Sarah's Tent

5 ‘But if she gives birth to a female child, then she shall be unclean for two weeks, as in her monthly separation, and she remains in the blood of her cleansing for sixty-six days. 6‘And when the days of her cleansing are completed, for a son or for a daughter, she brings to the priest a lamb a year old, as a burnt offering, and a young pigeon or a turtledove as a sin offering, to the door of the Tent of Meeting. 7‘And he shall bring it before HWHY, and make atonement for her, and she shall be cleansed from the flow of her blood. This is the Torah for her who has given birth to a male or a female. 8‘And if she is not able to bring a lamb, then she shall bring two turtledoves or two young pigeons, one as a burnt offering and the other as a sin offering. And the priest shall make atonement for her, and she shallnbe clean.’ ”

As was stated in our last teaching, YHWH’s instructions are for our good.  When we abide in the Living Torah – Y’shua H’Moshiach - we’re kept from the enemy.  When we disobediently walk outside of the Living Torah, not allowing His words to dwell in us richly, h’shatan is allowed free access into our lives – we then leave the clean realm and cross back to that which we’ve been delivered from, the unclean realm.

From a physiological perspective I will quote from two sources. Since studying this topic within the last several months I’ve come into a deeper understanding of the wisdom behind, not only sexual abstinence, but in the need for a woman to rest and take special care of herself during, at least, the first three days of her cycle when toxins are at their highest, and also during the set apart times prescribed by Torah after childbirth. My sources will explain. “As an illustration, let us take a cursory look at childbirth in modern society (in contrast to childbirth during the world of Mary), where the cost of hospitalization to deliver a child can cost, in some cases as much as $20,000 and more.  In spite of the high costs, three days after you deliver the baby you are sent home to fend for yourself still having heavy menstruation.  Even if a relative or neighbor stops in to assist, because of their own demanding schedules, that assistance is limited.  Thus, there is no opportunity for your body to properly heal.  A recuperating mother's body is still in a state of complete uncleanness, discharging toxins internally and externally, and often emitting noxious odors.  Ultimately, this can have a degenerative effect upon the brain.  Despite being in this state, a mother must enter the kitchen, prepare meals for herself and the family, and handle many other chores for which her body is not prepared.  The damage being done may not be noticed immediately, but just as certain as relative law governs all things, the effects will definitely show up in the by and by. In addition, the daily, physical contact with her children, and other family members, exposes them to future sickness. (taken from the chapter entitled "Returning unto The Cycles of The Most Holy, Yoninah B. Israel)

“The toxicity of menstrual blood has been well substantiated.  Mach and Lubin showed that the blood plasma, milk, sweat and saliva of menstruating women contains a substance that is highly toxic to protoplasm of living plants.  This toxic substance is not present during the intermenstrual periods.

The presence of toxic matter becomes obvious when one discovers that 'during the first three days of menstruation the leukocyte counts in the discharge are generally higher...on the first days it was three times higher than normal values for venous blood'.  Leukocyte count goes up only when there is poisoning in the body." (Survival Into the 21st Century, p.174/Viktoras Kulvinskas, Omangod Press)

The prophetic promise was to establish Bahnote Yisrael above all nations of the earth – pending our complete obedience to His Laws, Statutes, and Commandments. We can conclude that had we continued to build upward upon the wisdom handed down to us from YHWH through His mouthpiece Moshe, our civilization as Yisraelites would’ve been so advanced that no words could express what we may have achieved.

