Camalina Herbal Healing Hot Compress

The Thai people have a long tradition of natural healing, and their hot compresses, known as herbal bags, are a favourite remedy around the world. ‘Herbal heat revival,’ also known as the herbal bolus treatment, is believed to calm the nerves and redirect the body energy in a way that is vital to good health.

Products at The Herbalist (http://www.theherbalist-shop.com) are ‘developed in alignment with ancient beliefs of the chakra system providing a fundamental context for treatment of body, mind and soul.’ These products are organic and wildcrafted; ‘ancient formulas and modern science are blended to create remedies that work synergistically to ensure maximum benefit.’

The herbal bag uses a combination of 10 selected Thai herbs in one compress. Each herb works its specific healing when absorbed into the skin. They include 30% zingiber cassumunar (a type of ginger), 20% turmeric, 20% citrus hystrix, 10% citronella grass, 5% tamarind leaf, 5% ginger, 5% Borneo camphor, and 5% menthol.

The treatment claims, ‘the unique Camalina system of warming up the compress but not heating the fragile herbs themselves ensures that they are never subjected to direct heat.’

These are the stated benefits of the Catalina herbal heat bag, according to The Herbalist:
• May assist in the relief of muscle pain, aches and tension.
• May assist with symptoms of abdominal pain such as feeling bloated.
• Helps in the relief of the common cold and a stuffy nose (inhale the fragrance at nighttime).
• Helps to reduce signs of swelling and muscle inflammation.
• Assists in the reduction of stiffness in the joints.
• Helps to stimulate peripheral blood circulation

The manufacturer is based in Australia, and looking for a distributor in the US for this unique product. Contact: http://www.theherbalist-shop.com

Full disclosure: We earn nothing from the sale of products or companies mentioned here and received no money to write about this product.

Web: http://www.NewsTarget.com

Nopal Plant Normalises Blood Sugar

The prickly pear cactus – known as nopal in Mexico – exhibits multiple medicinal effects. As professor of nutrition Winston F. Craig, Ph.D., writes to the HighBeam Encyclopedia, the prickly pear can help with diabetes, lower blood sugar levels and offer other health benefits.

What you need to know - Conventional View
• The ability for the prickly pear cactus (nopal) to lower blood sugar has been well documented by many studies. In traditional Mexican medicine, nopal is used for treating type-2 Diabetes.
• Mexican researchers found that people with non-insulin-dependent diabetes given broiled nopal stems experienced a large drop in blood sugar levels.
• It has been shown that daily consumption of 250mg of this plant will lower total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels, according to a recent study. HDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels were not affected.
• In India, the cactus has been used to treat whooping cough and asthma.
• Prickly pear fruit and other elements of the cactus are edible as a jelly or jam, as a fruit or as a cooked dish.
• The cactus is naturally found in Arizona, Mexico and other parts of the American Southwest; it is commercially grown in California and also has been exported to Europe and India.
• In the Sonoran Desert, growing a new prickly pear is easy: the cactus grows in a linked 'pad' setup, and each pad can be cut off, replanted and in most cases will take root, making a new cactus.

What you need to know - Alternative View
Statements and opinions by Mike Adams
• For many diabetics or prediabetics, nopal is a complete replacement for prescription blood sugar drugs. It regulates blood sugar with no negative side effects and no liver damage (which is one of the primary side effects of blood sugar prescriptions). Safety note: Do not halt prescription drug use except under the direct supervision of a naturopathic physician.
• Nopal is a key ingredient is many highly effective (and safe) blood sugar regulating nutritional supplements (see resources, below).
• Conventional medicine, including drug companies and the FDA, do not want the public to learn about nopal because it would cost Big Pharma hundreds of millions of dollars in annual profits from diabetes drug sales. The public is intentionally kept ignorant about natural treatments for diabetes as a way to maximise corporate profits.
• Most doctors have never heard of nopal, nor its blood sugar balancing effects, because the use of medicinal herbs is simply not taught in medical school. Virtually all M.D.s are nutritionally illiterate when it comes to herbs and food supplements.
• Native Americans, who are suffering under an epidemic of diabetes, desperately need to be re-taught the medicinal uses of desert plants. If nopal were widely harvested and used to help regulate blood sugar in Native Americans, the diabetes rate would fall sharply. But conventional medicine, dominated primarily by rich white men, chooses to deliberately deny honest information about nutritional supplements to Native Americans. In doing so, Native Americans have been isolated from their land and their medicinal wisdom.

