Conventional approaches to women's health have often been invasive and not very sensitive to a woman's needs during her cycle changes. One example is how orthodox medicine deals with menopause, which is a natural process not a disease.  Complimentary medicine offers a variety of therapies such as diet, nutritional supplements, herbal medicine, homeopathy, naturopathic approaches, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), and Ayurveda. These approaches address a variety of symptoms from PMS, infertility, osteoporosis, fibroids, cysts, pregnancy to menopause and including diseases of the uterus, vagina, bladder and breasts.

Currently, women's health care amounts to two thirds of the U.S. annual medical bill; however, the medical research has been done predominantly on males. The Women's Health Initiative, under the NIH (National Health Institute), began in 1993 assessing 150,000 women in studies dealing with osteoporosis, gynecological cancers, and cardiovascular disease. One reason for this is the alarming rate of older women dying of heart disease, which is higher than men.  Premenstrual syndrome afflicts over 40% of all women during their reproductive years and can be easily remedied with lifestyle changes. There are over 1 million women taking synthetic estrogen or progesterone therapy. It's time to become better educated.

The myriad symptoms associated with a women's cycle are due to the constant hormonal changes happening at different times in her life. These changes begin with puberty and continue through child bearing years and then to menopause. Maintaining this hormonal balance is critical to what type of symptoms, how severe and the duration of symptoms a woman will experience. So we need to understand how the hormonal cycle operates and what can be done to affect this balance in a positive way.

Hormone production is a complex process that involves many facets. To begin with, the glandular system of the body is what controls the production of hormones (estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, etc.). The pituitary, thyroid, adrenals and ovaries are what produce these hormones in conjunction with specific vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and essential fatty acids. The liver is vital to hormonal balance and is often ignored. The liver tears down excess hormones from the blood and recycles them. If it cannot perform this function, many symptoms arise due to these excess hormones circulating in the bloodstream. Many hormone-related conditions are PMS, infertility, fibroids, breast or ovarian cancer, amenorhea, and menopause.

Some of the symptoms are bloating, cramps, mood swings, sugar cravings, painful menstruation, lack of menses, excessive flow, hot flashes, and breast swelling.

Let's discuss some of the lifestyle changes and ways that a woman can work with her cycle and help alleviate some of these negative conditions.  Diet is critically important.  Foods that need to be restricted or eliminated are:

• High Fat –  A high fat diet tends to increase estrogen production, especially refined fats

• Animal Foods – Particularly dairy and egg products that are reproductive foods

• Refined Sugars – Especially those found in carbonated beverages and chocolate

• Artifical Sweetners – Aspartame

• Caffeine – Has been shown to increase risk of fibroids and cysts formation

• Sodium

• Alcohol – Adversely affects liver function and robs the body of Vitamins A, B, and C

• Chemical Additives

Begin to include in the diet:

• More whole grains – Brown rice, whole wheat, oats, millet, quinoa, etc.

• Fresh Vegetables – 3-4 servings a day include variety of color

• Fresh Fruits

• Fermented Soybeans and Soy Products – Tofu, soymilk, tempeh. They contain phytoestrogens(explained later in article)

• Nuts and Seeds – Flaxseed, pumpkin and sunflower

• Essential Fatty Acids – Flax oil contains two essential fatty acids that aid liver function and provide the starting material for hormone production. It has also been the subject of numerous scientific studies with reducing fibroids and cysts.  Evening primrose oil works in a similar way.

• Water – At least 6-8 glasses a day.

In addition to these dietary changes, a good nutritional supplement program will assure the proper nutrients for proper balance.  Some of these include:

• Calcium/magnesium –  For good nerve and bone health

• B Complex – Promotes nerve health and aids metabolic breakdown of fats and carbohydrates.

• Vitamin A / Beta Carotene – Aids liver functions, improves immunity.

• Folic Acid – Prevents neuro tube defects and aids in preventing anemia. Works with fat metabolism and lipid profile.

• Vitamin C – For collagen production, immunity, and tissue building.

• Vitamin E – Aids in hormone production, balances estrogen, used for repair processes.

There are also many botanicals that can help alleviate many of the symptoms of cycle changes. Each condition requires a particular protocol for the use of herbals, and any good herbal manual will provide this information.  I want to discuss the phyto (plant bases) estrogen and herbs that help promote more progesterone production in the body.  Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is the preferred treatment for many gynecological ailments, but there are many questions to the safety of this therapy. Many women have expressed that they don't want to take synthetic hormones, so there are alternatives with a lot of research behind them that offer a different approach.

Phytoestrogens are plants that contain substances that aid in the production of estrogen but are not estrogen themselves. They do have the ability to take up estrogen receptor sites as a preventive measure when there is too much estrogen production or the liver can't tear down the excess. This action has been shown to be preventive in conditions where gynecological cancers are a concern. What plants contain these compounds? The following list will give you some that have been researched: Alfalfa, black cohosh, hops, fenugreek (tea and sprouts), red clover blossom, sarsaparilla, licorice root, angelica root and dong quai, and, of course, soy beans.

Plants that aid in progesterone production are wild yam root, blue cohosh, motherwort, partridgeberry, red raspberry, and vitex (chasteberry).

A good tonic tea that can be consumed on a daily basis is called Full Circle Tea and consists of dried herbs.  Use 5 parts of Siberian ginseng and wild yam root, 3 parts hawthorn flower or berry (can substitute motherwort), 1 part licorice root, and 1 part sage leaf.  To make, add 1/2 oz of mixture to 3-1/2 cups of boiling water and steep for 30 minutes.  Drink one to three cups per day.

Before beginning a natural approach to hormonal balance, it is important to know yourself and the issues you face.  Check with a complimentary practitioner who is trained in these particular modalities mentioned.  Read as much as you can about your condition so you can make better choices.  Best of all adopt a positive lifestyle that is preventive in nature.

Reference material for this article can be found in Women's Bodies, Women's Wisdom by Christine Northrop, M.D., Herbal Remedies For Women and The Herbal Menopause Book by Amanda McQuade Crawford, and Exclusively Female: A Nutrition Guide For Better Menstrual Health by Linda Ojeda.

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

Natural Therapies For Spring Detox

Natural Therapies For Spring Detox Spring time is a traditional time for internal cleaning. According to folk history after a long cold winter of a sedentary lifestyle people would use sassafras tea for a period of one week as a way to clean and thin the blood. This practice is still in use today. Due to our fast paced lifestyle, it is vitally important to minimize the level of toxins in our bodies. With devitalized foods loaded with all the numerous chemical additives and preservatives not to mention the pollutants our own bodies produce it is even more important to maintain a clean blood system.

The average American consumes one gallon of chemical per year. Where do these chemicals go?

They go into our cell structures and reside there until our liver can detoxify them and eliminate them from our bodies. The liver performs approximately 500 functions in the human body. It is critical to cell life that the blood be clean and full of oxygen. When the blood becomes polluted it begins to affect digestion, energy production and mood and begins to set the stage for many degenerative diseases.

So what can we do about cleaning up our bodies?

First we must discuss diet - Here are a few dietary guidelines-
· Do not overeat · Eat high quality whole, unprocessed food
· Choose food suitable for your climate, constitution and work
· Eat more complex carbohydrate foods (whole grains and vegetables)
· Keep raw fruit to a minimum
· Reduce animal foods (meats, dairy, eggs)
· Minimize use of refined sugars
· Drink plenty of clean water.

Next we have to look at more specific cleansing programs.
· Blood purification is the first and it can be defines as a substance or methods that facilitate the elimination of waste and toxins through the skin, kidneys, breath and bowels. Blood purifiers also increase the activity of the immune function of removing organisms from the blood and mucus. Some botanicals for blood purifying are echinacea, chaparral, red clover, burdock.
· Lymphatic cleansing is often used during or after a chronic infection but can be done anytime. Lymphatic massage and cleansing teas are used for this purpose.
· Sweating therapy is excellent for overall purification and balance. Since the skin is the largest organ of elimination sweating is very effective. Diaphoretic herb (herbs that promote sweating) such as yarrow, elder, peppermint combo work well in tea form. Dry saunas, sweat lodge and exercise are some other ways of promoting sweat.
· Urinary cleansing is used to aid the kidneys ability to eliminate toxins from the blood. Mild diuretics herbal such as those found in our KB tea work well in toning and aiding this elimination process.
· Intestinal and bowel cleansing is what we most commonly use for situations of constipation or lower bowel irregularity. High fiber diet and bulking agents are used in many cases and are milder than the purge laxatives (which can be harsh). It is important to keep the bowels clean and moving.
· Liver and gallbladder flush is a therapy that has been used in conditions of congestion and stagnation of these vital organs. To do these it is important to follow detailed instructions to detailed to list here. Contact a health care professional for this information.

Fasting therapy is a great way to give our digestive organs a rest but it increases our elimination functions. Fasting is an age old therapy that is simple but you need to study the procedures so to insure adequate cleansing. There are some cautions that some folks need to be aware of before beginning a fasting program.

For more detailed information concerning any type of clean it is important for you to understand the proper procedures. Discuss this with a qualified health care practitioner or consult an authoritative resource. A good book is Foundations Of Health by Christopher Hobbs.

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

However, the article could have provided details as to the negative aspects of statin drugs. I would like to expand upon this topic and present another approach using natural products and lifestyle changes that can give long-term benefits.

There is no doubt that foremost for the prevention and treatment of heart disease is the management of cholesterol. One cannot only look at the overall cholesterol to make proper assessments. The ratios of HDL to LDL is important, and the ratio of HDL to total cholesterol, the ratio of cholesterol to total triglycerides, the protective factors of homecysteine and lipo-a factors, and the absence of inflammation all need to be assessed to give a complete picture of a person's cardiovascular risk.

Let's look a bit deeper into these values.

HDL cholesterol is referred to as good because it is being transported back to the liver for processing. It protects the heart. Most standard test values put the low range at 35 mg/dl. The higher this number the more protective the factors. LDL cholesterol is being transported to tissues, and higher levels are considered to increase risk factors. The ratio of HDL to LDL is one way of assessing if cholesterol is depositing into tissues or being broken down properly.

Of course, we know that dietary factors influence our cholesterol levels. Six guidelines are recommend by the U.S. Surgeon General and the American Heart Association:

• Reduce total fat intake to less than 30 percent of total calories

• Eat five or more servings of fresh vegetables and fruits daily

• Increase fiber intake

• Maintain protein intake at moderate levels

• Balance food intake with exercise

• Limit the intake of alcohol, refined carbohydrates, and salt

The main problem with us Americans is that we find it difficult to adopt a healthy lifestyle and would prefer to eat "junk" food and take medicines no matter the cost physically and to the pocketbook. This is where drugs like the statin family are being promoted.

Let's look at this class of medications.

You might be familiar with Lipitor, Mevacor, Pravachol, and Zocor. These are players in the statin family. They are classed as HMG Co A reductase inhibitors.

What does that mean?

These drugs inhibit the enzymes required for the manufacture of cholesterol in the liver. Doesn't sound so bad as a way to reduce cholesterol; however, in preventing the enzymes from working, the statins block the manufacture of other substances necessary for body functions.

One major nutrient important in preventing heart disease is the enzyme Coq10. As stated in a recent book The Drug Induced Nutrient Depletion Handbook, and I quote "The so called statin drugs are the prescription of choice for people with high cholesterol. Statin drugs are generally safe and effective for a limited time, but patients should be monitored for possible adverse consequences of Coq10 reductions during long-term use."

Other health problems associated with these drugs are congestive heart failure, high blood pressure, and low energy. It is recommend that liver enzymes be checked regularly when using the statin family for long periods of time.

If the goal of reducing cholesterol is to prevent heart attacks, does it make sense to deplete a major nutrient in the process that protects the heart? Coq10 deficiency has been attributed to numerous cardiac problems like angina, hypertension, mitral valve prolapse, and congestive heart failure. Coq10 has shown clinically to have beneficial effect on blood triglycerides and cholesterol levels.

Let's look at a few other nutrients that can be of benefit without negative side effects. The first one being niacin. Niacin or B3 (a B complex member) has long been used to lower cholesterol levels. It is recommended by the National Cholesterol Education Program as the first "drug" of choice. Niacin was the only substance to demonstrate a decreased mortality in a project called the Coronary Drug Project.

Because of the high levels used in the studies (1 gram three times an day), it became evident that these dosage levels produced side effects like extreme flushing, stomach irritation, ulcers, liver damage, and fatigue. Straight niacin is no longer recommended; however, another form that does not have any negative side effects is called inositol hexaniacinate or flush free niacin. This form has been in use for a long time in Europe. Niacin's ability to lower cholesterol showed about a 20 percent decrease in overall cholesterol with a 32 percent increase in HDL cholesterol.

Another of the B family is a nutrient called pantethine. This is a derivative of pantothenic acid. Pantothenic acid is the most important component of CoA (coenzyme A) which is used to transport fats to and from cells. Remember statin drugs and how they inhibit CoA? Pantethine has been shown to lower cholesterol levels by 20 percent, increase HDL by 23 percent, and lower triglycerides by 32 percent.

Garlic and onion have numerous benefits to the cardiovascular system. The equivalent of one clove of garlic or one half an onion a day has been shown to reduce overall cholesterol by 10-15 percent with a great benefit to the elevation of the HDL cholesterol by as much as 30 percent.

