Ask The Herbalist

Herb of the Month- Cranberry, Vaccinium macrocarpon, American cranberry

•Today’s common uses: Studies show components in cranberries reduce the ability of E. coli to adhere to the lining of the bladder and urethra - the most important factor in cranberry juice’s effectiveness for bladder infections. These same components also help neutralize acids and dissolve sediment accretions like kidney stones. Cranberry juice reduces the amount of ionized calcium in the urine by more than 50% in patients with recurrent kidney stones. Cranberry compounds are very effective cleansers for candida yeast overgrowth. Cranberry deodorizes urine too, especially in reducing ammonia urinary odors in the elderly and incontinent.  Cranberries are rich in polyphenol antioxidants that protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease. Cranberries also help fight colds, and are used successfully to help dilate bronchial passages during asthma attacks. A natural benzoyl peroxide, prevents acne-causing bacteria from penetrating the skin so breakouts are less frequent or severe. Israeli researchers tell us that cranberry is beneficial for teeth and gums because it prevents plaque formation.

•Traditional Herbal Medicine uses: Historical uses say a bark infusion helps stomach cramps for children’s fevers, a “fallen womb” after birth, and as an emetic for bad blood and fevers. Native Americans used cranberries in a cake called pemmican -- a “survival cake” that didn’t spoil for long periods of time. Native Americans steeped the tea for pleurisy, used it for nausea and for tumors, dysentery and wounds. The Delaware Indians used cranberries as a symbol of peace.  Early American settlers used the berry both raw and cooked for a number of ailments including digestive problems, urinary tract infections, and scurvy.

•Therapeutic parts: berries, bark (a laxative), roots.

•Key compounds: high in phosphorus, potassium, and calcium; contains significant amounts of iron, magnesium, manganese, sodium and B-complex vitamins. A good source of bioflavonoids and vitamin C for tissue tone. Has anti-cancer, blood purifying and immuno-stimulant effects.

•Works in synergy with: 1) Bladder Comfort uses cranberry  with juniper berry, goldenseal and echinacea as an antiseptic to help strengthen and restore urinary tissue, kidneys and bladder. 2) Candida Detox uses cranberry with olive leaf extract, Siberian eleuthero and pau d’arco to detoxify from yeast overgrowth.

Healing Traditions from Ancient Egypt & The Middle East

The Middle East offers a rich legacy of healing traditions. The first ever recorded use of herbs was noted by the Egyptian Ebers Papyrus in 1500 B.C., and remains the oldest surviving record of herbal therapies to date.

The ancient Egyptians were shaman-physicians who believed disease resulted from supernatural forces. Further, they were skilled surgeons with in-depth knowledge of anatomy due to their mummification and embalming practices. During mummification, they removed the brain, lungs, pancreas, liver, spleen, heart and intestines. They understood the functions of these organs with the exception of the heart and brain (which they believed had opposite functions, similar to the Chinese belief).

Ancient Egyptians strongly believed in the power of body purification for health. Bathing rituals, shaving one’s head, and the restriction of impure foods (like raw fish) were employed as health maintenance techniques and to prevent parasite infection. Dream interpretation was used to find the cause and cures for an illness. Faith healing and magic were the main medicines of the era. However, the Egyptian healing compendium consisted of a wide variety of plant, animal and mineral based remedies, including yeast which was recommended for digestive problems and ulcers.

While there were no medical schools in ancient Egypt, physicians received years of training at the temples. Their specialities included dealing with problems of infertility, contraception and difficult childbirth. Travelling Greek scholars, including Pliny and Herodotus, studied their medical practices and knowledge of anatomy, and incorporated their use in the modern era.

The Development of Unani Medicine

The Arabs were renowned pharmacists and herbalists, highly adept at medicinal herb blending. They were also avid traders, introducing Middle Eastern spices like nutmeg, saffron, and cloves into Europe and Asia. Arab traditions were brought into Europe after the fall of Rome during the Arab invasions and the rise of Islam.

