There is, absolutely and without doubt, no road to good health (or recovery from illness and chronic ailments) without good nutrition being a priority every day!

Studies done at the School of Gerontology, University of Southern California, indicate that if a person has a sub-clinical nutritional deficiency, he or she might appear ‘perfectly normal’ except for increased susceptibility to disease, longer recovery time from surgery, adverse reactions to vaccines, extreme fatigue that interferes with normal functioning, depression, insomnia, and irritability.
Richard Revlin, M.D., of the Sloan-Kettering Cancer institute says,

“In the United States today, we rarely see cases of classical vitamin deficiency, such as scurvy and pellagra—to name just a few cited in this article. However, we are now beginning to recognize a vast new series of marginal deficiencies related to disease. Marginal deficiency, it now appears, may be a surprisingly common phenomenon.”
One very important reason herbal remedies work for a particular problem is that the herb has provided one or more vital nutrients that are missing in the diet.

It is important to understand, and remember, that vitamins and minerals chemically constructed in a laboratory cannot fill the nutritional needs of the body. Man has been unable to produce a single molecular structure that is exactly identical to those produced in nature. Laboratories can assemble the correct components in the correct amounts but somewhere in the joining of the atoms will be a rotation to the left that should be rotating to the right. The resulting isomer (that is the scientific word for it) is not bio-identical, no matter what the advertising says. This is as true of hormones and amino acids as it is of vitamins. (Hint: If the supplement you are buying says “L-something or other”, the ‘L’ is a warning that this supplement has been artificially produced in a laboratory and will not be providing the nutrition you think you are getting!
There is a great deal of information about the nutritional components of herbs in the book, Butterfly Miracles with Herbal Remedies which can be purchased at Butterflyexpress.shop. Nutrition and health is a topic that has fascinated me for years.   See the full list of topics.

In This Issue

New Elderberry Plus Glycerin
Magnesium Liquid Mineral
Featured Supplements
January Essential Oils
Featured Herbs
Featured Blessed Waters
Blend – ^LeCherish
Single – Magnolia
Avocado Carrier Oils
Reset Kits

Elderberry Plus Glycerin

Elderberry Plus is a nutrient-rich herbal combination that supports immune health, boosts energy, and addresses nutritional deficiencies. Key ingredients like elderberry and elderflower, rich in vitamins C and A, antioxidants, and flavonoids, are known for their anti-inflammatory properties and ability to reduce the duration of colds and flu. Echinacea, packed with vitamins A, C, E, and essential minerals, enhances white blood cell count to fight infections and reduce symptoms like sore throat and fever. Cinnamon, cloves, and ginger contribute further antioxidants, anti-inflammatory benefits, and essential minerals, supporting blood sugar balance, digestion, and overall vitality. Together, these herbs help strengthen immunity, fight infections, and promote wellness.

Magnesium Liquid Mineral

After sifting through the many studies focusing on Magnesium, the list of benefits of making sure you are getting plenty of this mineral—and absorbing it well—becomes very extensive.

To list just a few: Magnesium activates over 100 enzymes, some of which support normal nerve and muscle function. Others of these enzymes aid digestion by activating enzymes for protein and carbohydrate metabolism.

Magnesium is also necessary for the absorption of calcium and several other minerals. Magnesium relaxes the body into deeper sleep, supports normal heart and liver function, helps reduce inflammation in muscles, joints and tissues, and—potentially, when there is enough of it in the body—aids in over 300 other body processes in all! Among these vast benefits is the prevention of kidney stones and gallstones, improving the cardiovascular system in a myriad of ways, and helping to regulate blood sugar levels.

Food sources of magnesium include dark chocolate (with limited amounts of sugar contained therein, of course), green leafy vegetables such as spinach, chard, etc. when lightly steamed, most fish with salmon being of particular value, chicken breast, avocados, peanuts, and peanut butter.