The extract from the myrrh tree called gum guggul has shown great results in lowering overall cholesterol, elevating HDL, and lowering triglycerides. Two compounds called guggulesterones are responsible for these effects. These effects were noted without dietary changes over a short period of time. One nice thing about guggul is that there are no side effects, and it is safe to use during pregnancy. Guggul has been used in Ayurveda for thousands of years.

There is much research going on in relation to cholesterol and heart disease. Of course, lifestyle modifications are the best way to bring about balance; however, each person is unique and must be assessed individually.

Do research on your own if you are interested in a natural approach and be sure to consult with your health care practitioner.

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

Unfortunately, this does not happen for many of us. We understand that poor lifestyle habits contribute to declining health processes. The term degeneration means the tearing down of our bodies. It has been proven that degeneration has a specific organic process and that our lifestyle can contribute to it in a positive or negative manner.

Life extension is a very fascinating area of research today and it is becoming more so with the baby boomers reaching the period in their life when certain ailments seem to be inevitable. Yes physiological changes are going to happen like vision problems, loss of memory, sexual dysfunction, loss of strength, changes in sleeping patterns, and poor digestion. I guess the question becomes when?

Are there things you can do about aging?

Let look at some of the ways that might offer some promise to an enhanced quality of life, as we get older.

When it comes to the aging process a common thread seems to be prevalent.

Disruptions in general circulation, the ability to digest, assimilate, and eliminate waste, and to keep a high level of oxygen all become important issues.

Of course diet is critical. I recommend a whole foods dietary program including organic foods. Fresh vegetables, grains, beans, nuts and seeds with reduced fats and heavy animal proteins. Fish and chicken if from high quality sources contribute to a good protein source. It is a well-known fact that as we age our digestive power decreases especially if we are used to a refined fast food lifestyle.

I will recommend the use of digestive enzymes. This helps reduce gas and bloating and assures the proper breakdown of nutrients from foods. The next supplement I see beneficial is probiotics. These are life-giving bacteria that aid the digestive process.

Probiotics help to produce substances that help to nourish the body. Remember that life begets life. I come from the school of vitalism that states that the vital force in our food, air and water are necessary to sustain our life. It is important to access the vitality of our foods.

The free radical theory of aging has merit in the fact that free radicals are generated from endo (internal) and exo (outer) toxins. Free radicals damage cellular tissues and are being implicated in cardiovascular disease as well as many types of cancer and other disease processes.

How does one protect themselves from free radicals?

With the use of anti-oxidants.

Part of a good supplement plan will include the use of antioxidants such as the basics. Vitamin E enhances the immune functions and protects against cancer, heart disease, and diabetes retinopathy and kidney disease. It is recommended that elderly take 800 i.u. Daily and it is important to make sure it is a natural E. It must say d-alpha tocopherol acetate or d-alpha tocopherol to be of value. Many companies mix natural with synthetic so beware.

Vitamin C also reduces the risk of age related disease processes. It has been shown to prevent heart disease and cancer, aid wound healing, and improve immune functions and tissue weakness.

The family of carotenoids helps to retard aging again by reducing free radical damage. Lutein helps with the eyes; lycopene helps with certain cancers like prostate cancer and macular degeneration, quercetin aids allergy, asthma and cancer.

One area that gets forgotten is the importance of mineral. Macro minerals as well as trace elements are necessary for proper glandular and cellular functions. Many of our enzyme systems rely on minerals. Magnesium is critical for over 300 functions in the human body. It calms the nerves, aids the adrenal functions and is instrumental in the production of cellular ATP, the fuel that each cell needs.

Zinc is important for immunity by aiding the specialized t-cells that help to ward off cancer and other opportunistic bacteria. The mineral selenium aids the cardiovascular functions as well as aiding the livers ability to tear down poisons and has anti tumor properties.

Another supplement I feel is necessary for anyone is the substance Co-enzyme Q10. I have written about this supplement in detail before but it needs mentioned in this article. Co-Q10 helps aid cardiovascular oxygenation, lower cholesterol, assists immune functions, and helps energy production. Maintenance dosages would be from 60 mg to 100mg.

Therapeutic dosages range from 100mg to 400mg depending on the situation. It is nontoxic.

So far I have mentioned specific nutrient that can have a preventive action on the aging process. Lets look at a few herbals I feel are also important in maintaining proper body functions. Many of you are familiar with the herb gingko biloba. Gingko is specific in its action with cerebral insufficiency. It has been shown to open the capillaries to the frontal lobes of the brain thus aiding in sensorial and memory functions due to more oxygen getting into these tissue areas.

Bilberry has known effects with he prevention of macular degeneration. Siberian ginseng is known to enhance the adrenal functions thus stabilizing stress and energy enhancement. Hawthorn berry is specific for cardiovascular function and ginger is a specific digestive aid.

As you can see there are many benefits with the use of natural supplements when it comes to aging. These are only the basics. I must stress the importance of diet, exercise, proper rest and adequate clean water when addressing any health situation. Aging is a part of life but it can be addressed in a positive manner.

I must admit I have some good examples, my parents are in their seventies and are very active with little to no health problems. I encourage you all to take your health into your own hands.

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

We'll look at some of the recent problems with the overuse of antibiotics and discuss some natural remedies that bolster a healthy immune system.

Taber's Cyclopedic Medical Dictionary states that an antibiotic is a natural or synthetic 

substance that destroys microorganisms or inhibits their growth. Antibiotics are used to treat infectious diseases in plants, animals and humans.

Louis Pasteur is credited with the discovery that bacteria spread infectious disease. He discovered this during the late 1800's and this became the basis for the germ theory as the cause of disease in modern day medical thinking.

A colleague of his, Antoine Bechamp, disputed Pastuers theory at the time. Bechamp believed that the spread of disease was more a result of a favorable environment called the "terrain". These gentlemen battled for years trying to argue their point of view. Before they both died however they came to an agreement that they were both correct in their thinking. Germs do cause disease but germs need the proper environment to be able to grow. However by the time this happened the medical community at the time had already accepted the Pasteur approach and Bechamps ideas were rejected.

This thinking of course led to the development of antibiotics in the 1930's and antibiotics have been called the “wonder drugs” of the 20th century. That analogy has changed over the last few years especially since the onset of newer broad-spectrum antibiotics being used to treat all types of conditions. 

The medical community is well aware of antibiotic resistant organisms. Diseases that were eradicated many years ago are coming back with a vengeance, such as, tuberculosis, gonorrhea, staph, strep, pneumonia and enteroccoci. Current medical research is having difficulty finding ways to treat these new strains of bacteria. I also want to clarify the antibiotics are life saving especially in the proper circumstances. It is when they have been used inappropriately that this resistance has been able to develop.

Overly prescribed antibiotics are part of the problem. Antibiotics treat bacteria not viruses. If you take an antibiotic for a cold or flu it is not going to take care of the problem. Antibiotics are also considered to be immune suppressive. This means that they affect your own body’s immunity, in sense weaken it especially when under viral attack.

The heavy use of antibiotics in agriculture is another area of concern.

Farmers have been inoculating their animals with antibiotics. Rather than isolate sick animals, modern livestock practices routinely consume nearly 50 percent of all antibiotics

manufactured in this country by adding them directly to the animal feeds.

Due to this overuse of antibiotics, virulent strains of bacteria have evolved and now pose a threat to human health without a way to stop them.

Let's turn our attention to viruses.

The word virus is the Latin word for poison. Viruses adapt and evolve according to environmental changes. A virus is little more than a clump of genetic material (RNA and DNA) bunched inside a protein package. It need a host to survive and lies dormant until activated. A virus infiltrates the human body and alters the rna and dna of cells so that it can survive and replicate. Some viruses are short lived like colds, flus, sore throats etc. Others are lifelong and will always reside in us, such as, hepatitis, Epstein barr, HIV, etc. Collectively viral infections represent the prime reason people visit doctors for medical care.

The two most prevalent viral infections are the common cold (rhinovirus) with over 100 strains. It is responsible for over 50 percent of the common cold and upper respiratory tract infections. The influenza virus is classified into three areas A, B, and C. The most common form is influenza A and usually it is epidemic in the late fall and winter.

This is the reason that the flu vaccine has become so popular.

One problem I see is that many folks still get some form of influenza, even if inoculated, because of the different types floating about. The vaccine is usually for the most prevalent strain that researchers think will hit. Of course the vaccine is probably a good idea for those most at risk, which would include those with chronic pulmonary disease, valvular heart disease, and immune compromised individuals.

Those elderly living in care homes with a history of long-term illness.

Since we cannot alter the fact that bacteria and viruses are around us all the time, it makes sense to me that it is important to work on changing the "terrain" as Bechamp expounded years ago.

How do we do this?

Specific foods and herbs have many antibiotic and antiviral properties. This means that they work to change the inner environment to resist them and they work to bolster the immunity so that the body protects itself. In traditional Chinese medicine the surface immunity is called the "wei chi". A strong wei chi is attained through proper lifestyle habits and the use of specific herbs. It is interesting that most infectious organisms have a tendency to prefer sweet and acid conditions to be able to grow. Think about how much sugar you might consume.

Many of the herbs and foods have multiple properties and can be used to reduce the risk of infections. They would include the use of garlic, basil, oregano, thyme, and cayenne pepper to mention some kitchen herbs that can be used in your cooking. Others that you might be familiar with would include echinacea, goldenseal, astragalus, licorice root, elderberry, St John's wort, the medicinal mushrooms and olive leaf extract.

Next time you feel the ill effects of the cold or flu consider what you might have done to the your "terrain" and do some research into the natural substances for relief. As one of my teachers taught me, when you treat the body with natural remedies it leaves the body stronger.

A good book to consider is Natural Alternative To Antibiotics by Ray C. Wunderlich, MD.

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

Many sufferers of neurological disorders such as multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, attention deficit, Parkinson’s, depression and Lou Gehrig’s disease, are benefiting from the use of vitamins, minerals and herbal supplementation. Due to the size and complexity of this topic I will address the basics and recommend further reading material.

The brain has six general functions:

· It is the regulating center of the body- it receives information in the form of sensory impulses. It evaluates these impulses and activates or inhibits specific functions based on these impulses.

· It is the center of consciousness- the awareness of time, place, person, and the activities of the body.

· It is the receiver and interpreter of the senses-

· It initiates voluntary action- every act is imitated, coordinated and processed by the brain.

· It is the mediating organ for all emotions, urges, drives, and instincts.

· It is the seat of intellectual activity-perception, recognition, judgment, reasoning, memory and learning.

There are many parts to the brain and each is involved in the processes mentioned above. Lets look at the basics.

The average size of the brain is between 2 to 4 pounds. The basic cellular unit of the brain is called a neuron. The axion is the tendril that allows for the passing of a nerve signal from the neuron. This is done by the formation of neurotransmitters that allow neurons to pass the nerve signal from one to another, basically like a bucket brigade. Neurotransmitters are made in the brain from vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and amino acids (proteins).

Let look at these neurotransmitters and their function:

· Acetylcholine-vital for regulating memory and cognition. Helps maintain coordinated muscle activity. Depressed levels are seen in Alzheimer’s patients.

· Dopamine- influences thought process and motor activity. Encourages alertness and aggression. Low levels have been shown to cause tremors, impaired motor control, and poor balance.

· Gaba and glutamate- two of the most abundant neurotransmitters. They play opposing roles. Glutamate stimulates an energizing role while gaba has a calming action. Excess glutamate over stimulates the brain and can cause damage. Depressed levels of gaba are associated with anxiety and seizures.

· Norephinephrine- is a stimulating neurotransmitter. Causes rapid heart beat due to stress levels and emotional imbalances.

· Nitric oxide- the newest transmitter holds promise for maintaining and mending brain-immune connections.  It is involved with learning and memory.

· Prostaglandins- are hormone like molecules that influence the activity of receptors and transmitters.

· Serotonin-is involved in regulating sleep, appetite, sexual behavior, mood, cardiovascular and immune activity. Helps us to feel good and relaxed. Depressed levels are responsible for depression, autism, obsessive-compulsive disorders, eating disorders, and chronic pain.

Now that we have a better understanding of what neurotransmitters do in the brain lets look at some of the basic neuro-nutrients and how they play an important role in the functions of the brain.

·         Multi vitamins- is the foundation of any supplement regime. It is like an overall insurance that you will get the basic. Be sure to take a high quality one that will give more than the RDA's in 2-3 tablets over the course of the day.

· Antioxidants- a full spectrum formula that would include carotenoids, vitamin e, and c, lipoic acid, n-acetylcysteine and co q 10.

· Calcium /magnesium- both play an important role in brain health. Magnesium helps with brain cell energy production. Help with the formation of serotonin. It stabilizes cell membranes and protects against over stimulation. Calcium potentates the ability of nerve and muscle cells to communicate better.

· B vitamins- the entire group of b vitamins helps maintain healthy brain functions. They protect nerve tissue against oxidation, enhance memory, and insulate nerve cells. They are required for neurotransmitters production. Some of the best sources are whole grains, leafy vegetables and some animal products.

· Copper, manganese, selenium and zinc- are four micronutrients necessary for proper brain function. Copper is directly affects the neurons synthesize of dopamine and norephinephrine. Zinc influences neurotransmitters production deficiencies have shown to affect appetite, and growth retardation. Manganese works with the above two as a cellular antioxidant. And finally selenium helps produce a compound called glutathione, which protects the brain by aiding detoxification.

The following three areas describe the foundations established for good brain health. Some of the latest brain research deals with the following:

· The essential fatty acid for the brain.

· The body's detoxifying mechanisms.

· And the dhea hormone.

