The Use Of Ginseng In Chinese Herbal Medicine - Part Two

This week I will continue our journey into the Chinese medical world, again looking at the tonic family of herbs.

            The oldest book of Chinese medicine lists 365 herbs, and classifies them according to three grades. The lowest grade of herbs dispels disease. The middle grade corrects imbalances in the body. The highest grade - the one to which Ginseng belongs - nourishes life itself. These are the tonic herbs, many of them classified as “adaptogens” in Western scientific terms.

            Ginseng first reached the West via reports from a seventeenth century Dutch traveller who had been shipwrecked in Korea. He reported that the Mongol soldiers used Ginseng to increase their stamina. A Jesuit missionary to Beijing in 1711 wrote:

           

“Nobody can imagine that the Chinese and Tartans would set so high a value on this root if it did not constantly provide good effect. Those that are in good health often make use of it to render themselves more vigorous and strong; and I myself am persuaded that it would prove an excellent medicine in the hands of any European who understands its pharmacy.”

            To understand Ginseng, it is necessary to look at the difference between tonics and stimulants. Tonics and stimulants may seem closely related, because they both provide a boost of energy. However, the habitual use of stimulants, including caffeine and Guarana, is incompatible with the use of Ginseng or other tonic herbs. Although stimulants and tonics may both seem like “uppers,” their effects are actually opposed to each other. The long-term effect of a stimulant is exhaustion and depression, which can more than cancel out the beneficial effects of a tonic.

            The distinction between stimulants and tonics is important; many people with Qi deficiency who medicate themselves with caffeine or other stimulants end up with less Qi than they started out with. Taking a tonic is like putting money (Qi) in the bank. Taking a stimulant is like withdrawing the money; at some point, your account becomes overdrawn, “in the red.” If you continue to spend Qi without replenishing it, the consequence can be “energy bankruptcy” - severely depleted Qi. A Qi building programme, including tonic herbs like Ginseng, and lifestyle changes, is like starting a saving plan: if you’re in debt and overdrawn, it’s best to cut up your credit cards (that is, stimulants like coffee).

            Last week I looked at the type of constitution one needs to benefit from using Ginseng. A Qi deficient type will get great vigour and strength from using Ginseng regularly.

            Ginseng will increase strength in those who are weak, build the blood in those who are anaemic, strengthen the appetite, improve the resistance of those who are short of breath from weakness, help to ease spontaneous sweating and calm the nerves and spirit. It is a major remedy for impotence and also helps increase wisdom in spiritual pursuits. Another major use is in helping to aid in recovery from the low energy and dehydration that follow debilitating fevers.

            It seems almost unbelievable that a single herb could do so much good. But the list above is only touching the tip of the iceberg of the actions of this “superhero” of herbs.

           

David Foley

MRCHM, MNIMH

Medical Herbalist 

The Use Of Ginseng In Chinese Herbal Medicine - Part One

This week I will look at one of the most important herbs used to fortify the Qi. This herb is known as Ginseng. Asian Ginseng is without a doubt the most highly studied medicinal plant in the world. Since the turn of the century, more than 3,000 articles about scientific research on Ginseng or its constituents have appeared.

            To continue our journey into the Chinese medical world view, I’ll now try to explain constitutional medicine and how the use of Ginseng fits into it. A person’s constitution is much like the constitution of a nation, the basic rules by which a country makes its laws and runs its affairs. Different nations have different ground rules, as do different individuals. No two individuals have an identical constitution, but they fall into certain categories of Chinese medicine. One individual is naturally robust while another is frail. One is hot-blooded, and another always has cold hands and feet. One puts on weight with the slightest dietary indiscretion, and another cannot put on weight, no matter what they eat. Western medicine mostly ignores such considerations, but they are perhaps the most important considerations in Chinese medicine.

            To understand the significance of this, let’s look at two fictional characters, the businessman and the grandmother. Each has an ulcer. The businessman is angry, red-faced, robust, aggressive and hard driven. He is hot, kicks off the covers at night and likes cold drinks. The grandmother, on the other hand, is frail and thin. Her face is pale, her voice soft. She is weak and tired. She has cold hands and feet, wears extra layers of clothes and likes warm drinks. She is more fearful than angry.

            Western medicine would treat both of these patients with very similar drugs, such as those to reduce stomach acid. A Chinese trained practitioner, however, would give them entirely different treatments for the ulcers.

            The businessman would receive herbs to reduce the stress and heat in his system, cooling herbs with a bitter flavour to “cool” his digestive tract. The grandmother would receive treatments to warm her up and increase her strength. She might get tonic herbs like Ginseng, while the businessman would not. In fact, tonic therapy could make the businessman’s symptoms worse.

            The most important guide for the use of Ginseng and other tonic herbs is the “excess versus deficiency” polarity. Note that “deficiency” in Chinese terms is not like “calcium deficiency” in Western terms; the Chinese term is more like “emptiness.” In the case of the businessman, he has an excess constitution and the grandmother a deficient one. Ginseng and tonics are contraindicated in the excess conditions, which might be worsened by taking these herbs. Ginseng and other tonics, on the other hand, are ideal treatment for deficiency patterns.

            The knowledge of Asian Ginseng and how to use it is common in China. Ginseng is used specifically for conditions of weakness and low energy - especially by those over 40 years old - and to aid recovery after fever and illness. It might also be used as a general tonic for older people even when they are in good health, especially in the winter months (in summer months it may be too warming). The Chinese may also use Ginseng to enhance spiritual pursuits and meditation. It has been known to “increase wisdom” since before the time of the earliest Chinese texts.

            Next week I’ll continue with the story of Ginseng and other tonic herbs. 

David Foley

MRCHM, MNIMH

Medical Herbalist

Obesity Part Two

Last week we looked at some of the theories put forward to explain obesity. We looked at the ‘set point’ theory, which states that we have a set weight which the body tries to maintain by making us hungry if we fall below the “set point.” Also the effect of mood on weight; a low mood often leads to excessive eating of carbohydrates which in turn can create an insulin resistance which will lead to excessive weight gain.

    Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas, which controls blood sugar levels. When a person eats too much unrefined carbohydrates in their diets (fizzy drinks, white bread, cakes, biscuits, white pasta or sweets) the bodies cells become insensitive to insulin, then the bodies fat cells become bad at burning fat which results in an increase in the size of the fat cells leading to an increased weight and the set point gets higher - the body will always try to maintain the set-point weight. Thus our appetite also gets bigger as we get bigger!

    The key to overcoming the fat cells set point appears to be increasing the sensitivity of the fat cells to insulin. This sensitivity can be improved, and the set point lowered, by exercise, a good diet and several nutritional supplements.

    Keeping your blood sugar balanced is probably the most important factor in maintaining even energy levels and weight. An estimated three in every ten people have impaired ability to keep their blood sugar levels even.

    The best way to achieve optimal blood sugar balance is to control the Glycogenic load; go to website www.patrickholford.com  or buy Patrick Holford’s book the ‘‘GL Diet,’’ to get advice on the GL Diet.

    A successful program for excess weight and obesity is based on four cornerstones of good health. A positive mental attitude, a healthy lifestyle (especially important is regular exercise), a health promoting diet and supplementary measures (i.e. certain nutritional supplements)

    A new type of supplement produced from white kidney beans has been proven to reduce weight through its ability to block the effect of carbohydrates. During the digestive process, our bodies convert carbohydrates, found in starchy foods such as potatoes and pasta, into sugar. Your body does this by breaking-down carbohydrates with an enzyme called alpha amylase produced by the pancreas.

    These sugars are either burned off, through exercise, or stored by the body in fat cells. This supplement, called Phase 2, neutralizes this digestive enzyme Alpha Amylase before it can convert starch into glucose or fat. Essentially it allows the carbohydrates to pass through the digestive system unchanged. This will help lower the Glycogenic index of certain foods.

    In one study it was noted that weight dropped by 2kg over an eight week period by taking this supplement each day while eating the same amount of food as before the test.

    Another supplement worth looking at is chromium. Chromium plays a key role in increasing the body’s sensitivity to insulin. In one study, patients were given chromium picolinate at 200mcg, 400mcg or a placebo for ten weeks. The patients who took chromium picolinate lost an average of 2kg of fat. The results were most striking in elderly subjects and in men. The men who took chromium picolinate lost more than several times as much body fat as those who took the placebo. The 400mcg dose was found to be the most effective.

David Foley

MRCHM, MNIMH

Medical Herbalist

Obesity - Part One

Over half of the population is currently either overweight or obese - it has been estimated that 70% of men and 63% of women are either overweight or obese. Even more alarming is the number of obese children- obesity in two to four year old children has almost doubled, from 5% to 9% from 1989-1999. If current trends continue, conservative estimates are that at least one-third of adults, one-fifth of boys and one-third of girls will be obese by 2020.

     The simplest definition of obesity is an excessive amount of body fat. It must be distinguished from overweight, which refers to an excess of body weight relative to height. A muscular athlete may be overweight, yet have a very low body-fat percentage. With this in mind, it is obvious that using body weight alone as an index of obesity is not entirely accurate. Nevertheless, obesity is classically identified as weighing more than twenty percent over the average desirable weight for a given height.

    There are basically two areas of focus in trying to understand what causes obesity; psychological factors and physiological factors.

     Psychological factors include watching too much television. It has been demonstrated that watching too much television is linked to the onset of obesity, and there is a dose related effect (i.e. the more television one watches, the greater the degree of obesity) In addition to leading to childhood obesity, television viewing contributes to excess weight in adults. In one study of 4,771 adult women it was found that women watching more than three hours of television per day are more likely to become obese than women who watched less than one hour of television per day.

    A considerate body of scientific evidence demonstrates that brain serotonin levels have a major influence on eating behavior. When the brain levels of serotonin are low, then the brain senses that it is starving, so it stimulates the appetite control centers in a powerful way. This stimulation results in a preference for carbohydrates.

    Cravings for carbohydrates (as well as fat) due to low serotonin levels can be mild or quite severe. They may range in severity from a desire to nibble on a piece of bread to uncontrollable binging.

    The set point theory: The set point is the weight that a body tries to maintain by regulating the amount of food and calories consumed. Research with animals and humans has indicated that each person has a programmed ‘set point’ weight. The body’s individual fat cells control this set point.

    When these fat cells become smaller, they send a powerful message to the brain to eat. Since the overweight or obese individual often has both more and larger fat cells, the result can be an overpowering urge to eat.

    The existence of this set point may also explain why most diets don’t work. While the overweight or obese individual can fight off the impulse to eat for a time, eventually the signal becomes too strong to ignore. This can lead to yo-yo dieting and loss of confidence in the person’s ability to lose weight.

    This subject of obesity and excess weight is very important for one’s health and well-being, since excess weight puts extra strain on the body’s vital organs, with increased mortality resulting. Next time we will again look at this subject and what we can do to regain our optimum weight.

David Foley

MRCHM, MNIMH

Medical Herbalist

Osteoporosis, and how you can prevent it

     Osteoporosis, the silent disease of later life. Silent, in that there is usually no pain or sign included in this condition until it is very well advanced. A broken bone may be the first indication that your bones have become thin. Osteoporosis literally means porous bones. Although the entire skeleton may be included, bone loss is usually greatest in the spine, hips and ribs. Since these bones bear a great deal of weight, they are then susceptible to pain, deformity or fracture. Normally there is a decline in bone loss after the age of 40. This bone loss is accelerated in patients with Osteoporosis. Many factors can lead to excessive bone loss. For example, many endocrine diseases like Diabetes are linked to Osteoporosis. Certain drugs are also related to Osteoporosis like Alcohol, Steroids, and Methotrexate, to name a few. The most common form of Osteoporosis is seen in post-menopausal women.

     Is Osteoporosis preventable? Yes, definitely. Recently there has been an incredible push for supplementing calcium in an effort to halt bone loss. While this appears to be sound medical advice, Osteoporosis is much more than a lack of dietary calcium; it is a complex condition involving lifestyle, hormonal, nutritional and environmental factors.

     Lack of exercise causes weak muscles, which gives little support to the skeletal system and forces the bones to bear greater weight, as well as depriving the body of oxygen supply and circulation, which are needed for tissue renewal that slows aging. Physical exercise is vital in maintaining and restoring optimum bone density. A 45-minute to an hour walk, three to five times a week, is the minimum exercise for preventing Osteoporosis.