In the 7th century, the Arab physician, Avicenna, expanded upon Galen’s humoral theory of the body and the works of Hippocrates. His book, The Canon of Medicine, was the most important work of the time. Avicenna viewed disease as an imbalance of the bodily humours rather than the result of supernatural phenomenon. Avicenna felt that Allah created four basic types of people who could be characterized according to the humours: sanguine, choleric, melancholic and phlegmatic. With roots in Ayurveda, an individual was thought to possess elements of each humour, with one humour playing the predominant role. A person’s primary humour was used not only to determine the best modes of healing, but also the best job choices and relationships.

Avicenna’s great works led to development of Unani medicine, still widely practiced in the Arab world and India. Unani medicine relied on detailed patient evaluation, including pulse diagnosis. The air and one’s breathing; food; exercise and rest; sleep and wakefulness; digestion and elimination; and a person’s emotional state were considered key factors in health and disease. The stomach was considered the source of most disease, and utmost importance was placed on proper diet and improved digestion.

The ancient Arab pharmacopeia was extensive, with notes on plant origins, properties and preparation methods.  Arab pharmacists were highly regarded in their society, and were licensed and monitored by the state. They were familiar with an abundance of herbal medicines like senna, sandalwood, camphor, myrrh, cloves and tamarind. They paid close attention to the importance of palatability, introducing novel preparations techniques as herbal syrups and juleps. Further, they employed rose or orange water as pleasant tasting bases for herbal medicines.

Arabian hospitals (called bimaristans) and pharmacies were unsurpassed for their level of care and expertise. By the 11th century, the Arab world offered travelling clinics and dispensaries for those who were too ill to travel. Hospital care was free to everyone and medical salaries were fixed by the state. The Arabs even developed first aid centers for the wartime wounded, and provided specialized medical care for prisoners. Arab physicians also championed the theory of infections, leading to development of quarantines as a way to limit the spread of disease. Their great accomplishments and contributions to modern medicine, especially to hospital care, cannot be understated.

-Sarah

If you have arthritis, try a therapeutic bath for relief

An arthritis elimination sweating bath can release a surprising amount of toxic material that aggravate your joints. Epsom salts or Dead Sea salts, and herbs with a diaphoretic action, can play a big part in the success of the bath.

 Here’s how to take the arthritis bath:

Make a tea of elder flowers, peppermint and yarrow. Drink as hot as possible before the bath. Then pour about 3 pounds of Epsom salts or enough Dead Sea salts for 1 bath into very hot bath water. Rub arthritic joints with a stiff brush in the water for 5 to 10 minutes; try to stay in the bath for 15 to 25 minutes. On emerging, do not dry yourself. Wrap up immediately in a clean sheet and go straight to bed, covering yourself with several blankets. The osmotic pressure of the Epsom salt solution absorbed by the sheet will draw off heavy perspiration. Your mattress should be protected with a sheet of plastic. The following morning the sheet will be stained with wastes excreted through your skin - sometimes the color of egg yolk. (This is a strong detox procedure and it happens relatively quickly. Take care if you have a weak heart or high blood pressure.)

Improvement after an arthritic sweat bath experience is notable. Repeat the bath once every two weeks until the sheet is no longer stained, a sign that the body is well cleansed. Drink pure water throughout the procedure to prevent dehydration and loss of body salts.

-Sarah

 

What's the latest on Hormone Replacement Therapy?

No drawbacks have been reduced. Many have increased. Drug companies who added Alzheimer’s prevention as a benefit of HRT drug, have seen this claim discreditied. In a group of 120 women with mild to moderate Alzheimer’s, those taking estrogen actually had a higher level of dementia than those who didn’t.

There are still more studies and more bad news:

•HRT can increase a woman’s risk of developing insulin resistance and Type II diabetes after menopause.

•HRT artificially continues menstruation, spotting and bleeding, because it deters complete shedding of the uterine lining. Persistent bleeding has been linked to increased risk of endometrial cancer. Endometrial cancer may be a risk with HRT, although some studies show decreased risk when progesterone is added to estrogen.

•HRT increases risk for gallbladder disease and blood clots.

