Miraculous Living: A Guided Journey in Kabbalah Through the Ten Gates of the Tree of Life

by Shoni Labowitz

Overview

From Simon & Schuster, Miraculous Living is Shoni Labowitz's guided journey in Kabbalah through the ten gates of the tree of life.

In Miraculous Living Rabbi Shoni Labowitz unlocks the secrets of ancient Jewish mystical traditions in an inspiring, enlightening book that will appeal to Jews seeking to rediscover their spiritual roots.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780684835563
Publisher:	Touchstone
Publication date:	03/12/1998
Pages:	336
Sales rank:	229,071
Product dimensions:	5.50(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.90(d)

About the Author

Shoni Labowitz is a nationally known lecturer, spiritual guide, and creator of healing rituals in the Jewish kabbalistic tradition. She is the director of Living Waters, a spiritual health spa program, and is co-rabbi with her husband, Phillip Labowitz, of Temple Adath Or in Fort Lauderdale.

Read an Excerpt

Miraculous Living

A Guided Journey in Kabbalah Through the Ten Gates of the Tree of Life

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By Shoni Labowitz

Fireside Books

Copyright © 2004 Shoni Labowitz
All right reserved.
ISBN: 0743264851

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Chapter One: A Word from the Author

Today, according to the esteemed Journal of the American Medical Association, a full 42% of Americans have used natural healing therapies. To me, this is extremely good news because this was not always the case!

Although it was nearly 20 years ago, I vividly recall the afternoon I nervously gave my first talk on herbs to the local PTA. Even though I was among friends in a progressive community, I had no idea how they would react to my unconventional presentation on the healing power of herbs for children.

This was long before the popularity of Dr. Andrew Weil, organic foods, and the acknowledgment of the mind-body healing connection by the medical establishment. Keep in mind that until recently, "alternative" meant odd, and in many places in this country sprinkling sprouts on a salad was considered absolutely anti-establishment!

I was a mother of two sons and played an active role in the life of my town, so I felt people were willing to listen to what I had to say. My audience turned out to be receptive (albeit cautious) and I was encouraged to move forward with what was to become my life's work: sharing myknowledge of the healing power of herbs -- at first with family and friends, then with clients -- and now, with you. Though I was devoted to my subject, I could hardly have known, as I gave that brief speech, that two decades later I would be writing a book on natural healing. But spreading the word about healing herbs is, after all, the most rewarding aspect of my work. I believe, as do many parents, that in addition to a repertoire of remedies that helps the body heal itself, the natural approach to wellness helps engage our young to be involved in their own health care, offering a level of understanding that will stay with them for their entire lives. They learn that taking care of their bodies preventatively is every bit as important as consulting a doctor when they are sick.

America's surge in interest for natural therapies to complement, and sometimes even replace, conventional medical treatment has been reflected in, as well as driven by, mainstream media. As a result, educational opportunities in the field of holistic health care have blossomed. Even our most respected medical schools are adding studies in natural therapies to their curricula. Think back to the 1970s, when massage was noted for its sexual connotations. Now it's a reimbursable medical expense under many health-care plans. I could not have imagined twenty years ago that The New York Times would have run a piece on "alternative medicine" and was delighted when they wrote about me and herbal remedies.

In the sixties and seventies, my father's losing battle with heart disease fostered my interest in alternative healing options. I have always believed in the adage "Seek and ye shall find," and that's precisely what I did. I was surprised to discover that natural healing therapies never went out of style in Europe and, in fact, that they have long been the primary modality of healing throughout much of the world. According to the World Health Organization, over 80% of the world uses herbs for healing!

My undergraduate work focused on speech pathology for children. Throughout the years, as an early childhood teacher, and mother of two sons, I continued to be actively involved with children. Positive feedback is great for building one's confidence, so after years of informally sharing my herbal remedies with friends and family, I followed my heart's desire and formalized my studies in herbology. Four years of study, in addition to field work and apprenticeships helped me to attain the level of Master Herbalist. I was privileged to be mentored in the work of the late Dr. John R. Christopher, one of the most respected authors and practitioners of natural health care in this country. Dr. Christopher lovingly shared his botanical formulas with the world, and, in the spirit of carrying on his tradition, I gladly share them with you in the chapters to follow.

