Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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 B12 (sublingual form) daily.
St. John's wort: One capsule, three times daily. Kava kava: One capsule, three times daily.
Cingko biloba: One 60 mg. capsule or tablet, up to three times daily. Siberian ginseng: One or two 500 mg. capsules daily. Omega-3 fatty acids: One 1000 mg. capsule up to six times daily. DHEA: One 25 mg. tablet or capsule daily.
Diabetes
14 million Americans are diabetic.
The older you are, the greater the risk you have of developing diabetes. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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 The active ingredient in Saint john's wort is believed to be hyper-icum, which has also been used successfully to treat viral infections. It is currently being studied as a potential treatment for AIDS, hepatitis, cancer, arthritis, psoriasis, and ulcers. It is not fully understood how hypericum works. Researchers theorize that hypericum may block the binding of serotonin and other neurotransmitters, thereby preventing them from being used up too quickly. In addition, hypericum may inhibit the production of stress hormones that not only make us feel agitated but can dampen immune response. |
| Very preliminary studies suggest that Saint john's wort can help control appetite and food cravings and, when combined with ephedra, will produce dramatic weight loss. Because of the recent withdrawal of real Phen-Fen, an herbal alternative may be just what the doctor ordered. Although these products may be safe and effective, there are few studies to confirm this. If used in excess, ephedra can cause dangerous side effects such as heart arrhythmia. Therefore, if you use "herbal Phen-Fen," be sure to follow the directions carefully and do not exceed the recommended dose. |
| Caution
Saint john's wort can increase sensitivity to the sun. Therefore, be sure to wear sunscreen and avoid direct contact with the sun.
Saw Palmetto
Facts
Calling all guys over 50this supplement is for you! Saw palmetto is the herb for prostate health, an issue that should concern all middle-aged men. The prostate is a small, walnut-shaped gland that surrounds the part of the urethra located under the bladder. At about age 40, hormonal changes can begin to cause problems for the prostate. |
| In addition, Saint john's wort is reputed to be a natural appetite suppressant. As yet, there are no studies to confirm that these herbs will work well together.
Beta-hydroxy Beta-methylbutyrate (HMB)
HMB is among the most popular of the new sports supplements. A byproduct of the breakdown in the body of an amino acid called leucine, HMB may enhance the effect of vigorous exercise by building muscle and reducing body fat. In one study conducted at Iowa State University, 40 men received either HMB supplements (3 grams per day) or a placebo. |
| Saint john's wort will increase photosensitivitythat is, make you more vulnerable to a sunburn. If you use this herb, stay out of the sun.
Tyrosine
Tyrosine, an amino acid, is the precursor to several important neurotransmitters in the brain that control mood, mental function, and even sex drive. It also plays an important role in the functioning of the adrenal, pituitary, and thyroid glands, which control hormone production in the body. |
Richard Leviton
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 The "drug picture" that most matched these symptoms, King discovered, was Hypericum perforatum (St. john's wort).
The immediate result of taking Hypericum as the sole remedy was a predictable, transient intensification of her back pain, which soon passed, as did her energy slump and phobia, and Barton passed into the fourth layer of wellness. She became sad and wept frequently, experiencing great remorse about her recent anger toward her mother, who was in a nursing home. |
Earl Mindell, R.Ph., Ph.D.
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| Some supplements, such as Saint john's wort, which is a natural treatment for depression, should not be taken in combination with other antidepressants. In some cases, omega-3 fatty acids, which are natural blood thinners, should not be taken along with prescription blood thinners such as Coumadin. Other supplements, however, such as probiotics, are meant to be taken along with prescription antibiotics. My point is that each case is different. In this book, I try to caution when a supplement may interact with another drug or supplement. |
Sharol Tilgner, N.D.
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 Burns:
General All Purpose Salve
St. john's wort Oil
Skin Spray for Boo Boos
Note: Oily items, like salves and oils, should only be used when the initial heat of the burn has dissipated.
Cancer:
Note: See Tumors.
Candida:
Antifungal/Candida Formula
Canker sores:
Canker Sore Formula
Carpal tunnel syndrome:
Alternating hydrotherapy treatments
Arnica Oil Trauma Compound
St. |
Jean Carper
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 Scientifically known as Hypericum perforatum, St. john's wort is a common wildflower with vivid yellow flowers edged with tiny black beads. When rubbed, the plant releases a red pigment, containing hypericin, identified as a pharmacologically active chemical. The name comes from Christian folklore; the plant's red spots are said to symbolize the blood spilled by St. John the Baptist when he was beheaded. The plant blooms around June 24 in Germany, the traditional birthday of John the Baptist. "Wort" means "plant" in Old English.
What's the Evidence?