Essential fatty acids are necessary components of the entire body. A large percentage of the brain is made up of fats. Fatty acids determine how neurotransmitters bind to receptor sites. They also regulate the flow of nutrients into and out of brain cells. The two categories of fatty acids are omega -3 and Omega-6's. Omega 6's are mainly from plant sources like corn, safflower, and sesame oils etc. They either have a pro-inflammatory or an anti-inflammatory action. Omega 3's are found readily in cold-water fish and fluxed oil. They are anti-inflammatory and protect cell membranes.

·         DHA is a critical omega 3 fatty acid that helps promote communication between brain cells. It is the main structural fatty acid for the gray matter. It is very instrumental in the development of infants and young children and is thought to enhance intelligence.

· Ps (phosphatidylserine) is also a naturally occurring fatty acid in the brain. Has been shown to improve memory and helps the brain to utilize glucose. Both substances modulate cell fluidity thus helping to aid communications between cells. The following nutrients help with the body with detoxification. They include glutathione, alpha lipoic acid, n-acetyl-cysteine, Vitamin E, CoQ10, and Sam (s-adenosyl methionine). Some herbals and foods that also support this action would be green tea, red wine, berries, soy foods, grape seed extract, pine bark extract, bilberry, ginkgo, and milk thistle.

Lastly dhea serves many important functions in the brain. It is essential for the growth of neuron dendrites and helps to regulate the adrenal hormone cortisol.  It is part of the brain immune connection.

As you can see we have just touched the tip of the iceberg when it come to understanding the brain. I hope this will spark our interest to learn more about how the brain-immune connection works and how the brain-gut connection influence how our bodies operate. To learn more about this topic I recommend the book The Brain Wellness Plan  by Dr. Jay Lombard and Carl Germano.

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

With the growth of the herbal and natural products industry over the last few years, cultivating medicinal and culinary herbs has become an important opportunity for landowners and farmers to consider. Herbal product sales have had phenomenal growth in the last two to three years, especially in the mass-market sector.

This article will address the economic potential for the cultivation of herbals, as well as some of the problems the tremendous growth has created. We will also look at the issues of conservation, quality, and monocropping, and legal issues regarding harvesting.

Having worked in the herbal industry for more than 25 years as an herbalist, producer of an herbal product line, and clinician, I have seen a lot of changes. I am happy that so many folks are interested in medicinal herbs now, but I am also concerned about the plants.

Over harvesting of certain herbs is a real problem.

The American Herbal Products Association’s (AHPA) recent annual tonnage report presents the findings of the second annual survey of wild and cultivated harvests of specific North American herbs used by its members. The herbs surveyed in the AHPA report include, among others, goldenseal, Echinacea, black cohosh, cascara, sagrada, osha root, saw palmetto berry, slippery elm bark, and wild yam root.

The report reveals the volume of each herb harvested and the environmental impacts upon particular herbs. According to the report, goldenseal and ginseng, for example, are being over-harvested and are endangered. The report also gives some insight into which herbs can be grown for trade.

Let’s look at the tonnage of two herbs included in the report. Goldenseal dried from wild populations was recorded at 91,000 pounds, a reduction from the previous year of 256,000 pounds. Cultivated goldenseal weighed in at over 47,000 pounds, up seven percent from the previous year. According to the report, 148,000 pounds of black cohosh were harvested; the previous year 61,000 pounds were harvested.

This report documents impacts by members of this organization only, not by the entire herb market. If most of these plants are taken from the wild, what implications does this have for their future growth? When you consider the full impact of taking so many plants without replenishing them, you can see the cause for concern.

Remember one thing: as more people grow specific herbs, prices will go down as volumes go up. The most popular herbs are not always the ones to grow. As demand goes up, supply goes up if the material is available. If the material is not available, the price goes up accordingly.

United Plant Savers (www.plantsavers.org) has lists of herbs that are either endangered or at risk. From this information you may gain insight into which herbs to cultivate. I would also research the demand for the herb and how long it takes to bring it to market. Many herbs need years to grow before they can be harvested. For example, goldenseal must grow four to seven years before if can be harvested.

I find it interesting that in Europe, where medicinal herbs have been used for centuries, the agricultural community grows herbs for trade. We can use their approach as a model. Growing herbs can be a great sideline to other farming practices. One thing to remember is the importance of growing organically. Most manufacturers of medicinal plants do not want chemicals in their product.

The following botanicals are considered at this time to be good crops: Valerian root, gingko biloba, hawthorn, vitex, skullcap, meadowsweet, boneset, marshmallow, astragalus, wild indigo, arnica, and burdock. I also want to stress the importance of not monocropping. It is better to be diverse in your selection of plants. It is a good idea to group plants that grow together naturally in the same habitat. Remember, they grow in families.

The last issue I want to discuss is poaching. I have heard numerous reports of people having their ginseng or goldenseal patches pilfered just when they were ready to harvest. What can be done about this? If you can catch the poachers, how can they be prosecuted?

These are questions that need to be addressed. Why would anyone want to plant something of value only to have it ripped off when it is harvestable? We need laws to address this problem and dissuade poachers from coming onto our lands. I don’t have the solution, but feel that more discussion of this problem is required.

As for other resources for beginning herb cultivation, in addition to the United Plant Savers web site, I recommend Planting The Future by Rosemary Gladstar. This book discusses land stewardship, habitat protection, and sustainable cultivation. It also offers other resources for seeds and other supplies you might need.

The National Center for the Preservation of Medicinal Herbs, located in southeast Ohio, is another good resource. They offer workshops, and members have access to the staff to ask questions and obtain other information. Visit the center’s Web site at www.ncpmh.org/frames2.html or call (740) 742-4401.

Finally, the West Virginia Herb Association (WVHA) is another organization that can help you get started. As the current president, I hope to help organize an herb growers network. We are just beginning this project, which we hope will help supply our members, many of whom are organic growers and small manufacturers that use botanicals, with the necessary raw materials. Be sure to check out the WVHA web site at www.wvherb.org or call me at (304) 428-1024.

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

This article will cover some of the concerns that you need to be aware of at any level.

 I promote cycling as a way to get outdoors and experience the benefits that it offers, such as cardiovascular, muscle toning, breathing fresh air, communing with nature, and sharing activities with family and friends. It is wise to be smart when it comes to any form of exercise and how to keep your body strong and also to learn how to deal with the injuries and sore muscles that come with exertion.

We will cover some of the more important nutrients and remedies that you can take with you while on your biking adventure.

Let’s discuss one of the most important aspects of any workout activity, energy. The muscles rely on three major systems to supply energy. They are the immediate, glycolytic, and oxidative energy systems. The muscles need the immediate energy source for explosive and strength output. The energy is produced through the use of ATP(adenosine triphosphate) and creatine phosphate (CP) both needed for this type of activity.

The next energy system is called glycolytic which is basically how the body generates and burns glucose (sugar) to produce energy. The third energy system involves how the body oxidizes fatty acids, proteins, and glucose mainly for long term endurance.

Eating a well balanced diet is very important when doing any form of exercise.

I recommend a balanced whole food high fiber complex carbohydrate, low fat, and lean protein diet program. Lean meat from chicken and fish are better than high fat meats like beef and pork.  Restrictions of refined carbohydrates, high fat fast foods and the avoidance of chemical additive foods are necessary to get optimum output.

Some of the most important nutrients to include are:

• B-complex- they unlock the energy from carbohydrates. Aid the

        proper nerve transmission and work with muscles tissues.

• Vitamin C- aids in tissue repair and helps clear lactic acid from muscle tiss

        Vitamin E- repair of tissue and as an antioxidant.

        Chromium and Zinc- low levels interfere with blood sugar

regulation, energy production  and tissue repair.

• Iron- transports oxygen to and within muscle cells. Lack of can create lack of endurance, muscle soreness, and fatigue.

• Magnesium- aids the muscle contraction and relaxation. Works with

• the adrenal glands, facilitates nerve function, heartbeat and  blood pressure.

A good natural multiple vitamin can supply many of these requirements.

In addition to the foundation multiple antioxidants (vit. C, vit. E, beta carotene, zinc, selenium), essential fatty acids (flax oil, evening primrose oil, fish oil) and amino acids (glutamine, creatine, Branched chain aminos) can be utilized to give better performance.

Before beginning your ride you need to warm up your body. Easy stretching is one of the best ways to loosen up your neck, back, and legs. This will prepare your muscles for activity. Remember to also cool down after your workout by walking or stretching again.

During your ride it is important to replace electrolytes. I use a powdered mineral ascorbate with vitamin C that is mixed with water and I drink this throughout my ride. This is a good drink for after a ride to prevent muscle soreness.

It is critically important to drink lots of water.

It helps to flush out the lactic acid build-up that can occur with physical activity. Some of the issues of exercise involve sore and bruised muscles, torn or stretched ligaments, tendons and cartilage mends and broken bones.

How can we facilitate the healing process and what supplement can help?

Natural therapies can do much to promote the healing process by reducing inflammation and renewal of tissue repair. The old acronym RICE (rest, ice, compression, and elevation) are the first response to injury. We now add BEANS ( botanical, energetic, and nutritional supplements) as an adjunctive approach.

It is also necessary for tissue repair. Doses over 3000 mg daily need to be taken to be effective. Another substance glucosamin sulphate, the material that cushions the joints is necessary and has been clinically proven to aid in cartilage repair by working with connective tissues 

Ginger has a long history of use as an anti-inflammatory agent. It also increases circulation and aids the livers ability to clear toxins. Turmeric contains an ingredient call curcumin and appears to block inflammatory pathways. Both can be taken in capsule form.

I will not go riding without this in my pack. It can be taken in tablet form and comes in a topical gel. It needs to be taken and applied immediately for any accident or sprain. You can apply it to sore muscles after your ride. Some other homeopathic remedies for sport injury include rhus tox, ruta, ledum, and hypericum.

Riding a bicycle offers many benefits to the rider but with it also can come some hardships. It takes a wise rider to prevent these type of ailments. A good book on performance riding and the necessary nutrients is Maximum Performance by Daniel Gastelu and Dr. Fred Hatfield by Avery Publishing. Good riding.

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

In his article he notes staggering statistics as to how many people suffer from digestive disturbances, we are talking about over 20 million people.

Of course with our standard American diet consisting of over processed refined chemicalized food it is no wonder that the pharmaceutical industry makes billions of dollars on over the counter preparations designed to provide symptomatic relief. Unfortunately many of these substances compromise the digestive system further down the line. Since this topic is large, I will only be able to address certain aspects.

In my training, digestive functions is the center of good or bad health. It used to be stated that "you are what you eat" now we say "you are what you absorb".

Let take a closer look at digestive functions. First we begin with the mouth. Just the thought of food begins the process in the brain that prepares the stomach for food. The first bite is very important. How many of you chew your food well? Chewing of food mixes enzymes in the saliva that will help start the process once the food enters the stomach.

The stomach is designed to secrete hydrochloric acid and numerous enzymes mainly to take the food you have eaten and break it down into smaller more absorbable components that will be absorbed into the blood stream further down the intestinal tract.

Some basic guidelines to help this process is to chew well, don’t drink excessively with meal due to diluting of the digestive juices, watch food combining, which will be in a later article, avoid overly cold beverages with a meals.

Let’s look at some other aspects of the digestive principal.

Enzymes are critical players in the digestive process. So what are enzymes and how do they work? The body manufacturers approximately twenty two different digestive enzymes.

These enzymes are capable of breaking down protein, carbohydrates, sugars, and fats. The National Enzyme Commission has established a nomenclature system to identify enzymes. All enzymes end with the suffix -ase. The following are the main four categories.

They are:

1. Lipase- which serves to break down fat.

2. Protease- breaks down protein.

3. Cellulase- breaks down fiber.

4. Amylase- breaks down starch.

Enzymes are critical for all life functions.

We have discussed how they work with digestion but what other role do they play. Enzymes in the blood take nutrients and help to build muscles, nerves, blood cells and aid glandular functions. They assist in storing sugar in the liver and muscles and turn fat into fatty tissue. Enzymes work with our immunity by attacking waste material and poisons within the blood. They aid in elimination functions of the kidneys and the lungs.

Enzymes are specific and they do not cross over.

An example is protease will not digest starch. They act on substances and change that substance into something different without changing themselves. As stated in the book Enzymes The Foundation Of Life by Drs. Lopez, Williams, and Miehlke, "the enzymes work as tireless, highly skilled workers on a conveyor belt, dismantling, controlling, protecting, destroying, eliminating, reassembling or performing whatever we need in order to exist day and night".

There are three classes of enzymes:

1. Metabolic which work in blood, tissue, and organs.

2. Food enzymes from raw food.

3. Digestive enzymes made in the body

There are approximately 3000 thousand known enzymes in the human body.

Dr. Howell has been a leading researcher in enzyme therapy since 1920. He is the world leader in our understanding of how enzymes work. It used to be believed that we had unlimited enzyme production in our bodies. It is now believed that we have an enzyme bank and that we do not replenish it as we age.

It is like a bank account if we overdraw it we pay the consequences.

The overdrawn enzyme bank happens when we have a diet of overly refined food and fail to eat raw fruits and vegetables. One characteristic of enzymes is their inability to withstand heat. At the temperature of 129 degrees enzymes are destroyed.

Baking, food processing, cooking, and microwaving are destroying our plant enzymes. When we eat processed cooked foods we are depleting our enzyme bank account. It does need help by either eating raw foods or taking enzyme supplements.

