The Better living with herbs and natural health
May, 2016
How Flowers Ease Worrying Herbs for Women’s Health Protect Yourself from Allergies
www.herbalcollective.ca
An Urgent Message for Women I’m writing this with an urgent message for women. This issue of the Herbal Collective is about women’s health Publisher’s Note and allergies (don’t worry men, you get your turn next month). As women, the way we often feel is linked to our hormones and whatever is going on in our lives. If there is too much stress in a woman’s life, it affects her hormones. If her relationships are difficult, it can affect her hormones. The foods she eats, or doesn’t eat, affect her health and hormonal balance. She can develop allergies because of her lifestyle choices and hormonal imbalance. This is where herbs can shine by working on the cellular level to improve a woman’s health and hormone balance. As someone who has taken herbs for more than 20 years I can speak with complete confidence on this. At my age, 55, I’m supposed to be experiencing hot flashes. I have no idea what that is. I’m supposed to be experiencing other peri-menopausal symptoms. Yet I am healthier now than I was in my younger years, when I had PMS symptoms that affected my life, relationships and mood. I noticed that each time I had my menstrual cycle my immune system was run down and I would sneeze, have allergy symptoms or was more likely to get sick. Over time I realized that the liver plays an important role in a woman’s hormonal balance along with other factors – food, stress, exercise, etc.
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, Neelam Toprani, Klaus Ferlow, 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
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So I made a point to do a cleanse every spring using herbs such as stinging nettle (see previous April issue for more details). One time I had a rash on my chest that flared up with red, angry, itching scaly skin just before my monthly cycle. My doctor prescribed corticosteroid cream. I never filled the prescription. I did a cleanse instead, cleaned up my diet and exercised more. The rash went away and never came back. So it’s really important to address these issues, use herbs that help with stress and keep the immune system strong. Women can tend to expect a lot of themselves, after all, we have a lot to deal with these days. But no one’s perfect – don’t beat yourself up. Having a more accepting easy going nature causes less stress and keeps one healthier. This is another thing I have discovered as I have gotten older. So go through this issue – if you’re not currently taking herbs for hormone balance, I strongly urge you to consider it now for your health. These are herbs like chaste tree berry, black cohosh, maca and others. I invite you to enjoy this issue and I hope it benefits you. If you are not a member of the Herbal Club yet, I invite you to join us. The Herbal Club is where you can get access as a subscriber to all new and past issues, access our bonuses as well as hear interviews from experts in the industry. Click the link or visit www.herbalcollective.ca/subscribe. Happy Mother’s Day Sincerely Marilyn Zink
Contents The Theme: Women’s health and allergies - herbs and remedies to heal Top herbs for PMS, Peri-Menopause and Menopause.............................................................5 Allergies - how to define, test and treat........8 The gut is the key to allergies........................10 Ayurveda tips for spring allergies.................12
Columns and Departments In the Kitchen Fish tacos, Crunchy coleslaw..........................11 Flower Remedies What is worrying you...........................................5 Homeopathy Safest natural approach to menopause.....14
Features How to uncover your true self..........................6 Ayurveda tips for spring...................................12 Diet, disruptors, adaptogens and attitudethey all affect menopause...............................16
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www.ferlowbotanicals.com Herbal Collective, May,’16
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Bach Flowers
What is Worrying You?
By Sarah Brune, BFRP Worry is thoughts, images and emotions of a negative nature in which mental attempts are made to avoid anticipated potential threats. As an emotion it is experienced as anxiety or concern about a real or imagined issue, usually personal issues such as health or finances. According to a survey done by Nelsons men find it easier than women to switch off and think of nothing (their top answer was 25.8% compared to 12.8% of women) whilst women tend to think about everything. Here are the top three concerns keeping men and women awake at night Men • Not thinking about anything (25.85%) • The next day (22.3%) • Partner (17.7%) Women • The next day (26.7%) • Money (24.3%) • Children (22.1%) Worrying can be helpful when it spurs you to take action and solve a problem. But if you're preoccupied with "what ifs" and worst-case scenarios, worry becomes a problem. To help ease your worries the Bach Flowers can assist: Known causes - health, finances etc. - Mimulus - liberates us from fear and anxiety, so we are able to respond through bravery and courage. Unknown causes - Aspen - gives us the strength to face and trust in the unknown. General causes- White Chestnut - helps us to switch off from everyday worries, and find peace and contentment within ourselves. Welfare of others - Red Chestnut - assists us to become more sensitive to the real fears and concerns 4
Herbal Collective May,’16
for our loved ones so that we can offer appropriate support. Overwhelmed -Elm – gives us the ability to put things into perspective, and to take up our tasks with renewed confidence. Life's direction -Wild Oat - provides purposefulness and decisive direction in life. Sarah Brune is a Bach Foundation Registered Practitioner, author and educator and is based in the Comox Valley, BC. For more information ~ www.BachFlower-
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Top Herbs for PMS, PeriMenopause and Menopause
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hat are the best herbs for PMS, perimenopause and menopause? The way a woman feels about herself is often a reflection of how well her hormones are balanced and how much stress is in her life. More stress can affect hormones which in turn leads to more hormonal imbalance. So the first step is to manage stress along with taking herbs to balance hormones. The herbs a woman takes depends on where she is in her life. Younger women dealing with PMS will often take different herbs than a woman who is dealing with Per-menopause or Menopause.