Resources you need to know
• Organic Nopal Powder from Good Cause Wellness is available in capsule form as a nutritional supplement.
• Nopal powder is also a key ingredient in the Baseline of Health Foundation's Glucotor V.2 supplement, which contains a number of synergistic ingredients that help regulate healthy blood sugar levels.
• Nopal is also used to purify water.
• Note: Neither this publisher, nor its authors, have any financial relationship whatsoever with the supplement companies mentioned here. Bottom line
• Among its medicinal qualities, the nopal cactus lower blood sugars for diabetics and fights cholesterol.

South African Herbs may Offer Blood Pressure Benefits

The flora of South Africa is increasingly being studied as a source of novel nutraceuticals, and Tulbaghia violacea (wild garlic) may find a role in helping to lower blood pressure, researchers told the 120th annual meeting of the American Physiological Society.

Researcher Irene Mackraj from the University of Kwa-Zulu Natal, Durban told attendees in Washington D.C., that a study of 16 plants native to the Kwa-Zulu Natal region showed that half of these could find a role in reducing elevated blood pressure (hypertension).

Indeed, in the UK alone, there are an estimated 10m people with hypertension, defined as having blood pressure higher than 140/90 mmHg. The condition is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), which causes almost 50 per cent of deaths in Europe, and is reported to cost the EU economy an estimated €169bn ($202bn) per year.

The new research, presented during the Experimental Biology 2007 conference attended by 12,000 scientific researchers, looked at the possibility of certain herbal preparations to inhibit angiotensin-converting enzyme. ACE inhibitors work by inhibiting the conversion of angiotensin I to the potent vasoconstrictor, angiotensin II, thereby improving blood flow and blood pressure.

Web: http://www.NutraIngredients.com

Hayfever? - Tropical Herbs bring Natural Relief

The sponge cucumber is just one of the unusual tropical herbs in A.Vogel Luffa Complex, a safe, natural herbal remedy that offers effective and proven relief from hayfever. Unlike many conventional hayfever treatments, Luffa Complex has no side effects such as drowsiness and is safe to take for as long as it is needed. Luffa Complex was formulated by Alfred Vogel, the Swiss Nature Doctor, and contains extracts from seven tropical herbs which work together to relieve the symptoms of allergies and particularly, hayfever. Luffa Complex has no contra-indications and is safe for the whole family.

Luffa Complex has a desensitising action, is anti-inflammatory and antispasmodic. The synergistic actions of the individual herbs improve hayfever symptoms including sneezing, itching in the nose, throat and eyes, asthma and coughs. Luffa Complex is named after one of its herbal ingredients, Luffa operculata or the sponge cucumber. It also contains extracts of: Aralia racemosa (American Spikenhard), Cardiosparmum halicacabum (Heartseed), Galphimia glauca (Golden Thryallis), Larrea mexicana (Chapparal), Okoubaka aubrevillei (Okoubaka) and Ammi visnaga (Toothpick Weed).

There are three products in the Luffa range, Luffa Complex tincture, tablets and Luffa Nasal Spray, a fast-acting spray that is formulated to provide instant relief from blocked, runny and itchy noses caused by hayfever or other airborne allergies.
Conventional nasal sprays work by constricting the blood vessels in the nasal passage. These blood vessels may then undergo rebound dilation, which causes the problem to return and may create dependency in the sufferer. Luffa Nasal Spray does not have this effect as it is gentler and can be used whenever symptoms are present.

A.Vogel Luffa Complex is available as a tincture (£8.49 50ml) or tablets (£7.40 120 tablets) and nasal spray (£6.99 20ml). It is best to start the tablets or tincture two weeks before the onset of the hayfever season and then continue throughout its duration but Luffa Complex will help at any time.

Stockist enquiries phone 01294 277344 or visit http://www.avogel.co.uk

Hexham Herbal

A new clinic offering an alternative approach to treating common ailments has opened in Hexham. The Herbal Clinic, based on Fore Street, offers complementary medicine for a range of health complaints.

Owner of the shop, Anji Spicer, is confident that there will be enough people in Tynedale to make the new store a success.

It is estimated that a third of the population have used herbal remedies, with numbers increasing all of the time.

Anji (38) said: 'I have been visiting patients in their homes for a while but before now I couldn't find a suitable venue to set up my own clinic.

'Now I have a permanent base it should make things much easier.'

Mother-of-two Anji has set up shop on the second floor of the No Limits health and fitness gym, and will run a drop-in clinic on Wednesday afternoons.

She said: 'I want to make herbal medicine much more accessible than it has been previously as I know that some people still don't know much about it.

