Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) is a newly defined syndrome that describes varying combinations of symptoms, including recurrent fatigue, sore throat, low-grade fever, lymph node swelling, headache, muscle and joint pain, intestinal discomfort, emotional distress and/or depression and loss of concentration.

   Although newly defined and currently receiving a lot of attention, CFS is not a new disease at all. References to similar conditions in medical literature go back as far as the 1860s and in Chinese medical literature as far back as two to three thousand years. In the past, CFS has been known by a variety of names, including: chronic glandular fever-like syndromes or chronic EBC syndrome, post-viral fatigue syndrome and many more. In addition, symptoms of CFS mirror symptoms of neurasthenia, a condition first described in 1869.

   There is little argument that a disturbed immune system plays a central role in CFS. A variety of immune system abnormalities have been reported in CFS patients. While no specific immunological dysfunction pattern has been recognised, the most consistent abnormality is a decreased number or activity of natural killer (NK) cells. NK cells received their name because of their ability to destroy cells infected with viruses. Other consistent findings include a reduced ability of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell that is critical in the battle against viruses) to respond.

   When the immune system is impaired, infections can linger and fatigue may persist. There is a good reason for fatigue during an infection: fatigue is the body’s response mechanism to infection because the immune system works best when the body is at rest.

   In order to determine the role that the immune system is playing in the individual with CFS, answer the following questions: Do you get more than two colds per year? When you catch a cold, does to it take more than 5 to 7 days to get rid of the symptoms? Have you ever had glandular fever? Do you have herpes? Do you suffer from chronic infections of any kind? If you answer “yes” to any of the above and suffer from CFS, then a weakened immune response may be the cause of the CFS, this being the only one.

   In order to treat this cause of CFS, diet can make a significant contribution towards strengthening the ailing immune system.

   Avoid sugar and sweets, also white bread and white flour products, which act like sugar inside the body.

  Eat plenty of fruit and vegetables and whole grains like wholemeal bread and porridge. Unrefined, cold-pressed oils like flax-seed oil and olive oil are important to include in the diet.

  Herbal remedies are great for strengthening an ailing immune system. Ginseng, especially Siberian ginseng, has been shown to exert a number of beneficial effects on immune function, including a significant increase in natural killer cells activity. Take 10-20ml twice a day.

   Astragalus is also very useful to help strengthen a weakened immune system. Take 10-20ml twice a day.

   Echinacea tincture along with ginseng can really help CFS sufferers; take 10ml twice a day.

David Foley MNIMH, MRCHM Medical Herbalist

Acne

   Acne is the most common of all skin problems. It occurs mostly on the face and, to a lesser extent, on the back, chest and shoulders. It is more common in males and usually begins at puberty.

   Acne usually occurs at the most self-conscious time for boys and girls and always produces a crop of spots - just when they don’t want them!

   This common problem of adolescence has two main causes: a hormonal and a dietary one. The hormonal cause is related to the level of male hormones, and is most obvious during puberty, when profound physical changes are started by various hormonal triggers. The dietary factor is related to the body’s ability to break down fats and carbohydrates.

   One of the most successful herbs used in the treatment of both male and female acne is Agnus-Castus. Taken for about three months to get the full effect, it works by helping the body to balance its hormonal swings. In many cases of acne, it has been found that increased levels of toxins are found in the blood absorbed from the gut - in fact, 50% of patients with severe acne have increased blood toxins. Herbs such as Bogbean, Echinacea and Dandelion are excellent to help the body clean itself  of these toxins.

   Minerals such as Zinc have been found very helpful in many studies; 45 mg of Zinc Picolinate each day is very good since it is much better absorbed from the gut than other forms of zinc.

   Externally, a lotion like a Tea-Tree wash or Calendula (Marigold) lotion is very helpful to help keep the skin clear of harmful bacteria (which will only make the acne worse).

   Dabbing on a Tea-Tree Antiseptic Ointment on the spot always helps to clear and dry up the spot faster.

   Don’t pick spots as scarring can result and is almost impossible to get rid of later on.

   Your diet must also be looked at. Increasing the amount of fresh fruit and vegetables and reducing fats, especially milk and other dairy products, as well as stopping high levels of sugar, will provide you with good results. A diet high in fats and sugars - beloved by so many teenagers - will only make the acne much worse.