•HRT can destroy Vitamin B-6, potentially increasing homocysteine levels to risk heart disease.

•HRT increases appetite, fluid retention and dry eye syndrome (DES), aggravates mood swings and localizes fat deposits on the hips and thighs. Many women get PMS symptoms, like depression or migraines.

•HRT can increase growth of uterine and breast fibroids. Estrogen-dependent fibroids stay active.

•HRT should not be used by women with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, chronic migraines, or endometriosis. Avoid HRT if you have a history of breast, bone or uterine cancer, or blood vessel clots (thrombosis). Many physicians advise against its use if you have diabetes, or are pregnant.

Note: Studies don’t reflect the different ways that HRT acts in individual women. Women have widely different diets, weight, liver function, enzyme activity, age, alcohol sensitivity, estrogen levels and metabolism. Some women feel better on HRT, some don’t see any effects and some are worse with the drug.

-Sarah

 

Herb of the Month- Pumpkin Seed

Pumpkin Seeds Curcurbita pepo - Semen peponis, pepita (edible green inner seed). 

Today’s common uses: Pumpkin seeds are one of the richest plant sources of zinc, which coupled with the high carotenoid content of the fruit act as a tonic to the male system and to promote prostate health. For mental and physical well-being, pumpkin seed oil is an excellent source of omega oils. Naturopaths routinely recommend pumpkin seed as a specific to reduce the swelling, inflammation and urinary problems related to prostatitis and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH). Pumpkin seed helps relieve prostatitis by preventing or slowing conversion of testosterone into DHT- dihydrotestosterone. Preliminary studies show seed extracts do improve bladder and urethra function in men. Vitamins A and E, and EFAs in pumpkin seed oil nourish, smooth and heal the skin (especially for adult acne). Pumpkin seed phytosterols help reduce cholesterol and boost the immune system. Seed extracts are an excellent vermifuge against intestinal parasites, like tapeworm and roundworm.

Traditional Herbal Medicine uses: Pumpkin seeds have been used for centuries to guard against worm or parasite infections. Pumpkin seeds and oil were also used to treat minor burns, wounds, bladder and prostate problems.

Therapeutic parts: seed, oil, fruit.

Delivery forms: seed, seed extract, seed oil, ground powder, steeped tea, skin care products. 

Key compounds: Studies find its curcurbitin is active against parasites. Contains zinc, carotenoids, essential fatty acids, amino acids (Omega 3 and 6, oleic, palmitic, linoleic acids), phytosterols, vitamins A and E, potassium, magnesium.

Safety Precautions: Consult a physician if taking warfarin/coumadin.

Works in synergy with: 1) Parasite Purge uses pumpkin with neem, black walnut hulls, garlic, thyme, artemesia, gentian, fennel and butternut to help cleanse and release unwelcome organisms in the digestive tract.

-Sarah

Preventing Osteoporosis

Few things age a person as quickly as osteoporosis (porous, brittle bone), a disease that robs bones of their density and strength, making them thinner, more prone to break. Eventually, bone mass decreases below the level required to support the body.  Over 28 million Americans suffer from osteoporosis today, and experts from the National Osteoporosis Foundation predict 40 million Americans will suffer from osteoporosis by the year 2015.

Long considered a woman’s problem, because of its female hormone involvement, osteoporosis affects from 35 to 50% of women in the first 5 years after menopause. For women, osteoporosis risk is greater than the combined risks of breast, uterine and ovarian cancers. In fact, half of all women over 50 will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture in her lifetime. Most of these are vibrant women at the height of their careers with no outward signs of poor health. Most have no idea their bones are becoming weaker and more brittle until they actually break. Bone loss is greatest in the high weight-bearing bones—hips, spine and ribs.

Osteoporosis also affects men, just at a later age, with less ferocity. Some bone loss occurs in both sexes around 45 years of age. But a greater testosterone supply and more bone tissue offer men some protection from osteoporosis. Yet today’s men, in ever-increasing numbers are suffering from the disease. In America, by age 75, one-third of all men are affected by osteoporosis. One in eight men will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture.
 