Herbs containing magnesium include Alfalfa, Catnip, Cascara Sagrada, Cayenne, Chamomile, Dandelion, Eyebright, Fennel, Fenugreek, Ginger, Hops, Horsetail, Kelp, Lemongrass, Licorice, Mullein, Nettles, Oatstraw, Paprika, Parsley, Peppermint, Raspberry Leaf, Red Clover, Rosemary, Sage, Shepherd’s Purse, Yarrow

Featured Supplements

Liquid Chlorophyll

Chlorophyll is considered a ‘super-food’ because of its nutritional value and the vast array of benefits its consumption brings in promoting good health and a well-balanced system.

~ Excellent source of vitamins A, C, K, and E as well as minerals including iron and magnesium.
~ Super potent antioxidant action.
~ Strengthens the immune system.
~ Strongly anti-inflammatory.
~ World-renowned as a heart and circulatory supplement!
~ Promotes the production of healthy red blood cells. (The importance of this feature cannot be overemphasized!)
~ Binds with toxic metals to hamper absorption of these toxins by the body and then helps eliminate anything previously absorbed.
~ Aids in controlling food cravings, especially for foods that will not supply nutrition to your body. It is considered by experts to be a great aid in losing excess weight.
~ Studies have shown that chlorophyll, used as a spray, promotes wound healing.
~ Chlorophyll is so good for our bodies, inside and out, that regular consumption of this supplement helps to control body odor.
~ Promotes skin health and the control of acne, as well as dry skin!

I have seen the ingestion of an ounce of liquid chlorophyll stop a hemorrhage in a very quick and decisive manner following the birth of a baby!

Super Electrolyte Complex

Electrolytes are team players. Each one has very specific functions, but they work best together in a well-balanced way in order to maintain the body’s fluid balance, keep nerve signals communicating properly, regulate muscle contractions (remember, the heart is a muscle, too), and many other functions. Some of these functions are listed below:

Benefits/Features:
~ Clinically shown to hydrate better than water alone. In a published, peer-reviewed clinical study, those who drank plain water drank 74% more water to achieve the same level of hydration as those who drank water with Super Electrolyte Complex.
~ Contains four essential electrolytes to support hydration, performance, and muscle function.
~ Electrolytes help the body achieve and maintain a healthy pH balance
~ Supports and promotes bone health because it is high in magnesium (please see description of the benefits of magnesium earlier in this article)
~ Improves heat tolerance during hot weather or sports events

Super Electrolyte Complex has NO added sugars, contains no artificial ingredients and naturally, without any artificial sweeteners, contains no calories at all.

With this supplement, you can make functional electrolyte water or you can use it to transform any drink into a sports drink. Super Electrolyte Complex can be used as a simple add-in with any food or beverage. More or less can be used to suit flavor and performance needs. It is afe for hydration packs. Will not stain or leave a residue.

Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly and Propolis Supplement

Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly and Propolis Supplement is a nutrient-rich supplement made from raw honey, bee pollen, royal jelly, and propolis. Each ingredient offers unique nutritional benefits. Raw honey provides a quick energy source with natural sugars and antioxidants, while its enzymes and prebiotic properties support digestion. Bee pollen is a powerhouse of vitamins (like B-complex and C), minerals, proteins, and essential amino acids, making it beneficial for immune function and reducing inflammation.

Royal jelly, rich in B vitamins and bioactive compounds like 10-HDA, supports energy, hormonal balance, and skin health by promoting collagen production. Propolis, known for its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, helps boost immune function and aids in healing. Together, these components work synergistically to enhance energy, support digestion, improve skin health, and strengthen the immune system.

While Bee Pollen, Royal Jelly and Propolis Supplement offers many benefits, it’s important to be mindful of potential allergies to bee products and its natural sugar content.

Featured Herbs for Nutrition

BHM

BHM, filled with outstanding nutritive herbs, makes an excellent mineral supplement, especially for deficiencies of calcium and magnesium. There is nothing I know of that is better for the healing of broken bones or sprained or strained muscles and tendons. These same herbs are easily made into a salve or used as a pack or a soak.

I find it very interesting that the herbs found in this formula are the same herbs utilized by the greatest herbal formula that I know of for fighting really nasty bacterial or viral-based illnesses.

For a more in-depth explanation of the herbs in BHM combination, check out this article.