YHWH desires that as His Daughters of Zion we would once again be restored to that glory in Y’shua of His original design. It grieves Him to see His beautiful women suffer from PMS, PMDD, and every hormonal, physiological symptom of menstrual-related illness.  I’ve always worked very hard. Much of my adult life has found me involved in several entrepreneur endeavors.  Working 50-60 hour days was a trait that I inherited from my ancestors, but without proper balance that comes from walking with YHWH by following His set apart instructions and teachings, this will begin having adverse effects. Working in this fashion in my 20’s and 30’s was a breeze, but once I came into my 40’s, coupled with co-shepherding a congregation with my husband, managing a home, family and several online portals, with all the emotional stresses that all of the above do carry, I became very ill. For years I suffered terribly with PMS, but entering into my 40’s the range of symptoms grew and became more intense.  Doctors have found that there are 150 classified symptoms of PMS; I believe at one point in my life I suffered with each!  Heart palpitations, tightness in my chest, migraines with associated partial blindness, nausea, unexplained bruising, dizziness were just some of the symptoms of hormonal imbalance two weeks before my cycle began only to subside a day or two into it.  In fear and frustration I cried out to YAH, pleading with Him to show me the way back home – back to my original state of good health.  Those prayers were answered.  Through a series of events, our family daycare closed, and I was now back at home.  Being a student of health since I was 17, and using this knowledge to help our daycare parents, YHWH used this time to open my eyes. I began to utilize my love for alternative health once again to research my own symptoms.  What I discovered astonished me! After several emergency room visits, EKGs, multiple blood tests, thyroid tests with all of them returning back normal, I found out hundreds of dollars later what any doctor could’ve told me:  stress had caused my hormonal imbalances.  It sounds like a no-brainer, but when a woman is out of her element (in my case I was co-Director of an in-home family daycare, but I was outside of my own home), when she doesn’t take the instruction to work from sunup to sundown, when she doesn’t slow down her pace as she enters into her seven day set apart time, when she doesn’t find that much-needed balance between work and rest, she is setting up her body for many degenerative illnesses. The sick spirit which lusted after its own way, cutting itself off from the power and life of Torah, signals the body and the brain that her hormonal balance is off, she has become tamei in spirit and this impurity has now offset her chemically and hormonally which then affects her nefesh – her mind soul, and body.

I thank YHWH for His bountiful grace and mercies upon my life.  Though I still carry a load, it has become manageable since being home I am not driven by time, nor am I any longer enslaved by other’s demands.  I am learning to delegate, take frequent rests throughout the day, keep a clean and orderly home, am more focused on my role as a keeper at home, wife and mother, garden (my passion!), spend a lot of time with my family (my passion!), and most importantly, study YHWH’s word (my passion!! *smile*).  For all the years that my health began to fail me, I have seen His hand quickly restore me as it has taken less than a year to  see my health restored back to me. One of the gems that I have rediscovered in YAH’s word is His heart regarding our total health.  His word tells us that He will remove the diseases of Mitsrayim upon us, and will bless our bread and our water if we serve Him (Exodus 23:25).  To serve Him is to attend to His Torah, to heed it, to walk after His Laws, Statutes, and Commandments as they pertain to us as women.  As we return to Him He is faithful to quickly “restore back to us the years that the locust hath eaten” (Joel 2:25). 

Lastly, for those suffering with health-related PMS/PMDD, menstrual symptoms know that though these symptoms are not normal, menstruation is.  Niddah is a time to embrace.  It’s your body’s way of telling you that you are still able to bear children.  It’s your body’s natural cleansing system – praise YHWH for this time!  I would also encourage each of you to sanctify yourselves completely to YHWH Who is your Purifier, Whose Son’s blood has cleansed your blood of all iniquity – no condition is outside the cleansing work of His blood, my sisters!   Just as we work out our salvation, our seasons of being niddot should be approached with the same awe and expectancy knowing that His perfect will and work is being completed within us in all the seasons of our lives. 

Practically-speaking, in finding wholeness regarding menstrual conditions, during my times of niddah I have researched and found a compilation of alternative helps;  alternative versus the conventional medical use.  These are herbal in properties as YHWH’s word teaches us that He gives herbs (not synthetic drugs) for the service of man (Tehilla 104:14).  Pharmaceuticals (Gk. Pharmakeia) only masks the symptoms since they are synthetic in nature, and therefore cannot actually heal the condition.  Herbs work with the body, building up and delivering YHWH’s healing properties to the cellular structure of man.  In providing this information, we must keep in mind that according to Tehilla/Psalm 103:3 It is YHWH who heals all our diseases, so before administering any herbal formula, bless YHWH for what He has provided for the service of man, and He, in turn, will bless your food. 

