The Better living with herbs and natural health
Sept, 2016
5 Herbs for Focus and Motivation The Longevity Herb Calming the Mind for Mental Clarity The Turmeric Trend-what it means
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How to Think Better with Herbs Publisher’s Note
Wow – summer went by like a speeding bullet. Do you feel that way too? Or maybe it was slow and
leisurely for you. Either way, it’s pretty much though September does have nice warm days too. With the shift in temperatures there is a renewed sense of getting down to business, being serious about work and school and achieving your goals. Sometimes it can feel difficult to drag yourself out of summer mode and concentrate again. This is where herbs can help us in that way. Adaptogenic herbs are great for helping the body in many ways but also for increasing focus and concentration. It’s not just herbs, but medicinal mushrooms too, like chaga and lions mane. When you experience a great deal of stress at work and your results depend on your performance, it’s extra important to take an adaptogenic herb. I can’t stress that enough. Yes, it’s a bad pun but it can make a significant difference. Adaptogenic herbs also help boost the immune system and have a number of other benefits for the body. If that isn’t enough, you can take an adaptogenic herb along with one of the medicinal mushrooms for Gingko Biloba, our featured Herb of the Month.
How do you decide which herbs to take? The first step is to study the qualities and benefits of a particular herb to determine if it fits what you are looking for. What is the biggest effect you want to achieve? Keep in mind that adaptogenic herbs work over time, usually 30 days or more before you notice a significant difference. You might want to start with an herb like Gingko Biloba if an immediate difference to increasing blood flow to the brain is important. That can later be followed up with an adaptogenic herb – start with one and monitor the effects. It helps to write it down. Then add the adaptogenic herb if that is warranted and balancing the body while decreasing stress is important to you. I hope these tips help you. Check out the rest of the articles in this issue – the secret of deficient proteins, how children are suffering from pesticides used on lawns and more. If you haven’t yet – check out the Herbal Club (www.herbalcollective.ca/subscribe) where you can get access to all new and past issues of the Herbal Collective plus specialty ebooks, audio recordings with experts and more. Have a great fall! Sincerely Marilyn Zink
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Contents The Theme: How to use herbs for focus and motivation so you can get more done in less time!
The turmeric trend...............................................4 Calming the mind for mental clarity..............6 Herb of the Month, Gingko Biloba.................8 5 Herbs for Focus and Motivation................12 Features Children suffer from lawn pesticides...........15 The deadly secrets of deficient protein......16 The rewards of an herbal harvest.................17 Did you know?.....................................................17 How smoke waves are hazardous.................18
The Herbal Collective published by Pro Write Publishing Publisher/Editor - Marilyn Zink Contact: 250-729-1593 info@herbalcollective.ca, www.herbalcollective.ca Contributors
Klaus Ferlow,Tawnya Ritco, Louis Hoolaeff, 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 © 2016
Columns and Departments In the Kitchen Cauliflower Potato Salad Brain and Circulation Tea Gingko Nut Porridge.........................................11 Did You Know? Test your knowledge.........................................17 Herb Gardening The rewards of an herbal harvest.................17
Ferlow Botanicals. www..ferlowbotanicals.com................5 Louis Hoolaeff., www.leadingedgehealth.rg.......................6 Doug Kuramoto.............................................................................9 Edible Island, www.edibleisland.ca......................................11 Hedd Wyn, ............www.heddwynessentials.com...........13 Salvestrol www.salvestrolbook.com........................................................13 Purica, www.purica.com..........................................................14 Louis Hoolaeff, ....www.LeadingEdgeHealth.org.............16
Herbal Collective, Sept,’16
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The Turmeric Trend
Why this Natural Anti-Inflammatory is in the Spotlight By Shelly Malone
F
lip open the pages of any natural health magazine right now, and it seems that a magical, bright yellow pile of dust – turmeric – is staring back at you. But why is this spice suddenly in the spotlight, and how specifically can it help you? Studies reveal that turmeric possesses substantial anti-inflammatory qualities – more on that in a minute. Before we get into those benefits, though, let’s talk about inflammation and the way it manifests in your day-to-day health.
