Herbal News

The Federal Drug Administration (FDA) has just issued warning letters to three manufacturers of products that contain herbal material, saying that these herbs have not been approved by the agency for consumption in foods and may therefore be illegal and unsafe for consumers.

Hansen Beverage, U.S. Mills and Fresh Samantha (the latter owned & operated by Odawalla), whose beverage products contain ginko biloba, Siberian ginseng and echinacea, were the first companies targeted. The FDA expects to send similar letters to hundreds more companies that produce herb-containing foods and beverages and may even require each company to provide scientific evidence to prove that the herbal ingredients are safe.

Herb-infused beverages, including juices and teas, represent the fastest growing share of the beverage market at present. Some of the well-known brands that may be affected include, Snapple drinks, SoBe and Fresh Samantha.

Do you have an opinion about this FDA warning? If so, voice it to others in the new message forums.

Public Misled by Media Regarding St. John's Wort Study

A study published in the April 18, 2001 Journal of the American Medical Association made a splash in world headlines when it claimed that St. John's wort was ineffective in treating major depression.

However, industry experts say that the media is to blame for misleading the public about the conclusions stated in this study. Numerous studies have shown that this herb is effective in improving mood and in treating mild-to-moderate depression. But, this study evaluated the efficacy of St. John's wort in treating severe depression, a condition for which it is neither used nor recommended. The media's failure to make this distinction has lead to unnecessary and unwarranted criticism of the medicinal benefits of St. John's wort.

Green Preventatives to Breast Cancer

You've heard it before: eat your greens! But, if you are at risk for developing breast cancer, you should heed this advice more than ever.

According to a review letter published in late June in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), a recent study suggests that postmenopausal women consuming 1 to 2 servings (1 to 2 cups) of brassica vegetables (e.g., broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and cabbage) per day may reduce their risk of developing breast cancer by 20 to 40 percent.

The study, conducted by the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, compared the diets of 2,832 women aged 50 to 74 years diagnosed with invasive breast cancer with 2,650 women of the same age with no history of breast cancer. While they found no correlation between total fruit and vegetable consumption and breast cancer risk, they did find that women who consumed an average of 1-1/2 servings of brassica vegetables per day had a 25% decreased risk of breast cancer.

Vegetables of this category are an abundant source of the compound indole-3-carbinol (I3C) which is though to affect the metabolism of estrogen in a way that might offer protection from breast cancer.

Terry P, Wolk A, Persson I, et al. Brassica vegetables and breast cancer risk [Letter]. JAMA 2001;285:2975–7.

Michnovicz JJ, Bradlow HL. Altered estrogen metabolism and excretion in humans following consumption of indole-3-carbinol. Nutr Cancer 1991;16:59–66.

Homeopathic Remedy Spares Dog from Certain Death

England -- Tuvak, a Great Dane, miraculously survived a fall down a mineshaft last year in spite of the fact that he was trapped at a depth of 40 feet for approximately 20 hours. He was treated for spinal injuries and made a full recovery, but when it became apparent that he had suffered serious nerve damage, the prognosis was grim. In fact, the dog's veterinarian was sure that if an alternative treatment couldn't be found in the coming week, Tuvak would have to be put to sleep.

The dog's second miracle came when his owner consulted a homeopathic therapist who recommended that the dog be put on a treatment of hypericum and ruta grave, two plant extracts which are believed to repair nerve damage. Within days, his spine greatly improved, much to the relief of his owners and his veterinarian.

While the results of his homeopathic treatment remains impressive, Tuvak's owner stresses that it was the combination of the two modalities that saved the animal's life. Without initial treatment from the veterinarian, Tuvak would have succumbed to his injuries right away.

Need to Cool Those Hot Flashes?

Menopause is not a disease, but a condition that naturally occurs in women between the ages of 45 and 55, although it can occur much earlier or later. But, about 75-85% of all menopausal women will experience some degree of discomfort during this time. Fortunately, there are several things you that can do to ease symptoms.

First, diet matters. Did you know that in Japan there is no word or phrase equivalent to "hot flashes?" In fact, Asian women do not experience menopause and PMS as western women do. One primary reason for this may be because soy is so prominent in their diet. Soy isoflavones (namely, genistein) have a mild estrogenic effect. One cup of soybeans (you can get them frozen in the freezer section of most supermarkets) is equivalent to .45 mg. of conjugated estrogens. Other foods that are considered to be phytoestrogens (they bind to estrogen receptors) are flaxseed (including flaxseed oil), nuts, whole grains, apples, fennel, parsely, alfalfa and celery.

