Herbs

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When Healing Becomes A Crime: The Amazing Story of the Hoxsey Cancer Clinics and the Return of Alternative Therapies Kenny Ausubel See book keywords and concepts

Now, as time goes on, looking back, maybe his medicine, his herbs and nostrums, maybe they did cure. He was only using derivatives of what Indians made cures from and what the ancient Greeks used. I'm glad now I didn't tell him, because just maybe Harry was way ahead of his time and he had a cure, or some part of a cure, for cancer. I can never be sure how he did it. One thing is certain from my viewpoint: He did make people well from cancer." Burke paused, sighed, and recalled a rueful exchange he shared with his dying friend.

Food Politics Marion Nestle See book keywords and concepts

As if not enough products were already supplemented, producers of hard liquor were reported to be exploring the marketing potential of alcoholic beverages supplemented with ginkgo, ginseng, and other herbs. Such innovations, designed particularly to appeal to people aged 25 to 35, were certain to attract the attention of the relevant regulatory agency, in this case the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (BATF).

Earl Mindell's Secret Remedies Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Add some herbs to your salad!—Dill, oregano, and fennel not only help relax digestive-tract muscles, they are also antifoaming agents that help prevent the formation of intestinal gas and inhibit the growth of several bacteria that attack the intestinal tract. Papaya—This fruit has been used by Caribbean Indians for centuries for many medicinal remedies and as a digestive aid. They were onto something! The most important digestive enzyme in papaya is papain, which is similar to the human digestive enzyme pepsin.

Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals: A Handbook for Practice on a Scientific Basis Josef A. Brinckmann and Michael P. Lindenmaier See book keywords and concepts

Product example: Carminativum Hette-rich® N (in combination with fennel, peppermint, chamomile and orange peel). An ethanolic extract of caraway is used in suppositories for infants, 212 mg made from 0.4 g drug/supp.,: Carum carvis suppositories from Weleda. Regulatory status Canada: Approved active ingredient in a few Schedule OTC Traditional Herbal Medicines (e.g. Floradix Multizyme Herbal Tablets, Flora Stomach Tea) and homeopathic medicines, requiring premarketing authorization. Food in absence of claims. U.K.

Herbal Defense Robyn Landis See book keywords and concepts

For more on food allergies generally, see Chapter 16, "Herbs for Allergies." Hyperactivity, Learning Disorders, and the Allergy Connection Childhood should be a time of exploration, growth, and security. For an increasing number of children, however, it has become an emotional nightmare, complete with academic failure, depression, fatigue, frustration, and physical pain.

It is one of the most valued of all herbs by the Chinese for its ability to nourish and boost almost every system of the body, and it's an excellent long-term energy builder that can also provide more immediate, though mild, energy increases. It can be taken as tea (1 ounce of herb per day is a fine long-term dose) or capsules. Eleuthero root (also known as Siberian ginseng) is another excellent energy and stamina builder. It is an exceptional overall long-term tonic for health, immunity, and sttength.

CASE STUDY: FROM EXHAUSTED TO EXHILARATED Massage therapist Maurice Collins, LMP, showed up in Karta Purkh's "Energizing Herbs" class looking for information about dealing with her exhaustion as well as a number of other garden-variety health complaints. She had been diagnosed with low thytoid and placed on hormone replacement therapy. She did in fact exhibit many of the classic symptoms of hypothyroidism. She tells her story: "I had begun taking Thyroxine (now called Levoxine) for my exhaustion, prescribed by my doctor, about a month before I first met Karta Purkh.

It's primarily a thyroid tonic, builder, and strengthener, but also works well for PMS, especially in combination with other herbs. (See Chapter 8, "Especially for Women: Natural Healing for a Woman's Lifetime.") Secondarily, it's also a reproductive tonic, liver tonic, and kidney tonic. Since this herb addresses the deficit underlying the energy shortage, it's not something you can take a bunch of today and feel a quick energy boost. You take it over a period of weeks or months and build the foundation of energy in the body.

Periodically I adjusted the dosages and types of herbs and I have continued to feel wonderful." ONE GOOD GLAND SERVES ANOTHER The hormone-secreting glands are arranged from the bottom of yout body to the top in order of priority. At the low end are the gonads—the ovaries or testicles. Moving up the body you have the pancteas, adtenals, thyroid and parathyroids, pituitary and pineal, in ascending order. The farther up the body you go, the higher priority and more powerful the hormones. The glandular system functions cooperatively; the glands suppott one another and give one another signals.

Thyroid function is more of a long-term, ongoing regulation, and so herbs that work on thyroid function generally match that activity level. CAFFEINE AND OTHER SHORT-ACTING STIMULANTS Most of the things people use in day-to-day life to increase energy are actually contributing to the overall low-energy problem in the long run. That's because those things work by overstimulating the adrenals. They provide a short-term boost, but at the long-term expense of the glands whose overwork is part of the problem in the first place.

