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Herbal Remedies Natural Health Newsletter, December 2003, Issue 223

Herbal Remedies December 2003 Natural Health Newsletter Issue 223 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 Gift giving made easy. Just think gift baskets and Internet. - Click here for full story. Unwanted hair today can be gone tomorrow. - Click here for full story. Don’t let PMS ruin your holiday plans. - Click here for full story. New discoveries about Green Tea - Click here for full story. Questions and Answers Q1. "Can I avoid a triple bypass?" - Click here for full story. Q2. "What’s the difference between your tinctures and those in the store?" - Click here for full story. Q3. "Help – my cat has fleas!" - Click here for full story. Look What’s New! Republic of Teas are Now Available - Click here for more information. Our Sponsors Enter coupon code "NL120103" when checking out to obtain discounts on your next purchase from http://www.HerbalRemedies.com

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GIFT GIVING IS EASY, THANKS TO GIFT BASKETS AND THE INTERNET by Patti Kantor Holiday shopping for children is almost effortless - they write out their wishes for Santa (and everyone else) to see. Some kids even send their wish lists to the North Pole by way of the local newspaper so the whole community is aware of what gifts are desired. But how do you shop for the hard-to-buy-for-ones on your list - like your child’s teacher, daycare provider, co-workers? You could can get them a gift certificate – but suppose you want to give something a bit more personal? Consider giving gift baskets. The holiday season is the perfect time to say “thank you” to those who have provided service to you throughout the year - to let them know you're pleased with what they do for you. A monetary gift or gifts that you have selected personally are both appropriate, according to the Emily Post Institute (www.emilypost.com). While prices of gifts and/or tip amounts vary widely, Emily Post suggests that you make your own modifications based on: how pleased you are with the service your relationship with the service provider the frequency of the service or how long you have worked together your budget your regional customs the type of establishment: a deluxe or moderate beauty salon/apartment/fitness center. SUGGESTED DOLLAR GUIDELINES What to give is an individual decision. According to Emily Post, here are some suggested price ranges: Teacher - Check the school's policy first. Have your child help with selection. Ideas: classroom supplies, book, picture frame, fruit basket or gourmet food item. Another option is to go in on a joint gift with other parents. Day Care Provider(s) - $25 - $70 each, plus a small gift from your child. First, check the day care center's policy. Nanny, Au Pair – Anywhere from one- to four-week's pay, plus a small gift from your children/child. This varies widely depending on the circumstances. Regular Baby Sitter(s) - One or two evening's pay, plus a small gift from your children/child. Cleaning Person - $25 - $50, or one day's pay, or a gift equivalent to a day's pay. Regular Newspaper Deliverer - $10 - $25 Letter Carrier - U.S. Postal Service regulations allow carriers and other employees to accept gifts worth up to $20, per occasion. Beauty Salon Staff - $10 - $60 each, giving more, or possibly an additional small gift, to those who do more for you Personal Fitness Trainer - One work-out session fee if you are a regular client; less if you use the service occasionally Massage Therapist - One session fee if you are a regular client; less if you have occasional massages Regular Overnight Delivery Person - $10 - $25, if you receive regular deliveries from the same person Private Trash Collectors - $10 - $20 each Apartment Building Superintendent - $20 - $80 Private Garage Attendants - $10 - $30 each, if you regularly park at the garage. SAY YES TO GIFT BASKETS According to Emily Post’s holiday rules of etiquette, gift baskets are proper and generally appreciated gifts. They come in a wide variety of themes, elegant and unique. They also come in all types of price ranges – giving the sender a number of options. Not to mention, gift baskets can also be a lifesaver to have on hand when someone unexpectedly gives you a present – someone whom you have neglected to shop for. Gift baskets can be a particularly good idea for the health-conscious or for those who are just discovering healthy living tips and techniques, as well as natural remedies. For instance, magnetic therapy jewelry, massage tools, candles, herbal teas, natural soaps, books and CDs, and health appliances are just an example of items that can be included within a gift basket. Nowadays, thanks to the Internet and online shopping, it is easy to shop for hard-to-buy-for persons. And shopping for gift baskets is even easier since you can see what you are buying. You can even have gift baskets gift wrapped and delivered directly to one’s door or office. SAFE ONLINE SHOPPING Just be sure to heed the advice of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) when shopping online: Use reputable sites Look for secured sites - indicated with an unbroken key or padlock at the bottom of the browser window. These symbols mean that the information you are sending is encrypted - turned into a secret code - for online transmission Pay by credit card so you can trace the purchase - if you absolutely feel uncomfortable sending your credit card number electronically, call the merchant. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also adds these tips to ensure safe online shopping: Check delivery dates Check shipping and handling fees Keep a record of your purchase Keep passwords private Protect your privacy by researching the company’s online privacy policy Shop with companies that post their refund and return policy to their web site. Want some more gift suggestions? Click here for a wide assortment of gift baskets and other good gift ideas.

