The Better living with herbs and natural health
April 2018
6 Things to Know to Detox Fix Hay Fever Symptoms Pilot’s Friend Energy Drink Essential Oils for Allergies Are Allergies Making You Fat? Alzheimer’s Infection Connection
www.herbalcollective.news
Have an Allergy Free Spring
Publisher’s Note
A
llergies are becoming all too common these
days. I never heard about peanut, wheat, dairy or other allergies growing up. Children went to school with peanut butter and jam sandwiches and no one ever complained. Seasonal allergies were more common with sneezing and itchy eyes. Now it seems like every third person has some kind of allergy whether it’s a seasonal allergy, mold, food or something else. We live in a toxic world – so the first step is to do a spring cleanse to rid our body of the toxic load. Right away this can make a difference. The next step is to remove the allergens that are causing inflammation and other symptoms. The third step is to use natural remedies such as herbs or homeopathy to help the body heal itself. You can help your body heal from seasonal allergies and hay fever if you follow the right steps. A serious allergy such as one to peanuts is a different matter yet there are still steps to take to help yourself.
You will find a number of articles in this issue on how to do just that. You will learn 6 steps to detox your body by naturopath Olena Gill in page 4. Then Colin Gillies shares how effective homeopathy is on page 6. You’ll discover whether allergies are making you fat on page 8 and how to beat seasonal allergies on page 9. What about growing an allergy free garden? We show you just which plants to use on page 10. Stinging nettles is a superfood for allergies you will learn about on page 13. On page 16 we’ll give you some tips to fix hay fever symptoms and on page 17 essential oils that you can use in your home, in toiletries and other methods to reduce allergic reactions. This issue is about more than allergies – discover an energy drink tonic that pilots use on page 14, the connection between infections and Alzheimer’s disease on page 12, a home grown community cookbook on page 7 and a minty tabbouleh on page 11. Enjoy the spring season free of allergies! Sincerely Marilyn Zink
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Herbal Collective April’18
Contents The Theme: It’s spring allergy season and this issue contains numerous tips to help you feel better.
Columns and Departments In the Kitchen Minty tabbouleh.................................................11 Bedtime drink reduces tummy fat................11
Strengthening your body’s defense team...4 Homeopathy effective for allergies................6 Natural Health Directory Are allergies making you fat?...........................8 Find products and services.............................19 Beat seasonal allergies........................................9 Stinging nettles superfood.............................13 Fix hay fever symptoms....................................17 Best essential oils for allergies.......................18
Events
Features Home grown cookbook available...................7 Seedy Sundays and Saturdays are happening across the country. See our ‘Event’s page at www. Grow an allergy free garden...........................10 herbalcollective.news/events for more details. The alzhemier’s infection connection.........12 The tonic that is a pilot’s friend......................14 see page 8
The Herbal Collective published by Pro Write Publishing Publisher/Editor - Marilyn Zink Contact: 250-729-1593 info@herbalcollective.ca, www.herbalcollective.news6 Contributors
Colin Gillies, Olena Gill, Karen Warwick, The Herbal Collective is published every month by Pro Write Publishing and distributed through social media, various platforms and the Herbal Collective blog and email list. Advertising deadline is around the 21 of every month. The opinions expressed by contributing writers are not necessarily those of the editor. Different viewpoints are welcome. All editorial material is copyrighted. Any medical advice is given solely for information purposes only and no responsibility is assumed on the publisher’s part. Copyright © 2018
see page 14
Sponsors Stevia ..www.cravestevia.com..................................................2 Biophysica.www.biophysica.com...........................................5 Colin Gillies...www.colingillieshomeopath.com................6 Olena Gill, www.indigomedicine.com...................................6 Salvestrol, www.salvestrolbook.com....................................7 Hedd Wyn, ............www.heddwynessentials.com.............7 Ferlow Botanicals. www..ferlowbotanicals.com................9 Edible Island, www.edibleisland.ca......................................11 Purica, www.purica.com..........................................................15 Herbal Collective, April’18
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Detoxing Strengthening Your Body’s Defense Team Detoxification is a natural healing process that incorporates resting, cleansing, and nourishing the body from the inside out. By eliminating toxins, then fueling your body with healthy nutrients, a planned period of detox can strengthen your body's natural “Detox Team” and help maintain optimum health. Naturopathic Doctors suggest following a detox plan at least once per year, with spring and fall being the ideal approach. You may have heard critics argue the human body is designed with just the right physiological processes necessary to clear the body of impurities and maintain health. Unfortunately for many people, lifestyle habits and the environments where we live, work, eat and play often expose us to toxins that our bodies don't efficiently eliminate. The toxins you can be exposed to everyday include: · heavy metals in the food and water supply · environmental pollution · chemical food additives · smoking; overuse of alcohol or drugs · use/overuse of Rx medication · prolonged high stress · poor quality diet and lifestyle habits · frequent colds or chronic illness Your Body's Natural Detox Team Your body naturally detoxifies itself via a Detox Team of organs that work synergistically to neutralize and eliminate toxins, with the goal of keeping the
blood and cells free of impurities. The liver leads the Detox Team by processing toxins for elimination. The supporting detox defense players are the kidneys, intestines, lungs, lymph, and skin. When your body's natural Detox Team becomes compromised, impurities aren't properly filtered out. This makes it a real challenge for the Detox Team to maintain or restore health and well-being.
