( Webmaster's note: I did not write the following lines but rather collecting them from many web sites. Thus, they seem little disorganized; however, I like you to view them as original texts without any briefing or alteration by myself. I heard of this seer Marie Julie long ago but did not pay much attention until after terrorist attack as she also prophesied about a strange plague which seemed to indicate some kind of germ warfare which would attack human hearts. I believed that Marie was an authentic seer because her case of being a stigmatist was well-documented and because her prophecy on the New Mass had come true. And now her prophecy on germ warfare seems more credible. If her prophecy on the martyrdom of the pope ( John Paul II? ) and on germ warfare turn out to be true, I suggest you to get ready for her last prophecy, the prophecy on Three Days of Darkness.)
 

Marie-Julie Jahenny was born at Coyault, France in 1850, and died in 1941 at the age of 92. Throughout her life Marie-Julie lived as a victim soul, suffering the stigmata. She is frequently referred to as The Breton Stigmatist, The Stigmatist of Blain, or The Stigmatist of La Fraudais, depending upon which source one relies. There are many incredible aspects to the life of this saintly mystic, and we anticipate including additional information here in the future. As for now, we present information regarding the Scapular of Benediction, the Cross of Forgiveness, and the Medal of Our Lady of Good Counsel, all of which are available through MMR.

She had five wounds of Our Lord. As a result she was called "The Breton Stigmatist". She had the marvellous gift recognizing Eucharistic bread from ordinary bread, objects that were blessed and those that were not ; relics and to say where they came from, and finally to understand in several language hymns and liturgical prayers. During a five year period from December 28, 1875 she survived only on Holy Communion. As Dr. Imbert-Gourbeyre recorded, during this whole period, there were no liquid or solid excretions. She was completely insensitive to pain or intense light during her ecstasies. Some of these ecstasies were accompanied by levitation; at that moment she was ecstatically light.
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Marie-Julie Jahenny, the mystic and Stigmatist of La Fraudais and perhaps the greatest mystic in the history of the Church, was born on the 12th of February, 1850, in a little village in Brittany (in the West of France), called Blain. The eldest of five children, she was brought up by her simple, good parents in that lively faith for which Bretons are renowned. Our Lord favored her with many graces from the time of her First Holy Communion, graces to which she corresponded with ever increasing devotion. She joined the Franciscan Third Order when in her early twenties, to help to sanctify herself in the world.

In 1873, she received from Heaven that most remarkable mystic gift, the Stigmata. From the age of twenty-three until her death, some sixty years later, she bore in her body the Wounds of Our Lord to a more visible degree than had any other stigmatist in the Church's history. In addition to the Five Wounds of the Sacred Hands, Feet and Side, Marie-Julie suffered the Wounds inflicted by the Crown of Thorns and the Cross on Our Lord's Sacred Head and Shoulder respectively, the Wounds of His Scourging, those caused by the ropes with which He was bound, as well as other Wounds of a more mystical nature.

Henceforth, Marie-Julie lived her life of coredemptive suffering (as a victim soul) in a little cottage in the hamlet of La Fraudais, near Blain. She thus fulfilled Our Blessed Lord's desire for her to make reparation for the sins of France and the world. She was favored with frequent visions of Jesus and Mary, as well as many prophetic lights.
The truth of the Heavenly warnings of which she was to be the humble messenger was vindicated by her characteristic simplicity and honesty, her exemplary obedience to her spiritual directors and her Bishop, and of course, by the fulfillment of all she prophesied during her long life. With unfailing accuracy she foretold the two World Wars, the election of Pope Saint Pius X, the various persecutions of the Church, the chastisements and the fate of apostate France. Much remains to unfold. Her warnings for the Last Times should be read by all "who have ears."
Marie-Julie was the wonder of the many scientists who examined her continually, the scorn of unbelievers and the proud, the admiration of her lifelong friend, Monsignor Fourier, Bishop of Nantes, and of the devoted circle of those who made the diffusion of her messages to an ungrateful and unheeding world their life's work. She went to her Heavenly reward on March 4, 1941.

Blind, deaf, dumb and crippled, she had subsisted miraculously on the Blessed Sacrament alone, for the last many years of her life. Surely then, we will not pass over lightly what God has confided to her for the benefit of our own sad days.
 