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HAIR TODAY – GONE TOMORROW by Patti Kantor "I refuse to think of them as chin hairs. I like to think of them as stray eyebrows," comedy producer Jeanette Barber once said. While there is a bit of consolation in knowing that others are plagued with hair in unwanted places, nevertheless it can be a problem. What causes excessive hair growth? How much is too much? Are there ways to safely remove hair as well as reduce growth? NORMAL HAIR GROWTH Hair sometimes grows where it is not wanted – as deemed by standards set by society or personal preference. Sexual development contributes to hair growth in both men and women, most often in the armpits and genital region. Fine body hair usually thickens and darkens on the arms and legs and sometimes the trunk of the body. Heredity and coloring determine if the hair is noticeable. EXCESSIVE HAIR GROWTH While most men have some kind of facial hair, women, on the other hand, do not - unless they suffer from hirsutism, also known as hypertrichosis or excessive hair on females. This is a condition in which a woman grows hair in places where only a man would, such as the face or chest. All women have a certain amount of facial hair that is considered normal. However, with hirsutism the hair can grow rapidly and often there are other symptoms present like acne, deepening of the voice, increased muscle mass or loss of breast tissue – which may signal a hormonal abnormality. Therefore it is important to seek medical advice if hirsutism is accompanied by other symptoms. Hirsutism can develop at any age, but most begin experiencing symptoms during childbearing years. In young girls who have not yet reached puberty, hirsutism is serious and could be a sign of a hormone secreting tumor. During menopause, hirsutism is characterized by the thinning of underarm and pubic hair with gradual hair growth in other parts of the body. In post-menopausal women, sudden or severe hirsutism can be caused by an androgen-secreting tumor. Risk factors for developing hirsutism include: a family history of hirsutism endocrine disorders use of androgens (androgenic steroids or testosterone) older age Common causes of hirsutism: can be normal depending on racial and geographic origin idiopathic (no identifiable cause) polycystic ovary syndrome Rare causes of hirsutism: menopause puberty pregnancy overactive adrenal gland (Cushing’s disease) adrenocortical carcinoma classical congenital adrenal hyperplasia nonclassical congenital adrenal hyperplasia ovarian tumor or cancer ovarian overproduction of androgens drugs such as aminoglutethimide and cyclosporine drugs containing progestins, glucocorticoid, metoclopramide and minoxidil Call your healthcare provider if excessive hair growth is associated with any of the above symptoms or if it is causing lifestyle problems; if the hair growth develops or worsens rapidly; or if you are concerned that medications may be worsening unwanted hair growth. Oral contraceptives are often prescribed in treating hirsutism. Doctors are also currently using spironolactone, which acts by decreasing production of and blocking the effects of androgens in areas of the body where typically only men grow hair. MORE COMMONLY THOUGH Once an underlying medical problem has been ruled out, there are a number of hair removal options available depending upon where the unwanted hair is located. The most common areas to remove hair from are: Face - upper lip, eyebrows, chin, sideburns Ears Legs Under Arms Back Chest Bikini area Hair removal is generally an ongoing process. It can be difficult and time-consuming. Some options discourage future hair growth suggesting that they are permanent. A variety of options exist including: Tweezing Shaving – may increase potential for ingrown hairs and razor bumps Depilatories – cream that dissolves hair - not for supersensitive skin Bleaching – cream that bleaches hair - not for supersensitive skin Waxing – relatively high pain factor - removes hair by the root with hot wax Epilation – relatively high pain factor - removes hair by the root with precisely placed tweezers Threading – recommended only for facial hair - plucks hair at the root using a thread Electrolysis – permanent but painful – similar to static electricity shock Hair Growth Inhibitors – eventually permanent - a lotion or spray used each time after the regular hair removal method. The hair grows back weaker, finer and slower until the hair is completely gone. According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) another temporary solution in treating unwanted hair that has gained popularity in recent years is the use of lasers. Most lasers work by using light to generate heat, which then destroys the surrounding hair follicle. Those who undergo laser hair removal typically require several treatments to remove the unwanted hair. According to the AAD, a future treatment for removal of excessive hair, particularly in the case of hirsutism, may be finasteride, a drug currently approved by the FDA in treating the reverse for men, which is hair loss. Although finasteride is not yet FDA approved for women, preliminary studies being conducted in Europe show promising results. Finasteride works by blocking the formation of male hormones responsible for body and facial hair while allowing scalp hair to grow normally. While excessive hair growth is usually nothing to worry about, it can be embarrassing – making it worth the effort to discuss all possible removal options with an expert. Click here for more information on excessive hair growth and products.