Detoxing Boosts Your Health
Following a detox program suited to your personal needs supports the body's natural cleansing process and boosts your health in many ways: · Allows digestive organs to rest · Stimulates the liver to process toxins more efficiently · Promotes movement of bowels · Improves circulation · Enhances sweating, which helps release impurities · Restores vital nutrients and energy to the body
6 Things to Know Before You Detox Before you begin a detox, prepare mentally and physically. Plan your dates a few weeks in advance. Inform the people closest to you about the time you've set aside to take care of yourself. Clear your schedule of routine obligations that may create stress. Stock up on inspirational music and reading material.
1. Gather Herbal Support
There are many herbal and nutritional supplements such as burdock, milk thistle, dandelion, and vitamins C and B protect and support the body's Detox Team, especially the liver. They also have antioxidant effects that benefit the whole body.
2. Hydrate!
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Herbal Collective April’18
Without enough water, toxins will not be sufficiently flushed from the body. Aim to drink at least 2 litres of water per day with lemon/lime during a detox.
6 Things to Know How to Detox? There are many ways to approach detoxing, from fruit and vegetable juice fasts to herbal tea cleanses. A typical approach is a short period of fasting with proper fluid intake followed by whole or raw foods and beverages before resuming your usual daily routine. There are people who must be under the care of a health practitioner, such as pregnant or nursing women or those diagnosed with certain conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, or even autoimmune disorders. In general, it's important to work with your Naturopathic doctor to select a program that matches your health needs.
Far infared saunas are one way to help your body detox
3. Dry Brush Your Skin Look for a brush with soft natural bristles. Begin with light, gentle brushing over the skin (don't make the skin red). Always brush towards the heart. Shower immediately after to rinse off exfoliated skin.
Dr. Olena Gill is a Naturopathic Physician and Acupuncturist practicing in Parksville and on Gabriola Island≠, B.C. She can be reached at 778-762-3099 or www.indigomedicine.com . Disclaimer: Information in this article should not be construed or used as a substitute for medical evaluation or advice. See your Naturopathic Physician for proper evaluation and prescription.
4. Get Wet Therapeutic use of water also supports detoxification. A steam or sauna can accelerate the release of toxins. Constitutional Hydrotherapy provides support to the muscles and promotes relaxation. The latter is always conducted in a naturopathic doctor’s office. Mineral bath salts also help release toxins.
5. Sweat it Out-Gently
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Exercise facilitates digestion, circulation, metabolism and hormone balancing. During a detox, decrease the intensity of your usual exercise routine, but do break a moderate sweat. Get outdoors for fresh air and natural sunlight. Good exercise options are easy hiking, dancing, walking, yoga, or tai chi.
6. Rest For your mind and body to fully assimilate the benefits of detoxing, you need good quality sleep. Plan your least stimulating activities (reading, meditation, bathing) for right before bed. Herbal Collective, April’18
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Evidence Shows Homeopathy Effective for Allergies
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he word “allergy” did not even exist a cenallergic (e.g., dust mite allergy). Half the patients tury ago, and yet, respiratory allergies today were given a placebo and half were given a homeoare the 5th leading chronic disease in the pathically prepared dose of the substance to which U.S. and are the 3rd most common chronic disease they were most allergic. among children under 18 years old (Allergy and The fourth study was the treatment of patients Asthma Foundation of America). suffering with perennial allergic rhinitis (a broad Homeopathy is the medical specialty that comtechnical term for respiratory allergies that are not monly uses small doses of an allergen in order to seasonal). desensitize a person to that allergen. This concept Like the previous trial, half of the patients were of using small doses of what might cause a probgiven a placebo, while the other half were given a lem in order to help prevent or heal the person is an homeopathic dose of whatever substance the patient ancient observation of healers/physicians all over the was most allergic to. world, and it is The patients given the basis for the It is therefore not surprising that one of the three physicians who the homeopathic natural medicine founded the American Academy of Allergy was a San Francisco medicine expericalled homeopa- homeopathic physician enced significant thy. improvement in naThe primary sal respiratory flow principle of modern allergy treatment is derived comparable with the improvement typically experifrom the homeopathic principle of “treating like with enced by patients given steroidal drugs…without the like.” side effects. It is therefore not surprising that one of the three When evaluating all four trials together (there physicians who founded the American Academy of were 253 patients in all of their clinical trials), there Allergy was a San Francisco homeopathic physician, was a 28 percent improvement in patients receiving Dr. Grant L. Selfridge. Another homeopathic physihomeopathic treatment versus a 3 percent improvecian from Scotland, C. H. Blackley, who in 1871 ment in placebo subjects. was the first physician to identify pollen as the cause What the research suggests is that homeopathic of hay fever. medicines provide an often effective and extremely Respiratory allergies represent the condition for safe means of treatment for people with respiratory which there is a relatively strong research base for allergies. It makes sense to consider safe methods efficacious treatment with homeopathic medicines. before resorting to more risky treatments. For example, a group of researchers at the Universi- Colin Gillies is a homeopath in Qualicum Beach, B.C. ty of Glasgow published four studies, three of which were published in the BMJ (British Medical Journal) Natural Solutions for Health and the Lancet, two highly respected medical journals. Colin J. Gillies, The first two trials involved patients with hay Adv. Dip. Hom., MBCSH fever where patients were either given a placebo or (250) 947-0288 homeopathic doses of 12 common flowers to which 1212-221 Herbal Dec,’16 2nd.Collective Avenue, W. Qualicum Beach, B.C. V9K 2S5 people are allergic. The third trial involved patients with asthma, Email: info@colingillieshomeopath.com where patients underwent conventional allergy testwww.colingillieshomeopath.com ing to determine which substance they were most
HOMEOPATH
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Herbal Collective April,’18
T
Community Produces Home Grown Cookbook
he Cowichan Valley Co-operative Marketplace, or Cow-op for short, has released a new cookbook. It’s called Cowichan Grown – Seasonal Recipes and Local Wisdom.
