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Herbal Remedies Natural Health Newsletter, February 2004, Issue 225

Herbal Remedies February 2004 Natural Health Newsletter Issue 225 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 Just because Valentine's Day is over, doesn't mean you can't show your partner how much you care throughout the year, thanks to some helpful aphrodisiacs. - Click here for full story. Preserve your vision with nutrition for the eyes. - Click here for full story. New findings about Vitamin D - Click here for full story. Questions and Answers Q1. "Help - my boyfriend has a fungal toenail infection!" - Click here for full story. Q2. "Is it safe for an 18-year-old to take growth hormones?" - Click here for full story. Q3. "Bloodroot was recommended as a remedy for tumors. Do you agree?" - Click here for full story. Our Sponsors Enter coupon code "NL020104" when checking out to obtain discounts on your next purchase from http://www.HerbalRemedies.com

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HOW DO I LOVE THEE? LET ME SHOW YOU THE WAYS by Patti Kantor Valentine’s Day has been recognized as a day for lovers ever since the third century when a bishop named Valentine was reportedly caught secretly marrying young couples against the law. Ever since then, February 14th (which was the day the bishop was sentenced to death), has served as a day when couples publicly express their love. Cards, flowers, candies, and gifts are all exchanged as tokens of love. While it is nice to have a special day set aside for publicly expressing your love, in reality love can and should be expressed in a more private manner more often than just once a year. That is, if the desire is there. LOW LIBIDO Sex drive (or libido) describes the natural condition of being interested in sexual activity. Sexual drive is characterized by a slow build-up to a peak of intensity that ends with a sudden decrease in excitement. Physical and mental factors, as well as age, play a big role in sexual appetite. There is no single answer to what constitutes a low sex drive, thus low libido depends on the individual and is very subjective. POSSIBLE CAUSES AND SYMPTOMS Men and women alike can experience a low sex drive. However the causes and treatments for the condition vary depending on gender. For men, any medical condition or chronic health concern can result in a low sex drive. When a man is ill, sex is usually the last thing on his mind. On the other hand, if a man takes steps to increase his general health, such as losing weight, beginning an exercise program or receiving medical treatment, his sex drive is likely to increase. Stress is also a major contributor to a decrease in a man’s libido. Some illnesses that are known to cause decreased sex drive include thyroid problems, tumors of the pituitary gland and depression. Although impotence and loss of libido are two very different things, men who experience impotence can also lose interest in sex over time. On the other hand, almost half of all women experience recognizable sexual dysfunction at some point in their lives, according to a study printed in The Journal of the American Medical Association. Thirty-five percent of the 40- to 50-million women with sexual dysfunction report low or no desire for sex. Causes of waning sexual interest for women may include: emotional issues post-childbirth breast feeding onset of menopause drug reactions stress weight gain relationship conflicts hormonal imbalances Physical responses, such as pain or inability to reach orgasm, may also explain a low sex drive. And while these women may not feel cheated by their lack of sex, they do tend to experience distress at the possibility of losing their husbands or sexual partners, resulting in low self-esteem and further sexual disinterest. POSSIBLE LIFESTYLE CHANGES Studies show that, for men, exercise has a direct link to sexual vitality. Bike riding, running, weight-lifting, swimming or other similar sports often help to regain much needed energy. It is also helpful to eat a diet low in fat and quit smoking. Sexual dysfunction can also be an unwanted side effect of some medications, so check with your doctor to make sure medicines aren’t contributing to a decrease in sexual interest. Sexual arousal is a whole body experience. Those who have problems getting or maintaining an erection should focus on other areas of the body that give pleasure and an erection will likely return. It should be noted that the prescription Viagra, which costs approximately $10 a dose, does not actually increase sex drive – it only helps a man temporarily overcome sexual dysfunction. In the case of women, however, the causes for a decreased sex drive is wide and varied. Medications, like the birth control pill, can sabotage a woman’s desire, so check with your doctor to learn about other options. For many, vaginal dryness can be the culprit. An over-the-counter lubricant or cream could be the answer to greater sexual confidence. Some women nearing or beyond menopause find a boost in sexual desire by using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in the form of pills, creams, patches, suppositories or lozenges – again discuss with your doctor, especially since HRT is a heavily debated issue. A woman suffering from decreased sex drive can often reclaim her desire simply by reconnecting with her lover verbally and non-verbally outside the bedroom. Reconnecting with oneself can also be beneficial, so plan some alone time and relax. NATURAL APHRODISIACS There are a number of natural aphrodisiacs to help remedy a low sex drive, including: Kelp - a good source of iodine and other important minerals. Vitamin B Complex - calms the nervous system and reduces anxiety. Vitamin E - necessary for proper functioning of the reproduction system and glands. Ginkgo Biloba - a powerful antioxidant that enhances circulation and increases the supply of oxygen to the brain and sexual organs. Horny Goat Weed - a natural aphrodisiac that helps restore sexual desire in men and women. Maca Root - used throughout the world to increase energy, libido, stamina and sexual performance in men and women. Damiana Leaves – also known as the “woman’s sexuality herb,” contains alkaloids that directly stimulate the nerves and organs. Wild Yam - rejuvinates and gives vigor to lovemaking. Sarsaparilla - contains a testosterone-like substance that is effective in men. IN CONCLUSION There is no standard formula in determining what constitutes a low libido. Instead the answer is subjective and is dependent upon you and your partner’s personal preferences. Click here for more helpful information and products for low libido.