I maintain a private practice for those people requiring a deeper level of assistance but continue to lecture nationwide, helping others to help themselves naturally. Gentle Healing for Baby and Child evolved in response to innumerable requests for a simple, straightforward guide for parents. Books on herbs are plentiful, but my research reveals that very few offer an easy, gentle approach for children. (Do consider using many of these therapies on yourselves. After all, what's good for little bodies also works on bigger bodies -- it's just not always so in reverse.) As parents, we are especially cautious about how we treat our youngsters. A guideline for peace of mind is Andrea's Rule of Three:

• Three days: If you are dealing with an acute situation, expect it to be turned around within three days or seek medical help.
• Three weeks: For a gentle program of internal cleansing of organs, allow three weeks.
• Three months: To reverse a long-standing, chronic condition, create a three-month focus of healing therapies and lifestyle changes for your child.

All of the remedies presented here are perfectly safe, and are the result of years of experience with clients and, of course, my own sons, Chris and Brian. Best of all, incorporating these remedies into your children's lifestyles will teach them how important it is to be in charge of their own health, and the gift of health is, indeed, one of the greatest blessings of all.

As a Master Herbalist, I consider it an honor to be able to share over 25 years of experience with you, and to gently introduce you to the healing power of herbs. May this book be the cornerstone of your children's excellent health and wellness now, and for the rest of their lives.

Andrea Candee

South Salem, New York

Copyright © 2001 by Andrea Candee and David Andrusia

Continues...

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Excerpted from Miraculous Living by Shoni Labowitz Copyright © 2004 by Shoni Labowitz. Excerpted by permission.
All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced or reprinted without permission in writing from the publisher.
Excerpts are provided by Dial-A-Book Inc. solely for the personal use of visitors to this web site.

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Table of Contents

Contents

Foreword

1 A Word from the Author

2 A Brief History of Herbs

3 Dosing Guidelines

How to Dose Your Child

• Adult Doses

• Reduce Quantity, Not Frequency

• How to Dose Eardrops

• Cayenne Dosing

• Garlic Dosing

How to Administer Herbs to A Child

4 Herbs to the Rescue!

Splinters

• The Banana Trick

• The Sticky Tape Trick

From Cuts and Scrapes to Bleeding Wounds

• The Disappearing Blood Trick

• Nature's Soothers

• Honey: Nature's Skin Healer

• Antiseptic Washes

• The Brown Paper Bag Trick

• Cayenne Pepper to the Rescue

• Rescue Remedy

• Comfrey

• Garlic

• Garlic Poultice

Burns

• When to Seek Emergency Help

• Natural Remedies for Burns

• Dr. Christopher's Burn Ointment

• Baby Bear's Burn Remedy

• Amazing Aloe Cure

Sunburn

• Apple Cider Vinegar Bath

• Yogurt Skin Healer

• Baking Soda Sunburn Soother

• Aloe Vera Plant

• Soupy, Goopy Burn Gel

Broken Bones

• Calming the Nerves

• Dr. Christopher's BF&C

• Healing Visualizations

Bone-Loving Tea

• Bruises, Sprains, Strains, Sports Injuries

• Smelly Yellow Onion Debruiser and Sprain Remedy

• Castor Oil

• St. John's Wort Bruiseaway

• Arnica Oil

• Dr. Christopher's BF&C Ointment

• Comfrey Poultice

Inflammation and Pain

• Analgesic Herbs

• Anti-Inflammatory Herbs

• Antiseptic Herbs

• NervineHerbs

Muscle Stress and Spasms

Restless Leg Syndrome

Chiropractic/Osteopathy

Stiff Neck

• The Tension-Taming Neck Game

• Yoga

Nosebleeds

• Quick & Easy Remedies

• The Healer of All Healers

Insect Bites and Stings

• Plantain, Comfrey, Chickweed

• Aloe

• Lavender

• Peppermint

• Yellow Onion

• Tea Tree Oil

• Calendula

• Vitamin E

• Castor Oil

• Dr. Christopher's CMM Ointment

• Chamomile Compress

• Baking Soda

• Mud

• Banana

• Apis

• Be Fragrance Free

• A Word About Insect Repellents

• Pennyroyal Mosquito Repellent

Lyme Disease

Jellyfish Stings

Poison Ivy

• Catch That Dot

• Dry It Up

Herbal First Aid Kit

• Personalize Your Kit

• Keep the Kit Portable!