KNA

This formula was named for its original ingredients—Kelp, Nettles, and Alfalfa. We began using Dulse years ago because Kelp was difficult to find in anything but a powder. Herbs in powder form simply do not hold their nutritional value as well as more ‘whole’ forms.

These three herbs contain all of the trace minerals, in adequate amounts and excellent proportions, that have been identified as vital to good health. These herbs are particularly high in absorbable calcium, natural iron that does not cause constipation, iodine, vitamin C, and vitamin A. In addition, Alfalfa contains a lot of a very usable form of protein, which is unusual in herbs.

MIN

This formula is generally made with glycerin rather than alcohol. As a glycerite it is very appropriate for use with children and when pregnant or nursing MIN contains the same three herbs discussed above as ingredients in the KNA formula. Herbs for basic hormone balance, for calming and strengthening the nerves, supporting and strengthening the pancreas, and herbs for kidney health are included as well.

Dulse

It would take far more space than I have allotted myself here to tell you about all the nutrition that is contained in this one herb. I will, however, give you some of the ones that I find most important.

Dulse contains iron, iodine, potassium, magnesium, and calcium—to name just a few minerals—as well as high levels of vitamin A. Each of these minerals is important to bone density, joint function, tissue health, and cellular integrity. The potassium found in Dulse is well known as a vasodilator, strengthening the veins and preventing vein damage. Potassium also lowers blood pressure and protects against heart disease and stroke. Potassium, and Dulse, help increase blood flow to the brain and to the capillaries.

Other nutrients found in Dulse include Vitamin A and Vitamin C, and some very interesting polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are important for heart health and for brain and nervous system function.

Bee Pollen

With more than 96 identified nutrients (including everything that is known to be necessary to sustain life and achieve health, bee pollen is considered to be one of nature’s most perfect foods!

The nutrients in Bee Pollen include 22 amino acids, all of the identified vitamins, folic acid, polyunsaturated fatty acids, enzymes, and trace minerals that have been identified as essential to the body. Some of these nutrients and trace minerals are very important and several of them are not manufactured in the body.

Bee Pollen makes an excellent supplement for pregnancy because it is so nutritious. Many years ago, I was advised to begin taking bee pollen in February as a way to make my horrible seasonal allergies less nasty. It was very effective and, I believe, contributed significantly to the fact that I am no longer bothered by those allergies at all!

Alfalfa

Alfalfa has been in use as a “miracle herb” for centuries; the Arabs call it the “Father of Herbs.” Alfalfa is thought to contain the widest variety of vitamins and minerals of any other food on earth, and the rich supply of chlorophyll makes it perfectly balanced for absorption by the body.

Among the nutrients that Alfalfa contains are vitamin A, most of those very important B vitamins including folic acid, vitamins C, D, E, and K. Important minerals found in Alfalfa include iron, calcium, magnesium, manganese, phosphorus, sulfur, chlorine, selenium, sodium, potassium, silicon, zinc, and many of the trace elements.

Alfalfa contains some wonderful proteins—a rather rare thing in the herbal world—and eight of the amino acids that are essential to the body.

Featured Blessed Waters for Nutrition

Bioplasma

Bioplasma is a unique combination of all 12 of the biochemic tissue salt remedies that were created long ago by Dr. Schuessler. I can find no indication in the literature that Dr. Schuessler ever combined all 12 of his remedies into one combination remedy, nor do I know who first tried this or marketed it or who first gave me this remedy. I only know that over the years I have used this combination for many things with great success and it is now for sale on any site that sells tissue salt remedies.

Of particular note is Bioplasma’s ability to coagulate the blood in a serious, deep cut where bleeding is profuse. Bioplasma is nearly miraculous in its ability to stop a hemorrhage in women during or following the birth of a child!

Bioplasma is useful in stimulating the body to uptake and utilize the trace minerals that are so necessary for optimal health of muscle, nerve, organ, and tissue cells. Bioplasma also has a stabilizing influence on nerves and nerve tissue and promotes healing in any type of wound or injury.

Meridian Blessed Waters

Over 5,000 years ago, the ancient Chinese discovered an entire system of subtle energy in the body that is only now able to be “read” by our modern diagnostic and imaging tools. The Chinese have mapped out twelve meridians, or pathways, along which this energy travels in the human body. These meridians were named for the life function associated with them.

