Donna Jackson Nakazawa See book keywords and concepts |
Many patients who suffer from autoimmunity are already trying dietary, supplement, and herbal approaches. Today, 21 percent of patients with autoimmune inflammatory bowel disease use complementary and alternative approaches to treat their disease. Consumers in general in the United
States spend nearly $21 billion annually on nutritional supplements alone—$4 billion more than what they spend each year on going to the movies and video rentals combined. |
For Gerry Mullin, a combination of probiotics, antioxidants, omega-3s, a whole-foods diet, and herbal approaches—coupled with "prayer and determination"—proved critical in taming and changing the course of his disease.
As consumers begin to demand more options for difficult-to-treat autoimmune diseases, biotech companies are increasingly turning toward what industry and consumers refer to as "nutraceuticals"— supplements that they hope will compete with prescription drugs. |
Using nontraditional, ancient medical information taken from seventeenth-century texts, they have pinpointed certain herbal extracts to be "invaluable sources of healing agents. |
Phyllis A. Balch, CNC See book keywords and concepts |
Curcumin is an excellent herbal remedy for situations in which high concentrations of antioxidants are required. The whole herb turmeric contains lower concentrations of curcumin, and is used when healing requires the application of volatile oils.
Benefits of turmeric for specific health conditions include the following:
• Arthritis, eczema, endometriosis, pain, and tendinitis. Clinical studies have confirmed that the volatile oil in turmeric can ease acute pain caused by a number of mechanisms. |
Craig Pepin-Donat See book keywords and concepts |
Amongst many claims, it has been touted as an herbal remedy that improves blood flow because of its ability to increase vascular dilation. The result is said to improve brain function in Alzheimer's patients, improve short-term memory and can even reduce retinal damage from diseases such as macular degeneration.6 Be certain to read the fine print telling you to "Contact your physician before taking this product," because combining ginkgo with prescription or over-the-counter drugs can be dangerous. |
Josef A. Brinckmann and Michael P. Lindenmaier See book keywords and concepts |
C. Only botanicals whose constituents will not be changed by the saturation can be chosen for this process. Here below is an example taken from the OAB (Species laxantes OAB).
Species laxantes
= Laxative tea (OAB)
50 parts Sennae folium (II) 20 parts Sambuci flos
5 parts Matricariae flos
15 parts Foeniculi fructus (cont. |
Bottom Line Health See book keywords and concepts |
Millions of older American men use saw palmetto to treat an enlarged prostate, clinically known as benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), but a new study concludes that this herbal supplement is ineffective.
Several smaller studies had suggested that the extract might be of limited benefit, but this controlled, blinded study found that, "over a 12-month period, saw palmetto was no better than placebo in changing symptoms for this condition," according to lead researcher Dr. Stephen Bent, an assistant professor of medicine at the University of California, San Francisco. |
Mehmet C. Oz., M.D. and Michael F. Roizen, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Here, a look at three other so-called vitality hormones:
FACTOIP
The herbal remedy yohimbine seems to work as an alpha blocker that prevents the arteries from spasming and shutting off blood to the penis. That means that it may be able to dilate the arteries near the penis to promote good blood flow.
DHEA: A steroid hormone that's similar to testosterone and estrogen and can actually be converted to these hormones, DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) has been considered by many to be the snake oil of medications. |
You can also dilute Rhodiola rosea tea with juice, tonic, or other herbal teas.
To make vodka mix: Mill 30 grams of Rhodiola rosea roots in a coffee grinder, add 150 milliliters of vodka without aromatic additives, agitate, and steep three to five days at room temperature. Separate and filter the extract. Have a teaspoon and a half a day for about three weeks (preferably at night, especially if you're operating heavy machinery).
YOU Tip: Prepare Yourself. Used to be that anything involving the penis caused embarrassment-buying condoms, talking about erection problems, open zippers. |
Your first line of sleep therapy should be trying the hygiene strategies we outline on page 195, but for some people, medications or herbal supplements can be the answer-if you know the right one. Despite the fact that thirty-five million prescriptions for sleep medicine were written in the United States in 2005 (twice as many as in 2000), many docs don't prescribe medications that are intended to get at the source of the problem. This guide will help you and your doctor make the decision that's right for you.
Is This You? |
For a woman near fifty with a
Homy Supplements
While the herbal supplement horny goat weed sounds like it should boost libido, it actually doesn't seem to work for women, or even when taken orally for men. (It has been shown to work for male rats when injected directly into the penis-ouch!) Another herb, black cohosh, reduces hot flashes in 35 percent of cases-the same as a placebo. Because no harm is caused, and 35 percent is nothing to sneeze at, lots of women are plenty happy to keep using it. |
These are the ones we recommend:
Valerian root: It contains ingredients with sedative properties and is generally considered one of the more effective herbal therapies for sleep. Our recommendation: 300 milligrams.