Herbs for PMS Chaste tree berry and Black cohosh can both be used for PMS. Maca is an adaptogen that benefits older women going through peri-menopause and menopause yet it is also useful for younger women even though it doesn’t specifically address PMS symptoms.
In Germany an over the counter tincture of caste tree (called Agnolyt) has been marketed since the 1950s as a treatment for PMS discomforts. German women consider the herb particularly effective for relieving bloating and breast tenderness associated with PMS. Chaste tree berry regulates the menstrual cycle and relieves breast pain. Chaste tree fruits also increase milk production in mothers. It may be considered a treatment for infertility and in the lab has suppressed the growth of uterine, ovarian and breast cancer cells. It’s important to know that chaste tree berry is a slow acting herb which will often take several months before noticeable benefits occur. Pregnant women or girls who have not reached puberty should not use the herb.
Black Cohosh Chaste Tree Berry One of the best herbs to use for balancing hormones for PMS is Chaste tree berry.That’s because the peppercorn like fruits of this tree affect the pituitary gland and increase production of the luteinizing hormone and decrease secretion of the follicle stimulating hormone. What this means is that shifting these hormones can relive irritability, breast tenderness, fluid retention and other symptoms of PMS.
This herb is an age old Algonquin treatment for gynecological complaints and was part of Lydia E. Pinkham’s Vegetable Compound introduced in 1876 to treat “female weakness”, ie, menstrual complaints. The gnarled roots of the herb was boiled by Native Americans and used as a remedy for fatigue, sore throat, arthritis and rattlesnake bite, but mainly for gynecological complaints. Contemporary herbalists use the herb primarily for PMS, menstrual cramps and menopausal symptoms. The herb’s effectiveness lies in the compounds in the Herbal Collective, May,’16
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People Profile
M
How to Uncover Your True Self
arion Dewar’s expressive face lights up as she talks about how she helps people find their true calling as a life coach. The term ‘white soul’ comes up in her interesting way of describing what she does. “We are born with a white soul, with no conditioning,” she says. Then the conditioning starts with parents, work, school and society. “What conditioning means is we have to live up to everyone else’s standards and beliefs. We’re getting farther and farther away from whom we really are,” she says. By the time someone reaches their 40s they start asking, “ Is this all there is,?” “What I’m teaching is how to connect with your true self,” says Marion. That connection helps people find their joy and passion again, the things that make them who they truly are, liberating themselves and remembering what it was like when they were younger. That’s before they became disconnected from their true self
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and put on masks to please society. “We all put on different masks, so we act angry or go within,” says Marion. “When something doesn’t work out in life, you act sad, angry or go within,” she says. But it’s important to find out what is triggering those emotions and change that reality. “So it starts with awareness,” says Marion. “We have a choice how to react to any situation. Most people live in the external world. They measure their worth in their work or what they do. They never measure their heart worth.” She describes ‘heart worth,’ another one of her interesting terms, to describe how people feel and see their own qualities. These are qualities such as affection, creativity, inner power, faith, compassion, loyalty, patience and much more. One of the tools Marion uses in her work is an assessment sheet where clients can determine their Positive Ego Qualities, Negative Ego Qualities and Heart/Soul Qualities. “We want to balance our heart qualities with our
positive ego,” says Marion. “Our heart qualities are like the body of the car, the positive ego is the motor which is driving the car.” When clients use the assessment tool, they are often high in the positive and negative ego but have a hard time with the heart/soul qualities. Marion says 80% of her clients have difficulty really describing themselves and don’t like talking about emotions as that is seen as weak. “So what I’m coaching is to connect from your created image, from your true self,” she says. “Our soul, our heart, is our foundation.” This foundation is like the solid foundation of a house, it can’t be destroyed when the storms come. Marion says her clients are people age 25 to 75 and have anxiety, aren’t happy in life, feel disconnected and attract the wrong relationships or jobs. “So I have a lot of tools for them to see themselves for who they really are, so it’s empowering,” she says. Marion has had her own life challenges, losing two husbands. But she maintains a positive attitude as she describes the high tides and low tides of life. “We celebrate the high tide but you find gifts in low tide,” she says. When she was in palliative care wit one husband she says she learned to appreciate the moment. “Most people see the darkness. You have to find something positive out of it.” Another tool Marion uses is meditation to help clients go back to their childhood and find the negative situation that caused powerful emotions which are often triggered in particular situations. Clients discover how to deal with that to empower themselves. Marion says triggering situations such as watching a movie might make her feel sad. “I come from a sexually abusive childhood,” she says. “I cry a little bit, then I say, “ok monkey, get off my shoulder.” So Marion says it’s important to feel as most people are afraid of feeling. “But you get so much more out of life when you feel. Happiness comes from within.” Marion, who had a 40-year career in senior management, also shows retirees how they can get more passion and adventure out of life. “Wherever we are on our path, this is what we attract. We invest money in external stuff but we don’t invest in ourselves and undo years of conditioning.” For more information visit www.marion-dewar.com
