Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean… Psalm 51
And in this world, even when we make the medicine we need, the food we nourish ourselves with still may lack nutrients. Enter my personal solution that has changed our health! I consider it a blessing that THIS IS MY HEALTHCARE! Vitamins that truly are worth every penny. Our family has had ‘before and after’ scans to prove these vitamins and supplement. Thank you Lord! This is our healthcare!
Good vitamins and home remedies are some of my passions. Mainly because they work so well and provide a chance to learn along the way. And No – I’m not a doctor or consultant claiming cures… just a mom and wife. And remember, be smart. Learn and take care of yourself!
Age Spots – The most popular ingredients I have come across for this are: apple cider vinegar applied undiluted to the skin (2-3x day & drinking internally), aloe vera gel (2x day for 2 months), buttermilk (the lactic acid helps gently break down the spots), dandelion tea bags (once dipped in the hot water for 1 minute, take the bag (slightly cooled) and apply to the spotted area of skin 2x day, for 10-15 minutes). ALL of these recommendations/recipes are from testimonials of other people. Skin is our largest organ, so it makes sense to take care of it! I did read castor oil being used, but I’ve never tried it. And I recommend EV coconut oil as a great moisturizer. I did read for women over 40, extended sun exposure does tend to highlight the possible problem of age spots, but then again – these natural tricks have been shown to make a difference for older women!!! You gotta stick with it for results maybe?? 🙂
*Any spots which change color, size, texture or bleed should be looked at by a dermatologist.
Antivirals – Viruses are a big topic, always have been. Not surprisingly God has provided here too. There are some really amazing antivirals that work really well and re-train our bodies to heal properly, naturally. Here is the short list: HERBS: Oregano, Garlic, Lavender, Peppermint, Echinacea, Elderberry, Licorice, Green Tea. OILS: Tea Tree, Eucalyptus, Lavender, Peppermint, Oregano. FOODS: Coconut Oil, Garlic, Elderberries, Onions, raw Honey.
Cayenne Benefits – I read once that Eskimos sprinkle this in their boots to keep their feet warm, since much can be absorbed through the feet it makes sense but I haven’t tried it :). So here we are talking spicy talk. Cayenne is something wonderful and yes, hot. Here is why it makes my list.. In more ways than one, it gets the blood moving. But not by frequency – by power. When combined with another herb, it carries those extra nutrients much more efficiently throughout the body. Containing vit. C, sulphur, phosphorus, iron, calcium & magnesium and has high amounts of vit. A which helps heal ulcers – this stuff means business! Considering the circulatory system support it provides, this herb can boost energy levels and eases the wear and tear of stress on the body. I have bought this by half pound bags and in capsule form depending on what I was using it for. I have found it in tablets in conjunction with garlic and hawthorn for heart health. This indeed is a wonderfully spicy benefitting herb! In my limited expertise, if any of you are thinking it will contribute to heartburn – might I suggest that you should try not eating 3 hours prior to sleeping, sit upright for at least an hour after eating, keep a low acidic diet and drink aloe juice and/or raw apple cider vinegar much more often BEFORE you write off cayenne as an irritant. Most of the time you will find diet being the biggest contributor to heartburn and not necessarily spice.
Cilantro – Did you know this wonderful herb helps reduce toxins in the body? It has anti-oxidants, essential volatile oils, reduces high LDL cholesterol and improves healthy HDL cholesterol, it is rich in potassium, manganese, iron and magnesium, vitamins A & C, folate & more. It is more than a flavor for your salsa and should be considered for its healthful benefits. Cilantro is one of the richest food sources of vitamin K also, which improves bone mass building. I have read it can improve brain function regarding Alzheimer’s disease. I like to use it in soups, chopped up in eggs or salads and of course, fresh with anything wrapped in a tortilla. You can replace basil with this and make a Mexican style pesto. Hmm. Sounds like a winner and so very good for you. It is easy to grow in summer, just keep trimming so you can keep benefiting!
