Well well...

Over the Thanksgiving vacation, I stopped at a Vitamin Shoppe to pick up supplies. Next to the Astragalus, I found Cat's Claw capsules. I found out that Cat's Claw is a woody vine that grows in Brazil and apparently has very good healing, preventative, and restorative powers for the human immune system, blood circulation, digestive tract, arteries, respiratory system (yes, Em, asthma too) and overall well-being.
I've been taking the capsules since then, and I agree that it definitely does something. What with all these annoying viruses and bacteria floating around, I haven't gotten sick. And I feel really good: my skin is clearing up, my hair looks shinier, I have more energy and stamina, and my mood seems to be permanently set on Yay and Whee. Can't say it's all due to the Cat's Claw, but I'm not going to rule it out either. The article I found claims that in testing, it beat out almost every other "immune defense" supplement we know about. Hey, who am I to judge? I like how it's working with me. And yes, it may also be a psychosomatic placebo effect, but ask me if I care. Guess what? I don't care. If it works, it works. Besides, I like feeling good.
This would be where I read about it:
http://www.naturesalternatives.com/herbs/catsclaw.html

I also found out that when diluted and mixed tea tree oil is applied to the skin, it can relieve respiratory, cold and flu symptoms and infections through inhalation. And to think it was just for acne and skin problems.

yawn, stretch, purr

Adam just got home. I'm ready to go bed. I've been reading "So Long And Thanks For All The Fish" and I forgot how funny and sweet that book is. I burned my finger after microwaving stew (the steam hit it when I reached for the bowl) and it hurts like all hell. The skin is slightly red but the hurt goes deeper, so I may have done more damage than it looks. Ice and aloe, good things. Owie.

But I'm comfortable and my face has been washed and my teeth are clean and I had yummy stew that did not burn my mouth. *blows on poor finger* Going to take some valerian and cat's claw and then cuddle with my boyfriend all happy and go sleepy go night-night go zzzz.