St John's Wort

Via: Los Angeles Times

It works. It doesn’t. It works. It doesn’t. That’s health research news for you. One item that gives me whiplash, is the effectiveness — or not — of the herb St. John’s wort for relief of depression.

Here, for example, is what the National Institutes of Health says: “There is some scientific evidence that St. John’s wort is useful for treating mild to moderate depression. However, two large studies, one sponsored by NCCAM [the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine], showed that the herb was no more effective than placebo in treating major depression of moderate severity.”

The University of Maryland Medical Center says that, “In numerous studies, St. John’s wort has been effective in reducing depressive symptoms in those with mild to moderate but not severe (called major) depression.”

So one site says the herb’s effective in treating moderately severe major depression and the other says it’s not effective for major depression but is effective for moderate and mild depression that would not be defined as major.

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Via: Baltimore Health Examiner

Americans love herbs. Consumer use of herbal therapies increased 380% from 1990-1997, and it continues to rise. Many people, especially those wary of pharmaceuticals, believe that herbs are safe and free of side effects. Others appreciate the control that herbs offer – no visits to the doctor are required.

Americans use herbs to treat acute problems such as colds and more chronic problems such as depression and memory loss. Five of the most common herbs are:

1. Echinacea
Generally used at the first sign of a cold as an immune system stimulant. It isn’t appropriate for long-term use and shouldn’t be used by people on immunosuppressants.
2. Ginseng
Gineng is used for many purposes, often relating to alertness, energy and mental functioning. Some people believe that it can stimulate the immune system and possibly even decrease the risk of cancer.
3. Garlic
Garlic is often used to decrease cholesterol and high blood pressure. It may also thin the blood and can interact with other blood thinners. There is some evidence that regular use of garlic may decrease the risk of cancer.
4. Ginko Biloba
Ginko is generally used for memory loss and dementia syndromes such as Alzheimer’s disease.
5. St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is sometimes thought of as ‘mini-Prozac’ and is used for mild depression.

Herbs are popular and generally safe, but some cautions are appropriate. Since many herbs are biologically active, they can have side effects and interact with other medications. Before using any herb, be sure to educate yourself about its use. There are many internet resources with excellent information about commonly used herbs. Two good ones are The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine and AltMD.

One of the problems with herbal therapies in the U.S. is that they are not closely regulated by the FDA. Consumer protection studies have been done to evaluate the correlation between stated contents and actual contents in various herbal formulations and the results were disturbing. Many pills had less of the active ingredient then stated, and some actually contained none of the listed herb at all.

There is no definite way to determine which companies are most reliable, but common sense can help a bit. Don’t buy herbs from a deep discount store and be wary of small internet companies. If you find a product that works for you, try to stick with the same brand. And if you tried one brand of an herb but had no result, you could consider trying another brand before giving up.

If you don’t feel confident choosing an herbal plan yourself, there are resources to help you. You could ask your physician for help however, while some physicians are knowledgeable about herbal therapies, many are not. Consider visiting either an Integrative Medicine physician or a Naturopath. We have both available in Baltimore.

Be well.

Via: Sleep Apnea Cures

Herbs are a form of medication themselves, and mixing them with prescribed medications without proper knowledge of their effects is extremely dangerous. Under no circumstance, should a patient take a sleeping aid as a way to thwart sleep apnea. Herbs, however, contain components that can trigger side effects and interact with other herbs, supplements, or medications. For these reasons, herbs should be taken with care, under the supervision of a health care provider qualified in the field of botanical medicine.

Lets review some herbs that might help with sleep apnea;

Valerian Root

Valerian Root is a natural remedy that has been used for many years to induce sleep and calm the nerves. Natural Factors Valerian contains a 300 mg potency and is recommended for those who difficulty falling to sleep due to stress or anxiety. Valerian has sedative qualities and is listed on the FDA’s list of generally safe products. However, its effects can be dangerously increased if it is used with pharmaceutical sedatives.

Valerian is non-addictive and only rarely causes side effects, such as mild stomach upset in a small number of people. Valerian root supplements can be used in the amount of 300-400 mg taken about 30 minutes before going to bed.

Nonetheless Valerian exhibits additive effects similar to kava when taken in combination with barbiturates and benzodiazepines. Valerian Root has been shown to be effective in promoting sleep induction and sleep quality. It must be used regularly for 2-3 weeks in order to have its effect.

PassionFlower

Passionflower may increase the effects of OTC sedatives as well as those sold by prescription. [Passionflower has been used traditionally for its calming effects, and is said to have sedative and pain relieving activity. It has also been used for menstrual pain, diarrhea and dysentery. Passionflower preparations are made from fresh or dried flowers and other above-ground parts of the plant. Both whole and cut raw plant materials are used.