roots; acetein, mannonetin and triterpenes. German scientists discovered these compounds are estrogenic, which means they suppress the secretion of the lutenizing hormone which is produced by the pituitary glands. While the herb is a treatment for PMS and menstrual cramps, it really shines as a treatment for hot flashes. Eight clinical trials conducted by German researchers from 1982-1991 all produced the same results – fewer, briefer hot flashes, less vaginal dryness, improved mood and relief from fatigue. The herb caused no significant side effects. Black cohosh may also reduce the risk of breast cancer according to a study done by the University of Pennsylvania. Researchers surveyed 2,473 older women who used black cohosh, some who were breast cancer survivors, and concluded that that the herb had a significant ‘breast cancer protective effect.’
Maca This herb grows high in the Andes where few plants survive and has a turnip-like tuber that the Incas eat cooked in water to make a sweet, aromatic porridge. The herb is known as the Peruvian ginseng and is taken dried in supplement form or in bulk where it can be mixed into smoothies. Maca is considered a libido enhancer but it helps menopausal women with hot flashes. Australian researchers who gave women either a placebo or two grams of maca a day noticed that the herbs provided significant relief from hot flashes after two months. Maca can enhance memory, treat menstrual problems, ease menopausal complaints, improve fertility and has a mild laxative effect. The herb can also be taken by men. Herbal Collective
May, ‘16
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Allergies- How to Deď€ ne, Test and Treat By Klaus Ferlow IN SPRING EACH YEAR millions of people suffer from allergies. Let's find out about the variety of allergies, the symptoms and causes and what you can do about it.
What are Allergies?
Your eyes itch and are watery, your nose is running, you are constantly sneezing and you are covered in hives. It's allergy season again, and you want to do is curl up into a ball of misery. Common allergic reactions include eczema, hives, hay fever, asthma attacks, food allergies, prescription drug allergies, chemical allergies such as household goods, paints, carpet glue, MCS = Multiple Chemical Sensitivity, environmental allergies (herbicides, pesticides), allergies to animals, especially cats, herbal allergies, insect venom allergies, asthma, allergy from synthetic petroleum derived fragrance oils & perfumes, even from genuine certified organic essential oils. Indoor allergies, such as pet dander, dust mites, and indoor mold are a major cause of allergy and asthma symptoms. Allergies are abnormal immune system reactions to things that are typically harmless to most people. When you are allergic to something, your immune system mistakenly believes that this substance is harmful to your body. Substances that cause allergic reactions, such as certain foods, dust, plant pollen, or medicines, are known as allergens. In an attempt to protect the body, the immune system produces IgE antibodies to that allergen. Those antibodies then cause certain cells in the body to release chemicals into the bloodstream, one of which is histamine. The histamine then acts on the eyes, nose, throat, lungs, skin, or gastroinstestinal tract and causes symptoms of the allergic reaction. Future exposure to that same allergen will trigger this antibody response again. This means that every time you come into contact with that allergen, you will have an allergic reaction. 8
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Some types of allergies produce multiple symptoms, and in rare cases, an allergic reaction can become very severe and is called anaphylaxis. Signs of anaphylaxis are difficulty breathing, swallowing, swelling of the lips, tongue, and throat or other parts of the body, and dizziness or loss of consciousness.
Chemical Allergies & Poisoning More and more people are suffering from chemical allergies & poisoning and some of the environmental contaminants that most frequently cause problems include: Air pollution, gas, oil, or coal fumes, formaldehyde, chlorine, phenol, carbolic acid, insecticides, disinfectants, paint, hair spray, petroleum derived products such as synthetic fragrances, perfumes, household cleaning products, and metals such as nickel, mercury, chrome, and beryllium. Other possible allergic responses to foreign chemicals include watery eyes, ringing in the ears, stuffy nose, diarrhea, nausea, upset stomach, asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, fatigue, eczema, intestinal disorders, depression and headache. Some chemicals are absorbed through the skin; others may be inhaled or ingested and as a result the body's immune system is threatened. Chemical poisoning occurs most often in people who use or who are exposed to chemicals in their work environments, or who use excessive amounts of chemical sprays (berry & fruit and wine yard farmers) and sprays against mosquitos.