Ginseng: Studies have shown that the ingredients in ginseng help decrease the amount of wakefulness in a twelve-hour period and increase the amount of slow-wave sleep. Try 200 to 600 milligrams of the extract.
Major Ager
Wacky Hormones
When we were growing up, we may have blamed our hormones for sprouting hair in new places. |
Marshall Editions See book keywords and concepts |
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
Herbs: Consult a doctor to identify the cause of sweating. A herbal formula may be prescribed by a practitioner of Chinese medicine depending on the cause of the condition.
Acupuncture: Excessive sweating may be a condition that is secondary to an internal imbalance. Acupuncture treatment will address these internal issues. An experienced practitioner will determine the length of treatment based on a consultation and diagnosis. It may last for a few weeks or a few months. |
TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE
Herbs: Consult a doctor of Chinese medicine for advice on whether herbal medicine is appropriate, and to determine the best formula for your individual condition.
Acupuncture: The discomfort associated with whiplash can be eased through acupuncture. Treatment can also help the healing process. An experienced practitioner will begin with a course of 12 acupuncture sessions once or twice a week.
Acupressure: If you have whiplash, always consult a doctor before you attempt any self-massage or acupressure. |
If fresh leaves are not available, there are a variety of gels and lotions containing aloe vera that can be purchased at your local health food store, pharmacy, or stores that specialize in herbal medicines. Some aloe vera gels contain alcohol as a base to contribute to its cooling effect. Be aware that alcohol will sting on any open skin, so avoid any alcohol-based gels if your burn is accompanied by breaks in the skin.
968
SUNSTROKE
DIAGNOSIS
Sunstroke is a very serious condition and in some cases can even be life-threatening. |
Ru Yi Gao: This external herbal medicine is a paste that can be applied gently to the skin twice a day to relieve sunburn.
• Jin Yin Hua tea: Combine 5 g of Jin Yin Hua (honeysuckle flower) with 3 g of Bo He (field mint) in a teapot. Add boiling water and let the herbs steep for a few minutes. This tea can be sipped throughout the day for 10-30 days to assist the healing process. It can also help to prevent infection from occurring. Jin Yin Hua tea can be used in combination with Ru Yi Gao.
TIP: DRESS APPROPRIATELY
Wear light, loose clothing, such as cotton, so sweat can evaporate. |
Bottom Line Health See book keywords and concepts |
Do not use herbal laxatives, such as those containing senna or cascara. They can cause spasms and discolor the lining of the colon. Also avoid beets, nuts, seeds and strong teas and coffee.
To recover more quickly from anesthesia, Dr. Rubman suggests a 50-mg multi-B vitamin and an orally absorbable form of B-12, such as hydroxy-cobalamin. Take them twice a day for four days, starting two days before the test. Take the multi with meals, and hold B-12 in the mouth until dissolved, between meals. On the day of the procedure, take these immediately after the test. |
Make her a cup of herbal tea. Join her in eating flaxseed—it's good for your colon and prostate, too.
INSOMNIA
During menopause, elevated levels of the stress hormone Cortisol make it difficult to fall asleep and can trigger intermittent awakening throughout the night. Natural sleep aids...
•Wild yam cream. This topical cream, extracted from yams grown in Mexico, is a source of natural progesterone. It's available at most health-food stores and at some pharmacies. Applying small amounts of wild yam cream daily may help balance Cortisol levels and enhance sleep. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone See book keywords and concepts |
Traditional herbal practice approached these conditions in radically different ways. The reputation of efficacy for almost universal approaches is sufficiently wide ranging across many cultures and traditions to justify a rational review. Nevertheless, perhaps because these indications demand particularly individual therapy, there is very little direct clinical evidence of efficacy under controlled clinical conditions. |
Bottom Line Health See book keywords and concepts |
Include all prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) medications, rest, ice packs, applied pressure, herbal remedies, etc.
WORKING WITH YOUR DOCTOR
Most primary-care physicians can diagnose and treat common causes of pain, such as back pain, headaches and osteoarthritis. Depending on your problem, your doctor may refer you to a neurologist, orthopedic surgeon, rheumatologist or other specialist. These doctors may determine that you need surgery or other procedures to treat the underlying cause of your pain.
People who are in pain tend to minimize movement because it hurts. |
Too Profitable to CureBrent Hoadley, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts |
Many herbal products are sold as cures. They come in pill form, as dried powders, or as extracted high potency liquids. The effectiveness of many of these products was originally founded on the use of whole/fresh products. Any processing, including drying, heating, chemical extraction, infrared exposure, freezing, etc. can modify the product to a point where its only usefulness may be its placebo effect.
