Your Whole Body Health Solutions for Daily Challenges

Make Your Own Natural First Aid Kit

2012-01-22T22:33:00.002-07:00

Make Your Own Natural First-Aid Kit

July/August 2004
http://www.herbcompanion.com/Health/Make-Your-Own-Natural-First-Aid-Kit.aspx

By Laurel Vukovic
first aid kit
If warm weather gives you the urge to explore, be sure to pack an herbal first aid kit.

I love to travel, and experience has taught me the benefits of packing light. But no matter how lightly I travel, I always carry along an herbal first-aid kit. Being prepared with my favorite remedies gives me peace of mind on the road or trail, and keeps me from having to search out herbal products in an unfamiliar town — or from having to resort to padding my heels with mullein leaves to ease the agony of a broken blister while on a backpacking trip.

I’ve had plenty of opportunities to put my first-aid kit to use, from treating blisters and bug bites to motion sickness and colds. I choose simple, multipurpose remedies and store them in a small padded nylon lunch box that’s always ready to toss into the car. For backpacking trips, I pare my kit down to arnica gel, echinacea, peppermint and chamomile tea bags, crystallized ginger, insect repellant, a tin of herbal salve, a tiny bottle of lavender essential oil, and an assortment of bandages and moleskin.

With the following herbs and essential oils, you should be able to treat just about any common condition you are likely to encounter in your travels.
The Herbal First Aid Kit: What to Buy

These are my favorite remedies — the ones I consider indispensable for a travel first-aid kit. All of the remedies are available at any well-stocked health-food store and by mail-order. Be sure to buy pure essential oils, not fragrance oils. To prevent breakage, wrap glass bottles in small pieces of thick flannel.

• Aloe vera gel: Cooling and healing, aloe vera (Aloe vera) soothes the inflammation of sunburn and common kitchen scalds and burns.

• Arnica gel or cream: Arnica (Arnica montana) flowers have anti-inflammatory and circulation-stimulating properties; the gel or cream is excellent for sore muscles, sprains, strains and bruises. Do not apply arnica to broken skin.

• Calendula-comfrey salve: The bright yellow-orange blossoms of calendula (Calendula officinalis) have astringent, antibacterial, antifungal, anti-inflammatory and wound-healing properties. Comfrey (Symphytum officinale) contains allantoin, a compound that stimulates the growth of new tissue and helps heal wounds.

• Chamomile tea bags: With its delicious distinctive flavor, chamomile (Matricaria recutita) makes a tasty tea. Gentle enough for children, chamomile has mild sedative, antispasmodic, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. It promotes relaxation, relieves indigestion and, when applied topically, soothes skin irritations.

• Citronella-based insect repellant: Most herbal repellants contain citronella, a pungent citrus-scented essential oil distilled from an aromatic grass that grows in southern Asia. Herbal insect repellants work well, as long as they’re applied liberally and frequently (as often as every two hours).

• Echinacea liquid extract: Rich in immune-stimulating chemicals, echinacea (Echinacea spp.) can be used for any type of infection. Liquid extracts are the most versatile because they can be used both internally and externally.

• Elderberry capsules or liquid extract: Elderberry (Sambucus nigra) is essential for stopping a cold or flu from ruining your vacation. The berries contain compounds that prevent cold and flu viruses from invading and infecting cells. If you’re flying or otherwise potentially exposed to viruses, taking elderberry is a good preventive. If you do come down with a cold or flu, taking elderberry can hasten your recovery time.

• Eleuthero standardized extract: An excellent adaptogen, eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus) can help prevent jet lag; it was even used by Soviet cosmonauts to help them adjust to space travel. Standardized extracts guarantee that you’re getting sufficient amounts of eleutherosides, which herbalists consider to be the herb’s active compounds.

• Eucalyptus essential oil: A potent antibiotic and antiviral, eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) is excellent for treating colds, flus and sinus infections when used as a steam inhalation. Dilute with oil or witch hazel extract before applying to the skin, and do not take internally.

• Ginger capsules, tea bags and crystallized ginger: The antispasmodic and gas-relieving properties of ginger (Zingiber officinale) soothe digestive upsets. Ginger also has been proven to relieve motion sickness better than Dramamine, the conventional drug treatment.

• Goldenseal capsules or powder: A powerful antimicrobial, goldenseal (Hydrastis canadensis) is effective against a variety of microorganisms that cause traveler’s diarrhea. The powder has antiseptic properties and can be sprinkled onto cuts or wounds to stop bleeding. Do not take goldenseal internally during pregnancy.

• Grindelia poison oak/ivy tincture or spray: Grindelia (Grindelia camporum), also known as gumweed, contains resins and tannins that help to relieve the pain and itching of plant rashes. It’s available as a tincture and also as a spray specifically for treating poison oak/poison ivy rashes.

• Lavender essential oil: Virtually an all-purpose remedy, lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) has sed- ative, anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties. It’s helpful for anxiety, insomnia, headaches, wounds and burns. For most people, lavender essential oil can be applied directly to the skin. Do not take more than 1 to 2 drops internally.

• Laxative herbal tea bags: Travel constipation is a common complaint. Most herbal laxative teas rely on senna (Cassia senna), which contains compounds called anthraquinones that stimulate intestinal activity. Because senna has a bitter, unpleasant flavor, it’s often combined with tasty herbs such as cinnamon, fennel, licorice and ginger.

• Peppermint essential oil and tea bags: With its high concentration of menthol, peppermint (Mentha xpiperita) soothes an upset stomach, clears sinuses and curbs itching from insect bites. If you have sensitive skin, dilute peppermint oil before applying. Taken internally, peppermint may aggravate heartburn.

• Valerian tincture: The sedative properties of valerian (Valeriana officinalis) make it useful for relieving anxiety, insomnia and tension; it’s also a mild pain reliever.

• Witch hazel extract: Distilled witch hazel (Hamamelis virginiana) has mild astringent, antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties, making it useful for insect bites and skin irritations. It’s also an excellent base for diluting essential oils for a variety of simple, topical herbal first-aid remedies. Do not take it internally.
Additional First-Aid Essentials

• Adhesive bandage strips: Various sizes, including butterfly closure bandages.

• Alcohol: Small plastic bottle for removing poison oak/ivy oils from the skin.

• Bandage materials: Sterile gauze pads, a roll of gauze, adhesive bandage tape.

• Cosmetic clay: With drying and drawing properties, clay is useful for healing skin rashes and insect bites. Store in a small plastic container.

• Elastic bandage: For sprains or strains.

• Electrolyte replacement: Powdered drink packets such as Emergen-C.

• Moleskin: Blister treatment.

• Scissors: Small pair for cutting bandages, adhesive tape, moleskin.

• Thermometer: Instant-read type.

• Tweezers: For removing ticks and splinters.

• Waterless hand sanitizer: Travel-size bottle.
Quick Natural Remedies for Common Conditions

Anxiety:
• Drink chamomile tea, 3 cups a day.
• Take valerian tincture, 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon up to 3 times daily.
• Take a bath with 10 drops of lavender essential oil or place a drop of lavender oil on a tissue and inhale as desired.

Blisters:
• To dry a blister, soak a gauze pad in witch hazel, lay it over the blister and cover with an adhesive bandage. After blister has broken, wash with a mixture of echinacea extract diluted with an equal part of water. Finally, apply calendula-comfrey salve and cover with an adhesive bandage.

Bruises:
• Immediately apply ice to relieve pain and swelling.
• Apply arnica cream or gel twice daily.

Burns:
• Immediately immerse the affected area in cold water until the burning sensation subsides. Then apply aloe vera gel mixed with lavender essential oil (5 drops of lavender oil mixed with 1 tablespoon of aloe vera gel).
• For sunburn, soak in a cool bath with 10 drops of lavender essential oil.

Colds and Flus:
• Take 1 dropperful of echinacea extract four times a day until symptoms subside.
• Take 1 dropperful of elderberry extract four times a day until symptoms subside.
• To relieve congestion and soothe a sore throat, drink hot ginger tea with honey.
• To ease congestion, add 2 drops each of eucalyptus and peppermint essential oils to hot water; inhale the steam vapors.
• Add 1 dropperful of echinacea extract to 1⁄2 cup of water as an antiseptic wash.
• To stop bleeding, sprinkle goldenseal powder directly into the wound and apply pressure with a clean cloth.
• Apply a salve made from calendula-comfrey — only after a scab has formed, to prevent trapping bacteria.

Diarrhea:
• Replenish lost fluids and soothe the digestive tract with chamomile or ginger tea.
• For diarrhea caused by infectious microorganisms, take 1 capsule of goldenseal three times daily for up to two weeks.
• To boost immunity and fight infection, take 1 dropperful of echinacea four times daily.

Headache:
• Drink chamomile tea as often as desired.
• For more severe headaches, take 1⁄2 to 1 teaspoon of valerian root extract; repeat every two hours until pain abates.
• Take a warm bath with 10 drops of lavender essential oil.
• Massage 2 drops of diluted peppermint essential oil onto temples, forehead and neck. Keep away from eyes.

Indigestion:
• Sip warm chamomile, peppermint or ginger tea.
• Chew on a piece of crystallized (candied) ginger.

Insect bites and stings:
• Cleanse the bite with echinacea extract.
• Apply a drop of undiluted peppermint or lavender oil to relieve itching and as an antiseptic.
• Mix clay with enough water to make a paste, and apply to the bites to relieve itching and draw out toxins.

Insomnia:
• Drink a cup of warm chamomile tea.
• For stronger sedative action, take up to 1 teaspoon of valerian tincture before bed.
• Take a warm bath with 10 drops of lavender essential oil.

Jet lag:
• Take eleuthero (100 mg of standardized extract) three times daily for one week or more before traveling and for one week or longer following the flight.

Nausea:
• Take 1 to 2 capsules of dried ginger every 15 minutes until symptoms abate.
• To prevent motion sickness, take 6 to 8 capsules of powdered ginger about 45 minutes before departing.
• To calm a queasy stomach, chew on a piece of crystallized ginger.

Poison oak/ivy:
• Immediately wash the affected area thoroughly with soap and cool water, or sponge with alcohol to remove the oily resin.
• If a rash occurs, spray with grindelia extract several times a day.

Strains and sprains:
• Immediately elevate and apply an ice pack to the affected area to reduce swelling and inflammation. After 24 hours, apply hot compresses to increase circulation and speed healing.
• Soak in a hot bath with 5 drops of eucalyptus essential oil.
• Apply arnica cream or gel to the affected area three times daily.
Herbal First-Aid Kit Resources

Creation Herbal, www.creationherbal.com, Comfrey-calendula salve

Lewey’s Eco-Blends, www.buzzoff.us, Buzz-Off natural insect repellant

Red Moon Herbs, www.redmoonherbs.com, Herbal first-aid kit

— Laurel Vukovic writes and teaches about herbs and natural healing from her home in southern Oregon. She is the author of 1001 Natural Remedies and Herbal Healing Secrets for Women (Prentice Hall, 2000).

Ask the Herbalist: All About Anticancer Herbs

2012-01-03T14:06:00.001-07:00

Ask the Herbalist: All About Anticancer Herbs

December/January 2012
http://www.herbcompanion.com/health/ask-the-herbalist-anticancer-herbs-zm0z11djzdeb.aspx

By Linda B. White, M.D.

Q. Reading all of the reports on cancer prevention is really confusing me. Which anticancer herbs should I include in a daily regimen to stay healthy and reduce my risk of cancer?

A. First off, I’m glad to hear that you want to act now to reduce your cancer risk. Cancer takes years to develop. Prevention, if possible, is preferable to treatment. Avoid known carcinogens such as tobacco smoke, and have the routine screening tests that catch cancer in early, more-treatable stages.

As always, a healthy lifestyle is key. Eat a plant-based diet, exercise regularly and get enough sleep. Those strategies will also help keep your weight under control. Obesity raises the risk of diabetes, and both conditions are associated with an increased risk of cancer.

A plant-based diet can help shield you from cancer because plants are rich in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant substances that help them (and us) withstand exposure to ultraviolet radiation, air pollution and other noxious substances. (Oxidative damage and inflammation promote cancer as well as a number of other chronic diseases.) Furthermore, some plant chemicals enhance the body’s detoxification systems, stimulate the immune system and have direct anticancer effects.

Weeds are the true survivors. They burst through sidewalk cracks and weather pollution, drought, neglect and outright abuse. Researchers have only begun to investigate the anticancer effects of plants like dandelion (Taraxacum officinale) and stinging nettle (Urtica dioica). Nevertheless, I recommend including those two nutrition powerhouses in your diet. If you have access to fresh, pesticide-free leaves, you can steam or sauté them. (Use gloves when picking nettles, as they sting until cooked.) You can also drink infusions of the dried or fresh leaves.

Other foods to include are cruciferous vegetables, asparagus, and Alliums, such as garlic and onions, which all contain sulfurous anticancer compounds. Lycopene, a carotenoid chemical found in high concentrations in tomatoes, pink grapefruit, watermelon and guava, has anticancer action. Cooked tomato products are best, as the processing increases the body’s ability to absorb lycopene. The same is true of the isoflavone genistein, found in soybeans.

Another simple strategy is to increase your consumption of polyphenol-rich foods. Polyphenols, such as flavonoids, contribute to the plant’s color. For instance, fruits with deep red, purple and blue colors—red grapes, cranberries, blueberries, pomegranates—all have anticancer effects. But some powerful cancer-fighting, polyphenol-rich plants and anticancer herbs, such as green tea, turmeric and milk thistle, do fall outside the blue-purple color scheme.

Black, green and oolong tea all come from the same plant—Camellia sinensis. Population studies link higher tea consumption with a reduced risk of gastrointestinal, pancreatic, bladder, prostate, ovarian, uterine and breast cancer. Green tea is particularly rich in a polyphenol called epigallocatechin gallate. In lab research, it inhibits cancer cell formation, proliferation, invasiveness, and metastasis and provokes cancer cell death. Aim for three to five cups of green tea a day.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its botanical cousin ginger (Zingiber officinale) are anticancer herbs that contain the potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticancer polyphenols curcumin and gingerol, respectively. Most of the cancer research has focused on curcumin, which has multiple anticancer effects. It protects against DNA mutations; stimulates enzymes that repair damaged DNA and those that detoxify carcinogens; inhibits tumor formation, growth and migration; discourages angiogenesis (the creation of blood vessels that feed the cancer); and induces cancer cells to die.

However, curcumin is soluble in fat but not water, isn’t well-absorbed from the intestinal tract into the bloodstream, and breaks down quickly. Some supplement manufacturers improve bioavailability by combining it with bromelain (an enzyme in pineapple), piperine from pepper, or phosphatidylcholine. Cancer researchers have been working to create stable formulations that could be given intravenously to people undergoing cancer treatment.

The optimal dose for curcumin is not clear. In the meantime, eat curried vegetables. Turmeric is the main ingredient in curry spice. The pepper in the curry blend and the oil used in cooking will aid curcumin absorption.

While better known as an herb that protects the liver, milk thistle (Silybum marianum) also has cancer-protective effects. It contains an antioxidant, anti-inflammatory flavonoid complex called silymarin. Research shows that it promotes repair of DNA, blocks angiogenesis, and suppresses proliferation and metastasis of a variety of cancers.

You can take milk thistle as a tincture or standardized extract. You can also make the ground seeds into tea or sprinkle them atop foods. Milk thistle’s delicious relative, the artichoke (Cynara scolymus), also contains polyphenols.

Consumption of garlic (Allium sativum) and onion (Allium cepa) is associated with a reduced risk of some cancers. Lab studies further support this anticancer action of these anticancer herbs. Garlic increases enzymes that detoxify carcinogens, inhibits proliferation of cancer cells, induces cancer cell death and boosts immunity. Crush the bulb and allow it to sit for 10 minutes before consuming, which will increase an active ingredient called allicin. Because heat deactivates allicin, use raw, minced garlic in dressings, dips, soups and sauces, or add it to hot food just before serving.

Edible mushrooms contain highly branched polysaccharides called beta-glucans and other ingredients that both enhance immunity and have anticancer properties. Eating mushrooms correlates with a lower risk of breast cancer. Even the pedestrian button mushroom available at most supermarkets can enhance immune cell functions involved with cancer containment. Three of the better-researched medicinal mushrooms are shiitake, maitake and reishi.

Shiitake (Lentinula edodes) has immune-enhancing and anticancer effects. Asian research shows that an extract called lentinan enhances survival time in people with cancer. Due to poor oral absorption, lentinan is given by intravenous or intramuscular injections. Other components of shiitake, such as LEM (Lentinula edodes mycelia) extract, are active when taken by mouth. The fresh mushroom is delicious sautéed (with or without garlic). The dried mushroom can be taken in tea or soup. Concentrated extracts are also available.

Research on purified maitake (Grifola frondosa) extracts called “D-fraction” and “MD-fraction” demonstrate several anticancer actions: protection of healthy cells from becoming cancerous; inhibition of the growth and spread of tumors; induction of cancer cell death; enhancement of the effectiveness of anticancer drugs; and mitigation of some of their side effects. Maitake also increases natural killer cells, immune cells that attack tumor cells.

Maitake extracts produce benefits when taken by mouth. However, research in humans is scant and exact dosages aren’t yet defined. You can also consume this anticancer herb in tea or as a food (in soups, stir-fry, etc.). Higher-end grocery stores carry fresh maitake, also called “hen of the woods.”

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, reishi (Ganoderma lucidum) has the reputation of promoting health and longevity in people with and without cancer. Lab research shows that reishi extracts inhibit the proliferation and spread of breast, prostate, lung and liver cancer cells; stimulate cancer cells to die; and block the formation of new blood vessels to tumors. Reishi and green tea have a synergistic effect in thwarting the ability of breast cancer cells to invade and migrate.

Human trials have recently begun. Two studies showed that reishi enhances immune function in some people with advanced cancer. You can take reishi in teas, tinctures, syrups, tablets or standardized extracts.

Linda B. White, M.D., is a visiting assistant professor in the Integrative Therapies Program at Metropolitan State College of Denver.

It is all about your perspective...

2010-10-14T14:47:00.000-06:00

One day, the father of a very wealthy family took his son on a trip to the country with the express purpose of showing him how poorer people live. They spent a couple of days and nights on a farm of what would be considered a very poor family. On their return from their trip, the father asked his son, “How was the trip?” “It was great, Dad.” “Did you see how poor people live?” the father asked. “Oh yeah,” said the son. “So, tell me, What did you learn from the trip?” asked the father. The son answered: “I saw that we have one dog and they had four. We have a pool that reaches to the middle of our garden and they have a creek that has no end. We have imported lanterns in our garden and they have the stars at night. Our patio reaches to the front yard and they have the whole horizon. We have a small piece of land to live on and they have fields that go beyond our sight. We have servants who serve us, they have friends to protect them.” The boy’s father was speechless. Then his son added, “Thanks Dad for showing me how poor we are.” Isn’t perspective a wonderful thing? Makes you wonder what would happen if we all gave thanks for everything we have, instead of worrying about what we don’t have.

Live well!