     The absorption of calcium is dependent on a number of factors, firstly it needs to be ionised in the stomach by stomach acid. It has been found that up to 40% of postmenopausal women have not sufficient stomach acids to absorb calcium carbonate, to any great degree. Patients with low stomach acid need to use Calcium citrate, Calcium lactate or calcium gluconate. About 45% of the Calcium is absorbed from Calcium citrate in patients with reduced stomach acid, compared to 4% absorption for calcium carbonate.

     Another mineral that is necessary for bone growth is magnesium. It seems that magnesium is as important as calcium for bone mass. Intake of dairy foods fortified with vitamin D, results in decreased Magnesium absorption. Again take Magnesium in a citrate form for best results. Calcium citrate 1gram plus Magnesium citrate 500mg every day is the recommended supplementation. Vitamin D is also essential for calcium absorption. Vitamin D is made in the body in the presence of sunlight, another good reason to get outside for a walk. Supplementation may be necessary if you don’t get enough sunlight, 400 IU of vitamin D daily.

     Vitamin B6, folic acid and vitamin B12 are also involved in the presentation of Osteoporosis. These vitamins are necessary to prevent the formation of Homocysteine which has been linked to many diseases. So take a Homocysteine modulation supplement to avoid high Homocysteine levels and Osteoporosis.

David Foley

MRCHM, MNIMH

Medical Herbalist

The Treatment Of Chickenpox

This is a viral infection that is spread easily among children, particularly those under ten years of age, by contact and droplets of saliva spread through talking, coughing or sneezing. A child is most infectious just before the spots come out, and remains so until all the blisters have dried up, which takes about a week. The incubation period is seventeen to twenty-one days.

    It starts with a headache a fever and general malaise. There may be swollen lymph glands. The spots start normally on the trunk and can appear on the face, the scalp, inside the mouth, anus, vagina or ears; the arms and legs tend to be the least affected. They appear in crops every three or four days, starting as little pimples and quickly developing into oval shaped blisters, which are filled with fluid. Gradually the spots dry up and scab over. The scabs fall off after about ten days, and may leave scars, some of which are permanent, especially if the spots have been scratched.

    The blisters can be very itchy, and it is important to discourage your child from scratching as much as you can. Not only does scratching leave scars, but it also introduces bacterial infection into the skin, which can lead to impetigo, conjunctivitis or boils.

    Rarely, chicken pox can lead to encephalitis or be complicated by Reyes Syndrome. If your child feels unwell again once the scabs have healed and has a headache, vomits or feels particularly drowsy, call your doctor immediately. If your child has blisters on the eyeball call your doctor also.

     The chicken pox virus is related to the one that causes shingles, and a child may catch chicken pox from an adult with shingles, but rarely vice versa. If you are pregnant and have been in contact with chicken pox and are not immune, contact your doctor.

    Treatment of chicken pox with Echinacea and or garlic, as with all infection, will speed recovery. Take 2.5-5ml three times a day of a good root Echinacea tincture in water.

    If your child feels only mildly unwell, but has a fever add Boneset to Echinacea tincture, give an equal dose of Boneset in warm water to the child to break the fever.

    Boneset is one of the best remedies for the relief of symptoms that accompany any viral fever. It will speedily relieve aches and pains and help the body deal with any fever present overall.

    Externally, to help relieve the itching and speed healing of the skin, wash the skin frequently with chamomile tea. Use cool infusions and apply then on cotton wool or a flannel, or add them to bath water. Distilled witch hazel is also very good at relieving itching, dilute and apply ice cold – it feels really good for the child.

    Once the blisters have dried and the scabs have fallen off, use comfrey ointment alternated with dilute lavender oil, to prevent scar formation and to heal the skin properly.

     If a baby has spots on the bottom, leave the nappy off as much as possible. Keep fingernails clean and short to stop infection caused by scratching.

    Give only a light diet, with mostly fruit, vegetables and soups, and plenty to drink.

David Foley

MRCHM, MNIMH
Medical Herbalist

How You May Prevent Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder that manifests as a progressive deterioration of memory and mental function, a state of mind commonly referred to as dementia.

    In Ireland 5% of the population older than 65 suffer from severe dementia, while another 10% suffer from mild to moderate dementia. With increasing age, there is a rise in frequency. For example, in people older than 80 years of age, the frequency rate of dementia is higher than 25%.

   In most people, 20% of brain cells die over a lifetime. By the age of 70 most people’s brain has shrunk by 10%. However declining mental function is not inevitable. We can build new brain cells at any age. Not everyone over 50 with memory problems has Alzheimer’s disease; diagnosis is difficult because the evidence lies in the degeneration nerve cells in the brain.

   Genetic factors play a significant role in determining susceptibility to Alzheimer’s disease, like most chronic degenerative disease, lifestyle and environmental factors also play a significant role. Emerging research reveals that dietary factors are important. Poor quality diets with excess saturated or transfatty acids may predispose nerve cells to aluminum induced toxicities. Traumatic injury to the head, chronic exposure to aluminum and free radical damage have all been implicated as causative factors.

    Aluminum has been found in plaques in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease sufferers. Aluminum is known to accumulate with age in the body. Avoidance of all known sources of aluminum, aluminum containing antacids, aluminum containing antiperspirants, cooking in aluminum pots and pans, wrapping food with aluminum foil should be practiced. Aluminum absorption can be decreased by magnesium, because magnesium competes with aluminum for absorption, not only in the intestines but also at the blood brain barrier. A diet rich in magnesium is recommended; seeds, nuts and whole grains are good sources of magnesium.

One of the most important brain toxins is Homocysteine, (produced within the body from protein if you are deficient in vitamins B6, B12 or folic acid). To prevent the formation of this brain toxin take a good B complex and vitamin C supplement.

Zinc deficiency is one of the most common nutrients defiencies found in the elderly and has been linked with the development of Alzheimer’s disease. Seeds and nuts are good sources of Zinc, especially pumpkin seeds. Eat a handful each day.