lecting those recipes which most strongly showcase the region's heritage and feature Cowichan-grown ingredients. In addition to highlighting seasonal ingredients, the cookbook celebrates the passionate folks behind the food – the Cowichan elders, farmers, wine-makers, chefs, gardeners, cooks and local-food lovers who all took part – with a generous seasoning of their tips and wisdom throughout. As a result, this cookbook deeply reflects the Cowichan Valley with both new and old recipes that show how people here make the best of the richness of the land they live on. There is a recipe for every season and every taste. The Cowichan Grown cookbook can be purchased online through the www. cow-op.ca online market, for pick up on Thursdays with your grocery orders in Duncan (Cowichan Green Community) or Victoria (Olive the Senses), or at Cowichan Green Community's Garden Pantry Store, 360 Duncan St., downtown Duncan. To learn more, visit www.cow-op.ca/cookbook or contact Heather at info@cow-op.ca.
SALVESTROLS are “THE MOST
SIGNIFICANT BREAKTHROUGH IN NUTRITION SINCE THE DISCOVERY OF VITAMINS.”
It’s part of the online farmers' market (www.cowop.ca) which helps residents of Cowichan and, more recently, Victoria access local Cowichan-grown produce, baking, meat, fish and more. After nine months, what sets this cookbook apart is it's unique focus on senior food producers and elder cooking wisdom. The project, funded in part by the Government of Canada's New Horizons for Seniors Program, saw the Cow-op gather recipes not only from its' own member farmers and food processors but also from the wider community, especially those with a connection to the Valley's deep agricultural history. A dedicated volunteer steering committee made up of a former bakery owner, two farmers, a culinary scientist, an avid gardener, a Farmers' Market vendor and a chef, then spent countless hours of their time combing through all of the submitted content, testing, photographing, editing, tweaking and finally se-
“There has to be a significant change in the way that we approach food, in the way we grow food and the way that we see our diet.” Anthony Daniels
Call 250483-3640
Get this groundbreaking book at Get this groundbreaking book at...
www.salvestrolbook.com www.salvestrolbook.com, 250-483-3640 Herbal Collective April,18
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Are Allergies Making You
FAT??
D
id you know that food allergies can keep you fat? Maybe you don’t realize you have food allergies but experience intolerances, pain and discomfort daily without understanding why. All of this causes inflammation which affects the body’s metabolism and ability to burn fat. Some symptoms make it extremely hard for the metabolism to work effectively. Instead of burning calories, your body is hanging on to them making you store extra calories which results in weight gain. Cutting out foods that are causing allergies could improve your weight loss efforts. Even if you’re not trying to lose weight, you may find that it’s difficult to stay slim or lose weight. Dieticians says that food allergies prevent people from losing weight. So it’s important to understand the symptoms. It’s not just about rashes and swelling. Symptoms of Food Allergies Allergies have three main symptoms; inflammation, bacteria growth and weight gain. Inflammation We often connect inflammation to swelling in the face, hands, and even neck. This type of inflammation is common in nut allergies and can be extremely dangerous. But there is hidden inflammation in the digestive system which causes pain and discomfort. You will likely feel bloated and you look overweight because your stomach expands to deal with the inflammation inside. You’re also more likely to retain water, which causes the bloating and expanded stomach and might have to go up a size. It’s impossible to lose the weight when you must deal with the inflammation. It constantly gets in the way and makes you feel much heavier and bigger than you really are. Those who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease experience pain because of the inflammation that occurs. 8
Herbal Collective April’18
Bacteria Growth On top of this you have to deal with the bacteria growth in your gut. Allergies can cause more bad bacteria in the gut which leads to far more irritation and inflammation. If you add more good bacteria to your gut, you can reduce a number of bad bacterial growth. This will help to fight against allergy symptoms. Inflammation levels are improved through getting rid of some of the bad bacteria in your body. Studies have also shown that inflammation and bad bacteria are linked to insulin resistance. It’s likely your diet is higher in sugar when you suffer from the allergy symptoms, so you end up with more insulin and more resistance to it. You’re also at a higher risk of Type II diabetes and at a higher risk of holding onto more calories. Keeping the insulin release to a minimum, you’ll find your metabolism works more effectively. Your immune system working less will also work. You’ll be able to burn more calories that you eat easier, so you don’t hoard them and gain weight. Stress Hormones Increase Inflammation also causes stress hormones to increase. This leads to the body working against itself. Continued on page 18