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I ONLY HAVE EYES FOR YOU, DEAR by Patti Kantor Now that you have shared a few milestone anniversaries with the love of your life, are you still able to focus clearly on your relationship? Meaning can you see your partner as well as when you first met or does your vision seem to be diminishing? Cataracts and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) are the two leading causes of blindness and visual impairment for millions of aging Americans, with 40 being the age when vision changes start to occur. In fact, cataracts and age-related macular degeneration are both key quality of life issues as the aging process forges ahead. More than 12 million Americans suffer from cataracts while approximately 10 million Americans suffer from early signs of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Almost a half million people have significant visual loss from late-stage AMD. Cataract extractions are the most common surgical procedure performed in the United States, according to the American Optometry Association (AOA), accounting for more than two million procedures a year. It has been estimated that if the progression of cataracts could be delayed by 10 years, the number of cataract extraction surgeries per year would be reduced by 45 percent. FOCUS ON PREVENTION Both the severity and irreversibility of cataracts and AMD have generated interest in ways to either prevent or delay their progression. Nutrition is one promising means of protecting the eyes from these diseases. In fact, according to the AOA, many optometrists are now expanding their traditional role to include nutrition. Promising studies have suggested that six nutrients, all antioxidants, are associated with maintaining eye health: Lutein Zeaxanthin Beta-carotene Vitamin C Vitamin E Zinc ANTIOXIDANTS AND CATARACTS RESEARCH Some recent studies, compiled by the American Optometry Association, compared dietary and supplemental intake of antioxidant vitamins with development of cataracts. Many of these studies have shown that antioxidant vitamins may decrease the development or progression of this disease. Following are some of the results: The Nutrition and Vision Project found that higher intakes of vitamin C led to a reduced risk for cortical and nuclear cataracts. Results also showed that people who used vitamin C and E supplements for more than 10 years had decreased progression of nuclear cataracts. A recent analysis of results from a national dietary study (Second National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey) found that higher levels of vitamin C in the diet were associated with lower risk of cataracts. In the Nurses’ Health Study, the need for cataract surgery was lower among women who used vitamin C supplements for 10 years or longer. The Roche European American Cataract Trial found that an antioxidant supplement with vitamins C and E and beta-carotene lead to a small decrease in the progression of cataracts in less than three years. In the Longitudinal Study of Cataract, vitamin E supplement use for at least a year was associated with a reduced risk of nuclear cataracts becoming more severe. The five year follow-up to the Beaver Dam Eye Study showed a reduced risk for nuclear and cortical cataracts among people using multivitamins or any supplement containing vitamins C and E. ANTIOXIDANTS AND AMD RESEARCH The Age-Related Eye Disease Study from the National Eye Institute (NEI) is the first large clinical trial to test the effect of a high dose antioxidant vitamin combination plus zinc on preventing or delaying the progression of age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and its associated vision loss. The antioxidant vitamins and zinc supplement reduced the risk of developing advanced AMD by about 25 percent in the study of subjects who were at high risk for developing the advanced stage of this disease. In the same high-risk group, the supplements also reduced vision loss by 19 percent. The doses tested were: 500 milligrams (mg) vitamin C 400 IU vitamin E 15 mg beta-carotene 80 mg zinc 2 mg copper (to prevent anemia from high dose zinc) According to researchers, this supplement combination is the first effective treatment to slow the progression of AMD. The NEI concluded that persons older than 55, with signs of intermediate to late vision loss due to AMD, should consider taking a supplement such as that used in this trial. Effective treatment can delay progression to advanced AMD in about 300,000 people who are at high risk. CONSIDER SUPPLEMENTS Given the positive association between nutrition and cataracts and AMD, it seems prudent for people to increase the amount of certain antioxidants in the diet, says the American Optometry Association. Eating five servings of fruits and vegetables each day as currently recommended by the National Cancer Institute and U.S. Department of Agriculture can provide more than 100 mg vitamin C - that is if they are wise choices of fruits and vegetables. Eating two servings of nuts and seeds can provide 8-14 mg vitamin E (11.9-20.8 IU). However, the majority of people in the United States are not eating five servings of fruits and vegetables and good food sources of vitamin E each day. In the studies referenced here, levels associated with a benefit were considerably higher than the current average intake. If you find it difficult to increase the level of these antioxidants in your diet, multivitamin/mineral and eye health supplements containing these antioxidants are available. OTHER HELPFUL HINTS Although it is best to consult information relative to each particular eye problem for condition-specific suggestions, there are some overall steps people can take to enhance eye health, in addition to nutrition. They are: Protect the eyes from overexposure to sunlight and wind to help keep eyes looking and feeling their best. Drink plenty of water to keep the eyes hydrated. Avoid tobacco smoke and other irritants. Avoid eye fatigue and strain, get plenty of rest and take frequent breaks when reading or working at the computer. WORTH CONSIDERING Many studies have been conducted in pursuit of surgical alternatives for cataracts and macular degeneration. Here are some findings and suggestions as to why you may want to consider using them: Free-form Amino Acid Complex plus Glutathione are powerful antioxidants that protect the lenses of the eyes. Multivitamin and Mineral Complex with Selenium provides all the nutrients necessary to keep the body and eyes in balance. Vitamin A is necessary for proper eye function. Vitamin B Complex is needed for intercellular eye metabolism. Vitamin C with bioflavonoids reduces intraocular pressure. Bilberry extract improves daytime and nighttime vision. Consider taking fish oil or cod liver oil regularly. A fat found in fish called docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) may help protect and promote healthy retinal function (oil is suggested over fish because of toxic mercury levels often found in fish). DHA is concentrated in the eye’s retina and has been found to be particularly useful in preventing macular degeneration. Add lutein-rich foods to your diet. Some excellent sources include kale, collard greens, spinach, broccoli, brussel sprouts and egg yolks. It is important to note that lutein is an oil-soluble nutrient, and if you consume vegetables without some oil or butter you can’t absorb the lutein. Eat dark colored berries. They contain compounds that are good for your health. The European blueberry, bilberry, specifically is known to prevent and perhaps even reverse macular degeneration. While bioflavonoids from other dark-colored berries including blueberries and cranberries work by strengthening the capillaries that carry nutrients to eye muscles and nerves. You can either eat berries whole or as supplements. Avoid trans fat. Trans fat may interfere with omega 3 fats in your body, which are extremely important for eye health. Trans fat is found in many processed foods and baked goods, including margarine; shortening; fried foods like french fries, fried chicken and doughnuts; cookies; pastries and crackers. Bayberry bark, cayenne (capsicum), red raspberry leaves and the herbal tincture, wolfberry, are also believed to be beneficial. Click here for more eye care information and helpful products.