is always at the ready to signal its highly-specialized troops of cells and molecules to attack and dispose of the foreign material. Inflammation can play a positive role in our health as the prima¬ry defense mechanism against acute conditions — like when a fe¬ver fights off an infection, or blood rushes to a sprained ankle to help heal the tissue. It is an essential part of healing. But (and this is year from preventable “lifestyle a big ‘but’), when your immune disease.” This begs the question: system is disrupted, it puts itself what preventions can we take to unnecessari¬ly on constant destave off these types of diseases? fense, sending inflammation conAnd outside of the obvious (don’t tinually rippling throughout your When your body is taken ove r by body. In this state of inflamma‘It’s well supported in the research that this particular chronic inflammation, tion, it can class of pain relievers is very damaging to your digestive it’s working against not only be system, and can increase the permeability of your gut...’ you instead of for you debilitatby switching focus ing, it can from the antigen it’s raise your supposed to attack, smoke, for example), what are risk for heart disease, diabetes, and instead launching a targeted some of the more subtle ways we obesity, some cancers, mood and strike on your own cells, tissues, place stressors on our bodies? cognitive disor¬ders, and is the or other harmless material. This is where inflammation enters source of autoimmune disease and the equation. many other chronic conditions. FIGHTING INFLAMMABecause it’s an umbrella term for TION NATURALLY INFLAMMATION DEFINED a condition with a whole host of A common approach to fighting Simply put, “inflammation” is outcomes, it can be hard to ideninflammation, especially with exthe immune system’s response tify whether or not you’re expeclusive exposure to conventional to a stimulus that is viewed as riencing it. However, research medicine ideals, is that of inflamforeign or toxic to your body (also mation management through suggests that scores of us are. known as an antigen). quick-fix anti-inflammatory Today, almost half of all Amerimedications, such as NSAIDS Your immune system constantly cans (and 50% of our children) (Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory monitors for any¬thing that aplive with some type of chronic Drugs). These include prescrippears as a foreign intruder, like an tion NSAIDS and over-the-counhealth condition, and 38 million infectious bacteria or other matepeople across the globe die each rial, that shouldn’t be there, and Continued next page
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Herbal Collective Sept,’16
ter ibuprofen and naproxen. But there’s a problem with this approach: it’s well supported in the research that this particular class of pain relievers is very damaging to your digestive system, and can increase the permeability of your gut. Our digestive system contains approximately 70% of our immune cells and serves to prevent inflammatory toxins from entering your bloodstream. So, when this protective barrier breaks down, it takes down your entire system with it. Prescription corticosteroids can also have the same effect. Ironically (and unfortunately), these are commonly prescribed for autoimmune and other inflammatory conditions. But while taking away pain, they are actually worsening a primary root cause of inflammation: a leaky gut. So what to do if you want to calm your body’s inflammation, and protect – or even improve – the integrity of your gut health? Interestingly, both fish oil and
curcumin have been found to be as effective for treating pain as NSAIDs in several studies. One of the most ef¬fective, natural anti-inflammatories out there is turmeric (active component: curcumin), the main spice in curry, and the reason mustard is yellow. It has more than two dozen antiinflammatory compounds and its benefits have been widely studied. Turmeric has been shown to outperform many pharmaceuticals
in its effective fight against several chronic, debilitating diseases with virtually no side effects, including: ar¬thritis (including rheumatoid arthritis), fibromyalgia, Alzheimer’s disease, certain cancers, depression, inflammatory skin conditions, gallbladder and liver disorders, bronchitis, heartburn, and more. So as the power of mighty turmeric makes its way into health headlines, know that this isn’t just any trendy super food. Slowly, we are coming to understand what other cultures have practiced for generations: that food can be medicine. Turmeric is one spice you can start weaving into your diet not only for its subtle, bitter flavor, but for its medicinal benefits, too. By taking small steps toward an anti-inflammatory lifestyle, you will set yourself up to cultivate sustained, vibrant health. Adapted from INFLAMED: discover the root cause of inflammation and personalize a step-by-step plan to create a vibrant, healthy life
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Calming the Mind for Mental Clarity By Tawnya Ritco, RHN
I
n this era of smartphones, around-theclock access and information overload, if you find your attention span floundering these days, you’re certainly not alone. In fact, researchers in Canada suggest that the average human attention span has now dropped to eight seconds. Ironically, even the ever-distracted goldfish beats us out with an average attention span of nine seconds. Who would have thought the term “you have the attention span of a goldfish” could almost be considered a compliment! Don’t worry. The good news is there are plenty of options to help you regain your focus and mental clarity. An all-important first step is to reduce some of the electronic clutter in your life, manage daily stress and control the anxiety that can impact your overall health and ability to focus. From positive lifestyle solutions to support from nutrition and natural supplements, here are a few key things to consider making part of your personal toolkit for stress management and overall brain health: Physical Exercise Although we often hear of the health benefits of exercise, did you know that physical activity enhances synaptic plasticity and related body processes such as neurogenesis, metabolism and cardiovascular function? In a nutshell, when you work out, you exercise both your body and your brain. Aiming for 30 minutes a day is a good rule of thumb. If you are just getting started, even a brisk walk will make an impact on a consistent basis. The key is to get that body moving! Sleep Of course, we all know we need sleep to regener6
Herbal Collective Sept,’16