Terms of the Trade: Analgesics

2010-10-02T16:58:00.003-06:00

They relieve pain without causing loss of consciousness. They also relieve pain by reducing cramping in muscles, also called antispasmodics.

Example herbal analgesics include willow bark, meadowsweet herb, hops flower, dogwood root bark, yellow jessamine root, black cohost root, and lavender essential oil.

Here is an article I posted earlier in my blog about the best herb for pain relief:
http://www.herbcompanion.com/health/the-best-herbs-for-pain-relief.aspx

The question to ask when deciding which remedy to use is What type of pain will be remedy relieve?

Ever Wonder if Emotions Cause Cancer...?

2010-09-24T12:13:00.001-06:00

The following list shows some of the relationships between conflict emotions and target organs for cancer.

Adrenal Cortex: Wrong Direction. Gone Astray
Bladder: Ugly Conflict. Dirty Tricks
Bone: Lack of Self-Worth. Inferiority Feeling
Brain: Tumor Stubborness. Refusing to Change Old Patterns. Mental Frustration
Breast (Milk Gland): Involving Care or Disharmony
Breast (Milk Duct): Separation Conflict
Breast (Left): Conflict Concerning Child, Home, or Mother
Breast (Right): Conflict with Partner or Others
Bronchioles: Territorial Conflict
Cervix: Severe Frustration
Colon: Ugly Indigestible Conflict
Esophagus: Cannot Have it or Swallow it
Gall Bladder: Rivalry Conflict
Heart: Perpetual Conflict
Intestines: Indigestible Chunk of Anger
Kidneys: Not Wanting to Live. Water or Fluid Conflict
Larynx: Conflict of Fear and Fright
Liver: Fear of Starvation
Lungs: Fear of Dying or Suffocation, including Fear for Someone Else
Lymph Glands: Loss of Self-Worth associated with the Location
Melanoma: Feeling Dirty, Soiled, Defiled
Middle Ear: Not being able to get some Vital Information
Mouth: Cannot Chew It or Hold It
Pancreas: Anxiety-Anger Conflict with Family Members. Inheritence
Prostate: Ugly Conflict with Sexual Connections or Connotations
Rectum: Fear of Being Useless
Skin: Loss of Integrity
Spleen: Shock of Being Physically or Emotionally Wounded
Stomach: Indigestible Anger. Swallowed Too Much
Testes and Ovaries: Loss Conflict
Thyroid: Feeling Powerless
Tumor (in location): Nursing old Hurts and Shocks. Building Remorse
Uterus: Sexual Conflict

Cancer occurs at the cellular level. And there are a number of factors that create stress on the body's cells, causing them to become (1) depleted of adrenaline, (2) high in sugar and (3) low in oxygen, where they are more prone to mutate and become cancerous. The higher the sugar content of the cell caused by a depletion of adrenaline, and the lower the oxygen content, the greater the likelihood of normal cells mutating and becoming cancerous.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/cancer-articles/emotional-causes-of-cancer-negative-emotions-in-the-body-can-cause-cancer-very-interesting-article-906066.html#ixzz10TJw4Ot1
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

Terms of the trade - Alternatives

2010-05-11T14:14:00.003-06:00

ALTERNATIVES

They are also known as blood purifiers and they are used in treating toxicity of the blood, infections, arthritis, cancer and skin eruptions.

They do not possess a single drug-like action that works only in specific areas, such as the lymphatic circulation or the skin, but their actions are general, systemic and broad-spectrum.

These are herbs that gradually restore proper function to the body; increasing health and vitality. Some support waste elimination processes via the kidneys, liver, lungs, or skin. Others stimulate digestive function or provide antimicrobial actions, while others simply work!

Examples of alternatives:
Red Clover is used to treat cancer because of its effects on protein assimilation.
Echinacea is used to neutralize acid conditions in the blood associated with a stagnation of lymphatic fluids.
Sarsaparilla may be used when diuretic properties are needed, as with infections.
Dandelion root combines hepatic tonic properties and diuretic properties and is particularly useful for treating chronic problems of blood toxicity.
Elder flowers have diaphoretic properties and are used to purify the blood during treatment of colds and flus.

Herbal healing works!

If you are interested in herbal healing, The B.O.S.S. Group can help. Call us at 303.886.0673 to schedule an appointment.

Natural Ways to Treat Diabetes

2010-02-20T18:37:00.000-07:00

Natural Ways To Treat Diabetes

By Michael Castleman

Nearly 18 million Americans are now diabetic—triple the 1983 rate. If current trends continue, 37 million American adults will be living with diabetes by the end of 2015. The good news is that type 2 diabetes—the type 95 percent of American diabetics have—can be completely eliminated. In most cases, all it takes is lifestyle adjustments complemented by herbal medicine.

(Eat To Beat Diabetes.)

Diabetes is two different diseases, both involving the hormone insulin. In type 1, which typically strikes before age 25 and only accounts for about 5 percent of the disease, the pancreas stops producing insulin, which is required to usher blood sugar (glucose) into the body’s cells. Type 1 diabetics must inject insulin. Type 2 diabetes typically develops after age 40, either because the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or because the cells become “resistant” and can’t use it.

(Controlling Diabetes with Exercise.)

In both types of diabetes, sugar builds up in the blood and causes the blood to become sticky. Eventually, this sticky blood gums up the blood vessels and causes the condition’s complications: cardiovascular disease (heart disease and stroke); poor wound healing; and problems with the eyes, kidneys, legs, nervous system and sexual organs.

Type 1 diabetes is caused by bad luck. Type 2 is strongly associated with obesity and the lifestyle that causes it: lack of exercise and a diet low in fruits and vegetables, and high in sugar, fat and animal products. As weight increases, the body’s cells become insulin-resistant.

Unlike type 1 diabetes, which has a fairly sudden onset, type 2 develops slowly, over years, as weight rises. Because of its slow development, type 2 diabetes rarely produces dramatic symptoms, and many people with the disease have no idea they have it.

There are other risk factors for type 2 diabetes beyond obesity, but these risk factors are by no means destiny. Even in people with a family history, lifestyle adjustments can prevent the disease or eliminate it. Researchers at the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio followed 3,682 people with type 2 diabetes for seven years. During that time, diet modifications, weight loss and exercise allowed 12 percent of them to become nondiabetic, according to a 1998 article in Diabetes Care.
Lifestyle Modifications

Regular exercise and weight loss can prevent and treat type 2 diabetes:

• UCLA researchers persuaded 652 type 2 diabetics to enroll in a medically supervised diet and exercise program. The participants took daily walks and ate a diet very low in fat and cholesterol and high in fruits, vegetables and beans. After just 26 days, their average blood sugar levels dropped 15 percent. Of those taking diabetes medications, 71 percent were able to discontinue them. Of those injecting insulin, 39 percent were able to stop.

• Finnish researchers recruited 522 middle-aged overweight adults who were not diabetic but showed signs of insulin resistance. Half of the participants, the controls, received general health advice. The other half exercised for 30 minutes a day and ate a lowfat diet with lots of fruits and vegetables. Four years later, the diet-exercise group had lost an average of nine pounds versus two pounds in the control group. Diabetes developed in 23 percent of the controls but in just 11 percent of the diet-exercise group.

“The evidence is overwhelming,” says Joe Pizzorno, former president of Bastyr University near Seattle, a leading naturopathic medical school. “Our Western diet and lifestyle cause type 2 diabetes. To prevent it, get regular exercise. Eat less saturated fat and cholesterol by reducing or eliminating animal products. And eat more fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains.”

A plant-based diet helps prevent diabetes in three ways: First, compared with the typical American diet, it’s much lower in fat, so it helps control weight. Second, it’s high in fiber, which helps control blood sugar. And third, plant foods are rich in antioxidant nutrients, which improve the body’s ability to use insulin. As blood levels of antioxidants rise, diabetes risk drops. According to a new study, herbs and spices are among the top 50 dietary sources of antioxidants. For more about the study and the benefits of herbs and spices, see “Eat to Beat Diabetes."

San Francisco-based writer Michael Castleman is the author of 12 consumer health books, including The New Healing Herbs (Rodale, 2001).

9 Tips for the Safe Use of Herbs

2009-10-27T09:16:00.001-06:00

9 Tips for the Safe Use of Herbs

By Linda B. White, M.D.

Humans, like most mammals, have turned to plants for food and medicine since our earliest times. No doubt some of our ancestors suffered the consequences of unfortunate choices along the way. If you read the book or watched the movie Into the Wild, you realize we sometimes still err, confusing a poisonous plant for edible greenery. People still mistake the death cap mushroom for something more savory. And a couple of years ago, I even found some teenage boys sitting along an irrigation ditch, fashioning poison hemlock stems into cigarette holders.

Nevertheless, most of the medicinal herbs sold in the United States are safe when taken in recommended dosages. More than 38 million Americans use herbs each year, yet the majority of calls to Poison Control Centers about plant ingestions have to do with people (usually children) and pets eating potentially poisonous house and garden plants—not medicinal herbs.

To ensure your experiences with medicinal herbs remain positive—without inadvertent mishaps—follow these nine basic guidelines.

1. Start with Food Herbs

You can bet on safety when you use herbs as foods—think garlic, ginger, nettles, dandelion greens, shiitake mushrooms, nettles, burdock root (also called gobo) and rosehips. Culinary herbs—thyme, oregano, turmeric, cayenne—are also low-risk. Externally applied herbs (compresses, poultices, salves) provide another good testing ground.

The next step is to begin experimenting with infusions (commonly known as “teas”). Many of the food herbs mentioned above can be dried, chopped, and steeped as tea. Extracts of herbs in alcohol (tinctures) or glycerin (glycerites) generally are more potent. Solid extracts, in which all the solvent has been removed, and carbon dioxide-extract herbs are stronger still. Standardized extracts are designed to have a consistent level of suspected active ingredients from batch to batch. This process allows for more precise dosing and easier use in research, but also makes the product closer to a drug.

2. Allergy-Prone? Proceed with Caution

Simon Mills, an internationally known herbal authority and coauthor of The Essential Guide to Herbal Safety (Elsevier, 2005), says, “Allergic reactions are the most common type of herbal side effect although still infrequent.” Sensitive people who handle plants or apply them to their skin could develop contact dermatitis (an itchy skin rash), and inhaling the herbs could aggravate hay fever or asthma. Allergic responses to ingested herbs include skin rash, stomach upset and, at the extreme, life-threatening anaphylaxis.

If you’re allergic to ragweed, you might react to other members of the aster family, such as chamomile, echinacea and feverfew. More rarely, people can have allergic reactions to cayenne, kava (a member of the pepper family), garlic and mints.

“If you are prone to allergic reactions, be careful with your herbal attempts,” Mills says. Try one new herb at a time. Start with half the recommended dose, then gradually increase to the full recommended amount. If you develop a rash, upset stomach, itchy eyes or sneezing, stop taking the herb. If your lips or throat begin to swell, seek emergency care.

3. Investigate Herb-Drug Interactions

If you are taking both herbs and pharmaceutical drugs, you’ll want to avoid two possible scenarios: 1) interfering with the drug’s effects, and 2) amplifying the drug’s effects.

An herb could interfere with a drug’s effects if it acts in the opposite way—for instance, drinking three cups of stimulating black tea or coffee after taking a sedative Valium. An herb also might lower blood levels of a medication, thus thwarting its intended action. St. John’s wort is famous for doing just that. By speeding liver enzyme systems that break down drugs, it reduces blood levels of a long list of medications, including some antihistamines, chemotherapeutic and anti-HIV drugs, warfarin and oral contraceptives.

Furthermore, St. John’s wort, which has a good track record as an antidepressant, shouldn’t be combined with pharmaceutical antidepressants because it can raise blood levels of the chemical serotonin to dangerously high levels.

Combining herbs with drugs that have similar actions can increase the drug’s desired effects or its unpleasant side effects, and the net effect could be good or bad. For instance, some Chinese studies have found astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus) augments some anti-cancer drugs and decreases the drugs’ side effects. (Note: Researchers used injectable forms of the herb.)

In other cases, too much of a good thing can be bad. Taking anticoagulant (“blood-thinner”) drugs (aspirin, warfarin, heparin) with therapeutic doses of anticoagulant herbs (garlic, ginkgo, ginseng and others), for example, can result in bleeding. It’s also wise to discontinue the use of such herbs seven to 10 days before surgery.

As a general rule, avoid mixing herbs and drugs with the same actions so you do not become overly stimulated, sedated, anticoagulated, etc. (For specific combinations to avoid, see Page 55.)

4. Know When to See Your Health-Care Provider

Sick infants should be seen immediately by a practitioner with pediatric training. Also seek the help of your health-care provider if you know, or suspect, you or another adult has a serious condition. Self-medication with herbs runs the risk of delaying or interfering with medical treatment, potentially with disastrous consequences. Even if you have a mundane illness, make a doctor’s appointment if three days of home care haven’t alleviated your symptoms. Please work in partnership with your physician.

Also, be sure to tell your physician about any herbs you are taking prior to scheduling surgery. Some herbs, especially those with anticoagulant action, should be discontinued seven to 10 days before surgery, or as your doctor advises.

5. Use Extra Caution When Giving Herbs to Children

Babies younger than 6 months (or around the time a child begins eating solid food) should not take herbs internally. Small amounts of gentle herbs can be applied to an infant’s skin via salves, oils, baths and compresses (a cloth dipped in herb tea).

For older children, dosages usually are calculated by weight. Take the child’s weight in pounds, divide it by 150 (an average adult weight) and multiply that number by the adult dose. For instance, if an adult dose is 100 mg and the child weighs 50 pounds, the child’s dose would be 30 mg (50/150 x 100 = 0.3 x 100 = 30 mg).

Children aren’t simply small adults, however. Some herbs generally regarded as safe for adults should not be given to kids. To find out more, ask an herbal expert or get a good book, such as Naturally Healthy Babies & Children by Aviva Romm (Storey Publishing, 2000).

6. Use Gentle Herbs when Pregnant or Nursing

Many plant constituents pass from the intestinal tract into the blood, across the placenta to the fetus’ blood and, later, into breast milk.

If you’re pregnant, you generally should avoid putting anything medicinal into your body. Avoid consuming herbs with laxative effects (senna, cascara sagrada, aloe); hormonal properties (licorice, black cohosh, dong quai, chaste tree, sage, red clover); or stimulant effects (guarana, kola, yerba mate, tea, coffee).

Food herbs usually are safe bets, particularly when used in quantities suitable for flavoring. While no obstetrician will tell you to cease cooking with garlic and oregano, some culinary herbs, such as sage and parsley, might not be recommended in higher therapeutic doses, notes Mills. Most experts agree pregnant women can take these herbs safely: ginger (no more than 1 gram a day to reduce nausea), raspberry leaf, echinacea, chamomile, bilberry (fruit, not leaf), cranberry, hawthorn, hibiscus flowers, rose hips, mullein, spearmint and nettles.

7. Be Wary of Imported Herbs

Some herbal products from Asia, India and the Middle East reportedly have been adulterated with undesirable plants and/or contaminated with heavy metals, sulfites, pesticides and other toxins. In Chinese herbal formulas, herbs can be blended with pharmaceutical drugs not mentioned on the label. Also, Aristolochia fangchi, which has been substituted for other herbs, has been linked to severe kidney damage. Rather than give up on Asian herbs, “I personally would stick to whole herbs I can see, then make my own formulations,” says Mills.

8. Use Essential Oils Wisely

Essential oils are extremely concentrated. Herbalist and aromatherapist Mindy Green gives the following rules for using them safely:

1) Don’t apply essential oils to any mucous membrane: mouth, ears, nose, eyes, vagina or rectum.

2) Don’t take essential oils by mouth, and keep the bottles out of the reach of small children.

3) Don’t apply undiluted essential oils to skin. The standard dilution is 10 to 12 drops of essential oil per one ounce of carrier oil (such as almond or jojoba). Use half that amount or less for people who are debilitated; those with sensitive skin; and for children 5 to 12 years old. Don’t use essential oils for children younger than 5.

4) Be cautious when inhaling or applying essential oils to the chest if you are prone to asthma.

9. Educate Yourself.

Anyone interested in herbal medicine should have a good reference book on herb safety.

Try: The Essential Guide to Herb Safety by Simon Mills and Kerry Bone (Elsevier, 2005); Herb Contraindications and Drug Interactions by Francis Brinker, N.D. (Eclectic, 2001); Botanical Safety Handbook by Michael McGuffin, et al (CRC, 1997); and The ABC Clinical Guide to Herbs by Mark Blumenthal, et al (Thieme, 2003).

Avoid these Herb-Drug Combos

As a precaution avoid combining the following herbs and drugs:

Herbs: Kava, California poppy, valerian, skullcap
Drugs: Tranquilizing drugs or alcohol

Herbs: Guarana, yerba mate, coffee, green or black tea
Drugs: Stimulating drugs, such as oral decongestants; asthma drugs, such as albuterol; or pure caffeine

Herbs: Therapeutic doses of American ginseng, Asian ginseng, bitter melon, cinnamon, prickly pear cactus or nopal, ivy gourd and gymnema
Drugs: Drugs that lower blood sugar

Herbs: Ginger, ginseng, garlic and ginkgo
Drugs: Anti-coagulant (blood-thinning) drugs, such as Warfarin

Herbs: St. John’s wort
Drugs: Antidepressants; amitriptyline, cyclosporine, digoxin, fexofenadine, indinavir, methadone, midazolam, nevirapine, phenprocoumon, simvastatin, tacrolimus, theophylline, warfarin, irinotecan; birth control pills

Know these Poisonous Plant Look-Alikes

If you plan to make your own herbal preparations from plants you’ve grown or gathered, be sure the plant is what you think it is. Consult a good basic book on plant identification, such as Peterson Field Guides: Eastern/Central Medicinal Plants and Herbs by Steven Foster and James A. Duke (Houghton Mifflin, 2000) and Western Medicinal Plants and Herbs by Steven Foster and Christopher Hobbs (Houghton Mifflin, 2002).

If you still aren’t sure of the plant’s identity, consult a local botanic garden, horticulture club or university extension program.

Wild Garlic/Onion (Allium canadense): Edible bulbs and leaves have characteristic onion odor. Used medicinally.
Death Camas (Zigadenus spp.): Bulb and leaves resemble wild onion; all parts are highly poisonous

Wild Carrot (Daucus carota): Young root is edible; older roots become woody and tough. Used medicinally.
Poison Hemlock (Conium maculatum): Leaves resemble wild carrot, but root is highly toxic. Stems have purple markings.

Comfrey (Symphytum officinale): Leaves sometimes used topically; do not take internally—can cause liver damage.
Foxglove (Digitalis purpurea): Leaf rosettes that emerge in spring often confused for comfrey with fatal results.

Herbs and Liver Damage

Herb expert James Duke, Ph.D., points out that many more herbs protect the liver than harm it. In fact, one of America’s favorite over-the-counter drugs, acetaminophen (Tylenol and other brands), is riskier than most herbs. Although safe within recommended dosages, acetaminophen overdoses (some of which occur among people simply trying to relieve their pain) are the main cause of acute liver failure, and contribute to 500 American deaths a year.