Passionflower is listed in many national pharmacopoeia as a drug plant. Passionflower extracts are about 80 times weaker than Syrian Rue but seam to produce less nausea and fewer undesirable side effects. Passionflower is best described as a plant that is used for nervous disorders and works by mildly depressing the central nervous system causing relaxation. The major advantage is, unlike many pharmaceuticals, that passionflower is non-habit-forming.

Passion Flower is a woody vine with intricate blue, purple, red, or white flowers. Several species, which act as sedatives and anxiolytics, are consumed as a tea or herbal supplement. Passion flower is not recommended for use during pregnancy . Consult your doctor before using this product.

Lemon Balm Tea

Lemon balm tea is another fast-acting stimulant which will enable you to relax and produce a calm and sedated sleep. Don’t be frightened by the word stimulant. Lemon balm is a classic herb with lemon flavored leaves, and is often grown in the garden for its fragrant flowers. It has been used since the Renaissance to reduce stress and anxiety and promote sleep.

Chamomile

The word “chamomile” is derived from the Greek “chamos” (ground) and “melos” (apple), referring to chamomile’s low growth habit and apple scented blossoms. Chamomile and its constituent substances have been the topics of many scientific studies and the medical effects are considered to be a result the various components which have both similar and partially different effects. Chamomile is best known as a muscle relaxant and antispasmodic. Chamomile helps to relieve nausea, heartburn, and stress-related flatulence. Chamomile combines very well with lemon balm (fresh or dried) for an excellent tea.

Teas which contains chamomile are usually sleep inducive and may keep the trachea open. Teas can be wonderful homeopathy overnight remedies for people who have difficulty sleeping. The homeopathy overnight tea that most people are most familiar with is precisely Chamomile. Chamomile Tea, is an old-fashioned but extremely efficacious remedy for hysterical and nervous affections in women. It has a wonderfully soothing, sedative and absolutely harmless effect. Chamomile is known as both a pretty flower and an ancient healer.

Chamomile Flower is also a common ingredient in shampoos and perfumes. Chamomile skin care from CamoCare contains antioxidants that may help fight free radicals that damage skin. CamoCare chamomile skin care contains high levels of levomenol, flavonoids and essential oils to help soothe and restore dry, cracked skin.

John’s Wort

John’s Wort have the potential to make you sleepier during the day. John’s wort also works for treating sleep disorders, particularly insomnia. It can be an ingredient in other sleep aid medication or taken alone in a concentrated pill form.

Lavender

Lavender is one of the natural herbs which work as a gentle strengthening tonic for the nervous system. A few drops of lavender oil added to bath before going to sleep helps the person to have relaxing sleep. Lavender has performed well in several studies, including usage for geriatric and cancer patients.

In conclusion, persons with obstructive sleep apnea often have daytime sleepiness with loss of concentration and memory impairment. An additional concern is the potential for cardiovascular morbidity and mortality resulting from hypoxemia. To take one cup of natural herbs tea one to three times a day it is advisable. However, remember that products only work if taken in the correct dose. Taking a dose that is too high can increase the chance of side effects and adverse outcomes.

The article I picked these from informs us that ob/gyns have taken to prescribing Prozac against severe forms of PMS… oh well. Read the whole article here:
Choose Nature Instead of Prozac for PMS and PMDD

Here’s what’s known about the effectiveness of some of the more common natural products and remedies used to soothe the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome:
* Calcium. Consuming 1,000 milligrams (mg) of dietary and supplemental calcium daily, such as chewable calcium carbonate (Tums, Rolaids, others), may reduce the physical and psychological symptoms of PMS. Regular, long-term use of calcium carbonate also reduces your risk of osteoporosis.

* Magnesium. Taking 400 mg of supplemental magnesium daily may help to reduce fluid retention, breast tenderness and bloating in women with premenstrual syndrome.

* Vitamin B-6. A daily dose of 50 to 100 mg of vitamin B-6 may help some women with troublesome PMS symptoms.

* Vitamin E. This vitamin, taken in 400 international units daily, may ease PMS symptoms by reducing the production of prostaglandin, hormone-like substances that cause cramps and breast tenderness.

* Herbal remedies. Many women report relief of PMS symptoms with the use of herbs such as black cohosh, ginger, raspberry leaf, dandelion, chasteberry, St. John’s Wort and evening primrose oil.

* Colloidal Gold. Colloidal gold is one of the least known yet most effective mood and mental enhancers.