ate. Think of whenever you’ve had an important decision to make and you’ve been given the advice to “sleep on it and then decide”?. That saying is based on the simple fact that restorative sleep gives us the down time to effectively formulate our thoughts and recharge our bodies and our brains. Although we’re all different in terms of our optimal sleep requirements, in general it is suggested that we aim for seven to nine hours each night or whenever possible to fully recharge. Rest and Meditation In addition to a good night’s sleep, the brain requires regular down time to remain sharp and efficient in the way it processes the world around you. Taking short timeouts throughout your day may help clear a foggy mind. Take that walk to the park for some fresh air and take a break on the park bench to clear your mind. And, if at all possible, finding time for a short nap will do wonders whenever you can manage it. Mental Workouts Back to exercises for optimal health, learning a new skill can actually alter the physical makeup of your brain. Keeping cognitively fit also improves your ability to solve problems, cope with stress and handle change. You’re never too young to make room for this, whether it’s brain teasers, math quizzes, crosswords or even learning a new language. It’s all part of helping to ensure a fit brain for the long term. Nutrition & Hydration A well-balanced diet is important to overall health. Equally important is making a habit out of eating at regular intervals. When we go an extended length of time without eating, our blood sugar drops. This creates additional stress on our bodies, affects our energy, mood and, in turn, our decision-making processes. Another smart tip to encourage optimal brain
health is to accommodate a moderate intake of healthy fats -- such as omega-3s. Considering our bodies are approximately 60% water, it’s not surprising that maintaining proper hydration is also critical in transporting nutrients to our cells and removing waste and toxins from our brains and our bodies. Sometimes all it takes to remedy a headache is a glass of water or two. Supplementation Stress can decrease nutrient absorption and certain deficiencies can result in poor cognitive health. The good news is that they can often be addressed with supplementation. Among the most valuable players on our roster of natural supplements are B-Vitamins, which have been shown to positively impact our nervous systems. So if you have reason to suspect you may be deficient, supplementing with B-Vitamins can help bridge that gap and be a good ally in stress management. Magnesium is another important consideration. It is needed in more than 300 biochemical processes in the body. In North America, over 42% of people are deficient in the essential mineral. Ironically, it’s a vicious circle: Stress itself can cause a magnesium deficiency and a lack of magnesium can cause stress. Taking one teaspoon of PURICA Effervescent Magnesium is a good option to help ensure optimal levels (the bonus is that it tastes great). In addition to B-vitamins and magnesium, no supplementation plan for stress management, mental
clarity and brain health is complete without considering medicinal mushrooms. When it comes to supplementation connected to brain health, Lion’s Mane has been directly associated with optimal cognitive and nerve function. If ongoing stress is an issue, Red Reishi is another potent medicinal mushroom carrying the immunomodulating properties that help balance the system. It also has an innate ability to calm the mind and encourage restful sleep. Combining some or all of these practices could help you gain focus and productivity. Most important, they could have a positive impact on your overall brain health for the long term. And that’s just smart living, for the present and for the future!
Tawnya Ritco, RHN specializes on the relationship between nutrition, lifestyle and vitality and has worked in the natural health industry for over 15 years
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Herb of the Month
The Longevity Herb...
Gingko Biloba – the Longevity Herb, also called the Elixir of Youth - modern medicine from an ancient tree. Think you have lost a little spring in your step? What about a little bounce in your brain? As long as you don't have any serious By Klaus Ferlow medical problems, exercising and eating right will ward off some of the physical signs of ageing. Mental fitness is much more difficult to maintain - unless you know the secrets of the ginkgo biloba. In China, the ginkgo tree is considered sacred, and it's easy to see why. The name comes from the Chinese word "Sankyo" or "Yinkuo" (Yin Guo), meaning " apricot "or silver fruit."
Oldest and Sacred Herb The Latin name ginkgo biloba L (formerly Salisburia adiantifolia Sm) was bestowed in 1771 by Linnaeus, the famous Swedish botanist. Engelbert Kaempfer, (16511716) a German botanist, physician and traveller was the first European to discover and categorize the ginkgo biloba tree, discovering the tree in China in 1690. He lived from 1690-1692 in Japan and described the ginkgo biloba tree in his book Amoenitatum Exoticarum in 1712 using the Japanese name ginkyo. In Europe, where the tree has gained immense popularity especially France and Germany nowadays, in Germany, medical doctors prescribe ginkgo biloba in increasing numbers. The oldest European ginkgo biloba tree, found in Holland in the Utrecht Botanical Gardens in 1730, was introduced in England in 1754 and into America in 1784. The ginkgo, or maidenhair tree, is one of the oldest living species on this planet! During the last ice age, however, it nearly became extinct and survived only in China and other parts of Asia where they stayed until at least 1000 years ago, when they were planted around monasteries in Japan and these trees are still living. It is estimated that the tree survived in parts of China for 200 million years; a single tree can live up to 1500 years. Ginkgo biloba tree is known to have existed between 150 - 250 million years ago according to recent geological studies, the scientific name is ginkgoaceac belongs to the ginkgophytes class. It is so hardy that a solitary ginkgo was the only tree to survive the atomic blast of Hiroshima. It therefore seems only natural that anything that's 8 Herbal Collective Sept,’16
survived so long hold some secrets to longevity. Ginkgo biloba is a worldwide herbal star offering top medicine and this youth promoting herbals has been used safely for over 3000 years and has undergone extensive laboratory testing. One way gingko increases longevity is by helping your body get rid of cell-destroying free radicals (cancer cells - we all have them in our bloodstream). The extract from the tree is a 'free radical scavenger' and antioxidant. It inactivates free radicals, protects the genetic material in cells, and helps slow down aging. Let's investigate what the ginkgo biloba tree can offer us all.
