HEALTH NEWS

by Lynne Gully

October 2007

HERBAL MEDICINE

You may have read the report in The Guardian newspaper this week that combinations of herbs may do you more harm than good. I also heard about it on Radio 4. The study’s author, Peter Canter, of the Peninsula medical school in Exeter, believes herbal medicines should be banned. He claims there is no proof that individualised herbal medicines do any good but that there is a risk that they may do harm. He and his colleague, Edward Ernst, also have concerns about single herbs sold in health shops because those herbs that work for conditions including heart disease or depression are powerful medicines and could do damage by interacting with conventional drugs.

Edward Ernst said, “In my view, self-medication for serious conditions is out of the question. A depressed patient who takes St John’s Wort and comes out of depression arguably gathers enough strength to commit suicide, so it is dangerous.”

So have you spotted the contradictions yet? First of all they say there is no proof that herbal medicines do any good, then they say herbs that work are powerful medicines. And why would a person who is no longer depressed want to commit suicide? It began to sound like another one of those studies put into the media to discredit natural medicine and to encourage people to take only conventional drugs.

The report highlighted other concerns such as:

• Anyone can set themselves up as a herbalist

• Some herbs are toxic having been polluted by agrochemicals

• Chinese herbal remedies have been known to contain prescription drugs

• The wrong part of the herb may be used making the remedy ineffective.

WHY NATURE’S SUNSHINE’S HERBAL REMEDIES ARE SAFE

In my monthly newsletter I always promote products formulated by the company Nature’s Sunshine for the following reasons:

Quality sets Nature’s Sunshine apart where only the finest quality herbs and raw materials are selected. The company’s global sourcing of raw materials ensures that only the highest quality ingredients are chosen.

Research and development – for over 30 years their products have been formulated by a dedicated research team of experts including botanists, biologists, nutritionists, pharmacists, pharmacologists and pharmacognosists.

Integrity – even though substandard ingredients are more readily available, Nature’s Sunshine only uses the very best. They provide quality products that enhance people’s health and wellbeing and many testimonials have been written in support of the excellent products that actually work.

Pure and natural – Nature’s Sunshine uses over 300 testing procedures to guarantee purity and potency, and to ensure the absence of pesticides, herbicides and chemicals.

Correct plant part needs to be used for a supplement to be effective. Nature’s Sunshine harvests the herbs at the right time of year and also tests for the active ingredients. Ginseng for example is most potent when harvested in the autumn.

Natural or synthetic. Some companies do not have the technology to test for active ingredients or even to differentiate between synthetic and natural ingredients. Many ingredients in supplements on the market today are synthetic and do not contain all of the active ingredients found in naturally sourced health products. Natural products are more effectively assimilated in the body. Nature’s Sunshine uses only natural ingredients.

If you want copies of any previous newsletters you can visit my website at www.optimumhealth.co.uk

Contact Lynne at lynne.gully@optimumhealth.co.uk or tel: 0030 28920 42356

HERBAL REMEDIES

Herbs have been used as medicine for thousands of years. Trained herbalists take a three or four-year degree course before accreditation. The scientists behind the Nature’s Sunshine herbal remedies are highly trained and skilled in the use of herbs. There may be contraindications with some of the herbs such as St John’s Wort should not be taken along with drugs for depression. These contraindications are always printed on the bottle and also appear in the Nature’s Sunshine Product Guide.

Here are some of the herbal remedies that may help to alleviate various ailments. Some of the names of the remedies have changed so I’ve put the former name in brackets.

Fenugreek and Fennel Combination (ALJ) Stock No: 775

An excellent respiratory formula for relieving sinus and upper respiratory congestion associated with allergies.

Cranberry and Buchu Combination

Stock No: 834

A specially designed herbal combination for urinary tract health and the prevention of infection in individuals prone to urinary tract infections such as cystitis. Additional benefits include deodorizing the urine, strengthening the bladder and kidneys, relieving low back pain, and reducing water retention.

Marshmallow & Chamomile Combination (Intestinal Soothe and Build) Stock No: 1105

Commonly used for abdominal pain/cramping, celiac disease, colic, colitis, constipation, Crohn’s, diarrhoea, diverticulitis, dyspepsia, gastritis, gastroenteritis, hemorrhoids, hyperacidity, irritable bowel syndrome, poor digestion and ulcers.

Black Cohosh and Licorice Combination

(C-X) Stock No: 1204

Has a proven track record for correcting hormonal imbalances and relieving the symptoms of menopause, including hot flashes, insomnia, nervous irritability, night sweats and sexual disinterest.

Raspberry and Dong Quai Combination

(FC with Dong Quai) Stock No: 882

A female corrective formula for enhancing glandular function and normalizing hormone imbalances. Irregularities of the menstrual cycle, pain, cramping and emotional distress are all associated with female glandular dysfunction. This formula contains herbs that nourish these glands to promote healthy functioning and has also been used to alleviate frigidity, menstrual disorders, morning sickness, muscle cramps, and a variety of symptoms associated with PMS, including abdominal/back pain, acne outbreaks, constipation, diarrhea, emotional imbalances, fatigue, headache, irritability, mastalgia (breast tenderness), nervous tension and water weight gain.

Cascara and Buckthorn Combination

(LBS II) Stock No: 990

An intestinal stimulant also referred to as a lower bowel-cleansing formula. Contains a blend of herbs, which stimulate the production of digestive fluids and bile to promote peristaltic action in the colon. Relaxes abdominal cramping and spasms, enhances liver function, purifies the blood, neutralizes acidic conditions, destroys intestinal parasites and worms, and fights infection. Commonly used for constipation, diarrhoea, digestive problems, dry stool, flatulence, gallstones and gout.

Perilla & Cyperus Combination

(Mood Elevator) Stock No: 1878

A Chinese herbal combination that acts as a natural anti-depressant to increase vitality and improve a downcast disposition. It is neither a sedative, nor habit-forming but simply lifts the mood.

St John’s Wort - Stock No: 655

In 1996, the prestigious British Medical Journal published results of a systematic review of 23 randomized, controlled trials using St. John’s Wort, involving over 1,750 outpatients with mild to moderately-severe depressive disorders. The review confirmed that St. John’s Wort is equally effective as standard anti depressant drugs, but, there is a significant advantage to using the herb simply due to its lack of side effects.

Ginkgo Biloba T/R - Stock No: 898

Improves circulation to the brain and so improves memory. Symptoms of cerebral insufficiency, which have responded favourably, include impaired mental function and short-term memory loss, depression, headaches, tinnitus, vertigo, and suppressed vitality.

Biota & Schizandra Combination

(Nervous Fatigue) Stock No: 1884

Strengthens the circulatory and nervous systems, acting as a rejuvenative tonic for weakness and fatigue stemming from stress, emotional burnout, or chronic nervous conditions. Is recommended for treating both physical and emotional conditions, including agitation, anxiety, confusion, depression, heart palpitations, high blood pressure, impotence, insomnia, irritability, nervous exhaustion and restlessness.

Saw Palmetto & Pygeum Combination (Men’s Formula) Stock No: 3141

A unique blend of nutrients, which have been identified in scientific studies to benefit prostate health. It is particularly beneficial for men over 40 experiencing swelling, pain or difficulty urinating and in treating benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH), also known as enlarged prostate.