Beat Seasonal Allergies Seasonal allergies can be frustrating and distressing for the sufferer. But there are herbal and natural alternatives that can make life a lot easier by reducing the symptoms or even helping the body heal itself. Seasonal spring allergies often bring on symptoms of a stuffy or runny nose, itchy watering eyes and frequent sneezing. These symptoms are usually referred to as hay fever or allergic rhinitis, the professional term. Sometimes there is a scratchy or sore throat, throat clearing and cough from post nasal drip. Anti-histamines are the drugs most commonly used to treat allergic rhinitis to bring down the histamine load the body is producing. These drugs might relieve the symptoms temporarily but if you really want to get to the root of the problem, then it’s important to consider herbal and natural remedies to relieve seasonal allergies. Two herbs that are particularly useful are dandelion and stinging nettle. That’s because these herbs have a number of benefits that cause powerful healing effects on the body. They are packed with vitamins and minerals but in addition to that dandelion and stinging nettle have cleansing effects that help reduce the toxic load on the body. When you reduce the toxic load, it also reduces the histamine effect which triggers allergies. Springtime, in Chinese medicine, is the season of the ‘liver’ which makes it a cleansing time of year to prepare the body for the busy summer season. Using supplements like Vitamin C and probiotics such as acidophilus also make a difference in helping the body heal itself. Homeopathic remedies can also make a big difference in reducing seasonal allergies. Knowing about natural solutions is part of the equation – the other part is knowing how to use herbs and natural remedies to help the body heal itself. Want to learn how to deal with seasonal allergies effectively? Read the various articles in this issue of the Herbal Collective.
neem tree Ancient Medicine for a Modern World
Ayurvedic medicine and the Indian subcontinent have long been using the amazing healing powers of the Neem Tree. Oil is extract from the kernels of the seeds and an extract is derived from the leaves. Neem is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine to help temporarily relieve the minor skin irritations such as itching associated with eczema or minor wounds. The tincture and skin cream are Health Canada registered.
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www.ferlowbotanicals.com Herbal Collective April’18
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How to Grow an Allergy Free Garden
M
any plants can cause seasonal allergies for sufferers. The best way to avoid it is to know which plants are causing the issue and what to plant instead. Then you can plant an allergy free garden for everyone to enjoy. The following list will give you some idea of what plants to avoid and which ones to plant instead that are similar. Avoid - Love-Lies-Bleeding – stunning in flower arrangements, pollen can be a major irritant for hay fever sufferers. Alternative – Chenille plant, which has long bright crimson flowers. It is dramatic in the garden as it can reach 10 feet tall and 6 feet wide so make sure you have room. Requires full sun or partial shade and regular watering. Avoid – Castor Bean – all parts of the plant are toxic, pollen can cause an allergic reaction and so can the sap. Also very invasive Alternative – Hibiscus has beautiful flowers that stand out and the plant is a prolific bloomer. It likes full sun and regular watering. Avoid – Chamomile. Pollen can contribute to hay fever symptoms, leaves and flowers can cause allergic reactions. Drinking tea can be a problem for people who are highly allergic. Chamomile related to ragweed. Alternative – Woolly Thyme or creeping thyme are a wonderful ground cover and some of them come with bright red flowers that grow in a soft mound. Avoid Daisies, especially oxeye or common daisy. Another ragweed cousin, it can be a problem for hay fever sufferers. Alternative – Phlox has fragrant flowers in shades 10
Herbal Collective April’18
of white, pink, rose, red and lavender that bloom throughout the summer. Avoid Jasmine – fragrant flowers can cause sneezing from the pollen with this strong climber. Alternative –Sweet peas have a sweet fragrance and bloom regularly, thriving in full sun. Avoid Juniper – causes hay fever and skin issues. Alternative – Rosemary, which looks similar, is fragrant and useful for culinary and medicinal uses. It can easily be shaped into nice bushes. It likes full sun, a sheltered spot and moderate water. Avoid Sunflower – both pollen and seeds can cause problems. Alternative – hypoallergenic sunflowers, or grow Day Lilies. Avoid Wisteria –The beautiful flowers of this plant can invoke romantic ideas but the pollen is a well known hay fever trigger. Pruning or touching it can cause skin reactions. Alternative – Evergreen clematis or clematis hybrids are a wonderful alternative. The purple or pink flowers can sprawl over a trellis or pergola. The vines love full sun to part shade but the root areas around the base of the plant should be kept cool. They don’t do well in soggy soil.