Ginkgo Fights Aging First, it widens your blood vessels so more blood can freely get through. Scientists have isolated a group of compounds called 'flavonoids' in ginkgo extract. These flavonoids force the blood vessels to relax, which allows them to carry more blood. Second, it also makes the blood vessels sticky by keeping platelets separated. Platelets normally help blood clots by clumping together at the site of a cut or scrape. The clotting is triggered by a substance called platelet activating factor or PAF. White PAF is a good thing to have in your body when you have a injury, it can also cause the platelets to clump with your blood vessels. Normally, there it is not enough clumping to cause a problem. But if you already have reduced blood flow, this platelets clumping can gum up the works even further. Ginkgo make the platelets keep their distance by blocking PAF. Medical doctors often prescribe blood thinning drugs for people as they get older to avoid thickening of the blood and you need to drink enough fluid every day which many elderly don't. But by blocking PAF, ginkgo acts as a natural blood thinner. Third, ginkgo keeps the bad cholesterol 'LDL from clumping up on the blood vessel walls, keeping the veins and arteries wide open for maximum blood flow.
Boosting Brain Power Like any part of the body, the brain needs adequate blood flow, or it can't function properly. Unfortunately, your body has a hard time sending the brain all the blood it needs as you get older. Imagine the drain pipe from kitchen sink. Over time, water begins to drain through the pipe a little slower and it happens in everybody's kitchen. If you pour a little drain opener down the sink, the water starts to flow faster. That's exactly what ginkgo can do for your blood flow to your brain!
And the Elixir of Youth
Clinical studies show that the extract of the ginkgo tree can increase blood flow to the brain. What's more, the older you are, the better ginkgo appears to work. One study found that blood flow to the brain was increased by about 20% for people ages 30 to 50, but for people ages 51-70 and older, the increase was a astounding 70%! More blood flow means brain power and better shortterm memory. It especially means protection against what doctors call 'cerebral insufficiency' or dementia. Many people, especially women have some degree of dementia in their later years. Here are the twelve symptoms of cerebral insufficiency which ginkgo may improve: Difficult concentrating Confusion Tiredness Sadness Dizziness Headaches Absent mindedness Lack of energy Anxiety Decreased physical performance Tinnitus (ringing in the ear)
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Depression Alzheimer's Disease One of the studies came to the conclusion that women receiving for three years or more HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy) increase their risk to become a Alzheimer's patient by 50%, broadcasted on CKNW 98 (Vancouver Radio Show) by Art Hister MD!! Though it remains controversial, evidence points toward ginkgo as preservation or early natural therapy for Alzheimer's disease. One study followed 40 people with Alzheimer's and some took 80 milligrams of ginkgo extract three times a day, while others took a placebo, a harmless unmedicated pill. The people who took ginkgo had improved memory and were able to pay attention more than those who took the placebo. Some researches speculate that ginkgo actually increases the number of brain receptors responsible for memory. People who are just beginning to experience symptoms of Alzheimer's might consider taking ginkgo to boost brain power and delay further loss of memory.
Intermittent Claudication Do you have leg pain or constant cramping in your calf muscles after even a short walk? As many people get older, their legs don't get an adequate blood supply because of hardened or blocked blood vessels. This painful condition is called intermittent claudication. Fifteen clinical studies have shown that ginkgo extract relieves the symptoms of this disease.
Raynaud's Disease People who have this disease of the blood vessels react very strongly to colder temperatures. Even moderately cold temperatures can trigger spasm in the blood vessels of their fingers, which prevent proper blood flow. The fingers can turn blue or white and be very painful. By dilating the blood vessels, ginkgo helps to the tips of the fingers to relieve pain and restore he normal colour to the Continued page 10
Dr. Doug Kuramoto Naturopathic Physician
West Coast Naturopathic Medicine Ltd. 525 Pioneer Crescent Parksville, B.C. V9P 1V1 Tel: (250) 954-1955
Please note the Nanaimo office is now closed
Herbal Collective Sept,’16
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The Longevity Herb From page 9
skin.
Varicose and Spider Veins One of the compounds in the ginkgo extract 'tebonin', is particularly helpful in relieving the unsightly and sometime painful varicose and spider veins that plague people, especially women in their prime. Lowers Cholesterol Ginkgo can cut some of the guild out of Thanksgiving dinner. In one study researchers tested peoples blood levels of fat and cholesterol before the holiday season. They tested again a few weeks later after everyone had enjoyed all of the rich holiday meals and snacks. The people who took ginkgo had lower cholesterol levels than those who did not take it. Other studies confirm that ginkgo can lower blood cholesterol levels. If you have high cholesterol , ginkgo may help you to bring it under control.
Heart Disease Like other flavonoids, ginkgo can reduce the risk of heart disease. One study showed that people who get the most flavonoids have one third the risk of heart disease compared to people who get the least flavonoids since they are helpful, natural compounds found in citrus fruits, onions, apples, teas, as well as supplements like ginkgo, grapeseed extract, bilberry, and others.
Dizziness Is a natural side effect of reduced blood flow to the brain. That's why it is so common among older people. Dizziness can lead to falls, and that is especially dangerous if you have osteoporosis. It does not take much a fall to break a hip or crack a vertebrae if you have brittle bones. While ginkgo won't strengthen your bones (Mexican Wild jam cream and tincture may help to).,it can increase your blood flow, reduce dizziness, and return you to your sure-footed self.
Prevents Blindness When the eyes don't receive enough oxygen from the blood, the retina can be damaged, often robbing of their sight as they get older. Since ginkgo increases blood flow, more oxygen can get to the eyes.
