Bill Gottlieb
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 He recommends taking a supplement of one or more of the following chinese herbs and herbal formulas: Asian (panax) ginseng, ligustrum, denodrobium, or the Chinese formula called 8-Flavor Tea Pills. Follow the dosage recommendations on the product label.
FLOWER ESSENCES: Increase Your Motivation
Bach flower remedies—flower-derived tinctures that help balance emotions—can energize a woman's sexual desire, says Judy Howard, a nurse and director of training at the Bach Centre in Sotwell, England. |
| Licensed TCM practitioners almost unanimously agree that people shouldn't use chinese herbs on their own. Chinese herbal medicine utilizes thousands of herbs. Using the correct herbal prescriptions, which usually consist of customized formulas combining multiple herbs, requires getting an accurate diagnosis. And since these herbs, just like the drugs of Western medicine, have many limitations and possible side effects, TCM practitioners advise using them only with the supervision and approval of a trained practitioner.
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WHAT IS IT? |
Michael T. Murray, N.D.
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 Cyong J: A pharmacological study of the anti-inflammatory activity of chinese herbs. A review. Acupunct Electro-Ther 7,173-202,1982.
16. Kumagai A, et al: Effects of glycyrrhizin on thymolytic and immunosuppressive action of cortisone. Endocrinol Jpn 14, 39-42,1967.
17. Suzuki H, et al: Effects of glycyrrhizin on biochemical tests in patients with chronic hepatitis— double blind trial. Asian Med J 26, 423-438,1984.
18. Okimasa E, et al: Inhibition of phospholipase A2 by glycyrrhizin, an anti-inflammatory drug. Acta Med Okayama 37, 385-391,1983
19. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
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 You start brewing up some of those chinese herbs, and everyone else finds a good excuse to leave the house," says Robert Rufsvold, M.D., a family practitioner at the New England Center for Integrative Health in Lyme, New Hampshire. Fortunately, medical practitioners who prescribe herbs tend to take these things into account.
"When it comes to teas, I try to make them taste good," says Connie Catellani, M.D., medical director of the Miro Center for Integrative Medicine in Evanston, Illinois. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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 The latter is especially versatile. The chinese herbs bupleurum, cyperus, and melia are said to enhance the energy flow and to be particularly good for alleviating pain in the breast region. Salvia, which is the Chinese version of sage, is said to enhance qi, or life energy, and can be used to treat the heart and chest area.
•For Headaches...The American herbs valerian and skullcap are commonly used to treat painful headaches. The two herbs can be quite effective when taken together. A tincture of the two, consisting of 15 to 30 drops, or several capsules of each herb, can be taken. |
| In addition, there are several traditional chinese herbs that have proven their ability to combat parasitic infection. The herb baibu can eliminate pinworms from the body when it is added to a cloth containing alcohol and worn while sleeping. When ku shen is assimilated into a tea, it can aid in the purification of the lower intestinal and urogenital regions. Lei wan is yet another versatile Chinese herb that can be helpful in defeating a wide variety of parasites. A knowledgeable herbologist can guide you further. |
| Chinese Herbal Remedies
From the wide array of chinese herbs, Lungtanxieganwan has demonstrated its capacity to reduce angry emotions associated with PMS. Another Chinese herb, Xiao Yao Wan, aids in the treatment of depression, indigestion, bloating, and poor circulation. The herbal formula called Women's Harmony can also be used to improve circulatory functioning.
Homeopathic Remedies
Several homeopathic remedies have proven their effectiveness in countering PMS, but it is important to remember that only one product should be used at a time. |
Ralph Golan, M.D.
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 Gaeddert, Andrew. chinese herbs in the Western Clinic. Dublin, CA: Get Well Foundation, 1994.
Hoffman, D. The Herb User's Guide: The Basic Skills of Medical Herbalism. Rochester, VT: Thorson's, 1987.
Kloss, J. Back to Eden. Revised and updated. Available from Back to Eden Press, P.O. Box 1439, Loma Linda, CA 92354.
Mindell, E. Earl Mindell's Herb Bible. New York: Simon & Schuster/Fireside, 1992.
Murray, M. T. The Healing Power of Herbs: The Enlightened Person's Guide to the Wonders of Medicinal Plants. Rockland, CA: Prima Publishing, 1991.
Pizzorno, J. E., and Murray, M. T. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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| Chang, Professor of Medical Microbiology and Immunology at the University of California School of Medicine, has listed chinese herbs according to their specific actions on the immune system. Ethnobiologist Dr. James Duke has done the same, looking at herbs the world over. Some of the herbs that keep coming up again and again on such lists are astragalus, panax ginseng, ganoder-ma, and ligustrum. |
Linda B. White, M.D.
