June 2001

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Contents

New Evidence Finds Chasteberry Helpful for PMS

Safe Fun the Sun

Insurance Companies Embrace Alternatives

Special Alert: Potential Danger in Chinese Herbal Formulas

Special Alert:  Canadian Nursery Distributed Poisonous Plants Labeled as Edible

Golden Root May Offer Help for Stress-Related Fatigue

Natural Foods for Your Pet

Herbal Profile: Frankincense

Recipes: Spring Salad with Garbonzo Beans & Rosemary Dressing

Easy Herbal Tea Blends

Personal Story: A Ginger Experience

Site Review

Book Reviews

Book Recommendations

Music Selections

Chat Schedule

Marketplace

Herbal Conferences

New Evidence Finds Chasteberry Helpful for PMS

Many women suffer from a variety of symptoms just prior to menstruation, including headache, fatigue, irritability, fluid retention, breast tenderness, depression and anxiety as a result of hormonal fluctuations.  But, new research on chasteberry indicates that it may be a preferable alternative to the traditional treatments of anti-depressants, beta-blockers and other substances geared to regulate hormone levels.

Chasteberry has been used in Germany for years to treat PMS symptoms, but previous studies were believed to be poorly constructed and offered little proof of its efficacy.  However, a recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the British Medical Journal seems to hold water on this account.  The study, which invovled 178 women, demonstrated that many symptoms were significantly alleviated after treatment with chasteberry over three menstrual cycles.

To obtain Chasteberry and other herbal supplements, please visit the Herbal Musings Wellness Center

Schellenberg R. Treatment for the premenstrual syndrome with agnus castus fruit extract: prospective, randomised, placebo controlled study. BMJ. 2001;322:134–137.

Safe Fun the Sun

Skin cancer is increasing at an alarmingly high rate today.  In 1935, the lifetime risk was one in fifteen hundred people compared to one in seventy-five in the year 2000.  Perhaps this is why the American Academy of Dermatology has dubbed skin cancer as the “undeclared epidemic.”  In 1999 alone, 2,100 deaths in the U.S. were attributed to squamous cell cancer and 7,300 to melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer and accounting for at least 75% of all skin cancer deaths.  In fact, it has been determined that one-third of all cancers - that’s one in every three diagnosed - are skin-related.

What can you do?  Arm yourself sensibly with protective clothing as well as a natural sunscreen or block.  Several studies have shown that many botanicals can help to prevent genetic damage caused by the sun when added to natural sun products.  These may include octyl methoxycinnamate (obtained from cinnamon or cassia) and octyl salicylate (derived from sweet birch, wintergreen and willow).  Other botanicals that offer anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties may be used too, including aloe vera, black walnut, milk thistle, green tea extract, chamomile, eucalyptus, mint and natural sunscreen oils, such as sesame.

For more information about natural summer skin care and natural products, please visit the Herbal Musings Library.

Insurance Companies Embrace Alternatives

According to the New England Journal of medicine, approximately one in three Americans used some form of alternative health care in 1990, spending in excess of $10 billion in the process.  By 1997, those seeking alternative care ranked among the 47% who shelled out $12.2 billion.  Insurance companies were paying attention and many now offer benefits that encompass complimentary treatments, including Aetna, the largest insurer in the U.S.

What can you do to bend the ear of your insurance company?  Here's a few suggestions and some contact information for providers of alternative treatment.

- Call your state insurance commissioners office and ask for a rundown of alternative treatments are mandated by state law and request a list of insurance companies that cover them.

- If your health insurance is obtained through your employer and doesn't cover alternative care, request that they do in writing - over and over.

Alternative Insurance Carriers:

Alternative Healthcare Options
http://www.aho-network.com/

Pro-Care Health Plans
http://www.procarecard.com/main.asp

Special Alert: Potential Danger in Chinese Herbal Formulas

In April of this year, the Federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a warning to consumers to avoid any supplement containing aristolochic acid, which is found primarily in the Chinese herb Aristolochia fangchi.  The FDA has had growing concerns since last fall when reports began coming from France, Spain, Japan, Belgium, Taiwan, and Britain that outlined initial cases of kidney failure and cancer associated with the use of this substance.  Reputedly, aristolochic acid was inadvertently introduced into Chinese herbal weight loss products by being mistaken for Stephania tetranda.

Sixteen products sold in the U.S. have been found to contain aristolochic acid and may be markets separately or in combination with other herbs.  The substance may appear on the label as "aristolochia," "bragantia," or "asarum."