Meridians are the pathways of communication between the various parts of the human body/mind/soul complex. Through these meridians pass an invisible nutritive energy known to the Chinese as ch’i. The meridians, and specific acupuncture points along them, have been mapped by modern technological methods—electronically, thematically, and radioactively. Normal energy over one of these points, when healthy and vibrant, is approximately 100,000 ohms.

A strong and balanced flow of energy through the body’s meridians is important to optimal health. Blocked meridians create imbalanced energy flow to organs which contributes to disease states within the body. There are emotional and mental characteristics associated with each pair of meridians. In fact, some of what we call personality is dictated by the way the energy is flowing through our meridians. Each meridian is associated with a very specific balanced and imbalanced mental/emotional state of being.

Energy flow through the meridians can be slowed or entirely blocked by a number of factors, including traumatic injury, emotional trauma, chronic illnesses, parasite infestations, and chemical toxicity. Impaired flow in a meridian is often responsible for slow healing of wounds and injuries, as well as slow response to herbal, chiropractic, or homeopathic treatment.

The following remedies are combination remedies containing well-known homeopathic/blessed water single remedies:

Governing Vessel
Embodies the balanced state of moving forward on life’s path with faith and with confidence—or—feelings of embarrassment and great reluctance to move forward, trying new things, at all.

The Governing Vessel Meridian controls the peripheral nervous system. This system collects information and controls important bodily functions such as the heartbeat, kidney function, and hormone levels.

Central Vessel
A balanced state in this meridian includes firmness in one’s own ideas and a balance between logic and emotion when confronting life’s problems. An imbalanced state brings on feelings of shame, guilt, shyness, and discomfort around people. However, the most serious effect of an unbalanced central meridian is a tendency to be unduly influenced by other people’s energies or opinions.

Gallbladder
Positive emotions of the Gallbladder Meridian—and the gallbladder itself—include feelings of compassion, love, appreciation for other people. The imbalanced state (the negative aspects) of this meridian and this organ is almost uncontrollable deep rage. This rage is more intense and longer lasting the mere anger. The balancing of this meridian and support and cleansing of the gallbladder makes a tremendous difference in personality and self-control.

Liver
The liver organ has far more functions in the body than most people realize! When the liver fails in its tasks or becomes overwhelmed the entire system, emotionally and physically, is thrown into chaos. The emotional patterns of the Liver Meridian include feeling (and being) happy, cheerful, and full of joy OR feeling annoyed and, often, very angry all the time toward everyone and everything.

Kidney
The Kidney Meridian can be explained quite simply. When the kidneys are functioning properly, it is easier to live life, even in the face of difficulties with faith in God and in the future. When the kidneys are struggling, the feelings degenerate into lack of self-confidence, lack of faith in God, and a deep and constant feeling of impending doom. Fear or Faith—quite simple. Are struggling kidneys the cause of these emotions or are the emotions the cause of the kidney struggles?

Urinary Bladder
Very closely, of course, in relationship to the kidneys. The positive emotions include being in tune with the Spirit, sure of oneself and one’s opinions, and authoritative. The opposite emotions are a lack of self-confidence, impressionable, meek and compliant, too often driven by other people’s opinions instead of respecting themselves and their own capabilities.

Large Intestine
Emotionally, this remedy deals with being confident in yourself and having a healthy feeling of self-worth. Not conceit but a healthy knowing that you are is enough. Negative feelings include, naturally, low self-esteem, unwarranted feelings of guilt, and discouragement. The various remedies included in this combination cover everything from the fear of memory loss to irritability and debilitating exhaustion. Keynote—something common to all parts of this remedy is that the issues begin in the digestive tract somewhere.

Lung
The ability to accept and absorb new ideas—to be teachable—is, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine connected to the ability and habit of breathing air deeply into one’s lungs. It follows, then, that the emotions of the lung meridian would be humility, tolerance, and being teachable with the negative aspects being pride, intolerance, and feeling that one already knows it all!