'That's why I am operating a drop-in clinic so that people can just call in without an appointment for a 10-minute consultation.

'I think this will prove popular for those people with more acute ailments such as coughs, tonsillitis and tummy upsets.'

Anji studied at the College of Phytotherapy in Sussex, followed by further exams in medical and botanical subjects and a final, clinical exam in London.
Anji said: 'It wasn't easy to fit everything in and my priority was always my children, but I was determined to complete my studies because the more I found out about herbal medicine the more I became convinced that it has so much to offer.'

Anji is keen to stress that herbal medicine can work alongside the conventional medicine approach.

She said: 'I was a dental nurse for many years and my husband, Billy, is an optician so I have nothing but respect for all those working in the health sector.
'I also participate regularly in the weekly education meetings for medical professionals at Hexham General Hospital and enjoy a good relationship with fellow professionals.'

Web: http://www.herbalclinic.org.uk

The Herbal Alternatives to HRT

There are many 50-year-old and older women who are not concerned with menopause. In their grandmother's day, the loss of a woman's ability to have babies was chalked up, quietly, to 'the change of life' if, that is, she lived that long. Menopause, these days, is no longer a life passage. It is has been redefined as a medical event

On the market today there are hundreds of synthesised artificial products used to treat menopause. A large percentage of these products fall under the heading of HRT (Hormone Replacement Therapy). This is the artificial replacement of Oestrogen and Progesterone (Hormones) into a woman's body. Over the last years there have even been newspaper articles on the harmful side effects some women have suffered as a result of HRT, in some cases the side effects are even fatal.

Recently HRT has been linked to cancer deaths of 1,000 British women feared to have died from Ovarian Cancer as a result of this Hormone Replacement Therapy.

See full article online;
http://www.itv.com/news/britain_bf04a8d2b601b12ee8996789997b6e67.html

So what's the alternative?
For decades, women around the world have treated the symptoms of menopause with a simple herb called Black Cohosh.

Of all the symptoms of menopause, the hot flush is the most well known. A classic hot flush begins with an aura, a vague sensation in the face and neck that blossoms over a period of a minute or two, skin temperature rising, pulse quickening, into a full-blown wave of heat and blushing and drenching sweat, often followed by chills. Spicy foods and hot drinks trigger hot flushes in some women but not others. Some women flush only sporadically. Some flush like clockwork, night and day, some only during sleep.

Folk Medicine versus the Drug Companies
Throughout the 19th and early 20th centuries, Native American medicine was steeped in herbals; Black Cohosh was listed in the United States Pharmacopoeia, the nation's official drug reference book, from 1820 to 1926. It disappeared from the British Pharmicopea a little later. During the time of World War II, drug manufacturers began focusing almost exclusively on synthetic molecules that, unlike herbs, could be patented and held the promise of big profits. So research stopped, and medicinal plants were dropped from use. 'It makes me very angry,' Varro E Tyler a professor emeritus of pharmacognosy at Purdue University says. 'Many of these things are Native American plants, like Echinacea and Saw Palmetto, but we dropped them largely because companies felt they couldn't make any money on them.'

Though no one is quite certain how Black Cohosh works, German studies show it is better at treating hot flushes than dummy pills, and Commission E, a German panel of scientific experts, recommends Black Cohosh for menopause and menstrual cramps.

A decade ago, there would have been little place for alternative-medicine research in academic medicine; many serious scientists dismissed botanical remedies as quackery. But in recent years, just about every big-name university in the USA have become involved in some type of alternative-medicine research. Their studies offer the promise of new treatments for everything from Alzheimer's disease to heart disease to AIDS.

In the UK the explosive interest in herbal and natural remedies has resulted in pressure in the UK to restructure the legal position in the sale and provision of such remedies and nutritional herbs.

Meno-Time - The Herbal Solution
G&G, a vitamin manufacturer based in Sussex, has been researching the symptoms of menopause and their herbal remedies for years to find a natural solution to helping relieve the symptoms of menopause. The company says that it developed a highly effective herbal product named Meno-Time as a result of that research.

Meno-Time is a blend of important nutrients and herbs. It contains not only Black Cohosh but other herbs such as Pfaffia, Mexican Yam, Aloe Vera and Evening Primrose. The herbs in Meno-Time have all been taken traditionally by menopausal women throughout the ages long before HRT was even thought about, they are now placed together in a unique formula which works.