That said, the following herbs should be avoided, particularly in people with known liver disease, heavy drinkers (or users of recreational drugs), and those taking liver-taxing drugs, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), aspirin, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (such as ibuprofen), corticosteroids, statins, tetracyclines and others).

Herbs that contain pyrrolizidine alkaloids: comfrey, coltsfoot, senecio, borage leaf and germander. Comfrey has gotten the most media attention for its connection to liver injury. In 2001, the Food and Drug Administration advised manufacturers to remove from the market comfrey products intended for internal use. Because this herb is a good wound healer, it’s often an ingredient in first-aid salves. Another PA-containing herb, butterbur, is available as a PA-free extract (Petadolex) for the prevention of migraine headaches and hay fever.

Kava (Piper methysticum). For many years, people of the South Pacific have consumed kava beverages with the single side effect of a scaly, yellowish skin condition with excessive use. Research showing concentrated kava extracts reduced anxiety spurred its widespread popularity. Although human studies didn’t register liver toxicity, cases of liver injury (some severe) cropped up several years ago. Most involved ingestion of kava extracts made with acetone or alcohol, and often along with alcohol or drugs that can be hard on the liver.

Mark Blumenthal, founder and executive director of the American Botanical Council, says, “no convincing proof of an inherent toxicity of kava exists,” despite ongoing research. And, while he believes kava to be relatively safe, “the jury is still out as to whether kava might cause liver injury, particularly in susceptible individuals.”

Steven Dentali, Ph.D., Chief Science Officer for the American Herbal Products Association, adds, “Considering the widespread consumption of kava beverage and the long history of apparent safe use, any toxic liver reactions are of course serious, but extremely rare.”

A general guideline: Don’t take herbs that have even a suspicion of harming the liver if you already have liver disease or regularly drink alcohol or use recreational drugs. Also avoid these herbs if you take a medication that can be toxic to the liver. Consult your health-care provider if you are unsure.

Linda B. White, M.D. is the coauthor of The Herbal Drugstore. An assistant professor, White teaches classes in herbal medicine in the Program in Integrative Therapeutic Practices at Metropolitan State College of Denver.

Immune System Booster: Immune-Building Herbal Tonic Soup

2009-09-29T12:23:00.000-06:00

By Laurel Vukovic

Makes 6 servings

Savory vegetable soup is a traditional way of incorporating astragalus, garlic and medicinal mushrooms into your diet.

• 1 ounce dried astragalus root slices
• 1⁄2-inch piece fresh gingerroot, slivered
• 1⁄4 cup brown basmati rice
• 8 cups vegetable or chicken stock
• 1⁄2 cup onion, chopped
• 1 cup winter squash, chopped
• 1 cup shiitake or maitake mushrooms, sliced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
• 2 tablespoons light miso, or to taste
• 8 medium cloves garlic, minced
• 1⁄4 cup fresh parsley, minced

1. Simmer astragalus, ginger, rice and stock in a heavy covered pot for 1 hour.

2. Sauté onion, squash and mushrooms in olive oil for 5 minutes, or until vegetables soften.

3. Add sautéed vegetable mixture to the soup pot, cover and simmer 30 minutes. Add corn; simmer an additional 10 minutes. Remove astragalus.

4. Dilute miso in a small amount of hot broth and add to soup. Thin soup with additional broth if desired and add more miso to taste.

5. Add garlic and parsley, let stand for 5 minutes and serve.

How to Boost Your Immune System with Herbs

2009-09-29T12:20:00.001-06:00

How to Boost Your Immune System with Herbs

By Laurel Vukovic

The coming cold and flu season is only one of the hundreds of reasons that immune function should always be at the top of your list of health priorities. The immune system doesn’t just keep sniffles away—it also is the body’s best defense against potentially deadly diseases, such as H1N1 flu, and well-known killers, such as cancer. Your daily habits, including the foods you eat and your exercise and sleep routines, have a significant effect on your immune function. And even if your lifestyle choices are exemplary, environmental toxins, emotional stress, and the wear and tear of aging all conspire to weaken immunity.

How to Protect Your Immune System

The most complex system of the body, the immune system includes the thymus gland, the spleen, bone marrow and a vast network of lymph nodes that are scattered throughout the body. The immune system also maintains a variety of white blood cells: Natural killer cells eradicate cancer cells and large white blood cells called macrophages gobble up diseased or damaged cells. In addition, specialized immune compounds, such as interferon, stimulate white blood cells to destroy cancerous cells.

Your immune system never rests—24 hours a day, every day of your life, your immune system is searching for cells that show signs of infection or cancerous changes. To support and protect your immune system, try to follow these lifestyle suggestions:

• Choose immune-boosting foods. A diet of refined, processed, sugary foods is a recipe for lowered immunity. To build strong immune function, eat a diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits, which provide a wide range of essential antioxidants and nutrients. The immune system also depends on high-quality proteins and healthful fats, especially monounsaturated fats, such as those found in extra virgin olive oil, to repair tissues and create healthy immune cells. Studies show that adding a daily serving of yogurt with live beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, strengthens immune function. It’s also important to reduce your intake of all types of sugars (including concentrated fruit juices) because even one serving of sugar significantly lowers immune defenses for several hours.

• Exercise—but not to excess. Science has proven that regular exercise—at least 30 minutes most days of the week—increases immune function. Moderate exercise increases the numbers of all types of white blood cells and makes natural killer cells become more active and effective. But interestingly, excessive exercise regimes, such as running a marathon, can temporarily hinder immune function.

• Reduce stress. Emotional stressors, such as depression and anxiety, stimulate the secretion of adrenal hormones, which suppress the activity of the thymus gland and white blood cells. Luckily, there are several easy ways to reduce stress in your day-to-day life. In addition to its immune-boosting effects, regular exercise is a potent stress reliever. So are meditation, deep relaxation exercises and massage. Researchers have even found that the simple process of journal writing about stressful incidents improves immune function.

• Sleep more for better health. Lack of sleep negatively affects immune function in a few major ways. First, without enough rest, the body slows its production of disease-fighting white blood cells. Lack of sleep also impairs the activity of natural killer cells and macrophages. And finally, during deep, restful sleep, the body releases powerful immune-enhancing compounds, such as interferon. Make every effort to get enough sleep so that your body is rested and can perform these vital functions.

• Treat infections promptly. Lingering infections, such as respiratory or gum infections, tax the immune system and can significantly impair immunity. Treat infections promptly with immune-boosting herbs such as echinacea (Echinacea spp.) and garlic (Allium sativum). Whenever possible, avoid using antibiotics, because they ultimately weaken immune function. Save antibiotics for infections that cannot successfully be treated with herbs.

• Avoid toxins. Toxic chemicals impair immune function and trigger the formation of cell-damaging free radicals. Toxins are everywhere in our environment these days. Avoid as many as you can by choosing organically grown foods, as well as meats and dairy products that are produced without antibiotics or other chemicals. Use natural alternatives to toxic products in your home, garden and workplace. Whenever possible, avoid exposure to radiation, including x-rays unless absolutely necessary, because radiation damage is cumulative.
More Immune-Boosting Herbs

• American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius). Recent research shows that American ginseng root—revered for centuries as a health and vitality tonic—helps prevent upper respiratory infections when taken for several months. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, tonic herbs, such as ginseng, are taken to strengthen immunity, but are discontinued during an acute illness (such as a cold). Because products vary in potency, follow manufacturers’ dosage recommendations.

• Andrographis (Andrographis paniculata). Sometimes called “Indian echinacea,” andrographis reduces the duration and severity of cold symptoms, and it also might help prevent upper respiratory infections, studies show. Compounds in andrographis appear to stimulate immune function and halt viral growth. A typical dosage of andrographis is 400 mg three times a day.

• Echinacea (Echinacea spp.). Despite a few studies that question its efficacy, hundreds of studies support echinacea as an effective aid for preventing and treating colds, flu and other infections. Echinacea stimulates infection-fighting immune cells and increases the production of other immune compounds, such as interferon. Echinacea works best when taken frequently at the first sign of infection: 30 to 60 drops of liquid extract or 1 to 2 capsules (300 to 400 mg each) every two hours for the first 24 to 48 hours, followed by the same dosage four times daily for three days after symptoms disappear.

• Eleuthero (Eleutherococcus senticosus). Well-known as an adaptogenic herb (it helps the body more easily adapt to stressors), eleuthero root improves immune function in clinical studies. For best results, take eleuthero for at least three months to strengthen immune response. Because products vary in potency, follow manufacturers’ dosage recommendations.

• Elderberry (Sambucus nigra). Dark blue-black elderberries are rich in compounds that disarm viruses and prevent them from taking over healthy cells. Studies show that elderberry offers significant protection against respiratory viral infections. For prevention, take 1/2 teaspoon of liquid extract or 1 teaspoon of elderberry syrup twice daily. To hasten recovery from a cold or flu, take 1 teaspoon of extract or 2 teaspoons of syrup four times a day.

• Green tea (Camellia sinensis). Cultivating the habit of drinking green tea regularly can help strengthen immunity. Green tea contains potent antioxidant compounds that neutralize free radicals and prevent damage to the immune system. In addition, green tea stimulates the liver to secrete interferon, an immune compound that helps fight infection. To bolster immune function, drink 3 or more cups of green tea daily.
Astragalus Attacks Invaders

For centuries, humans have relied on astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus), garlic and medicinal mushrooms to bolster immune function, and current research supports their traditional use. For optimal immunity, use one or more of these herbs regularly. A delicious way to take them is in the form of a tonic soup.

A member of the pea family, astragalus root has been used for more than 2,000 years in Traditional Chinese Medicine as a popular tonic for strengthening vitality and to bolster resistance to disease. Today, researchers are trying to scientifically validate the herb’s reputation as an immune enhancer.

Studies show that astragalus improves immune function in several ways. It triggers the creation of immune cells in bone marrow and lymphatic tissue; it prods immune cells—including natural killer cells and macrophages—into increased activity; and it enhances the production of immune compounds, such as immunoglobulin. Components of astragalus, such as polysaccharides (large, complex sugar molecules that enhance immune activity), along with saponins and flavonoids, have been found to shield cells against the free radical damage that leads to degenerative diseases, such as cancer.

In China, researchers have conducted dozens of studies on astragalus with promising results. For example, in a 1997 study, researchers found that giving astragalus to elderly mice (36 and 60 weeks old) restored immune function to that of 10-week-old mice. And in a 1995 clinical trial, 115 patients with low white blood cell counts took either 10 grams or 30 grams of a concentrated astragalus extract daily. Both groups experienced a significant increase in white blood cell counts after eight weeks of treatment.

Astragalus is available in a variety of forms including the dried root, capsules and liquid extracts. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, astragalus often is made into a tea, or slices of the root are simmered in soup. Because bolstering immune function is key to preventing any type of illness or health problem, astragalus often is combined with a variety of other herbs prescribed for various specific conditions.

In Western herbalism, astragalus is generally taken as an extract or in capsules. Because preparations vary in potency, follow package directions for best results.
Give Garlic a Go

A member of the lily family, garlic has been prized for its healing properties since at least 2600 b.c. Anthropologists have found prescriptions for the herb chiseled onto ancient Sumerian clay tablets. Cultures around the world have embraced garlic as a cure for everything from colds to cancer. Prior to the discovery of penicillin, garlic was the treatment of choice for infections, such as pneumonia, bronchitis, tuberculosis and dysentery.

Scientists believe that it is the same sulfur compounds that imbue garlic with its characteristic odor and flavor that are responsible for the herb’s health benefits. Most of the research has focused on the sulfur compound allicin, which has antimicrobial properties. Allicin is created when alliin, a sulfur-containing amino acid in garlic, comes into contact with another garlic compound, the enzyme allinase. This enzymatic reaction takes place when garlic is chopped, crushed or chewed, but it is destroyed during cooking.

A 2001 clinical trial supports the use of garlic for preventing and treating colds. In the study, researchers randomly assigned 146 volunteers to two groups. One group received a garlic supplement containing allicin. The other group was given a placebo. Over a 12-week period between November and February, the volunteers kept a daily diary in which they recorded cold symptoms. At the end of the study, researchers found that the group given the garlic supplement reported that only 24 participants had colds, in contrast to the placebo group, in which 65 participants suffered from colds. The researchers also discovered that the study participants taking garlic who did get sick recovered more quickly.

Because raw garlic can cause gastrointestinal upset if taken on an empty stomach, it’s best to consume it with meals. If you’re adding garlic to a cooked dish, such as pasta or soup, add it at the end of cooking to prevent destruction of the antimicrobial compounds.

If you’re taking prescription anticoagulant drugs, consult your doctor before taking large amounts of garlic because of the herb’s blood-thinning properties. For the same reason, discontinue garlic supplements seven to 10 days before surgery, and tell doctors you are taking garlic before any unplanned medical procedure.

A great deal of controversy exists over the best form of garlic and the proper dosage. According to the Herb Research Foundation, a typical dosage of garlic is 600 to 900 mg a day of powdered garlic in capsules or tablets (standardized for alliin content), 4 ml a day of aged garlic liquid extract, 10 mg a day of garlic oil capsules, or one medium-sized clove of fresh garlic.
Mushrooms Muster Immunity

Although we tend to think of mushrooms primarily as ingredients for creating gourmet meals, in Traditional Chinese Medicine mushrooms have been highly prized for thousands of years for their potent healing benefits. In Japan and China, medicinal mushrooms, such as shiitake, maitake and reishi, have long been regarded as longevity tonics. Research is proving that these beneficial fungi are powerful allies for strengthening the immune system.

Mushrooms contain a variety of active compounds, including polysaccharides, glycoproteins, ergosterols, triterpenes and antibiotics. Thus far, researchers have most intensively focused on the polysaccharides, the same type of compounds found in astragalus. As with astragalus polysaccharides, mushroom polysaccharides improve immune function by increasing the activity of macrophages, which have a voracious appetite for harmful microorganisms and cancerous cells. Polysaccharides also trigger the production of a type of white blood cell that kills a wide range of infectious microorganisms and tumor cells. Last, but not least, mushroom polysaccharides activate other essential immune factors, including T-cells, B-cells, interferons and interleukins.

While all medicinal mushrooms benefit the immune system, each variety contains different compounds that work in various ways to enhance immunity. Therefore, the best approach is to use an assortment of mushrooms to provide a broad base of immune support. You can find shiitake and maitake mushrooms fresh or dried in many grocery stores, and they make a delicious addition to soups or stir-fries. Along with a wide variety of other medicinal mushrooms, shiitake, maitake and reishi are available as concentrated extracts and in combinations specifically formulated to enhance immune health. Products vary widely in potency, so follow manufacturers’ recommendations for dosages.

Laurel Vukovic writes from her home in southern Oregon. She is the author of 1001 Natural Remedies (DK, 2003) and Herbal Healing Secrets for Women (Prentice Hall, 2000).

Proven Natural Candida Diet

2009-08-12T22:05:00.001-06:00

Proven Natural Candida Diet and Herbal Treatment for Candida, Candidiasis, and Chronic Yeast Infections.

What is the Candida Diet and how can it help me?
There are various versions of the Candida diet available, but all follow the same basic formula.
Native Remedies has made it easier for you by creating an easy to follow list of what you should and what you shouldn't eat to beat Candida.
Will the Candida Diet help me to lose weight?
The Candida Diet is not intended for weight loss, but is specifically designed to combat Candida, Candidiasis and yeast infections. However, if you are overweight, you will almost certainly lose weight if you follow the Candida Diet!
Overgrowth of Candida causes intense cravings for sugar and starch, which is why many people cannot follow a weight loss diet.
Controlling levels of Candida in your digestive tract will help you to stick to your weight loss plan, while eliminating sugar and refined carbohydrates will help you lose weight.
Some Important Points
When following the Candida diet, you must make sure that your blood sugar levels are kept at an acceptable level by eating a substantial breakfast, lunch and supper. If you find that your energy level is low or you are experiencing dizziness while on the diet, it is probably due to low blood sugar. If this happens, simply add a mid-morning and mid afternoon snack. Please remember to drink lots of water in order to assist the elimination of toxins from your body. After a few days of detoxing, some of your symptoms may become worse and you could also experience headaches. This is quite normal and part of the detoxification process. It will improve after a few days and you will begin to feel healthier than you have felt for years! The Candida diet should be followed for 4 weeks, followed by a maintenance program as outlined.
You may not use sugar in any form – this includes sucrose (cane sugar), glucose and fructose (fruit sugar). Lactose (milk sugar) to be kept to a minimum.

CANDIDA DIET
Foods Allowed
• Rye Vita (contains no yeast)
• Chicken, fish, meat
• Rye Bread (no yeast or wheat) roasted/grilled or steamed)
• Rice cakes Sunflower/olive oil
• Rice, potato or rye flour 30ml lemon juice
• Corn or soya flour all veggies fresh or frozen – no tinned food
• Oats, maize (corn) meal, maltabella Avocado pears
• Dairy-milk 125ml per day Sweet / normal potatoes
• Plain Bulgarian yoghurt-125ml (no sugar!) Brown rice (no white rice)
• Low fat cottage cheese (no sugar!) Onions / garlic (unless sensitive)
• Soya / Rice milk Walnuts, cashews, hazel,
• Ricotta cheese pecan, coconut & macadamia
• Popcorn (homemade), plain chips (no MSG!)
• One fruit per day (no melons) & Herbal teas eg Rooibos
• Grapes, make sure that fruit is not bruised; Lipton herbal teas
• Herbs, mineral water
• Tomatoes
• Artificial sweeteners eg. Advantage
• Hummus
Foods allowed weekly (only one item of each)
• Whole wheat pasta 1 rice cake with carob or yogurt topping
• Wheatbix (sugar free), tomato paste (if no wheat allergy is prevalent)
• Soft goat cheeses e.g. Camembert, feta or goat
Foods allowed twice a week (only one item of each)
• Canned tuna or Salmon in spring water
• Spices eg. curries, chillies (avoid if allergic)
Foods to Avoid
• Anything containing yeast pickled, smoked or processed meat
• smoked or processed fish (including cold meats, & vacuum-packed foods)
• Breads, marmite provita, Bovril etc
• White wheat flour or pastry flour
• Gluten flour, flake cereals, semolina
• Cream of wheat, pasta – white, all vinegars and vinegar products (chutney, mayonnaise, salad dressing etc)
• Cheese, fermented or processed eg. Cheddars, feta from dairy or other hard cheeses
• All forms of alcohol
• Fruits – melons or grapes or any fruit and vegetables that shown any signs of bruising or mold, honey and other natural sweeteners
• Mushrooms
• refined sugar and anything containing sugar
• Peanuts, peanut butter and pistachio
• All teas and coffees, except herbal teas
• All fruit juices (drink still mineral water instead)
Typical meals would include (omit foods you are allergic to. Eat as much as you want of the items listed here):
BREAKFASTS
• 1 Fruit
• Porridge - Oats, maltabella (regular) or
• Mealie (corn) meal. Rice cereal (infant food)
• Rye vita / yeast free bread / rice cakes Avo / cottage cheese / egg / tomato
• Haddock
LUNCH / DINNERS
• Salads eg. potatoes, greens, rice, beans
• (include as many different ingredients as possible)
• Meat, fish, chicken (roasted / grilled / steamed)
• Lentils, pulses, legumes-soups, bakes, etc
• All vegetables-steamed and to include pumpkin, squash, butternut
• potato-baked, boiled or chips
• brown rice
• salads/stir fries/soups-chicken & veggie
• soup may be frozen & reheated
• yeast free bread/rye vita/rice cakes
• Avocado / tomato / cottage cheese / tuna / cold
• chicken
Maintenance Program
After the initial four weeks detox, you can slowly re-introduce foods from the ”Foods to avoid list”, but, please remember to use them in moderation. The foods to continue avoiding, or using with caution are: sugars, white flour, fruit juices, dried fruits, prepared breakfast flakes including muesli, alcohol, vinegar and foods containing yeast.
courtesy of http://www.nativeremedies.com/candida-diet-chronic-yeast.html

The Best Herbs for Pain Relief

2009-08-11T08:21:00.001-06:00

More Pain-relieving Herbs

To complete your anti-pain arsenal, consider these herbs:

• Arnica (Arnica spp.), available in creams and tablets,relieves osteoarthritic pain in the knee and pain following carpal-tunnel release surgery. It contains helenin, an analgesic, as well as anti-inflammatory chemicals. Apply cream twice daily; use tablets according to package directions.

• Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) contains anti-inflammatory and analgesic boswellic acids that can soothe pain from sports injuries and also can help osteoarthritic knee pain. Take 150- to 400-mg capsules or tablets (standardized to contain 30 percent to 65 percent boswellic acids) three times daily for two to three months.

• Clove oil (Syzygium aromaticum) is a popular home remedy for a toothache. Apply a drop or two of this excellent anti-inflammatory directly to your aching tooth or tooth cavity.

• Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare) seeds are stocked with 16 analgesic and 27 antispasmodic chemicals. It makes a pleasant licorice-flavored tea and is especially good for menstrual cramps. But avoid the herb while pregnant or nursing because of its estrogenic effects.

• Feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) is a remedy many people swear by for headaches, including migraines. Feverfew can reduce both the frequency and severity of headaches when taken regularly. It is available in 60-mg capsules of fresh, powdered leaf (1 to 6 capsules daily), or 25-mg capsules of freeze-dried leaf (2 capsules daily). You can also make tea—steep 2 to 8 fresh leaves in boiling water, but do not boil them, since boiling breaks down the active parthenolides.

• Gingerroot (Zingiber officinale) has analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that can alleviate digestive cramps and mild pain from fibromyalgia. You can take 1 to 4 grams powdered ginger daily, divided into two to four doses. Or make tea from 1 teaspoon chopped fresh root simmered in a cup of water for about 10 minutes.

• Green tea (Camellia sinensis) is great for stiff muscles—it has nine muscle-relaxing compounds, more than just about any other plant.

• Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is recommended by the German Commission E for sore throat. Not surprising, considering its nine anesthetic, 10 analgesic and 20 anti-inflammatory compounds. To make tea, simmer about 2 teaspoons of dried root in a cup of water for 15 minutes; strain. Do not take licorice if you have high blood pressure, heart conditions, diabetes, kidney disease or glaucoma.

• Oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum), rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) and thyme (Thymus vulgaris) are herbs you should be sprinkling liberally onto your food, as they are replete with analgesic, antispasmodic and anti-inflammatory compounds. (Oregano alone has 32 anti-inflammatories!) Mix and match these garden herbs into a pain-relieving tea: Pour a cup of boiling water over a teaspoon of dried herbs, steep 5 to 10 minutes and strain.

Source: http://www.herbcompanion.com/health/the-best-herbs-for-pain-relief.aspx?utm_content=8.11.09+HBC+eNews&utm_campaign=Newsletter&utm_source=iPost&utm_medium=email&page=2

50 Foods That Give You the Most Nutrition Bang for Your Buck

2009-07-07T11:42:00.000-06:00

50 Foods That Give You the Most Nutrition Bang for Your Buck

Eating healthy sounds like a good idea in theory, but when sticking to your budget is as important as it is during this economic crisis, it’s often easier to pick up the cheapest foods at the store. These 50 foods, however, prove that nutrition doesn’t have to be as expensive as you think.

Fruits

Eating fresh fruits that are in season can actually save you money. These fruits, including apricots and raspberries, will give you the most nutrition bang for your buck.

1. Strawberries: When bought in season, strawberries can be bought in bulk or individually for a modest price. And just one half cup of raw strawberries contains 149% of your daily value for Vitamin C.
2. Apricots: Apricots are a good source of the antioxidant beta-carotene, which is converted to Vitamin A once ingested. Buy fresh apricots and dry them yourself for better savings.
3. Blackberries: Raw blackberries are low in calories but have a significant amount of dietary fibers, plus 50% of your daily value of Vitamin C per cup.
4. Raspberries: Raw raspberries are another easy, healthy snack that isn’t too costly. They contain Vitamin K, magnesium, dietary fiber, and Vitamin C.
5. Cherries: Make sure you buy cherries in season, or they can get expensive. They’re known as a "super fruit" because of their very high beta carotene content, as well as their fiber, folate, iron, magnesium, Vitamin C and potassium content.
6. Cantaloupe: Cantaloupes not only go a long way in terms of recipes and snacking, they’re also low in calories, have no fat, and contain 120% of your daily value of Vitamin A and 108% Vitamin C in just one cup.
7. Pears: One pear contains 24% of your daily value of fiber and have a low glycemic index, which means that the carbohydrates are slow to convert to sugar. Pears also contain Vitamin C and Potassium.
8. Raisins: Raisins do contain plenty of sugars, but no fat or cholesterol. They are also a good source of potassium, iron and dietary fiber.
9. Watermelon: Buy a huge watermelon in season for a cost-effective summer snack that’s packed with vitamins. Watermelons contain Vitamin A, B6, and lots of Vitamin C.
10. Peaches: Buy fresh, not canned, peaches for the best nutritional value. Peaches contain beta-carotene, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and Vitamin A.
11. Figs: Buy fresh figs and dry them yourself to save on cost. Figs are fat, cholesterol, and sodium-free; have 20% of your daily value of fiber; and "have the highest overall mineral content of common fruits," according to California Figs.
12. Blueberries: Blueberries are strong carriers of Vitamin C, manganese and dietary fiber, and also contain Vitamin E.
13. Cranberries: Cranberries are actually low in sugar and calories and contain lots of Vitamin C, dietary fiber, manganese and Vitamin K.
14. Oranges: Get plenty of Vitamin C, as well as dietary fiber, folate, Vitamin B1, potassium, Vitamin A and calcium from just one orange.
15. Bananas: Bananas may have carbs and sugar, but they’ve also got lots of Vitamin C and potassium, plus Vitamin B6, dietary fiber and manganese, making them a nutrient-rich snack.

Vegetables

Like fruits, fresh veggies are often inexpensive and can be used for lots of different meals and snacks during the week. Eat these vegetables to get your iron, calcium, fiber and other nutrients.

16. Asparagus: Asparagus has more folic acid than any other vegetable. Folic acid helps prevent liver disease and helps your blood cells grow.
17. Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain beta and alpha-carotene, lutein, fiber, potassium, Vitamin C, folate and more vitamins. Plus, depending on the variety you choose, they’re quite inexpensive.
18. Crimini mushrooms: Crimini mushrooms have almost no calories but are packed with potassium, selenium, Vitamins B2, B1, B6 and B3, zinc, magnesium, iron, calcium, folate, protein and more.
19. Squash and Zucchini: Summer squash and zucchini are only about $1 - $2 a piece and contain a moderate amount of Vitamin C and Vitamin A, plus iron and protein.
20. Black beans: Black beans are one of the healthiest varieties of beans, containing 24% of your daily value of dietary fiber, 14% of your daily value of protein, and no saturated fat per 1/2 cup.
21. Lentils: Raw lentils have a lot of calories, but no saturated fat and 50g of protein. They’re also an excellent source of iron and dietary fiber.
22. Carrots: Raw carrots bought individually are incredibly cheap and are a good source of dietary fiber. One cup of copped carrots also contains 428% of your daily value of Vitamin A.
23. Broccoli: One cup of raw broccoli flowerets only contains 20 calories but has 110% of your daily value of Vitamin C, 43% of Vitamin A, and no fat or cholesterol.
24. Kidney beans: Kidney beans are rich in B-complex vitamins, niacin, folate, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, soluble fiber and calcium.
25. Pearl Barley: Add pearl barley to a soup or salad for a major dietary fiber boost, plenty of iron, and a good dose of protein.
26. Leafy spinach: Leafy spinach is moderately priced by the bunch, and can be divided up for multiple salads, sandwiches and garnishes. It contains fiber, B-complex vitamins, folate, magnesium, lutein and potassium.
27. Potatoes: Potatoes contain carbohydrates, calories and sugars, but they’re also a very versatile, cost-effective food that contains lots of nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, potassium, manganese and dietary fiber.
28. Green bell pepper: Green bell peppers are cheaper than red bell peppers, but each one still contains 220% of your daily value of Vitamin C.
29. Cabbage: Cabbage contains 91% of your daily value of Vitamin K; over 50% for Vitamin C; and a healthy amount of dietary fiber, Vitamin b6, omega-3 fatty acids, folate, manganese and more.
30. Jalapeno pepper: A jalapeno pepper is very cheap, and because it’s so hot and spicy, only a very small portion is needed at a time, making it cost-effective. Jalapeno peppers also contain Vitamin C and Vitamin A, plus a healthy amount of dietary fiber and iron.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds can be bought in bulk or buy the pound. Best of all, they’re packed with nutrients and vitamins, and you only need a small amount to get the benefits, making them last between trips to the grocery store.

31. Almonds: Try unsalted almonds for plenty of omega-3 fatty acids, polyunsaturated fats, Vitamin E and fiber. You only need a handful for an energy boost that will fill you up, too.
32. Flaxseed: Flaxseed is usually sold in pretty large bags, and you only need to add a tiny bit to cereal or any homemade breads and grains for the benefits. Flaxseed contains omega-3 fatty acids and lots of fiber.
33. Walnuts: Walnuts are another healthy nut that contains magnesium, folate, polyunsaturated fats, omega-3 fatty acids and Vitamin E. Add a few to a fruit salad, or eat them alone.
34. Sunflower seeds: Sunflower seeds contain lots of Vitamin E, more than almonds, peanut butter or even spinach.
35. Sesame seed kernels: A handful of sesame seed kernels contains a healthy amount of iron, calcium and protein, plus dietary fiber.
36. Brazil nuts: Brazil nuts are considered an excellent source of selenium and also contain protein, fiber and magnesium.

Grains

Picking the whole-grain version doesn’t necessarily mean you have to go over budget. These healthy foods are also cost effective.

37. Whole grain or multigrain bread: You don’t have to buy the fancy bread: just pick out a moderately priced (maybe the generic brand) whole grain or multigrain version to get heart-healthy bread that has plenty of dietary fiber.
38. Brown rice: Rice goes a long way, and it’s inexpensive. Plus, it’s full of fiber, B-complex vitamins, niacin and magnesium.
39. Whole-wheat spaghetti: Even the whole-wheat variety of spaghetti makes a cheap meal, and it’s packed with fiber.
40. Couscous: Like rice and pasta, couscous goes a long way when you cook it. It also contains protein and fiber, when you choose the whole-wheat or whole-grain variety.
41. Whole grain tortillas: One whole-grain tortilla has 8g of protein and 7g of dietary fiber. Tortillas are usually sold in large packs, too.
42. Oatmeal: Depending on the kind of oatmeal you buy, you can usually find a pretty good deal. It’s also a good source of fiber.

Beverages

You can drink your way to good health, too, and these beverage options are also budget-friendly.

43. Green tea: Green tea contains the highest concentration of the antioxidants called polyphenols, and may help prevent some types of cancer and heart disease. Buy your own green tea packets from the grocery store to save on cost.
44. Milk: Low-fat or non-fat milk that is fortified with Vitamin D, plus calcium, Vitamin A and protein. Buy store brand or generic brand milk for a better deal.
45. Orange juice: Generic brand orange juice isn’t terribly expensive, and it contains Vitamin D and plenty of Vitamin C.

Miscellaneous

From sardines to yogurt, these healthy foods are also packed with nutrients.

46. Plain yogurt: Buy large containers of plain, non-fat yogurt instead of the individual snack-sized yogurts to save money and get the most nutritional version. One cup of plain yogurt contains 14g of protein and 49% of your daily value of calcium. Plus, it also contains probiotics which help your body absorb nutrients.
47. Egg whites: Egg whites do contain a fair amount of sodium, but they also contain 26g of protein per cup and zero fat.
48. Tuna: Tuna is a cold-water fish that contains much-needed omega-3 fatty acids and lots of protein. It’s also usually cheaper than salmon or mackerel.
49. Tomato soup: Make your own variety for an even more cost-effective soup. Tomato soup is a good source of Vitamin C, iron, Vitamin A and dietary fiber.
50. Sardines: Sardines are an excellent source of iron, calcium and protein, as well as niacin, Vitamin D and Vitamin B12. Just don’t indulge too often: sardines are also very high in cholesterol.

Fret not over the Swine Flu!

2009-04-30T08:00:00.002-06:00

Some natural things to do regarding the Swine Flu.

From the Medicine Woman's Roots:

1. Avoid a hyperactive (or hypoactive) immune system (and theoretically, the cytokine storm) with immunomodulators (rather than simple immune stimulators) like Elderberry. Elderberry is extra nice because it has also been shown to disarm flu viruses and prevent them from replicating in the body. Elder flower is a fine relaxant diaphoretic and lung tonic as well, and all around near perfect flu prevention and treatment remedy. I especially like my Elderberry Elixir recipe (scroll down til you see the recipe) to treat and prevent a variety of flu and cold bugs. Other herbs useful in the treatment of hyperimmune or autoimmune conditions include Peach, Cherry, Rose and Reishi.

2. Get your Vitamin D. Not actually a vitamin, this necessary steroid hormone is usually obtained through normal exposure to sunlight and diet, but supplementation is becoming increasingly necessary for those who live in Northern climes or spend much of their time indoors (that would be most of America, I suppose). Vitamin D (cholecalciferol) is important for a properly functioning immune system, especially in the respiratory tract. Up to 10,000 IU/per day is safe, and Paul Bergner says that “In order to rapidly raise se rum levels to ward normal, up to 40,000 IU/day might be safely given for a period of six weeks, followed by daily doses of 4000-10000 IU.”

3. And your Zinc. I like a dose between 10-20 mg for preventative purposes.
Bioflavanoids - Berries, greens and brightly colored vegetables - eat them in quantity. Nourishing herbal infusions (Rose, Elderberry, Nettle, Raspberry) tend to have large doses of bioflvanoids as well.

4. Essential Fatty Acids - Cod liver oil is a longstanding traditional preventive method for flu and cold prevention, and a very good idea year round. Sorry, plant based EFAs just won’t cut it, so go for the ones found in fatty fish and certain other wild and grassfed meats.

5. Reduce sugar and simple carbohydrate intake. Even the sugar contained in honey or fruit is perfectly capable of suppressing your immune system.
Sleep. Lack of adequate rest and sleep is known to depress the immune system so get your Z’s and avoid longstanding sleep debt at all costs.

6. Support the body’s natural fever and elimination processes with diaphoretics rather than using NSAIDS to suppress the body’s healthy immune processes. The classic fever tea of Yarrow, Mint and Elderflower is time tested and very effective, although I prefer to use Monarda rather than Mint in many cases.

References:

“Influenza Prevention” by Paul Bergner, from the Summer 2008 issue (Volume 15, Number 4) of Medical Herbalism.

15 Herbs to Save Money on Medical Bills!!

2009-04-28T08:41:00.002-06:00

15 Herbs to Save Money on Medical Bills

By Kim Erickson

Times are tough. So we scrimp where we can and keep a sharp eye out for new ways to save. But there is one area where spending a little now can actually save a lot later—your health.

According to the Milken Institute, an independent economic think tank in Santa Monica, California, more than half of all Americans suffer from one or more chronic diseases—and, as a result, it’s costing all of us more than $1 trillion each year. That’s the big picture.

On a more personal level, fighting cancer, heart disease, diabetes or mental illness can cost you thousands of dollars yearly in medication, doctor visits and treatment. Wouldn’t it be more cost-effective to prevent these health problems in the first place?

The following herbs are powerful promoters of good health and can tackle many everyday maladies in both good times and bad. Think of them as Mother Nature’s medicine chest!

1. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus)
2. Echinacea (Echinacea spp.)
3. Green tea (Camellia sinensis)
4. Garlic (Allium sativum)
5. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.)
6. Ginger (Zingiber officinale)
7. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
8. Cayenne (Capsicum annuum)
9. Arnica (Arnica montana)
10. Butterbur (Petasites hybridus)
11. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica)
12. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius)
13. Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
14. St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)
15. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)
Strengthen Your Immunity

From preventing the common cold to keeping cancer at bay, maintaining a healthy immune system is critical. But a poor diet, lack of sleep and stress can undermine your immunity, leaving you vulnerable to both short- and long-term illness.

While many herbs help enhance immunity, the following three are immune-boosting superstars:

1. Astragalus (Astragalus membranaceus): This traditional Chinese herb has gained a reputation as an antiviral and potent immune booster because it increases the activity of natural killer cells and macrophages (large white blood cells that gobble up viruses).

In one study, researchers found that astragalus helped promote and maintain respiratory health—an important consideration for fending off colds and the flu. But astragalus’ protective powers may go far beyond the common cold. A 2006 meta-analysis of 34 randomized trials of 2,815 patients with non-small-cell lung cancer compared the use of astragalus treatment combined with chemotherapy to treatment with chemotherapy alone and found that astragalus reduced the risk of death in cancer patients after a 12-month follow up. For general immune strengthening, take 100 to 150 mg of a standardized astragalus supplement daily.

2. Echinacea (Echinacea spp.): This popular herb is used for both the common cold and for upper respiratory tract infections. Echinacea supports the immune system by activating white blood cells—immune cells that defend the body from infectious disease. A review at the University of Connecticut School of Pharmacy found that echinacea decreased the odds of developing the common cold by 58 percent. And if you are unlucky enough to catch one, echinacea can shorten your suffering by 1.4 days. But the trick to echinacea’s effectiveness is to take 300 mg of supplemental echinacea every two hours at the first sign of the sniffles, then three times a day for a total of seven to 10 days. For best results, look for a standardized product that contains 4 to 5 percent echinacoside.

3. Green tea (Camellia sinensis): Another way to mount a good offense against illness is with green tea. Along with being a potent antioxidant, green tea stems the growth of viruses by inhibiting their absorption by the body. This tasty brew also attacks the membrane of viral cells, which effectively prevents the creation of new cells that spread the virus. During one recent clinical trial at the University of Florida, Gainesville, healthy adults who were given a green tea supplement were more than 32 percent less likely to come down with a cold or the flu than those taking a placebo.

