The GERSON

GUIDE to
SUMMER

Gerson Institute
The
GERSON
GUIDE to
SUMMER
A free publication from the Gerson Institute
We were able to create this free resource thanks to the generosity of our
donors.
If you enjoy this free e-book and would like to see the Gerson Institute create
more free materials available to the public, please consider making a donation
today at Gerson.org!

A non-profit organization in San Diego, California, dedicated to providing education and

training in the Gerson Therapy, an alternative, non-toxic treatment for cancer and other
chronic degenerative diseases.
Table of Contents
 "Ingridlavid1" by Ingridlavidl

Summer is here! So we thought it would be a good time to go over the

importance of sun safety. But remember, even though you may be outdoors
more during the summer, its important to practice sun safety year-round.

Skin cancer is the most prevalent form of cancer in the US. Over the past
three decades, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers
combined. Estimates suggest that half of all Americans that live to age 65 will
develop either basal or squamous cell carcinomas.1 The good news is that
carcinomas are rarely fatal.
Unfortunately, rates of melanoma are on the rise as well. Between 1975
and 2010 the rate of new melanoma cases has nearly tripled.2 Although
melanoma represents only two percent of all skin cancer cases, it is responsible
for the majority of deaths.3
Developing skin cancer, like all cancers, depends on a variety of factors
including health, lifestyle and heredity. Studies, however, have found that sun
exposure is an important factor in the development of skin cancer. A study of over
500 melanoma patients in England found that the number of sunburns patients
reported (especially before the age of 20) was closely correlated to an individuals
risk of developing melanoma. 4
 The link between sun exposure and skin cancer has caused many Americans to avoid
the sun altogether staying indoors or lathering every part of their body with
sunscreen. It may seem like a good idea to go into vampire mode, avoiding the sun
completely. But it isnt.
In fact, becoming solar-phobic may be just as dangerous for most individuals as
ignoring sun-safety altogether.

Vitamin D3 is the active form of the vitamin that our bodies need healthy bone
formation, cell growth, nerve and muscle formation and proper immune function.5
Unfortunately, few foods (liver and types of fatty fish) naturally contain the type of vitamin
D that the liver and kidneys can turn into vitamin D3.
Since there is little naturally-occurring vitamin D, our bodies have found another way of
producing the vitamin. When our skin is exposed to sunlight a set of chemical reactions
turn cholesterols into the form of vitamin D that our bodies can process.
If you are fair-skinned, your body can produce the amount of vitamin D it needs within 10
to 20 minutes during peak hours (11 am 3 pm). Darker individuals may need up to 25
minutes. of sunlight a day.6
It seems like it shouldnt be that hard for most of us to get in fifteen minutes, right?
However, research suggests that a growing number of Americans are vitamin D deficient.7

"Hippos relaxing. - geograph.org.uk - 1220668" by Raymond McSherry.

 Part of our growing societys growing Vitamin D deficiency is linked to people spending
increased time indoors, but it is also related to our growing use of sunscreen. The UV
light that sunscreens block is crucial for the production of vitamin D.
You need to be even more careful than the general population
when it comes to sun exposure.

When we talk about someone having a sunny disposition, we arent suggesting

they are like a large ball of condensed gas powered by nuclear fusion. We mean
theyre generally happy and content.
Maybe being in the sun does make you more sunny. A recent study of patients
with depression found that those who were encouraged to get more sunlight for seven
weeks showed fewer symptoms of depression.8

In SAD, or Seasonal affective disorder, people

experience depressive symptoms only during
winter or summer. Winter SAD is far more
wide-spread and is linked to the decreased
sunlight available during the winter months.
The decreased sunlight causes a drop in the
bodys levels of serotonin a neuro-
transmitter linked to variations in mood. The
seasonal changes also affect the bodys
levels of melatonin, which is important to
regulating both sleep and mood.

While sunlight itself is important to

mood, so is being in the outdoors in general.
Recent research also suggests a relationship
between time spent outdoors and increased self-esteem, along with decreased
feelings of stress, sadness and anger. Staying indoors to avoid the sun means you lose
the benefits of sunlight and the health benefits brought by being in the great outdoors.