Some of the conditions of enzyme deficiency are various inflammation processes, enlarged pancreas, toxicity of the colon, allergies, bronchitis, cystitis, arthritis, acne, osteoporosis, and lupus.

Enzymes have been used to treat many of these conditions.

They help to block the formation of inflammatory compounds due to injury and degenerative diseases like arthritis. They help to reduce swelling and promote healing. Enzyme therapy has been used to treat viruses by helping the body to break down the protein coating that cover viruses. They have been used to treat multiple sclerosis and are an adjunctive therapy with cancer.

It really is fascinating to understand how important enzymes are to our health and vitality. Our modern diet is a constant factor when it comes to disease processes. I urge you to do more reading about this subject.

A few good books are: Enzyme Nutrition by Dr. Howell, Food Enzymes by Humbart Santillo, Enzymes The Foundation Of Life by Drs. Lopez, Williams, and Miehlke.

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

The human eye is a highly complex organ. Anatomical estimates put its number of working parts at close to one billion. Its receptors, the rods and cons on the retina, can perceive ten million gradations of light and seven million shades of color. The eye works by taking in light and transforming it into electrical impulses that are sent to the brain, where 90% of vision occurs.

This article will deal with the nutritional aspects of preventing and maintaining healthy eyes. We will discuss the dietary factors leading to degeneration as it relates to macular degeneration and cataracts and what nutritional supplements and botanical remedies can be taken to strengthen and support good eye health.

Diet and nutrition have been shown to be a major factor in the development of many of these eye problems. The Standard American Diet (S.A.D.) is nutrient poor. Specifically denatured, chemical, preservative laden fast foods that a lot of Americans eat seem to be an issue here. High fat in the diet and high sugar consumption are all contributing factors, as well as the low ingestion of fruits and vegetables. Many of us are deficient in nutrients that would support proper functioning of the organ systems that support good tissue integrity, not only in the eye but the entire body.

In order to promote good eyesight you must make sure you get the basic antioxidant vitamins in the form of B complexes, beta carotene, vitamin C and E, and the minerals selenium and zinc. Many of our fresh fruits and vegetables are good sources of vitamins and minerals. Include in your diet yellow and orange colored food such as carrots, yams, squashes, and greens.

Science has discovered a class of nutrients called carotenoids, pigments that that have a direct affect on the eye tissue. There are two such compound lutein and zeaxanthin that have an affinity to the retina and macula of the eye. The lutein and zeaxanthin taken form food accumulate at the visual center of the eye-the macula lutea or "yellow spot" located in the center of the retina close to the optic nerve's exit.

In 1980 researchers discovered that animals deprived of these carotenoids developed signs of retinal disease. It wasn't until 1994 that a report by the Journal of the American Medical Association revealed that adults that ate 3-5 servings of spinach weekly, providing 6 mg of carotenoids experienced a 43% reduction of macular degeneration. Macular degeneration affects approximately 4 million Americans, and it is increasing rapidly. Macular degeneration is when the central vision becomes blurred and a person cannot focus on what is directly in front of them.

It is thought to be caused by photo oxidation caused by what is called blue light and how the light waves affect the retina. Carotenoids absorb this blue light more efficiently and quench the damaging free radicals that cause the damage. The other role of carotenoids and eye health are the maintenance of the mucin layer of the tear film and is thus helpful in relieving dry eyes.

Nutritional supplements have also show to improve vision and to aid in the prevention of many of these eye disorders. It is suggested that vitamin B complex is needed for intracellular eye metabolism. (Take 100 mg daily). Vitamin C, which reduces intraoccular pressure, at a dose of 3-5000 mg daily; vitamin E to promote healing and elasticity (400 iu daily); zinc (50 mg daily); and selenium at 200 mcg daily. The amino acid glutathione, and taurine also helps to protect the lens of the eye, and the daily intake of lutein and zeaxanthin 6-10 mg daily. Grape seed extract, a rich source of proanthocyanidins, have excellent anti-oxidant effects on eye tissue as well.

The herbs bilberry and gingko biloba have both been researched for their ability to aid in the structural integrity of the eye. Gingko's role is about vascular integrity and appears to address the underlying factors of macular degeneration by improving long distance visual acuity and protecting the retina from free radical damage.

Bilberry's uses are far reaching when it comes to eye health. There are many clinical reports that give evidence that the use of bilberry has a positive effect with the following eye conditions: diabetic retinopathy, macular degeneration, cataract, and glaucoma. Anthocyanosids are the chemical compound in bilberry that gives it the ability to strengthen the connective tissues, to relax muscles, prevent free radical damage and improve blood flow to the eye. It has also shown to improve night blindness. Blueberries are related to bilberry (huckleberry) and contain many of the same compounds. It is important to include these in the diet.

These botanicals have a long history of use and should be considered in any condition regarding the eye. They are non-toxic, but you should consult with an authoritative source for dosage information and clinical applications. There are many formulas on the market that combine many of the nutrients discussed. This is usually easier when addressing the preventive aspects. In a specific eye disorder some nutrients would be needed in higher doses.

It is one thing to have a serious eye problem due to the numerous factors that we have discussed. It is entirely another to look at the prevention of not only eye disease but the entire body system. It seems to me that if we would eat real foods and work on living a balanced lifestyle maybe we could prevent this degeneration from happening.

I would like to end with a quote from Leonardo DaVinci, "Oh thou most excellent eye, elevated above all that God created! What exalted praises are capable of expressing thy nobility? What peoples, what tongues, can describe thy abilities? Through the window of the eye the soul regards the world's beauty."

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

This article will discuss our skin and how we can make choices to keep it healthy and maintain its integrity in a vastly polluted world.

First let's look at the function of the skin, and then we can look at how to improve and maintain it. The skin is the largest organ of the human body, covering approximately 20 square feet. It is responsible for an array of essential body functions including breathing oxygen, eliminating carbon dioxide and other forms of waste, acting as a shield against toxins from outside the body, and helping to maintain body temperature.

In Chinese medicine it is called the wei chi, or surface immunity, because it is a defense system to outside bacteria and germs.

There are two main layers of the skin – the epidermis (or outer layer) and the dermis (the lower layer). The epidermis is covered with a thin sheath of dead cells, mainly what we see, called the stratum corneum. As dead cells are constantly flaked off, new cells are being pushed outward. The stratum corneum is comprised of keratin, a tough protein that helps to protect the cellular integrity of the skin.

Fingernails are made of the same substance. At the surface is a thin layer of slightly acidic oil called the acid mantle. This is what protects the skin against bacteria. The living layer of the epidermis is in direct contact with the dermis that feeds and supports it. This layer is called the Malpighian layer. The next layer is the dermis that contains the sweat and oil glands, hair follicles, blood vessels, nerves, and muscle tissues.

These are held together with a proteinous connective tissue called collagen.

Collagen is the cement that holds us together. It needs the nutrients of vitamins C, E, B complex, manganese, copper and sulfur to maintain its integrity. This is where with aging we see wrinkles due to lack of these nutrients or not enough antioxidants to protect the skin.

Many natural skin care companies place an abundance of these nutrients in there lotions and creams which would include cleansers, toners and moisturizers, shampoos, conditioners, hand lotions, toothpastes and perfumes. It is important to do some research on your own. Just because a label says it has aloe vera, or vitamins E or C, you need to do some checking on what are the other ingredients and are they harmful to you. Most natural products companies will provide you with a detailed list of ingredients and their source. If you are concerned about animal substances in a product, you need to find out from the source.

You might also want to know the amount of a particular ingredient. Is the quantity of a particular ingredient enough to do anything or is it just a marketing ploy?

The label has to list the substance by its chemical name, so don't be alarmed when an all-natural product states a lot of names you don't recognize. Good companies will list after the chemical name, the source. An example would be retinyl palmitate, which is a natural source for vitamin A. I am very particular about chemicals in body care products because the skin is permeable. It lets substance in, and it sends other substances out. Anything that enters the blood stream will have to be processed by the liver.

When we think of skin care, most marketing is directed towards women; and, yes, women spend a lot of money on skin care. I appreciate beauty, too, and I am leaning that skin care is also important for men. We need to learn the basics when it comes to healthy skin. 

The three basics are cleansing, toning, and moisturizing. One way to begin is with dry brush massage. It is simple; you take a dry natural bristle bath brush and brush your skin before showering. This is a great way to exfoliate (remove dead skin) from your body. Cleansing and moisturizing becomes the next important step. Oil is not the best moisturizer as you might think.

Water is better at moisturizing than anything. Many products work to hydrate the skin, and then it is an important to keep it in the tissues. As stated, I am no expert in this field, but I am learning.

There are other treatments that will work for problem skin types and many of the substances listed below fall into that category. When it comes to natural products, many substances have been found to help. Look for some of these in the products you may be using:

· Gingko Biloba improves the flow of fluids to cell membranes

· Chamomile calms and softens the skin and fights bacteria

· Comfrey Root provides allantoin that regenerates cells

· Jojoba Oil helps to maintain moisture in the cells

· Ester C, the soluble form of Vitamin C, helps support collagen

· Citrus Seed Extract acts as a natural preservative and toner

· Urea is a botanically derived moisture retainer

· Aloe Vera is known for healing damage to skin and has antibacterial properties

· Essential Oils, used for fragrance and specific therapeutic properties

· Vitamin E used for cellular repair and moisturizing

· Green Tea used as an antioxidant

These are only a small portion of the natural substances used in body and skin care products. There are numerous resources for you to find out more. Many manufacturers will provide this information.

I must make mention of diet in this article, because in my training, the skin is fed by the blood and the nutrition is in the blood. The typical American diet contains numerous toxins that need to leave the body. If they cannot leave by the normal channels, the skin becomes overburdened and many skin conditions develop.  Thus, it is important to maintain a real whole food diet.

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

Let me begin this article with some clarification. I believe that Alternative denotes in my mind to be "an either or" and when it comes to medicine this does not fit into this type of thinking. I use the word integrative to best describe the term “alternative” is not an accurate description of Wholistic Medicine.  Where as integration means an acceptance and a working together with different modalities to provide the best possible solutions to a person’s imbalances.

I began my lecture with this clarification and continued to express my opinion that herbs are not an alternative but have been the first medicine. When you look back in time, people on this planet have always relied on plants as their medicines for millions of years. This has been a trial and error period over time that has proven many plants to be effective in treating and preventing disease processes.

Many people are seeking herbal remedies because they believe them to be more natural, safer and that they will keep them healthy. This is all true but one thing I see is that people are looking at herbalism the same way they look at conventional medicine, which is heroic in nature. 

Pharmaceutical drugs, which are based on symptomatic relief don't usually address underlying causative factors. Without this understanding of what they are doing in their lifestyle that could be a contributing factor in their health many folks are missing the opportunity to realize the full capacity of herbalism. 

An example is that in the marketing of herbs I see herbs like gingko biloba, the memory herb, black cohosh, the female herb, saw palmetto, the male herb, valerian root, the sleep herb; you get the point are being attributed to specific gender and conditions. This is very simplistic if we look at herbs just for specific lifestyle imbalances and ignore the causes of disease process.

My early training helped me to think of herbs and herbalism as a system that involves an active participation by the person using them. The body heals itself and all healing comes from within has been the premise for me whenever I am lecturing or consulting with an individual. This is the foundation of herbal medicine; looking beyond symptoms and understanding the root cause of the problem.

Another important premise is to do no harm.

Diet is an important part of herbalism because as stated by Hipprocrates, "let your food be your medicine and your medicine be your food".  Today our current research into plant-based substances is a growing field. We know plants have healing powers and that they have an affinity to our bodies. Isolated compound found in plants don't always perform the way these compound work when taken in their whole form.

In a recent report on St John's Wort the researchers concluded that they understood the different aspects of the plant constituents and even went on the postulate how they worked but the end result that was determined was that the plant worked best when taken in it's whole form.

Many of you might believe that a standardized herbal product is better than an herbal product in another form, tea, capsule, tincture etc. This is not always the case and since it is a new field I don't think that research can prove standardized herbal products always more effective.

My traditional training has provided me with the basis that the more we disturb a plant substance the more we potentially disrupt its ability to work effectively in our body. This also does not mean that I won't recommend or use a standardized herbal product. Standardized to what constituents, how much is necessary, does it have side effects becomes a big question.

One thing about standardized herbal products is that they do fit into a clinical model where everything is measured as to specific dosages at a certain potency related to specific conditions. This is good for measuring results but is not always an accurate assessment of an herbs potential. 

I consider the empirical evidence about specific herbs to be an important factor when determining how to use a plant for specific purposes.

Many of the herbs used today have been used for hundreds to thousands of years. This means that you can use them is the same manner and they can be effective as long as they are of high quality, harvested at the right times, and prepared accordingly.

When studying herbalism there are some specific principals that need to be learned.

I will give a brief overview of them. Herbs used to be called simples.

The art of simpling applies and goes as follow:

·

Use local herbs- local herbs grown in the environment that we live in all the time and can be specific to the type of conditions experienced in that region.

· Use mild herbs, they have a more gentle effect on the system and can be taken freely.

· Use mild herbs in larger doses, due to this gentleness more might be needed in specific cases.

Of course more complex condition need to be addressed differently.

There are three main general functions of herbs:

· Eliminating and detoxifying- ridding the body of toxins.

· Maintaining- using herbs to counteract symptoms and allowing the body to heal.

· Building and toning- using herbs to strengthen and tone the body.

There are eight classifications of herbal therapies and numerous properties that an herb can provide. When making an assessment of how to use an herb one must look at the primary, secondary, and tertiary properties. A good authoritative herbal manual will provide this information.