St. |
| Tf you suffer from mild to moderate depression, before Xyou opt for the heavy brain artillery of strong antidepressants with hazardous side effects and a hefty price tag, you may want to consider a remedy successfully used and extensively tested in Europea plant extract called St. john's wort, or hypericum. It's the drug of choice for common depression in Germany, where it outsells all other antidepressants combined and outsells Prozac by more than seven to one. Every year German doctors write about 3 million prescriptions for St. |
| At long last American doctors and government officials are becoming excited about St. john's wort as a benign but potent treatment for some forms of depression. The European evidence is so impressive that the National
Institute of Mental Health is launching a groundbreaking clinical study to see whether hypericum, as it is called medically, can be sanctioned by health officials as an alternative to current antidepressants. |
| Donald Brown of Seattle advises against taking kava in combination with any substances that have an effect on the central nervous system; this includes alcohol, prescription drugs, such as tranquilizers and antidepressants, and botanical medicines, such as St. john's wort and Valerian.
Special caution: Although kava is not addictive as alcohoi, illicit drugs, and some pharmaceuticals are, the possibility of kava abuse is real. In excessive doses kava can cause signs of drunkenness. Recently a man was arrested in Salt Lake City for driving under the influence of kava. |
| However, which specific chemicals in St. john's wort account for its antidepressant activity is unclear, says Dr. Cott. Long identified as the most likely candidate is hypericin, the plant's red pigment and a documented psychotropic agent. But recent research finds hypericin less potent an antidepressant than the whole plant extract itself, suggesting the herb's complex mixture of chemicals, including xanthones and flavonoids, also are critical in the plant's pharmacological benefits.
How Much Do You Need? |
| In studies, mild reversible side effects from St. john's wort have ranged from less than 1 percent to 10 percent. That's compared with 36 percent of prescription antidepressant users who sometimes suffer extremely serious and lasting harm. Sometimes lowering the dose slightly to let your body adapt to the herbal medicine makes side effects disappear.
Some doctors warn hypericum users to stay out of the sun, because of "photosensitive" poisoning or skin reactions. That has happened in light-skinned animals grazing on St. |
Maesimund B. Panos, M.D. and Jane Heimlich
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 Hypericum perfoliatum (St. john's wort). We call this the "Arnica of the nerves" because Hypericum heals injured parts rich in nerves, such as fingertips and toes. It also helps tailbone injuries, even old ones.
Ignatia amara (St. Ignatius bean). Ignatia is the grief remedy for the person who doesn't recover from an emotional upset such as disappointment or anger; patient sighs very frequently.
Ipecacuanha (ipecac root). Ipecac relieves constant nausea with or without vomiting. It also helps to stop a bad nosebleed or bleeding from any part of the body.
Ledum palustre (marsh tea). |
Henry Pasternak, D.V.M., C.V.A.
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 Since there are several compounds within St. john's wort extract, it has been difficult to study the precise way this herb works in relieving depression. Perhaps the combination of compounds has a synergistic therapeutic value, while individual ingredients would, on their own, have little effect. However, one can surmise that some of the ways this herb works is by influencing levels of chemicals within the brain, specifically dopamine, serotonin, and norepinephrine.
In a study done on rats, hypericum extract caused a 50 percent inhibition of serotonin uptake by rat brain cells. |
Sharol Tilgner, N.D.
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| Candida:
Antifungal/Candida Formula
Canker sores:
Canker Sore Formula
Carpal tunnel syndrome:
Alternating hydrotherapy treatments
Arnica Oil Trauma Compound
St. john's wort Oil
Catarrh:
Respiratory Formula
Children's Respiratory Glycerite
Sinus/Allergy Formula
Respiratory Formula
Vapors for Steam Inhalation
Chronic fatigue and immune dysfunction syndrome (CFIDS):
Immune Formula I
Immune Formula II
Licorice
Note: See Adaptogen, Immune system, Liver, and Adrenals in the index. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler
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 John's wort has been used as a folk remedy for hundreds of years as a treatment for infectious diseases including colds, syphilis, tuberculosis, dysentery, whooping cough and worms. Aqueous extracts have been shown to inhibit the growth of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (the bacterium which is the most common cause of tuberculosis), as well as the bacteria staphylococci, shigella and Escherichia coli. Robert Na-gourney, Alan Kapuler and I have shown (manuscript in preparation) that extracts of St. |
Sharol Tilgner, N.D.
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| Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata)
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora)
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Nerve tonic: Supports and nourishes the nervous system:
Examples:
Oats (Avena sativa)
St. john's wort (Hypericumperforatum)
Nerve relaxant: Soothes and quiets the nervous system.
Examples:
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)
Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus)
Kava kava (Piper methysticum)
Pasque flower (Anemone spp.)
Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata)
St. |
| It is soothing and heating to irritated and damaged tissues.
St. john's wort, Hypericum perforatum, is anti-inflammatory, astringent, antibacterial and vulnerary.79 It strengthens the capillaries and relieves pain due to nerve irritation characterized by sharp lancing pain, numbness, tingling or burning sensations.
Chickweed, Stellaria media is anti-inflammatory and a vulnerary.
Extra virgin organic olive oil is the base used for this salve because of its own unique healing properties.
Beeswax is used as a natural agent to solidify this preparation. |
| Many plants, like shepherd's purse, chickweed and St. john's wort should be used fresh. Other plants can also be used fresh, but the dried form is adequate, just not quite as good as the fresh. In these cases, the fresh plant is made into a liquid extract and the dried plant is added to the extract to make it stronger. Although the dried plant may not have all the qualities desired, as long as it has enough useful attributes, the addition will increase the strength of the fresh plant extract significantly. |
| It also has a calming and supportive effect on the nervous system.
St. john's wort, Hypericum perforatum, is a nervine and neural trophorestorative. It is used in this formula for its ability to support the nervous system, thereby effecting the urinary tract.
Witch hazel, Hamamelis virginiana, is used in this formula for its astringent, anti-inflammatory and toning qualities.321
Corn silk, Zea mays, is a soothing diuretic, mild antimicrobial, vulnerary and demulcent.162 It is healing to the urinary tract and helps restore normal tissue tone and function. |
Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien
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 One study found the valerian/St. john's wort product comparable in efficacy to the antidepressant, while the other found it superior to standard treatment. The herbal therapy was associated with fewer side effects.4'5 In another study of 182 people, those who took an herbal combination product containing valerian experienced more significant relief from anxiety symptoms than the placebo group. The herbal blend tested was a popular French product containing valerian and passionflower (Passijlora incarnata), in addition to smaller amounts of hawthorn (Crataegus spp. |
Sheldon Saul Hendler
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| John's wort leaped into the medicinal herb arena in late 1988 following the appearance of a report in the prestigious scientific journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Researchers from New York University Medical Center and The Weizmann Institute of Science reported that two substances from the herb, hypericin and pseudohypericin, displayed anti-viral activity against some retroviruses. These substances were effective at amounts which have low toxicity. |
Henry Pasternak, D.V.M., C.V.A.
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| For other anxiety disorders such as traveling, I have used an herbal combination containing valarian, chamomile, kava kava, and St. john's wort. This herbal combination has been safe and effective in dogs and cats.
Chamomile
Chamomile is frequendy used as a mild sedative to calm the nerves, reduce anxiety, and induce a state of relaxation without disruption of normal function or interfering with motor coordination. It has also been used to calm upset stomachs and ease digestion. |
| At times, mood-altering herbs such as kava kava, valerian root, and St. john's wort may be used for their calming effects. In humans, enteric-coated peppermint oil capsules have shown to reduce colonic spasm and pain.12 Peppermint oil capsules appear to have a relaxing and soothing effect on the intestines and thus quell spasm and pain.
CONSTIPATION
Some people define constipation as colonic retention of feces, caused by absent, infrequent, or difficult defecation. Constipated patients have excessive straining; hard, dry stools; abdominal pain; bloating; and incomplete evacuation of feces. |
Maesimund B. Panos, M.D. and Jane Heimlich
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| This remedy, made from a plant called St. john's wort, has special healing powers for parts rich in nerves such as fingertips, toes, spine, palms, or soles.
I discovered Hypericum's healing powers when I was a small child and someone slammed a car door on my hand. This was at least fifty years ago, but I can still remember that it was my right fourth finger that took the brunt of that awful force and turned white. When I arrived home, my father, a homeopathic physician, quickly placed two tablets in my mouth, and the throbbing pain began to ease. |
Rudolph M. Ballentine, M.D.
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 Remedies
St. john's wort is getting a lot of press, and sure beats the pharmaceutical antidepressants, but the high-potency homeopathic that fits your whole picture is the ultimate. Flower essences can often be helpful until that perfect remedy comes along.
Psychotherapy
Go for the body-oriented type. Work with what you're holding in the muscles and tissues of the physical body. Pure talk can bog down.
Meditation
Identify rote habits that you know are dead-end. Sit with the anxiety and watch the energy burst into new options. |
Robert S. McCaleb, Evelyn Leigh, and Krista Morien
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| Dosage
St. john's wort is considered suitable for the treatment of mild to moderate depression, not severe depression that interferes with the ability to function in daily life. The dosage used in most clinical trials was 300 mg three times a day (a total daily dose of 900 mg) of extract containing 0.3 percent ericin.Two to three weeks of regular use may be needed before antidepressant effects are seen. |
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