Given all the benefits of sunlight, hiding indoors isnt a good option. But that doesnt
mean its time to break out the bikini and head to the beach at high noon!
Following basic sun safety procedures will allow you to enjoy the benefits of sunlight,
while mitigating its adverse effects.

If youre a Gerson person, we hope youre already staying away from tanning
beds, because these machines are incredibly dangerous.
Research from the Center for Disease Control suggests that, one indoor tanning
session increases users chances of developing melanoma by 20 percent, and each
additional session during the same year boosts the risk almost another two percent.9
And, if you use a tanning bed before age 35, you increase your risk of developing
melanoma by 75 percent!
So stay away from tanning beds and try to convince any young women in your
life that getting a tan for prom isnt worth the risk.

You dont actually have to take an afternoon rest though it sounds like a good
idea on hot summer days. But you do need to pay attention to the sun when you
schedule your day.
When youre on vacation, try to plan indoor activities for the peak sunlight hours
of 11 am 3:00 pm. This is when the sun is at its zenith. Its a perfect time to enjoy a
leisurely lunch or explore nearby museums.
When possible, we suggest you use clothing as your
main source of sun protection. Lightweight blouses
and pants along with sunhats will keep you cool
and make sure your skin has protection. Unlike
sunscreen, there are no troublesome
ingredients, and you cant forget to re-apply
your shirt!
Parasols and umbrellas can also be a
perfect and stylish fit for your afternoon stroll.
Its also a good idea to make sure you have a
source of shade when planning picnics or other
outdoor adventures. It keeps you cool, too!

Your skin isnt the only part of your body that can experience the damaging
effects of UV radiation. Your eyes need protection as well. Skip cheap sunglasses
that dont have any information about UV protection and opt instead for glasses
that block 98-100 percent of both UVA and UVB rays. Choose wrap-around or
close-fitting sunglasses to ensure that your eyes are protected from every angle.
Just dont wear your sunglasses 24/7. Your eyes need some exposure to natural
light!
 Many people concerned about their health are conflicted when it comes to
sunscreen. While we want to protect our skin, we dont want to cover our bodies in
potentially toxic chemicals.
Its good to be cautious when it comes to sunscreen. The Environmental Working
Groups (EWG) 2015 Sunscreen Guide found that 80% of the products they tested
contained either potentially dangerous chemical ingredients or offered inferior sun
protection.10
Many of the sunscreens that youll find at your local pharmacy will be chemical-
based and contain oxybenzone. Oxybenzone is particularly dangerous because not
only is it found in almost all chemical sunscreens, it is able to penetrate into the skin
more than other active ingredients. Oxybenzone is a known allergen and studies
suggest that it may act as a hormone disruptor.11
Not only do many sunscreens contain toxic chemicals,
they dont necessarily provide the sun protection you
expect. Until recently, most sunscreens protected
only against UVB rays, those which cause painful
sunburns and redness. However, they did nothing to
block UVA rays, which can penetrate even farther into
the skin.
Luckily, there are a growing number of wide-
spectrum organic sunscreens available. The EWGs
Sunscreen Guide is an excellent (and free!) online
resource. The guide rates over 1,000 sunscreens
based on overall ingredient safety and both UVB and
UVA protection. Available at
http://www.ewg.org/2015sunscreen/
However, even a high quality sunscreen isnt much
use if you dont bother to use it. Sunscreen is NOT
just for women and small children! Guys need to lather up as well. The majority of
people diagnosed with melanoma are white males over age 50.12
In addition to making sure that the whole family uses sunscreen, remember that
sunscreen has to be applied correctly in order to be effective. Dont skimp on the
sunscreen; most of us use only to of the recommended amount. Lather up
often (every 90 minutes), always reapply sunscreen after swimming or sports, and
dont stay outside for extended periods of time during peak hours.
 Sun safety is important for everyone, but especially for Gerson patients. We
recommend that Gerson patients depend on sun-protective clothing and hats, not
sunscreen. Gerson patients need to avoid problematic ingredients such as oils and
fragrances that are present even in organic sunscreens.
If a Gerson practitioner is concerned about your vitamin D levels, they may encourage
nonmelanoma patients to get a limited amount (usually five to ten minutes) of sun
during those important peak hours. But remember just how powerful the suns rays can
be, and always check with your Gerson practitioner before spending even a short time
directly in the sun.