* Natural progesterone creams. These are derived from wild yams and soybeans. Some women report that these creams relieve symptoms. Combine one handful of chamomile and one handful of dried orange flowers in a cheesecloth or muslin bag and hang from the bathtub faucet. The warm water will release the fragrant oils and relieve PMS discomfort.

Other topics that may be helpful:

Cramping

* Pumpkin Seeds. Eat pumpkin seeds about a week before your menstrual period (a handful – 1/4 of a cup a day) and your cramps should be non-existent. Also eat them as a snack during the period.

* Hot water and ginger. Boil the water and stir in two to three tablespoons of ginger and drink it up. You should feel better in 30-45 minutes.

* Dill pickle juice. Drink a half cup when you feel a cramp coming or as soon as it strikes.
One heaping teaspoon of salt in water (1 to 2 to one glass) may also do the trick if you have no pickle juice handy.

* Yogurt or calcium. Eat two cups of yogurt a day in the days or week leading up to your period and you should not be moody or have cramps when your monthly period comes. If you don’t like yogurt, take a calcium supplement… Continue during the period. With either one, you should see a big difference in your time of the month.

* Oregano and water. Take three tablespoons of oregano and mix with one liter of water, then bring to boiling and continue to boil for five minutes. Strain and drink as a tea. You should feel better soon and continue to feel well for an entire day.

Menstrual Cramps

* It should be no surprise that an herb named cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) would work wonders for menstrual pain. It contains at least six compounds that relax muscles, as well as salicin, the pain-relieving compound from which aspirin is derived. Take one teaspoon of the liquid extract every hour until your cramps subside. If they don’t ease within 48 hours, stop taking cramp bark.

* Supplements. Take 1,000 mg calcium and 500 mg magnesium daily. Calcium and magnesium work together to regulate muscle contractions and the conduction of nerve impulses.

* Ginger tea (for cramps). Grate two to three teaspoons of fresh ginger root and simmer in two cups of water for several minutes. Add lemon and honey to taste. Drink as much as desired.

* Acute cramps. Combine equal parts of ginger, valerian, and cramp bark tinctures, to be taken in half-teaspoon doses every twenty minutes until the symptoms subside.

* Aromatherapy. A couple of days before menstruation begins, massage the following combination into the abdomen once or twice a day, as well as using them in the bath. Blend together equal parts of chamomile, an anti-inflammatory; clary sage, which relieves depression; lavender, a relaxing herb; and tarragon and marjoram, which are anti-spasmodic.

* Hot ginger poultice. Make a strong ginger tea or add a half-teaspoon of ginger essential oil to a quart of hot water. Dip a towel in the water and wring it out, lay it over the abdomen, and place a hot water bottle over the ginger towel to retain the heat. Relax for fifteen minutes.

Via: Discover Magazine

St. John’s wort flower herbal medicineKids are bouncing off the walls like never before. Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has become one of the most commonly diagnosed mental disorders in children, with about 4.4 million cases in the United States. But while medications like Ritalin are very effective in getting these kids to focus on their homework, some parents worry about the effects of long-term use, or have more amorphous concerns about suppressing their children’s personalities. It’s no wonder that more than half of these parents have experimented with alternative medicines and special diets.

Now, however, one of the leading contenders for an effective alternative medicine has been debunked in a new study. Researchers tested St. John’s wort, an herbal supplement that’s been adopted as an alternative treatment for ADHD and which is also used to treat depression. They found that children taking the herb fared no better than those taking a placebo pill.

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Via: KeepTheDoctorAway

17/06/2008

Brits are increasingly turning their backs on prescription medicine, instead preferring to use natural remedies, according to a new report out today.

More than 60% of Brits questioned said they would rather use natural products to ease certain illnesses such as flu, digestive problems and depression, and are now opting for remedies such as honey and lemon, Echinacea and St John’s Wort.

With an increasing disillusionment with traditional medicine such as paracetamol, anti-depressants and flu medicines, half of UK adults admitted they are more likely to use natural and food based remedies today than 5 to 10 years ago, the research by honey producer Rowse reveals.

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Via: US News and World Report

St. John’s Wort Doesn’t Work for ADHD
Herbal preparation no more effective than placebo, study finds
Posted June 10, 2008

By Serena Gordon
HealthDay Reporter

TUESDAY, June 10 (HealthDay News) — St. John’s wort isn’t effective for treating attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children, a new study finds.

Published in the June 11 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association, the study compared St. John’s wort to a placebo in children aged 6 to 17 and found the herb wasn’t any more effective than the placebo.

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