Minty Tabbouleh
Bedtime Drink Reduces Tummy Fat ½ lemon 1 cucumber 1 tsp. grated ginger A bunch of parsley 1/3 cup of water Put all the ingredients in a juicer and mix well. Drink the mixture every night before going to sleep. The results will amaze you! This is a natural beverage which has the ability to cleanse your system, speed up your metabolism improve your immune system, nourish your body, and will help you reduce body weight.
¼ cup quinoa ½ cup water ½ cup canned cannellini beans, chick peas or other beans, rinsed and drained ¼ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered ½ cucumber, cut lengthwise, quartered and cut into small pieces 1 green onion, chopped 1 lemon, squeeze out the juice, remove seeds 2 Tbs. fresh mint, chopped 2 Tbs. fresh parsley, chopped Sea salt and pepper to taste 1-2 cups mixed greens
1. Combine the quinoa with twice as much water in a pot with a lid. Bring the water to boil over high heat. Then turn down the heat to minimum, keep the pot covered, and cook for 20 minutes. Remove the pot from the burner and let sit an additional 5 minutes with the lid on. Fluff with a fork and set aside to cool. 2. In a bowl, add cooked quinoa, drained beans, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, green onion, lemon juice, fresh mint, fresh parsley, and season with salt & pepper (if using). 3. Serve tabbouleh on a bed of fresh mixed greens.
Herbal Collective
April’18
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The Infection Connection: Preventing Alzheimer’s Disease
Enhances Brain Power
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ore articles are appearing which connect Alzheimers with long-term bacterial or viral infections and genetic predisposi-
tion. Organisms responsible include Borrelia (Lyme), Herpes, Chlamydia, all of which can be inactivated by Colloidal Silver. We all should be taking our minimal daily requirement of silver of 800 -1000 micrograms. However CS quality is important. Nanoparticles of CS must be small enough (less than 20 nm) to pass through the blood-brain barrier and have strong enough Zeta Potential to inactivate the vicious pico-viruses and prions (Mad Cow Disease). For example, West Nile infection often proceeds to development of memory loss, learning difficulties, a lack of concentration and irritability. Our professional colloidal generators produce the highest Zeta Potential in our industry. A study published May 2016 in the journal Translational Medicine by researchers at Harvard University
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Herbal Collective April’18
theorized that the brain’s natural defense for fighting off viruses, fungi or bacteria could be the cause of the amyloid plaque that damages the brain over many decades. It could even provide new insights into the root microbial causes of more serious diseases such as Alzheimer’s. It might therefore be prudent to ingest our daily requirement of colloidal silver (0.5 mg) to ensure that no microbes can survive and proliferate in brain tissue. Dental infections can cause cancer and more. Only daily colloidal silver can penetrate deep inside the cells to protect us. 97% of all terminal cancer patients previously had a recent root canal procedure. Root-canaled teeth are essentially “dead” teeth that can become silent incubators for highly toxic anaerobic bacteria that can make their way into your bloodstream to cause a number of serious medical conditions, many not appearing until decades later. Many chronic degenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s, originate from infected teeth and gums, the most frequent being heart, brain, joints and circulatory diseases. 16 different causative bacterial agents have been found for these conditions and most can cross the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Most antibiotic molecules are too large (over 20 nm) to cross the BBB. Highest quality small colloidal silver nanoparticles can. Silver protects against Alzheimer’s Disease: More articles are appearing which connect Alzheimers with long-term bacterial or viral infections and genetic predisposition. Organisms responsible include Borrelia (Lyme), Herpes, Chlamydia, all of which can be inactivated by Colloidal Silver. We all should be taking our minimal daily requirement of silver of 800 -1000 micrograms. However CS quality is important. Nanoparticles of CS must be small enough (less than 20 nm) to pass through the blood-brain barrier and have strong enough Zeta Potential to inactivate the vicious picoviruses and prions (Mad Cow Disease). Our professional colloidal generators produce the highest Zeta Potential in our industry. John Stewart runs Biophysica, contact info@biophysica for more information.|
Herb of the Month
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Stinging Nettles Superfood
tinging nettle - you’ve probably brushed by this aptly named, weed-like plant a few times while walking around a local trail. And if your bare skin came in contact with the leaves you may have even received a stinging sensation that left small welts and a lingering rash. But despite its name, stinging nettle is about more than just its sting. In reality, stinging nettle is a superfood that is only masquerading as a belligerent weed. Also known as devil’s claw, devil’s plaything, and burn weed, stinging nettle is among the first edible greens to sprout from the ground by March and are abundant in areas with significant annual rainfall. Stinging nettle, like many wild foods, is extraordinarily rich in nourishment. Stinging nettle contains high levels of protein (25.8 %), calcium, boron, potassium, manganese, zinc, copper, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, beta carotene and high amounts of vitamins A, C, D, K and B complex. Stinging nettle is one of the richest sources of chlorophyll in the vegetable kingdom. Stinging nettle is so incredibly nourishing it puts spinach and kale to shame. Stinging nettle has a rich herbal legacy, with its medicinal use dating as far back as ancient Greece. According to the