Allergy Testing
If you have not already done so, you should see an allergist for testing, it could be any of these health care practitioners such as Allopathic Doctors, Naturopathic Doctors, www.bcna.ca, Boucher Institute of Naturopathic Medicine, New Westminster, www.binm.org , Doctors of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ayurvedic Doctors and certified blood analysists. Allergy tests are any of several tests used to determine the substances to which a person is allergic. There are patch-test, scratch-test, skin-test, Elisa, Vega test as well as blood-test. Among the more common are the skin-test, elimination-test (food allergy) and RAST-test (radioallergosorbent).
Many people with untreated allergy symptoms are not aware of how much better they can feel once their symptoms are properly diagnosed and managed by an allergist. More information about allergy can be obtained by contacting the Health Action Network Society, Burnaby, B.C., www.hans.org.
Treatment and Prevention
After the allergist or blood analyst has made his diagnosis he or she will give you proper information on what to use as treatment and/or as prevention. However, allergy treatment begins at home! Here are a few suggestions: * Avoidance is always the best treatment for allergies * Keep the home cool, between 68 (19 Celsius) and 72 F (23 Celsius) * Maintain a low humidity between 40 – 50% * Make certain there is good ventilation * Have an air filter installed * Don't use chemical sprays in your home The good news is that you really don't have to strip your house down to bare bones to make it allergy proof. Thorough and regular cleaning generally makes a huge difference in keeping your house as mold and dust free as possible. Patients with asthma or allergic rhinitis that are due to dust mites, molds and other indoor allergens can feel better by taking simples steps as mentioned above. Allergic reactions that are life-threatening are in a class by themselves. The medical name for this kind of allergic reaction is anaphylaxis. A person who has that reaction must receive medical treatment within ½ hour! Symptoms include difficulty breathing, collapse and convulsion. Standard medical treatment for allergies involves taking decongestants and antihistamines. In severe cases doctors prescribe immunotherapy, known as allergy shots. These treatments work well for some people, but not for everybody since they treat the symptoms, not the cause, which is a confused immune system. Decongestants can cause insomnia and raise blood pressure, antihistamines may cause drowsiness. However, there are alternative treatments available with herbs and herbal remedies, such as milk thistle,
garlic, ginkgo biloba, stinging nettle, chamomile, feverfew, horseradish, Chinese bitter lemon, bell peppers, cayenne pepper, pokeweed shoots, elderberry, peppermint, birch juice or tea, goldenseal tincture, guava and watercress, the last six are high in Vitamin C. Supplement your diet with plenty of fiber, also homeopathic products can be used. Other preventative measures are: get moderate sun, fresh air, plenty of sleep, avoid stressful situations, lymph drainage, reflexology, relaxation techniques and deep breathing exercises, eat slow in relaxed atmosphere, herbal bath, clay-wraps, water therapy hot and cold. Strengthen your immune system in early fall with Cat's Claw, Pau D'Arco, Echinacea and Stinging Nettle tinctures. For more information how to use essential oils for allergies please contact the British Columbia Association of Practising Aromatherapists, www.bcapa.org. Klaus Ferlow, HMH, HA, author, lecturer, researcher, writer, founder of Ferlow Botanicals and NEEM RESEARCH, board member of Health Action Network, National Health Federation, Canadian Herbalist's Association of B.C., Neem Foundation, Bombay (Mumbai), India and other organizations. Co-author of the book 7" steps to dental health,"author of the book N " eem: Nature's Healing Gift to Humanity”, www.ferlowbotanicals.com, klausferlow1@ gmail.com. Copyright @2016, all rights reserved. The information in this article is offered for its educational value only and should not be used to diagnose, treatment or prevention of disease, please contact your health care practitioner.