Disclaimer

The information contained below is intended for educational purposes only. The decision to administer herbal treatments is solely at the discretion of the reader, and the author, publisher accepts no responsibility for any side-effects that may occur as a result. It is not provided in order to diagnose, prescribe, or treat any disease, illness or injured condition of the body and the author, publisher accept no responsibility for such use.  It is highly recommended that you check with your alternative healer as to the safety of this information for your particular medical condition(s).

ADDENDUM:

NIDDAH & PMS/PMDD INSTRUCTIONS

General PMS protocol:

1. Diet:
Fruits and Vegetables

Eat a wide variety of wholesome, tasty foods. Fresh vegetables and fruit contain plenty of vital nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, trace minerals, carotenoids, flavonoids, essential fatty acids, anti-oxidants and fiber. At least five vegetables should be eaten per day along with one to three pieces of fruit. Variety should be a part of the cooking process as well as the different kinds of vegetables. Steaming, stir fry, and baking reduces nutrient loss and raw vegetables are excellent also. Too much fruit can cause problems with blood sugar levels.

Complex Carbohydrates: Complex carbohydrates provide the energy we need to fuel our bodies. These foods include whole grains, legumes, dried beans and peas, nuts, seeds and some of the root vegetables and should provide about 30% of the daily diet. These complex carbohydrates are high in fiber and can lower blood cholesterol, stabilize blood sugar, reduce the appetite, regulate the bowels, and provide a consistent and balanced energy. Many of these foods also contain phytoestrogens.

Care should be taken to eat mostly whole foods rather than refined carbohydrates. When grains and sugars are refined, the fiber and nutrients are removed leaving them to function as ‘empty carbs’ with plenty of calories and very little nutritional value. These foods are responsible for the blood sugar symptoms in which the sugar in the bloodstream increases rapidly giving a quick energy boost, but just as quickly can drop off causing fatigue, cravings and irritability which also happen to be symptoms of PMS.

Drink 4-6 glasses of pure water daily. A dry mouth can mean that dehydration has already begun.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids: These fats are useful for inflammation, allergic reactions, skin and joint health and maintain cardiovascular health. They can predominantly be found in deep sea fish, nuts and seeds. Nuts and seeds also contain beneficial phytoestrogens. Fish oils and flaxseed oils are the most common supplements of Omega 3 Fatty Acids.

2. Foods to Avoid:

Commercial Meats, Fish and Dairy: Commercially produced meats, dairy and farmed fish all contain steroids and antibiotics and are generally raised in stressful, unsanitary conditions. Organically raised flesh foods, eggs and dairy products provide a much healthier option for high quality protein. 40 grams of protein daily is generally sufficient for most women.

Trans-fatty acids: Found in manufactured and fried foods such as margarine and shortening they cause platelets to become ‘sticky’, increase cholesterol and can interfere with useful prostaglandins, which may reduce severity and incidence of PMS.

Caffeine: Caffeine containing beverages increase anxiety and nervousness and can exacerbate insomnia. Excessive intake has been linked to endometriosis, fibroids, PMS and benign breast disease.

Reduce exposure to xeno-estrogens: Environmental estrogens, also called xeno-estrogens, are a large group of chemical that are mostly derived from petroleum. These chemicals include the pesticides endosulphan, toxaphene, dieldrin and chlordecone, the polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs) found in hydraulic fluid, neon tubes, DDT and DDE; plastics such as nonylphenol released from soft plastics and modified polystyrene; and bisphenol-A, a plastic found in the coating of metal food cans.

These chemicals tend to accumulate in fatty tissue and can be found throughout the food chain. Animals closer to the top of the food chain that eat other animals or those that eat contaminated feed or water will contain the highest chemical residues. Pesticide sprayed vegetables contain somewhat less and organic vegetables lesser still.

