selenium intake can prevent some cancers? Why wait any longer to protect yourself and those you love?
The facts are in.
In areas where the soil is deficient in selenium, there is a higher incidence of cancer. Some cancers are caused by free radical oxidation, which selenium prevents. Selenium also encourages the production of macrophages, which “eat” foreign material that may cause cancer.
Can you see the importance of eating foods containing selenium? When foods are highly processed, the selenium is destroyed. Where can you find selenium?
Look no further than the naturally occurring, unprocessed Brazil nut. The average shelled Brazil nut that contains 12-25 mcg of selenium. (If you are willing to crack the shell yourself, the nut contains 100 mcg!) A one fourth cup serving of shelled Brazil nuts will provide your body with the selenium you need every day. The delectable Macadamia nut contains only slightly less selenium than its cousin from Brazil. Imagine that you can now enjoy Macadamias, knowing you are taking steps to prevent cancer!
Selenium is also found in whole grains, sunflower seeds, and garlic. But nuts are so fattening!

Really?

They are, if theyre roasted.

They are, if you eat them as a snack between a lunch of Beef Tacos and a dinner of pork chops.

But, if you eat them raw, and not as a snack, but as part of a seriously healthy meal, theyre not fattening at all. Theyre high in the healthy fatty acids your heart needs, and in plenty of other important minerals and fiber.

Whats a seriously healthy meal containing nuts?

Raw fruits or vegetables and raw nuts.

A really good way to have nuts is on a fresh vegetable plate, with cucumbers, red peppers, radishes, celery and other raw vegetables you enjoy.

Another way is to grind the nuts in a clean coffee grinder, and mix them into your fresh fruit salad.

Or have them on their own, while you slowly sip a large fresh vegetable juice or carrot juice.

Have healthy, raw, cancer-prevention meals like this, for breakfast, lunch or dinner at least once a day. Its the new Fit for Life, a way to eat, if you dont want cancer to soon strike everyone you know, including you.

Just do it! Go nuts and fight cancer.

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Marilyn Diamond of Fit for Life, is the co-founder with Dr. Donald Schnell of the SPIRITUAL JAVA Rejuvenation Program that is transforming thousands. The New Spiritual Diet, Incredible Value, One on One Coaching. Amazing Results. http://www.SpiritualJava.com or email:
Marilyn@SpiritualJava.com
Donald@SpiritualJava.com
Free Motivational Newsletter, The Buzz http://www.spiritualjava.com

Treating chronic mutational hepatitis B with Chinese medicine Vitalliver (Vigconic suppositories)ZHANG GUAN HUA, LIANG CHAO, ZHENG WAN PIN

Treating chronic mutational hepatitis B with Chinese medicine Vitalliver (Vigconic suppositories)
ZHANG GUAN HUA, LIANG CHAO, ZHENG WAN PIN
Chengdu University of TCM, Hepatitis Laboratory in the attached hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Sichuan, China