Puerto Rico Beaches 01" by http://www.flickr.com/people/37244380@N00

1 Stern, RS. Prevalence of a history of skin cancer in 2007: results of an incidence-based model. Arch Dermatol 2010; 146(3):279-282.
2 EPA (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency). 2011. Health Effects of Overexposure to the Sun. Available Online
3 NCI (National Cancer Institute). 2015. SEER Stat Fact Sheets: Melanoma of the Skin. Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results. And
SEER Cancer Statistics Review 1975-2010, Table 16.4. Available Online
8 Newton-Bishop, J et al. Relationship between sun exposure and melanoma risk for tumours in different body sites in a large case-
control study in a temperate climate European Journal of Cancer. 2011 Mar; 47(5): 732-741.
2 Moawad, H. 7 March 2014. 6 Benefits of Sunlight. Livestrong. Available online
3 Kotz, D. 23 June 2008. Time in the Sun: How Much Is Needed for Vitamin D? US News and World Report. Available online.
4 Lite, J. 23 March 2009. Vitamin D deficiency soars in the U.S. Scientific American. Available online
8 Howard, J. 6 October 2013 Sunshine & Happiness Study Links Time Outdoors To Improved Mood. The Huffington Post. Available online
9 Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Sunburn and sun protective behaviors among adults aged 18-20 years United States,
2000-2010. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2012; 61:317-22.
10 The Environmental Working Group. Sunscreen Guide for 2015 Available online
11 Krause M, Klit A, Blomberg Jensen M, Seborg T, Frederiksen H, Schlumpf M, Lichtensteiger W, Skakkebaek NE, Drzewiecki KT. 2012.
Sunscreens: are they beneficial for health? An overview of endocrine disrupting properties of UV-filters. International Journal of
Andrology, 35: 424436Ries LAG,
12 Melbert D, Krapcho M, et al. (eds). SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975-2004. Bethesda, MD: National Cancer Institute. Available online
 Summertime is full of beautiful
blooms, rich smells, and in-season
produce to brighten up our lives. We
normally think that we need to visit
the grocery store or florist to enjoy
these beauties, but thats not the
only answer.

Growing a garden is much more

enjoyable, personal and cost-
effective. Gardening can offer a
great economic benefit for patients
on the Gerson Therapy as well. The
brightness it can bring to anyones day, especially an ill patient, is certainly priceless.

Food scraps from leftover Gerson meals can be composted rather quickly and then
applied to fresh, growing fledgling plants. Leftover juice pulp is another great source
for the compost bin because it is still rich in many nutrients, even once pressed. Many
of the foods used on the Gerson Therapy are selected because of their high nutrient
content. Through composting, these high nutrient scraps help to build a healthy
garden.

The first place I went when starting to learn about organic gardening was a splendid
book by John Jeavons called How to Grow More Vegetables. The second chapter,
starting on page 33, describes plants grown purposefully to draw up specific nutrients
from deep in the soil, which are then composted and applied to the top soil to prevent
depletion.
 How to Grow More Vegetables also mentions methods of growing seeds according
to the phases of the moon. During certain phases, there is more or less of a pull from
the gravity of the moon and nighttime light, which affects the growth of the plants
roots and leaves. When seedlings are started at certain times of the month, these
phases can help them develop faster and with stronger root systems to support their
new, tender sprouts.
Growing certain types of these tiny sprouts together can benefit both the plants and
your garden as a whole. Some plants may benefit each other by growing together.
Some plants, such as corn, with thicker root systems retain soil moisture for plants
with less dense root growth, like beans. Other plants, like marigolds for example, act as
repellents for insect demolishers of other flora, thus eliminating any need for even
organic pesticides.