Cinnamon – We all know this spice for cookies, oatmeal and toast. But did you know it is an antiviral? Antibacterial? Antioxidant? Antifungal? YEP! History lesson: During the Bubonic Plague times, sponges were soaked with cinnamon and cloves and placed in sick rooms and also used as a cleaning agent. In the 15th & 16th centuries Cinnamon was the most sought after spice during explorations. In Germany it has been approved for treatment of gastrointestinal spasms and an appetite stimulant. It can kill bacteria in the gut such as salmonella or E-coli. Small amounts can trigger brain stimulation and reduces pain from inflammation. This spice also combats diabetes because it helps regulate blood sugars. If I thought I needed regular doses I would look for capsules to take so I didn’t have to put cinnamon on my steak just to get the proper medicinal amount. When someone is sick with a weird tummy thing, we grab cinnamon & peppermint tea and go to work. And because it can kill unhealthy bacteria I have used it on rashes of the skin. Mixed with honey to make a small paste, I have applied to strange outbreaks and even eczema only to find it completely gone with 2-3 days ( both honey and cinnamon work as antibiotic healers ).
Clean Blood – When our blood is clean our organs work more effectively. They get cleansed as well. Then nutrients are better absorbed and circulated. Its a win win. Most people don’t think about their blood being clean. But if our liver and kidneys aren’t healthy then they can’t clean the blood, thus a lack of clean properly oxygenated blood. So without sounding like a failing herbal scientist I will just provide a list of good things that can help cleanse your blood and support the circulatory system. FOODS: fresh lemon juice, apple cider vinegar ( raw ), garlic HERBS: Burdock Root, Milk Thistle, Peppermint, Dandelion, Licorice, Cayenne, Red Clover & Yellow Dock. There are more herbs that help but these are great to start with. I would recommend one of two ways – in capsule form or find specific tea with these in them. Our immune systems thrive & exist based on balanced nutrition and healthy blood. When we are sick our white blood cells get to work protecting and building, when we need oxygen to our tissues, muscles and organs our red blood cells get busy. Note: some of these herbs address blood sugar & cholesterol levels as well. And Red Clover shouldn’t be used while pregnant or nursing. If I had to give advice I would say – don’t be afraid to use herbs!!!! They are wonderful! And if you have health conditions or are pregnant/nursing just do some extra reading and ask your midwife/Dr.. Staying educated about these things helps make safe and good choices.
Cleansing w/o a cleanse – Cleansing is embraced by some and discouraged by others. I fall right in the middle. I have done cleanses and benefited. But I actually prefer to include certain cleaning agents into my everyday life. The body, given the right ingredients, can clean itself out. These things keep me a few steps ahead of symptoms and illnesses in my opinion. So I will list for you a few things that work to clean out your system, revive your liver and kidneys, keep the U tract healthy, ALL while increasing antioxidants, keeping an alkalinity in your gut, improve metabolism and encourage weight loss, reducing appetite & feeling fresh again. Here is a SIMPLE list: Lemon Juice is amazing for your liver and kidneys. It also reduces inflammation, boosts your immune system and energy level & can improve brain power ( I need that )! Freshens breath and nourishes the body with Vit C, potassium & folate. Low in sodium too. Next – Baking Soda : I use this when I think my liver is acting up. I do about 1/4 tsp 2 times a day in at least 8 oz water. This has also been used for UTIs as a cleansing agent because it will CLEAN and re-alkaline your system all over. It’s also an antacid ( acid neutralizing ) which leads to alkalinity ( this you want )! For athletes this can prevent acid build up in the muscles and is highly used. Used for treatment of kidney stones as well. However ( because I am no genius doctor, just a mom ) there is controversy about using a lot of the “chemical”. If its any testimony at all though, I use this on average, twice a week… and am still kicking. Just do a little extra reading if you feel hesitant. Here is a great homemade “soda” — 8 oz water, half a lemon juice, and just under 1/4 tsp baking soda. Mix and enjoy! Even my eight year old likes this! I think it tastes like an italian lemon soda almost – not bad for a drink completely good for you! Try this during your holiday season for an easy clean for your tummy, organs and a boost for your immune system without spending money or weirding yourself out with some strange ( however I sometimes encourage strange! ) mixture. And to keep it “short” I will add one more thing: Apple Cider Vinegar, RAW This is tried and true and very good for you!!!! There are books about this stuff, testimonies beyond belief and benefits that far outweigh the taste lol. But really if you can add a TBS to a tall glass of water or your favorite big water jug, DO IT DO IT DO IT. This burns fat, cleans your system, reduces heartburn and appetite. If you buy if raw, it has live cultures in it ( good for you ), This also improves your immune system and can clear up stuffy noses, stop nasty colds or at least heal you quicker and so on. I can’t say enough about this stuff. I highly recommend it. For kids: add a splash of Baking Soda to the vinegar water, it cuts down on the taste a lot. And maybe a spoonful of raw honey or add juice – this is the best and your kids will do better for it. If we stay consistent, our kids will realize we won’t change our crazy love for them or their bodies! And they can pass on what they know to someone else who needs a clean up.