• Standard First Aid Supplies

• Andrea's First Aid Kit

• First Aid Home Herbal Pack

5 The Upper Respiratory System

Sore Throats

• Gargle Without the Giggle

• Salty Lemon Gargle

• Grapefruit Seed Gargle

• Throat-Healing Herbs

Ear Infections

• Diet, Herbs, and Chiropractic

Earaches

• The Onion Pain Reliever

• Cell Salt Therapy

Itchy Ears

• Tea Tree and Garlic

Waxy Build-Up

• Peppermint De-Clogger

Eye Irritations

• Calendula/Chamomile Eye Therapy Compress

• Calendula/Chamomile Eyedrop Therapy

• Dr. Christopher's Herbal Eyebright Formula

Digestive Headaches

• Soothing Peppermint Tea #1

• Soothing Peppermint Tea #2

• More Headache-Relieving Remedies

Sinus-Related Headaches

• Decongesting Herbs

Emotionally Based Headaches

• Lovely Lavender

• Spirit Soothers

• Chamomile Bath

Fever-Related Headaches

• Fever-Reducing Herbs

• Headache Imagery

Nasal Congestion

• The Eucalyptus Inhaler

• The Eucalyptus Vapor

• The Eucalyptus Bath

• The Eucalyptus Dot

• Herbal Snuff

• Head-Clearing Tea

Swollen Glands

• Carrot Poultice

• Lymph-Cleansing Tea

• The Castor Oil Pack

The Common Cold

• Herbal Teas

• Echinacea

• Garlic

• Fluids

• Inhalations

Herbal Remedies for the Mouth and Lips

• Castor Oil Lip Salve

• Herbal Salves and Lipsticks

• Calendula Mouth Rinse

Cold Sores

• Nutritional Support

• Herbal Healers

• Aloe Leaf Remedy

• Raspberry Leaf Mouth Rinse

Bleeding Gums

• Flossing Can Be Fun

  d

• Astringent Mouthwash

• Tea Tree/Peppermint Mouthwash

Toothaches

• Ouch-tooth! Remedy

6 The Lower Respiratory System

Coughs/Laryngitis/Lung Congestion

• Onion/Honey Cough Syrup

• Thyme/Honey Syrup

• Thyme/Eucalyptus Bath

• Heavy-Duty Onion Poultice

• The Onion Pack

• Chest-Relaxing Ginger Rub

• Aromatic Congestion Oil

• Echinacea

• Cold and Flu Tea

• Garlic: Nature's Antibiotic

• CMG Syrup

• Garlic Fever Reducer

• Dr. Christopher's Anti-Plague Syrup

• Lung Formula Tea

• Fluids

• Cell Salts

• Suggested Protocol

Asthma

• Environmental Toxins

• Food Intolerance

• Empower Your Child!