Mrs S.B. Lincs tried Meno-Time; she says 'I have been suffering from a deep black depression for the last 2 years triggered by the onset of menopause. Conventional treatments, HRT, antidepressants and electrical treatment had absolutely no effect on the illness. I was constantly in a black hole or tunnel, helpless and in despair. Occasionally, the depression, like a cloud would lift slightly but not for long and I would be back in the depths - I had lost me and saw no hope of pulling through. this all led to suicide attempts. After a few weeks on Meno-Time, it was like a miracle and for the last 6 weeks the depression has lifted completely and I am back to my normal cheerful self, feeling better than I have for years. I pray Meno-Time can reach others suffering.'

Part of the allure of herbal therapies is that they tap into a yearning for a simpler time, when menopause was nothing more than the change of life and Grandma's old-fashioned remedy might suffice. With Meno-Time this dream is possible.

For more information on this or other G&G products contact us:
Tel: 01342 312811 or Fax: 01342 315938or
Email: sales@gandgvitamins.com
Web: http://www.gandgvitamins.com

Depressing Figures?

The number of prescriptions for antidepressants in England alone has risen to a record level, despite national guidance being issued advising that alternative treatments should be recommended first. More than 31 million prescriptions for antidepressant drugs were issued in 2006, a 6% rise on the previous year.

NICE, the National Institute for health and Clinical Excellence, issued guidance in 2004 recommending that prescription drugs should not be used as the first choice of treatment for mild to moderate depression. This reflects the situation in many European countries.

What's the alternative for those who would prefer a natural approach to the problem?

A.Vogel Hypericum is a safe and effective herbal treatment for depression and is an excellent way to lift flagging spirits when the blues strike.

A double blind study commissioned by Bioforce, involving 348 patients taking varying strengths of hypericum, found that for up to 68% of patients, depression was substantially reduced. Research published in the British Medical Journal, 1996, concluded that extracts of hypericum are as effective as standard anti-depressant treatments. Hypericum is fast growing in popularity in the UK, and in Europe it is a familiar remedy for depression, often prescribed by doctors. Anyone taking prescription medicine should first check with their GP.

A.Vogel Hypericum is a fresh herb tincture, the most effective way of taking herbal medicines. Tinctures are richer in active ingredients and contain many more of the active components than is possible when herbs are dried for tablets or powder.

Bioforce, based in Switzerland, is a leading manufacturer of fresh herb tinctures, using the formulations of Alfred Vogel, the eminent Swiss naturopath. The company uses only organically grown herbs which are harvested and processed within 24 hours, to ensure the preservation of the active ingredients.

A.Vogel Hypericum cost £8.49 for a long lasting 50ml bottle and is available from health stores or by mail order, phone 01294 277344 or visit http://www.Avogel.co.uk

Chinese Herb for Kidney Disease

Li gong teng, a traditional Chinese herb, is derived from the vine Tripteryglum wilfordii, more commonly known as ‘Thunder God Vine.’ A tea made from the herb has been used for thousands of years in China to treat inflammation, cancer and autoimmune disorders.

Recent research, results of which are documented in the March 5, 2007 issue of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, purports that li gong teng can stop polycystic kidney disease by stopping cell growth and the progression of cyst formation. Currently, there is no medical cure for the condition. Although the research is preliminary, the researchers, based at Yale University and Columbia University, concluded that the herb extract may be a ‘promising therapeutic candidate’ for treating polycystic kidney disease and suggest that more research be conducted.

Herbal remedies are one of many treatment options acupuncturists and doctors of Oriental medicine utilize to provide drug-free care. To learn more about the basics of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), visit http://www.acupuncturetoday.com.

Boldo do Chile for the Common Hangover

Boldo do Chile is one of the most well known herbs in Brazil, although due to its horribly bitter taste, it's not necessarily one of the most popular. In the southern half of Brazil, you can find a boldo bush growing in the back yard of just about any rural or suburban home. It's a hearty plant that is easy to grow and cultivate. And as much as Brazilians love to party...it's good to have this natural hangover remedy close at hand.

As its name suggests, boldo is native to Chile. Shepherds in the Andes mountains noticed that their goats were not suffering from liver or intestinal problems since they had been dieting on boldo leaves. So they decided to check into it and discovered that the plant has numerous medicinal properties.
Later, researchers from the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Turkey and European countries came to the same conclusions about the plant. It has been found to have antiseptic, diuretic, anesthetic, antifungal, antibacterial, and antiviral qualities. It also aids digestion and stomach disorders, regulates uric acid, eliminates intestinal gas, reduces blood sugar levels and ensures a healthy menstruation (it has abortive qualities and should not be used during pregnancy).