Considerable evidence indicates that oxidative damage plays a major role in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease. As digestive functions tend to decrease as we grow older, there is a propensity towards fat mal-absorption. Vitamin E is often found to be deficient in the elderly for this reason it is recommended to take 15mg of Vitamin E daily to avoid this deficiency.

A herb with a lot of research in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease is Ginkgo Biloba. In one study published in the journal of the American medical association, it was found and there were no side effects. It was found also that you need to take Ginkgo for at least 12 weeks in order to get results, even though some patients got benefits in 2-3 weeks, most needed much longer.

David Foley

MRCHM, MNIMH

Medical Herbalist

Treating High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for a heart attack or stroke. In fact, it is generally regarded as the greatest of the risk factors for a stroke. Most people do not notice they have high blood pressure until they get their blood pressure measured.

High pressure, otherwise known as hypertension, is a disease, not just an increase in blood pressure. At least three readings should be made before the final diagnosis since fluctuations are normal. Stress, anxiety, anger and physical activity cause substantial changes in readings.

The blood pressure denotes the resistance produced each time the heart beats and sends blood coursing through the arteries. The peak reading of the pressure exerted by this contraction is the Systolic pressure. Between beats, the heart relaxes, and blood pressure drops. The lowest reading is referred to as the Diastolic pressure. A normal blood pressure reading for an adult is 120 (Systolic) / 80 (Diastolic).

High blood pressure is divided into different levels:

·       Borderline: 120-160 / 90-94;

·       Mild: 140-160 / 95-104;

·       Moderate: 140-180 / 105-114;

·       Severe: 160 + / 115 +.

Since over 80% of patients with high blood pressure are in the borderline-to-moderate range, many cases of high blood pressure can be brought under control through changes in diet and lifestyle.

By far the most common reason for high blood pressure is arteriosclerosis. Narrowed arteries plugged with fatty deposits are usually linked to poor eating habits, high levels of stress, smoking and little physical activity.

Typically, a diet rich in saturated fats, meat and refined products and lacking in fresh vegetables, fruits and fibre from whole grains is to blame. The cholesterol-free, commercial vegetable oils, shortening and margarine are no better, as these contain trans-fatty acids. Vegetarians have a lower incidence of hypertension. Obesity increases the risks. Salt, coffee, alcohol and cigarettes are not direct causes, but certainly contribute substantially to increasing blood pressure.

Next to attaining ideal body weight, the most important dietary recommendation is perhaps to increase the consumption of plant foods in the diet. Special foods for people with high blood pressure include: celery, garlic and onions, nuts and seeds or their oils, cold-water fish (salmon, mackerel, etc.), green leafy vegetables (as a rich source of calcium and magnesium), whole grains and legumes and foods rich in vitamin C, such as broccoli and citrus fruits. Eating four ribs of celery a day has been shown to reduce mild hypertension over a few months.

Stress can cause high blood pressure in many instances. Relaxation techniques, such as yoga, have been shown to have some value in lowering blood pressure.

Herbal remedies complement dietary changes in the effective treatment of high blood pressure. Hawthorn is one of the most reliable remedies for regulating high blood pressure. It dilates larger blood vessels and inhibits formation of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE); the same way that ACE-inhibiting drugs work. Aside from its blood pressure-lowering effect, hawthorn strengthens the muscular ability of the heart and can help the body rid itself of excess fluid. Hawthorn also has the ability to un-block the arteries thus easing Angina and over time lowering blood pressure.  Take 1 teaspoon of Hawthorn tincture two to three times a day .Hawthorn can be taken along with Hypertensive drugs.

It’s always important not to ignore high blood pressure; by using natural methods, one may be able to reduce high blood pressure. But if this can’t be done, then visit your GP.

David Foley

MRCHM, MNIHM

Medical Herbalist

Facts about Alcohol

For the last 6000 years of recorded history, human beings have drinking alcohol. Today it plays a major part in our economy, with many millions of Euro spent every week on alcoholic drinks. But with plenty of conflicting stories floating about in the media, many people are rightly mystified; is alcohol good for you, or does it harm you?

There is no doubt; the effects of long term heavy or chronic use of alcohol on the body are serious. Alcohol affects the brain and nervous system, which control behaviour and body functions, as well as the pancreas and liver. No body system is left untouched by the effects of chronic alcohol use. Alcohol is detoxified by the liver, which involves a liver enzyme called alcohol dehydrogenase. When alcohol intake exceeds this enzymatic pathway, the liver turns alcohol into Acetaldehyde, a very acidic and toxic metabolite. The end result is a sick feeling called the hangover.

There is little question that alcohol acts as an anti-nutrient. Although some forms of alcohol (such as Stout or Red Wine) do deliver a few nutrients, alcohol itself is a potent destroyer of these same nutrients. Chronic alcohol intake leads to multiple deficiencies of nutrients, including B vitamins, vitamin C, Zinc and Magnesium.

Craving for alcohol increases with poor nutrition and inadequate nutrients. Alcohol can often be used as a substitute for food in heavy or chronic alcohol drinkers. Alcohol is very high in sugar and causes reactive hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar levels) and food cravings, especially for sweets. Poor nutrition further disables the body’s ability to protect itself from the toxic effects of alcohol.

Alcohol irritates your gut, making it more permeable to undigested food particles, and increasing the chances of an allergic reaction to substances in both, the food and the alcohol. This is why many beer and wine drinkers become allergic to yeast. Wine drinkers may also become sensitive to sulphates, which are added to grapes to control Fermentation. And according to the World Health Organization, the more alcohol you drink, the higher your cancer risk especially if you also smoke.

Drinking alcohol makes you feel good at first due to the release of dopamine, which stimulates you, followed by endorphins, which make you feel high, and then gamma amino butyric acid, which makes you relax. The sugar in the alcohol also gives your blood sugars a boost. This pleasant effect usually lasts for an hour or so. Several drinks later, however, you (or others) might notice you are feeling irritable, depressed or even hostile. People who consume high levels of alcohol have reduced intellectual performance on testing.

What of the positive effects of alcohol? One plus for alcohol in moderation is the well-established finding that it increases High-density lipoprotein (HDL) Cholesterol, also known as “good cholesterol”. Red Wine may also confer additional cardiovascular benefits by virtue of being high in proanthocyanidins the antioxidants found in grapes and berries. Alcohol itself is an oxidant. Eating grapes or drinking grape juice will give the same benefits, without the negative effects of alcohol.