Check yourself for the following osteoporosis risk factors:
•    Post-menopausal with family history of osteoporosis (high risk for women who have not had children).
•    Women and men over 75 years; women over 45 with a history of calcium and vitamin D deficiency.
•    A consistently high consumption of tobacco, coffee and animal protein.
•    Long courses of steroid drugs. Research shows that over a long period of time these drugs tend to leach potassium from the system, weakening the bones.
•    Long use of synthetic thyroid. The drug Synthroid increases risk for both osteoporosis and high cholesterol, and may also aggravate weight problems.
•    Women who had their ovaries removed before menopause, who had an early menopause (before 45 years old), or those with a history of irregular periods. Hormone and calcium deficiencies are common in women with irregular menstrual cycles, those who exercise excessively or who have eating disorders.
 
If you think you’re at risk, ask your physician or local pharmacy about bone mineral density screening.
 Osteoporosis involves both mineral and non-mineral elements, so your bones need a full range of support nutrients. Although it is a life-threatening disease, osteoporosis is a lifestyle disease… that means we can do something about it. Bone loss can be arrested; remaining bone can be preserved; new bone mass can even be rebuilt with a vigorous osteoporosis intervention program. The most successful treatment involves not only normalizing hormone levels, but also improving lifestyle (like lack of exercise) and dietary habits (like excess consumption of red meat and soda) that we know accelerate bone loss. It’s not just a case of adding estrogen, progesterone or even testosterone.  A broad range herbal formula containing estrogen and progesterone balancing substances as well as bioflavonoids and bone building minerals is a good choice for natural preventive care.  Note 1: Flexibility may be more important for preventing fractures than was ever realized. Here’s why: While flexibility allows even thin bones to bend easily, stiffness can cause even thick bone to break. In addition to weight training, consider incorporating yoga or T’ai chi in your natural bone building program. Note 2: A 2001 year study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that increasing intake of vegetarian protein sources while reducing your animal protein intake can decrease bone loss and the risk of hip fractures.

For a complete Healing Diet for Osteoporosis prevention, please see pg. 144-159 of the book, Diets for Healthy Healing by Linda Page Ph.D., Traditional Naturopath.

Mineral Rich Protein sources: Calcium losses decreases when you include vegetable protein sources that are also high in minerals

Nettles: Rich in iron, silicon, and potassium. When dried, sources indicate nettles are about 40% protein.
Oatstraw: rich in protein, calcium, magnesium and potassium.
Comfrey leaf: the leaves are rich in protein and calcium.  Also called “bone knit” for its ability to mend broken bones. (The leaf is free of the toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids found in the root.)
Nori: the highest protein content of all the sea vegetables.
Rice protein: an easily digested vegetarian protein source.
Nutritional yeast: a complete protein food, and excellent source of vitamins, minerals and trace minerals.
Bee pollen: it contains all 22 amino acids, high minerals and has 5-7 times more protein than beef.
Dulse: after nori, dulse has the second highest protein content. It contains 22% more protein than chickpeas, almonds or whole sesame seeds.
Wheat germ: contains about 29% protein, essential fatty acids, B vitamins and minerals.
Alfalfa: high chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals and high quality protein.

Silica Source Herbs
Horsetail: Used in natural osteoporosis, bursitis and tendonitis treatment.
Parsley: a good source of silica.
Burdock: a rich source of silica.
Asian ginseng: contains silica.
Oatstraw: a concentrated source of silica that can help build bones.
Alfalfa: an excellent source of herbal minerals, including silica.
Nettles: a very high mineral source, including silica.
Dulse: a source of silica.