Well known as the hangover herb, it is used by many in South America after a long night out (can you say Carnival?). It acts directly on the liver and stomach, alleviating the most distasteful symptoms of alcohol. Taken daily, it substantially improves the complexion and removes any 'tired' aspect in the face.

The best way to take boldo is to crush a few freshly-picked leaves in a few ounces of spring water with a pestle, then strain and drink. It's most bitter and most effective this way. But finding fresh boldo leaves may be challenging outside of South America. Look for herbal extracts and dried leaves or tea bags as an alternative. And if you ever visit Brazil for Carnival, be sure to have a few leaves on hand and use them before you go to sleep.

NIH Plugs $4.4m into Echinacea/St.John's Wort

The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has underscored its support for research into the herbals echinacea and St. John's Wort through a $4.4m grant.

In 2002, the NIH Office of Dietary Supplements created the Iowa Centre for Research on Botanical Dietary Supplements at Iowa State University. NIH has promised to this boost in funding for the next three years. The centre is dedicated to researching echinacea and St Johns Wort.

The rationale behind this centre is that while both herbals - generally marketed for immunity, mental health support and anti-inflammation - are top sellers, little research existed previously on them.

‘We are moving toward something like a fingerprint of the biologically active chemicals in the species,’ said the centre's director, Diane Birt.

The goal of the centre is to improve understanding of the extracts' health supporting properties, so as to improve supplements.

The current funding will allow the centre to continue conducting anti-viral, anti inflammatory and pain receptor studies to assess how St. John's Wort components block inflammation.

‘In the next three years, we'll include emphasis on bioavailability,’ said Birt. ‘We don't know if the chemicals we've identified are absorbed.’

The researchers have identified some specific compounds in St. John's Wort that provide improved activity when combined than alone.

In the case of echinacea, they have been able to isolate components with anti-inflammatory properties.

‘In studying the nine different species of echinacea, we found some species work better than others,’ said Birt. ‘This suggests that it will be possible to get an improved preparation that will enhance the supplement's benefit to human health.’

In both echinacea and St. John's Wort, the researchers have found that compounds such as polyphenols contribute to their antiviral properties.

‘This suggests that we're not going to find a single compound or even a subset of compounds that are responsible for health benefits,’ said Birt. ‘A complex chemical profile is contributing to the health effects, so it's more likely that we're moving toward improving these supplements rather than identifying chemicals for use as drugs.’

In its research on the two herbals, the centre is drawing on genomic analysis and metabolic profiling.

‘One particular strength we have is our ability to control the genetics and growth conditions of the plant material used in our cellular and animal model studies,’ said Birt. ‘Being able to characterise known-source germplasm is a very important resource for our centre.’

The centre is also set to begin research on Prunella, a herbal used to treat ailments such as inflammatory bowel disease, fever, headache and diarrhoea.

Web: http://www.nutraingredients-usa.com

Peppermint Oil - The Ideal Travel Companion

In Spain, peppermint is called la hierba buena, the good herb, but whatever the destination this summer, it‚s worth finding room for oil of peppermint in the luggage.

Minor health problems such as travel sickness, tense headaches and indigestion don't make for a happy holiday but they can be quickly eased with pure oil of peppermint or peppermint tablets. Here are five ways that they can help.

TRAVEL SICKNESS Suck one or two Obbekjaers Oil of Peppermint tablets during a car, plane or boat journey, or drop Pure Japanese Oil of Peppermint on a handkerchief and inhale regularly. Peppermint Oil has a mild anaesthetic effect on the stomach wall which helps to alleviate nausea and quells the desire to vomit.

HEADACHES Soothe them with a drop or two of Peppermint Oil on the temples.

INDIGESTION If unfamiliar or rich food causes indigestion, ease it with oil of peppermint tablets.

SUMMER SNIFFLES If a cold or hayfever causes a blocked nose, make a steam inhalation by adding a drop or two of peppermint oil to a bowl of hot water, and the vapour will help nasal passages feel less congested.

DRIVER'S FATIGUE Peppermint Oil can help concentration which is useful when driving. The aroma of Peppermint has an uplifting effect on the brain. Research has shown that Peppermint Oil improves alertness and concentration so it can be a great help when driving long distances in hot conditions. Just sprinkle a few drops on a tissue so the fragrance fills the car or suck Oil of Peppermint tablets.

Obbekjaers Oil of Peppermint tablets and Pure Japanese Oil of Peppermint are available from health stores or http://www.peppermint-oil.co.uk Prices: 150 Tablets £5.85 10 ml Oil £5.45 Also available, range of Oil of Peppermint Capsules for digestive healthcare.

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