As a young child, Dr. Gerson helped his grandmother in her garden. He observed the
migration of earthworms from a section of the soil chemically treated with pesticides
to the side that was left untreated. Through careful experimentation, he realized that
the living organisms in our soil despise the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides, or
fertilizers, just like humans.

If these chemicals cause drastic changes in the behavior of a creature so integral to

the growth and health of plant life in our gardens, what more of an effect will it cause
in our bodies, to the other organisms in the soil, and even to the plants themselves?
 Thankfully, there are ways to avoid natural pests that are much less toxic or irritating; one
is hot pepper spray which can be made at home!

This spray is made from simple food-

based ingredients that you probably
already have lying around your kitchen!

This is a great chemical-free way to

make sure youre the one who gets to
eat the bounty of your garden, not the
bugs!

1 garlic bulb
1 small onion
1 tsp powdered cayenne pepper
1 quart water
1 tbsp liquid castile soap

Put the garlic and onion in the blender, blend until liquefied. Then add 1 quart
of water and 1 tsp of cayenne pepper. Cover the mixture, and let it steep for one
hour.
Then, strain the mixture through a cheese-cloth and add 1 tbsp castile soap.
Put it all into a spray bottle, and spray the mixture on your plants to ward off
bugs.
Keep the pepper spray refrigerated, and it will keep for about a week!
 Summertime is full of fun stuff sun, surf and big, silly blockbuster movies
but theres one part of summer thats not so fun: the BUGS. Tis the season for
mosquitoes, fleas and other itch-inducing insects to come out in full force,
leaving your skin covered in bites and your fingers frantically scratching away,
desperate for a little relief.
Ive always been a magnet for mosquitoes and other bite-happy bugs, and my
skin is super-sensitive to bug bites. Once, when I was in elementary school, my
dog Louie became the unwitting host to a pretty extraordinary number of fleas
that arrived very suddenly one weekend. Unaware of his unwelcome visitors, I
spent the weekend playing and snuggling with him as usual. By that Monday, I
was so completely covered in angry, itchy red bites that my teacher sent me
home thinking I had chicken pox!
So come summertime, Im always on the lookout for new natural ways to repel
those pesky little biters. Commercial bug repellents like Cutter and Off are full of
nasty chemicals like DEET, so theyre unwelcome anywhere near my skin. Call me
crazy, but since I try my utmost to keep pesticides off my veggies and out of my
diet, Im not about to go rubbing pesticides on my skin!
 A few weeks ago, I planted lemon balm in my herb garden. Id never used it
before, and didnt know much about the herb, but I was attracted to the scent and
the pretty, bushy leaves and thought it would be a nice addition to my herb
garden.

I did a little research on lemon balm to see how I could put it to practical use,
and now Im very happy I did!

Lemon balm is a member of the mint family, and looks quite similar, with soft,
grooved, slightly furry leaves. But rather than having a minty fresh scent, it has a
strong lemony aroma, somewhat similar to lemon verbena and citronella.

Here are a few cool benefits of lemon balm that I found:

Improves digestion
Promotes relaxation
Alleviates stress and anxiety
Helps cold sores and blisters
Attracts bees and butterflies

But while bees and butterflies love lemon balm, other, less desirable bugs
dont feel quite so favorably about it.

It contains high levels of a compound called citronellal, which gives it its lemony
aroma and flavor that bugs find so unpleasant. Youll notice that citronellal
sounds a lot like citronella, another plant used in many bug repellent sprays,
lotions and candles.
But why shell out money for one of these products that almost always contain
other, potentially questionable or downright toxic ingredients? You can just plant a
cheap little lemon balm plant (mine cost $2.99) and youll have a near-endless
supply of bug repellent just sitting in your yard, ready whenever you need it!
 Crush the fresh leaves and rub them directly on your skin, especially around
the ankles, arms and other areas most exposed and vulnerable to bug bites.
The lemon scent, which repels the bugs, is very strong. It rubs off very well
onto skin. You can just sort of crush the leaf up a bit, and then use the leaf like
a wipe.