Herbs that are used to ease menopausal discomforts include dong quai, licorice, black cohosh, hops, nettles, motehrwort, red clover, licorice root, shepard's purse, sage and chasteberry. Some combination formulas also include ginko biloba. The Herbal Musings site carries some of these herbs in the Wellness Center. Or, you may want to check out your local health food store for a combination formula.

Simple Hot Flash Tea:

2 tablespoons dried sage

1 tablespoon dried motherwort

2 teaspoons whole anise seeds

Pour 2 cups boiling water over the herbs and let steep, covered, for 15-20 minutes. Strain, sweeten if desired, and drink 1 cup before bed, or as needed throughout the day.

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Herbal Profile...

Chicory (Cichorium intybus)

Family: Compositae

Common names: Succory, Wild Succory, Hendibeh

Range: Most of Europe, South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Middle East, North America

History: Chicory is a prolific plant that makes itself known in difficult places where nothing else will grow. Some consider it a weedy nuisance, while others appreciate its stately beauty and culinary virtue. The flowers are of particular interest because they open and close according to the sun and and location. In fact, Linnaeus considered Chicory to be one of the flowers in his "floral clock" at Upsala due to the flowers opening precisely at 5am in the morning and closing at 10am each day in that latitude.

Some linguists maintain that the name Succory, which translates in Latin to mean "to run under," was applied to chicory due to the fact that the plant's roots run to great depths and it is very difficult pull up. Chicory is one of only two species that comprise the genus Cichorium. Endive is the other.

The roots are commonly dried and ground to make a caffeine-free coffee substitute, although the plant does have a bitter flavor. The young leaves are sometimes used is salads or eaten as a vegetable, as the ancient Romans once did. In Europe, it is often grown as fodder for livestock.

Medicinally, chicory has been used to treat skin disorders, gout, jaundice and to reduce an enlarged liver. As a poultice, chicory was thought to improve inflammations, swellings, bruises and eye disorders. In India, the plant is often still by herbalists used to treat dyspepsia, vomiting, diarrhea, headache and skin allergies. The Commission E has approved its use to improve a poor appetite and dyspepsia. Animal studies have revealed that chicory preparations can lower pulse rate and cholesterol levels in rat liver and plasma.

Constituents: sesquiterpene lactones, tartaric acid, hyperoside, hydroxycoumarins (umbelliferone)

Cautions: None known.

Chat Events

Tuesday, July 10, 2001 12:30 PM PDT/ 3:30 PM EDT
Yoga and Relationships
Chat with internationally known yoga teacher Judith Lasater, PhD about taking yoga 'off the mat' and into rest of your life. Wondering how to bring the clarity, ease, and health you feel after a good yoga session into your personal relationships? Judith will share insights based on her studies in East-West psychology plus 30 years practicing, teaching, living yoga.

Wednesday, July 18, 2001 12 noon PDT/ 3 PM EDT
Workplace Pain and Injury
Chat with Dr. James Dillard, OneBody Senior Medical Editor for pain. The nationally known pain expert will discuss his integrative approach to treatment of workplace injuries. As a trained acupuncturist, chiropractor, and MD, Dr. Dillard has a unique perspective on the best treatments for pain and injuries. He is the author of Alternative Medicine for Dummies and a forthcoming book about the integrative management of pain that uses the best of both worlds: complementary and alternative medicine in addition to conventional medication and treatments.

Wednesday, July 25, 2001 12 noon PDT/ 3 PM EDT
Sexual Fitness
A healthy diet, reduced stress, plenty of exercise, and good sleep habits are essential for well-being. Did you know they can also improve your sexual health? MeiMei Fox, coauthor of "Sexual Fitness," discusses health habits that will increase your sexual energy -- and habits you should avoid. Join us and find out more.

To participate in these chats: OneBody.com

Note: More chat opportunities with OneBody.com will be announced as they are being scheduled.

Have questions about using or preparing herbs? Let other members help! Post in the Message Boards.

~ Recipes ~

Fresh Garden Pizza

Contributed by Victoria Armstrong

Last summer I came up with the most wonderful pizza recipe that, like most things, came out of necessity. I had finally gotten involved with my husband’s garden in a really big way. (I guess I was feeling very domestic that year.)

My favorite flavor combination is tomatoes and herbs and, like any new gardener I, of course, grew too much. So naturally, coming up with new recipes that included these two ingredients became vital. Well, I am used to cooking from scratch, so I put my thinking cap on, and came up with the most wonderful pizza recipe I have ever had! (If I do say so myself).

Like most recipes, there are several versions of this one. The original one goes something like this...

3 cups flour

1 cup warm water

1 tablespoon dry yeast

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 teaspoon salt

pizza sauce for one pie

1-2 Roma tomatoes, sliced

fresh basil leaves

grated mozzarella cheese

For the crust, place 1-cup warm water, 1-tablespoon dry yeast, 1-tablespoon olive oil, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 3 cups of flour, into a large mixing bowl. Mix until it’s all nice and smooth.