The following products are affected by the new FDA alert:

Special Alert:  Canadian Nursery Distributed Poisonous Plants Labeled as Edible

Valleybrook Gardens Ltd., a Canadian nursery, accidentally distributed approximately 1,500 plants to nurseries throughout British Columbia, Washington state, Idaho and possibly elsewhere with a label reading, "All parts of this plant are tasty in soup."

The plant in question is Autumn Monkshood (Aconitum carmichaelii 'Arendsii'), which contains the highly toxic agent aconitine in all of its parts.  Aconite poisoning is characterized by a tingling or burning sensation in the limbs or mouth, muscle weakness, gastrointestinal distress and cardiovascular complications and can be fatal.

Golden Root May Offer Help for Stress-Related Fatigue

Rhodiola rosea, commonly known as golden root or artic root, was the subject of a recent placebo-controlled, double-blind, crossover trial involving 56 young, healthy male and female physicians on night duty that were affected by fatigue.  The results were measured against a fatigue index that took into account various aspects of total mental performance, including associative thinking, short-term memory, calculation and ability of concentration, and speed of audio-visual perception. Although significant effects were seen during only one two-week study phase (a change in performance of 20%), the investigators concluded that the extract "possesses a clear anti-fatigue effect without any reported adverse reactions or side-effects, at the dosage used in our study in a situation of moderate level of fatigue and stress."  The authors assert that this is the first Rhodiola anti-fatigue study to investigate the benefits of repeated low daily doses of this herb over time in a real-time work environment.

Darbinyan V, et. al. Rhodiola rosea in stress induced fatigue-a double blind cross-over study of a standardized extract SHR-5 with a repeated low-dose regimen on the mental performance of healthy physicians during night duty. Phytomedicine 2000; 7(5): 365-371

Natural Foods for Your Pet

Ever wonder what's in those little kibbles you serve up to Fluffy and Fido each day?  In the U.S., where at least 70% of all households have at least one pet, consumers spend an average of $8 million each year on pet food.  And, while all pet food marketed in the U.S. must comply with standards set forth by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO), this watch dog agency fails to define what ingredients meet quality standards in terms of optimum nutrition.  For instance, the term "chicken by-products" may, according to AAFCO, comprise all that's chicken, but not necessarily considered "human grade."  In other words, we're talking beaks, feathers and feet here, or worse - parts obtained from animals that are diseased, disabled, dying or already dead.

There may be additional unsavory ingredients in your pet's food, other than those swept up from a slaughterhouse floor, namely artifical colors, pesticides and preservatives.  Although a product may claim on its label that the food is free of either of these contaminants, it doesn't mean that secondary ingredients purchased and used by the manufacturer in processing the food isn't loaded with them.  Propylene glycol, propyl gallate and ethoxyquin are the most common chemicals used in pet food processing and is associated with many diseases in dogs and cats.  (Propylene glycol is a major component of industrial antifreeze and brake and hydraulic fluid.  This agent is systemic and can lead to kidney and liver damage simply by coming in contact with the skin.)

So, should you slave over a hot stove all day to prepare a meal fit for a royal dog or feline king of the household?  Absolutely not.  If you visit your health food store, or animal feed store, you will find a variety of natural, pesticide-free pet foods with quality meat (or protein substitute) ingredients.  These may cost $3-$5 more a bag, but your pet's health is worth it.  If the extra cost is truly a burden, then strive to buy commercial formulas that claim to be "natural" (free of artificial flavorings, additives or preservatives) or "super-premium," indicating that only human-grade meat products are in the bag or can.  And, always read the label and don't hesitate to call the manufacturer if there are any doubts as to the products integrity.

Herbs for Pets?

Yes!  Many natural pet foods contain beneficial herbs that can promote good health in your pet.  Here's a sampling of what you might find:

Echinacea (Echinacea angustifolia) is a good immune booster. Give echinacea to your pet prior to going to a kennel or the groomer, where it could be exposed to kennel cough or other infections.

Garlic (Allium sativum) powder added to pet food is a long-term immune system tonic and helps keep parasites in check.

Ginger Root (Zingiber officinale) is effective for motion sickness. If your dog is prone to car sickness, give him gingerroot 30 minutes to an hour before a trip.

Gingko (Ginkgo biloba) works well as a circulatory tonic, increasing circulation to the extremities.

Nettle (Urtical dioica) added to your pet's food can provide a broad spectrum of iron, other minerals and protein.

Psyllium Seed and Husk can help with hairballs in cats or digestive problems in dogs. It needs water to be active, so add extra water to your pet's food.

