This is a selection of some of Val's recent articles which have been published in the West Australian
Pelargonium
is here - but what is it?
Cinnamon
and Honey - What a Combination!
New
research on Turmeric
Mighty
Magnesium
Pelargonium
is here - but what is it?
Avid gardeners
hearing of Pelargonium might say that its a sort of geranium, however a medicinal
herbal root extract of the South African herb Pelargonium Sidoides has just
become available in Australia for prescribing by qualified
herbalists. We are really excited about this as Pelargonium carries with it
a long history of the successful treating of upper respiratory conditions in
both adults and children.
Extensive European clinical trials have validated Pelargonium as a safe and beneficial herb for the treatment of acute bronchitis. It is now Europe's most widely used herb for the treatment of respiratory complaints.
Not only is Pelargonium used to treat acute bronchitis, but is used also for acute sinusitis, (especially recurring), acute tonsillitis, middle ear infections, glue ear and persistent coughs and colds. Trials and studies of Pelargonium have found that it acts as an antibacterial by stimulating the immune system to provide antiviral activity. It protects the upper respiratory tract from bacterial colonisation and infection, possibly reducing the way bacteria cling to or invade respiratory cell membranes.
Anyone who has ever tasted a prescription-strength herbal tonic will vouch for the fact that such tonics don't win the poll for taste popularity. The beauty of Pelargonium is that its taste is mild and pleasant, which makes it very easy to administer to children, even very young ones, as well as adults. When you have a raging, sore and swollen throat, swallowing anything solid such as a tablet can be really painful, so a simple liquid tonic is the preferred option. This winter has been very cold and wet so we are delighted to have this new weapon to help combat the many cases of upper respiratory infections which are still prevailing.
Pelargonium has been traditionally used by the indigenous people of South Africa for treating cough, tuberculosis, gastritis and dysentery. An Englishman, Charles Henry Stevens, first introduced this herb to Europe after using it for the treatment of tuberculosis and experiencing relief. Stevens called Pelargonium 'Umckaloabo', which we think refers to complaints associated with lung diseases and chest pains.
In Germany, Pelargonium has been produced and used by herbalists for the treatment of upper respiratory infections for over 60 years, and just recently, official German approval of Pelargonium Sidoides has been granted to enable medical doctors to prescribe this herb in relation to the treatment of acute bronchitis.
Here in Australia, herbal remedies must (quite rightly) undergo long and rigorous testing evaluations by the Government's Therapeutic Goods Administration before approval for Australian usage and prescription. On the one hand we can feel very safe and well protected by this surveillance; on the other hand it is frustrating to know that Europe has enjoyed many years of access to Pelargonium whilst we in Australia have not had this opportunity until now. How many children could have avoided earaches, grommets, painful tonsillitis and hacking coughs? How many adults may have recovered faster from acute sinusitis or bronchitis? Rest assured we will be making up for lost time.If you are struggling to clear an upper respiratory infection, or your children regularly fall victim to ear, nose and throat infections, then why not seek help from a qualified Western Australian herbalist who can help improve your health using this brilliant herb.
Cinnamon and Honey - What a Combination!
Cinnamon has been used for thousands of years to treat all manner of ailments. The main varieties of cinnamon are Cinnamomum zeylanium or verum which is mainly grown in Ceylon and the Middle East and Cinnamomum cassia which is grown in China and Asia. The inner bark of cinnamon is dried and rolled into quills, then crushed into powered form or cinnamon oil is extracted. When used therapeutically, these cinnamon varieties are very useful in treating nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, rheumatism, arthritis, colds, infections, high blood pressure, poor circulation, female complaints, bloating and indigestion. Herbalists tend to use a stabilised oil extract of cinnamon when prescribing this herb.
Significant research has revealed that cinnamon contains some highly beneficial properties:
Cinnamon trials demonstrated antibacterial and antifungal properties. Traditionally cinnamon has been used to treat bladder, stomach and bowel infections and the duration of colds and influenza is shortened.
Cinnamon has an antispasmodic effect on the stomach and intestinal muscles by improving digestion and reducing gas, bloating and flatulence. It also clears acidity, reducing the painful inflammation of rheumatic arthritis conditions.
Cinnamon has been shown to stimulate the ability of the digestive system to utilise insulin and is valuable for improving insulin resistance in pre-diabetic people.
Cinnamon demonstrates high levels of antioxidants by activating antioxidant enzymes; these enzymes act as vaso-dilators, stimulating peripheral circulation to the extremities including the brain. This could account for the reputation of cinnamon as a longevity nutrient and its reputation for lowering blood pressure.
The therapeutic qualities of honey as a powerful healing agent are derived from the specific enzymes, iron and vitamin properties it contains. These healing properties are only present in unprocessed, non-heated raw honey. Many would be familiar with the successful treatment of leg ulcers and wounds using honey ointments. For centuries honey has been used in combination with cinnamon in both Oriental and Ayurvedic Medicine, and specific combinations have been credited with alleviating many conditions.