This tasty beverage also has been shown to guard against a wide variety of cancers, including breast, lung, stomach, pancreatic, prostate and skin cancer. The key to green tea’s anticancer capability comes from a polyphenol called epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Drink several cups of green tea daily or take a green tea supplement that provides a concentrated source of polyphenols.
Maintain a Healthy Heart

Cardiovascular disease is the No. 1 killer in the United States—it kills more people each year than cancer, diabetes or accidents. Fortunately, many of these risk factors can be prevented or controlled by combining a healthy diet and exercise with heart-helping herbs.

4. Garlic (Allium sativum): This pungent herb lowers blood pressure and improves the elasticity of blood vessel walls. Garlic also reduces cholesterol and acts as a natural blood thinner. It’s so effective that one trial showed that people taking 600 mg of garlic daily slashed their risk of dying from heart disease over a 10-year period. The same study found that taking 300 mg of supplemental garlic daily prevented the development of atherosclerosis.

5. Hawthorn (Crataegus spp.): If you could rely on just one herb for heart disease, this would be it. Hawthorn contains large amounts of flavonoids that stabilize capillaries and strengthen weak blood vessels. Researchers at the University of Chicago note that antioxidant-rich hawthorn significantly reduces blood pressure and unhealthy cholesterol levels. Clinical trials also have confirmed that hawthorn extract helps people with early-stage congestive heart failure (CHF). In one study, patients with CHF taking hawthorn extract for eight weeks showed improved quality of life, including a greater ability to exercise without shortness of breath and exhaustion. The recommended dose is 100 mg taken in two or three divided doses daily.
The Question of Digestion

Heartburn, indigestion and nausea definitely can cramp your style. But two herbs can provide fast relief.

6. Ginger (Zingiber officinale): It doesn’t matter whether you suffer from motion sickness or morning sickness—ginger offers a safe way to soothe nausea. Researchers at the University of Southern California also discovered that this aromatic herb helps avert postoperative nausea and vomiting. While ginger is available in capsule form, the best way to ease nausea is with a cup of ginger tea.

7. Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra): Long before Tums burst onto the scene, herbalists relied on plants to treat indigestion. The most effective and well-known herb was licorice. But not any licorice will do. Licorice contains a chemical called glycyrrhiza that can raise blood pressure. Fortunately, this dangerous compound can be removed and the resulting deglycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL) tablets are safe and effective. Popping a couple of DGL tablets before meals not only helps prevent heartburn, it’s reputed to soothe and heal the esophageal tissue by decreasing inflammation and ulceration. And unlike other forms of licorice, DGL is safe for people with high blood pressure. Most herbalists recommend chewing the equivalent of 760 mg (2 tablets) three times a day with meals.
Pain Relief

Pain, whether it’s from a pulled muscle or arthritis, not only makes you miserable, but limits what you can do. The next time you are hurting, try one of these topical remedies:

8. Cayenne (Capsicum annuum): Pain is caused by Substance P, a neurotransmitter that tells the brain when we are injured and triggers inflammation. Cayenne’s primary anti-inflammatory component, capsaicin, reduces levels of Substance P. A growing number of studies show that, used repeatedly, a capsaicin cream can soothe low-back pain and even tackle the pain of peripheral neuropathy. Look for a topical cream containing .075 percent capsaicin. Just take care since cayenne can burn sensitive skin. Test it on a small area first and don’t apply near the eyes or on broken skin.

9. Arnica (Arnica montana): Athletes have long relied on arnica to reduce the pain, swelling and bruising that accompany sprains and strains. But this homeopathic remedy can be a powerful weapon against osteoarthritis. A comparison of ibuprofen and a topical arnica gel found that the arnica was just as effective for pain and hand function in people with osteoarthritis of the hands. But arnica’s benefit doesn’t just apply to arthritis. A group of researchers from the Queen Victoria Hospital in Sussex, England, found that topically applied arnica is a first-line defense against the pain of carpel tunnel syndrome.
Allay Seasonal Allergies

Allergic rhinitis—the medical name for hay fever—affects more than 50 million Americans every year, making it the sixth leading cause of chronic disease in the United States. But, while these drugs temporarily relieve your symptoms, prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) allergy medications can cause adverse reactions, including drowsiness, headache and sore throat. Fortunately, natural remedies can nip seasonal allergies in the bud without the side effects of conventional allergy drugs.

10. Butterbur (Petasites hybridus): If you suffer from chronic hay fever, you might try butterbur instead of your prescription allergy medication. Research has found that this natural antihistamine is just as effective as cetirizine (Zyrtec). Butterbur may help even if you only suffer from occasional allergies. A clinical trial of 186 allergy sufferers reported that butterbur worked well on people with intermittent allergies. For best results, take 50 to 100 mg twice a day with meals.

11. Stinging nettle (Urtica dioica): This prickly plant offers relief from itchy, watery eyes, sneezing and respiratory symptoms—often within 15 minutes. The key is the herb’s anti-inflammatory effect. In one open trial of 69 patients with seasonal allergies, 58 percent reported that taking 600 mg of freeze-dried nettle leaf daily relieved their symptoms. Almost half of the participants said it was more effective than over-the-counter allergy drugs. And unlike OTC allergy medicines, taking stinging nettle won’t make you drowsy.
Stress Busters

In an analysis of nearly 300 studies, researchers at the University of Kentucky confirmed that stress alters immunity, and that seniors and sick people are much more vulnerable to the adverse impact of chronic stress. Here are two of the most effective herbs to soothe stress:

12. American ginseng (Panax quinquefolius): This adaptogen can help your body resist the negative effects of stress by suppressing stress hormones like cortisol. When compared to ginkgo—which can help with acute stress—ginseng was found to be a better option for long-term stress. How effective is it? A Chinese study recently showed that the herb worked as well as the anti-anxiety drug diazepam (Valium). Look for a standardized ginseng supplement that provides 4 to 7 percent total ginsenosides. The typical dose to relieve stress is 100 to 200 mg a day.

13. Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea): Russian research indicates that rhodiola reduces stress and fatigue; improves memory; enhances concentration and physical fitness; and increases overall well-being. Better yet, rhodiola stimulates the immune system, enabling the body’s own defenses to ward off the effects of stress. In one double-blind pilot study, students were given rhodiola or a placebo just before taking exams. After 20 days, the rhodiola group showed improvement in their physical fitness, coordination and mental sharpness. The recommended daily dose is 100 mg of a rhodiola supplement standardized to contain 3 percent rosavin.
Be Happy and Catch Some Zzzz

Is the economy keeping you up at night? Are you feeling anxious or depressed? Two herbs might help lift you out of your doldrums and help you get a good night’s sleep.

14. St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum): Unlike prescription antidepressant drugs, St. John’s wort can gently and safely alleviate mild to moderate depression. In a new meta-analysis comparing the herb with prescription selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, researchers found that both were equally effective for mild to moderate depression. The big difference was safety: St. John’s wort had far fewer side effects. But be aware that St. John’s wort can make you more sensitive to sunlight. If you use this herb, make sure to slather on sunscreen before going outdoors. Also, St. John’s wort reduces the effectiveness of birth control pills and some other drugs. Consult your health-care provider if you take prescription medications and want to try St. John’s wort. The standard recommendation for mild to moderate depression is 500 to 1,000 mg of St. John’s wort extract daily.

15. Valerian (Valeriana officinalis): Valerian can help send you to dreamland because of its calming and sedative action. In one Norwegian study, 405 volunteers with insomnia took either valerian or a placebo for two weeks. By the end of the study, the valerian group reported longer sleep duration and less waking during the night than those taking the placebo. Another small crossover study showed that the participants experienced deep sleep faster after taking the herb. Unlike prescription sleep aids, taking 300 to 500 mg of valerian 30 to 60 minutes before bedtime isn’t addictive and won’t leave you feeling groggy the next morning.
Medicinal Mushrooms

A variety of mushrooms—some culinary, some not—have powerful immune-boosting properties. Medicinal mushrooms are packed with nutrients like calcium, selenium, iron, vitamins C and D, and the B vitamins. Extracts are either water-based or alcohol-based and can contain one or more types of mushroom. Look for a standardized extract to make sure you’re getting maximum immune-boosting power. They are also a wonderful source of ergothioneine, an antioxidant thought to protect against cancer and cardiovascular disease.

Cordyceps: This non-edible mushroom is often used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) to support male reproductive health. According to a study in the journal Life Sciences, cordyceps may indeed boost male sexuality by stimulating testosterone production. These mushrooms also are potent cancer fighters because of their ability to scavenge free radicals.

Maitake: Research shows that maitake increases natural killer (NK) cell function. Studies also suggest that these mushrooms reduce the symptoms of type 2 diabetes. Maitake also might lower systolic blood pressure.

Reishi: One study in the International Journal of Oncology found that reishi can halt the proliferation of prostate cancer cells by causing them to commit suicide. Another recent study shows they help prevent breast cancer. And reishi is a great tonic to boost overall immunity.

Shiitake: These tasty morsels contain lentinan, an active compound that stimulates the immune system. Lentinan boosts intestinal immunity and fights infection throughout the body.

Kim Erickson is a freelance writer and the founder of Kim Erickson’s Everyday Organics (www.everyday-organics.com).

The reference list for this article is extensive. If you would like a copy, please e-mail us at editor@herbcompanion.com with the subject line “Reference List.”

Call to schedule your herbal consultation today - 303.695.7695 or email herbalist@thebossgrp.com.

Getting rid of bed bugs naturally!

2009-04-15T13:03:00.001-06:00

Having a problem with bed bugs? Use tea tree oil in a little spray bottle, add about 50% water and spray away!

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM SUPPORT ~ ALLERGY CONTROL

2009-04-14T12:23:00.002-06:00

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM SUPPORT ~ ALLERGY CONTROL

Respiratory problems are more than common in our society today. It is estimated that at any one time, over a third of our population has had a cold or flu within the last two weeks. A “cold” is usually an attempt by the body to cleanse itself of a waste overload, toxins and bacteria that have built up to a point where natural defenses cannot cope with or overcome them. So the wonderful, complex immune system opens up, drains the body of excess mucous accumulation and bacterial colonies through coughing, runny nose, sneezing, diarrhea, etc., and begins to rebuild a stronger, cleaner system. The glands are always affected, and as the endocrine system is on a six day cycle, a normal “cold” usually runs for about a week as the body works through its detoxification process.

Therefore, the cure is not really the problem in a cold or flu infection, the cause is. Chronic respiratory diseases stem from several areas of environment and lifestyle problems, but poor diet is the single most influential source. The person who suffers frequently from sinus headaches, bronchitis, chronic colds, flu, sore throat and cough, is invariably a person who eats many acid and mucous-forming foods, such as red meats, caffeine containing foods, salty, sugary, starchy foods, pasteurized, full-fat dairy products and refined foods, with few fresh fruits and vegetables. This way of eating causes too much mucous to be formed in the system, and allowing tissue congestion. Not only is the body full of more mucous than it needs, the excess is often filled with toxic impurities and unreleased wastes from preservatives, chemical additives, pesticide residues, etc., a perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria and viruses.

Allergy reactions are also increasing in our lives, as environmental toxins, acid rain, a depleted ozone layer, chemically treated foods, radiation levels, more anti-biotic and prescription drug use, and stress affect and lower immune strength. Most of these allergens produce respiratory clogging and congestion as the body tries to seal them off from its regular processes, or tries to work around them. Extra mucous is formed as a shield around these substances, and we get the allergy symptoms of sinus clog, stuffiness, hayfever, headaches, and red, puffy eyes. Or the body tries to throw the congestion off through the skin, causing skin rashes and irritation, fever blisters, abscesses and scratchy cough.

Drugs and over-the-counter medicines only relieve the symptoms of infection. They do not cure it, and often make the situation worse by depressing the immune system, and drying up necessary mucous elimination, thus keeping the harmful bacteria, virus, or allergens inside the body.

A short liquid mucous elimination fast, diet change, and supplementation with herbs are the most beneficial and quickest means of controlling allergies and overcoming chronic respiratory problems.

Herbal combinations can work simultaneously, or following, a mucous cleansing diet. They can neutralize allergens, increase oxygen uptake in the lungs and tissues, encourage adrenal gland function, and allow better sleep and activity while work on the underlying causes is taking place.

Combinations for respiratory support and allergy control are effective in the following circumstances and conditions:
ASTHMA ~ COLDS ~ FLU ~ BRONCHITIS ~ SINUSITIS ~ HAYFEVER & POLLEN ALLERGIES ~ SORE THROAT & TONSILLITIS ~ EMPHYSEMA & SMOKING DISEASES ~ CHRONIC COUGH ~ TASTE & SMELL LOSS ~ ADRENAL EXHAUSTION ~ CHRONIC HEADACHES ~ EAR INFECTION

Areas of emphasis to be considered for formulation should include:
1) Herbs to aid and support mucous cleansing
2) Herbs to aid in allergy control
3) Herbs to rebuild respiratory strength

Source: How To Be Your Own Herbal Pharmacist by Linda Rector-Page, N.D., Ph.D.

Call to schedule your herbal consultation - 303.695.7695 or herbalist@thebossgrp.com.

Top 10 Things Reflexology can do that medicine can't...

2009-02-25T14:01:00.002-07:00

Top 10 things reflexology can do that medicine can'

We have prepared a series of publications on Evidenced Based Reflexology Research. Here is a preview of some of the results. And don't get the wrong idea. This is not to suggest that reflexology is more than a complementary therapy. But according to research there are things that reflexology is capable of doing that medicine cannot do as well.

Top 10 things reflexology can do that medicine can't:

1. Phantom Limb pain
2. Postpartum
3. Diabetes
4. Cancer and chemo
5. Neuropathy
6. Hemodialysis
7. Aids mentally ill providing needed benefits to reflexology work
8. Research showed relief from post traumatic stress syndrome
9. Measures of stress are significantly decreased
10. Immediate feelings of wellbeing

10 things in details:
1. Research shows that reflexology work alleviates and, at times, eliminate phantom limb pain

2. Reflexology is beneficial for post-partum women including issues such as Anxiety and depression and recovery from Cesarean section.

3. Research shows that reflexology work reduces physiologic measures for diabetics and is an effective treatment for type II diabetes mellitus. Circulation to the feet is improved also.

4. Thirteen studies from seven countries (US, Italy, Japan, China, Switzerland, Korea, United Kingdom) target cancer care and show the benefits of reflexology work including anxiety, depression, fatigue, pain, nausea, and vomiting.

5. Neuropathy Research shows improvement in blood flow rate, time and acceleration within the feet following reflexology work

6. Research shows that reflexology work helps individuals undergoing hemodialysis: Improves the kidney’s functions with changes in physiologic measures: an increase in red blood cells (to combat anemia concerns), increase in lymphocytes (to help fight infection), and enhances disposal of waste products.

7. Reflexology programs and research shows that reflexology aids the mentally ill, providing needed benefits unique to reflexology work. Mental health workers report that reflexology work furnishes many advantages including facilitating communication

8. Victims of post traumatic stress syndrome experienced relief from symptoms including anger, depression and muscle tension as well as improved sleep patterns, levels of concentration and a lift in overall mood.

9. Measures of stress such as blood pressure, pulse rate and self-reported anxiety are significantly decreased, decreased or lowered.

The last point came from a client. He said when "I go to the doctor I don't know what the outcome will be. But when I see you I always feel better." He said it was a feeling of well being and that is what he paid for.

Kevin Kunz

http://www.reflexology-research.com

Call to schedule your Reflexology session: 303-695-7695 or email reflexology@thebossgrp.com.

2009-02-25T13:58:00.001-07:00

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PTSD in the workplace and at home

2009-01-13T06:50:00.000-07:00

Reflexology Helps Communication

The human toll of traumatic events is literally brought to work and home. Teresa Difranza, EAP/ CISM Coordinator of the Jacksonville, Florida Sheriff's Office notes the impact of PTSD on policeman placed in the position of shooting a criminal suspect. In addition, PTSD is not uncommon among soldiers returning to regular jobs as police officers after serving in Iraq and Afghanistan. The Sheriff's Department has instituted an experimental program using reflexology to help dispatchers with their stresses of being an "ear witness" to traumatic events.

Aside from symptoms experienced by these individuals, Teresa notes the difficulties faced by families seeking to help. Traumatized individuals have difficulty communicating their emotions and experiences. Many go silent, leaving loved ones unable to help. Reflexology offers a possible solution.

Reflexologists note the talkativeness of clients during a reflexology session. Clients recount their life experiences, illnesses, and current stresses. (This author has been through World War II in the Pacific as well as in Europe and practically any family emergency imaginable as the client relaxes and feels like talking.)

Professionals working with mental illness have documented the use of reflexology in their work. In a classic study, Petra Trousdale of the UK noted her study's impact on women with emotional needs as: "improvement in communication and ability to articulate ideas more effectively as well as the "importance of being touched during treatment in a safe non-intrusive / abusive manner."

The use reflexology by families has been shown to help individuals with cancer. A study by Dr. Nancy Stephenson's study showed a "significant decrease in pain intensity and anxiety" with partner- delivered reflexology applied to patients with advanced cancer." In a landmark study Barbara Zeller-Dobbs of Switzerland noted: "Our purpose for using reflexology with these patients was to decrease their pain but we soon realized the beneficial effect of reflexology on the morale of patients and families. Something was being done for them. Patients expressed feelings of being less abandoned and the families expressed satisfaction at seeing that something painless existed that could aid their relative." (Dobbs, Barbara Zeller, "Alternative health approaches," Nursing Mirror (England), Vol. 160, No. 9, Feb. 27, 1985; PMID: 3634658)

© 2008 Kunz and Kunz

HEART & CIRCULATORY SYSTEM PROBLEMS

2008-12-27T21:30:00.002-07:00

Cardiovascular disease remains the number one killer in civilized nations today. Stress, tension and lack of exercise are all contributors, but diet is the single most influential factor. No one food, or aspect of diet, but the whole calorie imbalance of high fat, low nutrient foods and eating habits. Fried foods, refined, low fiber foods, pasteurized dairy products, too much salt, sugar, coffee, tobacco, alcohol, red and processed meats, all lead to clogged or reduced arteries, high cholesterol and blood fats, high blood pressure, arrhythmias, and heart attacks. Almost all of these circulatory problems can be treated and prevented with improvement in diet and nutrition. You can carve a better future with your own knife and fork, than with a lifetime of dependence on drugs, pacemakers, or multiple surgeries.

Life style changes are not easy, and they take time to accomplish, but this choice is infinitely preferable for the quality of life and must take place for there to be permanent results. High calorie, fatty, salty, sugary foods are generally responsible for cardiovascular problems. A whole foods diet relieves them.

Herbs as concentrated, whole food nutrients can also successfully address heart and circulatory problems. Herbs are rich in minerals and trace minerals for circulatory strength and regulation. They are anti-oxidants for better oxygen uptake by the body. They are cardiovascular stimulants for support and resilience. They are effective in improving chronic conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and arteriosclerosis, and as cardiotonics during acute circumstances, such as angina or fibrillation.