University of Maryland Medical Centre, nettles have been used most commonly throughout history as a diuretic and for treating painful muscles and joints, eczema, arthritis, gout, and anemia. Here’s an interesting aside: urtication, the ancient act of flogging oneself with nettles to relieve arthritis pain and even sciatica, dates back at least 2000 years…but I don’t recommend it. For this article, we will focus on the above-ground (aerial) parts of the nettle plant and its anti-histamine, anti-oxidant, analgesic, blood building and bone building capabilities. Stinging nettle as an anti-histamine: Allergy season is almost upon us, so it’s good to start using nettles now. Stinging nettle can help to relieve bothersome allergic symptoms such as itching, allergic rhinitis and sneezing by reducing the amount of histamine the body produces in response to the allergen. In one study, 57% of patients rated nettles as effective in relieving allergies, and 48% said that nettles were more effective than allergy medications they had used previously. Stinging nettle as an anti-oxidant: The natural
polyphenols in nettle leaves are thought to be responsible for the powerful antioxidant abilities of this plant. It is important to consume anti-oxidants, especially as we age, as oxidative stress is implicated in accelerated aging as well as many chronic diseases. Stinging nettle as a pain reliever: Stinging nettle can relieve pain as the aerial parts of the stinging nettle plant may interfere with the body's production of prostaglandins and other inflammation-causing chemicals. Consequently, nettle may have an antiinflammatory and pain relieving effect. Stinging nettle as a blood builder: The combination of high vitamin C and iron content in stinging nettle makes it ideal for stimulating red blood cell production. Vitamin C optimizes iron uptake in the gut, while iron is a crucial component of hemoglobin. By increasing the red blood cell count in the body, circulation increases, wound healing speeds up, and the body’s extremities receive essential oxygenation to boost energy levels. So stinging nettle is often recommended to relieve fatigue or anemia. Stinging nettle as a bone builder: Boron is an important mineral element in our bodies that can be found in stinging nettle. Boron has been scientifically linked to maintaining calcium content in our bones, which means that stinging nettle can help slow the onset of osteoporosis. Stinging nettle is rich in calcium with sources saying one cup of infused nettles can contain as much as 300 - 500 mg. of calcium. It also contains other bone building vitamins and minerals such as silica, magnesium, manganese, vitamin A, and vitamin K. Stinging nettle, like most herbs, can affect a profound physical response in the body. Before adding such a potent and comprehensive herbal remedy to your normal diet, be sure to consult a physician and ensure that you won’t be complicating any ongoing treatments or pre-existing conditions. Stinging nettle should not be consumed during pregnancy. Although fresh nettle leaves can sting, don’t be afraid to cook with stinging nettle. Just use gloves to handle the leaves. A brief blanching neutralizes the stinging component, making nettles as docile as grocery-store greens. By Deb Bowman of Edible Island in Courtenay, B.C. Herbal Collective April, ’18
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The Tonic that is a Pilot’s Friend
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Company members with Pilot’s Friend appeared on the Dragon’s Den, which is airing April 5,’18. Photo courtesy Pilot’s Friend.
t all started with looking for an alternative to coffee. When a pilot was told he could lose his licence because his hands were getting jittery from too much caffeine, that’s when things had to be changed. So five pilots committed to a project to search for a healthy alternative drink to coffee, a drink that was crafted in Italy by a team of bio-scientists, doctors and nutritionists for active fighter pilots. “The agenda was to find a healthy alternative without side effects,” says Ali Asghari president of the new Pilot’s Friend energy drink. The Calgary based company appeared on CBC’s Dragon’s Den and the episode will be appearing on April 5. Asghari says the aim was to also find a drink that was anti-inflammatory and good for digestion. Pilots are often exposed to digestive issues after sitting for long periods in the cockpit, which can also cause inflammation. But they need to be alert. “They wanted some caffeine for stimulation and energy to stay sharp and focused,” says Ashari. “The question was, how much does the body require to stay alert.” The result was that the body only requires 25-35 mg. of caffeine a day so ingredients like guarana and cola nut were added to the drink. The guarana gives 14
Herbal Collective April’18
a quick spike of energy while the cola nut provides the long term energy and stamina. The drink also has 14 herbal extracts and fruits including; cardamom, ginger, Great yellow gentian, quinine, black carrots, acerola, apple juice, chokecherry juice, lemon juice, orange extract and carbonated water. “I drank it and felt so refreshed, so good,” says Asghari, who brought the product to the Canadian market in 2003 after a friend gave him the drink. “When Health Canada reviewed the product, they said it had to be labelled as an energy drink,” says Asghari, who says the drink is more like a tonic that provides lasting energy and stamina. In European countries there is negative feedback associated with energy drinks which often contain too much caffeine and unhealthy ingredients. “In North America we consume five times more energy drinks than anyone else,” says Asghari. Providing an alternative like Pilot’s Friend which has clean ingredients is what he says people are looking for. Asghari says when people drink it, it really works to provide the long lasting energy without the side effects. “Our most common comment from consumers is they feel enhanced clarity,” says Asghari. To learn more, visit www.pilotsfriend.ca.