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 May,’16
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The Gut is the Key to Allergies
T
he root of many health problems is related The bacteria located in your GI tract play a crucial to an imbalance of intestinal bacteria. role in the development and operation of the mucosA recent analysis of available clinical al immune system in your digestive tract. They also trials found that women who take probiotics—i.e. aid in the production of antibodies to pathogens. healthy bacteria—during pregnancy reduce their Friendly bacteria even train your immune system child’s risk of developing allergies to distinguish between pathogens and non-harmful Providing abundant probiotics in the form of antigens, and to respond appropriately. This imporfermented foods is one of the most powerful ways to tant function prevents your immune system from restore your baby’s beneficial gut flora. overreacting to non-harmful antigens, which is the Recent research genesis of allergies. Testimonial... shows probiotics But probiotics perform **I have had asthma and severe allergies for as can put those sufsuch a wide variety of long as I can remember. In my early 30’s my allerfering with psoriafunctions, they're really gies returned with a vengeance, and for the first time sis, ulcerative colicritical regardless of what in my life I began taking prescription allergy pills tis and/or chronic ails you. And because twice a day every day. I started taking specialized fatigue syndrome adding probiotics to your supplements. After weeks on Enzymes, Electric 'C' into remission, and diet is so easy, by way of and Herb Cocktail I decided to try weaning myself reduce chances of cultured foods and/or supoff of my inhalers and allergy pills. It was frightenrelapse plements, it's a step highly ing because they had literally been my lifelines. I Another study encouraged. was completely free of all my prescription meds showed a certain and breathing freely for almost three years now. My probiotic strain How To Reduce Your chest feels clear and I feel terrific! — Kim A. improved the Child's Risk of Allergies **A person was severly allergic to peanuts and efficacy of standBabies gets their first other nuts. After being on the above program, all alard treatment for "inoculation" of gut flora lergies disapeared. chronic periodontifrom the mother's birth tis, which includes canal during childbirth. scaling and root If the flora is abnormal, the baby's flora will also be planing, by 53 percent. abnormal; whatever organisms live in the mother's Most people, including many physicians, do not vagina end up coating the baby's body and lining realize that 80 percent of your immune system is their intestinal tract. located in your digestive tract, making a healthy gut Women who take probiotics during pregnancy a major focal point if you want to achieve optimal reduce their child's risk of developing allergies. Unhealth. friendly flora can also predispose babies to Gut and Without a well-functioning gastrointestinal (GI) Psychology Syndrome (GAPS), of which allergies tract, a newborn baby will be more vulnerable to are just one potential outcome. pathogens, allergens, and a number of immune-relatOther health problems associated with GAPS ed diseases, so getting an infant's gut up and runinclude autism, learning disabilities, and a number ning efficiently is crucial. Women who are pregnant of other psychological, neurological, digestive and or planning to become pregnant would be wise to immunological problems. address their own gut health as early as possible to Enzymes, vitamin 'C' and cleansing the body of give their child the best start possible in this regard. toxins is also a great benefit for allergy eliminartion. It is never too late to address you or your child's Continued on our site... www.LeadingEdgeHealth. gut, and most people would likely benefit from doorg See the ad Proteolytic Probiotics on page 15. ing so. Submitted by Louis Hoolaeff 10
Herbal Collective May,’16
Got a Recipe to Contribute? Email info@herbalcollective.ca
Fish Tacos Crunchy Coleslaw
1 pound firm white fish, such as tilapia, snapper, cod, 2 medium limes, halved 1 medium garlic clove, finely chopped 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin 1/4 teaspoon chili powder 2 tablespoons vegetable oil Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 1/2 small head of green or red cabbage, thinly sliced 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro 6 to 8 soft (6-inch) corn tortillas Garnish with guacamole or salsa Place the fish in a baking dish and squeeze a lime half over it. Add the garlic, cumin, chili powder, and 1 tablespoon of the oil. Season with salt and pepper and turn the fish in the marinade until evenly coated. Refrigerate and let marinate at least 15 minutes. Meanwhile, make the slaw and warm the tortillas. Combine the cabbage, onion, and cilantro in a large bowl and squeeze a lime half over it. Drizzle with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil, season with salt and pepper, and toss to combine. Warm the tortillas in a pan over medium heat, adding 1 tortilla at a time, flipping to warm both sides. Wrap the warm tortillas in a clean dishcloth and set aside while you prepare the fish. Brush the grates of a grill pan or outdoor grill with oil, heat over medium-high heat Place fish on the grill. Grill about 3 minutes, flip and grill the other side until white and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes more. Slice the remaining lime halves into wedges and serve with the tacos. Break up some of the cooked fish, place it in a warm tortilla, top it with slaw and any garnishes.
1 small package Chinese noodles 1/2 head red cabbage - shredded 1/2 head green cabbage - shredded 3/4 cup oil 1 Tbsp sugar 4 tsp wine vinegar 1 tsp pepper 1 tsp. ground ginger 1 tsp. ground cumin 4 tsp roasted sesame seeds 1/4 c slivered almonds - toasted 1 bunch green onion - chopped Combine oil, vinegar, ground ginger Put cabbage, green onion, & almonds in a large bowl and toss to combine ingredients, pour dressing over & toss again. Add noodles at the last minute or they will go soggy. If you think there will be leftovers, separate the salad & only put noodles into the portion that will be eaten immediately.