Circulation watchwords:
• Add exercise with a brisk walk to your day
• Do deep breathing exercises and stretches every morning to stimulate the brain, reduce stress, and oxygenate the body for the day
• Use dry skin brushing, alternating hot and cold hydrotherapy, and smaller meals with a little white wine at dinner, to increase circulation
• Consciously add relaxation and a good daily laugh to your life. A positive mental outlook can do wonders for your heart in many ways

Combinations in this section for circulatory problems are effective in the following conditions:

CONGESTIVE HEART FAILURE ~ ANGINA & OTHER MAJOR HEART CONDITIONS ~ BLOOD PRESSURE IMBALANCE ~ ARTERIO & ARTHERO-SCLEROSIS ~ CHOLESTEROL BUILD-UP ~ STRESS & TENSION ~ BLOOD CLOTS, PHLEBITIS, EMBOLISM ~ FIBRILLATION & ARRHYTHMIA ~ ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE ~ EASY BRUISING ~ HEMORRHOIDS, VARICOSE & SPIDER VEINS ~ EXCESSIVE BLEEDING ~ POOR CIRCULATION

Areas of emphasis to be considered for formulation should include:
1) Herbs to control high blood pressure
2) Herbs to reduce cholesterol and harmful blood fats
3) Herbs to regulate and strengthen heartbeat
4) A cardiotonic combination for acute conditions

Source: How To Be Your Own Herbal Pharmacist by Linda Rector-Page, N.D., Ph.D.

Reflexology Research of Multiple Sclerosis

2008-12-03T20:24:00.002-07:00

Illustration depicts Multiple Sclerosis lesions before the disease had been described

Reflexology made a difference in various measures of anxiety for individuals with multiple sclerosis. Positive effects followed each session and over the six week treatment phase. Significant changes were reported. The effects of reflexology were compared to those of progressive muscle relaxation and there was found to be "limited evidence of difference between the two treatments." Researchers note a difference in favor of reflexology for measures of State Anxiety Inventory values as well as cortisol levels. A complication of the study was that it was a crossover trial. Half of the participants experienced a six week phase of reflexology followed by a four week break and then a six week phase of progressive muscle relaxation. Half of the participants first experienced progressive muscle relaxation, a four week break and then reflexology. Researchers found a problem in that the four week break was not sufficient for participants to "return to their pre-treatment baseline levels." (Makereth, Peter A., Booth, Katie, Hillier, Valerie, and Caress, Ann-Louise, "Reflexology and progressive muscle relaxation training for people with multiple sclerosis: A crossover trial," Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice , Oct 2008)

Contact the B.O.S.S. Group to schedule your Reflexology session today - 303.695.7695 or email reflexology@thebossgrp.com.

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM SUPPORT - ALLERGY CONTROL

2008-12-02T13:17:00.002-07:00

RESPIRATORY SYSTEM SUPPORT ~ ALLERGY CONTROL

Respiratory problems are more than common in our society today. It is estimated that at any one time, over a third of our population has had a cold or flu within the last two weeks. A “cold” is usually an attempt by the body to cleanse itself of a waste overload, toxins and bacteria that have built up to a point where natural defenses cannot cope with or overcome them. So the wonderful, complex immune system opens up, drains the body of excess mucous accumulation and bacterial colonies through coughing, runny nose, sneezing, diarrhea, etc., and begins to rebuild a stronger, cleaner system. The glands are always affected, and as the endocrine system is on a six day cycle, a normal “cold” usually runs for about a week as the body works through its detoxification process.

Therefore, the cure is not really the problem in a cold or flu infection, the cause is. Chronic respiratory diseases stem from several areas of environment and lifestyle problems, but poor diet is the single most influential source. The person who suffers frequently from sinus headaches, bronchitis, chronic colds, flu, sore throat and cough, is invariably a person who eats many acid and mucous-forming foods, such as red meats, caffeine containing foods, salty, sugary, starchy foods, pasteurized, full-fat dairy products and refined foods, with few fresh fruits and vegetables. This way of eating causes too much mucous to be formed int eh system, and allowing tissue congestions. Not only is the body full of more mucous than it needs, the excess is often filled with toxic impurities and unreleased wastes from preservatives, chemical additives, pesticide residues, etc., a perfect breeding ground for harmful bacteria and viruses.

Allergy reactions are also increasing in our lives, as environmental toxins, acid rain, a depleted ozone layer, chemically treated foods, radiation levels, more anti-biotic and prescription drug use, and stress affect and lower immune strength. Most of these allergens produce respiratory clogging and congestion as the body tries to seal them off from its regular processes, or tries to work around them. Extra mucous is formed as a shield around these substances, and we get the allergy symptoms of sinus clog, stuffiness, hayfever, headaches, and red, puffy eyes. Or the body tries to throw the congestion off through the skin, causing skin rashes and irritation, fever blisters, abscesses and scratchy cough.

Drugs and over-the-counter medicines only relieve the symptoms of infection. They do not cure it, and often make the situation worse by depressing the immune system, and drying up necessary mucous elimination, thus keeping the harmful bacteria, virus, or allergens inside the body.

A short liquid mucous elimination fast, diet change, and supplementation with herbs are the most beneficial and quickest means of controlling allergies and overcoming chronic respiratory problems.

Herbal combinations can work simultaneously, or following, a mucous cleansing diet. They can neutralize allergens, increase oxygen uptake in the lungs and tissues, encourage adrenal gland function, and allow better sleep and activity while work on the underlying causes is taking place.

Combinations in this section for respiratory support and allergy control are effective in the following circumstances and conditions:
ASTHMA ~ COLDS ~ FLU ~ BRONCHITIS ~ SINUSITIS ~ HAYFEVER & POLLEN ALLERGIES ~ SORE THROAT & TONSILLITIS ~ EMPHYSEMA & SMOKING DISEASES ~ CHRONIC COUGH ~ TASTE & SMELL LOSS ~ ADRENAL EXHAUSTION ~ CHRONIC HEADACHES ~ EAR INFECTION

Areas of emphasis to be considered for formulation should include:
1) Herbs to aid and support mucous cleansing
2) Herbs to aid in allergy control
3) Herbs to rebuild respiratory strength

Source: How To Be Your Own Herbal Pharmacist by Linda Rector-Page, N.D., Ph.D.

Call to schedule your herbal consultation today - 888.690.3456 or locally 303.695.7695 or email herbalist@thebossgrp.com.

Holistic Nutrition - Top 12 Power Foods!

2008-09-12T08:50:00.001-06:00

Top 12 Power FOODS
by Edward Bauman, M.Ed, Ph.D.

The top 12 most health-enhancing foods.

Avocado. Reduces risk of heart attack. Aids in blood and tissue regeneration. High in protein, phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, and manganese. Stabilizes blood sugar and excellent for heart disorders.

Beets. Richer than spinach in iron and other minerals. One of the best foods to relieve constipation. Good for obesity. Aid digestion, as well as lymphatic, gall bladder, and liver function. Also aid anemia by helping to build red blood cells.

Blueberry. Unusual type of antibiotic action, blocking attachment of bacteria that cause urinary tract infections. Also has anti-viral activity. Contains silicon, which helps rejuvenate the pancreas. Good for diabetic conditions.

Cabbage (including broccoli and bok choy). Contains numerous anti-cancer and antioxidant compounds. Helps block breast cancer and suppress growth of polyps, a prelude to colon cancer. Eating cabbage more than once a week cut men’s colon cancer odds 66%, and as little as two daily tablespoons of cooked cabbage protected against stomach cancer (Murray and Pizzorno, 2005). Contains anti-ulcer compounds; cabbage juice helps heal ulcers in humans. Kills bacteria and viruses. Stimulates the immune system. A good blood purifier and vitalizing agent.

Carrot. High in beta carotene, a powerful anti-cancer, artery-protecting, immune-boosting, infection-fighting antioxidant with wide protective powers. A carrot a day slashed stroke rates in women by 68%. The beta-carotene in one medium carrot cuts lung cancer risk in half, even among formerly heavy smokers (Murray and Pizzorno, 2005). Improves the eyesight. Beta carotene, as found in carrots, substantially reduces odds of degenerative eye diseases such as cataracts and macular degeneration. The high soluble fiber in carrots promotes regularity. Cooking can make it easier for the body to absorb carrot’s beta-carotene. Builds healthy skin and tissue. Good for heart disease. Reduces the risk of cancer.

Celery. A traditional remedy for high blood pressure. Eat two to four stalks a day. Also has a mild diuretic effect. Contains eight different families of anti-cancer compounds that detoxify carcinogens. Aids digestion, as well as kidney and liver function. Good for blood sugar regulation. Reduces water retention. Helps regulate the nervous system.

Cranberry. An excellent curative and preventative therapy for the entire breathing apparatus. Contain a natural vasodilator, which opens the bronchial tubes. Long used for its powers against bacterial infections and viruses of the bladder, kidneys, and urinary tract.

Flax seed. Used primarily for constipation. Helps with gastritis, colitis, or other inflammations of the digestive tract. Lowers blood fat levels often associated with heart attacks and strokes. Its soluble fibers reduce harmful blood cholesterol levels. Rich source of lignans, a documented anti-cancer agent that prevents colon and breast cancer. Improves moods, diminishes allergies, and produces healthier skin.

Fish and fish oil. An ounce a day cut risk of heart attacks by 50% (Murray and Pizzorno, 2005). Omega-3 fatty acids in fish can relieve symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, asthma, psoriasis, and high blood pressure. A known anti-inflammatory agent and anti-coagulant. Raises good HDL cholesterol. Lowers triglycerides. Guards against glucose intolerance and Type II diabetes. Some fish are high in antioxidants, such as selenium and coenzyme Q-10. Exhibits anti-cancer activity, especially blocking development of colon cancer and spread of breast cancer. Fish highest in omega-3 fatty acids include sardines, mackerel, herring, salmon, and tuna.

Garlic. Broad-spectrum antibiotic that combats bacteria, intestinal parasites, and viruses. Lowers blood pressure and blood cholesterol, discourages dangerous blood clotting. Two or three cloves a day cut the odds of subsequent heart attacks in half in heart patients. Contains multiple anti-cancer compounds and antioxidants, topping the National Cancer Institute’s list of a potential cancer-preventing food. Lessens risk of stomach cancer in particular. A good cold medication, acting as a decongestant, expectorant, and anti-inflammatory agent. Boosts immune response.

Mushroom (maitake and shiitake). Enhances immune function. Used as a longevity tonic, heart medicine, and cancer remedy in Asia. Current research shows that mushrooms, such as maitake, help prevent and/or treat cancer, viral diseases, high cholesterol, and high blood pressure. Eaten daily, maitake or shiitake, fresh (three ounces) or dried (one-third ounce), cut cholesterol by 7% and 12%, respectively (Murray and Pizzorno, 2005). Used to treat leukemia in China and breast cancer in Japan.

Seaweed. One of the best foods to nourish the thyroid; its iodine content helps prevent goiter. Rich in important minerals, so helpful against many degenerative diseases. Benefits include reducing blood cholesterol and helping disorders of the genito-urinary and reproductive systems. Kelp has anti-bacterial and anti-viral activity. Most types of seaweed have anti-cancer activity. Studies show that some seaweeds (including arame, hiziki, and kombu) can help remove radioactive elements from the body (Murray and Pizzorno, 2005). Long acclaimed as beauty aids as they help maintain beautiful skin and lustrous hair.

Health-Enhancing Herbs and Spices

Fenugreek seed. A spice common in the Middle East and available in many U.S. food markets. Has anti-diabetic powers, helping to control surges of blood sugar and insulin. Has anti-cancer properties and tends to lower blood pressure. Helps prevent intestinal gas.

Ginger. Classic tonic for the digestive tract. Stimulates digestion and keeps the intestinal muscles toned. Acts as an anti-inflammatory agent, so can relieve symptoms of arthritis. Supports a healthy cardiovascular system.

Parsley. Anti-cancer because of high levels of antioxidants. Good for purifying the blood and stimulating the bowel. Rich in iron, copper, and manganese. Makes an excellent tea and helps to release retained water. Builds the blood and stimulates brain activity.

Turmeric. A marvelous medicinal spice. Its main active ingredient is curcumin, which gives turmeric its intense cadmium yellow color. Curcumin is an anti-inflammatory agent on a par with cortisone and can reduce symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Helps to lower cholesterol. Protects the liver from toxins, boosts stomach defenses against acid, lowers blood sugar in diabetics, and acts as a powerful anti-cancer agent.

Remember to buy organic foods whenever possible!

References

Murray, Michael T.; Pizzorno, Joseph; and Pizzorno, Lara (2005). The Encyclopedia of Healing Foods. New York: Atria Books (a division of Simon & Schuster).

Wild Carrot Fertility Study 2009

2008-08-18T11:48:00.001-06:00

Wild Carrot Fertility Study 2009

Posted: 17 Aug 2008 12:47 PM CDT

Herbalists Robin Rose Bennett and Mischa Schuler are beginning a two part national study of Wild Carrot (Daucus carota) seeds and flowers. The two-fold purpose of the study is first to demonstrate the effectiveness of Wild Carrot flower and seed tincture as a “morning-after” herb for natural, conscious contraception and second to investigate the effectiveness of wild carrot used cyclically to promote healthy conception and pregnancy.

If you are interested in participating in either branch of this study, please contact Robin at robin@robinrosebennett.com (www.wisewomanhealingways.com) and/or Mischa at wildcarrotherbs@gmail.com (www.wildcarrotherbs.com)

The potential participant form will be e-mailed or mailed out to you upon request.

They are also teaching a class on Wild Carrot at the Women’s Herbal Conference in Peterborough, NH, August 22-24 (www.sagemountain.com)

Toothaches and Chinese Meridians...

2008-08-08T14:20:00.002-06:00

Ever wonder if your toothache has something to do with what's going on in your body...?

Check out this interactive website, and learn more about Tooth Meridian Relationships

Herbs To Fight Infection

2008-08-08T09:55:00.003-06:00

HERBS TO FIGHT INFECTION

Herbal therapy can be effective and all-encompassing in overcoming many kinds of infections. As anti-bacterial agents, herbs contain powerful natural substances to flush and cleanse the lymph glands, allowing the body to process out harmful pathogenic wastes. Herbs are effective internally in overcoming both acute and chronic infections, and externally as poultices or compresses, to draw out poisons or infection through the skin.

Herbal anti-biotic compounds are also beneficial when used in conjunction with other therapeutic herbal formulas to increase their efficacy, especially at the beginning or acute stages of an illness. Success has been particular in cases of oncoming colds and fever, swollen glands, bronchitis, inflamed lung and chest ailments, heavy post-nasal drip, low grade throat and sinus infections, and “hanging on” infective conditions, where the body can’t seem to “get over” a problem.

Herbal anti-viral compounds have had notable success against the strong, pernicious viruses that cause many of today’s serious illnesses. Severe flu and viral infections such as AIDS, HPV and viral warts are becoming increasingly prevalent and insidious in America, as air and soil pollutants, chemical foods and preservatives, over-use of drugs and generally poor nutrition lower our immune defenses. These progressively virulent viruses do not respond to medical anti-biotics, and many people have been prostrated for weeks at a time, unable to overcome them. Herbal anti-viral combinations have been effective when anti-biotic drugs were not.

Anti-fungal combinations are beneficial in cases of chronic athletes foot, thrush, nail fungus, and persistent vaginitis. Fungus conditions are often caused or aggravated by poor enzyme function, (sometimes a result of too much caffeine in the diet) and the lack of friendly intestinal flora in the digestive tract. Herbs can effectively address both of these needs, with the concentrated strength to remedy the problem more rapidly than dietary methods alone.

Combinations in this section to control infection are effective in the following circumstances and conditions:

COLDS ~ FLU ~ BRONCHITIS ~ SINUSITIS ~ PHEMONIA & PLEURISY ~ SORE THROAT & CHRONIC COUGH ~ CANDIDA ALBICANS ~ ALLERGIC & HISTAMINE REACTIONS ~ THRUSH & FUNGAL INFECTIONS & ADRENAL EXHAUSTION ~ CHRONIC LOW GRADE INFECTIONS

Areas for formulation should include:
1) Herbs to overcome bacterial infection
2) Herbs to fight viral infection
3) Herbs to overcome fungal infections
4) Herbs to help overcome chronic colds
5) Herbs to fight flu infections

Source: How To Be Your Own Herbal Phamacist by Linda Rector-Page, N.D., Ph.D.

Learn to read your foot with Reflexology!

2008-08-08T09:54:00.002-06:00

Place mouse anywhere over the foot and click to find out more about Reflexology! Have fun!

HERBS TO FIGHT INFECTION

2008-07-21T20:34:00.001-06:00

Herbal therapy can be effective and all-encompassing in overcoming many kinds of infections. As anti-bacterial agents, herbs contain powerful natural substances to flush and cleanse the lymph glands, allowing the body to process out harmful pathogenic wastes. Herbs are effective internally in overcoming both acute and chronic infections, and externally as poultices or compresses, to draw out poisons or infection through the skin.

Herbal anti-biotic compounds are also beneficial when used in conjunction with other therapeutic herbal formulas to increase their efficacy, especially at the beginning or acute stages of an illness. Success has been particular in cases of oncoming colds and fever, swollen glands, bronchitis, inflamed lung and chest ailments, heavy post-nasal drip, low grade throat and sinus infections, and “hanging on” infective conditions, where the body can’t seem to “get over” a problem.

Herbal anti-viral compounds have had notable success against the strong, pernicious viruses that cause many of today’s serious illnesses. Severe flu and viral infections such as AIDS, HPV and viral warts are becoming increasingly prevalent and insidious in America, as air and soil pollutants, chemical foods and preservatives, over-use of drugs and generally poor nutrition lower our immune defenses. These progressively virulent viruses do not respond to medical anti-biotics, and many people have been prostrated for weeks at a time, unable to overcome them. Herbal anti-viral combinations have been effective when anti-biotic drugs were not.

Anti-fungal combinations are beneficial in cases of chronic athletes foot, thrush, nail fungus, and persistent vaginitis. Fungus conditions are often caused or aggravated by poor enzyme function, (sometimes a result of too much caffeine in the diet) and the lack of friendly intestinal flora in the digestive tract. Herbs can effectively address both of these needs, with the concentrated strength to remedy the problem more rapidly than dietary methods alone.

Combinations in this section to control infection are effective in the following circumstances and conditions:

COLDS ~ FLU ~ BRONCHITIS ~ SINUSITIS ~ PHEMONIA & PLEURISY ~ SORE THROAT & CHRONIC COUGH ~ CANDIDA ALBICANS ~ ALLERGIC & HISTIMINE REACTIONS ~ THRUSH & FUNGAL INFECTIONS & ADRENAL EXHAUSTION ~ CHRONIC LOW GRADE INFECTIONS

Areas for formulation should include:
1) Herbs to overcome bacterial infection
2) Herbs to fight viral infection
3) Herbs to overcome fungal infections
4) Herbs to help overcome chronic colds
5) Herbs to fight flu infections

Source: How To Be Your Own Herbal Pharmacist by Linda Rector-Page N.D., Ph.D.

The Integrative Medicine Wheel

2008-07-08T08:20:00.002-06:00

Confused about what the term "integrative medicine" really means? The The Integrative Medicine Wheel(sm) can help. It illustrates the spectrum of therapies that come together to form the field of integrative medicine. This is a practical tool you can use in communicating with your physician and others on your healthcare team about treatment options for a given health condition, and complementary relationships among them...