Hormone Balancing Herbs- EFA Sources
Evening Primrose oil: essential fats are critical for hormone production and mineral absorption. Very low fat diets or restrictive diets accelerate bone loss. Evening primrose is widely used for hormone balancing effects for menopausal women.
Flax seed oil: essential fats are critical for hormone production and mineral absorption. Flax seed lignans also reduce menopausal hot flashes and vaginal dryness.
Sesame seeds: high in essential fats and boron that can help strengthen bones.
Hemp seeds: a complete protein source , high in EFA’s and trace minerals.
Red clover: a high protein and plant estrogen source. Early research suggest that red clover’s isoflavones may slow bone loss and improve bone density for menopausal women.
Black cohosh: a premier hot flash remedy and hormone balancing herb for menopausal women.
Wild yam:  a source of diosgenin, the precursor to progesterone. Progesterone is used by itself and in combination with estrogen for natural osteoporosis treatment.
Royal jelly: a rich source of B vitamins, minerals, hormone-like components and all eight essential amino acids. A rejuvenating food and anti-aging aid.
Ipriflavone: (semi synthetic isoflavonoid with chemical structure similar to estrogen) inhibits bone resorption and promotes the incorporation of calcium into the bone. Found in clinical studies to improve bone density in osteoporosis. Note: Ipriflavone interacts with many medications and could reduce white cell counts. Ask your holistic physician.

Bioflavonoid-rich herbs: bioflavonoids are structurally similar to natural estrogen, but are about 1/50,000th the strength. 
Bilberry: high in proanthocyanidins, bioflavonoids which can build collagen, the main protein component of bone.
Green tea: studies suggest tea drinkers have lower incidence of osteoporosis than non-tea drinkers. It is though that flavonoids in tea help to counteract calcium depletion caused by caffeine.
Lemon peel: animal studies show bioflavonoids in lemon reduce bone loss .
Hawthorn: high in bioflavonoids with heart and bone protecting effects.
Cranberry: a good source of bioflavonoids and premier women’s bladder infection remedy.
Turmeric: high flavonoid (curcumin) content; anti-inflammatory for joint and bone pain.
Horsetai: high in naturally occurring bioflavonoids and silica.
Rose Hips: high in vitamin C and bioflavonoids.

Enzyme-rich Herbal Catalysts
Ginger: high in protein digesting enzymes, enhances assimilation of other herbs in the formula.
Cinnamon: a warming digestive aid and herbal catalyst. Improves digestion of fats.
Capsicum: high vitamin C, enzymes (including the antioxidant, superoxide dismutase), flavonoids and carotenoids.
Barley grass: high in enzymes, including the antioxidant, superoxide dismutase. Mineral rich for strong bones.
Chlorella: high in enzymes. An alkalizing food that can help prevent mineral losses caused by over-acidity. Spirulina: high in enzymes. Helps to remineralize the bones. An alkalizing food that can help prevent mineral losses caused by over-acidity.

-Sarah

Herb of the Month, Astragalus

Astragalus, Astragalus membranaceous (Huang chi) Today’s common uses: An antiviral specific for immune and resistance building, astragalus stimulates immune response by enhancing interferon killer cells. Astragalus should be part of any cancer remission protocol.  A liver protector, astragalus builds immune resistance even in the face of immune-suppressing cancer drugs and radiation. Damaged immune system cells have been restored to full function in vitro tests with Astragalus extract. Astragalus may also increase stem cells in bone marrow and lymphatic tissue stimulating development into immune cells. Closely related to licorice root, widely used in Chinese medicine today as an immune-enhancing soup with medicinal mushrooms. In Asia, astragalus is used to help handle hepatitis, leukemia, even AIDS.

Traditional Herbal Medicine uses:  A superior tonic, astragalus along with with panax ginseng is one of the most important herbs in Chinese herbology - it strengthens immunity, boosts respiratory health, accelerates wound healing and increases energy. Astragalus operates through four pathways. 1: it enhances cell metabolism, delaying cell aging, making energy output more efficient. 2: it boosts protein synthesis in the liver, improving its function. 3: it stimulates immunity, to resist infections. 4: by restoring the adrenal cortex, it improves metabolic functions. 

Therapeutic parts: root, resembling a tongue depressor (actually slices through the taproot).

Delivery forms: liquid and powdered extract, capsules, tea.

Key compounds: Active flavonoids, amino acids and a string of trace minerals including selenium. Rich in key nutrients like folic acid, calcium, iron and potassium. Immuno-active polysaccharides provide its amazing immune-defense power.