Headaches & Migraine You don't have to be old to have headaches, but the reduced blood flow associated with ageing can certainly make headaches and migraines more common. Ginkgo can help alleviate this type of pain.
Impotence It may comforting to know that many men experience impotence or decreased rigidity as they age, but only real comfort is something that restores the vigour to your sex 10 Herbal Collective Sept,’16
life. Ginkgo may be just what you are looking for. Even men who have not been helped by conventional drug treatment such as Viagra and/or Cialis, their negative side effects could cause other health problems, have responded to ginkgo, but the results did not happen overnight! Since not all cases of impotence are caused by decreased blood flow to the penis, ginkgo will not work for every man. But if your Medical doctor says you have arterial erectile impotence, you may discover a real aphrodisiac in ginkgo. And remember: it will only work if body, mind and spirit go together!
Tinnitus & Hearing Disorders Tinnitus, or ringing in the ears that won't go away, is an annoying problem that doctors sometimes find difficult to treat with conventional medicine. That is why some Naturopathic doctors are turning to ginkgo; there is a ginkgo spray and also a herbal ear oil to help their patients. People who have hearing disorders related to low blood flow to the ears can also find relief after taking ginkgo for several months. Vertigo, a type of dizziness sometimes related to problems in the inner ear, might be also relieved by ginkgo.
Diabetes Though there is no evidence that ginkgo can cure diabetes, it can be useful treating a heart problem called 'diabetic angiopathy', that is often associated with diabetes. And it can help to prevent one of the most common problems faced by people with diabetes - poor circulation which creates insomnia problems by having cold feet and legs whereby people can't fall asleep easily. In some cases, poor circulation can lead to amputation of limbs. Ginkgo has been shown to increase blood flow to the arms and legs with people by 45%.
Asthma Relief The same substance that causes platelets to clot, PAF can also trigger asthma. PAF causes spasms in the sacs that make up the lungs. By blocking PAF, ginkgo can prevent spasms and make it easier to breath properly. See opposite page for a couple of recipes: Ginkgo is a supplement you can add to your list of daily vitamins and herbs, but don't wait until you feel bad to take it. You will probably have to take the supplement for four to six week before you may notice any difference in your health. As a closing comment, you might be interested to know that there is some evidence that ginkgo may useful in a topical herbal cream or to prevent inflammation such as sunburn, acne, psoriasis, rashes , rashes, skin allergies and as a spray for hay fever or inflammation of the sinus cavity.
Got a Recipe to Contribute? Email info@herbalcollective.ca
Cauliflower Potato Salad This cauliflower salad tastes like a potato salad without the carbs. 1 large head cauliflower 2 hard-boiled eggs 1/3 cup mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt 1 Tbsp. mustard 1 Tbsp. dill relish 2 tsp. finely diced onion 1 tsp. fresh dill 1 tsp. chopped chives 1 tsp. vinegar ½ tsp. salt ½ tsp. ground black pepper ½ tsp. paprika
Directions Cut the cauliflower into bite size pieces, rinse and drain. Add just enough water to cover the bottom of a 12inch skillet and bring to boil over medium heat. Add the cauliflower to the skillet and cover to steam. Let steam for 3-5 minutes, checking for doneness with a fork. When a fork slides in easily, add the cauliflower to a large bowl. Do not overcook the cauliflower or your salad will be mushy. Chop the hard boiled eggs into small pieces and add to the bowl with the cauliflower (and optional additions if desired). In a small bowl combine the remaining ingredients, except for the paprika, and whisk together to form the dressing for the salad. Gently fold the dressing into the cauliflower and eggs, stirring to coat each piece. Sprinkle with paprika. Refrigerate for at least one hour or until cold. Optional:
Brain & Circulation Tea Ginkgo leaves 1 part, lavender 1/2 part, wood betony 1 part, lemon balm 1 part, stevia herb 1/8 - 1/4 part.
Adjust the amount and according to how sweet you want the tea. Since stevia is very sweet, you might start on the low side.
Ginkgo Nut Porridge 1 cup of rice 1- 15 ginkgo nuts
Cook in 2.5 cups of water with slow heat, until tender. Remove ginkgo nuts, blend rice until creamy, than add ginkgo nuts. Warm and serve, add honey, butter, olive or hemp oil for taste. The above recipes are contributed by Klaus Ferlow of Ferlow Botanicals, www.ferlowbotanicals.com, See page 8 for Herb of the Month article on Gingko.
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5 Herbs for Focus and Motivation By Marilyn Zink When it comes time to get work done, herbs can be powerful for focusing and motivating ourselves. How do you decide which herbs to choose and how long does it take before you notice a difference? These are the questions to ask and arm yourself with the right information. Here are seven herbs that can make a difference for focus and motivation. Some of the herbs are adaptogens, which means they help the body adapt to stress and can be taken over a longer period of time, while the other herbs have more of an immediate effect. Both types, however, are worth consideration. The following herbs are adaptogens – Shizandra berry, Ashwaghandha and Gotu Kola while Chaga is a medicinal mushroom and Gingko Biloba is an herb specific to increasing circulation to the brain. Gingko Biloba – this herb is good for Alzheimer’s Disease (see Herb of the Month article in this issue) and made a big splash in 1997 when the Journal of American Medical Association published a study at the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in the Bronx, New York. The herb not only slows Alzheimer’s disease but in some cases actually improves cognitive abilities.