Stomach
Several of the remedies in this combination are considered ‘polychrests’, meaning that they will be indicated and used for most people at some time—or from time to time—for most people. The positive emotional pattern includes contentment, gratitude, and appreciation for the blessings, people, and overall situation of one’s life. The negative aspect—and it is, in my opinion, very negative—is constant feelings of disappointment with an attitude of ‘there is never enough for all of us”. This attitude, of course, leads to selfishness and greed.

Spleen
Positive emotional patterns are confidence, faith, and happy anticipation of the future. The negative aspects include a great deal of anxiety about the future and anticipation accompanied by feelings of grief and loss. These feelings may be anticipation of loss rather than memories of past losses. A keynote of one of the single remedies in this combination is clearness of mind with an abundance of good ideas popping into one’s mind late in the evening. Very nice, unless you are trying to get some extra sleep!

Triple Warmer
This meridian is closely associated with the immune system and protects the body from discomfort or external threats. This meridian covers everything from the temperature of the room to the safety of a building or room we are entering. The negative aspect is being susceptible to auto-immune disorders with their accompanying feelings of hopelessness. The positive aspects include a strong immune system that protects the physical body and brings feelings of lightness and hope.

Pericardium
Because the heart must be open and able to feel both joy and sorrow, the body has provided a strong defense and alarm system for it. In far Eastern philosophies, this is what is referred to as the Pericardium Meridian. The emotions here are very strong. Positive—sensible insight and protection of the heart and the emotions connected to it with openness, peacefulness, and a feeling of fulfillment in relationships. Negative – withdrawal and anger at perceived hurt and manic depressive tendencies with emotions fluctuating all over the place!

Small Intestine
One of the many functions of this meridian is to improve blood flow to the brain. As a result, of course, clearness of thought as opposed to slowness of mental capabilities is part of the overall pattern. Emotionally, there will be either great joy and an intense sort of happiness OR deep sorrow, depression, and a tendency to periods of melancholy.

Heart
The heart meridian, as is to be expected, is involved with feelings of love and compassion for others. When the heart is functioning properly and this meridian is balanced, there is kindness, acceptance of others, and a desire and ability to serve others. The negative emotions are, naturally, anger, judgment, and constant belittling of others.

There is one other very important aspect to this meridian! People with extremely out-of-balance heart meridians have the ability to look around at others, see them behaving lovingly and they ‘act the part’ usually in a manipulative manner, convincing others that they are loving and kind. These ‘actors’ can be very charismatic and draw people to them in order to manipulate and use them for their own ends.

^LeCherish

Finally, many years ago, I felt like my little company (with some help from my husband) could finally afford a small bottle of Osmanthus essential oil. I wanted to try to blend it with something that would enhance this expensive oil’s healing capacities and maybe, by reducing the price overall, make it more affordable to customers. I found that this oil would only tolerate being blended with the equally exotic and expensive Jasmine essential oil and with a small percentage of Cistus (the flower known as rock rose).

I love—and cherish—this blend. Emotionally, it helps me feel courageous and strong with clarity of purpose and determination. But, at the same time, I feel more sensitive and compassionate and willing to serve those around me who also are struggling in some way. Since so many physical ailments, especially chronic ones, are driven by our emotions, high-frequency blends such as ^LeCherish impact the physical body on every level.

Fortunately, the aroma of the blend stays around for a long time. I spilled a few drops in my purse once and can assure you of that!

^LeCherish is of equal value to both men and women as it helps us develop and emphasize inner courage, strength of character, and clarity of purpose, while at the same time, filling our souls with greater reserves of sensitivity and compassion.

Magnolia

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Magnolia flowers have been used for centuries to provide vital energy to the various organ systems of the body. This potent essential oil balances hormones (the messengers of the body), and is calming to the nervous system, thus providing feelings of relaxation and tranquility. It is an outstanding oil for treating depression.

Physically, Magnolia essential oil nourishes the skin and balances the overproduction of oil by the sebaceous glands. Magnolia is often useful in the treatment of acne, dark spots, and even for dealing with boils and other skin eruptions. Due to Magnolia’s antimicrobial and antiseptic properties, it is often used to treat respiratory infections. It has been widely used to clear the sinuses, relieve sinus headaches, clear chest and sinus congestion, relieve coughing, and may also offer relief for allergic reactions and asthma. Magnolia oil is also applied to reduce fevers, regulate female hormones, treat menstrual cramps, and otherwise promote a normal menstrual cycle.