PROPHECIES:

She had a vision of a dialogue between Our Lord and Lucifer and the latter said :
"I will attack the Church. I will overthrow the Cross, I will decimate the people, I will deposit a great weakness of Faith in hearts. There will also be A GREAT DENIAL OF RELIGION. For a time I will be MASTER of all things, everything will be under MY CONTROL, even Your temple and all Your people."
"Saint Michael says that Satan will have possession of everything for some time and that he will reign completely over everything ; that all goodness, Faith, Religion will be buried in the tomb. . . Satan and his own will triumph with joy, but after this triumph, the Lord will in His turn gather His own people and will REIGN and TRIUMPH OVER EVIL and WILL RAISE UP from the tomb the buried Church, the prostrated Cross. . . "
Marie-Julie saw that "there will not remain any vestige of the Holy Sacrifice, no apparent trace of faith. CONFUSION will be everywhere..."
"All the works approved by the infallible Church will cease to exist as they are today for a time. In this sorrowful annihilation, brilliant signs will be manifested on earth. If because of the wickedness of men Holy Church will be in darkness, the Lord will also send darkness that will stop the wicked in their search of wickedness. . . "
On November 27, 1902 and May 10, 1904, Our Lord and Our Lady announced the conspiracy to invent the "New Mass":
«I give you a WARNING. The disciples who are not of My Gospel are now working hard to remake according to their ideas and under the influence of the enemy of souls a MASS that contains words that are ODIOUS in My sight.»
«When the fatal hour arrives when the faith of my priests is put to the test, it will be (these texts) that will be celebrated in this SECOND period... The FIRST period is (the one) of my priesthood which exists since Me. The SECOND is (the one) of the persecution when the ENEMIES of the Faith and of Holy Religion (will impose their formulas) in the book of the second celebration.. These infamous spirits are those who crucified me and are awaiting the kingdom of THE NEW MESSIAH.»

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Marie-Julie Jahenny (June 1881).
"In their [priests] aberration, they will break their oaths. The Book of Life contains a list of names that ‘rends the heart.’
"Because of the little respect it has for the apostles of God, the flock grows careless and ceases to observe the laws. The priest himself is responsible for the lack of respect because he does not respect enough his holy ministry, and the place which he occupies in his sacred functions. The flock follows in the footsteps of its pastors; this is a great tragedy.
"The clergy will be severely punished on account of their inconceivable fickleness and great cowardice which is incompatible with their functions.
"A terrible chastisement has been provided for those who ascend every morning the steps of the Holy Sacrifice. I have not come on your altars to be tortured. I suffer a hundredfold more from such hearts than any of the others. I absolve you from your great sins, My children, but I cannot grant any pardon to these priests."

She [Marie-Julie Jahenny] says that "those who govern the Flock", will be responsible for the coming crisis. Apparently, Communism would not have triumphed if the Church had remained faithful. She mentions the growing freedom enjoyed by priests and bishops and how badly they will use it.

She mentions a pope who, at the last moment, will reverse his policies and make a solemn appeal to the Clergy.
But he will not be obeyed; on the contrary, an Assembly of bishops will demand even greater freedom, declaring that they will no longer obey the Pope.

Marie-Julie then goes on to say that the Red Revolution will then break out. She speaks of a "horrible religion" which is to replace the Catholic Faith, and she sees "many, many bishops" embracing this "sacrilegious, infamous religion."
 
..........................

 Now read Marie-Julies's prophecies concerning the new liturgy:
On November 27, 1902 (Ed. note: The seventy-second anniversary of the Miraculous Medal Apparition [November 27, 1830]) and on May 10, 1904, Our Lord warned of the new liturgy which would one day be instituted:
"I give you a warning. The disciples who are not of My Gospel are now working hard to remake according to their ideas, and under the influence of the enemy of souls, a Mass that contains words which are odious in My Sight. When the fatal hour arrives where the faith of my priest is put to the test, it will be these texts that will be celebrated, in this second period."
"The first period is the one of My Priesthood, existing since Me. The second is the one of the persecution, when the enemies of the Faith and of Holy Religion will impose their formulas in the book of the second celebration. Many of My holy priests will refuse this book, sealed with the words of the abyss. Unfortunately, amongst them are those who will accept it."

On May 10, 1904, Our Lady describes the new clergy and its liturgy:
"They will not stop on this hateful and sacrilegious road. They will go further to compromise all at once, and in one blow, the Holy Church, the clergy, and the Faith of my children."
She announces the "dispersion of the pastors" by the Church herself; true pastors, who will be replaced by others formed by Hell: "...new preachers of new sacraments, new temples, new baptisms, new confraternities."
 