Chaga (above) – this is a powerful medicinal mushroom that is useful for increasing feelings of well- being and stimulation. It can potentially in12
Herbal Collective Sept,’16
crease overall drive and creativity towards various tasks. Many people find that taking Chaga consistently increases and improves overall vitality and motivational energy. Author David Wolfe considers Chaga to be a Jing tonic, meaning it increases the deep inner energy associated with adrenal, kidney and reproductive power.
Gotu Kola (pictured above)– once known as sheep rot, Europeans believed this herb caused foot rot in sheep but there is no evidence to support it. Gotu Kola is not related to true kola (Cola nitida) the caffeine containing herb so there is an important distinction. This herb, known as Brahmi in Ayurvedic medicine, has been revered for thousands of years for its ability to enhance cognitive function. It’s known as a longevity herb and is renowned for greatly improving memory and restoring brain cell and nerve function. Gotu kola is not a stimulant so this makes it safe for children and adults to take without worrying about the imbalancing side effects. It also helps with insomnia, helps prevent senility and heals adrenal glands debilitated by stress. Ashwaghandha – this herb reduces the effect of overworking and is one of the best for promoting mental clarity and cognitive function. It boosts the brain’s memory and is very helpful in supporting the immune system. Ashwaghandha also does wonders for nervous exhaustion and protects the brain against brain cell deterioration. The plant is also known as Indian ginseng as it
originated from India and in addition to providing clarity to the brain, it has many other attributes as an aphrodisiac. These include being anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-depressant, anti-oxidant, aphrodisiac properties, relieve stress and stimulate the thyroid gland.
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Schizandra Berry – This is another tonic herby for increasing motivation and productivity. It also increases Jing as well as kidney and adrenal function. It does not deplete the body by over-stimulating it like coffee. You will have a sense of vibrancy that will keep you motivated and alert so you can feel ready to finish what you are working on. This makes Schizandra a great herb for staying on task for projects. Studies have also shown a link between Schizandra and protection against neurological and psychiatric disorders such as neurosis, depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, alcoholism and even Alzheimer’s disease. The herb’s benefits as a brain tonic includes improving focus, concentration, memory and mental energy. It helps the body deal with stress and works on the meridians of the body to balance the jing, shen and chi energy known in Traditional Chinese Medicine.
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Children Suffer from Lawn Pesticides The Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE) released a new report that documents the dismal state of affairs when it comes to protecting Canadian children from cosmetic pesticides used on lawns and gardens. The report, which compares provincial and municipal laws used to limit the cosmetic use of pesticides on lawns and gardens across Canada, found that comprehensive laws exist in only a few provinces. “While seven provinces have laws that ban the non-essential use of cosmetic pesticides, only two provinces – Ontario and Nova Scotia – provide strong protection from chemicals often referred to as cosmetic pesticides” observed Kim Perrotta, CAPE’s Executive Director. “There is a strong body of evidence linking pesticides to cancer, developmental deficits in our children, and adverse reproductive outcomes,” said Dr. John Howard, Chair of CAPE’s Board. “As health professionals, we say the health of our future – our children – is more important than a perfect lawn or garden. “Only Ontario and Nova Scotia (which scored A- and B respectively) ban the use of all pesticides, except those that have been proven to be safe, for gardens, shrubs, and trees as well as lawns,” noted CAPE Board Member, Alison Scott Butler. “These two provinces use a white list approach where pesticides can only be used when manufacturers have proven that they are safe for use.” “The white list approach has been adopted by Manitoba (which
scored a B-) but it has only been applied to herbicides used on lawns,” said Dr. Warren Bell, a founding member of the CAPE Board. “It is of significant concern that Manitoba’s newly elected government is actively considering rolling back these rules." “Quebec’s current regulations (which scored a C) are not as protective as those in Nova Scotia and Ontario because they only apply to about 20 active ingredients and lawns. However, a proposed new pesticides strategy could vault Quebec into a leadership role if it is implemented,” stated CAPE President, Dr. Jean Zigby. “CAPE remains impressed that Quebec prohibits the use of pesticides in indoor environments frequented by children “While Newfoundland and Labrador have regulations banning pesticides, they are very weak (scored D-)” said CAPE member, Dr. Ian Simpson. “Since they only apply to five active ingredients when they are applied to lawns, they do not provide very comprehensive protection." "Alberta has a lot of work to do
(scored an E) but we are hopeful that the new government - which understands that well designed regulations can have economic, as well health and environmental benefits - will start to turn things around for the benefit of all Albertans’ health,” said CAPE member, Dr. Raquel Feroe." Ms. Perrotta concluded, “Canadians know that cosmetic pesticides are unnecessary and feel that health risks far outweigh the value of a pristine yard. We need Canadian regulators to keep pace with citizen concerns. CAPE trusts, our report, Cosmetic Pesticides – Provincial Policies & Municipal Bylaws: Lessons Learned & Best Practices at: (cape.ca/pesticidepolicy-report) is a positive contribution to this important children’s health issue.” Established over 20 years ago, CAPE is the only Canadian organization dedicated to speaking for health professionals on environmental issues. Over the last 11 years, CAPE has led or participated in campaigns to ban the cosmetic use pesticides in six provinces and several municipalities.