Herbal Medicine, Healing and Cancer: A Comprehensive Program for Prevention and Treatment Donald R. Yance, j r.,C.N., M.H., A.H.G., with Arlene Valentine See book keywords and concepts

The planting of flowers, vegetables, and herbs; watching them come alive and grow day by day; smelling their aromatic scents; and harvesting them when ready are all ways to truly bond with nature—the best healing tonic in the world. EXERCISE Exercise, from stretching, tai chi, yoga, walking, and running, to swimming and bicycling, can improve circulation and detoxification of the lymph system. It is also extremely beneficial emotionally; the endorphins it releases have a very uplifting effect. Exercise should be relaxing and not a burden—that's the real key to a successful program.

Massage, especially following a relaxing bath, will induce sleep, sometimes when all other therapies, including drugs, have failed. • herbs can be especially helpful. Some of the most effective are passionflower, kava kava, oatstraw, skullcap, and, for those with poor cerebral circulation, valerian. It is best to use a fluid extract of the herb, adding 30 to 120 drops (% to 1 teaspoon, depending on the herb used) to hot water or a soothing herb tea such as chamomile or lemon balm. Sleep problems are unique to each individual, therefore, I recommend seeking the advice of a qualified herbalist.

On the other hand, some herbs can have opposite effects on different people: Valerian can stimulate one person and calm another. • Soothing sounds can help one fall asleep; again, this is unique to the individual. Environmental sounds such as wind or water are calming to some; others prefer soft music.

Each is unique to the moment—no two musical performances are ever exactly alike, and so it is with the world of herbs and their unique ability to heal when blended in accordance with the needs of the patient. Second to jazz, some type of spiritual music would be my choice— music for the soul. Spiritual music can help one center on prayer and has a profound effect on healing. Combining soothing sounds with the uplifting smells of aromatherapy creates a wonderful synergistic effect.

Food Politics Marion Nestle See book keywords and concepts

But most of the products are herbs, botanicals, food extracts, enzymes, and diet or fitness formulas that have barely been investigated, if at all. Some may have been used as traditional remedies for millennia, but almost none has been studied with anything like the scientific precision needed to define active ingredients, biological effects, safe levels of intake, or the ability to alleviate symptoms of illness.

The Cancer Industry Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Seasoning Chives, garlic, onion, parsley, herbs, laurel, marjoram, sage, thyme, savory, cumin, oregano, salt substitutes or other potassium salt, and sea salt in small amounts. Soups Vegetable soup; barley, brown rice, and millet can be added. No pork, fat, fried or smoked meat, sausages. Other dairy products. Roasted and salted nuts and peanuts. French fries, chips. Any other. Spices, pepper, paprika. Canned and creamed soup, fat stock, consomme. Candy, chocolate, white sugar. All canned ones. Sweets Unpasteurized honey, unsulfured molasses, raw sugar, or dark-brown sugar. Carob.

Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 1 Michael T. Murray, ND See book keywords and concepts

As other herbs have much greater antimicrobial activity, Angelica sp. would be considered a less than optimum agent if this effect is desired. CLINICAL APPLICATION Angelica spp. have been used throughout the world in the treatment of a wide variety of conditions. At this time, it appears that A. archangelica and A. atropurpurea are most indicated as expectorants, antispasmodics, and carminatives in the treatment of such conditions as respiratory ailments, gas, and abdominal spasm. Chinese angelica (A. sinensis or polymorpha) and Japanese angelica (A.

Textbook of Natural Medicine 2nd Edition Volume 2 Michael T. Murray, ND See book keywords and concepts

Berberine To specifically target Chlamydia trachomatis, local and oral applications of berberine-containing herbs are very important. Berberine has been shown to be very effective in the treatment of ocular Chlamydia trachomatis (see Ch. 91).36,37 Although apparently there have been no studies of the use of berberine in genital Chlamydia trachomatis infections, it is reasonable to expect it to be equally effective. Local application can be accomplished using berberine-containing douches and the vaginal depletion pack (see Appendix 12).

Hachimijiogan contains the following eight herbs (per 24 g): • Rehmania glutinosa - 6,000 mg • Poria cocos sclerotium - 3,000 mg • Dioscorea opposita - 3,000 mg • Cormus officinalis - 3,000 mg • Epimedium grandiflorum - 3,000 mg • Alisma plantago - 3,000 mg • Astragalus membranaceus - 2,000 mg • Cinnamonum cassia - 1,000 mg. THERAPEUTIC APPROACH In cases of marked vision impairment, cataract removal and lens implant may be the only alternative. As with most diseases, prevention or treatment at an early stage is most effective.

Although the intake of these herbs and spices is relatively small, they can make a significant contribution to dietary salicylate.68 Other flavoring agents Other flavoring agents such as cinnamon, vanilla, menthol, and other volatile compounds may produce urticaria in some individuals.5 Recently the artificial sweetener aspartame has been shown to induce urticaria.