• To Restore Emotional Balance

• Physical Exertion/Adrenal Nourishment

• Infection

• Herbal Therapies for Asthmatic Attacks

• Honegar

• Pressure Points

• The Integrated Approach

7 Skin-Loving Herbs

• How Herbs Penetrate the Skin

• The Simple Pimple Fix

Hives

• Nature's Pharmacy

Insect Bites/Stings

Head Lice

• Preventive Measures

• Rosemary Hair Juice

• Anise Lice Be-Gone

• Tea Tree Oil

• Overnight Lice Treatment

• Garlic and Echinacea

Rashes

• Soothing Applications

• Dry It Up

Chicken Pox

• Skin Relief

• Support the Immune System

Infected Skin

• Sage Wash

• Tea Tree Oil

• Echinacea Paste

Warts

• The Castor Oil Wart Chaser

Eczema and Chronic Rashes

• Chickweed

• Chickweed Bath

• Inner Cleansing

• Itchy-Skin Reliever

Prickly Heat Rash 120

Cysts

• Magical Castor Oil

• Internal Cleansers

Boils/Infected Skin/Pustules

• Drawing Poultices

• Instant Drawing Poultice

Psoriasis

Skin Ulcers

Inflamed Skin and Poison Plant Rashes

• Soothe-All Poultice

Impetigo

Anxiety-Reducing Herbs

Dandruff

Fungal Infections

• Pau D'Arco

• Tea Tree Oil

• Andrea's Anti-Fungal Oil

• Athlete's Foot Remedy

Warm Hands and Feet

• Ginger Hand-and-Foot Warmer

• Cayenne Foot Warmer

8 The Gastrointestinal System

Tummyaches

Gas, Bloating, and Digestive Upset

• Food Issues

• Herbal Support

• Honegar

Diarrhea

• Herbal Teas, Tablets, and Oil

• Food Recommendations

Constipation

• Natural Remedies

• Dairy and Constipation

Stomach Cramps

Irritable Bowel Syndrome/Colitis

• Anti-Spasmodics

• Soothing

• Calming

Nausea/Motion Sickness

• Peppermint Oil

• Motion Sickness Tea

• The Throw-Up Button!

Hiccoughs

Parasites and Worms

• The Glorious Garlic Go-Fer

Heartburn

• Dehydration

• Food Intake

• Natural Solutions

9 Baby's Comfort

Diaper Rash

• Tender Skin-Cleansing Herbs for Baby

• Herbs for Soothing Diaper Rash

• Powder Protection

• An Ounce of Prevention

Thrush, Candida, and Yeast

Cradle Cap

• Natural Approaches (Internal)

• Natural Approaches (Topical)

• Comfrey Root Scalp Rinse

General Skin Care

• Cleansing Baths

• Moisturizing Herbs

Colic

• Herbal Digestive Aids: Teas and Baths

• Tummy Intestinal Massage and Compress

• Ginger Compress

Constipation

Diarrhea

• Natural Aids

Vomiting

• Natural Aids

Oozing Eyes

Pink Eye/Conjunctivitis

Fevers

• Fever-Reducing Infusions

• Elderberry Syrup

• Fever-Reducing Baths/Compresses

• Cell Salts

Teething

• Herbal Teething Calmer

• Cell Salts

Vaccination Reactions

• Preparing for Vaccinations

• Calming Pre-Injection Jitters

• The Magic of Castor Oil

• If Vaccination Is Followed by Fever

• An Extra Dose for Peace of Mind

10 Herbal Programs for the Teen Years

• Honegar

Teen Energy Boosters

• Peppermint Bath

• Siberian Ginseng

Mood Swings

• St. John's Wort

• Bach Flower Essences

Acne

• The Outside-In

  • Gentle Facial Scrub

  • Honey-Nutmeg Cleansing Mask

  • Aloe Acne Treatment

  • Herbal Zinc Zapper

  • Herbal Steams

• The Inside-Out Approach

  • Food Testing

  • Constipation

  • Cleansing of the Internal Organs

  • Juni-Pars (Kidney and Bladder Cleanser)

  • Barberry LG (Liver and Gall Bladder Cleanser)

  • Fen LB (Colon Cleanser)

  • Red Clover Combination (Blood Cleanser)

  • Colon 8

Menstrual Cramps

• Gentle Ginger Compress

• Dr. Christopher's Nu-Fem Formula

A Teen Tonic

• Raspberry Leaf Tonic Tea

One More Thought...

11 Calming the Jitters

Herbs to Calm the Nervous System

• Bach Flower Rescue Remedy

• Tranquili-Tea

Sleep Problems

• Natural Approaches

• Peaceful Dreams Tea

• Essential Oils

• Herbal Extracts

Nail Biting

• Topical Deterrents

Fears and Anxieties

Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD)

Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD)

• Diet

• Herbs

  • How to Tailor a Formula to Your Child

• Essential Fatty Acids

• Essential Oils

  • Aromatic Massage Oil

  • Aromalamp

  • Scented Pillow

  • Aromatic Bath

• Vitamins and Minerals

  • Bone Tea Punch

• Chemicals in Your Child's Home and School Environment

• Empower Your Child!