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NEW FINDINGS ABOUT VITAMIN D by Patti Kantor Vitamin D has been earning some positive press lately, thanks to recent studies that have shown it may be beneficial in lowering the risk of multiple sclerosis, as well as the risk of rheumatoid arthritis and colon cancer. This new found awareness about the benefits of vitamin D is, no doubt, good news to members of The Vitamin D Council – a panel of national researchers whose mission is to “end needless death and disability from vitamin D deficiency”. VITAMIN D: WHAT IS IT? Vitamin D, calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin. It is found in food, but also can be made in the body after exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. The major biologic function of vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of calcium and phosphorus. Vitamin D aids in the absorption of calcium, helping to form and maintain strong bones. It promotes bone mineralization in concert with a number of other vitamins, minerals and hormones. Without vitamin D, bones can become thin, brittle, soft, or misshapen. Vitamin D prevents rickets in children and osteomalacia in adults, which are skeletal diseases that result in defects that weaken bones. The Vitamin D Council has been very concerned about vitamin D deficiencies. In fact, council member and professor Robert Heaney of Creighton University, Omaha, Neb., recently wrote, “The cost of vitamin D deficiency, while yet to be fully reckoned, may well be massive.” The council has been trying to create awareness and these new studies may just be the springboard they needed. VITAMIN D AND MS In the first study, researchers from the Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, Mass., assessed the relationship between vitamin D intake in women and the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS). Researchers found that women with the highest intake of vitamin D through supplement use had a 40-percent lower risk of developing MS as compared to women who did not use supplements. According to Harvard Medical School’s Consumer Health Information web site, while vitamin D deficiency in children has become rare, it is becoming common in adults - especially older Caucasian women. Although vitamin D can be derived from food sources it can also come from the sun. In fact, according to the Harvard researchers, just spending 15 minutes daily in the sun can convert enough vitamin D in your skin to the active form to help keep bones strong. However, women living in northern climates often become vitamin D deficient in the winter (and those who avoid the sun for fear of skin cancer might run low all year long). Without adequate vitamin D, calcium absorption suffers, leading to thinner bones. This study found that vitamin D taken as a supplement was more important than sun exposure and dietary sources. Other researchers, however, have indicated that getting vitamin D in food as well is also important. Good dietary sources of vitamin D include cod liver oil, which has 1360 IU of vitamin D per tablespoon; salmon, which has 425 IU per 3-ounce serving; herring and sardines. It has been suggested that we heed the advice of both findings. By using food products that have vitamin D added as well as supplements, one can be sure not to be deficient. A typical multivitamin has 400 IU, while an 8-ounce glass of milk or fortified orange juice has about 100 international units (IU) of vitamin D. For those not overly fond of milk, spice it up by adding chai, better yet try chai latte. The recommended intake of adequate amounts of vitamin D depends on a person’s age. Those between 19 to 50 should have at least 200 IU, those 51-69 should consume 400 IU, while those over 70 should consume 600 IU a day. VITAMIN D AND ARTHRITIS The latest research linking vitamin D to rheumatoid arthritis drew on data from the Iowa Women’s Health Study, which followed almost 30,000 women, ages 55 to 69, for 11 years. Over the course of the study, which is reported in the January 2004 issue of the journal Arthritis and Rheumatism, the women were questioned about eating habits, use of nutritional supplements, and other health-related issues. During the study, 152 of the women developed rheumatoid arthritis. Women whose diets were highest in vitamin D had the lowest incidence of rheumatoid arthritis. While women who had less than 200 IU of vitamin D in their diets each day were 33 percent more likely to develop rheumatoid arthritis than women who got more. The association remained significant even after researchers adjusted for other suspected rheumatoid arthritis risk factors, like smoking. And even though many foods with vitamin D are also high in calcium, the vitamin’s protective effect seemed to be independent of how much calcium the women consumed. CONCLUSION The link between higher intake of vitamin D and lower incidences of multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis raises the possibility that vitamin D may have some anti-inflammatory qualities. While this remains speculative, it has been predicted that new studies will result from the association. In the meantime, other recent studies have linked deficiencies of vitamin D to disorders such as certain cancers, like colon cancer, heart disease, diabetes and even unexplained pain. While the studies are far from conclusive, researcher Michael Holick, MD, Boston (Mass.) University, has been reported to say there is every reason to believe that the vitamin D supplement plays a much bigger role in disease prevention than has been recognized. Click here for more information about vitamin D.