As you can see herbalism is involved and has specific methodologies.

I encourage the use of herbs but I also urge one to go beyond the surface and gain a true understanding of how to use them.

A good starter herbal manual would be The Way Of Herbs by Michael Tierra C.A.N.D.

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

Traditional healing systems around the world such as Ayurveda, TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), Native American, and others have taught me to work with the innate healing power of the body, to assess imbalances, and to work in harmony with all the aspects of body, mind, and soul to restore balance.

I am glad that we are seeing a change in how we look at health care. People are tired of the same old system that does not deliver positive results. Many are seeking therapies that are less invasive and damaging to the body. Adverse drug reactions (being the sixth leading cause of death in the US alone), currently estimated at close to 200,000, are an indication that we need to incorporate a preventive side to medicine. Looking at the statistics from the CDC (Center for Disease Control), the number of deaths due to herbs is very small to none.

With the development of phytopharmeceutical basically in the form of standardized herbal extracts, the reporting of adverse reactions is increasing. Most side effects are allergic reactions and minor discomfort, but not death. I believe that standardized preparations have their place; but if we think of them in the same manner as a drug medication, we are missing an important part of the healing process.

I think it is time to question our methods and motivations when we look at the new millennia and our current health care system.

Research is driven by profit dollars not the reality of finding cures. This is particularly evident with current nutritional and herbal approaches that show promise by working with the total body, but these approaches are being overlooked. One area I am talking about is in cancer research. We are not winning the war, folks, and I know from the many workshops I have attended over the last two years that a new idea is emerging about how to treat cancer. That will be a topic of another article I am working on.

Over the last 20 years the herbal marketplace has seen a huge growth. In the early 1970s it was a $400,000 industry. In the 1990s it is now an industry to the tune of over $5 billion in the US, and that is on the increase. The awareness of the quote "designer herbs" has helped people to know about plant-based products, but there is a lack of true understanding of how to use them.

Ginkgo Biloba is not just the memory herb; nor is St. John’s Wort just the depression herb, Saw Palmetto the male herb, and Black Cohosh the women's herb. Herbalism goes much deeper than treating symptoms alone. One concern is that people approach the use of herbs like the way they think of drugs – looking for the quick fix. Herbalism is a system where protocols are developed based on individual circumstances.

Recently I was invited to speak to a group of doctors at our local hospital. They wanted a program on "alternative medicine." I prefer the working model called “integrative medicine” and was pleasantly surprised to find a curious and receptive audience. My presentation was centered around integrating conventional medicine with holistic modalities. We need to build bridges instead of widening gaps that already exist. Because so many people are using holistic therapies, many physicians are seeing results in their patients without understanding why.

Because of lack of training in this particular field, how these modalities can be incorporated needs to be looked into. The major concern that was voiced to me from the doctors at this lecture was inadequate studies and research with the use of botanicals. There is a wealth of good practical, clinical, and cutting edge information available, not always from our country or funded by pharmaceutical interests. You have to know where to find it.

It is encouraging to me to see the field of natural medicine growing. More research, the initiation of clinical trials, and universities teaching classes are all indicators that change is happening. I always speak about self-responsibility when it comes to our health. Each of us has to support our beliefs and help bridge the gaps so that we can have a health care system we can live with.

In this new millennium it is important to be active, voice our concerns, and stand up for our rights. There is a lot of hope for the future.

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

]]> herbdoc@motherearthworks.com (Dave Hawkins) http://www.motherearthworks.com/health-reports/wellness-essentials/integrating-herbalism-into-our-current-health-care-system-dave Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:31:19 -0500 USD 1552 Dave Hawkins 1 Hp-83 http://www.motherearthworks.com/images/photos/dave_hawkins.JPG http://www.motherearthworks.com/health-reports/wellness-essentials/homocysteine-new-assessments-for-cholesterol-dave-hawkins-he http://www.motherearthworks.com/product_reviews/homocysteine-new-assessments-for-cholesterol-dave-hawkins-he I thought it would be good to deal with the latest in cholesterol management. At one point, the Parkersburg News ran an article on the health page titled “Hearts Beware Of Plaque” which sparked my curiosity.

This article mentions how plaque is the problem when dealing with cardiovascular disease. It did not mention how homocysteine is a consideration when doing cholesterol assessments. This article will attempt to fill in the blanks from that article.

What is homocysteine and how does it affect the build up of plaque in the arteries? Homocysteine is not sold in stores or cannot be found in foods. It is a product of metabolism; meaning, it is made in the body like cholesterol. To keep it simple, homocysteine is manufactured from an amino acid found in meat called methionine. When the body digests and metabolizes methionine, it produces homocysteine before being converted into other products. The problem arises when the body cannot convert homocysteine.

The critical B vitamins (B6, B12) and folic acid, choline and betaine are instrumental in converting homocysteine. The standard American diet is deficient in B vitamins. Because of over processing of food, many of us do not get adequate amounts of these nutrients to be helpful to this problem.

To put it simply – when homocysteine levels get too high because certain B vitamins are too low, plaquing becomes a problem.

Let’s look at how elevated homocysteine can contribute to cardiovascular disease. When this situation occurs, elevated homocysteine damages the blood vessel wall. This sets the stage for an increase in the formation of fibrous tissue and calcium deposits on the inside of the artery. When the blood vessels feeding the heart are damaged, this is called coronary artery disease.

When the vessels to the brain are affected, this becomes a potential for a stroke. When it affects the hands and legs, it is called peripheral artery disease.

The issue of homocysteine is not new to science.

Research into this began back in 1933 when an article appeared in The New England Journal of Medicine about an 8-year old boy who died from a stroke.  Autopsy showed that the boy had arteriosclerosis that was usually seen in the elderly.  Later, Kilmer S. McCully, MD, became interested in the homocysteine connection when an Irish researcher noted that retarded children were dying of advanced heart disease and stroke before reaching puberty.

This sparked DR McCully to begin studying. In 1969 Dr. McCully presented his work in the American Journal of Pathology, but he was not taken seriously. Since then much more research has been conducted, and to date there have been over 1,500 published studies on homocysteine in medical journals. In an article published in 1995 by the Journal of the American Medical Association, again researchers urged Americans to increase their intake of folic acid as a preventive measure against heart disease.

The researchers further stated the following:    

          30% to 40% of people with cardiovascular disease and peripheral artery disease have high levels of homocysteine.

· 30% of elderly men and women have elevated homocysteine levels.

· 25% of middle-aged men are deficient in vitamin B6, 56% in B12, and 59% in folic acid.

It is estimated that 40% of heart attacks in the United States may be caused by elevated levels of homocysteine.

Current medical testing has mostly centered on elevated cholesterol as the problem. However, it is interesting to note that 80% of heart attacks occur in men with normal cholesterol levels. 

Our current assessment of cholesterol looks at the overall cholesterol in relation to the two-lipo proteins called HDL (high density lipo-protein) otherwise good cholesterol and LDL (low density lipo-protein) or bad cholesterol. Another factor being assessed is the level of triglycerides. A triglyceride is a fat storage molecule that comes from animal products and refined sugars. When it is elevated along with elevated cholesterol, the cardiovascular risk factor goes up.

Several recent studies indicate that one of the prime targets of free radicals is LDL cholesterol.

Oxidized and non-oxidized LDL cholesterol has been implicated in artery damage. Homocysteine may also cause this oxidation of LDL. Anti-oxidant vitamins of vitamin C, E and beta-carotene have shown promise in preventing this from happening. Another type of lipo-protein is called LP(A), and it is considered another marker for elevated risk to cardiovascular disease.

Dr. Mathias Rath a world-renowned cardiovascular researcher explained that LP (A) is produced in the body due to low levels of vitamin C and E that are instrumental in repair process when arteries are damaged by free radicals. LP(A) is like double stick tape. If the repair process of the vessel wall is incomplete the LP(A) fills in the damaged areas. Being like double stick tape it catches cholesterol as it passes by and may lead to a build-up of plaque that can block arteries.

Are there tests for LP(A) and homocysteine?

Testing has been developed along with the lipid profile of a standard blood test. At the present time it is not the norm for this to be checked, but you would need to ask your health care practitioner to have it checked.

The average person has extremely small amounts of homocysteine.

For every 1,000 molecules of cholesterol, there is generally one molecule of homocysteine. Researchers are currently trying to establish safe levels. At the moment, it is assumed that the normal range is between 4.9 and 11.7 micromoles per liter of blood. Of course, there are different levels based on age and gender.

Anything over 14 micromoles is considered damaging.

According to Dr. McCully dosages of the B vitamins should be within these ranges. B6- 4 -4.3 mcg, b 12 5 - 15 mcg, folic acid 400 mcg taken on a daily basis.

Most B complex vitamins are adequate to take care of this potential problem with homocysteine.

As with any health condition it is important to research when considering any therapy.

Consult with your health care practitioner.

For more information read The Homocysteine Revolution by Dr. Kilmer McCully or Homocysteine: The New " Cholesterol" by Jack Challem and Victoria Dolby.

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

Whether or not you believe in the germ theory, with the rising onset of immune deficient diseases such as AIDS, cancer, chronic fatigue syndrome and numerous autoimmune disorders, not to mention disease causing bacteria and viruses that are resistant to our wonder drug antibiotics, it becomes increasingly important to understand how we can influence our immune systems in positive ways.

Literally every cell is part of the immune system. We call this cellular immunity. Vessels, glands and organs are involved in this complex system, which also consists of lymphatic vessels, the thymus gland, the spleen, tonsils, adenoids, lymph nodes, specialized white cells and the liver.

All these work intricately to keep us healthy. The thymus gland, located behind the breastbone, is the major gland of our immune system. Its function is to produce T-cells that number T1-T8. Each of these cells has specific capabilities in how they regulate and affect immunity. The T-cells fight bacteria, viruses and cancer. The thymus also produces several hormones that regulate immunity functions. Low levels of hormonal activity are associated with decreased immune function and susceptibility to infection.

The lymph vessels and nodes run parallel to arteries and veins, draining waste material from tissues and transporting it to the nodes for filtering. Exercise is very important for these functions since the lymph system doesn't have a pump like our circulatory system.

The spleen is the largest mass of lymph tissue. It produces lymphocytes and engulfs and destroys bacteria and cellular debris. It also destroys worn out blood cells and platelets and serves as a blood reservoir. The blood from the spleen goes to the liver for further detoxification.

The liver is not considered a lymphatic organ, but it produces the majority of lymph in the body. Kupffer cells (specialized white cells) filter bacteria, yeast and toxic compounds entering from the intestines. Because lifestyle is do important for the factors that influence immune functions:

· Improper nutrition: Protein malnutrition affects cell-mediated immunity. It is usually accompanied with vitamin and mineral deficiency. Toxins (pesticides, herbicides and additives) and overly processed foods also affect us negatively.

· Sugar: Refined and excess natural sugars have shown to suppress specific T-cell activity. Considering that most Americans ingest approximately 5 ounces of sugar daily, our immune systems are being suppressed regularly.

· High cholesterol: Increased blood cholesterol, triglycerides and bile acids inhibit much immune cell activity, thereby suppressing our ability to fight simple bacteria.

· Alcohol: It has been shown to suppress immune activity specifically with infections.

· Antibiotics: Pharmaceutical antibiotics have shown to suppress our bodies’ own ability to fight. Remember, antibiotics kill bacteria and do nothing for viruses. Residues are found in most animal foods: meat, eggs, dairy, etc.

· Lack of exercise: Contributes to improper lymph drainage.

· Emotional stress: Affects our total immune function by affecting hormone regulation.

What are some of the nutrients and herbs that help support a healthy immune system?

· Beta carotene: Supports interferon production, protects the thymus gland, boosts anti-tumor activity and improves natural killer cell activity.

· Vitamin C: Both an anti-viral and anti-bacterial. Improves host resistance by increasing interferon levels, antibody response, secretion of thymic hormone, and integrity of connective tissues. It is important to take them with bioflavaniods for better utilization by the body.

· Zinc: Critical for the immune system. Improves cell mediated immunity and thymus functions. Low zinc levels lead to lower T-cell and hormone production. The elderly and young children are more susceptible to lower zinc levels.

· Selenium: Important for immune function in that it helps protect us from tumor growth. A potent antioxidant.

· B-complex, particularly B6: A lack reduces the quality and quantity of antibodies produced and has been known to shrink lymphatic tissues, including the thymus gland.

There are numerous botanicals that aid our body's immunity. Some of the most common are echinacea, goldenseal, astragalus, garlic, reishi and shitake mushrooms, usnea, licorice root and pau d'arco. There has been extensive research on these plants and how they affect our immune system.

· Echinacea: Otherwise known as purple cone flower, it is a perennial that has been used for more than 200 years. It has a long history of use in all types of infections and has been show to activate the T3-T4 NK cells, which produce interferon.

· Goldenseal: One of my favorites when it comes to infections, particularly sinusitis. It works to shrink the mucous membranes and allows better drainage of tissues. It is considered immunostimulatory and has been to kill staph, strep, salmonella, candida and numerous other bacteria. This is not an herb to take in high doses for long periods of time. Always consult an authoritative source when considering herbal products.

· Licorice root: Scientific evidence supports its use in treating infections and stimulating macrophage activity. It also has demonstrated antiviral activity.

· Garlic: Antiviral and antibacterial properties. It is good for the common cold and lung infections. I recommend eating a clove of raw garlic at the first sign of cold or flu. Of course, it is strong and you will smell it for awhile.