NOTE: If you can increase your fiber and water intake, this will help a great deal when it comes to cleaning out as well. Think of fiber as a magnetic broom and the water as the rinse of all that gets picked up. You need them both.
Coconut Oil – There is nothing I love more than coconut oil on my skin. I use it for EVERYTHING. EVERYTHING! My face, all over my skin, I eat it plain. Cook my eggs, pancakes, fry my rice in it … put it in my peanut butter and blueberry smoothies ( add a hand full of spinach & a splash of kefir too ). I use it in every salve I have made over the years. Rub it on my feet. Make a medicinal goop to put on someone’s ouches. Put it on the dry ends of my hair – works better than olive oil, less greasy. Here’s a kicker .. I even swish it in my mouth!!! Yep, it’s called oil pulling. It pulls out impurities and infections from your mouth and teeth. Then you spit and rinse with warm water and peroxide. Look it up and read before you try … earthclinic.com OK – so I am getting side tracked. Back to the oil. This awesome oil. It is an anti … everything practically: microbial, bacterial, fungal, oxidant. It is the good-for-you fat that burns the bad fat. It can heal boils, help with staph infections ( mix with quality turmeric and voila ), soothe and heal cold sores, cracked skin and eczema. You can eat it daily and begin to notice more energy, like a Tbs with meals. It increases your metabolism. This wonder oil is such a great food. The only recommendation I would make is to purchase virgin. And organic if you can afford it. Extra virgin I put less importance on. Put a spoonful in your oatmeal, warm tea or coffee. Spread it on your toast instead of butter. The possibilities are endless and the benefits terrific. This is all I use. And even with surgical sites, I have had personal experience with its soothing and protective abilities. Sometimes we think that we can’t use one simple thing for so many reasons. But if you do a little research so you have an idea of limits and dosage you can be blessed by the simplicity of God’s goodness for the sake of our health. And if you follow my remedies you will notice just how simple good health can become. Buy a jar, hand it to a loved one with a cute cut-out list of all it’s benefits. Tie a bow on it and tell them you love them and want them to feel good. Share share and share some more.
Cold Sores – This is a tough breakout to deal with. Lysine is a mineral that we can easily become deficient in. You can find it in buckwheat flour, milk, yogurt, cheese, cod, salmon, oats, and chicken (and more). You can now buy lip balm with this added in or lysine capsules to take when you think you are susceptible. Topical options also include: Lavender, Tea Tree or Eucalyptus oils. If I were treating one, I would add about 5-8 drops of an essential oil with a dab of coconut oil (like 1/2 tsp.) & mix it in a glass dish. Then apply throughout the days. These oils are antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral. Keeping your vitamin C intake on the high side is always a benefit too! Also consider sterilizing your lip balm tubes or throwing out old lipsticks that contain the germs.
Earaches – There is really only one thing we reach for when there are ear infections among us… garlic oil. We make it ourselves or buy it and have it in a dropper bottle. But as of the past 2 years or so we have been using a mixture that we found in a natural section at the store. It contains garlic and mullein. This herb can reduce inflammation which greatly contributes to the pain. And the garlic is of course an antibiotic so the two are a great combo. The bottle typically has instructions but I do drops at least twice a day and tend to find relief within 2 days or less sometimes. If you were to make your own, it’s rather simple without much science to it. Just pour 1/4 cup good olive oil in a small sauce pan then crush 2-3 (?) garlic cloves and let them warm for a few minutes. Be careful not to heat them to the point of browning, just releasing the properties into the oil. Let it cool then pour it into a glass jar. Find yourself a dropper as that will be the best way to administer.