It seems that moderation is the key to drinking and maintaining good health. A glass of wine or beer, one to three times a week is unlikely to impact on your health.

David Foley

MRCHM, MNIMH

Medical Herbalist

Holiday Essentials

Today, many Irish will holiday up to three times a year, with many traveling abroad to the sun. With the growing number of budget airlines offering and ever increasing choice of cheap flights it’s becoming even easier to take a holiday abroad.

    Along with kitting ourselves out with new summer clothes, we maybe need to kit ourselves out with essential travel first aid items to avoid the problems associated with travel. Visiting another country means a variation in the kind of foods we eat, not to mention the differing hygiene standards and health of the water we drink.

All this means that tummy troubles are the most common causes of complaint for holiday makers abroad. One of the best preventive measures to take if traveling abroad is to take probiotics before you travel and during our trip aboard. Certain types of probiotics are stable without refrigeration. Probiotics will help the digestive system to withstand the change in the bacteria found while on holidays, thus preventing diarrhea and constipation.

Other supplements to be considered include garlic capsules. Garlic has a strong antibacterial effect on the digestive system while protecting the good bacteria. The combination of a good probiotics and garlic is excellent to prevent ‘Delhi tummy’.

Traveling itself can also lead to problems. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) poses a very real risk to travelers on long haul journeys. As many as 100,000 airline passengers are estimated to suffer fatal complications associated with DVT each year, but apart from exercising regularly on board and wearing flight socks, there are other measures that can be taken to reduce the risk of a blood clot.

Certain herbs have been shown to be particularly effective for combating circulatory problems and varicose veins, Horse Chestnut, which has the ability to reduce swelling of ankles due to leakage of fluid into them. Garlic again has the ability to be an effective blood thinner which may reduce the incidence of blood clotting – another reason to include garlic in your travel iterny. Ginger also has the ability to thin blood and is also very useful for nausea or travel sickness. Take 500mg to 1 gram every couple of hours to prevent travel sickness and it will also reduce the incidence of DVTs by thinning the blood.

Despite the well reported fact that sun bathing is the primary cause of premature skin ageing, and a leading cause of skin cancer, the vast majority of holiday makers still regard getting a sun kissed tan as their number on goal. But expose to UV rays is not a complete no-no; it just needs to be in moderation. While exposure to UV rays for a long period of time can be damaging, low dose UV exposure has beneficial effects, mainly the synthesis of vitamin D.

But, we Irish will typically spend too much time in the sun within the first few days of their holiday and then spend the rest of the holiday applying after sun.

To soothe sunburn the best choice is Aloe Vera, it not only helps with inflammation and pain, as well as being cooling but can encourage the production of new skin cells as well as being antibacterial, anti fungal and antiseptic. As sunburn causes free radicals to occur, which can damage the skin, Aloe Vera is excellent since it acts as an anti-oxidant to reduce skin damage, and helps protect skin elasticity and strength.

Use sun protection creams from the start of your holiday, there are many natural sun care ranges available today. So be prepared!! And have a great holiday.

David Foley

MRCHM, MNIMH

Medical Herbalist

The Many Uses of the Dandelion

Much money is spent on herbicides to remove this cheery flower from lawns and gardens, but the dandelion holds its own, producing seeds with or without pollination and distributing them far and wide.

It is believed that the dandelion originated in central Asia and spread throughout most of the world, preferring the cooler climates. Most species occur in the temperate zones of the northern hemisphere, with the greatest concentration in northwest Europe. The name dandelion comes from the French ‘dent-de-lion’, referring to the plants lions tooth leaves. It’s also known as ‘wet a bed’ or ‘piss in lee’, after its diuretic action. Its Latin name Taraxacum is derived from the Greek taraxos (disorder) and Akos (remedy) on account of its curative actions.

The dandelion takes an important place among the flowers for our bee keepers. The dandelion flowers supply considerable of both pollen and nectar in the early spring, when the bees harvest from fruit trees is nearly over. It has been observed that up to 93 different kinds of insects are in the habit of visiting the flower of the dandelion.

Dandelion flowers are very sensitive to weather conditions, in fine weather, all parts of the plant are outstretched, but directly as rain threaten; the whole head closes up at once. It also closes at night around 5 o‘clock and opens again by 7 in the morning.

Dandelions roots calorie count is exceptionally low – a cup is only 25 calories – and its nutrient content is exceptionally high. In fact, dandelion root contains greater nutritional value than many stem vegetables. Dandelion leaves are also an outstanding source of vitamin A and excellent source of vitamin C, B vitamins as well as calcium, copper, manganese and iron. Young dandelion leaves make delicious additions to sandwiches and summer salads. The roasted roots make an excellent coffee, without any problems with keeping one awake at night. Just clean, roast in a warm oven and then they are ready to ground into very tasty coffee.

Dandelion is used in Western, Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. This alone is proof of its status as an important remedy.

In Europe, dandelion is used in the treatment of the following conditions, fevers, boils, liver congestion, heartburn, skin problems and fluid retention. In Chinese herbalism, they value its anti-inflammatory action and use it in breast lumps, mastitis, boils, sore throats, appendicitis, liver disease and digestive complaints.

Bitter herbs like dandelion stimulate digestion by stimulating the release of bile by the liver and gall bladder. This can be very useful in the treatment of gall stones and poor digestive function leading to bloating and nausea after eating. Take dandelion before meal times for the relief of digestive problems. Dandelion also contains very high concentration of inulin, which serves as a food source for the growth of ‘friendly bacteria’ in the gut.

Dandelion is an excellent ‘tonic’ for the liver, in one animal study, dandelion significantly improved the livers ability to clear toxins by 244%. So anyone on long term medication can benefit from using dandelion on a regular basis.

The leaves of dandelion have a confirmed diuretic effect, used for weight loss programs and women who retain fluid around their menstrual cycle. Take the juice of dandelion leaves in the above cases, 2 tablespoons per day should work.