Pumpkin Seeds make good pet snacks. They provide a good source of natural vitamin E and EFAs. They also help repel and keep intestinal parasites in check.

To search for a natural pet food or treat for your pet, please visit the Herbal Musings Natural Pet Food Store.

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Herbal Profile...

Common names: Olibanum

Range:  Found in Somalia and parts of Saudi Arabia

History:  Frankincense is a leafy tree that grows without soil along the rocky shores of Somalia.  The medicinal part of the tree is the resinous gum obtained when the bark is cut into.  This resin, which is collected and allowed to harden in the open air for several weeks, is also used in traditional incense the world over.  Other species include B. serrata.

Friday, June 1, 2001 9AM PT/ 12PM ET
Golf and The Feldenkrais Method®
Judy Eisenman, Guild Certified Feldenkrais® Pracitioner and Certified Person Trainer combines her expertise in these areas to help people better their game. Through her Fluid Golf exercise program you will improve your balance, strength, flexibility and coordination of movement patterns specific to golf. Many of the movements focus on improving your postural alignment and rotational axis. You'll swing with less effort, more fluidity. Your entire body will be prepared for the many complex movements demanded in a round of golf.

Tuesday, June 5, 2001 1PM PT/ 4PM ET
Conscious Living
Gay Hendricks, Ph.D., author of "Conscious Loving", will discuss ways to improve your personal relationships. He suggests centering yourself with practices such as breathwork and movement to access your true feelings and gain insight into your relationships.

Monday, June 25, 2001 12:30PM PT/ 3:30PM ET
Creative Therapy
Join our chat and learn how to use the creative arts to cope with anxiety and stress, and deal with issues of body image, self-acceptance and self-esteem. Registered dance and drama therapist Tannis Hugill explains how creative therapy leads to emotional and physical well-being. She offers practical hints to help you use arts therapy on your own healing journey.

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 ~

Spring Salad with Garbonzo Beans & Rosemary Dressing

Pour the rinsed beans over washed salad greens in a large bowl and toss lightly.  In a food processor or blender, combine the garlic, vinegars, rosemary and salt and pepper.  Blend on low while slowly adding the oil in a drizzle.  Pour dressing over salad and garnish with olives and tomatoes.  Serves 4-6.

Easy Herbal Tea Blends

Contributed by Helaine Mottershead 

Sitting down with a cup of herbal tea is my favorite way to relax at the end of the day.  
To make a cup of relaxing tea blend you need:  

5 Chamomile flowers
1/2 tsp. lemon balm  
1/2 tsp. lavender 

Mixed all ingredients together and put in your tea infuser.  Let it steep for about 5 minutes add sugar or honey. Chamomile, lemon balm and lavender are all good relaxant herbs for making tea blends.

Herbal teas are also used for medicinal blends too.  My favorite one that is loaded with vitamin C is: 

1/2 tsp. peppermint 
1/4 tsp. pineapple sage  
1/4 tsp. rose hips

Mix all ingredients together and put in your tea infuser. Let it steep for about 5 minutes add sugar or honey.  Rose hips have a lot of vitamin C in them and the peppermint and pineapple sage are good for clearing your congestion.

Some suggested equipment needed to make your own herbal tea is a coffee or herb grinder to grind up your herb's and a tea pot or tea infuser for making your tea blend. You can grow your own herbs and air dry them, or buy them from local gourmet cooking store or grocery store that sells bulk herbs.

MissHelaineous herb and tea's carries home grown dried herb and tea blend's as well as aromatherapy and herbal crafts.  You can find them at: http://www.misshelaineous.com or e-mail herbandteas@aol.com   

Personal Story: A Ginger Experience

Contributed by Erin Kinloch

About two years ago I had the pleasure of working with a certain lady. Not just any lady; this was a special person. We'll call her Lori.  Lori is half Cree and studying to be a medicine woman.  Naive as I am, I didn't, and still don't, know half of the facts of this
healing endeavor.

While working together we grew close and learned from each other in many ways, but one thing she taught me was that when you have sinus congestion or sinus pressure to grate up about a half cup of fresh ginger and steep with about ½ - 1 Liter water in a tea-pot. Note:  Do not microwave as this takes the medicinal goodness out of the ginger.


Ever since I learned about preparing ginger this way from Lori, if I have a sinus cold or pressure, or feel a flu coming on , I use this and presto! – Within 24 I feel like
myself again.

Erin Kinloch resides in Surrey BC, Canada
and works at an alarm monitoring station . She spends her time gardening or with her
dog, Kayla.  She also volunteers to care for stray and unwanted animals and currently
pursuing a part-time writing career.

~ 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!