Fevers – Around here we use a few things always for fevers. We are increasing our use of Apple Cider Vinegar ( raw ) and I have read some actually rub in on their skin a few times a day and it works well too. However we just drink it. Another helpful thing is an herb called Yarrow… and it really works! It is a flower and very gentle. It worked even on our children when they were babies. We just use it like making a regular tea, straining it when cooled enough to drink. You can make a glycerin tincture too – contact me and I’ll provide instructions. It is a bitter tasting herb so I add some juice or honey. It promotes sweating and is good for circulation. Another option is essential oils. These are: Eucalyptus, Peppermint & Lemon. These have cooling effects. Apply to bottoms of feet, back of neck or forehead, about every 15-30 minutes til you sense relief. This is a good option for those are a bit picky by taste. Baking Soda baths are said to help but you need a lot more than a Tbs lol. Still a good option for good old fashion relaxing though. And everyone knows to drink lots of fluids. And remember, fevers are not always a sign something is going wrong. Of course keep an eye on the temp, but what is happening is an increase in cell activity as they fight and protect the body. So be calm and Mom on.
Ginger, get the scoop! – Read this article for incredible insight and recipes using this WONDERFUL herb root. Explaining brief history, origins and most importantly its benefits! I love a good informative read, you will too.
Headaches in children – Most of the time, pediatricians tell us that headaches among children are mostly from dehydration. I have found this to be true as well. For us, we had one daughter complain of a headache in the same spot on her forehead, sometimes day after day. We kept her drinking water, watched sugar amounts and it still persisted. Soon we were part of a buy-in for fresh local milk and no joke, the headaches stopped. Not really sure how to explain it but they were just gone. There are others things to consider as you investigate – getting enough exercise, watching out for a lot of food dyes, stress or poor sleeping patterns and habits, lack of proper nutrients. These things I always try and do – keep them drinking more water than anything else, daily exercise and fresh air in abundance, magnesium, proper bedtime and lots of hugs and prayer to lower any stress. Sounds short and simple – most of the time it is. For the time she had such frequent headaches I kept a journal recording time of day, BMs, had she had sugar and so on – health journals are great for any investigating you are going to do.
Heartburn – 6 raw almonds or raw apple cider vinegar both prove to take care of the pesky heartburn. I have put the vinegar in some water to dilute and a scant 1/8 tsp. of baking soda to take the edge off. My midwife a few years ago got me on the almonds thing ( heartburn was daily in pregnancy ). And my husband liked this one better too … most people would ! haha. A lot of the OTC medicine for heartburn out there depletes your calcium and if you have chronic heartburn then you should watch out how much you take. Plus these small solutions are more affordable, easier on the body and provide nourishment.
Lemon Essential Oil – The oil I write about is one that is clearly stated safe for internal use. I have been adding 1-2 drops in my daily water for weeks now and love the taste! Let alone the great internal benefits. Lemons are great natural cleansers. Not just on your skin or countertops but internally too. Aiding your lymph system, bladder, liver, kidneys and immune system – this is something wonderful! How? It acts as a cleaning agent in the blood which causes organs to work much more efficiently. And I’ve read it helps with motion sickness/nausea. Because it is concentrated only a few drops will yield what many lemons for a regular tea would do. And if that isn’t enough, I have been putting it in my daily Apple Cider Vinegar with the water and the great lemon taste makes it even better to drink down. Only make sure you don’t use a plastic cup of any kind – I just pull out my trusty mason jar and get to drinking. On the ‘outside’ of this – its great mixed with coconut oil for a fresh scented moisturizer and in your cleaning sprays. Find my homemade disinfectant recipe on this site and add this amazing oil to it!! – Lemons contain antivirals so they help protect as well.
Poison Oak – Much to our dismay, we battle this a lot!! Here are things that help, rubbing alcohol (as soon as you can after contact) on your skin, Tea Tree oil, “Melrose Oil”, Frankincense Oil, Turmeric & Lemon Juice mixed into a paste then applied helps ease the itch for hours. And my husband – though it sounds backwards – a hot hot shower. Opening those pores at first feels like you are gonna go nuts but it relieves his itching for many hours. Apply the oils every day, not just the first day after you wash because it not only heals but dries out the poison oils and affected skin. And wash your contacted clothes separately – wash your dog too. Also a new one we found is called “Zanfel” – it has come highly recommended and recently we did have to try it (my husband) and it does seem to scrub up the oils, removing them from the patches – wash thoroughly after so the oils don’t stay on the skin. The directions take you step by step. We found this at a Bi-Mart I think. And yes, right now, before it is even blooming or budding the oils are still in the dead looking sticks, be alert!