For the rest of the article, click here

To schedule your Herbal Medicine consultation, email herbalist@thebossgrp.com or call 303.695.7695.

HERBAL DEFENSE AGAINST OPPORTUNISTIC DISEASE

2008-07-07T19:42:00.000-06:00

Many things in today’s world serve to depress immunity and make the body vulnerable to disease. We call a virus or bacteria “opportunistic” when it becomes virulent and overwhelms a depressed immune system. Most of these infections are devastating and difficult to overcome. The harmful organisms must be neutralized, while the nourishing and vigorous rebuilding of a weakened defense system is developed against continuation and recurrence.

Common cause that lower immune defenses to a drastic level include:

• Heavy use of anti-biotics, prescription or pleasure drugs, infected needles, cortico-steroids, birth control pills, unnecessary childhood vaccinations or travel immunizations. (These often seem to alter thymus gland activity, and it immune-controlling ability.)
• Sexual contact with infected and contagious persons who pass an opportunistic organism.
• Highly stressed lifestyles, demanding too much physical and mental energy, and depleting basic body reserves.
• Poor diet of refined and non-food foods, causing poor cell health and nutritional deficiencies on a wide scale; too many chemicals in and on foods that the body cannot use for fuel or replenishment, and that interfere with normal body chemistry.
• An imbalanced over-acid system that allows disease elements to exist and grow.
• Auto-toxemia through poor waste elimination and constipation.
• Exhausted liver and adrenal glands; general gland and hormone depletion and imbalance.

A high resistance, immune-building nutritional program is necessary for success over opportunistic diseases. They are major illnesses, and must be approached with vigorous energy, commitment and treatment. The intestinal environment must be changed to create a hostile climate for the pathogenic bacteria. The herbal formulas in this section are for the ill person who needs drastic measures – concentrated defense strength in a short time. These combinations represent the first emergency intensive stages of a program to reverse body deterioration. Vigorous treatment is recommended on all fronts.

Combinations in this section for defense against opportunistic disease are effective in the following circumstances and conditions:

AIDS & ARC ~ LUPUS ~ M.S. ~ MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ~ HERPES ~ RHEUMATIC FEVER ~ MONONUCLEOSIS ~ CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME ~ HPV – ECZEMA & PSORIASIS ~ CANDIDA ALBICANS ~ NEUROLOGICAL LYME DISEASE ~ HEPATITIS ~ PARASITIC INFECTIONS ~ TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME

Areas for formulation should include:
1) Purifying herbs to detoxify and alkalize the bloodstream.
2) Liver, organ and enzyme stimulating herbs to stabilize blood composition and deter cell deterioration.
3) Herbs to help rebuild healthy new blood and immune defenses.

courtesy of How To Be Your Own Herbal Pharmacist by Linda Rector-Page, N.D., Ph.D.

Call to schedule your 90-minute herbal consultation - 303.695.7695 or email herbalist@thebossgrp.com.

HERBS TO OVERCOME CANCER & DEGENERATIVE DISEASE

2008-06-27T10:51:00.002-06:00

The natural healing world has concentrated intensely on cancer and degenerative diseases such as M.S., muscular dystrophy, and lupus in the past few years, and has learned much about how to deal with these often unnecessary killers. Even though today’s statistics show that 30% of all Americans will contract some kind of cancer in their lives, new evidence is indicating that 90% of all cancer, and most degenerative disease, is environmentally caused and therefore preventable.

These diseases are opportunistic, attacking when immune defenses and bloodstream health are low or toxic. Most are caused or aggravated by poor nutrition. Accumulated nutrient deficiencies develop over a long period of time – too many refined foods, fats and red meats; too little fiber, fresh foods, and food-source vitamins and minerals. These deficiencies eventually change body chemistry. The immune system cannot defend properly when biochemistry is altered. It can’t tell its own cells from invading toxic cells, and sometimes attacks everything, or nothing, in confusion. Many cancers respond well to nutritional improvement.

Degenerative diseases seem to make the body crave deficient de-mineralized foods; starving them out feels like any drug withdrawal. The fight against this isn’t easy, but as healthy cells rebuild, the cravings subside. They also seem to live and grow in the unreleased waste and mucous in the body. Avoid red meats, pork, fried foods, sugars, caffeine and preserved or colored foods of all kinds, and foods sprayed with heavy pesticides. They deprive the body of oxygen use, and provide little to no usable nutrition for building healthy cells and tissue. These foods clog the system, and vital organs cannot cleanse enough of the waste to maintain health. Also avoid continuous use of antacids! They interfere with enzyme production, and the body’s ability to carry off heavy metal toxicity.

LOVE YOUR LIVER! It is the main organ to keep clean and working well. The liver is a powerful chemical plant in the body that can keep the immune system going, healthy red blood cells forming, and oxygen in the bloodstream and tissues.

A viable answer to these conditions seems to lie in promoting and environment where cancer and degenerative disease can’t live; and where inherent immunity can remain effective. These diseases do not seem to grow or take hold where oxygen and minerals (particularly potassium) are high in vital body fluids. Vegetable proteins and amino acids in the body allow maximum use and assimilation of body oxygen and minerals. Regular exercise is almost a “cancer defense” in itself, as it also enhances oxygen use, and accelerates passage of material through the colon.

Herbs are very effective against cancer and degenerative disease, both as part of a healing and control program, and as a preventive against recurrence.

It is vitally important to follow a concentrated program when addressing these diseases, incorporating several aspects of natural healing diet, exercise, enemas, vitamin therapy and herbs all need to be coordinated for there to be remission. A concerted effort is necessary for at least six months to a year. Don’t become discouraged, no matter how many times you must return to the beginning juice and raw foods diets. Many people have beaten these “incurable” problems. Success is very possible.

Combinations in this section to overcome cancer and control degenerative disease are also effective in the following conditions:
MANY TYPES OF SYSTEMIC CANCERS ~ MELANOMA ~ LEUKEMIA ~ MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS ~ MUSCULAR DYSTROPHY ~ CEREBRAL PALSY ~ PERNICIOUS ANEMIA ~ PARKINSON’S DISEASE ~ LUPUS ~ NEUROLOGICAL LYME DISEASE ~ MALIGNANT TUMORS

Areas for formulation should include:
1) Detoxifying herbs for elimination support and cleansing acceleration
2) Liver cleansing and stimulating herbs to stabilize blood composition and deter cancer cell proliferation
3) Herbs to help rebuild healthy new blood and replace diseased tissue

Degenerative disease is often created or allowed by the accumulation and saturation of toxic matter in the body, throwing defense mechanisms and vitality out of balance. Liquid fasting for detoxification is a well-documented therapeutic method that works particularly will in reversing disease of this kind. The success of this technique acknowledges the intelligence of the human body as a self-healing entity. An elimination fast, especially with alkalizing juices and herbs allows the body in its wisdom to decompose substances and tissue that are damaged, diseased or unneeded, such as abscesses, tumors, and congestive waste, etc. Fasting also seems to release immune-stimulating hormone secretions which augment the infection and disease-fighting process.

courtesy of How To Be Your Own Herbal Pharmacist by Linda Rector-Page, N.D., Ph.D.

Call to schedule your 90-minute herbal consultation - 303.695.7695 or email herbalist@thebossgrp.com.

Immune System Strength & Support

2008-06-20T12:19:00.002-06:00

Immune System Strength & Support

The Immune system is the most complex and delicately balanced infrastructure of the body. An immune support formula must necessarily be quite intricate and diverse to effectively address its requirements. Only recently, because of the great and devastating rise in opportunistic disease in the world today, has mankind begun to focus attention on understanding its nature and comprehensive dynamics. It is an individual defense system, that can come charging to the rescue at the first sign of an alien force, such as harmful viral or bacterial invasion. It is also an autonomic, subconscious system that can fend off and/or neutralize disease toxins and allow the body to heal itself. But modern lifestyles in general, debilitate immunity. Stress and tension greatly deplete its strength. An overload of chemical antibiotics, vaccinations, immunizations, cortico-steroid drugs, and antacids can affect its balance to the point where it cannot distinguish harmful cells from healthy cells, and attacks everything (as in AIDS cases today). Most of the time, the immune system functions at its best when we can limit over-kill from drugs, and chemical anti-biotics, and just “get out of the way” by keeping the body clean, well-nourished with a natural diet, and supported with herbal nutrients. Available immune energy is then directed toward rebuilding and maintaining strength instead of constantly conducting “search and destroy” defense.

In general, an immune-enhancement program should be directed toward giving the whole body very high quality nutrients at the first sign of infection or loss of health, and should be continued for several months to insure optimum stability and disease prevention.

A formulation for immune support will also be effective in the following circumstances and conditions:

VIRAL INFECTION ~ CHRONIC FATIGUE SYNDROME & EBV ~ COLDS, FLU & PNEUMONIA ~ BACTERIAL INFECTION ~ ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS & HEAVY METAL POISONING ~ STAPH & STREP INFECTION ~ LUPUS ~ CANDIDA ALBICANS ~ HERPES ~ MENINGITIS & RHEUMATIC FEVER ~ INTERNAL PARASITES & WORMS ~ MEASLES ~ MONONUCLEOSIS ~ TOXIC SHOCK SYNDROME ~ WARTS, TUMORS, ABSCESSES & CYSTS ~ HPV VIRUS, AIDS & ARC ~ EARLY AGING ~ STRESS & TENSION ~ PRESCRIPTION OR PLEASURE DRUG OVER-USE

Areas of emphasis to be considered for formulations should include:
1) herbs for blood purification and body chemistry change
2) herbs to detoxify and cleanse the liver, organs and endocrine system
3) herbs to strengthen and rebuild liver, organs and glandular balance
4) herbs to rebuild and maintain immune defenses

Courtesy of How To Be Your Own Herbal Pharmacist by Linda Rector-Page, N.D., Ph.D.

Call to schedule your Herbal Consultation - 888.690.3456 or local 303.695.7695 or email herbalist@thebossgrp.com

Herbs for Detoxification & Body Cleansing

2008-06-05T09:11:00.004-06:00

Environmental toxins, secondary smoke inhalation, alcohol, prescription and pleasure drug abuse, "hidden" chemicals and pollutants in many food that cause allergies and addictions, caffeine overload, and increased daily stress are all becoming more and more a part of our lives. These things greatly deplete the body and immune system. Poor immunity eventually results in debilitating disease. This has become the prime factor in allowing today's "civilization" diseases, such and Candida Albicans, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lupus, AIDS and ARC, HPV, etc to take hold.

In the past, detoxification was used either clinically, for recovering alcoholics and drug addicts, or individually, as a once-a-year mild "spring cleaning" for health maintenance. Today detoxification is becoming necessary not only to health, but for the quality of our lives, since we are surrounded by so much involuntary toxicity. Optimally, one should detoxify two or three times a year to prevent disease and encourage health; in the Spring, Summer or early Fall, when the body can get an extra boost in this effort from sunlight and natural Vitamin D.

A good cleansing program should be in three stages: CLEANSING, REBUILDING, MAINTAINING. Herbs in their abundance of diversity, and the specific nature of their activity are optimally suited to these tasks.

Formulas for detoxification and blood cleansing are also effective in the following circumstances and conditions:

ALCOHOL & DRUG ABUSE - NICOTINE ADDICTION & WITHDRAWAL - LIVER & SPLEEN DISEASE - BACTERIAL INFECTION - ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTANTS & HEAVY METAL POISONING - STAPH & STREP INFECTION - KIDNEY STONES & KIDNEY INFECTION - ECZEMA & PSORIASIS - HERPES - MENINGITIS & RHEUMATIC FEVER - HEPATITIS - ACNE & DERMATITIS - MONONUCLEOSIS - MALIGNANT TUMORS - WARTS, TUMORS, ABSCESSES & CYSTS - HPV VIRUS, AIDS & ARC - EPILEPSY - HYPOGLYCEMIA - INTERNAL PARASITES & WORMS

Areas of emphasis to be considered for formulation should include:
1) herbs for (a) blood purification, (b) mucous and (c) bowel cleansing;
2) herbs for rebuilding liver, organ and glandular health;
3) herbs for long term rebuilding and maintenance.

(source: HOW TO BE YOUR OWN HERBAL PHARMACIST, by Linda Rector-Page, N.D., PhD of Crystal Star Herbal Therapy)

Call to schedule your Herbal consultation - 303-886-0673 or email herbalist@thebossgrp.com.

Comparison: Holistic Medicine vs Conventional Medicine

2008-05-08T13:54:00.003-06:00

Did you ever wonder what the difference is between Holistic and Conventional Medicine?

Learn more by clicking on the title of this posting!

Mandatory Vaccines Benefit Drug Companies!

2008-05-08T13:51:00.003-06:00

This article appeared in the Tampa Tribune on March 20, 2007.

There's nothing wrong with a drug maker publicizing its products and their benefits, but the lure of lucrative government contracts can prompt them to play fast and loose. In lobbying state lawmakers to make its latest vaccine mandatory, Merck has greatly exaggerated both the threat of a disease and the ability of a drug to prevent it.

Learn more by clicking on the title of this posting!

Free Herbal Student Clinic - May 10th

2008-05-01T22:13:00.002-06:00

Come on down!

Would love to let the community know about this Free Herbal Student Clinic on Saturday, May 10th:

This student clinic is designed to give our future herbalists experience in conducting herbal consultations, providing health recommendations and dispensing herbal formulas to the public. You will be interviewed and seen by the students. Students will be supervised by staff members and consult with them periodically regarding your health history, therapy plan and herbals.

Your herbal consultation will take 2 hours or less. You will be interviewed by one or two students. They will check your pulse and tongue and possibly do other non-invasive assessments. You will be asked to wait a few minutes while they consult with instructors and make up your herbs. You will be given written instructions on how to take the herbs and on all health recommendations. You may be asked to return for a follow-up appointment so students can check your progress and adjust or extend your herbal formula as needed.

Both Western and Chinese herbs will be used and dispensed. Your herbal consultation is free of charge. All herbs dispensed cost $9/oz. A four ounce bottle ($36.00 + tax) is the typical amount dispensed and should last you about 3 weeks, depending on dose.

If you have something you have been dealing with a SHORT time or a LONG time, this herbal clinic is for you. This can range from a chronic cough to skin rashes to muscle aches to arthritis to a baby having diarrhea. Come one come all! We are here to help you and your family.

Call LaShay at 303.695.7695 or email herbalist@thebossgrp.com to schedule and for more details. By appointment only and we don't have very many slots left.

Free Herbal Student Clinic

2008-04-06T12:53:00.000-06:00

Hello beautiful one!

Would love to let the community know about this Fre*e Herbal Student Clinic on April 19th and 20th. I will be there!:
This student clinic is designed to give our future herbalists experience in conducting herbal consultations, providing health recommendations and dispensing herbal formulas to the public. You will be interviewed and seen by the students. Students will be supervised by staff members and consult with them periodically regarding your health history, therapy plan and herbals.

Your herbal consultation will take 2 hours or less. You will be interviewed by one or two students. They will check your pulse and tongue and possibly do other non-invasive assessments. You will be asked to wait a few minutes while they consult with instructors and make up your herbs. You will be given written instructions on how to take the herbs and on all health recommendations. You may be asked to return for a follow-up appointment so students can check your progress and adjust or extend your herbal formula as needed.

Both Western and Chinese herbs will be used and dispensed. Your herbal consultation is free of charge. All herbs dispensed cost $9/oz. A four ounce bottle ($36.00 + tax) is the typical amount dispensed and should last you about 3 weeks, depending on dose.

If you have something you have been dealing with a SHORT time or a LONG time, this herbal clinic is for you. This can range from a chronic cough to skin rashes to muscle aches to arthritis to a baby having diarrhea. Come one come all! We are here to help you and your family.

Call LaShay at 303.695.7695 or email herbalist@thebossgrp.com to schedule and for more details. By appointment only and we don't have very many slots left.

Schedule Your Session today!

2008-03-16T16:44:00.002-06:00

Fill out the appointment form to schedule your session and I will call you right away to confirm your appointment!

Available slots for March 2008:
Friday, March 21st
Saturday, March 22nd
Sunday, March 23rd
Friday, March 28th
Saturday, March 29th
Sunday, March 30th

Everyday Pain Control with Reflexology

2008-03-16T16:31:00.001-06:00

With internationally acclaimed Reflexologist Bill Flocco!!

ONE NIGHT ONLY!

Friday, June 27, 2008 ~~~ 6:00 – 9:00 PM
sponsored by the Associated Reflexologists of Colorado www.reflexology-colorado.org/

Find relief from stress, tension & pain with pressure points on feet, hands & ears for:

• Headaches
• Sinuses
• Lungs/breathing
• Allergies
• Heartburn
• Stomach ailments
• TMJ
• Bladder
• PMS
• Liver
• Back
• Hips
• Sciatica
• Neck
• Shoulder, rotator & between shoulder blades
....and profound relaxation
• Digestion: Bowels – Colon
• Nutrient Absorption & metabolism

WHO is Bill Flocco?!
Bill is founder & Director of the American Academy of Reflexology, Los Angeles, CA (www.americanacademyofreflexology.com/) With degrees in Public Health, Education & Social Sciences, Bill was a high school teacher who became a national trainer with the NEA, until unresolved health challenges led him to Reflexology. Author of numerous Reflexology books, workbooks, instructional manuals, charts and articles, Bill is a tireless researcher & proponent. He appears regularly on radio and TV shows on behalf of Reflexology, and is a motivational speaker at Reflexology conventions across America & around the world.

Where: CO Christian University School of Music, 1 Garrison Street, Lakewood, CO
Fee: $35.00 by 6/15/08 (includes manual). $45.00 at the door.
This event will sell out. Pre-registration strongly recommended!
Questions: Jennifer at 303-873-0744 or email jennreinbrecht@yahoo.com or go to www.reflexology-colorado.org/

What are the most common reactions?

2008-03-03T21:57:00.001-07:00

Most common reactions are related to the body cleansing itself of toxins, so they manifest in the elimination systems of the body - the kidneys, bowels, skin and lungs. The following reactions are not usual:

Increased urination as the kidneys are stimulated to produce more urine, which may be darker and stronger smelling due to the toxic content.

Flatulence and more frequent bowel movements.

Aggravated skin conditions, particularly in conditions which have been suppressed, such as increased perspiration and pimples.

Improved skin tone and tissue texture due to improved circulation.

Increased secretions of the mucous membranes in the nose, mouth and bronchioles.

Disrupted sleep patterns - either deeper or more disturbed sleep.

Dizziness or nausea.

A temporary outbreak of a disease which has been suppressed.

Increased discharge from the vagina.

Feverishness.

Tiredness.

Headaches.

Depression, overwhelming desire to weep.

Whatever the reactions, they are a necessary part of the healing process and will pass. Drinking water - preferably warm, boiled water with the juice of an organic lemon or a spoon of cider vinegar - in place of other liquids will assist in flushing toxins from the system rapidly.

The length of the reflexology treatment and number of sessions will vary according to the patient and the condition. The course should be 8-12 treatments once or twice a week. For optimum results, two sessions a week are recommended until there is an improvement, and then gradually reduce the frequency. A one-off treatment will not correct problems which have been developing over several years.