· St. John's Wort: Also has antiviral properties and is being used in trials for HIV and AIDS.

· Mushrooms such as shitake and reishi are being studied for their anti-tumor and immune stimulating actions.

The study of the immune system is fascinating. I urge each of you to research on your own this natural approach to improving immunity. The amount of available research is vast, but once you understand the importance of lifestyle and balance, you will only benefit from it. Before you run out for the quick fix, study prevention of disease and infection.

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

]]> herbdoc@motherearthworks.com (Dave Hawkins) http://www.motherearthworks.com/health-reports/wellness-essentials/lifestyle-and-the-immune-system-dave-hawkins-health-report Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:31:19 -0500 USD 1554 Dave Hawkins 1 Hp-85 http://www.motherearthworks.com/images/photos/dave_hawkins.JPG http://www.motherearthworks.com/health-reports/wellness-essentials/maintaining-healthy-bones-an-herbalist-perspective-dave-hawki http://www.motherearthworks.com/product_reviews/maintaining-healthy-bones-an-herbalist-perspective-dave-hawki Since the health of the body is reliant on all of the body systems working synergistically together it is hard to isolate one system without having an impact on the entire body. I always think of the bones or skeletal system as our structural framework wherein lay the foundation for the rest of our body. This article will look at the major players when it comes to the nutrients required to maintain proper bone health so that we can prevent many of the debilitating bone and joint disorders that plaque our modern day society.

We will also look at the biochemical markers that are indicators of weakness and address how plants can make a positive impact on the reversal and prevention of bone diseases, such as, arthritis, osteoporosis, osteomalacia, gout etc.

Lets begin by looking at our bones and see what is required. Bone is living tissue that is constantly being torn apart and rebuilt. This process continues our entire life and is managed by many systems in our body. The minerals necessary for bone development consist of calcium, magnesium, silica, boron, manganese, zinc and copper. Vitamin C, D, B6 and folic acid are also necessary vitamin components.

A person can get these through supplementation but my belief is that diet is a better solution, especially if there are no symptoms showing signs of deficiency and the person is not following the SAD (standard American diet) high in animal products, refined fats and sugars. When we begin to understand that nutritional deficiencies are the root cause of many of the disease processes it makes sense to rule that out. Diet is the best way to accomplish this because the plant chemistry is intricately tied to body chemistry. This is where body PH comes into play. The SAD diet is a highly acidic diet. Think for a moment about acid and how it affects things. Acids tear down or aid degeneration.

Without the proper alkaline minerals, which come from our fruits and vegetables, these acids do not get neutralized therefore we see pain and inflammation due to degeneration processes. There’s one dietary factor that is detrimental to our mineral and bone health and that substance is soda pop. Sodas are very acidic, approximately 2.8 on the acid scale. It requires alkaline minerals of sodium, calcium, magnesium and potassium to balance the effects of drinking sodas. Where do you think these minerals come from? Your bones and muscle tissues.

When it comes to body physiology there are a few players that affect bone health. The endocrine and digestive systems along with collagen building processes are the main ones. First let’s look at he endocrine system which consists of the adrenal-pituitary-thyroid-parathyroid glands. These glands are involved in many aspects of bone health. Briefly the adrenals help maintain the proper mineral balance through proper kidney functions; they also are involved with the stress response hormones.

The thyroid and parathyroid work with the hormone calcitonin and others to signal osteoblasts (bone building) and oesteoclasts (bone tear down), which is a constant process. The trace mineral boron is involved in these processes. It is interesting to note that on a hormonal level estrogens slow bone resorption and progesterone increases bone building.

The digestive system is also necessary in making sure the good nutrient rich foods are broken down and absorbed by the body. The hydrochloric acid in the stomach is important for mineral breakdown followed by the proper enzymes to aid absorption across the colon wall. The antacid, and h2 receptor drugs have a history of creating mineral deficiency due to blocking of the hydrochloric acid production. This can be a problem especially in osteoporosis.

Let’s now look at nutrient rich foods and botanicals as a way to assure we are getting what we need. Beginning with foods the alkaline fruits and vegetables provide the minerals especially if they are organically grown. The green leafy chard, kale, collards, cabbage, the root vegetables of carrots, turnips and parsnips, the berry fruits are all necessary on a daily basis. The whole grains of rice, barley, wheat and oats provide necessary proteins. These dietary recommendations can be found in most health books so we will move onto the herbal kingdom.

When it comes to using herbs I like to research how traditional plant use dealt with bone and structural issues. Let’s look at nutrient herbs, anti-inflammatory, diuretics and blood purifiers. I like to recommend the use of nettle, alfalfa, and kelp mainly for their high mineral nutrient proportions.

When recommending herbs for pain and inflammation we use cayenne pepper, ginger, turmeric, rosemary, and green tea. These herbs work as pain relievers due to many actions, one being a natural cox-2 inhibitor (kind of like Celebrex and Vioxx). The plant enzyme bromelain from pineapple stems is also beneficial but needs to be taken on an empty stomach. I also use analgesics like willow bark, meadowsweet and wintergreen.

For removing and neutralizing acid waste, dandelion, birch, celery seed, red clover have been used for years by many cultures by aiding the liver detox processes. Diuretics also work in eliminating waste and we use uva ursi, parsley leaf, marshmallow root, and nettle to name a few. There are many choices that can be made for the herbal kingdom.

Another area I like to address is the endocrine system and making sure the glands are functioning properly. For the adrenals I like, eluethero senticoccus (formerly Siberian ginseng), rhodiola (artic root), licorice root, ashwaganda (winter cherry) and wild yam root.

For proper thyroid function kelp, dulse and mullein leaf are beneficial.

As you can see there are many benefits to bone health just by using plants either as foods or herbs. Each individual is unique to the necessary nutrients required and lifestyle is a major player in determining which avenue to begin. When one is experiencing symptoms of bone disorders the protocols become specific to them.

The whole concept is to prevent them in the first place. As Hipprocrates stated “let thy food be thy medicine and thy medicine be thy food”

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

This article will deal with some of the main health issues such as impotence, enlarged prostrate, prostatitis, and cancer. We will discuss an approach that includes dietary and lifestyle changes and some natural remedies that can aid these conditions.

To begin let's discuss the prostate gland.  In a recent article in the London Times the results of a survey taken showed that 89% of the men did not know where their prostate gland was located. They also did not know the function of this gland or the problems associated with it. It is estimated that 50-60% of all males in the United States have problems with enlarged prostate.

So where is this prostate gland and what is its function? The prostate, which is the size of a walnut, lies below the bladder and is wrapped around the urethra, the tube used to carry urine from the bladder. The prostate gland produces seminal fluid that is needed for reproductive processes. One of the main problems with the prostate is enlargement called BPH (Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia). The symptoms are painful urination, straining to urinate, prolonged dribbling, incomplete bladder emptying, increase frequency of urination, and nocturia (night time urination).  Other symptoms can be bladder infections, bleeding, and incontinence.

Enlargement is caused by numerous factors.  To describe it simply, it is usually caused by abnormal growth or swelling of the prostate tissue. This is a result of the hormone testosterone. The prostate gland takes testosterone and converts it to a more potent hormone called DHT (Dihydrotestosterone). Enlargement happens when too much conversion takes place, it then begins to block the urethra, and urination is impaired.

The drug prescribed for this problem is Proscar. It has been compared in numerous studies with a natural substance found in saw palmetto berries and the results are very interesting.  Proscar takes approximately six months to begin working effectively. In the studies with the use of an extract of the saw palmetto berries, results have been seen in as little as 30 days without side effects. There are saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and sterols in the berries that help to reduce this conversion factor of the testosterone, thus reducing the swelling and helping to relieve symptoms. Saw palmetto has a long history of use for this condition, and it is beneficial that science has been able to understand how it works. A diet high in fat and sugar has been shown to be a contributing factor with this problem. I will address dietary changes later in the article.

Impotence affects approximately 10 million men in the United States with only about 200,000 seeking medical help. Even though this has been associated with aging, growing older does not necessarily mean we will be impotent. There are two types: Primary and secondary. Most cases are secondary and are related to stress, emotional factors such as low self esteem, immaturity, depression, hypothyroidism, and hypo pituitary function. Other causes can be lack of circulation or impairment of blood flow. The herb gingko biloba and yohimbe have been studied in research and have shown to provide some benefits. Some other herbals that have seen improvement are panax and Siberian ginseng due to how they affect the adrenal hormones, and again, saw palmetto berries.

Prostatitis is an inflammation or infection of the prostate usually seen in men from 20 to 50 years of age. This is usually due to a bacterial infection and can be contracted through sexual partners. Candida albicans and chlamydia are two known bacteria. Deficiency of zinc, Vitamin C and proteolytic enzymes can also be factors. Some excellent remedies are the herb pipsissewa, horsetail, Echinacea, goldenseal, uva ursi and marshmallow root. These plants are soothing and have an anti-bacterial effect on the urinary tract system. They are normally taken in tea form for better effectiveness.

Prostate cancer is responsible for approximately 35,000 deaths in America. It is most commonly found in men over 50 and is the second most prevalent form of cancer affecting men. About 20% of enlarged prostates are a result of cancer.  Fully 80% of these cancers do not metastasize or are of the slow growing type. One of the problems with prostate cancer is that it is present without many detectable symptoms. It is now recommended that men have a PSA (Prostatic Specific Antigen) test once a year. This can indicate the possible presence of cancer. The precise cause is unknown, but many factors seem to play a role. Some factors are genetics, hormonal balance, vasectomies, diet, and personal sexual activities over a period of time.  Of course, prevention is the key to any health condition, and the herbals mentioned earlier have positive effects.

Let's look at some of the dietary and nutritional helpers for these conditions.  Several studies have found that decreasing sugar leads to a decreased risk of cancer, and a high fat diet (especially animal fats) contribute to higher incidence of cancer. Excessive consumption of caffeine and alcohol can be contributing factors. It is recommended to use more complex carbohydrates and more fresh vegetables and fruits. Some other nutrients that help to prevent problems are:

· Zinc:  15-60 mg daily.  Necessary for proper prostate function

· Vitamin B6:  Enhances absorption of zinc

· Magnesium: 200-600 mg daily. Aids muscle and immune function

· Flaxseed oil:  1-2 TLB Balances fatty acids

· Vitamin E:  400 IU 1-2 times day

· Selenium:  200-mcg daily

· DHEA: An adrenal hormone used for hormonal balance

· Saw palmetto extract: 160-320 mg daily

· Pygeum africanum:  Works on inflammation and bacteria

· Stinging nettle: Aids kidney bladder function; aids flow

Prevention is the best approach when dealing with any genitourinary health issues.  Be sure to educate yourself before using any treatments recommended and check with your health care practitioner when dealing with these ailments.

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

Veterinary medicine has made great strides in the last decade.  Veterinarians are now using the same therapies with animals that are used with humans. These therapies include acupuncture, homeopathy, nutrition, vitamin and mineral supplementation, herbs, Bach flower remedies and chiropractic.

According to Christopher Day, M.A., Vet.M.B., M.R.C.V.S who runs an alternative veterinary clinic in England states “ complimentary therapies provide a vast therapeutic armory that not only outweighs modern conventiional medicine in scope but also in capacity. At our clinic we very rarely need to resort to modern drugs, and then only to provide symptomatic relief. Alternative medicine provides the keys to cure instead of suppression.”

The president of The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association, Joann Stefanatos, D.V.M. Has found that holistic veterinary medicine has proven to be the best for treating animal disorders such as, feline leukemia, feline peritonitis, radial nerve paralysis, distemper, arthritis, cataracts, heart, liver, and kidney disease; chronic skin diseases, hip displasia and pesticide and chemical toxicities.

One reason for this effectiveness and the consistency of results can be explained quite simply states H.C. Gurney D.V.M. is “ animals do not have the power to reason whether a treatment is going to work or not, it either will or it won’t.

Lets discuss the diet and nutritional need of animals and compare their diet to their health conditions. The diet is the cornerstone to the total health of your pet. Unfortunately most pet owners fail to pay attention to the food they feed their pet. Did you ever wonder about how pet food is made and where the ingredients are obtained? Most commercial pet food is processed, devitalized and filled with toxic chemicals and additives. 

Additives like BHT, BHA, lead, artificial coloring, salt and sugar should be avoided. Slaughterhouse waste, known as the 4 D’s-tissue from dead, dying, disabled, or diseased animals are common ingredients in canned pet food. These wastes can be moldy, rancid, or spoiled before and during processing. This is a common practice and is the theory behind mad cow disease. It has been discovered that in the cattle feed there was ground up cattle (the 4-D’s) so it appears to be caused by a protein imbalance due to a form of cannibalism. I won’t go into that issue with this article.

So what do we feed our pets? Dr. Pitcairn recommends feeding your pet whole foods like meat, soft vegetables (yams are good), and fruits along with whole grains that can be flavored with broths. Raw beef bones once a week and to use natural oils like safflower or olive oil. Do not use processed hydrogenated oils.

Dr. Stefanatos also recommends the following:

· Feed your pet twice a day instead of one large feeding.

· Avoid heating food in a microwave.

· Replace tap water with filtered or spring water.

· Avoid irradiated, and chemical laden foods,

· Exercise your pet regularly.

· Offer a wide variety of food selections.

Our pets like us humans have ailments and diseases similar to our afflictions. The same remedies that we use on ourselves work well with our pets. Nutritional supplements are available to boost the nutrients not found in pet foods. The following are some of the conditions where nutrition has helped. The hair and coat of animals is regulated by essential fatty acids and the use of flax oil, dosage by body weight, has shown to improve the coat.