Safety Precautions: Generally very safe. Do not use with high fever or severe inflammation as it theorized it may drive the disease deeper into the system  Don’t use with allergies or after organ transplants, or for some auto-immune diseases.

Works in synergy with: 1) For anemia: a tea with equal parts astragalus and dong quai.  2) Try this Astragalus-Shiitake tonic broth for 2 weeks to dramatically boost immune response: (enough for 2). To 6 qts. water, add 1 dried reishi mushroom, 4 to 5 dried Astragalus bark slices, 1-oz. dried Shiitake mushrooms, 4 tbsp. miso paste, 1 tbsp. brown rice vinegar, 4 tbsp. chopped dry sea greens, 1/4 cup brown rice, 1 cup snipped watercresss if available, or baby spinach leaves. 3) Fibro Defense uses astragalus with pau d’ arco, maitake mushroom, burdock, dandelion and goldenseal to enable the liver to metabolize estrogen safer and more effectively. 4) Herp-ex uses astragalus with red marine algae, licorice rt and echincea rt to guard against outbreaks and neutralize toxins.

Herbs for Weight Loss- Herbal Categories for Overcoming Slowed Metabolism

Metabolism Boosters for After 40

Green/white tea: increases fat and calorie burning. Animal research shows epigallocatechins (EGCG) in green tea reduces blood glucose, lipids (fats), and cholesterol. Green tea also decreases fat deposits under the skin and in the abdomen.

Garcinia cambogia: Metabolic stimulant, appetite suppressant, fat burner, digestive aid. Helps the body burn carbohydrates instead of storing them as fat.

Sida cordifolia: boosts fat burning but without the heart stimulating effects of ephedra.

Bitter orange: amines in bitter orange stimulate beta-3 cell receptors which increase thermogenesis –(fat burning).

Hoodia gordonii: a mild appetite suppressant. Used by the Kalahari bushman to stave off hunger during long hunting expeditions. Preliminary research suggests that hoodia affects nerve cells in the hypothalamus that regulate blood sugar, stopping food craving by tricking the brain into thinking it’s full.

Thyroid/Adrenal Stimulants

Kelp: a good source of algin with potent detoxifying properties. Reduces fluid retention and bloat. Natural iodine and potassium in sea vegetables supports the thyroid and reactivates metabolism for faster weight loss.

Bladderwrack: Natural iodine and potassium in sea vegetables supports the thyroid and reactivates metabolism for faster weight loss. Boosts adrenal energy.

Irish Moss: a fiber rich sea vegetable with detoxifying properties.

Licorice: natural cortisone-like properties in licorice stimulate healthy adrenal activity.

Schizandra: an adrenal and energy tonic, particularly useful for people who have not responded to other other approaches.

Siberian eleuthero: a key adaptogen with anti-stress effects. Aids recovery from adrenal exhaustion and chronic fatigue.

EFA Sources
Evening Primrose: a rich source of the essential fatty acid, GLA (gamma linoleic acid).

Flax seed: an excellent source of vegetarian Omega 3 fatty acids for heart health and healthy weight management.

Black currant seed: a rich source of the essential fatty acid, GLA (gamma linoleic acid).

Kelp/sea vegetables/dark greens: good source of essential Omega 3 fats for healthy weight management. 

Sesame seeds: high in protein, EFA’s and B vitamins.

Energizers

Jiaogulan: antistress actvity for people who gain weight due to imbalanced cortisol. Oxygenates the body.

Guarana: boosts metabolism and fat burning; a short term energizer. (Avoid large doses and use with care in caffeine sensitive people.)

Gotu kola: a mental inner energy energizer.

Green tea: rich in l-theanine, a natural energizer which aids in stress relief.

Siberian eleuthero: reduces the stress of dieting and improves long range energy.

Asian ginseng: a primary Qi tonic for better body balance and energy. 

-Sarah

Easing Mild to Moderate Depression

Today, the World Health Organization recognizes depression as one of the top four disabling diseases in the world! Clinical depression is much more than a case of the blues. Depression is both a mental and emotional state, a feeling of being in a box that you can’t escape. It’s closely tied to illness; over 80% of terminal cancer patients have a history of chronic depression.

