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Herbal Remedies Natural Health Newsletter, November 2003, Issue 222

Herbal Remedies November 2003 Natural Health Newsletter Issue 222 Sponsored by www.HerbalRemedies.com Toll Free for orders 1-866-467-6444 Issue Editor - Patti Kantor

Herbs - Vitamins - Minerals - Magnetics - Candles - Aromatherapy - Holiday Gifts - Bath & Beauty - Essential Oils - Condition & Ailment Guide - Women's Health - Men's Health - Weight Loss - Health Books The holiday season is quickly approaching. Look good - naturally! - Click here for full story. Under new discoveries, flaxseed shows promise for those with prostate cancer - Click here for full story. Be prepared for the flu/cold season - Click here for full story. Questions and Answers Q1. "I have a severe case of eczema." - Click here for full story. Q2. "Can you recommend an herb for a six-year-old with worms?" - Click here for full story. Q3. "What good herbal remedies do you suggest for alcoholism?" - Click here for full story. Our Sponsors Enter coupon code "NL111503" when checking out to obtain discounts on your next purchase from http://www.HerbalRemedies.com - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - -

LOOKING GOOD – NATURALLY by Patti Kantor The holiday season is just around the corner and with the holidays comes lots of planning, decorating, shopping, perhaps even getting a manicure and makeover are included on your holiday to-do-list. If so, you may want to read on. Women discover makeup at an early age. Playing dress-up is something most all little girls like to do. A trunk full of old prom dresses, high heel shoes, purses filled with costume jewelry and makeup, and a large mirror can keep children entertained for hours. And, once a girl gets a chance to experiment with cosmetics, she’s hooked for life. We learn at a young age that makeup is used to accentuate the positive while hiding flaws. Beauty experts agree that the art of applying makeup is to do so in such a way that no one knows it is there. It should look natural. Unfortunately most makeup, as well as many other beauty aids, is anything but natural. In fact, in a quest to provide inexpensive products with a long shelf life, many beauty aid manufacturers use ingredients that may be harmful to your health. Of all the chemicals used in cosmetics, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health has reported that nearly 900 are toxic. Since the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has not set standards for safety testing of beauty products, it is up to you to be aware of what you are playing with. Some dangerous chemicals that are commonly found in innocent-looking beauty aids are: ALPHA-HYDROXYL ACIDS Found in moisturizers, toners, cleansers, masks, age-spot removers, alpha-hydroxyl acids (AHAs) are known for accelerating the exfoliation of dead skin cells. But they can also increase the skin’s sensitivity to the sun by as much as 50 percent, leaving you exposed to accelerated skin aging and the possibility of skin cancer. AHAs are best used at a concentration that is less than 10 percent. FORMALDEHYDE Formaldehyde, you may recall, is the chemical used in biology to preserve dead things in glass jars. It is found in nail polish, shampoos, soaps and skin creams. This potentially irritating preservative can be absorbed into the skin and cause allergic reactions, headaches, and even asthma. The ingredient, if listed at all, is often referred to as formalin. Its use in cosmetics is banned in Japan and Sweden. Be sure to read labels carefully. Products containing levels that might trigger an adverse reaction are required to carry a caution. METHYL METHACRYLATE Methyl methacrylate is found in nail products, primarily used in application of acrylic nails. It has been linked to fungal infections, nail deformities and other problems. Prolonged exposure can lead to eye, skin and lung irritation, abnormal liver or kidney function, nervous system damage or reproductive problems. MINERAL OIL Found in makeup removers, lipsticks and lotions, mineral oil is a petroleum derivative. It has been linked to everything from clogged pores to cancer and its density does not allow skin to breathe. Most experts advise to avoid it. PROPYLENE GLYCOL Most often found in lipsticks, other cosmetics and toiletries, and even suntan lotions, propylene glycol is known as a skin and eye irritant. While it is used to stop products from drying out, it has also been linked to liver abnormalities and kidney damage. It is best to avoid it altogether and instead opt for alternative products containing glycerin or sorbitol. SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS) Found in bubble baths, toothpastes, shampoos and lotions, this detergent has been found to enter the brain, heart