Food can become easily contaminated when wrapped or stored in plastic especially plastic wraps or when food is heated in plastic containers. Certain foods also have a tendency to leach these chemicals from plastic such as citrus fruits. High fat foods propose more of a problem because xeno-estrogens are fat-soluble. Xeno-estrogens can also be inhaled by breathing air contaminated with chemicals, burning rubbish, drinking contaminated water or even inhaling chlorine fumes while swimming or taking a shower.

The health implications of these chemicals are still unknown but xeno-estrogens can increase levels of 16-hydroxyoestone, a metabolite of estrogen, which has been associated with breast cancer. Some researchers have proposed that combinations of these chemicals could have profound biological implications.

Since the body sees these chemicals as a type of estrogen, and the estrogen dominance theory is a possible cause of PMS, it stands to reason that these environmental estrogens can be a contributing factor in PMS symptomology by disrupting hormonal balance.

3. Vitamin B Complex:

B Vitamins are essential for healthy nervous system function, help keep blood sugar stabilized, and reduce food cravings. A tablet supplement can be taken or Brewer’s Yeast or Rice Bran Syrup if there is no yeast intolerance.

4. Calcium/Magnesium:

Calcium has been to used in Chinese Medicine for thousands of years to calm the nervous system. Its usefulness in bone building is also well established. 1000mg-1500mg can be taken daily. Since there is usually a premenstrual dip in magnesium a supplement of 200-800mg daily can help with fluid retention, blood sugar balance and cravings.

5. Clear the Liver and bowel of hormones:

Bitter herbs and foods such as Dandelion, Endive, Escarole and Broccoli Rabe can help clear the liver and healthy bowel flora with adequate fiber will help keep the bowel clear of hormones. An acidophilus supplement with FOS can be useful along with cultured foods such as yogurt, miso or sauerkraut.

6. Stress Management:

Some form of stress management or exercise can be invaluable in helping women cope with the physical and emotional changes of PMS. Walking, dancing, and other mild exercises, scripture meditation, breathing exercises are some possible choices.

Irritability

The liver is the organ most associated with irritability and anger. It is also thought to contribute to other symptoms of PMS, because it is the main organ that should break down estrogen and other hormones, especially when levels become excessive. Try the following formula in tea form. There are also a number of good commercial products that contain many of the same herbs, either in liquid or powdered extract form.

• Fringe tree bark (20%) (regulates liver function)
• Dandelion root (25%) (cools and cleanses the liver)
• Artichoke leaf (20%) (promotes bile production, opens liver)
• Centaury herb (15%) (or gentian rt.) (cooling to the liver, activates digestion)
• Orange peel (10%) ('harmonizes' digestion, enhances flavor)
• Licorice (10%) (reduces inflammation, enhances flavor)

Blend 1 tsp of the chopped or cut and sifted herbs/1 cup of boiling water, steep for 20-30 minutes, and drink 1 cup 2-3 times daily before meals. The individual tinctures can be added to water (1 tsp/cup, 2-3 x daily).

Cramping and Pelvic Pain

Cramps are uncomfortable muscle spasms of the uterus with associated pain in the pelvic area. A crampy feeling often precedes the start of the menstrual cycle. General pelvic pain can be eased with the help of self-massage, herbal antispasmodics (valerian, cramp bark, wild yam, California poppy), anodynes (California poppy, Jamaican dogwood, Chinese corydalis), and blood-moving herbs (ginger, cayenne).

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) works as an antispasmodic, relieving menstrual cramps by relaxing smooth muscles. It is quite effective for cramps, particularly when taken in fairly large doses, especially when blended with cramp bark (50-50). This time-honored herb is of additional benefit as it is an excellent nervine and helps allay emotional stress and nervousness which sometimes occur before the menstrual cycle.

• Dosage: 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of the tincture; it may be taken in 1/2 teaspoon doses every 2-3 hours until cramping subsides.

Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) is remarkably effective for relaxing muscle tension and spasms in the uterus, thereby relieving menstrual cramps. A smooth muscle relaxant with similar properties to valerian, it focuses its action on the pelvic area (the 'valerian of the uterus). Cramp bark is beneficial for ovarian and uterine cramps before and during menstruation.

• Dosage: 2-5 droppersful of the tincture in a little water or juice, or 1 cup tea every 2-3 hour until cramping subsides.

Bloating

Bloating is related to water retention in the abdominal area. According to traditional medicine, water retention happens when the digestive system is weak and cannot 'move the water,' and send it on to the kidneys and bladder to be excreted. Herbal 'aquaretics' (gentle herbal diuretics) such as dandelion leaf, and digestive warming and stimulating herbs such as ginger, centaury and wormwood can help remedy this problem. Both Vitamin E and Evening Primrose oil (Oenothera biennis), when taken for two-three months, have been shown to decrease the bloating experienced by women with PMS, as well as helping to alleviate depression and irritability (London, et al. 1983; Puolakka, et al. 1985). These substances decrease symptoms while working to create balance. Dosage: Evening primrose, 500 mg 2-4 times daily; Vitamin E, 400-800 iu's daily.

Dandelion leaf (Taraxacum officinale), an excellent diuretic, helps eliminate excess water from the system, relieving the symptoms of bloating. The leaf contains natural potassium so does not deplete potassium in the system as do synthetic diuretics.

• Dosage: 1 cup 2-3 x daily; tinctures and capsules also available. Note: Although dandelion may relieve the symptoms of bloating, it is important to take an herb such as vitex which will simultaneously be working on a deeper level to rebalance the hormones.

Digestive Stimulants

Take a good 'bitters' formula that contains some of the following herbs: ginger, gentian, wormwood, centaury, orange peel, artichoke leaf. Use 1/2 to 1 tsp in a little water before meals. This can become a regular healthy habit to increase energy and improve digestion. See my book, Foundations of Health for more information.

Depression

Just before the onset of menstruation, estrogen and serotonin (a neurotransmitter) levels fall drastically, frequently contributing to depression, insomnia, and other mood changes. St. John's wort, which might help preserve serotonin levels in the brain, among other actions, is currently the herb of choice for easing mild to moderate depression.

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum), when taken long-term, functions as an antidepressant herb without the adverse side effects often associated with pharmaceutical drugs. Take up to 1 tsp of the liquid tincture 2-3 x daily. Start taking the herb a week before the onset of menstruation, so it has time to begin working.

Additional categories of herbs which are crucial to the treatment of premenstrual syndrome include liver-regulating herbs, blood tonifying herbs, and vital energy herbs.

Liver-regulating herbs:

Liver-regulating herbs are used to strengthen and support the liver as it clears excess hormone and reduces high estrogen levels.

Fringetree root and bark (Chionanthus virginicus)

• Dosage: 2-5 droppersful of the tincture daily

Burdock root (Arctium lappa)

• Dosage: 1 cup of the tea 2-3 times daily

Dandelion root (Taraxacum officinale)

• Dosage: 1 cup of the tea 2-3 times daily

Blood-tonifying herbs:

Blood-tonifying herbs are useful for supporting women who have anemia, or who have pale cheeks and tongue and are chronically fatigued.

Dang Gui (Angelica sinensis): This is an important and popular herb from China that does not seem to affect hormone levels so much as it builds the blood and keeps it moving properly to nourish the female organs and reduce pain and cramping that happens during the menstrual cycle. It can be found as a single tincture or herb for tea, and it is in many herbal formulas for PMS.

• Dosage: 1/2 to 1 cup of the herb for 1 each cup of water; simmer for 30-40 minutes. Add other herbs like nettles or yellow dock, depending on its intended use. On other products containing extracts, follow the directions on the label.

Nettles herb (Urtica dioica)

• Dosage: 1 cup of the tea 2-3 times daily

Yellow dock root (Rumex crispus)

• Dosage: 1-2 droppersful of the tincture twice daily

Vital Energy Herbs:

Vital Energy Herbs aid in the assimilation of nutrients and processing of food into energy.