Other important questions should be asked when considering the benefits of supplements. How much is clinically important? How often should the product be used? |
Bottom Line Health See book keywords and concepts |
English translation of The Complete German Commission EMonographs—Therapeutic Guide to herbal Medicines (Integrative Medicine Communications) and of The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs (ABC).
It was headline news when The New England fournal of Medicine published a study that cast doubt on the effectiveness of echinacea. The message to the countless consumers spending more than $300 million annually on the purported cold-fighting herb? Save your money. |
David Hoffman, FNIMH, AHG See book keywords and concepts |
Actions Supplied by Prescriptions to Normalize Hormone Levels and for PMS with Skin
Problems
ACTION
HERBS
Nervine
Scutellaria lateriflora, Pulsatilla vulgaris,
Cimicifuga racemosa
Antispasmodic
Scutellaria lateriflora, Pulsatilla vulgaris,
Cimicifuga racemosa
Diuretic
Taraxacum officinale leaf, Galium aparine
Alterative
Galium aparine, Pulsatilla vulgaris
Uterine tonic
Cimicifuga racemosa, Vitex agnus-castus
Hormonal normalizer
Vitex agnus-castus
Broader Context of Treatment
The holistic practitioner must focus on a whole gamut of relevant issues. |
Rainer W. Bussmann and Douglas Sharon See book keywords and concepts |
In Latin American countries, herbal medicine is deeply rooted, practiced extensively by indigenous groups, and frequently used by a broad cross-section of the larger society. Often it is an economically inevitable alternative to expensive Western medicine.
Traditional knowledge is transmitted from one generation to the next by traditional healers, shamans or curanderos, and has survived the rigors of the Spanish conquest, the Inquisition, and extensive mestizaje or racial intermixing. |
Connie Bennett, C.H.H.C. with Stephen T. Sinatra, M.D. See book keywords and concepts |
The Miracle of Stevia: Discover the Healing Power of Nature's herbal Sweetener. New York: Kensington, 2003.
Mayo Clinic. "Sugar Substitutes: Sweet Taste without all the Calories." http://www.mayoclinic.com/ invoke.cfm?objectid=C367D268-8929-4BA8-8DBACAD0320E8099. McGraw, Phil. The Ultimate Weight Solution: The 7 Keys to Weight Loss Freedom. New York: Free
Press, 2003.
MedHelp International. "Phenylketonuria." http://www.medhelp.org/lib/pku.htm. Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics. "Sucralose—a New Artificial Sweetener." 40, no. 1030 (1998): 67-68.
Medline Plus. "Phenylketonuria. |
Stevia, the herbal Sweetener—How Safe Is It Really?" Chef Jeff's Weekly Health Update, October 23, 2000. http://www.aboutbreathing.com/articles/stevia.htm. The NutraSweet Company. "Customers and Partners." http://www.nutrasweet.com/custpart/index.asp. Pescatore, Fred. The Hamptons Diet. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2004. PMC Specialties Group, Inc., website, http://www.pmcsg.com/.
PR Newswire. "Five Lawsuits Filed Against Splenda; Johnson & Johnson Under Fire Concerning False Advertising and Misleading Consumers about Splenda. |
Ultimately, the best thing you can do is to get your kids used to drinking filtered, unflavored water, water with a slice or two of orange tossed in, and later decaffeinated herbal tea.
HOW MUCH SUGAR IS IN A 20-OUNCE BOTTLE OF COCA-COLA?
A 20-ounce bottle of Coca-Cola contains about 16.87 teaspoons of sugar. You get this figure by multiplying 27 (the number of grams of sugar in a serving) by 2.5 (the number of servings in a bottle), which comes to 67.5 grams of sugar per bottle. Since 1 teaspoon equals approximately 4 grams, you divide the grams (67.5) by 4. |
She also suggests making a cup of herbal tea when you crave sweets.
Nutritionist Dr. Jonny Bowden offers one final, albeit unusual, tip for times when thoughts of sugar overwhelm you. "Try eating something that's not sweet. I've found that when your taste buds crave sugar, if you fake them out and give them a sour pickle or a hot pepper or something that tastes completely different, it tricks the brain in some way, and you lose your cravings."
WILL EXERCISE HELP CURB MY CRAVINGS?
Absolutely. |
On the other hand, stevia's many supporters, which include the American herbal Products Association, Herb Research Foundation, and the American Botanical Council, as well as integrative physicians and nutritionists, are quick to point out that stevia has been consumed safely by humans for centuries in South Korea, Thailand, Peru, Bolivia, Paraguay, Argentina, Brazil, New Zealand, and Japan, with no known complaints.
Over the years, those who've spoken out in favor of stevia include Julian Whitaker, M.D., Dr. Andrew Weil, the late Dr. Atkins, Dr. Ann-Louise Gittleman, Dr. Joseph Mercola, Dr. |