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«July 7 1880 Jesus tell Mary - Julie: «the church will be deprived of his supreme chief that now the guidance (...) The Chief of the Church will be offended outrageously».
«In the ecstasy of November 4, 1880 Mary - Julie describes us the martyrdom of the pope: «The voice of the Church, under a veiled sigh, comes to make doors broken of my soul the echo of his dying voice sound. The supreme Pontiff launches an agonizing speech toward his people, toward children of which he is the Father. It is a sword for my soul... I see of white birds to carry away in their beak his blood and of shreds of his flesh. I see the hand of Peter breakthrough by the nail as the one of GOD. I see his clothes of ceremony pulled in shreds, clothes of which he dresses his dignity to make take down GOD on the altar. I see all it in my sun. Oh !  that I suffer ! »

Extremely remarkable prophecy that depicts us our Pope martyrdom...
«On his side Holy Michael tells Mary - Julie September 29, 1878: «storm will Ever, have been ever as strong against another Pontiff. He is already martyr before undergoing the martyrdom; he suffers before the hour appeared. But he offers his Person and the blood of his veins for all his executioners, and for those that attempt his life awfully. So much exiles to suffer ! »
Let's come back to the complement of the portrait that makes Jesus of his  Vicar, March 9, 1878: «This dear and worthy representative will have entered in a new alliance to sustain my holy Church to the strong of the storm. Pains, tortures, the contempt. He  will receive all... until spits. One will be going up to drive to the stone of the First Pontiff. One will tell to him: disowns your faith, let us the liberty. But his  faith will be firm and constant. It is I that will have given you this Pontiff. Pray for him that must see, under his  eyes, a fierce revolution. His  hand, until the death will hold the Cross and won't set free it ! »
As this last sentence comes closer of : «I will be with it until the end to receive his  sacrifice» !
«We read in the ecstasy of January 11, 1881: «won't have more of stalls, more of cradles, Soon more of living churches: the church won't have his  voice anymore, that, today again, speak high well. The tie of the Faith [it is the so theological expression of Mary - Julie to designate the Pope...] will drink soon in the exile the bitterness of a long and painful martyr. His  heart seized of anguish will live, so to speak, more in his  person ; it will offer all for his children, for his  herd and for his  infallible Church».
«The Virgin addresses the Holy Pontiff [persecuted]: «To the foot of the mountain, in a rock, I see like a lone jail and there is shut in an old man to white hairs. His features are resplendent. He  carries a cross on the chest ; the Good Mr. advances toward him, the old man prostrates and Jesus kisses him: «My beloved Son, martyrdom of the Holy Church, prisoner of the Sacred Heart, rest you on Me so that I eased your pains... Dry your tears. For a long time you carry the Cross, but soon I will return you all your delighted rights, and your liberty... The Good Mother wipes the old man tears with his  coat ; under his  dresses She passes a branch of Lily then, to five gold leaves, while telling to him: «has your strength and your consolation».
This devout stigmatized had numerous other relative prophecies to this Pope «that will have a lot to suffer», as one can note it while browsing volumes of the R.P. Roberdel «prophecies of Cheated it» and «Screaming of the Heaven on the time that comes». She  was even about his  chest enrollment stigmatique «DELIVERANCE OF THE HOLY FATHER, TRIUMPH OF THE HOLY CHURCH». If there is «deliverance», there will have been jails lies previously of the Holy Father... Besides, Mary - Julie specifies us «that he will drink in the exile the bitterness of a LONG and painful martyrdom»... There it cannot be again, about Jean-Paul II...
 

THREE DAYS OF DARKNESS:

Marie-Julie announced the three days of darkness during which the infernal powers will be loosed and will execute all the enemies of God. "The crisis will explode suddenly; the punishments will be shared by all and will succeed one another without interruption... "( January 4, 1884).
"The three days of darkness « will be on a THURSDAY, FRIDAY AND SATURDAY. Days of the Most Holy Sacrament, of the Cross and Our Lady. . . .» three days less one night."
"«The earth will be covered in darkness», says Our Lady on 20th of September 1882, AND HELL WILL BE LOOSED ON EARTH. Thunder and lightning will cause those who have no faith or trust in My Power, to die of fear."
"During these three days of terrifying darkness, no windows must be opened, because no one will be able to see the earth and the terrible colour it will have in those days of punishment without dying at once... "
"The sky will be on fire, the earth will split... During these three days of darkness let the blessed candle be lighted everywhere, no other light will shine.... "
"NO ONE OUTSIDE A SHELTER.. will survive. The earth will shake as at the judgement and fear will be great. Yes, We will listen to the prayers of your friends ; NOT ONE WILL PERISH. We will need them to publish the glory of the Cross.... "(8th of December 1882).
" THE CANDLES OF BLESSED WAX ALONE WILL GIVE LIGHT during this horrible darkness. ONE CANDLE alone will be enough for the duration of this night of hell... In the homes of the wicked and blasphemers these candles will give NO LIGHT."
"And Our Lady states : « Everything will shake except the piece of furniture on which the blessed candle is burning. This will not shake. You will all gather around with the crucifix and my blessed picture. This is what will keep away this terror »"
"During this darkness the devils and the wicked will take on THE MOST HIDEOUS SHAPES... red clouds like blood will move across the sky. The crash of the thunder will shake the earth and sinister lightning will streak the heavens out of season. The earth will be shaken to its foundations. The sea will rise, its roaring waves will spread over the continent..."
"«THE EARTH WILL BECOME LIKE A VAST CEMETERY». The bodies of the wicked and the just will cover the ground."
"Three-quarters of the population of the globe will disappear. Half the population of France will be destroyed." (Marquis de la Franquerie, Marie-Julie Jahenny)

REMEDIES:

In her extraordinary relations with Heaven, the pious stigmatic of La Frandais, Marie-Julie Jahenny, received during the ecstasy of the 23rd August 1878 a request for a new scapular.

This scapular is an honored privilege offered by Our Lord and Our Lady to lead us through the terrible times when the world will face the Holy Wrath of God. So much blasphemy and iniquity on the part of man inexorably provokes Divine Justice, but at the same time, the infinite Goodness of Our Lord and of His holy Mother manifests itself to help, in the middle of the torment, those who, humbly, with good supernatural dispositions and without presumption put their trust in Them.

Not only is the wearing of this scapular strongly recommended, but its exposition in our chapels and houses will give a very special protection.

During the course of many ecstasies, Marie-Julie, the holy stigmatic of La Fraudais, was inflamed by the love of the Cross, and Our Lord revealed to her that He has promised a flood of graces to those who would venerate His Holy Cross, and, in particular, an all special protection at the time of the chastisements. These privileged ones were designated by Our Lord as The Family of the Cross whose destiny is to be protected.
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Words of Our Lord to Marie-Julie on July 20, 1882:
"I wish that My male and female servants, and even small children can clothe themselves with a Cross. This Cross will be small and will bear in its middle the appearance of a small white flame. This flame will indicate that they are sons and daughters of the light."
 
 

Following are some natural and supernatural remedies to use against the calamities that are menacing the world as revealed to Marie-Julie by our Lord and the Blessed Virgin. The calamities will begin by a REVOLUTION.
(Translated from the French book: vol. 1: Veuillez-et-priez Car L'Heure Est Proche by Michel Servant, France; pp. 316-317)

THREE DAYS OF DARKNESS (May 27, 1880)
Only blessed wax candles will give light. One such candle will suffice for each household during the three days of darkness. They will not give light in the homes of the impious and blasphemers.

FATAL PLAGUES
The one and only remedy to protect oneself: swallow a piece of very thin paper on which will be written: O JESUS, Conqueror od death, save us. O Crux Ave.

FOR ANIMALS
One must put around their necks a St. Benedict medal. (Our Lady warned all people to wear St. Benedict medal --- Our Lady of the Roses, Mary Help of Mothers).

DURING THE PERIOD OF THE GREAT CALAMITIES: Earthquakes, wars, floods. etc.
Recite the following prayer to the Holy Cross :
I hail thee, I adore thee, I embrace thee, O, Adorable Cross of my Saviour, protect us, keep us, save us. Jesus loved thee so much, by His example I love thee. By thy holy image calm my fears, I only feel peace and confidence.

GREAT STORMS
The following prayer to the Cross, revealed by Our Lord, to be recited:
O Crux Ave, spes unica "Et Verbum caro factum est". O Jesus, Conqueror of death, save us.

WARS AND REVOLUTIONS
Our Lord revealed during an ecstacy:
To dispel all fear and terror, you will touch your forehead with a holy picture or a medal of Mary Immaculate. Your spirit will remain calm. Your heart will not fear the approach of the terror of men. Your spirit will not experience the effects of My Great Justice.