Herbal Collective
May,’16
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Ayurveda Tips for Spring Allergies
A
llergy is a hyperactive response of the immune system to specific allergens. Seasonal allergies can occur anytime but they occur most often during spring and early summer when plants and trees are flowering and producing pollens. These dramatic changes in the environment challenge the immune system. Researchers and doctors are still unclear why only some of the population is affected by allergens such as dust, pollen and mold while others are not. Common recommendations are to avoid the allergens that cause the symptoms and to prescribe various antihistamines to stop the symptoms. According to the Ayurvedic perspective, seasonal allergies are an excess of Kapha dosha when there are heavier, earthy, watery energies predominant in nature. Sedentary lifestyle and the heavier foods of winter could bring Kapha disorders in the spring season like coughing, colds, allergies, sluggishness in mind and body and weight gain. The impurities within the body start to liquefy toxins, flooding the micro-channels of the body making one feel sluggish and toxic. The long term solution to eliminate allergic reactions is to improve immunity and work toward stronger digestion. Here are some of the ways to restore immunity and fight allergens:
Diet: Avoid eating heavy, indigestible foods, oily or fried foods, red meat and dairy. Stay away from leftovers, and packaged, canned, frozen or processed 12
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foods of any kind. These are difficult to digest and include chemicals or preservatives that tax the liver and cause creation of reactive impurities. Eat a diet of light, wholesome, organic fresh vegetables and fruits, lentils and whole grains, suited to one’s dosha. Ayurvedic herbs and spices like Amla, Andrographis, Tulsi (Holy Basil), Turmeric, Ginger, garlic and black pepper help to reduce Kapha and Vata, building digestive fire and improving immunity.
Herbal Support The herbal formulation designed for all types of allergens is Holy Basil Plus, a synergetic combination of Holy Basil, Ashwagandha, Amla and Turmeric. This is an effective panacea for coughs due to allergic bronchitis, sinus and respiratory congestion. Holy Basil Plus cleanses the blood and improves respiratory function. Holy Basil (Ocimum sanctum) is traditionally used to cleanse the body of accumulated toxins and promote immunity, supporting strength and stamina. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is a popular Indian herb traditionally used to reduce pain, boost energy and enhance fertility. It is an adaptogenic herb that helps to reduce the negative effects of daily stress Amla (Phyllanthus emblica) is traditionally used to enhance immunity, rejuvenate the mind and body reducing symptoms of heat and inflammation. It is a rich source of Vitamin C and beneficial for vision, liver health and complexion.
Nature’s Potent Panacea
Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is a culinary herb safe as a food spice. It is traditionally used in the treatment of digestive disorders, liver/gall bladder disorders, edema, inflammatory joint diseases and cardiovascular disease.
t Kills Germs, Colds, Flu, Fungal Infections and Much More t Increases Immunity t Helps Stomach and Lung disorders, Teeth and Gums t Reduces Pain, Speeds Healing
Massage oils Among the most profound and effective healing modalities in Ayurveda is the application of therapeutic oils called Abhayanga or daily self-massage. Such massage helps to remove the accumulated stress and toxins in the mind and body, increase circulation to the nerve endings and promote increased stamina through-out the day. It increases mental alertness and tones muscles and lubricates the joints. During allergy season a daily self-care massage with Invigorating Kapha oil improves circulation, removes fatigue, lethargy, mental fogginess and boosts energy. Sinus inflammation could be easily reduced by Anu Tailam which is a classical formula described in the Ashtanga Hrdaya, traditionally used to treat problems of the sinuses, nasal passages, head, throat and shoulders. It used in a unique method of administration called nasya, in which the oil is instilled into the nose, in both preventative and therapeutic regimens. Anu tailam helps to purify toxins in the nose and sinuses, and regulates and restores the flow of prana, the vital bio-energy of the body. In conclusion: Ayurvedic herbal remedies, massage oils and Nasya drops (nose drops) like Anu Tailam are effective in managing and treating different types of allergies without the side effects of modern, over the counter drugs. Neelam Toprani teaches Ayurveda www.Sewanti.com
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13
Safest Natural Approach to Menopause
W
hile current medical practice views menopause as if it were an age-related disease, in actuality, it is a natural and inevitable transition from one stage of life to another. While some women experience uncomfortable symptoms reflecting the body's changing hormonal balance, others experience few or none. In some societies where aging is more readily accepted and lifestyles are more natural, menopausal symptoms are generally non-existent. In our culture, where uncomfortable symptoms of menopause are common, indications can include mood changes, depression, insomnia, irritability, hot flashes, night sweats, vaginal dryness, and a diminished sexual drive. Serious health concerns related to these hormonal changes include an increased susceptibility to cardiovascular disease, heart attack, osteoporosis, dementia, and Alzheimer's disease.