Now let it rise for an hour, punch it down, and spread it out onto the pizza pan. Now here is the first variety; spread a little spaghetti sauce (or pizza sauce), then top with sliced roma tomatoes, but only one layer thick.

Next, spread on chopped or whole fresh basil. Don’t forget during this part to be sure to take in the wonderful aroma! At this point, you can just add the cheese, or any of your other favorite items. Just remember not to make it too thick, or it will take forever to bake. (The other sauce I like to use is Alfredo sauce. But, I tend to use that more when I use chicken on the pie.)

When you've assembled your pie to your liking, bake in a preheated 450-degree oven for about 20 minutes. Then sit back and enjoy!

Spinach and Arugula Salad with Indian-Spiced Chickpeas and Broiled Red Onions

2 medium red onions, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch-thick rounds

1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil

1 1/2 teaspoons mustard seeds

1 1/2 teaspoons cumin seeds

3 medium garlic cloves, minced

2 15-ounce cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed

2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves

8 cups stemmed spinach leaves, washed and thoroughly dried

4 cups stemmed arugula leaves, washed and thoroughly dried

2 tablespoons lime juice

salt to taste

1. Preheat broiler. Place onions on medium baking sheet, brush with 1 teaspoon oil, and sprinkle with salt to taste. Broil onions, turning once, until lightly charred, about 10 minutes. Coarsely chop onions and set aside.

2. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in medium skillet over medium heat. When oil is shimmering, add mustard seeds and cumin seeds and stir-cook until seeds begin to pop, about 30 seconds. Cover pan and continue to cook until seeds finish popping, about 30 seconds. Stir in garlic and chickpeas and cook just until warm and evenly coated with spices, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in mint and salt to taste. Cool slightly.

3. Toss spinach, arugula, onions, warm chickpeas, and lime juice together in large bowl. Adjust seasonings and serve immediately. Serves 4-6.

~ Site Reviews ~

Vegetarian-Recipe.com answers the question, "What do I do with that hunk of Tofu?" Here you'll find information about food additives, internal cleansing, "friendly" bacteria and much more. And, with tons of tempting recipes to choose from on this site, you'll never have to ask the above question again. Get great cooking tips, features and healthy recipes with their free newsletter!

The Celtic Connection - A place where followers of Wicca, Witchcraft, Shamanism, Druidry and Pagan beliefs meet to celebrate the magickal life.

United Plant Savers: United Plant Savers' mission is to protect native medicinal plants of the United States and Canada and their native habitat while ensuring an abundant renewable supply of medicinal plants for generations to come.

Marketplace

Save up to 85% on retail prices of your favorite magazines! Visit the Herbal Musings Magazine Stand

Get Your Herbs, Flowers and Organic Gardening Supplies in the Garden Center!

Find all your herbal supplements from A-Z at low, low prices in the Wellness Center.

~ Recommended Reading ~

Drumming the Spirit to Life

by Russell Buddy Helm

From Booklist
As drumming grows popular as a spiritual as well as artistic pursuit, drummers and drumming teachers like Helm step forward with instruction that goes beyond what one got in high-school band. Most who embark upon drumming as a spiritual path don't play snare or bass drums, in any case, nor are there any spiritual marching bands--yet. Typically, the drums played spiritually are ethnic instruments, such as the Arabic doumbek and the African djembe, that are held between the legs or on a strap around the neck, and played with the hands. Helm includes the basics on playing such drums in the text and an accompanying CD. Beyond that, he teaches such nontechnical aspects of drumming as drum-circle courtesy, how to find a teacher or group, and drumming traditions. Sometimes his technical expertise and spiritual grounding fuse, as in the chapter on how to play "laid back" or just behind the beat--a challenging style that seems as much meditation as technique. Patricia Monaghan

Other Titles Worth a Look:

365 Goddess : A Daily Guide to the Magic and Inspiration of the Goddess

Embracing the Goddess Within : A Creative Guide for Women

A Bard's Book of Pagan Songs : Stories and Music from the Celtic World

The Green Witch Herbal : Restoring Nature's Magic in Home, Health & Beauty Care

Mother Nature's Herbal

500 Formulas for Aromatherapy : Mixing Essential Oils for Every Use

For other titles, visit the Herbal Musings Book Store

Music Selections...

Awake Inside A Dream

Deep Heart's Core

To the Shores of Heaven

From the Dark Earth

Liquid Mind IV : Unity

Sorcerer

For other titles, visit the Herbal Musings Music Store