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DON’T LET PMS RUIN YOUR PLANS by Patti Kantor If you have something important planned during the holiday season – perhaps a black tie event or gathering with family or friends - you can almost count on having your period at the same time. It never fails. Whether you call it the curse, that time of the month, your little friend, or period, premenstrual symptom (PMS) is something you can live with. For many years PMS was thought to be psychological. Experts now know that it is physical in origin. While the exact cause or causes for PMS are not yet known, there are many theories. One suggests low levels of the hormone progesterone may bring it on. Others link it to nutritional or chemical deficiencies. One thing is certain, to be classified as PMS, symptoms must occur between ovulation and menstruation, anytime within two weeks before the menstruation period and disappear shortly after the period begins. There have been as many as 150 symptoms associated with PMS. The most common are: Irritability Depression Anxiety Feelings of hostility and anger Bloating Headache Fatigue Food cravings especially for chocolate or salty foods As new facts about the menstrual cycle and causes of menstrual pain continue to emerge, so do new remedies. In the mid-60’s the introduction of Midol was a major breakthrough. Not only did it offer women relief – it’s introduction publicly acknowledged that PMS symptoms are indeed physical. NORMAL MEANS WHAT’S NORMAL FOR YOU Although almost all women menstruate during their reproductive years, every woman’s cycle is unique. It need not be the text book 28-day cycle that is generally thought of as the norm. Menstrual cycles vary from woman to woman - normally lasting anywhere from 20 - 45 days, with the flow lasting from three to seven days. Four out of 10 menstruating women suffer from PMS. For some, symptoms are slight and may last only a few days before menstruation. For others, symptoms can be severe and last two weeks prior. Also a menstruation cycle can vary from month to month because the delicate hormonal balance that keeps the menstrual cycle regular can easily be upset by the current state of mind and body. Are you stressed out over something or somebody? Have you recently lost or gained considerable weight? Are you exercising more than usual? Are you taking medications like birth control pills, steroids, diet pills, tranquilizers? Have you made changes in your daily routine or lifestyle? Also, consider where you are in your life. If you are adolescent or pre-menopausal, irregularity is not uncommon. Also worth noting is that other disorders women experience, such as arthritis or clinical depression, may be worse during this same premenstrual period – this is known as premenstrual magnification (PMM). RELIEF IN SIGHT While enduring menstruation and its accompanying PMS symptoms can be disheartening, there is an end in sight. Childbirth can alleviate many PMS symptoms, especially severe cramping and backaches and PMS usually stops with menopause. However, until one has an opportunity to experience childbirth or menopause, there are steps to take now to help ease the pain of PMS. For immediate relief: Soothe lower abdomen with a warm hot water bottle or heating pad to help relax muscles in spasm. If heat doesn’t work, take the opposite approach and apply a cold compress. A warm bath will temporarily relieve cramps. Avoid wearing tampons when cramps are most severe. Consider over-the-counter remedies like Midol, especially ones that contain ibuprofen, which is effective blocking a possible source of menstrual pain by inhibiting the synthesis of prostaglandins - a chemical thought to cause menstrual pain. Better yet, reach for a natural remedy. Here’s just a sampling: Acidophilus - breaks down metabolites of estrogen. Black Currant Seed Oil - relives symptoms. Calcium - reduces many PMS symptoms. GABA - helps control anxiety and restlessness. Melatonin - regulates hormone levels and fights insomnia. Vitamin E - relieves sore breasts and nervous tension. St. John’s Wort - helps with depression. Angelica Root, Kava Kava and Red Raspberry - relieves cramps. Black Haw and Rosemary - calm the nervous system. Feverfew - aids migraine headaches. HELPFUL LIFESTYLE CHANGES Some helpful lifestyle changes include: Exercise – it releases natural brain opiates that are built-in pain relievers. While exercise is probably the last thing you feel like doing when you are tired and bloated, it helps. Exercise can be anything from climbing the stairs to weightlifting. Just make sure to be consistent - exercise for at least 20 minutes three times a week. Doing it everyday you have PMS or your period can aid PMS and pain relief. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes – especially two weeks prior. Eat five to six small meals a day instead of three large ones. Choose whole grains, fruits and vegetables, as well as good sources of calcium like skim milk, nonfat yogurt, collard greens, kale – a cabbage-like plant, calcium-fortified cereals and juices; and sources of magnesium like spinach and other green leafy veggies. Limit salt, fat and sugar – which will help in keeping breasts from getting sore. Take vitamin supplements. Consider vitamins E, B6, calcium, magnesium and L-tyrosine, an amino acid. Learn to relax – try deep breathing, meditation or yoga. Limit stress. Drink plenty of water. CONSIDER LOW FAT DIET In a study at Georgetown University Medical Center, most women who followed a low-fat vegetarian diet benefited from reduced menstrual pain and PMS symptoms. Researchers theorized that lowering fat consumption reduces production of prostaglandin. Another study reports a daily intake of 1200 mg of elemental calcium in supplements can result in a 50 percent reduction of PMS symptoms such as headaches, cramping, mood swings, tension, and food cravings, by the third cycle. Other points to consider: Eliminate salt completely - salt causes bloating. Avoid it and snack on things like raisins, carrots or even Cheerios. Eliminate sugar completely - a lot of sugar can intensify mood swings. Watch sugar intake and eat cheese or yogurt instead. Eat more whole grains - your body needs the nutrients in whole-wheat products. Substitute whole wheat bread for white. Eat more fruits and vegetables - they can help relieve everything from cramps to bad moods. Treat yourself to a little chocolate - there are chemicals in chocolate that gives the brain a temporary feeling of well being. WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR Call your physician/gynecologist if: Sudden, severe pelvic pain occurs with or without menstruation. Menstrual bleeding is much heavier than usual. Your periods occur more frequently than every 21 days. You have never experienced cramping, but now you do. You suspect an interuterine device (IUD) is causing the pain. Cramps fail to respond to home remedies and over-the-counter medications. A sudden high fever, diarrhea, or skin rash accompanies your period. You think you might be pregnant. While menstruation and PMS always seems to occur at the most inconvenient times, there is no need to change your plans. Click here for more information about PMS and helpful products.