and liver and impair the immune system. It has been linked to eye irritations, skin rashes and allergic reactions. The biggest problems occur when it is mixed with other chemicals, like those typically used in toiletries, because it can form carcinogenic compounds. Minimize the risks by using products with SLS sparingly and rinse it off quickly afterwards. TALC Mineral talc, found in makeup and body powders, has been linked to ovarian cancer and has been found to induce cancer in rodents. Avoid using talc-based powders, especially on genital areas. Also try to avoid products that contain: petrolatum hydrogenated oils alcohol-based toning products SO, WHY AREN’T COSMETICS TESTED? Cosmetics are considered beauty aids rather than health aids, therefore they escape scrutiny by the FDA. However this may change since just within the past 30 years or so science has begun to understand that while our skin serves as a protective shield, it can also act as a sponge. Researchers have also learned that chemicals are transmitted into the bloodstream in a number of ways: powders have the least absorption, while oily solutions or those designed to increase moisture allow more of the chemical to be absorbed. Eye makeup can be absorbed by the highly sensitive mucous membranes. Hair sprays, perfumes and dusting powders can be inhaled, irritating the lungs. Lipstick is often chewed off and swallowed. As scientists continue to learn just how porous our skin is and how dangerous chemicals can enter the body thanks to the aid of beauty products, no doubt many changes in the cosmetic industry will be demanded. In fact there have been a couple positive steps taken. For instance, in 1977 the Cosmetic Labeling Act became law and manufacturers were required to list ingredients. Shortly after many aerosols were banned. Today, antiperspirants serve as a good example, stick and roll-on deodorants now dominate the store shelves. But until more precautions are made, those who use cosmetics and beauty products need to be informed of pending dangers as well as how to keep skin healthy. START WITH A GOOD FOUNDATION – HEALTHY SKIN The skin is the body’s largest organ and perhaps one of the most important. It not only holds the entire package neatly together; it also serves as a shield between the body and the millions of foreign substances that exist in our environment. Unfortunately sometimes we ask our skin to work even harder by introducing what might appear as innocent-looking things that are actually harmful, such as the sun and chemicals. THE SUN The sun is your skin’s number one enemy – in fact 90 percent of what we think are signs of aging are actually signs of overexposure to sunlight. And overexposure doesn’t necessarily mean sunbathing. Approximately 70 percent of sun damage occurs while doing everyday activities like driving – or simply walking to and from your car, home or work. Incidentally studies have shown that a large number of men develop skin cancer on their left arm, while women tend to get it more often on their right arm. This is because men usually drive with their left arm out the window, while women are usually on the passenger side with their right arm out the window. The ultraviolet rays that do damage are present all year round – even during the winter. These rays erode the elastic tissue in the skin causing wrinkling. Worse, the effects of the sun are cumulative - they may not be obvious for many years. If you plan to be outdoors, take along some sunscreen of 15 SPF or higher and lip balm. Also replace these products every six months since they lose their effectiveness over time. The second enemy is chemicals, many of which are found in cosmetics and numerous skin care products. When selecting products, chose those made by manufacturers that follow strict rules against animal testing and believe in the preservation of natural resources. Look for products that contain skin-friendly herbs and natural ingredients, such as Burt’s Bees and Lavera Products of Germany. SKIN-FRIENDLY HERBS Alfalfa, borage, burdock root, chamomile, horsetail grass, oat straw, red raspberry, and thyme are all good for general nourishment to the hair, skin and nails Aloe vera has soothing, healing and moisturizing properties. Apply pure aloe vera gel to dry skin as directed on the product label Comfrey is good for dry skin Witch hazel is also useful in skin care Other skin-friendly herbs include: flaxseed oil, ginger root, lavender, lemongrass, parsley and pumpkin seed. NATURAL INGREDIENTS Seek products containing natural ingredients, like: Allantoin - a soothing agent derived from comfrey, an herb that aids healing and soothes chapped, irritated or blemished skin Arnica – an herb with astringent and skin-soothing properties Chamomile – an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial herb good for sensitive skin Collagen – a protein found in healthy skin tissue Essential fatty acids – smooth rough skin, protects against moisture loss and prevents invasion Ginkgo biloba – an antioxidant that helps skin stay younger looking Glycerine – a soap byproduct that attracts and holds moisture in the skin Liposomes – microscopic bubbles that deliver active ingredients deep into the skin Yarrow – an astringent herb that acts as an anti-inflammatory and tightens and firms saggy skin . Choose cosmetics carefully and limit their use. In addition, Do not share cosmetics Replace cosmetics every three to six months, rather than every year as manufacturers often recommend Look for fragrance-free formulas rather than unscented products When possible use hypoallergenic skin care products, deodorants, shaving cream, soaps, hair products and cosmetics. Keep in mind that hypoallergenic means only that a product is not likely to cause allergies, not that it will not. Also avoid using harsh soaps or solid cleansing creams such as cold cream on your face. Instead use natural cleansers with oils like avocado oil to remove dirt and old makeup. Last but not least, use a facial sponge or loofah several times a week to remove dead, dry skin cells and stimulate circulation, and then pamper your skin with a clay mask. Click here for more information about natural cosmetics and other natural beauty aids, including a wide variety of products. - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - -

FLAXSEED GARNERS CNN’S ATTENTION by Patti Kantor Under new discoveries, the national media mogul CNN recently reported that flaxseed is proving to be effective in treating prostate cancer. A new study recently reported in Neurology Journal found that limiting dietary fat to 20 percent of calories while eating three heaping tablespoons of freshly ground flaxseed every day can significantly slow down prostate cancer growth. The Duke University Medical Center study was conducted on men who were scheduled to have their prostates removed due to cancer. The surgery often results in nerve damage and has about a 50 percent chance of permanent impotence. The men who ate the flaxseed/low-fat diet retained sexual function as well as their drive. And, the longer the men stayed on the diet, the greater their tumor reduction. While their PSA levels, used as markers to indicate if someone has prostate cancer or accelerated tumor growth, didn’t go down very much, their cancers showed slower tumor growth when compared to historic tumor measurements of prostate cancer. Further studies are still underway. BENEFITS OF FLAXSEED Flaxseed is a rich, vegetarian source of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids that are critical in the production of prostaglandins. In the body prostaglandins help regulate fat metabolism, inflammatory response, hormones, as well as the cardiovascular, immune and central nervous systems. It is important to maintain an appropriate balance of omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids in the diet as these two substances work together to promote health. Omega-3 fatty acids help reduce inflammation while most omega-6 fatty acids tend to promote inflammation. A proper balance of essential fatty acids helps maintain and even improve health, while an inappropriate balance contributes to the development of disease. A healthy diet should consist of two to four times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids; however the typical American diet tends to contain 14 to 30 times more omega-6 fatty acids than omega-3 fatty acids. Many researchers believe this imbalance is a significant factor in the rising rate of inflammatory disorders in the United States. To restore the proper omega-6/omega-3 balance, many physicians recommend dietary supplementation with flaxseed topping the list. LIGNANS FROM FLAXSEED In addition to important omega-3 fatty acids, flaxseed also contains a group of chemicals called lignans - plant compounds that, in this case, are believed to bind to testosterone, the male hormone thought to spur the growth of such cancer. The lignans thus impedes testosterone’s action – helping to slow the progression of the cancer. FLAXSEED ORIGIN Flaxseed has been recognized for its health benefits for many centuries. The reddish brown seeds derived from the flax plant, an annual herb, are believed to have originated in Egypt. The ancient Egyptians used flaxseed for nutritional and medicinal purposes as well as the fiber contained in the flax plant to make clothes, fishnets, and other products. Throughout history, flaxseed has been used as a mild laxative. It is high in fiber and contains a gummy material called mucilage. These substances expand when they come in contact with