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: Q1. My boyfriend has a fungal toe nail infection that causes a yellowing of the area under the toe nail. Lamisil has side effects so we don't want to use it. I am wondering if I get him to soak his foot as well as give him an oral dose of Grapefruit Seed Extract, if this would help eliminate this infection. A1. A fungal infection of the toenails often results from a chronic athlete’s foot infection during our youthful years. Grapefruit Seed Extract would work. We have also had some positive results with Nail ReNu' Toenail Fungus Remedy, a combination of emu oil, tea tree oil, oregano oil and eucalyptus oil, which work together to combat the toughest toenail fungus. This safe non-toxic all natural formula helps eliminate toenail fungus while the nail grows. You need to be able to apply the drops on and under the nail - which means it may be necessary to file on top of the nail and clean under the nail each time before applying to insure the best possible penetration. Please click here for information about toenail fungus.

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Q2. I'm an 18-year-old male. I believe I will still continue to grow. Is it safe to take L-Arginine & L-Ornithine to promote hormone release in order for me to reach my maximum height? A2. It should be safe when taken as directed on the label. If any adverse reaction occurs discontinue immediately. Please click here for a product link to L-Arginine & L-Ornithine or for more information about amino acids.

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Q3. Bloodroot was recommended to me as a remedy for tumors. Does it have any side effects? Is it compatible with other herbs and/or vitamins and what is the appropriate dosage? A3. Bloodroot is used in very small doses, mostly as an expectorant. Larger doses tend to be sedative, and excess dosage can be fatal. Externally, this plant can be used for eczema, sores, and other disorders of the skin. Other indications include: syphilis, hemorrhoids, tumors and cancer. It is also believed to harden teeth. It is compatible with other herbs and vitamins. Recommended dosage is 6 to 12 drops in liquid under the tongue 3 times a day. Samento Extract would be a good addition to the Bloodroot. Click here for more helpful information on tumors. Master Herbalist, Truman Berst

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