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Herbal Remedies Natural Health Newsletter, July 2005, Issue 249

Herbal Remedies July 2005 Natural Health Newsletter Issue 249 Sponsored by www.HerbalRemedies.com Toll Free for orders 1-866-467-6444 Issue Editor - Heather Bowman

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 Probiotics: Helping Prevent Common Traveling Sickness - Click here for full story. Herbs that Help PMS - Click here for full story. Chlorella and Spirulina: Looking to the Ocean for Superior Nutrition - Click here for full story. Zinc Intake May be a Key to Athletic Performance - Click here for full story. Chamomile Soothes the Flu, Too - Click here for full story. Product Spotlight -Green Tea Extract Diet Support with Panax Ginseng · Helps Burn Calories · Energy Tonic · Immune Support · Ephedra-Free Many diet formulas contain diuretic or laxative substances which can be harmful. This diet support formula does not contain any of these. Liquid formula allows for faster absorption than tablets or capsules. Green Tea Extract contains important antioxidant and natural caffeine wich promotes themogenesis and assists in calorie burning. Not only is this our feature product, but it is also in our RED HOT SALE ITEMS In order to better serve our customers Herbal Remedies has moved to a larger distribution center and to kick off the celebration we’re having a Re-Grand Opening Sale Also make sure you check out our new vendors: L'Equip, Thayers Natural Pharmaceuticals, Irwin Naturals, Cylinder Works and our new manufacturers have product specials! To make your online shopping even more convenient for you we have a vast selection of products priced with you in mind in our RED HOT SALE ITEMS QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS Q: Redraspberry leaf and raspberry are they the same? If so what is the best way to use it to promote fertility and to be able to conceive. I have a friend who used it and she gave birth at age 40 after many years of trying. Please advice me further on this. Is it okay to drink rasperry leaf tea just by itself? Is it better with honey, sugar or plain? Thanks, Evelyn A: Dear Evelyn, Raspberry (aka Red Raspberry) has traditionally been used to help those who are already pregnant because it helps prevent complications and eases childbirth. Its use is generally as Red Raspberry Leaf tea. You can drink the tea plain or with honey - in my experience honey seems to bring out the best flavors of any tea. I don't suggest sugar as processed sugar has been proven to be bad for you. To help in getting pregnant I suggest Chaste Tree Berry and Infertility Tinctures Thank you for your interest in Herbal Remedies.com and the opportunity to serve you. Rick * The statements regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information on this Web site or in emails is designed for educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for informed medical advice or care. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat any health problems or illnesses without consulting your pediatrician or family doctor. Please consult a doctor with any questions or concerns you might have regarding you or your child's condition. Informational material and representations have been provided by the manufacturers of the listed products. Our Sponsors Enter coupon code "NL071505" when checking out to obtain discounts on your next purchase from http://www.HerbalRemedies.com

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Probiotics: Helping Prevent Common Traveling Sickness By Greg Arnold, DC, CSCS, May 30, 2005, abstracted from “Recombinant Probiotics for Treatment and Prevention of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Diarrhea” in the May 2005 issue of Gastroenterology Travelers' diarrhea (TD) is the most common illness affecting travelers, with estimates as high as 50% of international travelers, totaling 10 million per year. Attack rates are similar for men and women, with the primary source of infection being ingestion of fecally contaminated food or water. 90% of TD cases resolve in one week and 98% resolve within 1 month. Infectious agents are the primary cause of TD, with the most common cause being enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC). ETEC produces watery diarrhea with associated cramps and low-grade or no fever.