Avocado Carrier Oils

Avocado Oil is a rich oil that penetrates deeply into the skin. It is rich in the skin nourishing vitamins of A, D, and E. This carrier oil is especially good for use with dry, aging, or sun- and wind-damaged skin. Avocado oil is an excellent choice as a carrier for essential oils being used for eczema or psoriasis. Avocado oil is said to have a sufficiently high sterol content to be useful as a carrier when using essential oils for joint and muscle inflammation and pain.

Avocado oil comes in both virgin and refined versions. The virgin oil is dark green and has a stronger aroma than the refined version. It also has a less strong aroma. I find the refined to be wonderfully effective and much easier to use.

Reset Kits

It is strongly recommend that you read ALL of chapter 5 in “Butterfly Miracles with Herbal Remedies” by LaRee Westover before starting any cleanse. The information here is only a summary of the information in that chapter. There is also a wealth of information on Butterflyexpress.shop about the most effective and least ‘uncomfortable’ ways to cleanse the body. These PDF documents and articles are ‘links’ that can be accessed when these two kits are clicked on.

A cleanse done with proper supporting herbs should not cause feelings of discomfort while you are doing it. Cleansing shouldn’t leave you feeling tired, out-of-sorts, or less than alert when you are finished. The trick here is to balance system cleansing and strengthening efforts in the proper proportions. This can be done easily if one pays attention to the signals the body sends.

A renowned herbalist, Dr. John Christopher, was fond of saying that “discomfort” (his polite way of saying downright misery) “will be a sign of carelessness.” Small, frequently repeated doses are more likely to be effective and less likely to cause discomfort.

WATER – Drink! Drink! Drink! (Find good water without chemicals if you possibly can.) This cannot be overemphasized! Sufficient water will keep the eliminative channels open and prevent a host of discomforting symptoms.

Reset Kit

The four herbal tincture combinations included in this kit include a remedy for 1) kidneys, 2) colon, 3)liver, 4) blood. Information provided on the website Butterflyexpress.shop also includes recommendations should the brain or brain stem become over-burdened if the cleanse is done too rapidly.

KB for the kidneys. Suggested accompanying essential oils include ^LeReflections, ^LeLetting Go, and ^LeMoonlight.
CD for cleansing and supporting the colon. Suggested essential oils include ^LeInsideOut, ^LeEZ Traveler, ^LeJulia, and Peppermint.
LC is a marvelous liver herbal combination that encourages the liver (which always stores fat first before it accumulates in the body) to cleanse itself. Please read the section on fatty liver in the book, Butterfly Miracles with Essential Oils. Fatty liver is no longer just a disease of alcoholics.
RC is an herbal blood cleanser and purifier. As the body detoxes, impurities of all sorts are dumped into the blood. RC aids in the essential process of making these toxins available to the kidneys for excretion. RC is also an excellent infection fighter.

Reset Plus Kit

The Reset Plus Kit contains all four of the herbal combinations found in the Reset Kit (discussed above). In addition, this expanded Kit contains ^LeIQ and ^LeRevitalize essential oil combinations, a small coconut oil for use with the essential oils and Redmond Clay.

Among the 12 single oils composing ^LeIQ are Frankincense, Sandalwood, and Helichrysum. These three oils are high in sesquiterpenes. Oils containing sesquiterpenes cross the blood/brain barrier to cleanse, nourish, and carry oxygen to the brain. During a cleanse, this sort of protection and nourishment can make the entire process effective and less uncomfortable.

Over the years, ^LeRevitalize has become my husband’s most often reached for essential oil blend! ^LeRevitalize increases stamina and replenishes energy levels. This blend is especially effective for those who make a habit out of running faster than they have strength and for those who are worn out from worry or chronic illness.

Redmond Clay, used in the tub or as a foot soak, allows much of the toxins that are being dumped into the blood during the cleansing process to use the large pores of the body and even larger pores of the feet as eliminative organs.

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