UNKNOWN DISEASES (Given during an ecstacy)
A medal of My Divine Heart, a medal upon which is traced the Adorable Cross. You will steep into a glass of water the two images -- be it made of cardboard or metal. You will drink this water that is twice blessed and twice purified. One drop only in your food, one little drop, will suffice to drive away not the scourge, but the scourges of My justice. (The Miraculous Medal alone, fulfills the conditions required [the Editor]). You will give a drop of this water to the poor souls touched by the scourge of unknown diseases -- those which attack the heart, the spirit, the word.

DIVERSE ILLNESSES
You will use by means of infusion (steeping, brewing):
The herb of St. John ( Glechoma hederacea) (outdoor climbing ivy, on trees), especially in critical conditions and for the pains of the chest and violent headaches;
The Hawthorn (Craetagus oxyacantha), for use in cholera (which will be frequent and widespread) [see below for the precise method to be applied as indicated by the Holy Virgin];
For unknown fevers: the humble VIOLET (Viola odorata), perfume and virtue of humility, will be effective.
EPIDEMICS or EPIZOOTICS (May 14, 1880)
The Lord gives to the great St. Benedict the power to alleviate the great calamity. A respectful procession of the statute, made without any fear or dread, may arrest this calamity.
EARTHLY AND CELESTIAL FIRE (February 23, 1938)
The Sacred Heart of Jesus:
The heat will be terrible... a sign of the Cross made with holy water will diminish the heat and drive away the sparks. You will kiss five times small indulgenced crosses... small crosses applied to the five wounds of Jesus Crucified on a holy image. For such protection may benefit souls, poor sinners, invoking My Immaculate Mother, Mother of Salvation, Refuge and Reconciliation of sinners.
OBJECTS OF PROTECTION
The Holy Virgin:
"Always have ready and at hand your objects of protection: your blessed wax candles, your medals, your pictures and holy objects from which flow all blessings."
The Holy Virgin says (April 15, 1900):
"My little children, it is faith, it is confidence, the most beautiful of all prayer which obtains the most."
PLACES OF REFUGE
Revelation of the Divine Heart of Jesus to Marie-Julie:
"My loved ones, there are three places of refuge (for the time of tribulations): My Divine Heart, My Divine Cross, and My Beloved Immaculate Mother."
St. Anne said the same things to Marie-Julie on July 26, 1923:
"You have several places of refuge at the moment of chastisement: that of the Cross, the Adorable Divine Heart, and the Virginal Heart of my Immaculate Daughter."
THE MODE OF USING THE HAWTHORN AS GIVEN BY OUR BLESSED MOTHER on August 5, 1880:
"There will be a grave illness which human science will not be able to alleviate. This illness will attack firstly the heart, then the spirit, and at the same time, the tongue. It will be horrible. The heat accompanying it will be a devouring fire insupportable and so intense that the members of the body affected will be red -- an unendurable fiery red. At the end of seven days this disease, sown like a seed in the field (incubation period) will spread everywhere rapidly and make great progress."
"My children, here is the ONLY remedy which could save you. You are familiar with the Hawthorn which grows practically in all hedges. The leaves of the Hawthorn, not the wood, can arrest the progress of this disease."
"You will gather the leaves, not the wood. Even dry, they will keep their efficacy. You will put them into boiling water and leave them there for 14 minutes, covering the receptacle so that the steam remains therein. At the onset of this disease, one must use this remedy three times a day."
"This disease will produce a continual vomiting and nausea. If the remedy is taken too late, the part of the body affected will become black and in the black there will be seen a sort of pale, yellow streak." ________________________________________________________________________ NOTE: Please store this sheet, with its extremely valuable information, among your precious documents. Distribute to your friends.
 

COMPARING MARIE’S DESCRIPTION OF THE END-TIMES PLAQUE TO MODERN HEART-RELATED ILLNESS:

Endocarditis

Endocarditis is an infection of the heart that most often affects the heart valves. Most people who develop this condition already have heart problems and are over 50 years old, but it can sometimes occur in children. While not very common, this can be a very serious disease. Men are twice as likely to be affected as women.
There are two types of endocarditis: infective and non-infective. With prompt treatment, 90% of people with infective endocarditis will survive. Non-infective endocarditis is more difficult to treat.
 