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Sept,’16
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The Deadly Secret of Deficient Protein
N
utritional Science provides a vast amount of research and educational materials on proteins, and have all agreed that it is vital to our survival and health! For ages we have relied on cooked or denatured products and supplements for our protein needs. Often they Dorian van Rijsselberghe are predominantly comprised of soy, whey, creatine or hydrolysed collagen which is made from animal hides. Deficiency is widely accepted as the second leading cause of all disease. Next to toxicity (the accumulation of too many toxins), virtually every disease can be directly or indirectly traced back to a lack of essential nutrients. Our body needs enzymes, amino acids/proteins, minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates and fats, which is why these elements are called “essential nutrients”! Give our body Highest-Quality food and natural health products! We are what you eat—we are made of the quality of the foods we choose! The amount of quality protein in our diet is the single most important calorie that influences our metabolic rate, favorably influencing fat loss and lean body mass. Quality protein also helps us sustain muscle during weight loss, improve muscle fitness, improve immunity, improve antioxidant function, build HDL cholesterol, and enhance
insulin and leptin function - all of which contribute towards optimal fitness levels over time. For the most utilizable protein, we are starting to recognize that the source matters. Today we are seeing move-
ment towards a cleaner, easier to digest, RAW and
Whole Food sources of protein. So we are not just getting the protein but all the other nutrients as well! Why Raw Proteins? Today we have a far better understanding about the effects of heat on proteins. It is a fact that even mild heat can bind Lysine which is a controlling amino acid; without unbinded Lysine we will dramatically limit the use of many essential amino acids in the food we eat. If we do not have these essential nutrients present at the same time, our body will have difficulty creating new proteins. Proteins that could be used to create stronger muscles, reconnecting tissues, rebuilding hormones, enzymes and so many other substances. These proteins that are not used, because they were heated, have a very high chance of putrefying and turning into some of the most dangerous toxins inside the intestinal tract. This in turn contributes to the acidifying of our bodies, causing slower intestinal transit and decreased absorption which also causes digestive illnesses such as Crohns disease and colon cancer. Bowel Toxemia -- the inescapable phenomenon... details on our site for info. Visit our Educational and High quality product site... http://IdealHealth4Life.info Louis Hoolaeff HC HR ACS www.LeadingEdgehealth.org
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Herbal Collective Sept,’16
Listen to the podcasts..
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The Rewards of an Herbal Harvest
H
arvesting herbs is an enjoyable process near summer’s end as there are many delightful ways to use the bounty. Whether you have a garden or not, one popular way to use herbs is by making herbal vinegars, which can be used many ways in the kitchen.
Herbal Harvest
The first step is to harvest the herbs. Skip this step if you intend to purchase them from a store, however harvest herbs is the best way to get the freshest product available. Start soon after the dew has dried in the morning before the day gets hot. Have a basket handy and prune the branches for herbs like rosemary, lavender, thyme, oregano, sage, marjoram, parsley, etc. Gently wash the herbs and dry with a towel. At this stage you can decide whether you want to dry bunches for later use or use the fresh herbs immediately for making vinegar.
To Make Herbal Vinegar Strip leaves off the stem or use
small sprigs with herbs like rosemary or thyme. Put the herbs in a clean jar and pour vinegar over the herbs to steep. Do not use white vinegar as it is too strong. Types of herbs for making vinegar include; basil, bay, burnet, chervil, chives, dill, fennel, garlic, lavender, lemon balm, lemongrass, lemon verbena, lovage, marjoram, oregano, parsley, rose geranium, rosemary, sage, savory, shallot, spearmint, sweet cicely, tarragon and thyme. Use the following vinegar – balsamic, apple cider, white or red wine, sherry, malt or rice.
Be sure that the jars and lids used for making vinegar are made of non reactive elements, no metal, in other words. If you are using spices, you will need to heat them first in the vinegar to 110 degrees to release the volatile oils. Spices for making vinegar include; allspice, cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, juniper, white, pink, black or green peppercorns, chili peppers, nutmeg and seeds of anise, dill, caraway, coriander, cumin and mustard. Heat the spices in a sauce pan with the vinegar, remove from pan and allow to cool before pouring into a bottle to steep. At this point you can add the leafy herbs combined with spices to make an interesting vinegar. Let the mixture steep in a dark place at room temperature. Shake the jar every few days and taste the vinegar after a week. For stronger flavor, let it stand for another one to three weeks. Strain and pour into the sterilized bottles, cap tightly and label. The vinegar can now be used for salad dressings, splashed into sauces for extra flavor, drizzled over pizza or breads, sautéed with vegetables or added to meats and fish while cooking. Experiment and enjoy!