Respiratory Viruses & Infections – I have attached a link that explains pretty well how a mom treated her entire family while facing a potentially dangerous virus going around. There is a lot of information, however if I can add to it ( or sum it up ) I always have the coconut oil on hand, grapefruit seed extract and the herb Mullein. This herb I always have in my house to make teas because of the cycle of whooping cough that tends to go around Oregon about every 3 years or so. I ALWAYS use it when someone has a cough. It is KING of herbal respiratory relief. http://www.earthclinic.com/children/respiratory-virus-remedies.html Also, eucalyptus oil is great for improved breathing. NOTE: In my reading and experience over the years, I would not use the herb Comfrey internally. I believe it is listed on the above site link to some degree. I have always relied on it for external uses though, a great astringent! ( meaning: the ability to draw out poisons and infection )
Sugar Substitutes (the healthy ones) – The thing about sugar is that is in everything. Even though sugar is natural there are other ways to sweeten your coffee and so on. Finding sweeteners in their natural state is so so important. Coconut sugar, Stevia, Turbinado, Raw Honey, Agave, 100% Maple Syrup, Brown Rice Syrup, even juices and apples sauces can be substituted in baking and recipes. But remember, these still have counts of sugar! They still have carbs! They are simply better choices than aspartame, sucralose, high fructose corn syrup, corn syrup solids, sweet ‘n’ lo, saccharin .. ( the list is longer unfortunately). There is almost too much to say about these synthetic sweeteners, the basic idea is that it is NOT in it’s natural state therefore these in the later list have been altered for quick production, long shelf life and cheap. Molecules are manipulated and minerals distorted to produce a cheap and sweet option for manufacturers. They confuse the breakdown process in your body making it harder to properly consume it. If you are going to have something with sweetness in it – always always choose natural. Your body knows what to do with it! Just keep it in moderation 🙂
Tummy Aches – For anyone who has stomach problems, the first thing I reach for is peppermint tea. The natural oils in the leaf contain menthol which is an anti-spasmodic. That is what works so well for cramps of all kinds ( including menstrual ). It stimulates circulation, relieves colic in babies ( tried and true! ) and has an abundance of vitamins and minerals including: calcium, magnesium, iron, phosphorous & vitamin A. The taste is great so kids aren’t so offended … or husbands for that matter. Add a splash of cream and a little raw honey and its practically a treat. I use the tea for myself as well. Another tried and true option is Apple Cider Vinegar. Because this can re-alkaline the pH of your gut, it works wonders for digestive health. This may sound funny but when our family goes on trips or eats at junk places ( like at the Fair ) my husband always loads everyone’s water bottles with at least a splash of it. Its powerful enough that it kills bad bacteria that would otherwise upset you. Ginger is very good too. If you can handle the bit of spice, fresh ginger juice or tea bags are amazing for stomach aches. Cinnamon can kill harmful bacteria in your gut as well as balance blood sugar. And Activated Charcoal is great too. It has the ability to magnetize unhealthy elements internally and flush them properly. If you were worried about any kind of poisoning, I would recommend the charcoal capsules. I always have a bottle of these on hand, and because they work against poisons, I even cut open the capsules and apply directly to stings/bites that I think are dangerous! ( within primitive tribes, people use charcoal to treat brown recluse spider bites ) But beware it can stain.
Turmeric – This is an incredible spice that is best take with black pepper. It reduces inflammation (our Naturopath DR highly recommended it for my husband’s aches and pains after a hard work week .. which is like every week actually) It is full of antioxidants also! Check out this brief article on it… http://www.earthclinic.com/remedies/turmeric.html
Warts – There are many approaches you can probably take that can detour going to get those annoying bumps burned off. Here is something, try mixing Apple Cider Vinegar (raw) about a half a cup, with a few Tbs of Aloe juice. Add in a few drops of Lavender oil. Mix this. Then soak a cotton ball and tape to the affected skin. Keep it on for at least 20 minutes. I would do this at least twice a day. Every day. You should begin to see improvements. Some have even just used the ACV and had results. So don’t waste your money and stress of getting them burned off. Give this a try!