The Enzyme Cure: How Plant Enzymes Can Help You Relieve 36 Health Problems Lita Lee, Lisa Turner and Burton Goldberg See book keywords and concepts

See Appendix A) Herbal Medicine The following herbs can be taken one at a time or in combination. Seek professional help to decide which ones are right for you. ?Coleus forskohlii: Ayurvedic herb useful in lung, heart, and skin problems ?itpneara (zpneara) or ma-miang: stimulates trie adrenals; some people cannot tolerate it and it's generally con-traindicated for people with high blood pressure For more about ?Lobelia (Lobelia inflata): excellent asthma remedy; use with caution—too much causes vomiting Cancer, p. 93. - ?

The Truth About Hormone Replacement Therapy: How to Break fee from the Medical Myths of Menopause National Women's Health Network See book keywords and concepts

Many people don't realize that just as pharmaceutical companies promote drugs, so too is there a whole industry out there developing, producing, and selling dietary supplements, herbs, and other alternative health care products. Alternative health care practitioners are subject to similar influences from these companies as conventional doctors are from drug companies. These practitioners may promote a product they've seen in ads or have received free samples of from the manufacturer.

You've heard that soy, herbs, or other alternative medicines may be good for menopause symptoms, but your health care provider dismisses those options or doesn't seem to know about them. Most conventionally trained health care providers are not informed about alternative therapies. You can use the chapters of this book on phytoestrogens, natural hormones, and alternative approaches to inform yourself and share with your health care provider.

Phytoestrogens present in herbs are not the same as those present in food plants such as soybeans and whole grains, and they may not be as benign. In summary, black cohosh is an herb that helps relieve menopausal symptoms but that should not be used for longer than six months until the safety of longer term use is determined. Although there is some evi- . . herb to solvent ratio in 90 percent alcohol) 0.3 to 2.0 ml each day; tincture (1:10 in 60 percent alcohol) 2 to 4 ml each day; or tablets (40 mg standardized extract once a day).

Two obvious examples of its inadequacy: It does not include vaginal dryness, but it Unfortunately, clinical studies on the efficacy and safety of these herbs are lacking, even though some of them have powerful hormonelike effects. does include formication, or the sensation of insects crawling on one's body. The only study to report on hot flashes as a separate symptom was the Stoll trial. It found that hot flashes decreased more in the black cohosh group than in the placebo group.4 Another recent trial in breast cancer survivors found no relief from hot flashes.

It's very important to know that herbs, natural hormones, and dietary supplements are not necessarily safe just because they're "natural." You will need to ask many of the same questions about alternative therapies as about a drug prescribed by a conventional doctor. Specifically, what is the reason to take it? Are there studies on this treatment showing that it is effective for the recommended purpose? What are the risks associated with it?

Although several herbs have a long history of use, their efficacy and safety are not established in clinical studies. At forty-nine, Sara Altschul, a magazine editor noted for her funny jokes and wild sense of humor, was nonplussed to find that every time she cracked a joke during a meeting, her normally fair skin blushed bright red. "It was unbelievably embarrassing," says Sara. "It never used to happen. Then it dawned on me that I was having these blushes three or four times a day. And it hit me—these must be hot flashes!

Earl Mindell's Secret Remedies Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Although each has only mild estrogenic activity, they may help ease some of the discomforts of menopause, especially when added to other phytoestrogenic herbs and foods. Foods rich in phytoestrogens include alfalfa, apples, barley, carrots, cherries, chick peas, garlic, green beans, oats, peas, potatoes, rice, rye, wheat, and, especially, yams. Natural progesterone—Body creams containing Mexican yam root are a nonprescription source for a natural, nontoxic, progesterone. These over-the-counter progesterone creams can relieve mild menopausal symptoms for many women.

The Cancer Industry Ralph W. Moss, Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Garlic, ginseng, and other herbs have given some indication of anticancer activity (ibid; Brown University, 1976). In fact, a group of NCI and Chinese scientists have shown that people who eat about three ounces a day of garlic, onions, scallions and leeks are only 40 percent as likely to get stomach cancer as those who eat few of these allium vegetables (Carper, 1989). In 1975 the NCI announced that it was conducting tests on may tan-sine, a drug derived from an East African shrub. It, too, was used by natives to treat cancer (ACS, 1975).

Earl Mindell's Secret Remedies Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D. See book keywords and concepts

Look to natural sources of hormones, supplements, herbs, diet, and change in lifestyle. Vitamins Vitamin E—Vitamin E has been used for more than fifty years as a remedy for hot flashes. A potent antioxidant, vitamin E can also help to protect postmenopausal women against heart disease, the number-one killer of women. (See "Heart Disease," p. 142.) Vitamin C—Vitamin C can help strengthen capillaries and lessen the effect of vasomotor disturbances that can cause those annoying hot flashes.

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