(1) While prescribed treatments for TD include prescription drugs such as Rifaximin versus ciprofloxacin,(2) a new study(3) has found that there may be a surprisingly simple solution, in the form of probiotics, to preventing TD. In the study, researchers investigated the use of recombinant probiotics for the treatment of TD. To do this, they expressed mimics of ETEC receptors on the surface of regular gut bacteria. As a result, ETEC bound itself to the gut bacteria. The researchers found that when probiotics were administered, nearly 94% of the toxicity of the ETEC strains was neutralized. Additionally, when they tested a harmless E. Coli strain together with a heat-labile enterotoxin (LT) in the ileum of rabbits, fluid secretion in the ileum, which is the hallmark of ETEC infection, was cut in half. These results led the researchers to conclude that "toxin-binding probiotics have considerable potential for prophylaxis and treatment of ETEC-induced traveler's diarrhea ." Greg Arnold is a Chiropractic Physician practicing in Danville, CA. You can contact Dr. Arnold directly by emailing him at ChiroDocPSUalum@msn.com or by visiting his website at www.CompleteChiropracticHealthcare.com Reference: 1 “Traveler’s Diarrhea” posted on the CDC’s Division of Bacterial and Mycotic Diseases Website www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dbmd/diseaseinfo/travelersdiarrhea_g.htm 2 DuPont, H. L., Z. D. Jiang, et al. (2001). "Rifaximin versus ciprofloxacin for the treatment of traveler's diarrhea: a randomized, double-blind clinical trial." Clin Infect Dis 33(11): 1807-15 3 Paton, A. W., M. P. Jennings, et al. (2005). "Recombinant Probiotics for Treatment and Prevention of Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli Diarrhea." Gastroenterology 128(5): 1219-28

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Herbs that Help PMS Reprinted with permission from www.bottomlinesecrets.com, Daily Health News, May 17, 2005 In a recent issue, I talked about the eight out of 10 women who experience symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS), including fatigue, irritability, mood swings, tender breasts, bloating and depression. (See the 12/28/04 Daily Health News, www.dailyhealthnews.com.) In that article, Udo Erasmus, PhD, author of Fats That Heal, Fats That Kill, pointed out the importance of getting enough healthy fats -- called essential fatty acids (EFAs) -- to control symptoms of PMS. Another approach used by many is herbal therapy. Herbs and Hormonal Balance Most experts believe that PMS is associated with the normal cycling of hormones. According to Margaret Philhower, ND, a naturopathic physician at the Seattle Healing Arts Center in Washington, different herbal formulas not only help control symptoms, they also can help support women through the two phases of their monthly hormonal cycles -- the follicular (first-half) and luteal (second-half) phases. In prescribing herbs based on the segment of a cycle, the important factor is an herb's ability to emulate the effects of estrogen and progesterone on the body. The follicular phase herbs tend to enhance the effects of deficient estrogen, while the luteal phase herbs enhance the effects of progesterone. Critical to managing PMS symptoms is the ebb and flow of estrogen and progesterone levels through the two phases, and, in particular, the sensitivity of the body's hormone receptors. The herbs don't increase the hormone levels, but they can improve the sensitivity of the receptors, which allows the patient to feel better in the face of dwindling hormone levels. Dr. Philhower chooses the components of an herbal PMS formula based first on herbs' progesterone- or estrogen-stimulating properties. Next, depending on a woman's individual needs, she might add other herbs to the mix to target such premenstrual challenges as frayed nerves, irritability or bloating. Her formulas most frequently come in tincture form (one teaspoon three times daily). Note: Dr. Philhower does not recommend taking these herbs on your own. Herbs can have potent side effects, so attempting to mix and match them yourself is not a good idea. Your best bet is to consult an ND, who will design an herbal PMS formula to meet your individual needs. If this is not an option, use the information below to help choose an appropriate herbal PMS remedy at your local health-food store . Some herbs that Dr. Philhower uses to ease PMS symptoms: IN THE FIRST HALF OF YOUR MONTHLY CYCLE: ANGELICA (DONG QUAI). The first half of your monthly cycle lasts from the end of your period to ovulation (from approximately day three to day 14). Angelica is a plant that helps with estrogen-receptor sensitivity and may stimulate a slight increase in circulating levels of this hormone. Dr. Philhower does not recommend any particular brands and notes that it is best to consult an ND who will design an herbal PMS formula to meet your particular health needs. If this is not a viable option, visit a health-food store and choose a PMS remedy that features angelica. Carefully follow the directions on the product label. In addition, Dr. Philhower recommends black cohosh, clary sage, false unicorn and motherwort during this time. Note: Do not take angelica if you are or may be pregnant, if you have a bleeding disorder or if you are taking drugs such as warfarin. The primary use of angelica is to regulate the menstrual