These helpful and humble recipes are all forgiving in adjustments and affordable. Just a few steps away from relief and wellness! May they provide you with hope that the end to sniffling and coughing is near and an all around good feeling that you can be ready for when germs come knocking!
Family Elixir – With everyone being sick lately, here is my personal recipe. Named by my hubby, The Elixir. 1-2 tsp. raw apple cider vinegar, 2 drops lemon essential oil, 2 drops frankincense essential oil in a pint jar. Fill the rest with water. If you have a sore throat, add a pinch of cayenne or ginger powder (fresh juice is even better!) Sip on this all day long till gone. Don’t repeat (the oils are pretty concentrated) You could half the oil ratio and then do it again if you like the drink. For kids, reduce to 1 drop oils. And note these oils MUST be safe and food grade to ingest. It works every time for us, greatly reducing symptoms or gone completely! Find a wholesaler for your oils and keep these two on hand if you can. Blessings to the sick!
Elderberries – !!!!!! I found a terrific article that describes how and why to use these great little berries. They are even native to Oregon and I have personally made cough syrups with them. Incredible for the immune system and respiratory ailments. And they are berries! Read it here!
Homemade Disinfectant – (coming soon)
Sore Throat Relief – Many things work for this. When sick, our favorite thing to drink is lemon tea. Heat your water for a regular cup of tea, then add a big slice of an organic lemon peel, a pinch of cayenne, if you are brave and serious, crush a small garlic clove & drop it in… (I know, but its a natural antibiotic!) Add the whole juice of that lemon. Let it steep for a 5-10 minutes then remove the peel and clove. Stir in a small spoonful of raw honey (another antibiotic!). The peel has more vitamin C than the juice, has antioxidants and contains great enzymes for your stomach. Sip away! This is good first thing in the morning and to clear you up at night. There are herbs you can add too .. Licorice root, wild Cherry Bark, Mullein along with the trusted Echinacea leaf.
Another recipe is a healthy hot cocoa. Yes, when sniffling and sore, hot cocoa!!! To a mug of hot water or hot milk, add the following… almost 1 Tbs of cocoa powder, 1/4 tsp of cinnamon, 1/8 tsp of ginger powder and a pinch of cayenne. The Cayenne is a pain reliever and is good for circulation and blood flow. It aids other properties and herbs get to where they are needed most in the body. Ginger reduces swelling and has anti-oxidants. Cinnamon is an anti-bacterial, anti-microbial, antibiotic. For pleasure, again add a spoon of raw honey after everything else has mixed in. Raw honey that hasn’t been heated has over 75 different healing compounds in it! Good for hundreds of things and on my top ten list for sure. This is soooo good at night, a true cold comforter. Adjust the portions as you like, this is a forgiving recipe.
Sick Soda – In a 2 Cup pyrex measuring cup mix: 2 Tbs elderberry syrup (you can make your own or buy in a natural section), 1/4 tsp baking soda, 1-2 tsp RAW apple cider vinegar, 1/2 C. grape or blueberry juice, 6-8 drops Grapefruit seed extract, a squeeze of lemon juice and fill the rest of your measuring cup with water to about 1 1/2 cups. This is forgiving in ratios but you get the idea of ingredients. I pour this out in 1-2 Tbs serving sizes every hour or two. My kids will drink this much more willingly than tea and is pretty gentle on the tummy. And even when not sick, its a GREAT immune supporter! Other things you could add – lemon zest, sovereign silver or Zinc spray and you could replace the water with cooled Echinacea tea.
Vapor Rub – I have been making this for years, last year making enough to share with family as part of Christmas gifts. Using 1 C. extra virgin coconut oil gently warmed to melt on low heat, add about 1 Tbs. grated beeswax (stir until melted as well but on a gentle & low heat as to not boil the oil so the healing properties are not removed). Once the specks of beeswax have dissolved then remove from heat. Add 15 drops each of peppermint and eucalyptus essential oils, stir. Pour into small 1 or 1/2 oz. containers. Let it cool and solidify. This is great for chapped lips or cracked hands in the winter with a great fragrance. We rub this on the chest, and slightly on the outer nostrils and upper lip if need be during a cold for breathing relief.
NOTE: If you live in a warmer climate, consider adding a bit more grated beeswax so you can keep a more solid consistency as the coconut oil will being melting around 75 degrees.
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