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                                CANCER & HEALTH 
                                   June 21 to July 23    
                                                 

Ruler:   Moon***Element:   Water***Modality:   Cardinal***Sign:   Feminine

     Cancer rules the chest, stomach, and breasts. It also rules the upper alimentary tract, elbows, uterus, all sacs of the body and salivary and mammary glands. Health sensitivities include: ulcers, indigestion, tumors, mumps, uterine afflictions, weight problems, belching and bloating after eating, vomiting and diarrhea. Cancers also have a proclivity for water retention which can lead to stomach bloating.

     Cancer also governs the feminine parts of the body most associated with motherhood and the womb and the breast. The illnesses connected with these parts are  menstrual problems, breastfeeding problems, childbirth and menopause. Popular herbs for treating these illnesses are motherwort, raspberry leaf and evening primrose.

     Cancers basic fear is not having security, protection and a  home. Stomach ailments are the result of lack of love or nurture. Cancer people are ruled by the moon which gives them emotions that run the gamut. Their eating habits run from not eating to eating too much. They often suffer from indigestion and their appetite is frequently both excessive and abnormal. Being a water sign, there is also danger of over-indulgence in strong drinks.

     Digestive diseases run the gamut from the occasional upset stomach to disorders of the gastro intestinal tract, the liver, the gallbladder, and the pancreas. This may include malignancies and chronic conditions like colitis, ileitis and Crohn's disease. The most common ailment is gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the mucous membranes which line the stomach and intestines, resulting in a range of symptoms from nausea to vomiting, and from intense gas pains and diarrhea. This ailment can result from a diet containing too much roughage or other foods difficult to digest or caused by bacteria, viral, and parasitic infections in raw or undercooked food.

     Another gastro intestinal complaint is hiatal hernia caused by increased pressure in the abdominal cavity produced by coughing, vomiting, straining or sudden physical exertion that causes the stomach to "turn back" certain foods, which then flow upward into the esophagus. Over-the-counter anti-acids plus 2 tablespoons of coke syrup  (non-carbonated) can settle the stomach.

     Cancers are advised to eliminate alcohol, aspirin and other medications (particularly those used for arthritis) as they cause stomach bleeding, ulcers, or inflammation.

     Digestive difficulties are often caused by lactose intolerance. Un-digestible lactose remains in the stomach, causing nausea, cramps, bloating, gas, and/or diarrhea. If you experience discomfort with milk products, limit your intake of them. Expiration dates on milk products should be watched carefully and meats should be thoroughly cooked. If dairy products must be limited, supplement your diet with Calcium and Vitamin D.  Intake of roughage or oily, fried and spicy foods should be kept to a minimum. Drink soothing peppermint and/or spearmint tea rather than carbonated beverages or coffee. Mint tea will settle the stomach and will help you sleep. Drink lots of water or fruit juice after a bout of diarrhea. In case of blood in the stools or if pain persists, consult your physician.

     Heartburn is also a Cancer ailment. It is known as acid reflux which is caused by eating too much food too quickly under stressful conditions. If it acts up even before meals, it may be a sign of peptic ulcer--consult your doctor. Prevent heartburn by eliminating caffeine, chocolate, carbonated beverages, hot peppers, and fatty meats from your diet. Stress reduction techniques such as yoga, tai chi, and acupuncture will help too.

     Herbs such as wormwood, turmeric, and ginger stimulate the release of hydrochloric acid which is needed in the digestive process. For stomach ulcers take goldenseal to soothe the stomach's inflamed lining as it fights bacteria.   Psyllium husks or seeds will help move food through the gastrointestinal tract more quickly. Most stomach ulcers are caused by bacteria. Herbs associated with the sign of Cancer are agrimony, daisy and hyssop. 

     Cancer's basic diet should lean heavily toward proteins and should include a certain amount of seafood to insure an adequate amount of iodine. In addition, a variety of fruits, vegetables and leafy greens should be consumed.  The cell-salt of Cancer is calcium-fluoride, commonly referred to as fluoride of lime. A deficiency of this mineral can cause varicose veins, prolapsed muscles, tooth decay and weakened eyesight. Foods that have this nutrient are; kale, watercress, savoy and red cabbage, pumpkin, onions, oranges, lemons, egg yolks, raisins and rye bread.

     Cancer and the moon rule; cabbage, carob pods (natural sugar), cucumbers, endive, lettuce, watercress, mushrooms, hyssop, pumpkins, rosemary and maple syrup. Cancers should consume  a lot of these plants. The moon may also cause a lack of Vitamin B complex and may affect water-salt balance. Try vegetables juices such as asparagus, carrot, celery, watercress or pineapple and coconut to restore balance.

     Cancers should avoid an over-abundance of  sugar, starchy foods and fat in their diets as they gain weight easily and the foods are not good for them. 

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