Research Method:
Quantitative determination by contrasting HBV-DNA of cases before and after the treatment.
Number of cases: 25 (n)
Case Selection: Between the age of 16 and 65, in accordance with the diagnosis standards pf chronic Hepatitis B, with negative e antigen and positive e antibody, HBV-DNA > 1104 cp/mL.
Detection Method: All the blood samples are detected by Sichuan Clinical Detection Center; PCR-ELISA quantitative determination is used within detection range of 1104 - 1107-8, HBV-DNA, unit of measurement is cp/mL.
Direction Plan: one suppository provided by Vigconic (International) Ltd. Bid. The course of treatment is six months, the tracing observation after withdrawal lasts six months.
Observation index:
1.HBV-DNA response after the treatment.
2.Lasting HBV-DNA response (six months after withdrawal).
Criterion of Therapeutic Effect:
1.If HBV-DNA volume < 1104 cp/mL, it is considered effective;
2.Compared with that before the treatment, if the HBV-DNA volume decreases at least two logarithmic levels, it is considered progressive;
3.If there is no change in HBV-DNA volume after the treatment, or the decrease is less than two logarithmic levels, it is considered ineffective.
Judging Levels of the side-effects: (five levels) definitely related, probably related, possibly related, possibly unrelated, definitely unrelated.
Result
1. Response after treatment:
HBV-DNA volume < 1104 cp/mL: 21/25 (84%)
HBV-DNA volume > 1104 cp/mL: 4/25 (16%)
2.Lasting response:
HBV-DNA volume < 1104 cp/mL: 23/25 (92%)
HBV-DNA volume > 1104 cp/mL: 2/25 (8%)
Among the results of lasting response, 16 blood serum samples are detected through fluorimetric quantitative determination PCR by the instruments of PE.USD, H-7700 in the second attached hospital of Guangzhou Medical College. The result is in accordance with that in Sichuan Clinical Testing Center. (8 cases among it < 1102 cp/mL). The testing range of this testing method is 1102 - 1107-8 cp/mL.
Conclusion
The reason for the repeatedly abnormal liver function of Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) patients lies in the repeatedly duplication of HBV after infection, which leads to fibrosis of liver, then cirrhosis and liver cancer. It is commonly accepted that if CHB shows the transformation of HBeAg/Anti-HBe, HBV-DNA becoming negative, liver function returning to normal state, the disease is relieved. However, parts of patients with the transformation of HBeAg/Anti-HBe still remain positive in HBV-DNA and the pathological change in the liver continues. Because HBV-DNA occurs promoter mutation in the anterior C section (1896 necleoside G-A variation) or in the C section (1762 nucleoside T variation, 1764 G-A variation), HBeAg cannot come into being. Therefore, the HBeAg in the patients blood cannot be detected, while the virus can keep on duplicating and fixing itself. Through sequential assay of nucleic acid, it proves that promoter mutation appears in 30%-60% of HBeAg negative Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) in the anterior C section or in the C section. In some provinces and cities of the People of China, the percentage of promoter mutation appears in HBeAg negative Chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) in the anterior C section or in the C section is from 17.6% to 78.9%. Eight out of the 25 cases of our observation go through the sequential assay of nucleic acid carried out by the Department of Microbiology of the University of Hong Kong. It all proves to have HBV-DNA mutation. The chronic mutational Hepatitis B is infectious and apt to cause cirrhosis and liver cancer since the present medicines of antivirus and immuno-modulator do not produce the expected therapeutic effects.

Vitalliver suppository is made up from a formula of Chinese herbs, including Ginseng, Deer Horn, Cordyceps, Radix Astragali, Frudctus Cnidii, Semen Cuscutae, etc. The formula is mainly for strengthening the body resistant and primarily for reinforcing Kidney Qi, which produces good therapeutic effects in treating chronic mutational Hepatitis B. The mechanism is probably that through the regulating of immune system, the duplication of virus is inhibited and meanwhile the liver is protected, so it can produce a lasting therapeutic effect. No adverse reaction and severe accident happens during clinical observation, so it is safe for using. Vitalliver is bringing hopes to the treatment of chronic mutational Hepatitis B.

* The second stage of clinical trial would be carrying out by the Microbiology Department of the University of Hong Kong and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine.

For more information, please visit:
http://www.vigconic.com
Or, contact:
William Yip cs@vigconic.com
5/F, Cheung Wah Building, Sheung Heung Rd,
Kowloon, Hong Kong
Tel: 852-27656200
Fax: 852-27645314

Chengdu University of TCM, Hepatitis Laboratory in the attached hospital of Chengdu University of TCM, Sichuan, China

Protect Yourself from SARS - Part 2Susun Weed

Worried about SARS? Keep your lungs healthy the Wise Woman Way
Wise women through the centuries have kept themselves and their families safe from contagious diseases. We looked at the lung strengthening properties of mullein and whole milk in part one of this article. In part three we will learn how to use herbs to strengthen the immune system. This part of the article focuses on what to do if prevention doesn’t work.

If we are actively dealing with infection, especially lung infections, these three powerful roots stand ready to help us: elecampane, echinacea, and poke.

Elecampane (Inula helenium) is a beautiful sunflower-like perennial found in wet pastures or easily cultivated in a sunny garden spot. The roots are dug in the fall after the plants are established (at least three years) and tinctured in 100 proof vodka for six weeks. Do not use elecampane in capsules.

I find elecampane root amazingly powerful in clearing all infections from the lungs. The usual dose is 10-15 drops several times a day, but I would increase the dose and take it as much as 6 times a day in an acute situation. I expect to see results from using elecampane within a day or less.

I would only take elecampane if I had an active infection. It has little protective value. To protect the lungs, use mullein and organic whole milk.

Echinacea (Echinacea augustifolia) is a well-known anti-infective. Like elecampane, it is not considered safe to take echinacea as a preventative. It is reserved for time when there is active infection.