Call to schedule your reflexology session today - 303.695.7695 or email reflexology@thebossgrp.com.

Gift Certificate for Reflexology session!

2008-02-04T23:58:00.001-07:00

Can Reflexology help? ABSOLUTELY! I hold the space for your body to heal itself. I haven't met anyone yet who can't benefit from Reflexology. IT'S ALL ABOUT STRESS RELIEF AND RELAXATION! Stress is the #1 contributor to disease!

Need a last minute gift idea? Call me with your credit card information to complete a gift certificate transaction in 5 minutes - 303.695.7695!

Last minute gift ideas:
It's 5 pm and I forgot!
Office birthday
Valentine's
Thank you
Baby Shower
Bosses Day
Customer Appreciation
Employee bonus
Employee incentive
Secret pal
Mother's Day/Father's Day
Administrative Assistance Day
Just because!

Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins

2008-01-28T22:48:00.000-07:00

On January 25, 2008, I received a call from one of my Reflexology clients. I had last seen her in October 2007. During her session, she had high sensitivity in her breast and lymphatic system reflex areas. She jokingly said 'Oh great! Now I have breast cancer.' I said 'Well, just make sure you get it checked out. I can only say that these are the reflexes for your breast and lymphatic system.' She was diagnosed with breast cancer a week before we talked on January 25th. She said I was the only one who noticed anything about her breast and lymphatic system. She thanked me and wanted me to know that Reflexology does work to give you 'warning.' She had surgery on the 28th. She is in my prayers.

Subject: Cancer Update from Johns Hopkins

1. Every person has cancer cells in the body. These cancer cells do not show up in the standard tests until they have multiplied to a few billion.When doctors tell cancer patients that there are no more cancer cells in their bodies after treatment, it just means the tests are unable to detect the cancer cells because they have not reached the detectable size.

2. Cancer cells occur between 6 to more than 10 times in a person's lifetime.

3. When the person's immune system is strong the cancer cells will be destroyed and prevented from multiplying and forming tumors.

4. When a person has cancer it indicates the person has multiple nutritional deficiencies. These could be due to genetic, environmental, food and lifestyle factors.

5. To overcome the multiple nutritional deficiencies, changing diet and including supplements will strengthen the immune system.

6. Chemotherapy involves poisoning the rapidly-growing cancer cells and also destroys rapidly-growing healthy cells in the bone marrow, gastro-intestinal tract etc, and can cause organ damage, like liver, kidneys, heart, lungs etc.

7. Radiation while destroying cancer cells also burns, scars and damages healthy cells, tissues and organs.

8. Initial treatment with chemotherapy and radiation will often reduce tumor size. However prolonged use of chemotherapy and radiation do not result in more tumor destruction.

9. When the body has too much toxic burden from chemotherapy and radiation the immune system is either compromised or destroyed, hence the person can succumb to various kinds of infections and complications.

10. Chemotherapy and radiation can cause cancer cells to mutate and become resistant and difficult to destroy. Surgery can also cause cancer cells to spread to other sites.

11. An effective way to battle cancer is to starve the cancer cells by not feeding it with the foods it needs to multiply.

CANCER CELLS FEED ON:

a. Sugar is a cancer-feeder. By cutting off sugar it cuts off one important food supply to the cancer cells. Sugar substitutes like NutraSweet, Equal, Spoonful, etc are made with Aspartame and it is harmful. A better natural substitute would be Manuka honey or molasses, but only in very small amounts. Table salt has a chemical added to make it white in colour. Better alternative is Bragg's aminos or sea salt.

b. Milk causes the body to produce mucus, especially in the gastro-intestinal tract. Cancer feeds on mucus. By cutting off milk and substituting with unsweetened soya milk cancer cells are being starved.

c. Cancer cells thrive in an acid environment. A meat-based diet is acidic and it is best to eat fish, and a little chicken rather than beef or pork. Meat also contains livestock antibiotics, growth hormones and parasites, which are all harmful, especially to people with cancer.

d. A diet made of 80% fresh vegetables and juice, whole grains, seeds, nuts and a little fruits help put the body into an alkaline environment. About 20% can be from cooked food including beans. Fresh vegetable juices provide live enzymes that are easily absorbed and reach down to cellular levels within 15 minutes to nourish and enhance growth of healthy cells. To obtain live enzymes for building healthy cells try and drink fresh vegetable juice (most vegetables including bean sprouts) and eat some raw vegetables 2 or 3 times a day. Enzymes are destroyed at temperatures of 104 degrees F (40 degrees C).

e. Avoid coffee, tea, and chocolate, which have high caffeine. Green tea is a better alternative and has cancer-fighting properties. Water-best to drink purified water, or filtered, to avoid known toxins
and heavy metals in tap water. Distilled water is acidic, avoid it.

12. Meat protein is difficult to digest and requires a lot of digestive enzymes. Undigested meat remaining in the intestines become putrified and leads to more toxic buildup.

13. Cancer cell walls have a tough protein covering. By refraining from or eating less meat it frees more enzymes to attack the protein walls of cancer cells and allows the body's killer cells to destroy the cancer cells.

14. Some supplements build up the immune system (IP6, Flor-ssence, Essiac, anti-oxidants, vitamins, minerals, EFAs etc.) to enable the body's own killer cells to destroy cancer cells. Other supplements like vitamin E are known to cause apoptosis, or programmed cell death, the body's normal method of disposing of damaged, unwanted, or unneeded cells.

15. Cancer is a disease of the mind, body, and spirit. A proactive and positive spirit will help the cancer warrior be a survivor. Anger, unforgiveness and bitterness put the body into a stressful and acidic
environment. Learn to have a loving and forgiving spirit. Learn to relax and enjoy life.

16. Cancer cells cannot thrive in an oxygenated environment. Exercising daily, and deep breathing help to get more oxygen down to the cellular level. Oxygen therapy is another means employed to destroy cancer cells.

CANCER UPDATE FROM JOHN HOPKINS HOSPITAL , U S - PLEASE READ

1. No plastic containers in micro.

2. No water bottles in freezer.

3. No plastic wrap in microwave.

Johns Hopkins has recently sent this out in its newsletters. This information is being circulated at Walter Reed Army Medical Center as well. Dioxin chemicals causes cancer, especially breast cancer. Dioxins are highly poisonous to the cells of our bodies. Don't freeze your plastic bottles with water in them as this releases dioxins from the plastic.

Recently, Dr. Edward Fujimoto, Wellness Program Manager at Castle Hospital , was on a TV program to explain this health hazard. He talked about dioxins and how bad they are for us. He said that we should not be heating our food in the microwave using plastic containers.

This especially applies to foods that contain fat.

He said that the combination of fat, high heat, and plastics releases dioxin into the food and ultimately into the cells of the body.

Instead, he recommends using glass, such as Corning Ware, Pyrex or ceramic containers for heating food. You get the same results, only without the dioxin. So such things as TV dinners, instant ramen and soups, etc., should be removed from the container and heated in something else.

Paper isn't bad but you don't know what is in the paper. It's just safer to use tempered glass, Corning Ware, etc. He reminded us that a while ago some of the fast food restaurants moved away from the foam containers to paper. The dioxin problem is one of the reasons.

Also, he pointed out that plastic wrap, such as Saran, is just as dangerous when placed over foods to be cooked in the microwave. As the food is nuked, the high heat causes poisonous toxins to actually melt out of the plastic wrap
and drip into the food. Cover food with a paper towel instead.

This is an article that should be sent to anyone
important in your life

Reflexology is the fastest growing therapy in complementary medicine!

2008-01-28T19:10:00.000-07:00

What do Fergie, pro golfer Sandy Lyle, hockey star Ron Greschner, fashion model Carol Alt, actress Lindsay Wagner and Broadway Tommy Tune all have in common? They are just a few of the people who have reportedly experienced reflexology! Your local ARCB certified Reflexologist, LaShay Canady, is enthused as the trend to old/new healing arts are sought. Doctors agree that many of our health problems can be linked to stress. Reflexology can negate the effects of stress while it help[s the body maintain balance. Reflexology gently nudges the body towards better functioning by improving lymphatic drainage and circulation. It helps break down calcification between nerve pathways and gets the muscles to relax and heal. If sensitivity is discovered during a session, it is an indicator of where the body is holding tension or congestion.

"Reflexology", a name for the application of pressure by the hands, to the feet, hands, and ears is different from any other natural therapeutic modality. The feet are respected by ARCB certified reflexologists across the United States. "I love what I have done for my clients. My work is very rewarding and holistic. I help clients with their body, mind and spirit connection" states Canady.

LaShay Canady, who is certified by the American Reflexology Certification Board, has been practicing for over 2 years. Canady has a dream to conduct more local workshops to teach individuals how to do Body Reflexology on themselves, at home and work, for health challenges such as asthma, stress, nausea, headaches, and upset stomach. In the United States, the economic toll of stress-related illnesses exceeds $200 billion annually by some estimates. Stress protects under acute conditions, but when activated chronically it can cause damage and accelerate disease.

ARCB is a nonprofit corporation. As an independent testing agency it offers national certification. Its primary aim is to certify the competency of those Reflexologists who practice on a professional basis and wish to be recognized as meeting national standards. Reflexology is a wholistic energy-based modality, working through the energies of the nervous, electrical, chemical and magnetic systems of the body. It utilizes manual techniques unique to the field of Reflexology. It is safe, non-invasive therapy, profoundly relaxing, and very healing.

LaShay Canady is a highly trained reflexologist. She would *love* the opportunity to speak with you about your health. Working with a professional Reflexologist helps you to be successful in reaching your optimal health with the right support. Having it all these days doesn't mean being sick half the time and so exhausted and stressed out that you can't enjoy life. If you are ready to partner with a Professional Reflexologist, call LaShay!

LaShay is a very dedicated and masterfully skilled reflexologist who genuinely wants to powerfully impact your life and your health! If you would like to know more about her and the services she offers her clients, visit her website: www.thebossgrp.com. She can be contacted at 303-695-7695 (MT) or email reflexology@thebossgrp.com. Her mission is to help you improve circulation, increase energy levels, and help your body achieve homeostasis or balance.###

Welcome to SendOutCards

2008-01-24T22:14:00.000-07:00

SendOutCards
Prints it...
Stuffs it...
Stamps it...
Mails it...
All for less than you can buy a greeting card at the store!

Send an Unexpected Card at an Unexpected Time. See what happens in their lives...and in yours!

Visit B.O.S.S. Group Cards to request a gift accout today to send free greeting cards.

A fantastic photographer!

2008-01-24T22:09:00.000-07:00

If you are in search for an outstanding photographer, you can't go wrong with Nicole Roche! Check out her blog to view some of her work.

Meridians and Reflexology

2008-01-24T19:56:00.000-07:00

The concept of energy channels is the central point around which the practices of reflexology and acupuncture are based. Both function on the premise that vital energy is channelled through the body along specific pathways. In acupuncture, these energy lines are the meridians. In reflexology, as has been perceived to date, the energy channels are those of the zones popularized by Dr. W. Fitzgerald.

Both practices assert that disease is caused by blockages in energy channels. The acupuncture points, situated all over the body, are usually stimulated or sedated with needles. Reflexology concentrates mainly on the feet, but can also work on the hands, ears or other parts of the body, stimulating with specific finger pressure techniques the reflex areas as well as the sections of meridians situated here.

~~ Courtesy of The New Reflexology by Inge Dougans

Gotcha Capitalism!

2008-01-24T18:47:00.001-07:00

Just when you thought you had a handle on your money...

The New Reflexology

2008-01-24T18:43:00.000-07:00

I love this book! A unique blend of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Reflexology Practice for Better Health and Healing

Facing the Giants! Sometimes we quit before we even get started!

2008-01-24T17:56:00.001-07:00

Check out my slideshow!

2008-01-24T17:07:00.000-07:00

Open House - February 8, 2008!

2008-01-24T16:37:00.000-07:00

Come on out!

Friday, February 8th from 5 - 8 pm. Please join us for drinks and appetizers. We're celebrating! Ring in the Chinese New Year. EVERYONE IS WELCOME!

WHERE: Meeting Point Community Acupuncture, 570 S. Broadway, Denver, CO 80209
303-777-0320

I will be introduced and you get to see my new office!

Call me to schedule your Reflexology session: 303-695-7695

What is Reflexology good for?

2008-01-14T18:51:00.000-07:00

Due to stress, illness, or inactivity, muscles in our bodies weaken; the muscle tissue in our feet give way and excessive pressure is exerted on nerve endings. As a result of these stresses, our bloodstream becomes congested, lacking in its oxygen-rich nutrients. Without the full cleansing power of the blood supply, waste matter collects in the feet, forming crystal-like deposits. The feet are “worked” to break down these deposits, which build up around the reflexes and nerve endings in the feet. The only tools used are the thumb and fingers on the reflex points. Reflexology improves circulation, increases energy levels, and helps the body achieve homeostasis or balance.

People are often amazed by the simplicity of reflexology and baffled by the results of applying precise pressure to the reflexes in the feet and hands.

People can get relief from their physical symptoms including the following:

Allergies
Headaches
Sinus problems
Asthma
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Constipation
Diarrhea
Menstrual problems
Backaches
Arthritis
Anemia
Angina
Bronchitis
Colitis
Irritable Bowel
Diabetes
Eczema
Emphysema
Fibroids
Gallstones
Gout
Hay fever
High blood pressure
Hernias
Impotence
Indigestion
Infertility
Mastitis
Migraine
Oedema
Psoriasis
Low energy
Prostate problems

In general a course of Reflexology will involve between six to ten treatments depending on the severity of the problem and how long the problem has been present.

Call me to schedule your first Reflexology session - 303-695-7695 or email me at reflexology@thebossgrp.com.

What can Acupuncture treat?

2008-01-13T23:45:00.000-07:00

The World Health Organization has recognized that the following conditions have been shown, through clinical trials, to be effectively treated by acupuncture:

Allergies, hay fever
Arthritis and R.A.
Correction of breech presentation and induction of labor
Dental pain
Depression
Headache
Hypertension and hypotension
Leucopenia (low white blood cell count)
Low back pain, neck pain, knee pain
Sprains
Menstrual pain and irregularities
Morning sickness, nausea, vomiting
Perimenopausal symptoms
Postoperative pain
Renal colic (typically from kidney stones)
Sciatica
Side effects of radiation or chemotherapy
Stroke
TMJ dysfunction
Tennis elbow, golfers elbow

Come visit Lisa Bullis or Jessica Hardy at 570 South Broadway, Denver CO 80209 ~ 303-777-0320, FREE PARKING!!

Meeting Point Community Acupuncture

2008-01-13T23:41:00.000-07:00

Acupuncture performed in a group setting is the way it has been practiced in China for thousands of years. At Meeting Point, they have a beautiful semi-private community room with massage tables and recliners. In this setting, several people can receive treatments at the same time; this creates a healing energy (Qi). They have a sliding fee scale for community treatments. No proof of financial status is necessary.

Jessica Hardy and Lisa Bullis are two wonderful acupuncturists! Come visit them at 570 South Broadway, Denver, CO 80209 ~ 303-777-0320. FREE PARKING!!

What IS Reflexology?

2008-01-12T12:50:00.000-07:00

A natural system of relaxation based on principles that the body is reflected on the feet and hands. Specific pressure is applied using the thumb, fingers, and hand techniques resulting in stress reduction, creating a physiological change in the body - healing.

Benefits from Reflexology:

Stress reductions, profound relaxation for all parts of the body
Negates the effects of stress while it helps the body relax and balance
Improved circulation resulting in better oxygen and nutrient supply to all the cells of the body
Detoxification, improved organ and gland function
Feeling better, greater productivity, enriched quality of life
Normalization of body functions
Prevention of illness and disease by reducing accumulated stress
Improvement of mental alertness
Improves interrelationships between body systems

As your professional Holistic Health Consultant, I am concerned with balancing energy flow in order to stimulate the body's own healing potential and restore a state of health as well as treating illness in a holistic manner.

I combine reflexology and meridian therapy in order to provide a more comprehensive and effective treatment program.

Feet and hand reflexology are my domain! Call me to schedule your session today - 303.695.7695!

Fifteen Ways You Can Benefit From Reflexology!

2008-01-11T22:36:00.001-07:00

Just in case you can't come up with reasons why you love Reflexology....

1. Promotes good circulation
2. Stimulates stamina
3. Balances vital energies
4. Increases endurance
5. Revitalizes the power of concentration
6. Helps cleanse body of toxins and impurities
7. Helps the body heal more quickly
8. Opens and clears neural pathways
9. Renews physical health
10. Helps the body restore youthful vitality
11. Activates the nervous system
12. Reduces stress and tension
13. Improves mental energy
14. Induces tranquil relaxation
15. Reflexology feels wonderful and is cheaper than a hospital visit!

Reflexology and Asthma

2008-01-11T22:31:00.000-07:00

Did you know you can use Reflexology to immediately relieve an asthma attack?
There are positions that will activate your electric lines, sending a surge of healing energy to the congested area causing the attack. Have you noticed how the collar bone forms a "V"? It is the little dip in your neck. Place the middle or index finger into this "V" and pull down while pressing firmly inward. Hold a few seconds, then massage downward. Do not press hard enough to bruise. This method is valuable in bringing quick relief from an attack of asthma. This "V" spot is a reflex to the bronchial tubes.

~~~courtesy of Body Reflexology by Mildred Carter, submitted by LaShay Canady

Meet Your Reflexologist - LaShay Canady!

2008-01-10T09:10:00.000-07:00

LaShay Canady
B.S. – Diverse Holistic Health & Wellness
ARCB Certified Professional Reflexologist
Certified Master Herbalist-in-training
Holistic Health Specialist

I am a passionate practitioner of the holistic health and wellness industry. My primary goal is to support the body’s own recuperative efforts. I draw on several modalities in my practice to assist my clients in achieving optimal health. I have been engaged in individual and group healing work for several years as a certified reflexologist, health care consultant and master herbalist. My experience and knowledge includes years of reflexology, botanical medicine, aromatherapy, holistic nutrition, holistic pathophysiology, holistic pathology, homeopathy, and consulting.

I am known for my relaxed and lovingly supportive presence and outstanding interpersonal skills. As a consultant, I bring out the best in people with my no-nonsense yet compassionate approach. Through a cutting edge combination of reflexology, botanical medicine, and a comprehensive health and wellness plan, I assist clients to create palatable remedies/solutions that selectively support the body in the natural restoration of health by improving nutrition. I have also coached numerous clients in implementing tools for increased health, well-being, and a more natural balanced way of life.

I have worked with clients that include Goodwill School-to-Work program, Athena Festival workshops, and currently the Associated Reflexologists of Colorado (ARC) Membership Secretary. I am the founder and president of The B.O.S.S. Group LLC. The B.O.S.S. Group stands for the Beauty Of A Solo Spirit and is committed to self-care, personal pleasures and self empowerment through holistic health. I am an alumni of the Metropolitan State College at Denver, Colorado.

Call me to schedule your therapeutic reflexology session - 303.695.7695 or email me at reflexologist@thebossgrp.com. I look forward to connecting with you.