Fleas are a big problem and we have sold for year a product called nutritional yeast that seems to help deter fleas. Yeast is high in protein and the B complex vitamins plus many of the essential minerals. Well known local columnist Marie Wood wrote many years ago about the benefits of yeast with her dogs and the theory behind yeast is that it changes the smell of the animal and the fleas , which are attracted by smell, don’t want to jump on for the ride.

We have also seen the use of pennyroyal oil, diluted, to deter fleas and not harm the pet. The recipe for pennyroyal is to take 15-20 drops of the pure essential oil add it to 8 oz of alcohol and then dilute this with one cup of water to make a diluted solution. This can be put into a spray bottle and misted on the coat of the animal and its’ bed.  Be sure to avoid the face and eyes.

There are many herbal remedies for ailments such as, nervousness, arthritis, dandruff and kidney problems. There are many good resources that will give you this information. A new magazine, Natural Pet, is full of advice on how to treat your pet naturally. Some other good reading is Dr.  Pitcairn’s Complete Guide To Natural Health For Dogs And Cats, Keep Your Pet Healthy The Natural Way by Pat Lazarus and a video Holistic Pet Care by Joanne Stefanatos. Good luck with your research and your pet.

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

Ooh! Ouch! Ahhh! This sunburn really hurts. How many times have you made this statement? With summer heat coming and our love for the sun, I thought it would be appropriate to write about skin health and what you can do to protect your skin. In a recent book that I have been reading by Ralph Moss on cancer, he states that skin cancer (melanoma) is the most common cancer overall.

There are over 800,000 cases of skin cancer diagnosed each year in the U.S. Skin cancer is on the rise mainly in our older population, but younger folks are getting it earlier. With the depletion of the ozone and other environmental factors, it is increasingly important to pay attention to your skin.

The skin is your body’s largest organ. It weighs approximately 20 pounds and encases the body. The skin acts as a shield against external pollutants, injury and infectious agents. It is a sensing organ that communicates to the brain temperature, pressure, itching, wetness, texture and pain. The skin is semi permeable, meaning that it absorbs and excretes. Substances that you put onto the skin are absorbed into the blood stream, and the blood stream uses the skin as an organ of elimination.

This article will not deal with skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis, but these are inflammatory conditions that have a basis within the body and have external symptoms. It is very important to pay attention to the types of lotions, creams, soaps and other external preparations that you apply to your skin because of this factor.

Because so many of us have and still do suffer from sunburn, let’s address this condition and some of the natural remedies that will help to protect you. It is interesting to study the debate on sunscreens. First, it’s good to use them and then a report says that they don’t work.

So what do you do? Sunscreens are a good idea, but researchers think that sunscreen may only delay sunburn because you can stay longer in the sun before your body signals that is has had enough.

Another issue with sunscreen is that it inhibits Vitamin D production which helps to protect your skin against certain cancers. Of course, now we find sunscreens with Vitamin D and other nutrients to help protect us so it is a good idea, especially for sensitive skin types, elderly and young children, to use them.

Let’s take a look at some of the topical nutrients for the skin that you might find in sunscreen lotions:

• Vitamin C: This antioxidant has shown in studies with animals to reduce redness and sunburned cells. It is used in tissue repair when our skin is burned.

• Vitamin E: A powerful antioxidant which enhances skin immunity and aids the healing process if burned.

• Lycopene: The red bioflavonoid in tomatoes has shown to benefit skin protection by increasing resistance to UV radiation.

• Selenium: Helps prevent burning and helps to heal skin that has been burned.

• Zinc Oxide: This has been used for a long time to protect the skin. It helps with skin growth and repair and helps decrease the number of cells damaged by UV rays.

There are many plants that can be used internally and externally when it comes to sun protection. Let’s look at some of these in depth. We begin with green tea. Green tea has been touted as an anti-cancer herb. It is a powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. Topical use has shown a 94 percent inhibition rate of skin cancer in animals in a study done by Rutgers University. Drinking the tea also has been effective in diminishing the negative effects of too much sun. However, one would have to drink up to two quarts per day to be useful.

Witch hazel, which is a renowned herb used as a vulnerary (wound healer) and anti-inflammatory, has shown that it works against sunburn due to its astringent and antioxidant qualities. You may see this as an active ingredient in sunscreen.

Milk thistle applied topically has shown in animal research with mice to diminish the number and size of tumors exposed to UV radiation.

Two plants mentioned for sunburn in Dr. James Duke’s book, The Green Pharmacy, are marigold (calendula) and plantain. These are age old remedies for skin inflammation and tissue healing. They contain allantoin, which is used in many skin creams. The herbs comfrey and aloe also contain allantoin and are also used in lotions.

Let’s look at our age old friend aloe vera. Many of us call this the burn plant; and I know that when I have had too much sun, this has always come to my rescue. We keep a tube of 99 percent aloe vera gel in the refrigerator in the summer just for this purpose. It is very cooling to burned skin and can be applied many times. Aloe vera helps to reduce pain, kill bacteria and promotes the healing of skin. We have found it good for bug bites and poison ivy by relieving the itching.

When it comes to having fun in the sun, it only takes a few minutes to make sure you are protected.

Use common sense as to how long you expose yourself. Cover up when you begin to feel your skin tingle. You will have many more days to work on your tan. The sun is our friend and is vital for our bodies; let us not make it our enemy.

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

Many of my friends say, “I'm going to stop smoking this year;” or “I'm going to lose some weight and exercise more.” Why don't we follow through with the lifestyle changes that we know inside we want to achieve? Let's look at this and some ways that we can set the process into motion that will assist us in achieving our goals.

The nature of this article will deal with many of the aspects of positive attitude. Positive attitude is one of the steps that can help us to fulfill our dreams and desires and potentially help us do what we truly want to do.

Researchers in the medical and psychological fields are demonstrating that our level of optimism is a major determining factor in our level of wellness. For most people a positive attitude doesn't happen all at once, but rather it happens in degrees and is subtle. Because life is full of changes out of our control, it is our attitudes that determine how we will react and feel about ourselves.

We must learn how to be optimistic. Learning to be optimistic means learning habits that involve positive thinking. In the book The Complete Guide To Your Emotions And Your Health by Emrika Padus and the editors of Prevention Magazine, it is stated that negative thinking is a learned response. Six common negative distortions are exaggerating, ignoring the positive, personalizing, either/or thinking, over-generalizing, and jumping to conclusions.

Cognitive thinking is a skill building process. With time, effort, and commitment anyone can replace negative thinking with new habit patterns of constructive and positive thinking.

Here are a few suggestions. Choose an area of your life that you want to change and begin to pay attention to how you think of it. Ask yourself how realistic are your beliefs. Set modest and immediate goals for changing your habits. Reward yourself for successful changes you experience. Seek out optimistic people for fellowship. Have fun. Ask for your family and friends support. Be flexible and don't let setbacks guilt you out.

Setting positive goals is also a powerful method of building positive attitude and raising self-esteem. Here are a few guidelines to help you achieve your goals. State the goal in positive terms and avoid negative words in this statement. For example "I enjoy eating healthy low calorie nutritious food" instead of "I will not eat sugar or other fattening foods."

Make your goals attainable and realistic. Be specific. Clearly define your goals and the more likely they will become reality. State your goals in the present tense, not the future. It is important to believe that you have already attained your goal. An old proverb sates "The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step."

Creative visualization is the next step in this process. Positive imagery has been heavily researched in the field of natural healing. Dr. Charles Garfield, a psychologist who has done research in this area, discusses the power of positive visualization in detail in the book Peak Performance. One of his key findings is that almost all world-class athletes and other peak performers employ visualization. They see their goal, they feel it, and they identify with it so strongly emotionally that they actually experience it before they do it. It all begins in the mind's eye.

The secret of change is to focus your energy – not on fighting the old, but on building the new.

I hope this has given you some insights into how you can achieve your New Years resolutions. Good luck and good health in the New Year.

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

As stated in an article from Nutrition Science News, and I quote, “The visible tooth is simply an enamel coating that covers a softer tissue underneath called the dentin. The middle of the tooth is a pulp cavity containing nerve endings and blood vessels. Under the gum line, the dentinis is covered with cementum, a substance similar to bone. The part of the jaw that contains tooth sockets is called alveolar bone with which teeth are anchored with ligaments. The inside of the mouth and gums are made of epithelial tissue. The saliva is alkaline in nature and buffers acidity, remineralizes the teeth, washes away food, begins digestion, and has immune properties."

According to Dr. Hal Huggins, DDS, dental problems such as cavities, infections, toxic or allergy producing filling materials, root canals, and misalignments of the teeth or jaw can have far reaching effects throughout the body.  Researchers from the National Institute of Health in conjunction with the State University Of New York presented at the 1999 Conference on Cardiovascular Disease, Epidemiology and Prevention stated that bleeding gums and deep pockets between the gum tissue and the bone increased the risk of cardiovascular and coronary hearth disease and strokes. Some of the most common causes would include: Unerupted teeth, wisdom teeth (both impacted and unimpacted), and amalgam filled cavities, root canals, cysts, and bone inflammations.

Of course, we have heard from our dentists that proper preventive measures of regular brushing, flossing, and dental visits will help reduce gum disease; and it may also help prevent heart disease.

Periodontal gum disease takes two forms and affects nearly half of the U.S. adult population. Simple gum inflammation with the presence of bacteria is called gingivitis; but when it becomes more severe, it is called periodontitis. These conditions can lead to bone loss with subsequent loss of teeth.

Let’s look at the role of nutrition when we deal with oral health: Minerals play an important role.  Some of the necessary ones would include calcium, magnesium, zinc, silica, boron and iron.  Many vitamins also play an important role and would include: Vitamin C, D, K, A, B2, B3, B6, B12 and folic acid. Deficiencies of these can lead to bone loss, inflamed gum tissues, sores in the mouth, loss of taste, dry mouth, bad breath, sore tongue and thrush (yeast infections). Supplementing specific nutrients especially when there is dental disease has been shown to have benefits.

Since bacteria are a major player in oral health, let us look how we can prevent bacterial overgrowth and minimize its detrimental effects. The first step is to remove bacteria mechanically, particularly after meals and at bedtime. Cleaning the tongue with a device called a tongue scraper helps. Using specific herbal products as mouthwash, rinses and toothpastes with antibacterial compounds is a good start. Some good herbals that have shown promise would include:

· Bloodroot – It has been used for over 100 years in dental care. Recently it has been shown to prevent bacteria from sticking to newly formed plaque and thus reduces inflammation. It is not to be taken by itself since it can be toxic in large doses.  It is usually added in small amounts to already prepared products.

· Calendula – An anti-inflammatory used to soothe swollen gums

· Goldenseal – Contains the antibacterial compound berberine and is a potent deterrent to gum disease.  It also has the ability to reduce pain and swollen gums.  A mouthwash made from the root in tea form is very effective. I used this herb as a wash when I had my wisdom teeth removed to prevent dry sockets.

· Myrrh – Is a herb that dates back to biblical times. It is a potent antibacterial agent known to kill staph and strep germs. It is found in gargles, toothpastes and rinses.

· Tea tree oil – Is strongly antiseptic and has the ability to kill bacterial that may be resistant to other antimicrobials. Research shows eight components present that are effective against bacteria. (I use a chewing stick permeated with tea tree and mint for breath freshening and reducing bacteria.)

I’m sure there are many other herbs that can benefit our oral health. Look for the above-mentioned substances in dental products if you are looking to prevent or treat certain conditions.

Another important nutrient involved in oral nutrition is a substance I recently wrote about --          CO Q10. According to Dr. Edward Wilkinson, periodontal specialist and researcher investigating gum disease, marked deficiencies of Co Q10 are found in diseased gums. There has been research done with patients taking oral CO Q10 at a 60 mg dosage. Reports after three weeks showed improvement that took into account a number of factors including gingival pocket depth, swelling, bleeding, redness, pain, exudates and looseness of teeth. It cannot be advertised as a medical treatment for gum disease due to lack of FDA approval for such use.  It is safe and non-toxic according to Dr. Karl Folker, the researcher of CO Q10.

Some other considerations when it comes to oral health are the issues of mercury amalgam filling material and the use of fluoride. There is not enough room in this article to go in depth, but I think these are two areas that need more research. The ADA supports the use of these substances even though there is mounting evidence that some people will have problems with them. I will address these topics in a future follow-up article.

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

I recently met a certified profession midwife at one of the conferences I attended and she has given me the understanding conveyed in this article. Since it has been a while since I have had to deal with pregnancy or even a new born I appreciated her wisdom.

To ensure a healthy pregnancy, the time to improve your nutritional status is before conception. This applies to both partners. A good whole foods multiple supplement is recommended with additional nutrient rich foods. The standard American diet is nutrient poor and this needs to be assessed.

Reducing refined fats, white sugar and chemical additives is a must. Begin to include whole grains, beans, high fiber foods, fruits and vegetables and restrict fast foods. We do not recommend the use of nutri sweet and it even states on the label not to be used during pregnancy.

Let’s look at some of the other toxins that need to be eliminated to ensure a healthy pregnancy. As stated in Alternative Medicine; maternal exposure to alcohol, and cigarettes; the recreational drugs marijuana, cocaine, heroin, and medications such as lithium and tetracycline; pesticides, petroleum products, heavy metals such as lead and mercury; coffee and even over the counter medications like aspirin can harm the fetus especially in the first trimester. We know that alcohol use can lead to mental retardation, hyperactivity, heart murmur, and facial deformity. Smoking cigarettes cuts the amount of oxygen available to fetal tissue.