Plant the lemon balm outside, perhaps near your front or back door, or on
your deck, patio or wherever else you often sit outside, as the plants will help
ward off bugs in those areas.
Lemon balm happily thrives in sun or partial shade, and should be kept in
moist, well-drained soil. Keep in mind though that, like other mints, lemon
balm is invasive, and it will spread and take over your garden like a weed if you
let it. For that reason, its best to keep it in a pot.
 Lemon balm isnt the only herb on the block that keeps bugs at bay. Here are 5
more herbs that work as bug repellents. Like lemon balm, you can plant them in areas
you want to keep bugs away from, or crush the leaves and rub them into your skin. If
your pets suffer from fleas, you can also use these herbs for them.

Sort of the original for bug repelling, with a powerful lemony scent. Its used in
many commercial bug repellents and candles. Im a little hesitant to plant it though, as
I understand it can be a skin irritant. Its also not quite as portable as lemon balm or
the others listed below. Its a grass-like plant that grows up to 6 feet tall!
If youre looking for citronella, make sure you get the varieties Cybopogon nardus or
Citronella winterianus, as some other citronella varieties wont have the same effect
some arent even true citronellas, theyre just citronella-scented.

Studies suggest that catnip may be even more effective at repelling mosquitoes
than DEET (the ingredient used in most commercial bug repellents, which is highly
toxic). It also repels cockroaches, an attribute that many of us living in urban areas can
certainly appreciate.
It can be used similarly to lemon balm; crushed and rubbed onto the skin. A word of
caution to cat owners: watch where you plant your catnip! Your cat may want to roll
around on it and play with it. Plant catnip apart from the rest of your garden so your
cat doesnt accidentally damage any other plants nearby.
Grow it around the house and garden to
keep bugs away. Itll grow inside too, if you
keep it next to a sunny window. Has a lovely
scent, pretty purple flowers and calming
properties as well!

In addition to mosquitoes, marigolds repel

garden pests, too! We have lots of
marigolds growing in the Gerson Institutes
garden to keep the bugs away from our
veggies.
The flowers are edible as well, and add
color and flavor to salads or can be a
gorgeous garnish when you want to dress
up a dish.

Biting bugs dont like the scent of

peppermint, so you can crush up the leaves
and rub it on your skin to ward them off.

As an added bonus, peppermint also can

also do double-duty as itch relief if you do
get bitten!
 You just learned how to ward off bug bites using herbs you can grow in your
garden. But sometimes, despite your best efforts, you might still get bitten, and
suffer an itchy welt on your skin. Or, perhaps you might develop an itchy rash, or take
a walk in the woods and emerge with poison ivy.
As I write this, Im sitting at my desk, rubbing a basil leaf on a bug bite on my wrist
(I forgot to apply my trusty lemon balm before gardening yesterday). That would
probably be considered odd at an average office, but at the Gerson Institute nobody
bats an eye when we see someone putting plants to use for healing!
Fortunately, just like there are natural ways to keep bugs off your skin, there are
also plants and other natural remedies that can help relieve the itching once youve
been bitten. Because having itchy, irritated skin is no fun, and being constantly
reminded to stop scratching! is probably not as helpful as your mom thinks.
However, these remedies dont only work for bug bites. Many of these methods
Im about to list below can be used to ameliorate a variety of skin complaints: rashes,
poison ivy, eczema and other itch-inducing skin problems.
Patients on the Gerson Therapy often experience rashes and other odd skin
complaints over the course of the therapy, particularly while having healing or detox
reactions. This is most often caused by toxins leaving the body through the skin.
While its unpleasant, it can often be a good sign. It shows that the body is healing.
 Without further ado, here are our staffs favorite anti-itch remedies! These are all
totally natural and straight from nature no lotions, potions or mysterious added
ingredients.
Our rule of thumb regarding body products is to never use anything on your skin
that you wouldnt put in your mouth. So, every remedy listed here is made from
plants or from plant-based or food-grade substances.

Put a bit of bentonite or montmorillonite clay on it! Clay is very helpful for itching
and a number of other skin issues such as acne. It particularly helps heal venomous
stings and bites, like from bees, wasps and spiders. The clay helps draw the venom
out of the skin, which will help relieve the pain and let the sting heal more quickly.
Use virgin, untreated clay. Green clay (often called montmorillonite or bentonite
clay) is the most powerful type.