Some people are more likely than others to develop endocarditis. Having the following conditions increases the risk:
· a history of rheumatic fever or rheumatic heart disease
· a congenital (present at birth) heart defect
· prosthetic (artificial) heart valves
· a history of intravenous drug use
· mitral valve prolapse (MVP)
Endocarditis develops in the endocardium, the inner tissue of the heart. It starts if this tissue has been damaged, injured, or infected. Much as a cut on the skin causes a scab to form, damage to the endocardium can lead to the formation of a blood and tissue clot (thrombus).
In infective endocarditis, the clots are caused by bacterial or fungal infection, inflaming and damaging the heart cells. The infection reaches the heart through blood that's carrying a concentration of bacteria, a condition called bacteremia. Once the infectious agent reaches the heart via the blood, it tends to concentrate around the valves, the blood's points of entry and exit. Despite the name, infective endocarditis isn't contagious.
The infecting agent can get into the blood through:
· dental work and surgery
· an infected cut on the skin
· being fitted with artificial heart valves
· rheumatic fever, one of the more common types of infective endocarditis that generally affects children aged 5 to 15
In non-infective endocarditis, the clot may not be infected but interferes with heart valve function anyway. Some conditions make the formation of scar tissue on the heart valves more likely:
· congenital heart valve disease
· systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease)
· chronic infections like tuberculosis and pneumonia
· lung cancer
· having had a previous bout with rheumatic fever
 
Endocarditis can start slowly and gradually, over the course of several months. This is called subacute infective endocarditis. Symptoms include:
· running a low-grade fever (less than 39.5°C or 103°F)
· muscle and joint aches and pains
· weight loss
· weakness
· night sweats
· nausea
· lack of appetite
If the disease goes untreated for some time, further symptoms may appear:
· red spots on the body's trunk
· red eyes
· club fingers and toes
· heart murmurs
· paleness (pallor), especially in extremities
· internal bleeding under fingernails
At other times, infection progresses very quickly. This is known as acute endocarditis, and causes:
· high fever
· shaking chills
· shortness of breath
· rapid or irregular heartbeat
· coughing up blood
· abdominal pain
· septicemia (system shock caused by a general infection)
Although most people with infectious endocarditis have a fever, older people and those with long-lasting (chronic) conditions like kidney disease or congestive heart failure may not.
 
Only your doctor can diagnose endocarditis. The heart test known as an echocardiogram is the main tool for diagnosing endocarditis. For an echocardiogram, a special gel will be placed on your chest and a transducer (a device that emits high frequency waves) is put on the chest and moved around. The waves put out by the transducer bounce off different structures in your heart and allow the doctor to see your heart and how it is functioning. If endocarditis is found, you'll need blood tests to identify any bacteria or fungi. This is vital because the treatment for noninfective endocarditis is different than for infective endocarditis.
 
If a bacterium is causing endocarditis, a doctor will prescribe one or more antibiotics for two to six weeks. These antibiotics often have to be given by intravenous (IV) injection. If a fungus is the cause, an antifungal medication is given. These must usually be given by IV injection for six or more weeks. Heart surgery is sometimes needed for infective endocarditis, especially for patients with prosthetic heart valves.
Non-infective endocarditis is treated with anticoagulants like warfarin (Coumadin®) that help prevent further clots from developing.
To prevent infective endocarditis - especially if you have some of the risk factors described in "Causes" - be sure to let your doctor know. This is important especially if you need to undergo surgery or dental work. If you are at a moderate-high risk for endocarditis, you may be prescribed antibiotics before surgery or dental work to prevent endocarditis from developing. It is extremely important to take these antibiotics as directed by your doctor. Other preventative measures include:
· taking proper care of your teeth and gums - the single most important preventive measure you can take. The mouth is a common source of bacteria that can cause infection. Good oral hygiene cuts down on the amount of bacteria in the mouth and body overall.
· watching for signs of bacterial infection if you're experiencing symptoms of the common cold or influenza (the flu). Early treatment of more minor ailments can go a long way to reducing the risk of endocarditis

Cellulitis
 
Cellulitis is a common infection that spreads under the skin, affecting soft tissues such as the skin itself and the fat underneath it. Bacteria are the most common culprits, but very occasionally a fungus is responsible. Cellulitis isn't contagious, but it can strike anyone with broken skin or damaged tissue. Facial infections are found mostly in infants and the elderly. In children, about one in 12 cases of facial cellulitis leads to meningitis.
 
