October 2000

Skin Problems? - Help is at hand.

Skin disorders such as psoriasis and eczema may not be life threatening, but living with them can be a nightmare not just for adults but also for children. They can seriously affect a child’s self-esteem and many children suffering from these skin conditions underachieve at school and frequent sleepless nights mean family life can also be badly disrupted.

Eczema is essentially inflammation of the skin and afflicts up to one-fifth of all children under the age of eleven. The eczema-prone are typically deficient in vitamin B6, zinc and Evening Primrose Oil. Eczema is generally exacerbated by animal fat, so a reduction in dairy products, fried foods and saturated fat from meats may help.

Psoriasis afflicts an estimated 2 to 4 per cent of Americans and the condition is a medical mystery. It is not caused by an infection or allergic reaction, nor does it appear to be caused by stress, foods or vitamin and mineral deficiencies. It may be an autoimmune condition, meaning that the immune system attacks the body. Psoriasis somehow interferes with the normal growth and replacement cycle of skin cells.

In the past couple of years there has been growing interest in a completely natural plant remedy, which has no known adverse side effects, and is particularly safe and suitable for young children. This remedy is the Oregon Grape, a common plant from the forests of North America.

Tests by US and Canadian researchers have proven that Oregon Grape is one of the world’s five most powerful herbal anti-fungals. It also helps with the elimination of toxins from the body and it slows the proliferation of certain skin cells.

Here are some suggested products that can sometimes provide significant relief:

OREGON GRAPE – a liquid extract suitable for children and adults. Use to treat both eczema and psoriasis.

LICORICE EXTRACT – Apply it directly to the affected areas using a cotton wool ball or clean cloth.

BP-X – This is an effective blood cleanser to treat psoriasis when taken orally. A tea made with BP-X or Echinacea can be used as a lotion to bathe affected areas.

FLAXSEED OIL – This plant oil is very similar to fish oil and has a reputation for helping to relieve psoriasis.

EVENING PRIMROSE OIL – This oil is rich in a compound called gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) and is known for being effective in treating eczema.

ULTIMATE ECHINACEA – This liquid extract may be helpful in treating eczema and children over six can also take it.

N.B. If the eczema is stress related then try Nutri-Calm or  B-Complex.

 Key System Products

This month I thought I would cover the Digestive System, which is another system that many people find is a problem on their Lifestyle Analysis Form.

The Digestive System

The Digestive System is responsible for breaking down food to glean nutrients important to the body. The food we eat must be digested and assimilated properly in order to maintain adequate energy levels. The stomach is responsible for preliminary digestion and prepares food for complete digestion.

What are Enzymes?

Enzymes are essential for digesting food, stimulating the brain, providing cellular energy, and repairing all tissues, organs and cells. Enzymes assist in practically all body functions and each enzyme has a specific role in the body that no other enzyme can fulfil. However, the body’s ability to produce these enzymes decreases by the age of thirty-five and continues to decrease with age. Digestive tissues maintain the ability to function as long as we obtain sufficient amounts of antioxidants, vitamins and other substances such as carotenoids (found in fruits, vegetables, grains and cereals). Cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and broccoli provide substances that are especially important for these tissues. It is also important for these tissues to get adequate dietary fibre to help maintain good tissue tone, and to avoid excessive saturated fat to promote proper digestive function.

Key System Product – Proactazyme

Proactazyme is a digestive enzyme supplement designed to assist the digestion of food, in particular the hard-to-digest foods. The formula is scientifically balanced for maximum effectiveness and contains six digestive enzymes - all from plant sources – together with an exclusive herbal blend that serves three purposes:

• to relax and soothe the stomach

• to activate the enzymes

•  to buffer and stabilise the enzymes.

One capsule will break down 30g of protein, 30g of carbohydrates and 20g of fat. I saw a demonstration once where two bowls of porridge, mixed with water, were placed on a table. The contents of two capsules of Proactazyme were added to one of the bowls and left to stand. After five minutes the bowl with the Proactazyme had turned to liquid whereas the other bowl of porridge was completely solid! So you can see how very quickly this product breaks down food for easier digestion. And taking Proactazyme will keep you looking young!

A comprehensive fact sheet is available on Proactazyme as well as the other supporting products for the Digestive System. Here are just a few of them:

AG-X – This product may relieve the symptoms of wind or bloated stomach within 30 minutes of taking the capsules.

MORINDA – More commonly known as Noni in Hawaii, the Morinda fruit has been used for a variety of health concerns too numerous to mention here, but includes digestive disorders. Morinda has been traditionally considered as a body tonic to be taken in the morning and/or before meals, especially during times of rest when the body is subjected to the least amount of stress.

PAPAYA MINT CHEWABLE – These are great to keep in your handbag to take as a digestive aid by sucking on one 30 minutes before a meal, or just as a breath freshener. A much healthier option to Polo Mints since they don’t contain any sugar.

Your Letters

Many thanks for your letters and testimonials. Here are two of them. Please keep sending them to me, together with your comments or questions.

It was over a year ago that my youngest daughter, Alice, started having very dry, cracked skin on her toes. I tried different creams but the condition became so painful that she started walking on her heels! It was then that I decided to take her to the doctor. However, he said that there was nothing he could prescribe, it was just a modern-day condition caused by the frequent wearing of trainers. Since Alice hardly wore trainers, I decided to call Peter Klein, the herbalist, for advice. He suggested I open a Vitamin E with Selenium capsule and mix it with a little Aloe Vera Gel. I rubbed it into Alice’s toes every morning and evening and was amazed that the dry, cracked skin disappeared within days.

I always keep a bottle of Aloe Vera Gel handy in case the condition should come back, but it’s also good for burns and rubbing into wounds as it aids the healing process, and both my daughters quite often come home from school with cuts on their knees!

Judith Floyd, Pontyclun

I’ve known for quite some time that Aloe Vera has many healing properties. The juice is particularly effective for constipation, IBS and arthritis. NSP also produces an Aloe Vera Gel and I always have a bottle of it in my bathroom cupboard.

I grow runner beans and when I pick the beans there’s something on the leaves that makes my arms itch like crazy. I usually just suffer, rubbing my arms until the itching stops. Then this year I discovered that the Aloe Vera Gel stops the itching within ten minutes. I also use it as an After Sun lotion. One bottle lasts me for two weeks on holiday and it actually works out much cheaper than conventional After Sun.

Lynne Gully, Orpington 

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FORTHCOMING EVENTS

Nature’s Sunshine Natural Health Event

Date:    Sunday 15 October 2000

Time:   12pm – 5pm

Venue: The Belfry, Sutton Coldfield 

Alvin Segelman Workshops

Date:    7 - 11 November 2000

Time:   to be announced shortly.

As a precaution pregnant or lactating women should consult their health care provider before taking any herbal or nutritional supplements.

Information and statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated  and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.