cycle. It also may reduce cramps and boost energy. An ND will add other herbs to an individualized formula to address your other PMS symptoms. Some research suggests that black cohosh may cause liver problems, and in one study it increased breast cancer spread -- in mice. It is best to consult your health-care professional before taking any herbal medicine. IN THE SECOND HALF OF YOUR MONTHLY CYCLE: VITEX (CHASTEBERRY). The second half of your monthly cycle is known as the luteal, or progesterone-dominant, phase. It is roughly days 14 to 28 or to whenever you get your period, and it may include symptoms such as emotional mood swings, breast tenderness and headaches. Note: PMS symptoms vary widely from woman to woman, and not all women experience PMS. In this so-called luteal phase, Dr. Philhower recommends that you switch to a formula containing herbs such as black haw and wild yam. Again, Dr. Philhower does not recommend any particular brands, and notes that it is best to consult an ND who will design an herbal PMS formula to meet your particular health needs. If this is not a viable option, visit a health-food store and choose a PMS remedy that features vitex. Carefully follow the directions on the product label. Also helpful: Watch your diet -- increase your intake of organic vegetables, fruits, beans, nuts, seeds and fish... and cut back on hormone-laden high-fat dairy products and red meat. Herbs to the Rescue FOR LIVER SUPPORT: DANDELION AND MILK THISTLE . A number of herbs can help control what Dr. Philhower refers to as "liver chi stagnation" symptoms, including mood swings, irritability, acne, constipation, breast tenderness and water retention. She recommends herbs such as dandelion and milk thistle to encourage detoxification and expedite estrogen metabolism. Other beneficial choices include artichoke, Oregon grape, fennel, burdock and turmeric. These herbs all help balance the hormones. I asked if women should take all of these. The recommendation: Don't try to take these on your own, since each works in a unique way and requires professional expertise for dosing. Liver support is beneficial at any time. Also helpful: Apply castor oil hot packs to the liver (on the right side of the abdomen) and lower abdomen to help support liver function. Do this for up to one hour, three to seven times a week. This recommendation surprised me, but both Dr. Philhower and Daily Health News contributing editor Andrew L. Rubman, ND, said that it works. FOR ADRENAL SUPPORT: ELEUTHEROCOCCUS . Your adrenals are the glands that allow you to continue to function well when you are under stress. Stressed-out premenstrual women can benefit from herbs such as eleutherococcus, Panax ginseng and astragalus. Eleutherococcus is helpful in managing fatigue- and stress-related problems such as poor memory and concentration. Note: Do not take eleutherococcus or Panax ginseng if you are or suspect you may be pregnant, or if you have heart disease or high blood pressure. Large amounts can be overstimulating and make you jittery and nervous. Also helpful: Make sure you get enough sleep, and practice techniques such as meditation, progressive muscle relaxation and deep breathing. TO CALM FRAYED NERVES: CHAMOMILE . Good old reliable chamomile and other relaxing herbs can make a world of difference during PMS, says Dr. Philhower. To decrease mood swings, soothe ragged nerves and relieve mild anxiety, she recommends chamomile, avena, California poppy, melissa, motherwort, passiflora, skullcap and valerian. Also helpful: Eliminate caffeine -- especially coffee, which contains compounds known as methylxanthines, known to contribute to breast tenderness. Use Professional Guidance As you can see, there are many tools in the herbal PMS "fix-it" bag. However, it takes a professional to make the right blend for your needs. Herbs can have potent side effects, and you should consult with your health-care provider before taking them (especially if you have a pre-existing condition or are taking other medication). If you are nursing, be even more vigilant about checking first before taking an herb or other supplement. As part of the process, your doctor can measure your hormone levels and check to be sure that there is no other problem, such as a thyroid condition or anemia, which can exacerbate symptoms. He/she can then create a treatment protocol that is right for you to maximize receptor sensitivity and minimize PMS symptoms. Sources: · Margaret A. Philhower, ND, Seattle Healing Arts Center, Seattle. · American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, www.acog.org