Cellulitis usually starts with a break or tear in the skin. Many species of bacteria inhabit the skin's surface, and can thrive underneath it if the barrier is broken to let them through. Bacteria can infect burns and bruises as well as cuts and scratches. Other traumas that can lead to infection include:
· surgery
· dental work
· infection of the urethra (the tube through which urine passes)
· rectal abscesses
· animal or human bites
There are several bacteria that can cause cellulitis. The type of bacteria causing the infection depends on whether the infection resulted from a wound, a cat or dog bite, or from swimming in salt or fresh water with broken skin.
Cellulitis can sometimes start even on skin that hasn't been broken. This normally only occurs in people with weakened immune systems. People with diabetes, people with alcoholism, people taking corticosteroids, and others with compromised immune systems are at greatly increased risk of cellulitis and tend to get worse infections.
Necrotizing cellulitis (or necrotizing fasciitis), a rare but severe form of cellulitis, is the dreaded "flesh-eating disease" that occasionally grabs headlines. It usually starts in the lower legs or just forward of the anus following surgery or rectal abscesses. There's often more than one bacteria type active in the infection. Necrotizing cellulitis starts as an extremely painful red swelling, soon turning purple then black as the skin and flesh die. However, the risk of getting necrotizing cellulitis is extremely small. The risk is a bit higher for people who are already sick or have a compromised immune system.
 
Uncomplicated cellulitis begins with a small area of skin that's red, glossy, painful, and warm to the touch, typically around a cut. It most often strikes the lower leg, but the arms, hands, feet, and groin are other likely sites.
Some types of bacteria can get into the lymphatic system, a network of tubes and nodes that carry disease-fighting cells and waste matter around the body. If this happens, the infection can travel under the skin and can come back after treatment. This form of cellulitis, which can be chronic, is called erysipelas. The inflamed skin in erysipelas is not smooth but raised, often completely separated from the layer beneath by a pocket of gas created by the bacteria. There's often a fever a day or two before the rash.
The most severe complications of cellulitis are meningitis and blood poisoning (if the bacteria get into the bloodstream). Meningitis can occur if the bacteria get behind the skull. The most likely route is through the eye socket. Cellulitis around an eyelid is called preseptal cellulitis. It causes a rash that might be painful or itchy. If the bacteria get behind the seal where the eye meets its socket, the condition is called orbital cellulitis. This medical emergency causes symptoms of fever and impaired vision. It requires immediate treatment to prevent meningitis or eye damage. If the infection gets into the lymphatic system or the bloodstream, red lines may be seen under the skin ahead of the main rash. This may cause symptoms like fever, sweats, and nausea. A red line that seems to be making straight for the heart is a danger sign of possible blood poisoning (also called septicemia) and should prompt an immediate visit to the doctor.
 
A doctor can usually recognize cellulitis from the skin's appearance. Unless there's pus or an open wound, the responsible organism can be hard to identify. The exact identity of the bacteria isn't usually important, as typical "broad-spectrum" antibiotics will deal with most bacteria that cause cellulitis infections.
 
Several types of antibiotics are used to treat cellulitis. The type of antibiotic prescribed will depend on the cause and severity of the infection and on other medical conditions. Uncomplicated cellulitis should start to clear up in just a few days. It's important to finish the prescribed medicine even if the symptoms go away.
When antibiotic treatment begins, it is important to restrict movement of the affected area and rest in bed until the infection begins to subside and any fever goes down. Once the infection starts to improve, normal activities can be resumed. Elevating the affected area so that it's higher than the heart will reduce swelling and pain. Warm compresses increase the blood flow to help fight infection.
Antibiotics alone don't work fast enough to stop necrotizing cellulitis, so the infected flesh has to be cut away. Sometimes, amputation is the only way to prevent the disease from invading the rest of the body.
To avoid cellulitis:
· Wear protective equipment when playing outdoor sports - soil forced into cuts and scratches is a common cause of cellulitis.
· Wear long sleeves and long pants when hiking in the forest; this helps to avoid scratches and other injuries.
· Don't go outdoors in bare feet.
· Avoid swimming in salt or fresh water with broken skin.
· Keep skin clean with a mild soap.
· Clean cuts carefully with soap and antibiotic ointment.
· See a doctor for large or infected cuts or wounds inflicted by animals.
 