Mix the clay in a bowl or cup with a bit of filtered water until it has a creamy
consistency like peanut butter (like in the picture on the previous page). Then, just
dab the clay paste onto itchy areas, let it dry, then rinse or peel it off.

Spread the clay on a piece of clean,

porous fabric (i.e., wool, muslin, cotton,
flannel). Then place the clay-covered cloth
to the irritated area, with the clay directly
touching the skin (see the picture on the
right).

You can use bandaging tape or wrap

it in plastic wrap to keep the cloth in place
and protect your clothing and furniture.
Keep the clay pack on for about 4 hours, or
until the clay is hard and dry.
 This isnt the first time Ive sung the praises of the uber-versatile ACV, and it wont be
the last (see Chapter 5!). Apple cider vinegar is an effective antiseptic, anti-fungal and
anti-bacterial agent that relieves itching, especially itching associated with dry skin (for
example: sunburns and dandruff). Its also popularly used for pets with dry, itchy skin as
well, by adding a few cupfuls to their bath water.

Just put a few drops onto a cotton ball or washcloth and dab it
on to the affected area. Use raw, organic, unfiltered apple cider vinegar
(see Chapter 5 for more information on choosing the right apple cider
vinegar)

Combine the anti-itch properties of both of these skin soothers!

Follow the instructions for using clay topically or as a clay pack, just
substitute apple cider vinegar instead of water when making your clay. It will fizz up a bit,
so just add a tiny amount of vinegar at a time until you reach the desired consistency.

Peppermint is great for bug bites and itching, as it provides a cooling sensation thatll
give you welcome relief.

The quickest, easiest way is to crush up the leaves and rub the
peppermint directly onto the skin. You could even freeze the crushed peppermint leaves
into ice cubes for a cooling double-whammy, as the cold of the ice cubes also helps to
numb the affected area and bring down swelling and inflammation.

Basil leaves contains anti-itch compounds called camphor and thymol. This is my
personal go-to trick for bug bites, as its so quick and easy. Plus, rubbing the leaf onto the
skin satisfies the compulsive urge to scratch.

Crush up the leaves and rub directly onto the skin.

 We love aloe vera for just about every kind of skin irritation. Aloe is probably
best-known for its ability to heal sunburns, but its extremely versatile as it soothes
the skin and relieves swelling and irritation. If you live in Southern California, theres
probably an 85% chance its already growing in your yard.

: Break off a leaf from the

plant, and cut it open lengthwise from top
to bottom with a knife. Scoop out the gooey
gel inside, and rub it directly onto irritated
skin. If you have extra left over, you can keep
it refrigerated in an airtight container for up
to a week.

Rub bug bites with a banana peel. Another Gerson staffer also suggested water-
melon rind. This is a great way to re-purpose kitchen scraps that might otherwise be
thrown out! But, this method does have a potential drawback: the fruity scent may
attract bugs. This may be a better choice for using indoors.

Rub peel or rind onto the affected area.

Oatmeal contains compounds called avenanthramides that reduce inflammation.

This is a popular trick thats been around for ages. Its also commonly used for
poison ivy and eczema. You can add oatmeal to your bath, or make a poultice.

To make an oatmeal poultice, add a bit of water to a cup or bowl of

plain, organic, uncooked oatmeal (ground or steel-cut work best for this), then let it
sit for a few minutes until it reaches a paste-like consistency. Apply the paste to the
itchy area as needed.
 If you only use apple cider vinegar on your salad, youre seriously
underestimating its potential.

Raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar (often abbreviated as ACV) can be used in so
many ways that by the end of this article you may start keeping a bottle in every
room of your house, not just the fridge!

You can use apple cider vinegar for hair and skin care, household cleaning,
healing and cooking.

Get the good stuff. By the good stuff, I mean raw, organic, unpasteurized
apple cider vinegar. Were big fans of Braggs apple cider vinegar (pictured at the
top).