Mood disorders affect 30 million Americans (women more than men) and we spend over $20 billion on treatment. Americans take more antidepressants than any other generation in history! But are we really any happier? Prescription drugs for depression produce a myriad of side effects from low libido and fatigue to agitation and weight gain. Even more frightening, new research shows some SSRI anti-depressants like Paxil tamper with delicate brain chemistry and may even increase suicide risk in young adults (18-30).

Non-toxic avenues of healing can help relieve some types of depression and should be actively explored first. However, if you’re already taking antidepressants and would like to try a more natural approach, consult with your doctor first.  Going off antidepressant drugs “cold turkey” can cause withdrawal symptoms that may need to be monitored professionally.

Are you depressed? If you answer yes to three or more of the following questions, then you may be suffering from mild to moderate depression.

Do you sleep excessively, and feel lethargic, sad, or pessimistic when you’re awake?
Have you lost your appetite with marked weight loss, or do you eat a lot with new weight gain?
Have you lost interest or pleasure in regular activities that you used to like?
Has your sex drive decreased? Has your energy been exceptionally low?
Do you have symptoms like mood swings, energy slumps, and irritability?
Do you drink more alcohol than you used to? Do you often feel self-reproach or guilt?

Note: If depression is long lasting, severe or is accompanied with suicidal thoughts, seek professional help right away. Major depression can be serious.

4 Tips for Depression Relief

1: Get plenty of healthy protein (about 15% of total calorie intake) to minimize depression. Include protein from seafoods, sea plants, rice, sprouts, soy foods, nuts, seeds, organic turkey and chicken, eggs and low fat cheeses to control depression-related tissue destruction. Amino acids in protein foods help build healthy neurotransmitters for coping with depression. Add foods rich in the amino acid L-tryptophan (soy, cheeses and turkey) to help build serotonin, essential for overcoming depression and insomnia. Add green superfoods daily for “extra strength” nutrition. A few superfoods to choose from are chlorella, spirulina, barley grass, or wheat grass.

2: Have an adrenal tonic 2 to 3x a week to prevent stress reactions that precipitate major depression: a glass of carrot juice with a pinch of sage and 1 tsp. Bragg’s Liquid Aminos .

3: Add Omega-3 rich foods to your diet from cold water fish or flax seed. At least four studies show Omega 3 fatty acids can benefit the symptoms of depression. Omega-3 fatty acids are essential to brain health, helping the brain neurotransmitters norepinephrine and serotonin perform their mood stabilizing functions. I’m a big believer in eating from the sea for mild to moderate depression. Omega 3-rich salmon or tuna sushi rolls are especially beneficial.

4. Exercise anxiety and depression away. Exercise is natural antidepressant that stimulates the secretion of “feel good” chemical endorphins. Also, get some daily sunlight on the body for vitamin D, a natural serotonin boost.

-Sarah

Herbs to Overcome Anxiety Disorders and Panic Attacks

Anxiety disorders affect nearly 40 million U.S. adults. Teenagers and young children with high stress from ever demanding schedules or family problems are also increasingly affected. Anxiety disorders are more than simple fearfulness or worry. They are crippling fear reactions that cause suffering and interfere with daily responsibilities, family life and social ties. At its worst, the sufferer may be unable to even leave the house. Social Anxiety Disorder is a type of anxiety disorder which causes intense fear and phobia of social situations. It differs from ordinary shyness in that just the thought of social situations causes trembling, sweating or a panic attack. Heart palpitations and panic attacks are an especially big problem for women, and are directly linked to stress and hormonal fluctuations at the onset of menopause. Men suffer from anxiety disorders too, but in fewer numbers and often in silence.

     Are You Having A Panic Attack? Here are the signs to look for:
    -hyperventilating or feeling short of breath especially at night
    -racing heartbeat, dizziness or feeling faint
    -bolting upright out of bed in the early morning hours
    -feeling like you’re “going crazy” or losing control
    -being full of fear that has no basis in reality and the fear interfering in the normal functioning of your life.