David Foley

MRCHM, MNIHM

Medical Herbalist

The Benefits of Omega-3

Many people think that fat in the diet is bad. In fact fat is necessary for life but most of us consume the wrong types of fat. Over the past century, our intake of different fats has changed markedly, with most of us eating far more saturated fats and omega-6 fats from vegetable oils than ever before, whilst our intake of omega-3 fats from oily fish has decreased by an astounding 80%. In times gone by, oily fish was normal and regular part of the daily diet, but things have changed, with only one third of people in Ireland regularly eating the recommended 1-2 portions of oily fish per week. As a result, there is widespread deficiency of omega-3 fats, and this has important consequences for health.

Fat is bursting with calories and consuming too much will eventually lead to obesity, particularly if you don’t take regular exercise. However, different fats appear to have different properties, and too much of our fat intake comes from animals rather than fish. It is thought that stable fish fatty acids can actually increase the speed of certain chemical reactions in the body, burning fat to form carbon dioxide, water and energy, which can bring about a decrease in body weight, particulary when they replace saturated fats in our diet.

Omega-3 fatty acids help to keep the cell walls of deep water ocean fish supple. These fish oils have been shown to keep cells flexible in humans too, helping to maintain joint suppleness and skin and blood vessel elasticity.

Adding stable fish oil to the diet of people suffering high blood pressure has enabled some doctors to lower the doses of drugs prescribed for hypertension, thus apparently reducing the risk of the side effect from the drugs. Ingesting natural fish oil has also been shown to act as a gradual anti-inflammatory and decrease pain in joints, although it can take several months before there is any noticeable difference. Fish oil is also believed to improve the circulation of blood to fingers and legs.

A number of experimental and clinical studies on the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids have been carried out by Professor Saldeen and his associates at the University of Uppsala, Sweden. Concluding evidence suggests that some ordinary fish oil preparations may, due to their instability, produce free radicals, which can be damaging to cardiovascular health.

From Professor Saldeens research, stable fish oil has been developed in which omega-3 fatty acids have been combined with appropriate antioxidants to produce a more stable preparation that has more pronounced effects in humans. As such, the stable fish oil has significant advantages over ordinary, commercially available fish oil preparations. An unpalatable taste or fishy odor distinguishes unstable fish oils from stable varieties, which have a neutral taste and are odorless.

Several studies have documented the beneficial effects of omega-3 fatty acids in helping to prevent the development of atherosclerosis and its major manifestation, coronary heart disease.

Stable fish oil decreases cardiac arrhythmias and it seems to be due to its direct action on the heart. It has been found that intake of fatty fish or natural stable fish oil reduces the total mortality and mortality from heart disease by 29% after two years in men with previous heart attacks.

David Foley

MRCHM, MNIMH

Medical Herbalist

Treating Anxiety

A large number of people in Ireland suffer from anxiety – ‘an unpleasant emotional state, ranging from mild unease to intense fear’. Anxiety differs from fear in that, while fear is a rational response to a real danger, anxiety usually lacks a clear or realistic cause. Though some anxiety is normal and even healthy, higher levels of anxiety are not only uncomfortable but can lead to significant problems.

    Anxiety is often accompanied by a variety of symptoms. The most common symptoms relate to the chest, such as heart palpitations (awareness of a more forceful or faster heart beat) throbbing or stabbing pains, a feeling of tightness and inability to take in enough air, and a tendency to sigh or hyperventilate. Tension in the muscles of the back and neck often leads to headaches, back pains and muscle spasms. Other symptoms can include excessive sweating, dryness of the mouth, dizziness, digestive disturbances and the constant need to urinate or defecate.

Anxious individuals usually have a constant feeling that something bad is going to happen. They may fear that they have a chronic or dangerous illness – a belief that is reinforced by the symptoms of anxiety. Inability to relax may lead to difficulty in getting to sleep and constant waking through the night.

Severe anxiety will often produce what are known as ‘panic attacks’ – intense feeling of fear. Panic attacks may occur independent from anxiety but are most often associated with generalized anxiety or agoraphobia. Agoraphobia is defined as an intense fear of being alone or being in public places e.g. Mass. As a result, many people with Agoraphobia become housebound.

Panic attacks are very common; about 15% of the population experience a panic attack in their lifetime.

Clinical anxiety, including panic attacks, can be produced by caffeine. Perhaps the most significant biochemical disturbance noted in people with anxiety and panic attacks is an elevated blood lactic acid level and an increased lactic acid to pyruvic acid ratio. There are at least six nutritional factors that may be responsible for elevated lactic acid to pyruvic acid ratio:

1. alcohol
2. caffeine
3. sugar
4. deficiency of the B vitamins, niacin, pyridoxine, and thiamin
5. deficiency of calcium or magnesium
6. food allergies

By avoiding alcohol, caffeine, sugar and food allergens, people with anxiety can go a long way towards relieving their symptoms.

It has also been found that people with a deficiency of essential omega3 fatty acids - found in high concentrations in flaxseed oil - can suffer more from anxiety and panic attacks. In one study, three out of four patients with a history of agoraphobia for more than 10 years improved within two to three months after taking flaxseed oil at a dosage of 2 to 6 tablespoons daily. All patients had signs of essential fatty acid deficiency, such as dry skin, dandruff, brittle fingernails that grow slowly, and nerve disorders.

Herbal medicine also has much to offer patients with anxiety and/or panic attacks. Chamomile, valerian and passion flower are all excellent herbs to ease anxiety. Rhodiola is also used to ease anxiety along with its ability to lift mood in depression.

Suggested supplements for anxiety include calcium magnesium citrate, B complex vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids like flaxseed oil. Calcium magnesium citrate is excellent if constipation and/or muscle cramps are also present.

Exercise outdoors. Hiking, walking and swimming are the best antidotes for anxiety and tension.

David Foley

MRCHM, MNIMH

Medical Hebalist

Increasing Your Energy Levels

As a medical herbalist the two most common complaints I hear from people are that they lack energy and are under too much stress, the net result is tiredness, exhaustion, lethargy, apathy, poor concentration, lack of motivation. Whatever expression you use, the feeling is the same. Many people turn to sugary food, coffee, cigarettes, or become adrenalin junkies with high powered jobs or exhilarating pastimes to regain this feeling of energy, yet these attempted solutions only generate more stress, and soon they feel out of control and stressed out on the roller coaster of life.