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 Because some acupuncturists, though not all, are also trained in the use of herbs, particularly chinese herbs. Acupuncturists train for three to four years; they are usually licensed by the state, and requirements vary from one state to another.
Just because an herbalist doesn't have one of the titles you see above doesn't mean he can't help you. Many herbalists are self-taught, simply because the training they need has not been widely available. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
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 Chelidonium was one of three herbs used to examine the efficacy of traditional chinese herbs on squamous cell carcinoma of the oesophagus. A 30 ml dose (equivalent to 30 g of crude herb) of a decoction of Chelidonium was given orally to 30 patients twice daily for 2 weeks prior to surgery. Histological examination of the excised tissue demonstrated a greater degree of stromal lymphoid cell infiltration and cancer tissue degeneration in the patients given Chelidonium than in patients given the herb plus endoxan or in the control patients. |
| Two patients were additionally described who suffered an acute hepatic illness related to taking traditional chinese herbs for skin disease. Both recovered fully. The mixtures that they took included two plant components also contained within the mixture taken by a previously reported patient who suffered fatal hepatic necrosis. |
| Hepatic albumin's mRNA in nephrotic syndrome rats treated with chinese herbs. Chung Hua I Hsueh Tsa Chih 1995; 75(5): 276-279
38. Yu JY, Xiong NN, Guo HF. Clinical observation on diabetic nephropathy treated with alcohol of Abelmoschus manihot. Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih 1995; 15(5): 263-265
39. Li P, Fujio S. Effects of chai ling tang on proteinuria in rat models. Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine 1995; 15(1): 48-52
40. Zheng JF, Chen SY. |
| Uterostimulant action has also been shown for chinese herbs Carthamus tinctorius, Angelica sinensis and Leonurus sibiricus with and alpha-adrenergic receptors as postulated mediators.2 Some traditional effects on reproductive structures and functions have been linked with herbal activities on various prostaglandin receptors and functions that may also constitute stimulation of this type.3
The use of emmenagogues as abortifacients cannot be recommended in this text. |
| Hepatitis induced by traditional Chinese herbs; possible toxic components. Gut 1995; 36(1): 146-147
6. Ferguson JE, Chalmers RJ, Rowlands DJ. Reversible dilated cardiomyopathy following treatment of atopic eczema with Chinese herbal medicine. |
| For example, two cases of acute hepatic illness have been associated with the use of chinese herbs for eczema5 and one case of severe cardiomyopathy was reported after a 2-week course of such treatment.6 Nevertheless, actual reports in the clinical trials were not alarming. In the follow-up of the children trial after a year of continuous treatment, two subjects taking treatment had raised asymptomatic AST levels but there were no abnormalities in either full blood counts or biochemical parameters in any adult patient on continued treatment after a year. |
Gary Null
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 Herbalist Letha Hadady finds these chinese herbs useful for alleviating symptoms of PMS:
Lungtanxieganwan. A Chinese remedy that alleviates anger associated with PMS.
Xiao Yao Wan. Helps relieve PMS symptoms of depression, poor circulation, indigestion, and bloating.
Women's Harmony. Increases circulation. homeopathy
The homeopathic remedy chosen should correspond to the symptoms described; only one should be used for best results. Sometimes it's a matter of trial and error; if one does not work, try another. Dr. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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| Treatment Summary_
Ahealthful diet low in animal products and inclusive of snacks, green salad foods, and legumes, will work to minimize PMS. chinese herbs are available that will counter premenstrual symptoms. Homeopathic remedies, keyed to specific complaints, have proven effective in dealing with PMS.
Research has shown that regular participation in aerobic exercise can prevent mood swings, alleviate cramps, reduce fluid retention, and limit sugar cravings.
Reflexology and pressure point therapy are manipulative techniques that can alleviate PMS. |
Robyn Landis
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 Teas made from lavender flower, linden flower, blue vervain leaf, and woodruff leaf are less common and the mildest of all—use of these teas throughout the day will just take the edge off anxiety. The chinese herbs fo-ti root (Ho Shou Wu) and mimosa bark are also mildly sedative. Five capsules of either would be an average effective dose.
Piscidia (also called Jamaican dogwood bark) from the West Indies and South America is a very potent relaxant. |
Gary Null
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| Sun Yan, was invited to the University of Texas to perform a three-year study of two prominent chinese herbs that enhance the immune system. Both are used in China to help bolster the immune systems of patients that have undergone chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Perhaps the willingness to test the herbs is a sign that the attitude in this country is changing. But there are few other signs. |
Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien
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 Like many chinese herbs, the use of dong quai is generally not well understood in the West. In the United States, it is often sold as a single-herb remedy, whereas in China it is almost never taken by itself. Traditionally, dong quai is blended with other herbs in teas, soups, and dishes such as "danggui duck" that support and balance a woman's system over time.
