HERBS
CASCARA SAGRADA
Rhamnus purshiana
Cascara Sagrada affects the liver, gallbladder, colon, stomach and pancreas. It is a laxative, antispasmodic and hepatic tonic which is one of the safest tonic laxatives that can be used. It can be used in either the tincture or dried herb form.
Cascara increases liver, pancreas and bowel secretions and used in small, frequent dosages, restores the tone of the bowel and has a lasting, permanent effect. If a gentle laxative is required, use 20 drops of the tincture three times daily. If a more drastic action is required then the dose should be half a teaspoon full of the tincture three times daily.
Cascara is very valuable whenever haemorrhoids are associated with constipation and poor bowel function. It is also very useful for bowel related problems in combination with bayberry bark, rhubarb root, golden seal and raspberry leaves as a lower bowel tonic.
Cassia senna
Strong cathartic used for the treatment of constipation, the leaf is stronger than the fruit in usefulness.
CAYENNE
Capsicum annuum
As a dried, ground powder it can be used to improve circulation, digestion, help flatulence, and is sometimes used in the case of neuralgia and rheumatism. A weak solution can be used for a throat gargle. Mixed with slippery elm and used externally for chilblains.
*128\26\8*
MENOPAUSE: CHANGE OF LIFE
If you are going through menopause and the symptoms are intense then natural therapy has a lot to offer, before you consider the alternative of oestrogen treatment. A number of studies have shown that vitamin E supplementation can eliminate or reduce the symptoms associated with menopause, particularly hot flushes.
Dong quai has been used in Asia for thousands of years and its reputation is second only to ginseng. Dong quai is regarded as the “female remedy” and has been used successfully for the treatment of many female disorders including menopause, amenorrhea and dysmenorrhea.
Dong quai contains phytoestrogens (plant oestrogens). These natural plant oestrogens compete with the oestrogen in the body for binding sites. The phytoestrogens in Dong quai produce oestrogenic activity when the body’s oestrogen levels are low as is the case in menopause. The ability of the phytoestrogens to occupy oestrogen receptor sites also helps high oestrogen levels. Dong quai is specifically of use for the treatment of menopausal hot flushes. Evening primrose oil in conjunction with herbs and vitamins for the treatment of many hormonal disorders including menopause has met with good results.
Oats are of value when used for the treatment of menopausal depression and neurasthenia. Avena stimulates both the motor and sensory systems. This stimulation gives a lift and elevation in mood.
SUPPLEMENTS
Dong quai 500 mg 3 times daily
vitamin E 500 IU daily
Executive B Complex
(stress B group
formula) 1 tablet daily
Efamol (evening
primrose oil) 500 mg 1 capsule 3 times daily
*103\26\8*
GOUT OR CRYSTAL ARTHRITIS
Gout is a disease that can affect any person and can be a very painful affliction. Gout is the formation of uric acid crystals in the joints. These crystals cannot develop without an elevated level of uric acid in the blood, therefore, the prevention of this elevated level of uric acid is required.
In orthodox medicine prescription drugs are given to reduce inflammation and pain for acute attacks and/or the use of drugs such as allopurinol to reduce the amount of uric acid in the blood and urine.
The naturopathic treatment is based on the modification and reduction of the main factors that increase the uric acid levels in the blood.
THE DIET
A diet low in fats and moderate in the intake of protein is the first step in reducing uric acid levels in the blood.
Foods that contain a high level of purine should be avoided. These include all organ meats: ie liver, kidney, brains, heart, sweetbreads. Other foods that must be avoided are shellfish: prawns, lobster, oysters, salami, pate, sardines in oil, anchovies. Do not eat tomatoes or oranges. You can eat milk, eggs, cereal (except whole wheat), fruit, enriched bread, butter and most vegetables. Restrict to twice a week asparagus, beans, peas, alcohol, mushrooms, oatmeal, whole-wheat cereal.
To avoid rises in uric acid level do not take aspirin. Sudden changes in weight can cause a rise so weight reductions or increases should be gradual.
The consumption of red meat is to be restricted to three times weekly. Chicken and fish can be eaten freely but they must be grilled or steamed. Tomatoes, alcohol, take-away foods such as Chinese must be avoided.
It is also important to increase the amount of fluid intake to 6 to 8 glasses per day. Low purine diets are lower in Vitamin B, and a B Complex should be taken.