Lets look at some dietary factors and supplement recommendations for use during pregnancy. It is advised to eat a variety of foods but the quality is the important part. Fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans, and fish are essential. Organically grown if possible especially meats and poultry. Remember that many commercial meats are laden with hormone residues so be careful. Milk is an issue of confusion for many women. Yes calcium is an important issue but is dairy the best source.

Because of the  high fat to protein ration some milk is acceptable but don’t overdo it is the recommendation of Dr. Lendon Smith, a pediatrician. He states that over use can be a contributing factor to lactose intolerance in the infant. There are many good sources of calcium. They are nuts, soybeans, tofu, soy milk, sea vegetables, and sunflower or pumpkin seeds.

According to Dr. Linton the ideas that a pregnant women needs to eat for two is a myth. Both undereating or overeating can have negative impacts. Eating five to six nutrient dense meals a day is a sensible idea and will usually not lead to a weight gain problem. Remember to eat enough calories.

So what about supplementing the diet with vitamins? Nutrient supplementation is recommended to rule out deficiency but it is no reason to avoid a good diet. Many prenatal vitamins are synthetically made and cause some problems like constipation. The iron used in these is in the form of ferrous sulfate and it can be constipating. There are other prenatals that use a better form and eliminates this problem. Look for ferrous gluconate or peptonate.

Iron is important in that it fuels hemoglobin and is the primary protein which carries oxygen.

Folic acid with B complex- one of the b vitamins necessary  for healthy blood. This nutrient has been proven to prevent neural tube defects. Found in green leafy vegetables, dried beans and peas and brewers yeast.

Calcium- required for development of healthy bones and teeth. Also helps prevent leg cramps.

Zinc- deficiency has been a problem for many women. Aids the bodies ability to fight infections and wound healing. Helps increase infant birth weight

Magnesium-needed for good nerve development and helps with cramping. Also balances calcium.

Vitamin C- mainly for its role in collagen formation. Collagen is a connective tissue protein. Good for developing fetus.

Cautionary supplements would include:

Vitamin A -from fish oil. Not to exceed 10000 iu per day. Has been associated with birth defects. Beta carotene appears to be safe though.

 Vitamin D- more than 400 iu daily in not recommended. It does aid calcium absorption though. Usually found in your prenatal supplement.

I always get the question concerning the use of herbal products during pregnancy. Because they are natural; are they safe or will they hurt my baby? I consulted with a naturopath Mary Bove ND. LM on this recently and the following are her recommendations in regards to herbal use.

When using herbs with a pregnant women remember to consider:

That most herbal constituents will pass through the placenta and reach the fetus.

That the pregnant body under goes physiological changes in metabolic processes which may influence the effect of the herb on the body.

Take extra caution in the first trimester.

That all herbs have the potential to be harmful. Use medicine as medicine.

 Choose herbal preparations which complement pregnancy.

It is important to refer to a practitioner or a good herbal authoritative manual if the need arises for the use of herbal products. Herbs have been in use by midwives for thousands of years and they can be used safely. Timing and dosage is very important.

There are some very safe and useful herbs that can be used in teas form. They are to be used in teas or beverage strengths.

The use of fennel seed, lemon balm, oat grass, red raspberry, red clover spearmint and lemon verbena have been used without incident. The following herbs are contraindicated for use during pregnancy and include laxatives like senna and cascara sagrada. They cause uterine contractions and can contribute to miscarriages.

Herbs with a high concentration of alkaloids like berberine found in goldenseal, barberry, and oregon grape root. Licorice root, dong quai, chasteberry contain hormonal regulators and must be used with caution.

Two good publications to aid your experience would be Natural Healing For Babies And Children and The Natural Pregnancy Book both by Aviva Romm SPM AHG Herbalist.

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

The realization of the total self with all its aspects is an age-old concept that we tend to forget about. We get caught up in the fast paced activities of our world and we fail many times to see the greater plan of what life has to offer. Everything in our world revolves around duality. This means that there is always a cause and effect relationship when it comes to life. When relating this to health there is an old Chinese proverb that states, “A person will get well when they are tired of being sick.”

This brings us to the first concept:

Take Responsibility For Your Own Health- taking charge of your own health is a very important part of getting well. Realizing that you are the cause of your condition is a good beginning. We have been conditioned to go outside of ourselves and ask the professional what is wrong or what do I need to do to alleviate my problems.

Conventional medicine has fostered this approach, which takes you out of the process. You live inside your body and what is needed is a fostering of your own intuition in regard to your health. This process begins with a mental understanding of your imbalanced condition and what are the causes and how can you begin to make daily changes in lifestyle that will aids the bodies own healing power.

All healing comes from within and the body heals itself is the cornerstone of all natural healing. The next step is to implement activity that will aid this change. This is where complimentary therapies and self education help to guide and direct your energies. Then you have to wait and see what results you will experience. Getting well is a process and patience is necessary.

Maintain A Positive Mental Attitude- a positive outlook on life is an essential to wellness. Even in adversity maintaining a good outlook will help to overcome obstacles that seem to confront us. Naturally, optimistic people are more inclines to look after their own health. They are more likely to work out, eat a balanced diet, and get regular medical check-ups.

They respond to illness actively, consulting their health care practitioner promptly and following responsible treatment plans.

Eat Wholesome And Nutritional Foods- diet is very important in maintaining good health. The bodies RNA and DNA are programmed for real foods (whole grains, beans, organic fruits and vegetables and clean water): Not the diet of the standard American diet laden with over processed, devitalized, and chemical rich foods. With the excesses of fat and sugar in our diet it’s no wonder why we suffer from many degenerative diseases.

    Exercise Regularly- as the old saying goes “use it or lose it” applies aptly when dealing with exercise. Exercise helps the body to eliminate toxins and helps increase metabolic activity. I recommend walking and stretching programs like tai chi or yoga.

Be Moderate And Avoid Excesses- if you will be moderate in your lifestyle then many disease processes can be reversed quickly when they appear. This applies to wrongful diet, smoking, and excessive consumption of drugs and alcohol.

Get Adequate Rest- getting good rest means good sleeping habits but also relates to slowing down our lives a bit. Again we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of life and forget to take a break.

Learn To Deal With Stress-stress is one of the biggest contributors to ill health. Stress affects all parts of your body form the nervous system to the digestive. Of course we are confronted with stress everyday. How our bodies maintain under these stressors is the question. Good diet, herbal remedies, and nutritional supplements help protect us. Learn relaxation techniques to help reduce stress.

Manage Your Time- the operative word here is to manage. We know time is a major part of our reality but what we need to determine is how are we going to let time rule our lives. It is great to take your watch off and see how many times you look at your wrist or get nervous because you don’t know the time. Managing your time will aid your process of getting well by reducing stress and letting you really enjoy life activities.

Connect With Nature: Breathe Fresh Air And Get Plenty Of Sunshine- most of us spend most of our time indoors. Because we are part of nature when we spend more time outdoors we get more in tune with the natural rhythms of our planet. It helps to foster a sense of calmness and an appreciation for life. It’s great to take your shoes off and walk through the grass.

Spend Time With Your Loved Ones- it is very important for good health to have healthy relationships with your family and friends. The support network you build has a lot to do with how you feel about yourself. This is a give and take relationship. I always like the statement “giving equals receiving and receiving equals giving.” The people around you will support you in time of need especially if there is a open and close relationship.

These basic guidelines have the potential for you to become whole again. Remember that this is a process and takes time to develop. Make your own assessments and make the commitment to help yourself be well.

I would like to wish you all a happy, safe and healthy holiday season.

Article by herbalist Dave Hawkins, MH, CNC

]]> herbdoc@motherearthworks.com (Dave Hawkins) http://www.motherearthworks.com/health-reports/wellness-essentials/the-top-ten-wellness-essentials-dave-hawkins-health-report Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:31:19 -0500 USD 1565 Dave Hawkins 1 Hp-96 http://www.motherearthworks.com/images/photos/dave_hawkins.JPG http://www.motherearthworks.com/health-reports/wellness-essentials/traditional-perceptive-with-natural-medicine-dave-hawkins-heal http://www.motherearthworks.com/product_reviews/traditional-perceptive-with-natural-medicine-dave-hawkins-heal It is fascinating to study the traditional healing systems of the planet earth and to realize how the use of foods and herbals has driven the course of medicine.  There are many traditional systems still in use today.  Ayurveda from India, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Native American, and Greek systems that view the body from what is termed an energetic point of view.

This viewpoint goes beyond the realm of science with its mechanistic approach to body systems.  The natural system approach views the body as a total entity, and it is the interrelated systems and their imbalances that support or prevent disease process.  This is the basis of a holistic model meaning body, mind, and soul.  In today's modern world we can learn much from these ancient systems and know how to prevent many disease processes.
 
We are living at a time when people are looking for more information about their bodies and how to prevent disease.  In medicine, bridges are being built between the East and West, the ancient and modern forms of understanding bodies and their processes.  Acupuncture is a good example of this change.  The ancients of the East and the West saw the world as a unified whole in that we are all intimately connected.  Our modern view has lost that sense, and we are struggling to find it again.  By opening ourselves to these more wholesome approaches, we are bridging that gap.
 
One common thread that is seen in all these healing systems is the role of herbs. The World Health Organization estimates that over 80% of the world population uses herbs and some other form of traditional healing systems. Even in many modern countries, herbal medicines are still available and prescribed by physicians.

The United States is the only country that does not honor its traditional system and incorporate it into its health care system.  It is estimated that if we had a preventive area of medicine with the use of natural substances, we could reduce health care costs dramatically.  It gets back to the idea that prevention is worth a pound of cure.
 
Let's look at some of the key points of these natural healing systems.  Health is defined as a state of balance and wholeness, governed by a universal life force.  Illness is caused when one or more of these forces is imbalanced and blocks this life force from flowing freely within the body.  Symptoms are viewed as the body’s attempt to heal itself.  Medicine's role is to restore this balance.
 
Hippocrates said that although health is the natural state of humans, disease is also a natural process that follows an organic pattern.  During illness there are key points at which healers can intercede and assist the patient in restoring health.  These are called points of crises or opportune moments at which balance can be restored.  This is another way of stating the regeneration or degeneration process.
 
As seen in Chinese medicine and virtually all the Native systems, there is an extensive array of foods, herbs, and physical therapies used to restore balance.
 
How did traditional people discover their methods?  Many say trial and error. There is some truth to that when we understand the doctrine of signatures.  Some examples of this are: Ginseng, whose roots resemble that of a human figure and whose general use is as a tonic; Blood Root, whose roots are blood red and used as a blood purifier; and Goldenseal whose yellow-green root signifies its use in jaundice as well as infections.  Plants have been used as medicines since the dawn of animal life.
 
Observation of animal behavior revealed that many animals would eat plants that would heal them.  It is also believed that humans possessed that ability at one time.  It was commonly believed that plants were signed by the creator with some visible clues that would show their therapeutic use.  

From this experience thousands of years ago materia medicas (books containing prescribing notes on herbs) began to surface.  Chinese, Babylon, Egyptian, Indian, Grecian, and many other cultures developed and kept concise records of healing systems.  These same records are in use today and still apply in our modern day world.
 
There is a Cherokee Indian story about how the animals took issue with the humans because they were abusing nature.  The animal and the insect kingdom decided to afflict disease on to the humans as a way to reduce their population and thus preserve themselves. The plants found out about this plot and decided that they would provide healing powers to heal the humans if they approached the plants with honor and in a sacred way.
 
We owe a lot to the Native Americans when it comes to passing on their knowledge of the healing plants that are still in use today.  Examples are goldenseal, black cohosh, ginseng, lobelia, Mayapple, and slippery elm – to mention a few.
 
To traditional people the world is alive with powers, life force, and spirit. Their oneness with nature was not an abstract concept but a deep spiritual relationship with the creator. The perception of life was not linear but circular.  Thus, treatment included the physical and spiritual in the form of food, herbs, and physical therapy along with ritual, jewels, crystals, and prayer.

Today modern science knows that these methods work and much research is being conducted on the mind/body connection. A new therapy, psychoneuroimmunology, is surfacing and deals with the concept.
 
We are living in uncharted times.  Never before have we as humans living on the earth experienced the type of life we are experiencing now with pollution, automobiles, chemical derived foods, and the list goes on.  How is our genetic programming dealing with these issues?  

Look at the statistics for degenerative diseases, cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and arthritis.  They are all epidemic, and modern medicine can't seem to stop its growth.

Why?  We have been living against the natural order.  That is why many of the natural approaches seem to bring benefits when those afflicted bring back the harmony or balance to their lives.
 
It takes a new awareness and an appreciation for life in general that can establish a preventive viewpoint.  As quoted by Hippocrates, "It is more important to know what kind of patient has a disease than what kind of disease a patient has."
 
The book World Medicine by Tom Monte gives very in-depth information concerning many of these natural systems and how they can be applied today.



]]> herbdoc@motherearthworks.com (Dave Hawkins) http://www.motherearthworks.com/health-reports/wellness-essentials/traditional-perceptive-with-natural-medicine-dave-hawkins-heal Tue, 02 Mar 2010 12:31:19 -0500 USD 1566 Dave Hawkins 1 Hp-97 http://www.motherearthworks.com/images/photos/dave_hawkins.JPG