What does stress do to our body? Every time we react to stress our body chemistry changes. Stress starts in the mind. We perceive a situation as requiring our immediate attention. This stimulates our adrenal glands to produce adrenalin. Within seconds your heart is working faster, your breathing changes, stores of glucose are released into the blood, the muscles tense, the eyes dilate, and even the blood thickens.

To get the fuel into the body, the pancreas releases two hormones, insulin and glucagon, these hormones act to make sure the sugar levels are high in order to react to the stressful situation. Where you might wonder, does all this extra energy and increased alertness come from? The answer is from a diversion of energy from the body’s normal repair and maintenance jobs such as digesting, cleansing and rejuvenating. So every moment you spend in a state of stress speeds up the ageing process in your body. It is stressful just thinking about it!

The effects of prolonged stress are even more insidious than that. Imagine your pituitary, adrenals, pancreas and liver perpetually pumping out hormones to control blood sugar that you do not even need. Like a car driven too fast, the body goes out of balance and parts start to wear our. Levels of the anti-ageing adrenal hormone start to fall, as do those of cortisol and before long your body simply cannot respond to stress as it used to.

As a consequence your energy level drops, you lose concentration, get confused, suffer  ‘ brain fog ‘ , fall asleep after meals, get irritable, cannot sleep, cannot wake up, sweat too much, get headaches ………. Sounds familiar? In an attempt to regain control, most people turn to stimulants. Coffee, tea, cola drinks, chocolate, cigarettes and psychological stimulants such as horror movies or bungee jumping – something to put you on the edge.

Of course, you cannot live like this for ever, so most people burn out and have to head for the beach to recover. Yet ever while on holiday most people need excitement, they start wind- surfing, water-skiing; they drink too much, party all night. The point is that most people become addicted to stress, because without it they come crashing down, revealing their true state of adrenal exhaustion. This is why people feel exhausted or get ill when they take time off.

If you want to maximise your available energy for life, and to return that energy rather than burning out, the message is simple:

•           Eat slow releasing carbohydrates – ones that release their ‘fuel’ slowly.

•           Ensure you have optimal intake of all essential nutrients; vitamins, minerals and others.

•           Avoid stimulants and depressants.

The resultant increase in energy will help you cope with the stresses and strains of life.

Fast- releasing sugars create a state of stress in the body, stimulating the release of Cortisol. So avoid eating white bread, sweets, and breakfast cereals or other foods with added sugar. Most breakfast cereals contain very high levels of sugar, check them out! Slow releasing carbohydrates; on the other hand provide an ‘even keel’ of consistent energy. In general, slow-releasing carbohydrates are found in whole grains, fruit, beans, lentils, nuts and seeds. Eating some protein with carbohydrates provides additional adrenal support by reducing the stimulating of cortisol. So if you are stressed out eat your fruit with some nuts, or brown rice with fish. Nuts, seeds, beans and lentils already contain both protein and carbohydrate and therefore are good anti-stress foods.

Energy nutrients include vitamin B6 and Zinc which help insulin to work; Vitamin B3 and chromium, which are part of the glucose-tolerance factor. Lots of nutrients are required to turn glucose within the cells into energy. These include vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B5, co-enzyme Q10, vitamin C, iron, copper and magnesium.

The ideal quantity to take in supplement form to provide top level support for stressed people, and to maximise energy, depends very much on individual circumstances. Generally a good multivitamin and mineral along with a good B complex plus vitamin C will help a lot. If sugar levels are imbalanced also take a good Chromium supplement to help re balance sugar levels.

Herbs that are natural energy stimulants and help rebuild the Adrenal gland cortex, thus giving immediate energy and over time correcting the damage done to the Adrenal gland are very effective and useful.

These herbs are called ‘Adaptogenic’ herbs. They include Asian ginseng, Siberian ginseng, Reishi mushrooms and Rhodiola. Each individual herb, will suit particular circumstances. If an individual is also depressed or feeling low, then Rhodiola would be best. If one is prone to allergies then Reishi mushrooms will give relief from the misery of allergies while lifting energy levels. The Ginsengs are quite strong and fast acting while aiding the immune system to work better.

Don’t forget exercise, it plays and essential role in both energy and stress resistance. Get expert advice on the exercise that best suits you.

David Foley

MRCHM, MNIMH

Medical Herbalist

Fighting Infections Naturally

“Prevention is better than cure”

Scientists are increasingly finding that we succumb to bugs only when we are run down, so your best line of defense is to keep your immune system strong so that it is ready to attack when a bug comes along. Bugs come in many shapes and sizes; there are bacteria, viruses and fungi, as well as parasites. It is important to know which you are dealing with, as each requires slightly different treatment. A cold, flu, herpes and measles are all viruses. Most ear infections, stomach aches, chest and sinus infections (usually a follow on to a cold) are bacteria. Thrush and athlete’s foot are fungal infections.

Immune-boosting nutrients are good all year round, especially if you are run down or exposed to people with infections. During an infection both the invader and our immune system produce free radicals to destroy each other. We can clear-up these dangerous chemicals with antioxidant nutrients, which are good for everybody at any time. Anti-viral, anti-bacterial and anti-fungal agents are best increased with dealing with a specific invader. Judging by the results of research on Vitamin C, it would be wrong to believe that immune-healthy people get no infections. They just have “pre-colds” that are over in twenty-four hours, where less healthy people end up horizontal for a week. So the aim is to boost your immune system by giving it the right food and the right environment, so that it can adapt quickly to attacks.

The quicker you attack an infection the better the outcome. The best form of defense is attack. All invaders produce toxins as part of their attack on the body.

The best herb for the first stages of an infection bacterial, viral or fungal is Echinacea root tincture. Take 5-10 ml of a strong root tincture every couple of hours to stop an attack in its tracts.

The immune system works best in a warm environment, which is why the body creates a fever to turn up the temperature. So keep yourself warm and get plenty of rest. One day taking it easy can make all the difference, especially if you boost your immune system with natural remedies. Lack of sleep depletes your energy reserves, also stress so avoid any arguments.

During an infection the body works hard to eliminate the waste products, so drink plenty of hot drinks like lemon and honey or herbal teas - Peppermint is an excellent herbal tea to use during an infection. Avoid fatty foods such as meat, eggs or dairy as these produce excess mucus.