• One Last Thought...

The Healing Power of Music

A Word on Mindful Living

12 Immune System Enhancers

• Foods to Support the Immune System

• Fresh Nettles

• Mineral Tonic Tea

• Immune-Boosting Soup

Excellent All-Around Immune Enhancers

• Siberian Ginseng

• Echinacea

  • In What Form to Use Echinacea

  • Why and How to Use Echinacea

  • How to Dose a Child with Echinacea

  • When to Give Echinacea

Fever-Fighting Herbs

• Get a Medical Diagnosis

• Herbal Baths

• Herbal Teas

• Herbs to Bolster the Immune System

• Vaporizing Herbs

• Cell Salts for Fever

• Nervine Herbs

• Bach Flower Remedies

Allergies

• Hive-Reducing Tea

• Helpful Botanicals

• Bee Pollen

• Cell Salts

Bedwetting

• Food Sensitivities

• Parsley and Juniper Berry Tea

• Remedies to Calm a Nervous Constitution

• Chiropractic

Yeast and Fungal Problems

• Nail Fungus

• Candidiasis

• Supporting Antibiotic Therapy to Prevent Candida

Appendix A: Applications

Suppositories

• How to Make an Herbal Suppository

How to Prepare a Medicinal Tea

• Infusions/Using Dried Herbs

• Infusions/Using Fresh Herbs

• Decoctions/Using Fresh or Dried Herbs

Equivalencies

Encapsulated Herbs

Compresses

Poultices

• Castor Oil Pack

Inhalations

How to Store and Preserve Herbal Remedies

• Liquid Extracts

• Dried Herbs and Capsules

• Herbal Teas

• Where to Get Your Herbs

Appendix B: Characteristics of Herbs

Appendix C: Food Testing

• How to Test Foods

• Wrist/Thigh Position

• Thumb/Pinky Connection

• Surrogate Testing

Appendix D: Understanding Toxicity and How It Affects Your Child

• Rebuilding Health

• Internal Cleansing

• Herbal Cleansers

Appendix E: Healing Imagery

Appendix F: Cell Salts

• Dosing Cell Salts

Appendix G: Resource Guide

• Product Resources

• Resources for Locating Natural Health Practitioners

• To Find Out More About Medicinal Herbs

Appendix H: Product Ingredients

Appendix I: Bach Flower Essences and Rescue Remedy

• Bach Flower Essences

• Rescue Remedy

• How to Dose

• References

Appendix J: Herbs and Their Latin Names

Bibliography

Index

Editorial Reviews

In this charming book filed with wonderful insights, Rabbi Labowitz guides readers nimbly through a considerable thicket of Jewish mystical wisdom. Labowitz focuses his attention on the Tree of Life tradition of Jewish mysticism, and he explores each of the 10 branches of the Tree of Life: Intention, Wisdom, Understanding, Compassion, Strength, Harmony, Success, Glory, Creativity and Nobility. To illuminate this tour, he calls upon references to Buddhist spirituality, feminist lore and Taoist philosophy. Labowitz sets himself a full plate, and his book is often frustrating and confusing, for he mixes metaphors by describing the tree of life as possessing city gates rather than branches. In addition, the purpose of the book is not clear, caught somewhere between a workbook for a spiritual journey and a commentary on the wisdom tradition of the Tree of Life. Even so, Labowitz has written an interesting introduction to some of the most absorbing insights in this Tree of Life tradition. (Oct.)

Publishers Weekly - Publisher's Weekly

An inspirational leader in the Jewish renewal movement, Labowitz applies teachings from the ancient wisdom of the Kabbalah to everyday life by meditating on the lessons borrowed from the mystical "tree of life": intention, wisdom, understanding, compassion, strength, harmony, success, glory, creativity, and nobility. The lessons of each chapter are introduced with a guided meditation intended to deepen the reader's openness to receiving the wisdom of the lesson. Labowitz draws liberally upon the insights of Taoism and Buddhism while remaining true to the traditional teachings of mystical Judaism. All readers, regardless of religious faith, will benefit from this meditative approach to practical living. Recommended for all libraries.

Library Journal