Cold sitz bath (or hip bath)

Fill a sitz bath with suffiecient cold water so that when you sit in it, the water reaches your belly button (umbilicus). Sit in the bath for 3 minutes maximum, while hanging your legs over the side. Rub yourself dry vigorously with a large, warm towel and go straight to bed.

Caution: Women should not take a cold sitz bath while menstruating. In the acute stage of a bladder infection a cold sitz bath will not be beneficial.

Shyam Singha's Juices

Some of the most effective remedies are juices made from fresh fruit and raw vegetables. It is advisable to invest in a good quality electric juicer which extracts the maximum amount of juice from fruit and vegetables (the remaining pulp can be used to make stock or soups). All fruit and vegetables should be washed thoroughly, but not skinned or peeled - except bananas, pomegranates, citrus fruits and melons. Include the pips, pith and seeds. All juices are best taken immediately rather than stored in the fridge. They should be sipped slowly while the stomach is empty, preferably first thing in the morning.

Fresh fruit and vegetable juices contain organic acids, which have an alkalizing effect on the body. Most degenerative diseases are the result of excessive acidity, which can be neutralized by the organic acids contained in fruit and vegetables. Fruit juices have a diuretic effect, releiving congestion in the kidneys. They also augment the treatment of arthritis and liver complaints.

In the Fresh Juice Recipes throughout this section, use an equal amount of juice from each of the fruits and vegetables listed.

A GOOD GENERAL TONIC

When feeling unwell without any obvious cause, this drink will always be helpful. Make from equal amounts of the following juices:
in the mouth - painful white coating on the tongueCarrot
in the mouth - painful white coating on the tongueCelery
in the mouth - painful white coating on the tongueCooking apple
in the mouth - painful white coating on the tongueRaw beetroot
in the mouth - painful white coating on the tongueParsley

Add a pinch of salt, black pepper and some ground roasted cumin seeds. Drink 500ml, undiluted. Chew 1 slice of fennel root when in season. In addition, breathe more deeply, emphasizing your out-breaths. Try this exercise for 10 minutes each morning and evening. If you feel that your system - especially the heart, lungs and liver - is in need of a revitalization programme, try the following:

FRESH JUICE RECIPE

Mix equal amounts of raw beetroot and carrot juice with freshly grated ginger, 1 finely chopped chilli and the pith of a lemon. Add cayenne pepper and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Drink 1-2 cups first thing every morning. You should also drink plenty of eucalyptus herb tea and take regular exercise.