Do You Know? This column is for some insightful tips on herbs. You will find more details throughout this issue of the Herbal Collective
3. Do you know which two medicinal mushrooms help the body with stress and brain health? See page 7
1. Do you know which vinegar you should not use when making herbal vinegars? see this page for answer.
4. Do you know what amino acid mild heat binds to? See page 16.
2 Do you know how long a ginkgo tree can live? See page 8 for answer.
We hope you enjoy this little test. If you can’t find the answers, stay tuned for the next issue of the Herbal Collective. Herbal Collective Sept,’16
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How Smoke Waves are Hazardous Dear EarthTalk: What are “smoke waves” from wildfires and how can they be hazardous for our health? -- Doug Jenkins, Big Sandy, TX Smoke waves are just what they sound like: huge waves of smoke. Perhaps more dangerous than the fires themselves from which they radiate, smoke waves can cause health problems for people hundreds of miles around. Forest fire flames licking at homes and neighborhoods are always scary, killing dozens of people and causing billions of dollars in property damage across the U.S. every year. But it’s typically the risk from the smoke waves that causes school closures and confines people indoors for days or weeks on end while more frequent and more intense wildfires rage on. What makes smoke waves so dangerous is that they carry particulate matter (tiny dust particles smaller than 2.5 microns) that people can breathe into their lungs where they can cause respiratory problems and aggravate pre-existing medical conditions. Forest fires and other forms of combustion are the main source of these tiny dust particles—so the more forest fires, the more particulate matter risk. Asthmatic children are especially sensitive to smoke waves; hundreds were hospitalized in California this summer during one of the worst fire seasons on record. The elderly, especially those with heart or lung conditions, are also highly vulnerable to pollution from smoke waves. Smoke waves are most severe for those directly under or in the wave, but pollution can travel for hundreds of miles, poisoning the lungs of people nowhere near the actual fire. A recent study of smoke waves across the Western U.S. by researchers from Harvard and Yale universities concluded that climate change “will likely cause smoke waves to be longer, more intense, and more frequent.” They found that between 2004 and 2009, smoke waves affected 57 million Americans—more than 15 percent of the U.S. population. But even
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Herbal Collective Sept,’16
more troubling is their projection for that number to ramp up another 45 percent by mid-century as the planet continues to warm up. That will mean about 13 million more kids and seniors will be impacted by smoke waves compared with today. As the climate changes and most places get hotter and drier, forest fires are projected to increase significantly—and with more fire comes more smoke. Anyone living in fire-prone areas needs to be informed and prepared. Sites like AirNow.gov can give current data on air quality and warn of any dangers from smoke waves or other forms of pollution. If a smoke wave is in your area, stay indoors or wear protective clothing and masking to avoid inhalation. Because smoke waves are a direct result of humancaused global warming, the best way to minimize them is to slow or stop carbon emissions. While slowing or stopping global warming is a global effort, individuals need to do their part too. Do what you can to minimize energy use and waste, upgrade to more efficient cars, appliances, systems, homes and offices, fly and drive less, walk and bike more... But also vote for carbon taxes and other warming mitigation measures and urge your lawmakers to support sustainability-oriented policy initiatives. If you live in a fire-prone area, you’ll be doing yourself and your loved ones a favor.
EarthTalk® is produced by Roddy Scheer & Doug Moss and is a registered trademark of the nonprofit Earth Action Network. To donate, visit www.earthtalk.org. Send questions to: question@earthtalk.org.
Natural Health Directory The Natural Health h Directory is a resource for our readers who are looking for practitioners, products,
Click on the link for each page to get more information on each particular business. To Get Listed; http://www. http://herbalcollective.ca/order or info@ herbalcollective.ca or call 1-250-7291593.
Health Food Stores
Hypnotherapy
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 that particular business.
Lynn’s Vitamin Gallery....................tel 250-748-4421
4-180 Central Ave, Duncan, www.lynnsvitamingallery.ca
Herbal Products
www.herbalcollective.ca/directory-herbal-products.html AnneMarie Gianni Skin Care - natural, organic ingredi ents free of chemicals and preservatives Ferlow Botanicals, www.ferlowbotanicals.com, info@ferlowbotanicals.com.....................604-322-4080
Nanaimo Hpnotherapy Center......250-739-4609 www.nanaimohypnotherapycenter.com
Natural Foods and Supplements
www.herbalcollective.ca/directory-natural-foods.html# 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
Naturopathic Doctors
Laughing Lichen Wildcrafted Herb & Tea
www.herbalcollective.ca/directory-naturopathic-doctors.html
www.laughinglichen.ca, laughinglichen@gmail.com..............1-778-884-2371
Pacific Holistic Center, Dr Doug Kuramoto. In Parksville................................................ 250-954-1955
Find medicinal mushrooms at www.Purica.com
Reflexology
Wild Oil of Oregano, www.wildoiloforegano.com
www.wildtamanuoil.com
.........................................................250-331-3228
www.herbalcollective.ca/directory-reflexology.html Pacific Institute of Reflexology Directory Chris Shirley, www.pacificreflexology.com....... ......................................604-875-8818 or 1-800-688-9748
Advertise Here for Pennies a Day! Email info@herbalcollective.ca
www.roadtomillionaireminds.com Herbal Collective Sept,’16
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Visit the Herbal Collective Family Meet the Relatives! Come Join Us for some Herbal Tea!
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