    If you have these symptoms, you’re probably suffering from a panic attack. It will more than likely pass quickly. If symptoms persist, seek out a qualified health practitioner.

Here’s my personal defense:
• If you get panic attacks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and smoking. They deplete B vitamins, your body’s natural tranquilizers.

• I keep a heart stabilizing extract with hawthorn, arjuna, ashwagandha and passionflowers by my bed for immediate relief. Bonus: Hawthorn and arjuna both show good results against CHF (congestive heart failure), another big problem menopausal women face today.

• Motherwort contains natural sedatives that relax the heart. Taken 3x daily as a weak tea, it can help soothe heart palpitations and panic attacks.

• Flower Essence remedies have been used by natural healers for anxiety and stress relief for years. Flower essences work through human energy fields to address issues of emotional health and mind-body well-being. Bach RESCUE REMEDY is a gentle, effective remedy which restores emotional balance during high stress or anxiety. It can also be used in emergency situations or at any time of upset, shock or trauma. Can be used on stressed pets, too. (Contains essence of cherry plum for fear of losing control, clematis for resignation and fatalism, impatiens for anxiousness, rock rose for panic, and star of Bethlehem for fear.)

Herbal categories to overcome anxiety disorders

Herbal anxiolytics (nervines)
Scullcap: eases anxiety reactions; greatly reduces symptoms of alcohol and drug withdrawal.
Lady slipper (American valerian): Calms panic attacks. Reduces nervous disorders and chronic anxiety, but is used rarely because of endangerment. Good for stress-related headaches and “nervous stomach.”
Ashwagandha: restores energy and strength from nervous exhaustion.
California poppy: cooling properties for anxiety reactions related to excess heat in the body. Promotes sound, restful deep sleep.
 Catnip: Calms anxiety reactions and jittery nerves. Carminative for stress-related indigestion and gas. A wonderful herb for children’s anxiety.
Chamomile: Similar to catnip. A wonderful herb for children’s anxiety.
Gotu kola: helps promote calm, focused mental energy.

 
Muscle tension relaxers
Kava kava: powerful muscle-relaxing, pain relieving properties; relieves stress reactions, insomnia and anxiety.
Black haw: antispasmodic for cramps, pain and muscular tension.
Cramp bark: interchangeable with black haw.
Hops: relaxes smooth muscle and calms nervous tension.
Wood betony: reduces anxiety and tension. Helpful for stress-related headaches and nerve pain.


Calcium Magnesium Source Herbs (nourish the nerve sheath, reduce stress reactions and improve sleep)
Oatstraw: a very high source of calming calcium and magnesium to nourish the nerve sheath.
Carrot rt: root vegetables are an exceptionally good source of calcium. (One 8-oz. glass of fresh carrot juice has 400mg bio-available calcium.)
Hijiki: contains nearly 400mg of calcium per ounce with high bioavailability.
Irish Moss: a high mineral source including calcium, iodine, iron and zinc.
Rosemary: a calcium-rich memory enhancer.


Heart tonics
Hawthorn: new research shows hawthorn combined with California poppy and magnesium is safe and effective for mild to moderate anxiety. Helps regulate an accelerated heart rate and reduce the symptoms of mild congestive heart failure and angina. Increases blood flow through the heart.
Motherwort: calms stress-related heart palpitations.
Arjuna: similar to hawthorn. An Ayurvedic heart tonic that protects against congestive heart failure and rapid heartbeat. Rich in antioxidants that protect the heart. 

Adrenal Support Herbs
Licorice: steroid like properties to boost adrenal energy. Sometimes rapidly re-energizes exhausted adrenals.
Sarsaparilla: a source of phytosterols similar to steroid hormones produced by the adrenal glands.
Siberian eleuthero: helps to balance cortisol levels, reduces stress and normalize adrenal activity.
Zizyphus:  widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for nervous exhaustion.
Amla: a very high source of bioavailable vitamin C to nourish the adrenal glands.

-Sarah