Ginseng rhizome, red Korean of Chinese (Panax ginseng)

• Dosage: 1 cup of the tea twice daily

Ginger root (Zingiber officinalis)

• Dosage: 1 cup of the tea twice daily

Use a combination of ginger and ginseng (50-50) in a tea or tincture form to 'warm' the digestion and increase vitality and energy. This is one of my favorite combinations for women who feel cold and fatigued with digestive symptoms of any kind.

Raspberry Leaf tea supports the female system by aiding healthy menstruation as well as toning the uterus. For millennia European and Native American women have safely used raspberry leaf for irregular menstruation, menstrual cramps and during pregnancy. Today naturopaths and nurse-midwives often recommend raspberry leaf tea for these traditional uses.

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Traditionalmedicinals.com

Christopherhobbs.com

Shalom friends,

Most of you probably already know about this, but I thought I would send out confirmation for you to pass on to others. I thought you all would find this interesting since Scripture forbids us to ever touch the dead carcass of the swine.

 Lev 11:7  And the swine, though he divide the hoof, and be cloven-footed, yet he cheweth not the cud; he is unclean to you.

Lev 11:8  Of their flesh shall ye not eat, and their carcass shall ye not touch; they are unclean to you.

 Deu 14:8  And the swine, because it divideth the hoof, yet cheweth not the cud, it is unclean unto you: ye shall not eat of their flesh, nor touch their dead carcass.

I read the passages in context and they speak of the animals that you may not eat of. The swine is the only one that we are never even to touch once they are dead!! Other passages say that “when” you bear the carcasses of other unclean animals you shall be unclean until the even, but the swine it says we are never to touch. I can’t help but wonder where the idea of binding Bibles in pig leather came from. It is so sad considering that the Torah was originally written on clean lamb skins.

The following information is from this web address. I have also included a copy of an email response from Zondervan.

http://www.christianbook.com/Christian/Books/cms_content?page=1063665&sp=1003&event=1003SB

Bible Binding Materials

"Bonded Leather" is made from real leather. However, as the name suggests, the cover is made from leather pieces that are bonded together with latex. Once bonded, the leather is dyed, cut and embossed to look like genuine leather. The look and feel is as genuine leather (though not high-grade leather). Due to the fact that it is not made from a single sheet of leather, bonded leather is less expensive, and more often than not, less durable than genuine leather.   (See note below from Zondervan about what type of leather is used for Bonded Leather)

Genuine Leather

"Berkshire Leather", "Genuine Leather", "Top-Grain Leather", "Cowhide", and "Morocco Leather" differ from Bonded Leather in that they all consist of a single piece of leather, not many bonded pieces. With proper care, these covers could last indefinitely.
"Berkshire Leather" is high quality pigskin. It is tanned to enhance its appearance and durability.
"Genuine Leather" is made from first quality animal hides (usually pig or cowhide). It has a finely grained texture, which is thicker and coarser than Top-Grain Leather.
"Top-Grain Leather" is cut from the top or outside of the hide and consists of Pigskin or cowhide. Its grain is thicker and coarser than Cowhide.
"Cowhide" is cut from either cattle or water buffalo. It has a finer and suppler grain, which is slightly more durable than Top-Grain leather. As a result, it is more expensive.
"Morocco" is high quality leather made of imported goatskin, usually worked by hand. It is considered to be one of the finest binding leathers. As such it is very durable and expensive.
 

 From: Zondervan Customer Care [mailto:zondervan@mailnj.custhelp.com]
Sent: Thursday, July 17, 2008 2:45 PM
To: ******
Subject: Bible leathers [Incident: 080716-000092]

 Recently you requested personal assistance from our Customer Care Team. Below is a summary of your request and our response.

 Subject Bible leathers
Response (Carrie Colter)
 07/17/2008 03:44 PM
 
Thank you for contacting Zondervan.

Our bonded and top grain leathers are pig skin. Our Renaissance Fine Leather collection is made from cowhide.