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UNDER NEW DISCOVERIES: NEW RESEARCH SUPPORTS CANCER-FIGHTING PROPERTIES OF GREEN TEA In addition to lowering cholesterol, preventing heart disease, boosting oral hygiene and possibly aiding in weight loss, green tea may be useful in fighting certain types of cancer. That is according to four separate research papers recently presented at the American Association for Cancer Research Conference held in Phoenix, Az. in October 2003. The researchers agreed drinking just two cups - with four cups more likely - a day of green tea may delay the growth of certain tumor cells, reported The Arizona Republic. In one study, University of Arizona Cancer Center researcher Iman Hakim showed that cigarette smokers who drank four cups a day of decaffeinated green tea for four months cut the cellular damage caused by cigarettes. "What we found was significant," she said, referring to tests done on the urine of the 118 smokers in the study. She said a new study is now underway to determine if genes damaged from smoking can actually be repaired by green tea. Other positive findings about green tea that were presented at the conference included: it may prevent liver cancer as found by Jia-Sheng Wang, Texas Tech University. it may not only prevent cancer but may become a treatment for those with the disease as found by Nurulain Zaveri, a researcher at SRI International in Menlo Park, Calif. Researchers, however, reminded cancer patients to consult their doctors before consuming large quantities of the tea because it could interact with other treatments or chemotherapy. "If you like it, you (probably) can continue to drink it," said Chung Shu Yang, chair of the chemical biology department at Rutgers University, Camden. N.J., which has been studying the therapeutic effects of green tea for a dozen years. In response to the findings discussed at the conference, Yang said, “The biology actually is there and that's very exciting. But the disappointing part is we really don't know how it works." Yang said anyone who drinks hot beverages, green tea included, should avoid drinking them too hot because of the association with oral and esophageal cancers. Just within the past decade, it has been learned that green tea may be effective against lung, prostate, liver and esophageal cancer, among others, as well as possibly reduce cholesterol, prevent or reduce rheumatoid arthritis, chronic gastritis and a person’s risk of dying after a heart attack. Click here for more information about green tea.

