Cetyl Myristoleate (CMO) - Joint Cure

Cetyl Myristoleate is a natural supplement known for its work on arthritis and joint related conditions.

copied from Wikipedia
"It is a perfectly safe, naturally derived substance. It is not habit-forming and contains no harsh chemicals or drugs that can cause side effects. It works in a natural manner by acting at the precise location of joint inflammation. Although not as well known as glucosamine and/or chondroitin, there is a growing awareness that CM8 equals or surpasses them in the treatment of the body pains brought on by various maladies such as bursitis, gout, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, and sports related injuries."

Case: It is true this product has worked for both me and my cat! Back in 1998, a Dr. recommended I take CMO for some tissue inflammation I had resulting from surgery. I had never heard of it, but faithfully took it for the 30 days he prescribed. Although I did not notice much improvement in the specific location of the inflammation in my tissue...I did notice that the morning stiffness and pain I had been suffering from in my wrists and ankles (rhumatoid arthritis runs in my family) was completely gone!! When I did some web research I discovered the CMO was primarily prescribed for arthritis.

Case: In 2007, one of my cats, a large orange tabby developed marked limping that concerned me. After a week or two watching him limp in pain, I took him to the Vet. She said he had tendonitis in his knee joint, probably from a fall as it was clearly injured. She said he would need to go to a specialist and ultimately have surgery! I began thinking that if the CMO helped my joints, perhaps it might help my cat. So I did some web search and discovered a Vet in Australia who treated arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis in horses, cats, and dogs successfully with CMO! So, I started my kitty on a daily dose of of a 1/2 capsule (~300mg) in his food. Within a week, his limping stopped! I continued the dose for another 2 weeks, just in case. His problem has not yet reappeared.

Dosage: As I understand it, CMO is taken for a 30 day period. Pain and stiffness should be gone by that time. Sometimes another round may be necessary a month or so later, with annual 30-day rounds for maintenance. This is NOT something you take every day constantly. It is suggested to take 500mg per day(15 gr per mo), or 12-18 grams total over 30 days.

Additional information:
Research and Clinical Studies

Lavendar Essential Oil

Lavendar offers so many uses, I carry it with me at all times. Used throughout the centuries for a myriad of ailments (see Common Uses below), lavendar has healing and mystical properties. There are many varieties of lavendar and it is now grown all around the world, not just the Meditterranean. I know of lavender farms in the states of Washington and Maui (photo: Alii Kula Lavender Farm) too. I've found that some brands smell differently. I prefer the sweet smelling French lavendula officinalis. Aura Cacia, has an acrid smell to it and does not affect me in the same positive way as other brands. I've provided some links below for detailed plant information, extraction and processing and lists of it's amazing properties as a "cure-all". I am not sure of all these claims personally, you can post your successes here as well. There are claims it cures migraines, but for me it only helps a little, I usually need something much stronger for my migraines.

What I've used Lavendar Essential for:
Relaxation, sleeplessness, anxiety, stress, muscle twitching or mild spasm, mild headaches, tension, stuffy nose, tinitus (ringing in the ears).

Common Uses (?? I have no idea whether lavendar can really help with ALL these health issues.)
Abrasions/Cuts * Abscess/Boil * Acne * Anxiety/Panic * Burns/SunBurn * Candida/Yeast Infection * Children * Colds * Culinary * Deodorants/Perfumes * Depression * Facial and Skin care * Fibromyalgia * Gout * Hypertension HBP * IBS * Insect Bites/Rashes * Insect Repellent * Insomnia * Lupus * Migraine Headache * Nausea * Pet care * Pregnancy * Rheumatoid Arthritis *
Magical uses = dream work, healing, love

Case: When I traveled to Europe a few years ago, my friend and I took a flight from Los Angeles to Paris. It was a very long and arduous journey via coach class, in a cramped space, long hours, and overnight. By the time we got to New York for our plane change we were exhausted, both physically and mentally. Our muscles were twitching like RLS (restless leg syndrome) and we couldn't sleep. On the flight from NY to Paris, I suddenly remembered I had a small vial of lavendar oil. I dabbed a tiny bit behind my ears and breathed in its glorious fragrance. Within minutes I was relaxed, my legs stopped twitching and I fell asleep for about 2hours! When I awakened, my friend had fallen asleep as well due to the lavendar!! I always take it with me when traveling! That's for sure.

Brands and products I recommend for its sweet smell and pureness:
Olympian Labs: Lavendar Oil, 1.6 oz bottle runs around $16 (very affordable)
Alii Kula Lavender from Maui, they ship
Avalon Organics, found in most health food stores
Bath and Body Works Aromatherapy Line "Sleep" which combines Lavender with Chamomile or Rosemary. It comes in a wonderful room spray that really helps.

More information:
http://www.nature-helps.com/agora/lavender.htm
http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-oils/natural-essential-oils/health-benefits-of-lavender-essential-oil.html

"Flower Essences" - behavior modification

I've been using various flower essences for many years. Flower essences are a category within homeopathy which works on the bodies ability to heal itself and affect mood, emotions, and behavior. "Bach Flower Essences" can be found at most health food stores. They are a bit pricey (around $15-16/ea), but have worked well for me for different issues. They can work to modify certain negative personal characteristics, change mood, attitude, etc. Some work slowly over time, especially when changing character changes. Allow at least 2 weeks before expecting any changes. However, with some I notice immediate relief, like with stress reducers and sleep inducers.

Pegasus Products, is a great producer of a myriad of flower essences, elixirs and blends. I've used some of their flower essences, but I'm not sure about all their elixirs.

The following essences really work well for me:

White Chestnut: Stops the constant mind chatter that keeps me from falling asleep. This is fairly immediate.
Rescue Sleep: A blend of Bach Flower Essences that helps with mild sleeplessness, or difficulty in falling asleep.
Rescue Remedy: a blend of several different essences which helps with stress, anxiety, anger, as it calms the nerves and emotions. Works fairly quickly to calm me down.
Impatiens: really does work when I am overly impatient and it is a problem with dealing with other people. Something that needs to be taken regularly.
Bleeding Heart: mending a broken heart and letting go of relationships or people. This takes more time. I went through the whole bottle, but it helped.

For Pets:
There is a company in Boulder, CO Spiritessence that has developed flower essences for animals. I purchase some for my cats that were not getting along. It did seem to help. But, I had to remember to put it on them daily. Something I have trouble doing :( However, they do seem to be getting along pretty good most of the time now. So, I do think the essences helped.