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April,’18
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Fix Your Hay Fever Symptoms
D
o you have hay fever symptoms when you're mowing the lawn? If you're in doubt, an allergy to grass (and other) pollens can result in one or more of the following:
just what type of pollen or dust you're allergic to.
Take Precautions
red, sore and runny eyes a blocked nose and/or sneezing skin rashes and blotches plus a general 'itchiness' a blocked and catarrh-ridden throat a tickly cough perhaps combined with wheeziness sinus headaches a general feeling of malaise. Iff you're suffering any such symptoms it would always be sensible to get a doctor to check your assumptions about hay fever as a cause. What can you do about it?
Don't Ignore It Hay fever was once laughed-off by many, including some heath care professionals, as being a trivial thing or 'in the mind'. In today's more enlightened times, it's recognised to be a potentially major problem that can seriously reduce sufferers' effectiveness in work or when doing jobs around the house. A naturopathic doctor or natural health practitioner can assess symptoms and provide alternatives other than traditional anti-histamines. They may also advise taking some tests to try and specifically identify
Those working with agricultural machinery and lawnmowers might wish to consider a few additional tips that may help. Depending upon your specific allergy, research which times of the day offer the best working conditions. Some pollens are far more active in the early morning and others in the late evening etc. Avoid those times! If the main effects on you are respiratory and throat-related, consider using a mask. Make sure it's rated for pollen elimination. If you're mainly affected in the eyes, think about goggles but you'll need special varieties that don't have unfiltered ventilation holes or you'll be wasting your time. Cover up if the worst effects are skinrelated. There are also some barrier creams that can be effective. Is it Pollen? Remember that some allergies commonly called "hay fever" are nothing to do with pollen at all. Your allergies might be due to, say, harvest dust or just the dust thrown up when driving around on the land. Another culprit is often household dust, the largest component of which is usually dead human skin cells! If you're really allergic to harvest dust and related, cover up to prevent it from getting inside your body or on your skin.
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Herbal Collective April’18
Best Essential Oils for Allergies
U
sing essential oils for allergies is not always the first thing people think of for dealing with symptoms. Instead of reaching for the anti-histamine, think about using the following essential oils to deal with seasonal allergies. Common allergens are; dust, pet dander, pollen, medications, insect stings/bites, certain foods and mold. There are simple yet effective ways to deal with allergies using essential oils. Some basic essential oils to use for allergies include; eucalyptus oil, lemon, clove, peppermint and lavender. There are different ways to use essential oils – in the bath, massage, inhale or diffuse.
Diffuse Mix a few drops of eucalyptus with clove and tea tree oil and add to a diffuser to clean the air in your home. Use the same mix for removing unwanted odor. Diffuse lavender before bedtime to encourage a more restful sleep. Diffuse peppermint to increase alertness. Rosemary oil can also be diffused this way.
Inhale
Lemon is proven to improve dopamine levels. On the days when you are suffering from intense allergy symptoms, diffuse lemon and eucalyptus to lighten your mood and lessen your symptoms. Massage and Topical Use Mix a few drops of eucalyptus with peppermint and coconut oil for a homemade vapor rub. Lavender is a natural antihistamine and antiinflammatory. This oil is a prime option for treating yourself while in the middle of an allergic reaction. Use topically to soothe and calm skin irritations such as insect bites or hives. Lavender can be massaged neat (directly without dilution) on to the skin. Peppermint oil can be applied topically diluted or diffused. You can add to a cool water compress when feverish or overheated; or when you feel fatigued and low on energy, diffuse or apply topically as a pick-me-up and to encourage alertness. Mix peppermint with lavender and a carrier oil for a soothing massage that will ease headaches.
Gargle Dilute a few drops of eucalyptus oil with water, sprinkle of sea salt and gargle to clear the throat. You can do the same with lemon for a calmer effect. Peppermint oil an expectorant which can provide immediate relief for those struggling with congestion by aiding in clearing phlegm. For those struggling with allergies, asthma, or bronchitis, this oil will minimize inflammation while promoting the feeling of easy breathing through open airways.
Household Use Add a couple drops of eucalyptus oil to your dryer or vacuum to freshen and sanitize them. You could add a couple drops to most any household item, laundry detergent, toilet cleaner, mop water, all-purpose cleaner, and more. If you want a simple household cleaner, mix 50 drops of lemon, 25 drops of tea tree oil, and 14 oz. of water in a small spray bottle. There are numerous benefits to lemon including purification, nausea relief, improves digestion, promotes weight loss, cough relief, and more. The scent of lemon is more traditional in conjunction with household and body cleansers
Toiletry, Bath and Cosmetic Use Add a few drops of clove oil to toothpaste, deodorant or body wash. It is a protective herb with antimicrobial, antifungal, antiseptic, antiviral, aphrodisiac, and stimulant properties and gentler than eucalyptus. Use lavender in lotions, bath salts, lip balms, and more. Herbal Collective April’18
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Getting Fat from Allergies Continued from page 8 Your immune system is battling something that isn’t there—that it’s perceived as a threat. Your body is fighting this which causes fatigue.