Supplements
B complex 1 tablet/capsule daily
Vitamin C 5000 mg daily
Pantothenic acid 50 mg daily
Cod liver oil 5 ml daily
*78\26\8*
CANDIDA (MONILIA)
Many women especially are suffering from candidiasis (infection with any species of Candida) and its associated side effects. One of the main causes of candidiasis in younger people is the use of antibiotics for skin disorders. These antibiotics unbalance the natural gut flora and diminish the normal levels of Lactobacillus acidophilus which is a friendly bacteria living in the intestine and needed for normal digestion. When it is at a low level then Candida albicans, a fungus also found in the small intestine, starts to multiply rapidly. Some of the indications of an infestation of Candida albicans are bloating, indigestion, flatulence, lethargy and thrush or redness, ulcers and irritation in either the mouth or genitals.
A diet that is low in sugar and refined carbohydrates is necessary. Too many dairy products and those containing yeast should be avoided. Quite often it is a problem diagnosing someone who has this complaint and all too often it is treated for its various effects rather than the cause. It is therefore very important to make sure you tell your doctor.
Write everything down that you feel is abnormal. This can be of great benefit in the ultimate diagnosis. New methods of detecting Candida albicans spores in the bloodstream, with dark field microscopic examination, are available. Stool counts can also be done, but one of the most reliable is the persistence of a number of symptoms and it has been shown that the analytical laboratory technique of examination will not always pick up this condition.
The dietary method of attack is to kill off any excessive Candida albicans. A high potency garlic supplement will do this. You need to recolonise the Lactobacillus acidophilus supplement. The powdered Lactobacillus acidophilus are extremely good and palatable but do not take the garlic and the Lactobacillus acidophilus together. The garlic should be taken at least three hours before Lactobacillus acidophilus.
It must be remembered that the prevention of recolonisation is a long-term treatment and it is not going to happen in one or two days so the ongoing garlic and Lactobacillus acidophilus supplement need to be continued until the symptoms disappear.
The inflamed and irritated orifices can be soothed with a diluted form of tea-tree oil which is a powerful anti-fungal and can kill off the Candida infestation which is causing this problem.
*50\26\8*
ATHLETES AND REGULAR EXERCISERS
Do athletes, joggers, regular exercisers and people who do heavy physical work require special treatment?
They may be at risk because they have low levels of essential nutrients in their bodies.
A study carried out by the Department of Sport has shown that our athletes are running the risk of having a low serum (blood) concentration of certain nutrients. This has been backed up by further experiments to show that certain micro-nutrients such as vitamin E and other antioxidant vitamins can be utilised at a faster rate by those who are striving and taking part in endurance athletic activity. Athletes need to look at eating a well-balanced diet and supplements because they are pushing their bodies beyond the normal limit.
Heavy workouts build up lactic acid in the muscles which produces free radicals. These can cause cell damage so it is important for athletes to take extra antioxidants if they are working out or training hard.
Dr Lester Packer of the University of California at Berkeley, has shown that free radicals damage muscle cells. He found evidence of damage to all major membranes of muscle tissue caused by free radicals following athletic activity. He suggested an antioxidant formula containing beta-carotene, vitamin E and vitamin C to help prevent this damage.
If you are an athlete striving to achieve higher levels of fitness and performance in your athletic field, then consider supplementing with a Bio ACE type formula containing A, C and E, the antioxidant vitamins. However there is no substitute for a good well-balanced diet.
Consider a little extra protein if you are engaging in heavy, muscle-ripping exercises. Amino acids, found in protein, are the building blocks of life needed to repair muscle tissue damaged during heavy exercise. There are 8 essential amino acids which must be obtained from your diet. Eggs and dairy products are the best sources. Use egg whites and skim milk as these will not increase cholesterol.
Supplements of the minerals magnesium, potassium and zinc is helpful, especially if you experience cramps or muscle pain after exercise.
SUPPLEMENTS
Bio ACE antioxidant one 3 times daily
formula containing
vitamins A, C, E and K
vitamin E 500 IU daily
selenium (trace element) found in garlic and eggs
garlic 2000 mg (fresh herb equivalent) daily
Ginsana (ginseng) has been clinically tested to improve oxygen utilisation and recovery time after exercise. Skim milk and egg whites are excellent sources of amino acids. Make a milk shake:
Ingredients
2 egg whites
1 teaspoon black strap molasses
1 teaspoon honey
1 banana
1/2 teaspoon yeast
2 glasses of skim or low fat milk Blend and drink.
This is a high protein drink that also contains all essential vitamins and minerals. It is ideal for body builders.
*26\26\8*