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Chlorella and Spirulina: Looking to the Ocean for Superior Nutrition By Greg Arnold, DC, CSCS, June 20, 2005, abstracted from "A review of recent clinical trials of the nutritional supplement Chlorella pyrenoidosa in the treatment of fibromyalgia, hypertension, and ulcerative colitis” in the issue of Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine Found in every plant, chlorophyll is responsible for transforming sunlight into energy. But chlorophyll cannot do this without carotenoids , the antioxidants that give plants their color.(1) Carotenoids also play a tremendous role in preventing the oxidative damage to our cells(2) now regarded as one of the primary reasons we age(3) and become prone to disease.(4) Knowing this, it would only make sense to consume foods with high levels of chlorophyll and carotenoids. Fortunately, nature has provided us with two foods from the ocean filled with carotenoids that can bestow upon you the greatest health benefits. These two foods are chlorella and spirulina. Chlorella is a one-celled green algae that grows in fresh water and has the highest chlorophyll content of any known plant. Chlorella contains all the amino acids essential for the nutrition of animals and human being while also containing fiber and enzymes. Chlorella has potential to help treat a myriad of conditions, including, Fibromyalgia ,(5) high blood pressure and ulcerative colitis ,(6) E. Coli bacterial infections (7) and cancer (8) while also aiding the body in detoxification.(9) As amazing as chlorella sounds, spirulina is just as remarkable. With 10 times more beta carotene than carrots, high levels of vitamin B-12, essential for healthy nerves and tissue, and 250% of the US RDA for Vitamin K per serving, essential for blood clotting, spirulina also contains a tremendous number of carotenoids to strengthen your immune system. Some even suggest that spirulina is the most heavily researched food on the planet, being subject to thousands of research studies.(10) Whether you choose to supplement chlorella and spirulina into your diet or choose just one, the addition of these nutrition superfoods can provide a tremendous boost to your health. Greg Arnold is a Chiropractic Physician practicing in Danville, CA. You can contact Dr. Arnold directly by emailing him at mailto:ChiroDocPSUalum@msn.com or visiting his website www.CompleteChiropracticHealthcare.com Reference: 1 Young, A.J. and H.A. Frank, Energy transfer reactions involving carotenoids: quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence. J Photochem Photobiol B, 1996. 36(1): p. 3-15 2 Stahl, W. Antioxidant activity of carotenoids. Mol Aspects Med, 2003. 24(6): p. 345-51 3 Sohal, R.S., Role of oxidative stress and protein oxidation in the aging process. Free Radic Biol Med, 2002. 33(1): p. 37-44 4 Kritchevsky, S.B., beta-Carotene, carotenoids and the prevention of coronary heart disease. J Nutr, 1999. 129(1): p. 5-8 5 Merchant, R.E. Nutritional supplementation with Chlorella pyrenoidosa for patients with fibromyalgia syndrome: a pilot study. Phytother Res, 2000. 14(3): p. 167-73 6 Merchant, R.E. and C.A. Andre, A review of recent clinical trials of the nutritional supplement Chlorella pyrenoidosa in the treatment of fibromyalgia, hypertension, and ulcerative colitis. Altern Ther Health Med, 2001. 7(3): p. 79-91 7 Tanaka, K., et al., Augmentation of host defense by a unicellular green alga, Chlorella vulgaris, to Escherichia coli infection. Infect Immun, 1986. 53(2): p. 267-71 8 Konishi, F., et al., Antitumor effect induced by a hot water extract of Chlorella vulgaris (CE): resistance to Meth-A tumor growth mediated by CE-induced polymorphonuclear leukocytes. Cancer Immunol Immunother, 1985. 19(2): p. 73-8 9 Morita, K., et al., Chlorella accelerates dioxin excretion in rats. J Nutr, 1999. 129(9): p. 1731-6 10 “Spirulina: The World’s Healthiest Superfood” from www.Spirulina.com

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Zinc Intake May be a Key to Athletic Performance By Greg Arnold, DC, CSCS, June 8, 2005, abstracted from “Low dietary zinc decreases erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase activities and impairs cardiorespiratory function in men during exercise” in the May 1, 2005 issue of the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition According to the Nutrition Business Journal, consumption of dietary supplements has been growing each year since 1997 and will reach more than $20 billion this year in the U.S. alone.(1) Included in this figure are supplements that have been shown to enhance performance, including creatine (2) and L-carnitine .