water, so they add bulk to stool and help it move more quickly through the gastrointestinal tract, thereby acting as a laxative for constipation. Flaxseed is rich in magnesium, potassium, as well as a good source of vitamin B, protein and zinc. It is low in saturated fats and calories and contains no cholesterol. Studies suggest that flaxseed - both the alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and the lignans in flaxseed - may play a role in the prevention and/or treatment of not only prostate cancer but also: High cholesterol High blood pressure Heart disease Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) Arthritis Depression Burns Acne Asthma Menstrual pain Eating disorders Colon cancer Brest cancer Skin cancer Menopause AVAILABLE FORMS The nutty taste of flaxseed is pleasant and the seeds can be ground in a coffee grinder. They can be mixed with water, any fruit or vegetable juice. They can be added to salads, soups, yogurt, cereals and even baked goods. Flaxseed and flaxseed oil should be kept refrigerated. Whole flaxseeds must be ground within 24 hours of use, otherwise the ingredients lose their activity. Flaxseeds are also available in grounded form in a special mylar package so that the components in the flaxseeds stay active. Ripe seeds, linseed cakes, powder, capsules and flaxseed oil are all available at health food or grocery stores. HOW TO TAKE IT One to two tablespoons of ground flaxseed or one tablespoon of flaxseed oil a day is sufficient to maintain general health. Most manufacturers recommend two to four capsules daily, depending on potency and the lignan content. More specifically, children ages two to 12 should take one teaspoon daily of ground flaxseeds or one teaspoon of fresh flaxseed oil for constipation. If an infant is breast fed, the mother may ingest oil or fresh ground seed to increase fat content in breast milk. Adults should consider taking one tablespoon two to three times per day or two to four tablespoons one time per day. Grind before eating and take with lots of water. For liquid, prepare by boiling down the flaxseed in water: 15g of whole seed simmered in one cup of water for 10 to 15 minutes. SIDE EFFECTS AND PRECAUTIONS Flaxseed is unlikely to cause any side effects when the suggested dosage is taken. Larger amounts of flaxseed may cause diarrhea. However, flaxseed may slow down the absorption of oral medications or other nutrients if taken at the same time; therefore, it should be ingested several hours before or after other medications Talk to your healthcare provider before taking flaxseed if you regularly take any prescription or over-the-counter medications. Also some people may experience nausea from flaxseed oil – if so, opt for the seeds instead. People with either diabetes or schizophrenia should be aware that they may lack the ability to convert the ALA in flaxseed to EPA and DHA, the forms of omega-3 fatty acids that are generally made from ALA and are more readily used by the body. People with these conditions may want to obtain their omega-3 fatty acids directly from dietary sources rich in EPA and DHA, such as fish. POSSIBLE INTERACTIONS If currently being treated with any of the following medications, you should first talk to your healthcare provider before using flaxseed. Blood Thinning Medications - Omega-3 fatty acids may increase the blood-thinning effects of aspirin or warfarin. While the combination of aspirin and omega-3 fatty acids may actually be helpful under certain circumstances (such as heart disease), they should only be taken together under the guidance and supervision of a healthcare provider. Cholesterol Lowering Medications, Statins - Following certain nutritional guidelines, including increasing the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your diet and reducing the omega-6 to omega-3 ratio, may allow a group of cholesterol lowering medications known as “statins” (such as atorvastatin, lovastatin, and simvastatin) to work more effectively. Cyclosporine - Taking omega-3 fatty acids during cyclosporine therapy may reduce toxic side effects (such as high blood pressure and kidney damage) associated with this medication in transplant patients. Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) - In an animal study, treatment with omega-3 fatty acids reduced the risk of ulcers from NSAIDs. More research is needed to evaluate whether omega-3 fatty acids would have the same effects in people. IN CONCLUSION In regards to prostate cancer, nutritional cancer research experts agree that in addition to taking supplements be sure to get regular checkups. The American Cancer Society recommends men get annual prostate examinations and a PSA blood test starting at age 50. It is recommended that men with a family history of prostate cancer and others at high risk, including African-American men, start getting prostate screenings at age 45 or earlier depending on individual risk factors. Click here for more information about prostate cancer. Click here for more information about flaxseed and products. - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - -

BE PREPARED FOR FLU AND COLD SEASON by Patti Kantor ‘Feed a cold, starve a fever’ has been a phrase that many have grown up with. Moms everywhere have uttered the remedy numerous times to themselves while trying to make a child feel better when recovering from a cold or flu. Or perhaps they were simply repeating the phrase so they could recall it correctly. ‘Feed a cold, starve a fever’ evolved from medical advice from the 1500s, according to the New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition, 2002. However its original saying has been lost in the translation and apparently we have gotten it wrong. The actual saying, according to the dictionary, was more like ‘If you stuff a cold, then you are going to have to feed a fever later’ – which is even more confusing. According to today’s medical experts, both a cold and a fever should be fed if that is what the person who is sick wants. Also starving a fever is not a good idea because for every one degree rise in body temperature, there is an estimated seven percent increase in basal metabolism – the rate in which the body burns calories. Withholding food will only make the body work even harder to fight the illness. Better advice is to ‘drown them both’ since liquids will help soothe either a cold or flu and both conditions can lead to dehydration. Consider drinking fruit juices, especially ones with vitamin C, hot broth or warm drinks such as herbal teas, many of which contain soothing herbs like echinacea or peppermint. COLD VERSUS FLU At first your body aches. Then your nose begins to run. As the day wears on you develop a headache and a sore throat. Do you have the flu or is it a cold? While both have similar symptoms, such as aches, chills and cough, one of the biggest differences between the two is if and when the stomach gets involved. If you experience diarrhea or vomiting - you know you have the flu. Also fevers tend to run higher with the flu. Regardless of what you have, either way, you feel rotten. There are more than 200 viruses that cause colds and the flu. Viruses are spread mostly by germs that are on hands, phones, door handles, even through the exchange of currency. Viruses also spread airborne by coughing and sneezing. And, unfortunately there is no quick fix or magic pill for viruses. They have to run their course – which is usually 24 to 36 hours - that is if given rest and fluids. Should you call the doctor? First, monitor your symptoms and then call him or her if the symptoms continue to get worse after three days; if the cold or flu hangs on for longer than a week; or if after feeling a bit better, more serious symptoms develop, such as a productive cough with thick, yellow-green mucus or an ear ache. IT’S BEST TO AVOID VIRUSES With so many different types of cold and flu viruses out there, how do you dodge them? And while health clinics and drug stores seem to tout an overabundance of flu vaccine this year, as opposed to last year’s shortages, encouraging everyone of all ages to get a flu shot – is that the answer? Are flu shots, or the new nasal spray flu vaccine that has been in the news lately, for everyone? According to the U.S. Department of Health & Services, those who should get a flu vaccine includes anyone: With a chronic illness, like asthma, diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, weakened immune system 65 or older Under two Pregnant more than three months during the flu season Working in healthcare, including the caretaker of a family member with a chronic illness Those who should absolutely not get a vaccine include those: allergic to eggs (used in making the injectable vaccine) very sick with a high fever have had a severe reaction to the flu vaccine in the past NO FLU SHOT, THANK YOU So, what if you happen to be in between those two groups? You really don’t need a flu shot, which by the way does not protect you 100 percent from getting the flu or cold since there are so many different viruses out there anyway. Simply take a few precautions. First, check your immune system. Do you seem to get colds or the flu frequently? If so, and if you are not doing so already, take multi-vitamins. Be sure you are getting your daily allowances of zinc and vitamin C. Also consider immunity boosters, such as colostrum and echinacea. Be aware that children will have more flu/colds than adults because their immunity has not yet been built up. As their immunity systems mature, so will their ability to ward off more viruses. Until