Getting Rid of Leaky Gut Syndrome Bad bacteria in the gut can also cause leaky gut syndrome, which means toxins pass around your body and you end up with more health issues. These are separate but caused by allergy symptoms. The toxins latch onto the immune system response. You end up with more inflammation around your body, reducing your energy levels and making you feel more in pain and depressed about your weight. These toxins go as far as blocking your metabolism from being able to work. You end up with a far higher insulin resistance, putting you further at risk of developing Type II diabetes. All these issues link to obesity. You’re at a higher risk of gaining weight, whether hoarding calories or retaining water. Only getting rid of the food you’re allergic to will help to reduce the bad bacteria in the gut. Then you can work on reversing leaky gut syndrome to keep the release of toxins to a minimum. That way you can reduce all the side effects that come from this.
Healthy Bodies Produce More Leptin Leptin is a chemical compound your body needs to help maintain weight. Inflammation inhibits leptin. If your body is healthy and without allergic symptoms, you’ll find that you have more leptin. You may even overeat but the right amount of leptin will help to boost the metabolism naturally and improve the weight maintenance. Yes, this is the case for those annoying people who seem to be at a healthy weight no matter what they eat! The more foods you eat that you’re allergic to, the 18
Herbal Collective April,’18
more inflammation you will experience. Your body then must produce more anti-inflammatory elements, which then directly affect the leptin in the body. Without the leptin, your body can’t tackle the weight gain and it can’t maintain a healthy weight. So you start gaining without even doing anything necessarily bad. You can have a good diet and create a calorie deficit, but your body struggles because you’re eating the wrong types of foods. This is a chemical that your body needs. It helps to maintain weight, so avoids you gaining too much even if you don’t have the healthiest of diets! Inflammation inhabits the production of leptin. The more foods that you eat that you’re allergic to, the more inflammation you will experience. Your body then must produce more anti-inflammatory elements, which then directly affect the leptin in the body. Without the leptin, your body can tackle the weight gain. It can maintain the healthy weight, and you start gaining without even doing anything necessarily bad. You can have a good diet and create a calorie deficit, but your body struggles because you’re eating the wrong types of foods.
Cut Out Food Allergies Take steps to find out which foods you’re allergic to. You may be allergic or intolerant to more foods than you initially realize. Some people use the elimination diet. Eliminate all common allergens such as wheat, dairy, soy, nuts etc for a week. By cutting that out, you’ll find that inflammation cuts down to a minimum, so you produce more leptin and reduce the water retention. Not only do you help your body physically lose weight, but you’ll be in a good place mentally. You’ll be happier with yourself and in less pain, which means you want to stick to the positive diet. Your energy levels will get a boost, so you do more. If you add the foods back into your diet one by one and track the symptoms, you can find what you’re allergic to. Another method is to get a test from a physician or naturopathic doctor.
Natural Health Directory Advertise Here for Pennies a Day! Email info@herbalcollective.ca
The Natural Health Directory is a resource for our readers who are looking for practitioners, products, education, herb farm or other herbal and natural health information. Each listing links to a listing on the Herbal Collective website with links and contact information to
Herbal Courses
Year of Healing with West Coast Herbs Heather Macleod, ..........................herbeshoppe@shaw.ca ..................................................................... 250-247-8514
Herbal Products
that particular business. Click on the link for each page to get more information on each particular business. To Get Listed; info@herbalcollective.ca or call 1-250-729-1593.
Natural Foods and Supplements
Offers a wide selection of natural health products and nutritional supplements....................................905-695-0631 Canadian Bio Supplements Quality manufacturer of natural health products backed by over 5 years of clinical trials...................306-291-0871
Ferlow Botanicals, www.ferlowbotanicals.com, info@ferlowbotanicals.com.....................604-322-4080
Biophysica, .Colloidal Silver Generators, Colloidal Gold www.biophysicia.com.......647-478-6946 1-800-488-2032
Purica, medicinal mshrooms at www......Purica.com
Neem Research, www.neemresearch.ca...1-888-7476287
Wild Oil of Oregano, www.wildoiloforegano.com www.wildtamanuoil.com
Health Food Stores Edible Island, www.edibleisland.ca, 250-334-3116
Homeopath
Colin Gillies, www.colingillieshomeopath.com............... .....................................................250-947-0288
Naturopathic Doctors
Dr. Olena Gill, www.indigomedicine.com....................... .....................................................778-762-3099
Nutrition
Karen Warwick, RHN, www.viholisticnutrition.net .....................................................................250-753-3028
Stevia, sweet and natural,....... www.cravestevia.com
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