ABOUT HAWTHORN AS HERBAL MEDICINE:

How hawthorn tea is used in aromatherapy

Hawthorn can be found in warmer climates around the world. In the spring the hawthorn shrub has white flowers and in the fall it is decorated with red berries. Its flowers, leaves and berries have great medicinal purposes. It has been used throughout history and in today’s aromatherapy it is prescribed by herbalists for heart ailments. Hawthorn has the ability to strengthen the heart muscle, and increase the rate that the blood flows and lowers blood pressure. It is often prescribed for long periods of time because it works on a daily basis to strengthen the heart.
To prepare hawthorn teas take one teaspoon dried hawthorn leaves or berries and pour one cup boiling water over them. Let stand for ten minutes, then strain excess leaf grains. Drink one cup in the morning and one cup at night to benefit the most from the use of this tea.
There are several tea mixtures to promote the strengthening of the heart, for a weak heart, for high blood pressure, and for an irregular heartbeat.
To prepare a hawthorn berry tea, take two teaspoons of dried hawthorn berries that have been soaked for at least twelve hours and place them in one cup boiling water. Remove from heat and let stand for five to ten minutes. Then strain the excess berries and drink twice per day. This mixture has an effect for the whole cardiovascular system.
To prepare a tea mixture that helps with high blood pressure you will need to take three-fourth ounce hawthorn flowers, three-fourth valerian root and three-fourth lemon-balm leaves. Blend this mixture of herbs and use only one teaspoon per one cup of boiling water. Let the tea mixture set for five to ten minutes, then strain and drink one cup three times per day. You may also add other herbs such as goldenrod and basil to this mixture to improve a weak heart and for an irregular heart beat.
(Another source)
Helps maintain healthy cardiovascular system. Hawthorn is popular with herbalists around the world as an excellent choice to promote a healthy heart and circulation. According to modern clinical research bioactive ingredients of Hawthorn help improve the tonus of blood vessels and strengthen the contraction of heart muscles. Rose and Calendula are traditionally used to support healthy circulation and stimulate natural resistance to cold and flu.
Suggested use: 1 tablespoon (1/2 fl oz ) 2-3 times per day.
Active Ingredients: Fructus Crataegi, Rosa Centifolia, Calendula Officinalis.
The tincture has rich, appealing taste, frequently used in the past to evaluate the quality of the extraction. Traditional sources as well as modern clinical research indicate that the beneficial effects of Hawthorn on cardivascular system develop over the continuous use. At the same time, the tincture of Hawthorn with Rose and Calendula, taken with hot tea, was popular remedy to "warm up the blood" during long cold winters of Northern Europe.
 

HAWTHORN
(Crataegus oxyacantha)

                   
Hawthorn Berry and flowering-tops extracts are widely used by physicians in Europe for their effect on the cardiovascular system. Studies have shown Hawthorn extracts to be helpful in reducing angina attacks as well as lowering blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels.
Hawthorn may help the heart in several ways. It may open the coronary arteries, improving the heart's blood supply.
It may increase the heart's pumping force. It may eliminate some types of heart-rhythm disturbances. Some evidence suggests it may help limit the amount of  cholesterol deposited on artery walls.
Various flavonoid components in Hawthorn have been shown to inhibit constriction of vessels in a manner similar to the calcium-channel blocker. Hawthorn extracts also improve energy production within the heart as a result of the flavonoids improving the use of oxygen by the heart.
In one trial, 120 people with congestive heart failure were given either tincture of Hawthorn or a look-alike placebo. The Hawthorn group experienced significant improvement in heart function and reported considerably less shortness of breath.
In Germany there are three dozen Hawthorn-based heart medicines available. The herb has become one of the most widely used heart remedies.
However, you cannot expect rapid improvement in cardiac function. Hawthorn has a long-term, sustained effect. Hawthorn is not for cutting short angina attacks. Nitroglycerine continues to be the drug of choice. These are all life threading conditions requiring professional medical care.
Consult your physician if you'd like to use Hawthorn as part of your overall treatment plan.
Preparation

German physicians prescribe 1 teaspoon of Hawthorn tincture upon waking and before bed for periods of up to several weeks. The dosage depends on the type of preparation and source material.
For an infusion, use 1 tablespoon of the crushed leaves or fruits per cup of boiling water. Steep 20 minutes, and drink 1/2 cup 3 times a day.
Standardizing extracts, similar to those used in Europe, are available commercially at health food stores. These extracts are the preferred form. The dosage for Hawthorn extracts should contain 1.8 percent "Vitexin-4'-rhamnoside" or 10 percent "Procyanidins."
The normal dosage is 100 to 250 milligrams three times daily.
Warning

No toxicity has ever been attributed directly to Hawthorn. However, since it is an active cardiotonic herb, useres should be careful when combining this herb with other cardiac drugs.
For example, it is known that action of digitalis is markedly enhanced when combined with Hawthorn.