Taking Vitamin C each day up to two grams a day can help reduce the incidence of colds. Two grams of Vitamin C per day for over forty’s is an excellent way to protect the body against infections.

More and more immune-boosting herbs are being discovered to help fight infections. One of the best types of immune boosting herbs I have found, are the mushrooms like Shiitake, maiitake, reishi and cordyceps. These mushrooms have been shown to contain immune-boosting polysaccharides and can be used long term due to their lack of side-effects. These mushrooms can be used to adjust the immune response in certain allergies, for example, they can relieve hay-fever, asthma and chronic sinusitis in many cases.

David Foley

MRCHM, MNIMH

Medical Herbalist

Sun Burn

The number of people calling into our health store with sunburn after the last warm spell of weather was amazing. We Irish love the sun but our skins are not used to all that sunshine, whenever we get it! Sunlight is essential to all life on this planet; we would not last long without it. Yes it can harm us if we are not careful. Ultraviolet (UV) rays activate the synthesis of Vitamin D in the skin and can heal many skin conditions like Psoriasis. Yet too much sun can damage the skin and causes the skin to age permanently, getting that wrinkly, leathery look. In the long term, it can cause skin cancer. Always check any mole that changes in size, colour or starts to bleed with your doctor.

Sunburn is like any other type of burn, except that it usually covers a larger area and will not become obvious until several hours later. The effects of Sunburn are usually felt at night, when the skin starts to burn painfully. If blistering occurs, this marks a second-degree burn, in which case the sunlight has caused actual burn to the skin. If you get headaches, restlessness, fatigue and sleeplessness, then you may have sunstroke – a condition that makes one feel very nauseous – you need to drink lots of water and take salts to ease these symptoms.

To avoid burning and skin ageing you need to boost your skins antioxidant defences with a good cream rich in Vitamins A, C, E and beta-carotene to enable it to cope with the sunny days.

The key to preserving the skins moisture level and firmness is Vitamin A, a potent stimulator of factors, which moisturize the skin. You can apply Vitamin A topically. Vitamin A works best in conjunction with skin saving antioxidants like Vitamin C, E and beta-carotene. These nutrients act as shields, soaking up the damage caused by free-radicals from ultraviolet light and pollution. Vitamin C, E and beta-carotene also help to reduce sunburn, so our need for them increases substantially during the summertime.

The essential fatty acids found in Flax seed oil and in Fish oils are excellent to restore skin elasticity. The skin will burn less when these oils are in our diet. Always drink plenty of water when the weather is fine. We don’t realize the amount of water that is being evaporated from our skin when the sun shines. It is very easy to become dehydrated and then the skin losses its moisture making it more likely to burn.

There are many natural sun blocks available today in health food stores. These natural sun blocks contain plant extracts, which will not only protect the skin, but also nourish the skin. They need to be applied at regular intervals to ensure maximum protection.

After care is very important when sunbathing, Aloe Vera gel is an excellent product to cool and sooth the skin after sunbathing. Aloe Vera can also be used before sunbathing to protect the skin. Aloe Vera gel is the best product I know to stop the skin burning and it will usually also stop skin peeling even after getting burned. If you get burned also take plenty of Vitamin C to aid healing.

So what you need for skin protection is a good Vitamin skin cream with sun block factors 15-40 and Aloe Vera gel for after care for your skin.

David Foley

MRCHM, MNIMH

Medical Herbalist

Aloe Vera - History and Uses

Aloe Vera has become very popular over the last ten years, but its history goes back over thousands of years.

It is native to Africa with references to it appearing in ancient literature of the Egyptians, the Greeks and the Romans. The earliest recorded mention was on Sumerian clay tablets dating back to 2,200 B.C. Galen, the father of modern medicine who lived at the time of Christ, also used it therapeutically.

There are many romantic tales about Aloe Vera – the Egyptian queens Nefertiti and Cleopatra bathed in it to keep their skin beautiful. Alexander the Great even invaded an island in the Indian Ocean to capture their famed Aloe suppliers to treat his wounded soldiers.

In places where it grows naturally around the world Aloe Vera has been called ‘The Burn Plant’ and ‘The Miracle Plant’. The name Aloe itself probably comes from the Arabic word ‘Alloeh’ meaning ‘shining bitter substance’. This reference is to a substance found just under the hard green rind of the plant that contains mainly aloin, which acts as a laxative.

In modern times Aloe Vera has been widely investigated in an attempt to discover why it has such far-reaching benefits.

Aloe Vera has an excellent reputation for helping with stomach complaints such as ulcers, Crohn’s disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Ulcerative Colitis.

Its use in this area has been subject to much research notably by Pharmacist Bill Coats, who has devoted 35 years to researching Aloe Vera. He discovered that aloin, the bitter substance in the plant can actually be detrimental in some areas - for example it has been found that the anti-inflammatory effect is actually enhanced when the aloin has been removed.

So, he and his colleagues developed a unique process that would allow the aloin to be removed but the beneficial properties of the plant retained.

Other researchers at the Queen Mary School of Medicine & Dentistry found that Aloe Vera gel helped boost the healing process in cases of ulceration of the gut.

Sufferers of Irritable Bowel Syndrome also find that drinking the Aloe Vera juice every day can ease many of their symptoms. Sufferers of Ulcerative Colitis also find that drinking a small amount of Aloe Vera juice each day can bring about a dramatic improvement in their symptoms. Their experience supports the findings of a trial carried out by gastroenterologist Professor David Rampton at the Royal London Hospital in January 2004. The trial involved 44 patients suffering from Ulcerative Colitis and showed improvement in one in three.

Aloe Vera gel is commonly used for skin complaints like eczema and urticaria. Research published in the Journal of Tropical Medicine also reported success using an Aloe Vera ointment on psoriasis and it is useful in promoting healing after skin burning or surgery. It is one of the best after-sun gels, and it is very useful after radiotherapy treatment to avoid skin damage.

Aloe Vera is a very effective moisturizer for the skin and helps the skin rebuild itself by stimulating fibroblasts – which produce collagen and elastin fibers so the skin becomes more elastic and less wrinkled. 

David Foley

MRCHM, MNIMH

Medical Herbalist