Dong quai has been the subject of just one Western clinical study on menopause, which led to disappointing results. |
| Future studies could answer many questions by testing the root in combination with other chinese herbs over an adequate period of time, using criteria that can detect the plant's more subtle effects.
History
In China, dong quai is called tang kuei (or dang gui), which means "proper order." As a blood tonic, the root is used to restore balance in a woman's reproductive system by toning the uterus, nourishing the blood, and stimulating healthy circulation. It also strengthens the heart, liver, and lungs. Dong quai was mentioned in Chinese medical texts as early as A.D. |
| Better Health with (Mostly) chinese herbs and Foods. New Jersey: AYSL Corporation, 1995.
2. Hirata JD, Swiersz LM, Zell B, et al. Does dong quai have estrogenic effects in postmenopausal women? A double blind, placebo-controlled trial. Fertility and Sterility 1997; 68(6): 981-986.
3. Chang HM, But PPH. Pharmacology and Applications of Chinese Materia Medica. Vol 1. Hong Kong: World Scientific, 1986.
4. Choy YM, Leung KN, Cho CS, et al. Immunopharmacological studies of low molecular weight polysaccharide from Angelica sinensis. American Journal of Chinese Medicine 1994; 22(2): 137-145.
5. |
| The Pharmacology of chinese herbs. Boca Raton and London: CRC Press, 1999.
14. Yoshihiro K. The physiological actions of tang-kuei and cnidium. Bulletin of the Oriental Healing Arts Institute 1985; 10(7): 269-278.
15. McGuffin M, Hobbs C, Upton R, et al., eds. American Herbal Products Association Botanical Safety Handbook. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1997.
16. Tierra M. The Way of Herbs. New York: Simon & Schuster, Pocket Books, 1990.
17. Foster S. 101 Medicinal Herbs. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1998.
Echinacea
Echinacea spp. |
Dr. Gary Null
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 Chen et at, "The Effects of chinese herbs on Improving Survival and Inhibiting Anti-ds DNA Antibody Production in Lupus Mice," American Journal of Chinese Medicine 21, no. 3-4 (1993): 257-62.
A study examined the efficacy of combining Western medicine and traditional Chinese medicine in treating lupus nephritis. Results: Treatment with the combined approach was superior to that with just Western medicine alone.
R. G. Ye et al., [Therapy of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine on 74 Lupus Nephritis Patients], Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho Tsa Chih 14, no. |
| The following chinese herbs have specific effects on the blood and are needed at different times of the monthly cycle. Dr. Gorman recommends working with a health practitioner to create an individual protocol and to monitor progress, but offers these general guidelines:
At the beginning of the cycle:
Dong quai. High in vitamins A, E, and B12. this blood-builder can be taken most days of the month, up to the point of menstruation, or just before it begins if there are strong pre-men-strual symptoms. |
| The herbs have made a fundamental difference in my life.
The chinese herbs are different from American herbs because they are given in combination. They address a number of symptoms at one time, and they are also cost-effective, which I think is important for many people today.
This is something that a woman can choose to use in conjunction with regular health care approaches: self-exams, medical care, proper nutrition, and addressing emotional health.
SUSAN
I had a job I loved, but it was very stressful. I wound up with amenorrhea for a few weeks. |
| I took several workshops with her, where I learned about chinese herbs and the whole philosophy of Asian medicine as well as the Ayurvedic and the Tibetan systems. Over the years, I have taken formulas of Chinese and Western herbs.
The results are difficult to show concretely. All I can tell you is that 1 don't have cancer and that ten years later, after having had a very aggressive kind of tumor, I am still fine.
I believe in natural medicine. I also believe very firmly that it is important to have a practitioner, to not use the local health food store as your medical advisor. |
| HERBS
Herbalist Letha Hadady finds these chinese herbs useful for alleviating symptoms of PMS:
Lungtanxieganwan. A Chinese remedy that alleviates anger associated with PMS. Xiao Yao Wan. Helps relieve PMS symptoms of depression, poor circulation, indigestion, and bloating. Women's Harmony. Increases circulation.
These remedies can be ordered from a mail order source in Oakland, California called Health Concerns (800-233-9355).
HOMEOPATHY
The homeopathic remedy chosen should correspond to the symptoms described; only one should be used for best results. |
Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien
See book keywords and concepts |
| The Pharmacology of chinese herbs, 2nd ed. Boca Raton, FL: CRC Press, 1999.
13. Foster S. 101 Medicinal Herbs. Loveland, CO: Interweave Press, 1998. |
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