If youve got a good bottle of apple

cider vinegar, you should see some
strand-like sediment floating at the
bottom. No, your vinegar hasnt gone
badthat gunky-looking stuff at the
bottom is the most important part! Its
called the mother, and it contains raw
enzymes and gut-friendly bacteria that
promote healing.
 Since apple cider vinegar is, first and foremost, a food product, I would be remiss
if I didnt first fill you in on its nutritional value and health benefits first.

Apple cider vinegar lowers glucose levels, and may be helpful for diabetics. It has
also been touted as a weight-loss aid, as it is said to help you feel fuller and eat less.
The enzymes in apple cider vinegar also promote the growth of healthy bacteria in
the gut, and can help regulate candida issues.

Mix 1 tablespoon with a cup of water or herbal tea. (Apple cider vinegar is quite
strong, and when taken straight can be harsh on the esophagus, so youll want to
dilute it).

And, of course, apple cider vinegar is a classic salad dressing ingredient, which you
can definitely get a little creative with!

While olive oil, the most

commonly used oil for salad
dressing, is not permitted on the
therapy, you can mix your ACV
with flax oil and lemon or orange
juice, and perhaps even whirr it
all together in a blender with a
clove of garlic and a bit of onion.
I even like to just drizzle it on my
salad plain!

Apple cider vinegar can also be very helpful in reducing gas and bloating. Just take
a tablespoon of ACV diluted in water or tea before a meal. It can also help ameliorate
symptoms of heartburn. Take a dose as soon as you feel heartburn symptoms coming
on.
 Despite its acidic taste, apple cider vinegar actually promotes alkalinity in the
body. As Charlotte Gerson says, cancer cannot live in an alkaline body, and one of
the primary ways the Gerson Therapy battles cancer and other diseases is by
bringing the body into an alkaline state which makes it an inhospitable
environment for cancer.

Most cleaning supplies are full of harsh chemicals, so apple cider vinegar can
surprisingly provide an excellent, cheap alternative to many cleaning products. It
absorbs odors and has antibacterial properties.
Simply mix one part apple cider vinegar to one part water, and put it in a spray
bottle. Spray the solution on hard surfaces such as hardwood floors, bathroom
tiles, cabinets and countertops, then wipe it off with a rag.

Apple cider vinegar, when

used as a rinse, will make your
hair feel smooth and shiny, and
provide a bit of extra
clarification to remove oil and
dirt. It balances your hairs pH,
which helps seal the cuticle
and make the hair smoother. It
can also help with dandruff,
clear away greasy build-up,
and soothe itchiness and
irritation of the scalp.
Simply mix a tablespoon or two in a glass of water, and rinse your hair with it at
the end of your bath. Make sure to rinse it out well afterwards, or your hair might
feel a little crunchy. Dont worry, the vinegar smell will dissipate once your hair
dries, so you dont have to go around smelling like salad all day. Not that thats a bad
thing!
 While one of the promised benefits of detoxification is clear skin, anyone who has
done the Gerson Therapy or another type of intensive detox can probably agree that
the road to clear skin can be fraught with blemishes. As your body releases toxins
from your blood and tissue, some toxins make their exits through the skin in the
form of pimples, rashes and other angry red eruptions.
You can use apple cider vinegar as an astringent, by soaking a washcloth or cotton
pad in diluted ACV and applying it to your face. Or, you can simply dab it right onto
blemishes to dry them out and heal them.
Its amazing how smooth your skin feels after applying ACV, it tightens and plumps
it a bit, and can help reduce or minimize the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

While you should always strive to avoid skin damage by not staying out in the sun
uncovered for more than 15 minutes, if you do accidentally find yourself burnt to a
crisp, you can use apple cider vinegar to neutralize the burn. Dilute it in water and
pat on the sore skin, or add a cupful to your bath.