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QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS: Q1. I have major heart problems and I am hoping I can do something else rather than undergo a triple bypass. Can you help? A1. Here are some tips: Eat a well-balanced high fiber diet Eat raw fruits and vegetables and proteins low in fat such as broiled fish, skinless turkey, and chicken Garlic contains compounds that help reduce serum cholesterol levels. Eat foods containing essential fatty acids such as salmon, trout, tuna, herring, and mackerel Reduce your intake of caffeine, tobacco, alcohol, chocolate, sugar, butter, red meats, fried foods, soft drinks, and white flour products Stay away from the herbs ephedra and licorice as they may raise blood pressure Drink at least eight 8-oz glasses of water per day, preferably distilled water. Avoid all forms of sodium, including foods containing MSG, Baking Soda, mold inhibitors, preservatives, tenderizers, Saccharin, and softened water. Click here for more information on heart disease.

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Q2. What is the difference between your black walnut tincture, cloves tincture and wormwood tincture and those we buy in the regular store? A2. We purchase the herbs you mentioned from AMERICAN HEALTH & HERBS MINISTRY, a nonprofit Christian church, that has been manufacturing and distributing herbal and supplement products for 42 years. They provide a certificate of analysis, which stipulates origin "organic" or "wildcrafted". Their products are time proven for quality and effectiveness. We have many vendors. Quality and safety comes first. And we provide free information from the best highly trained herbalists.

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Q3. Do you have a natural herb that will drive away the fleas from my cats? A3. Click here for a link to a safe flea killer. Master Herbalist, Truman Berst

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LOOK WHAT’S NEW - REPUBLIC OF TEAS Herbal Remedies now offers a full range herbal green teas from China. These teas contain special herbs to support specific conditions based on traditional Chinese medicine. In addition you will find organic herbal teas from the jungles of South America, from the South Pacific, and Jiaogulan tea (known as the immortality herb) from the remote recesses of southern China. Tea is from the leaves of the camellia sinensis plant. There are three types: green, oolong and black. They are categorized according to their oxidation levels called the fermentation process. Green tea is steamed, baked or pan heated to prevent oxidation, thus the leaves remain green. Oolong tea is partially fermented. Oxidation is cut short so the leaves are black only on the edges. Black tea is fully fermented, producing black leaves and a much stronger taste than green tea. When an herbal tea bag is steeped in hot water it is actually a type of herbal extract known as infusion. The water serves as a solvent in removing some of the medicinal properties from the herb. If the herb material is boiled in water, the resulting tea is known as decoction. Most often infusions are made with leaves and flowers, while decoctions are made from roots. Teas are often better sources of bioavailable compounds than the powdered herb but weaker in action compared to tinctures, fluid extracts and solid extracts. Click here to learn more about the finest quality formulated herbal teas in the world. 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 "NL120103" when checking out to obtain discounts on your next purchase from www.HerbalRemedies.com