then be sure to have healing remedies such as Sambucal with elderberry on hand to provide almost instant relief. Get plenty of rest. If your body is overly fatigued, it will find it harder to fight a cold or the flu. Consider garlic. It is antibacterial, anti-viral and anti-fungal. Avoid stress. Exercise. Wash your hands often and encourage all family members to do the same. Use paper hand towels rather than clothe hand towels. In conclusion, if you lead a healthy lifestyle, chances are your immune system will be strong and you will not dread the flu and cold season. Click here for more information on preventing the flu and colds, as well as cold/flu products. - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - -

QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: Q1. I have a severe case of eczema. Are there any vitamins or other aids that might help? A1. Eczema is a group of chronic skin disorders that affect the hands, face, neck and scalp. Eczema is more severe than ordinary dry skin because it includes itching, small oozing blisters and areas of thickened, scaly skin. While dry skin is primarily a genetic condition, it may be caused or worsened in the hands by poor diet and environmental factors, such as exposure to sun, cold, wind and cosmetics, or by extended contact with harsh detergents. Most people who have eczema have sensitive immune systems and a family history of allergic conditions. This causes sufferers to react more severely to harmful irritants and allergens. Hypochlorhydria (low levels of hydrocloric acid in the stomach), candidiasis (too much yeast in the system), food allergies and a genetically based weakness in the enzyme delta-6-desaturase can also cause eczema. The most annoying symptom of eczema is constant, uncontrollable itching. Eczema on the hands looks like scaly, thickened areas of skin that can become red and fissured. Tiny blisters that weep, rupture and crust over are also common with eczema. Combat dry hands by drinking at least two quarts of water every day and eating a balanced diet (with plenty of vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds and nuts). Avoid fried foods, animal fats, soft drinks, sugar, chocolate, snack chips, alcohol and caffeine, because these items tend to rob the body of necessary fluids and minerals. Do not use harsh soaps or very hot water when bathing, showering or washing dishes. Use a loofah sponge twice a week on the affected areas to increase circulation and remove dead skin. Moisturize your hands after cleansing and several other times during the day to avoid dryness. Use calendula cream or oil with comfrey, vitamin E oil and aloe vera on the fingers at bedtime, then wear plastic or cotton gloves overnight. This intensive therapy will help cure dryness while you sleep. Because food allergies are a major cause of eczema, it is important to consult with a doctor to determine if allergies are a factor. Regarding vitamins, Vitamin A strengthens and protects the skin tissue. Vitamin B Complex contains anti-stress and anti-aging vitamins. Vitamin E can minimize wrinkling when used topically. Zinc ensures proper functioning of the skin's oil-producing glands. Click here for more information on eczema and products. - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - Q2.Help, I need an herb for a six-year-old with worms! A2.Throw the book at those migrating parasites using Diatomaceous Earth (DE). DE is a fossilized deposit of microscopic shells created by one-celled plants called diatoms. These plants inhabit all the waters of the earth and serve as the basic food for aquatic life, just as grass is the basic food for land animals. Our Diatomaceous Earth has been designated as food-grade and comes from fresh water sources. Safe and nontoxic, DE destroys intestinal parasites physically by injuring them. The shell particles of the DE are sharp enough to cut the parasites but are not harmful to humans and animals. DE is a natural and safe way to kill parasites without chemicals. Take one (1) tablespoon daily in juice, water, or tea. Click here for products and more information about Diatomaceous Earth (DE). - - - - - - - - - - Back to Top - - - - - - - - - - Q3. What good herbal remedies do you suggest for someone with alcoholism? A3. Kudzo Root is known for its ability to suppress alcohol cravings, while flaxseed oil delivers essential fatty acids for proper brain function. Magnesium, lithium and vitamin C should also help. While the supplements are very necessary, there needs to be a healing of the soul as well. Alcoholism is tough to conquer even with the help of others. Get the support of a good bible, faith-based pastor. The harvest is plenty, but the workers are few. Click here for helpful information about alcoholism. Master Herbalist, Truman Berst