Echinacea root tincture is a powerful ally to the white blood cells, helping them enormously in their efforts to counter bacterial infections. I have personally seen it clear infections that even triple antibiotic therapies had left untouched, including bacterial pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, strep throat, mastitis, and blood poisoning. I have had no occasion to work with someone with SARS, but I have no doubt but that echinacea would be helpful. I have interfaced echinacea with antibacterial drugs and antibiotics with excellent results. Echinacea also works marvelously well in combination with elecampane root or with poke root. I have never used the three of them together. A dose of echinacea root tincture is 1 drop for every 2 pounds of body weight. I take it as frequently as every hour or two in the acute phase of an infection, and increase the time between doses slowly until they are eight hours apart.

Because I use such a large dose of echinacea root tincture, I get spectacular results. But to be able to use so much, you need to have a lot of the tincture on hand. It is expensive to buy, running $8-10 per ounce. Large bottles of 4-8 ounces bring the price down to $6-8 an ounce. But you can make your own for $1-2 dollars an ounce.

To make a quart of echinacea root tincture:

Buy 4 ounces of dried Echinacea augustifolia root. Be sure to get this kind. Put it in a quart jar and fill the jar to the top with 100 proof vodka. Be sure to get this proof even though it is more expensive than regular vodka. Cap tightly and label. Shake daily for the first week, then weekly for at least eight weeks. I like to let mine sit for a year before I use it, but you can use it after six weeks if necessary.

Do not use echinacea in capsules.

Poke (Phytolacca americana) is also a beautiful perennial. The root tincture is powerful to the point of being considered poisonous.

I always travel with a bottle of poke root tincture. I think of it as insurance - on the off chance that I may be exposed in my travels to some new and potentially deadly bug. Had I been in Beijing when SARS broke out, I would have taken it.

I would not take poke as a precaution; it is far too strong to be used that way. Only if I knew that I was likely to have been exposed to the pathogen would I use it (one drop twice a day; if I felt symptoms, I would increase to four times a day or more, as seemed reasonable at the time). You may find it hard to buy poke root tincture. (Red Moon Herbs usually has it available.) It is rightly feared. But the plant is widespread and easy to recognize with its magenta stem and racemes of white flowers and dark purple berries, so you can make your own if you live where it grows.

I dig only one poke root every decade or so, for the dose I use is minuscule. I choose a root that is at least three years old (the standard for digging any perennial root), rinse the soil from it, chop it coarsely, and tincture it for a minimum of six weeks in 100 proof vodka. (No, 80 proof won’t work. And, yes, it must be a fresh root, as drying seems to remove the active properties.)

When I need poke root tincture to kick my immune system into high gear, I take a dose of one drop - yes, only one drop - once or twice a day. Poke root tincture contains compounds that can harm the kidneys if it is taken continuously. I reserve its use for emergencies and do not consider it especially helpful to the immune system.

Isn’t it well named? It pokes the immune system and speeds up pokey lymphatic drainage. I have known a single drop to reverse chronic infections that have simmered for years, getting more and more resistant to drugs. Of course, poke root tincture, is used by those with cancer, sometimes with astonishing results. (See Breast Cancer? Breast Health! the Wise Woman Way for lots more information on using poke to counter cancer.)

For severe infections, such as SARS, the dose of poke root tincture may be larger, but build up gradually over a period of days. In extreme situations, an individual may be able to use doses of 15 drops a day. I know of some instances where doses of 30 drops a day were used, but this usually creates unwelcome side effects.

Never use poke root in water and never take capsules of poke root. You could be poisoned.

I keep all three of these strong roots in my medicine cupboard. I feel safe and reassured knowing that I am ready to counter infection and boost my immune system at a moment’s notice.

Herbs may seem insignificant in the face of the troubles in our nation and in the world, but using green allies to maintain and regain health is a big step toward healthy independence and - I believe - a step toward peace. Instead of making war on weeds like poke, I love them. Instead of making war on nature, I take her as a guide. Instead of making war on myself when I have an injury or illness, a problem or a pain, I nourish myself toward ever greater health, ever greater peace.

Green blessings surround us. My green allies uplift my heart and bring me joy even in trying and uncertain times, whether resisting or countering infection, or strengthening the immune system, which we will do in part three.

Green Blessings!

About the Author

Vibrant, passionate, and involved, Susun Weed has garnered an international reputation for her groundbreaking lectures, teachings, and writings on health and nutrition. She challenges conventional medical approaches with humor, insight, and her vast encyclopedic knowledge of herbal medicine. Susun is one of America’s best-known authorities on herbal medicine and natural approaches to women’s health.