Natural Approach to Menopause Part of the natural approach to menopause is accepting it as a normal and healthy stage of life. It should not be considered an “estrogen deficiency” and medicated away through hormone replacement therapy (HRT). It is clear that there are health risks with HRT and it is a relief that this kind of medication is now being used much more cautiously. Modern pharmaceutical medicine took a big blow in 2004 after research found that HRT does not protect from heart disease, is only marginally effective for treating osteoporosis and may cause heart disease, breast cancer and strokes. Most smart women are voluntarily coming off of their HRT but unfortunately, all their doctors have to give them are sedatives for the insomnia, pain relievers for the headaches and blood pressure meds for the hot flashes—and of course, there are antidepressants for everything else.
Homeopathy Safest Treatment for Menopause Homeopathy is the safest treatment before, during and after menopause because it stimulates the natural hormonal balance without the use of harmful drugs. Constitutional homeopathic treatment is best during the transitional period of menopause in order to balance hormonal levels and cure the many accompanying symptoms. You cannot address the complexity of these symptoms as separate from the whole individual; for this reason true classical homeopathic prescribing is highly recommended for the treatment of menopause. Homeopathic remedies for the menopausal woman are individualized based on her specific symptom picture, moods and reactions to stress etc. Some of the remedies most commonly used during menopause are Lachesis, Pulsatilla and Sepia along with many others including sarcodes such as Folliculinum and Oophorinum. These remedies are each well known by their unique particular symptom picture, personality and body type.
Plump Pulsatilla Pulsatilla can help the woman with the ‘Pulsatilla’ constitution, and her menopausal time is no different. Her temperament leads you to the remedy; sweet, pleasing, changeable, and weepy, but always better from consolation and company. Typically fair and slightly plump, and already sensitive to warm or stuffy rooms, she desires the open air even more during her hot flushes.
Snake Venom?? Many homeopathically minded people “think” Lachesis (which is a microdose of highly diluted snake venom) when we hear the word menopause. Why has Lachesis been so linked with the change of life? Perhaps, women going through the change of life are like snakes shedding their skins, an intense transition, putting them through many changes.
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Herbal Collective, May’16
The flushes of heat and great circulatory disturbances, heart palpitations and congestive headaches of Lachesis fit the intensity of what many women go through in the extremes of hormonal changes. Those needing Lachesis may also become greatly talkative and some develop an aversion to wearing anything the least constricting around the neck and waist. Sleep brings on an aggravation and they may awaken to waves of bursting headache or heat surges. Anxious, angry, suspicious, jealous or hateful thoughts may enter the mind and they cannot hold back cutting or sarcastic remarks meant to hurt another.
Sulky Sepia A menopausal Sepia woman is worn-out, indifferent to her family, sulky, has an aversion to sex and may experience a dragging or bearing down sensation in the uterus, feeling like she has to cross her legs to hold it all in, yet she is better from vigorous exercise. She also has hot flashes and sweating, though they are not as aggravated by heat as the previously mentioned remedies. Sepia types can actually be chilly in the midst of the sweating and this remedy is known to help backache and pains extending to the back. The sarcode, Folliculinum (made homeopathically from an ovarian follicle), has proven to be a wonderful remedy around menopause and can be used inter-
currently with a constitutional remedy. Folliculinum may help and actually prevent the wide range of the hormonal symptoms associated with menopause. Another sarcode which can be very useful with menopausal symptoms is Oophorinum (made from the ovary) and supports ovary gland function. Colin Gillies is a homeopath in Qualicum, B.C.
Colin J. Gillies, Homeopath Adv. Dip. Hom, MBCSH, MAHA, AROH Regd. Homeopaths see health as a state of opƟmal physical, mental and social well-being, not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. By treaƟng each person as an individual, homeopathy can help with all kinds of ailments or condiƟons.