Most commercial deodorants are antiperspirants, which block your ability to

sweat. Since sweat is one of your bodys natural means of detoxification, blocking
your ability to sweat can block your ability to detoxify. Plus, most deodorants and
antiperspirants contain aluminum, chemicals and synthetic fragrances, so you want
to avoid them anyway.
So, it might sound a little crazy, but you can actually use apple cider vinegar as a
natural deodorant! Apple cider vinegar absorbs and neutralizes stinky scents. Simply
rub a bit of ACV in your underarms and it will absorb and minimize body odors. The
vinegary smell dissipates once it dries.
 1 cup organic non-fat yogurt (Note for Gerson Patients: Dont use yogurt until
your Gerson practitioner adds it to your protocol).
A variety of fresh fruit (pictured are pitted cherries, chopped mangos, halved
grapes, chopped peaches, and diced kiwi, but there are many other fruits that
would work as well)

Place cup of yogurt into the bottom of two 8-ounce mason jars and top with
cup of fruit.
Add another cup of yogurt and top off with additional fruit. Serve and eat
immediately.
 1 yellow onion, diced
3 vine tomatoes, hollowed
out, core removed, with the
remaining insides set aside
1 ear of corn, husk removed,
kernels removed from cobb
1 zucchini, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves

Place onion on the bottom of a small pan with the zucchini, bell pepper, and corn on
top. Cook uncovered on medium heat until the pot begins to steam. Cover and continue
to cook until lid is hot to the touch.
Bring heat to low and continue to cook for 30 minutes.
Preheat oven to 325 F.
Hollow out tomatoes and blend the insides with the cloves of garlic. Place the hollow
tomatoes in a baking dish, fill with veggie mixture and pour the tomato/garlic mixture
on top.
Place dish in oven uncovered and bake for 15 minutes or until the tomatoes are soft.

Tomatoes can be stuffed with just about anything.

You can use cooked lentils, cooked brown rice or
quinoa, or any other vegetable combination. You can
also include fresh summer herbs for variation.

You can add a bit of shredded potato on top of the

tomatoes to give the appearance of melted cheese. If
this is done it may be necessary to bake for a little
longer to ensure the potato topping is cooked.
 2 medium zucchini, sliced very thinly (each zucchini yields 6-8 slices)
1 large pre-baked cold potato
1 Tablespoon flax oil
2 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Juice of 1/2 lemon
cup cooked quinoa

Directions:
Peel and roughly chop potato and put into a food processor along with the flax oil,
apple cider vinegar and lemon juice.
Continue processing until the potatoes are pureed. If necessary, scrape the sides of
the food processor with a spatula.
Chop the ends off of your zucchini and use a vegetable peeler or mandolin to peel
your zucchini into long, thin strips.
Lay zucchini strip flat and add a small spoonful of potato puree onto one of the
ends of zucchini.
Add a spoonful of cooked quinoa, roll up and enjoy!
 Mix in minced fresh or dry herbs with the quinoa for extra flavor.
You can also add small amounts of thinly sliced raw vegetables to each
roll for extra crunch.
Great additions are carrots, red bell pepper, and radishes cut into
matchsticks and sticking out of one side sushi style.
The following are the recipes for each of the popsicles pictured above (clockwise from
the top). Each recipe makes about 4 popsicles.

1 cup of chopped fresh mango

1 small banana, peeled
cup fresh-squeezed orange juice

1 cup of chopped fresh mango

1 cup of chopped fresh peaches
cup non-fat organic yogurt
 1 cup of chopped fresh peaches
1 small banana, peeled
10 grapes

2 cups of chopped
watermelon
2 teaspoons fresh mint
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice

2 cups fresh pitted cherries

cup non-fat organic yogurt

Put fruit of choice into a blender and puree until smooth.

Pour into popsicle molds, add tops or popsicle sticks and place in the
freezer.
Freeze until solid, at least 4 hours but preferably overnight.

While these popsicles are a delightful treat during the summer months, a strict
Gerson patient must still take care when eating foods that are very cold. The body has
to work harder to warm cold food to body temperature, and it is important to focus
that energy toward healing.

It is recommended that if a Gerson patient chooses this recipe as a special treat

they limit it to one per week, and only after consuming all of their prescribed foods
and juices.

This recipe is also not a good idea for diabetics or those with pre-diabetes due to
the high levels of naturally occurring sugars in fruit.
Gerson Institute