(3) Now, a new study(4) suggests that enhancing athletic performance may only be 20 mg of a simple mineral away. In the study, researchers had 14 men aged 20–31 years follow either a low-zinc (3.8 mg per day) or supplemented (18.7 mg per day) diet for nine weeks. They then proceeded to study peak work capacity in the subjects via a cycle ergometer (70% peak intensity for 45 minutes) during the second and ninth weeks of each diet period. They found that the low- zinc diets decreased peak oxygen uptake, carbon dioxide output, respiratory exchange and red blood cell zinc levels during the prolonged, sub-maximal exercise. These results led the researchers to conclude that “low dietary zinc is associated with significant reductions in zinc status and impaired metabolic responses during exercise.” Greg Arnold is a Chiropractic Physician practicing in Danville, CA. You can contact Dr. Arnold directly by emailing him at ChiroDocPSUalum@msn.com or by visiting his website at www.CompleteChiropracticHealthcare.com Reference: 1 “Supplement Pose Danger to Teens” posted on the National Collegiate Athletic Association Website www.1ncaa.org/membership/ed_outreach/nutrition-performance/about/articles/supplement.html 2 Haff, GG. The Effect of 6 Weeks of Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation on Dynamic Rate of Force Development. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. November 2000(14) pg. 426-433 3 Brown, L. Incledon, T. L-carnitine and Aerobic Exercise. The Strength and Conditioning Journal, October 1999 (21) pg. 36-37 4 Lukaski HC. Low dietary zinc decreases erythrocyte carbonic anhydrase activities and impairs cardiorespiratory function in men during exercise. Am J Clin Nutr 2005 81: 1045-1051

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Chamomile Soothes the Flu, Too Reprinted with permission from www.bottomlinesecrets.com, Daily Health News, June 9, 2005 Chamomile has a long and rich history of healing benefits, from relieving stomach discomfort to soothing tension and stress. In addition, women have traditionally turned to this comforting herbal remedy to ease menstrual cramps, and many people sip the tea to relieve cold and flu symptoms. Now, in yet one more instance of science finally catching up with the wisdom of traditional approaches, new research has confirmed many of the medicinal benefits of chamomile. In a small study at the Imperial College of London, researchers found chemical compounds in chamomile tea that possess powerful infection-fighting abilities and act as muscle and nerve relaxants. This is one of a growing number of studies providing evidence that natural products contain chemicals with real medicinal value. The results were published in the January 26 issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. About the Research In the study, 14 participants drank five cups daily of tea made with German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) for a two-week period. Researchers collected daily urine samples from them before, during and for two weeks after this period. According to study author Yulan Wang, PhD, a chemist at the Imperial College, after drinking chamomile tea, participants' urine was significantly higher in two compounds... · Hippurate, a breakdown product of germ-fighting antioxidant flavonols found in the tea. These compounds possess antibacterial activity, which may account for chamomile's ability to fight colds and other infections. · Glycine, which calms nerves and relieves muscle spasms. This may explain why chamomile tea acts as a mild sedative and helps relieve menstrual cramps. Dr. Wang notes that levels of hippurate and glycine remained elevated in the two weeks following the tea phase, implying that chamomile has a lasting effect. Like probiotics, chamomile alters the balance of microflora in the intestine by changing the levels of chemicals excreted in the urine. About the study: The participants consumed an unusually large amount of tea (five cups daily), which may have led to the significant increase in their scores. And, while the findings are impressive, only a large-scale, double-blind clinical trial (an unlikely event, due to the lack of any financial incentive) would offer definitive proof of chamomile's healing properties. All that said, I was very excited to hear Dr. Wang say that these findings highlight the need for further studies into the longer-term effects of nutritional intervention on maintaining good health. Hopefully, this is the beginning of a trend. Source: Yulan Wang, PhD, chemist at Imperial College, London Check out all of our new products Herbal Remedies has added to our wide variety of natural health products! Do you have a question for us? If so please send in your questions to newseditor@herbalremedies.com We will answer all email ASAP!

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For assistance or to purchase products by phone call toll free in the USA 1-866-467- 6444 or World Wide 1-307-577-6444 or e-mail your questions to newseditor@herbalremedies.com. We will answer e-mails in the newsletter as space allows. Our Sponsors HerbalRemedies.com Get the finest all natural health products, get the best service, and low cost worldwide delivery. Enter coupon code "NL071505" when checking out to obtain discounts on your next purchase from www.HerbalRemedies.com