Some examples are: •Acute and childhood diseases •ArthriƟc condiƟons •Asthma and Respiratory disease •Autoimmune disease -Chronic FaƟgue syndrome •DigesƟve complaints •Hormonal issues •Mental and EmoƟonal distress •Neurological disease - Headache and AuƟsm •Skin complaints Call Colin •Sleeping problems
250-947-0288
12-221 2nd Avenue W, Qualicum Beach B.C. www.colingillieshomeopath.com
Proteolytic Probiotic-Most Powerful & Effective “Probiotics Will Be the Key to Health in the 21st Century” Dr. Michael McCann
Symptoms of Low Friendly Bacteria: * Low immunity * Chronic yeast infections and/or urinary tract infections * Overgrowth of Candida * Sinus infection * Post surgical infection * Poor digestion * Bloating * Gas * Toxic waste build-up * Diarrhea * Constipation * Crohn’s Disease * Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) * Colitis * Diverticulitis * Abnormal intestinal pH * Stomach ulcers *Inability to produce vitamins (especially vitamins B & K * Nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin B12 * Parasitic infection, fungi and mold overgrowth
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Diet, Disruptors, Adaptogens and Attitude They All Affect Menopause By Megan Webber, RHN, LBA It sucks and it's inevitable. What a great combo. There are some women who ease into menopause with hardly any symptoms – lucky them! – but then there are other women walking about in shorts and a tank top in the middle of winter. Many of my clients and friends have had to battle through menopausal symptoms without much relief. Men as well, going through andropause, will experience similar symptoms, though not as common. Menopausal symptoms include the notorious hot flashes, insomnia, depression, irritability, mood swings and headaches. Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is an option, but for those who are looking for relief without side effects, there is no shortage of remedies to choose from. Above all, first and foremost, a healthy diet will always be your foundation and I'll explain why: endocrine disruptors act similar to hormones in our bodies and are found everywhere. An example is xenoestrogens, which mimic estrogen and come in all forms. However endocrine disruptors are plentiful and are found in everything from makeup, chlorine and insecticides to sunscreen, food colourings and detergents. They are unavoidable. So instead of nit-picking at every potentially dangerous substance, just live well. Buy organic when you can and try to make healthy, simple purchases for your home. Not only does it reduce our exposure, but it strengthens and protects us so that we can properly eliminate any toxins that do enter our bodies. Beyond that, there are specific remedies for specific menopause symptoms. The most widely studied and trusted for hot flashes is black cohosh, a supplement derived from a plant in the buttercup flower family. Known for its effectiveness and safety, it can reduce hot flashes but also acts as serotonin in the brain, easing depression. See page 5 for more on black cohosh. Next on the list is the famous adaptogen, ginseng. Adaptogens deserve an entire article all to themselves, but in a nutshell, they are substances that allow the body to adapt to stress. They ease anxiety, regulate sleep patterns, aid in mood swings and lessen fatigue. Ginseng is the most widely used of them all and may help with any of those symptoms you may be experiencing. As women age, our ability to absorb vitamin D begins to decline, but as with any basic vitamin or mineral, I recommend a dietary approach before supplementation. Foods highest in vitamin D are fish (cod liver oil espe16
Herbal Collective May,’16
cially), portabello mushrooms, dairy, eggs and soy. A warning regarding soy: as it does mimic estrogen in our bodies, and for this reason is feared by many men, it may seem like a good idea to consume lots of soy while our natural production of estrogen is on the decline during menopause. This is not the case. Soy phytoestrogens can reduce the severity of hot flashes by 50%, but during that same study, the placebo group reported a 35% reduction as well. This is also regarding severity, not frequency or duration. Phytoestrogens also increase the growth rate of breast tissue, which is bad news for anyone at risk for breast cancer as it will increase the growth rate of these cells as well when not balanced with progesterone. However, soy is an incredibly nutrient dense food – a super food – which, as organic, can and should be enjoyed in moderation. Throughout my time studying nutrition and reading up on menopause specifically, one thing keeps coming up again and again; attitude. “As you think, so goes your life.” Though sometimes easier said than done, womens’ attitude towards menopause greatly effects their capability to handle their symptoms. Feeling depressed or frustrated with a completely unavoidable part of life gives way to unnecessary suffering. This change has absolutely no effect on who you are as a person, how others see you, or how loved you are. And if it makes you feel any better, men aren't exempt from this change either. Men go through their own form of menopause called andropause, where their testosterone production declines by about 1% each year after the age of 30. Their symptoms can include sleep disturbances, weight gain, ED, reduced muscle mass, irritability and sometimes hot flashes as well. The male go-to remedy for their change is commonly tribulus terrestris, a flowering plant that contains protodioscin, a precursor to testosterone. A good supplement for any man to take is zinc, because it has a multitude of functions which can ease andropause symptoms, and is even more effective when taken in a complex containing copper. Furthermore, weight lifting is a surefire way to increase testosterone levels and reduce depression. There are plenty more options available for both men and women and are easily accessible. Just be sure to cross-check any new supplements with current medications. Wishing you the absolute best of mental and physical health. Megan Webber runs www.SweetEarthHolistics.com
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
Health Food Stores
4-180 Central Ave, Duncan, www.lynnsvitamingallery.ca
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
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 Laughing Lichen Wildcrafted Herb & Tea
www.laughinglichen.ca, laughinglichen@gmail.com..............1-778-884-2371 Find medicinal mushrooms at www.Purica.com Wild Oil of Oregano, www.wildoiloforegano.com www.wildtamanuoil.com
Flower Remedies
Sarah Brune, Bach foundation registered practitioner, author, educator....www.bachflowerscanada.com.. .......................................................250-331-3228
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
www.herbalcollective.ca/directory-naturopathic-doctors.html
Pacific Holistic Center, Dr Doug Kuramoto. In Parksville................................................ 250-954-1955
Reflexology
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 May,’16
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