Protect Yourself from SARS - Part 3Susun Weed

Worried about SARS? Keep your lungs healthy the Wise Woman Way!
It is always wise to cultivate health and support your immune system. And now, with the threat of SARS, and who knows what else, it is more important than ever. The first two parts of this series looked at strengthening the lungs and fending off infection. The third component of maintaining and regaining health is to nourish the immune system.

A vital immune system is my first defense against the constant barrage of disease-causing bacteria, viruses and other pathogens created by Mother Nature. A vital immune system is my first defense again the ever-present possibility of cancerous cells. A vital immune system is everyones first defense against SARS too.

I keep my immune system supple and strong the easy, effective Wise Woman Way: with nourishing herbal infusions and immune-strengthening soups.

Nourishing herbal infusions are the basis of great nourishment - for the immune system, the hormonal system, and the nervous system too.

To make a nourishing herbal infusion:

Choose one herb: nettle, oatstraw, red clover, comfrey leaf, linden flowers, violet leaf, or mullein leaf. You may add a little mint or other seasoning herb, but use only one of the main ones at a time. Place one full ounce, by weight, of any one herb in a quart jar. A canning jar is best. Fill the jar to the top with boiling water. Stir the herb into the water and add more water until the jar is really full. Screw on a tight lid and let it steep for four hours or overnight. Strain the liquid out and refrigerate what you don’t drink.

I drink nourishing herbal infusions over ice, heated up with honey and milk, mixed with other beverages. Enjoy.

Nourishing herbal infusions are full of antioxidant vitamins, minerals, proteins, phytoestrogens, and hundreds of protective phytochemicals. I drink two to four cups of infusion daily, rotating through the different herbs, but mostly nettle, oatstraw, red clover, and comfrey. One of my apprentices - who has been drinking nourishing infusions for several years now - was told by her doctor that she had the healthiest blood he’d ever seen.

For more information on infusions, please visit http://www.susunweed.com.

Immune strengthening soups rely on a long steeping time to extract minerals and active phytochemicals. Recent nutrition research has revealed that, contrary to common claims, antioxidant vitamins are increased by cooking. In fact many vegetables have twice as many nutrients cooked as raw.

To make an immune strengthening soup:

Chop at least half an onion per person and saut in lots of olive oil until translucent. Add at least two cloves of garlic, sliced or chopped, per person and saut. Add chopped vegetables of the season, a lot of seaweed, some mushrooms, tonic roots, seasoning herbs, sea salt and vegetable broth. Bring it all to a boil and simmer for an hour. Let the immune strengthening soup mellow in a cool place overnight. Serve it the next day, heated up, with freshly-baked bread and organic raw milk cheese.

Seaweeds help remove radiation from body tissues (heavy metals too). I like heavy seaweeds like kombu and wakame in soups. But sea palm fronds, nereocystis kelp, hijiki, and alaria are food too; they all taste different.

All mushrooms strengthen the immune system and counter cancer. I frequently use dried shitake as they are available and inexpensive at Chinese grocery stores. Reishii, maitake, and other medicinal mushrooms are delicious additions to immune strengthening soups, as are the more common dried porcinni, and fresh portobellos.

Tonic roots help our livers, lymph, and kidneys work well, protecting us from infection. I use one or more, fresh or dried, depending on what I have available: Siberian ginseng, astragalus, burdock, dandelion, chicory, yellow dock, American ginseng. I often put these tough roots into a jelly bag and drop that into the soup for I can fish it out before serving. About one ounce per gallon of broth used for your soup is a nice amount.

Seasoning herbs from the mint family - rosemary, thyme, oregano, basil, marjoram, and sage - are loaded with antioxidants. I don’t just season the soup with them; I add them by the handful.

There are recipes for several immune strengthening soups in my book Breast Cancer? Breast Health! The Wise Woman Way.

Prevention doesn’t always work, of course. That’s why part two of this article discussed herbs that counter infection. Maintaining health the Wise Woman Way includes being prepared to deal with infection as well as staying healthy on a daily basis. With nourishing herbal infusions, immune strengthening soups, and the help of some strong roots, that’s simple and fun.

Green Blessings to you.

About the Author

Vibrant, passionate, and involved, Susun Weed has garnered an international reputation for her groundbreaking lectures, teachings, and writings on health and nutrition. She challenges conventional medical approaches with humor, insight, and her vast encyclopedic knowledge of herbal medicine. Susun is one of America’s best-known authorities on herbal medicine and natural approaches to women’s health.