Recently publicity was given to a Canadian Weekly World News article written in 1995 that listed 'cures' for many diseases resulting from scientific research on the use of a combination of cinnamon and honey. However, extreme claims are unwise, but nevertheless it is worth considering some obvious benefits from cinnamon and honey, which, if used judiciously, could provide health benefits at relatively low cost.
Cold
and Influenza
Combine
1 tablespoon of honey with a 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon and consume daily to reduce
the severity of infections and clear the sinuses. Honey strengthens the white
blood corpuscles to fight infection.
Arthritis
Researchers
at Copenhagen University treated 200 patients with 1 tablespoon of honey mixed
with 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon powder taken before breakfast. Within one week,
73 patients were totally relieved of pain and within four weeks, almost all
patients were walking with greatly reduced pain.
Longevity
In America and Canada, various nursing homes have treated patients with 1 dessertspoon
of honey and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon spread on bread or toast for breakfast.
This combination seems to increase the flexibility of aging arteries and veins
and is heart protective.
Bladder
Infections
Two tablespoons of cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of honey in a glass of lukewarm water
daily cleared the infection quickly.
Indigestion
and Gas
Studies in India and Japan have shown that 2 tablespoons of honey mixed with
1 teaspoon of cinnamon relieved indigestion.
Weight
Loss
Prepare the following tonic at night; stir 1 teaspoon of cinnamon into 1 cup
of boiling water; cover and stand for 30 minutes to cool then stir in 2 teaspoons
of unprocessed honey. Drink 1/2 cup of this before going to bed. Refrigerate
the remainder and drink before breakfast next day. This tonic improves and detoxes
the digestive system and seems helpful for weight loss.
Infertility
Ayurvedic Medicine has used honey to strengthen male sperm count. Taking 2 tablespoons
of honey before bed improves male fertility rates. Far East countries encourage
women to apply a pinch of cinnamon powder in 1/2 teaspoon honey to their gums
frequently during the day to strengthen female reproductive organs and increases
fertility. In Babylon, 4000 years ago, the bride's father suppled the groom
with honey mead for one lunar month hence our word 'honeymoon'; fertility was
obviously important to families in that era.
Maybe we need to consider honey and cinnamon on toast as a regular part of a healthy diet for longevity!
Turmeric is most commonly known as a yellow curry spice used in Asian cooking, however, new evidence from recent scientific trials indicate that turmeric could be one of our most amazing therapeutic foods. Until recently, grape seed extract was recognised as the most amazing powerful antioxidant available, it has now been shown that curcumin (extracted from turmeric) is ten times more potent!
Some of the beneficial attributes linked to turmeric are:-
One study shows that turmeric extract stimulates the conversion of cholesterol into bile salts, which increases the excretion of harmful cholesterol. This action prevents plaque build-up in arteries, providing protection against heart attacks and strokes. This action similarly protects against Alzheimer's disease by reducing plaque.
It is interesting to note that the incidence of Alzheimer's disease is relatively low in India. A study by Soni and Kuttan showed healthy volunteers consuming 500mg of curcumin daily over seven days reduced blood levels of oxidised cholesterol by 33%, reduced total cholesterol by nearly12% and increased HDL (good cholesterol) by 29%.
Tests conducted on rats showed that curcumin was protective against oxidative stress, seemingly to underlying the development of eye cataracts. Further tests showed that curcumin significantly reduces arachadonic acid levels, which cause inflammatory diseases such as colitis, irritable bowel problems and painful arthritic joint swelling. It appears that curcumin could be valuable as an anit-inflammatory nutrient, which is also capable of soothing and healing the digestive tract.
It has been shown that curcumin is an incredibly powerful antioxidant and is useful in lowering the rate of breast, lung, prostate and colon cancer. In studies using mice, the use of curcumin slowed the spread of breast cancer cells to lung cancer cells.
Promising trials by Dr Aggarwal in 2005 have shown that curcumin can suppress further tumour formation. He believes that curcumin in some way shuts down some genes involved in the growth and invasion of cancer cells.
Prostate cancer is possibly the second leading cause of death in Australian men, yet it is rare amongst men in India whose low risk rate is attributed to a diet rich in brassica vegetables (cauliflower, broccoli etc) and turmeric. Protection against prostate cancer may be provided by consuming one teaspoon of turmeric together with 1 cup of cauliflower or broccoli daily. Bowel polyps, the precursor to colon cancer, were significantly reduced in trials by volunteers consuming one teaspoon of turmeric with one onion (for quercetin) daily.
Turmeric needs heat, liquid and oil to release its healing properties and for it to be digested effectively; so prepare stir-fries using olive oil, stock, cauliflower, broccoli and turmeric together, or make a broth using stock, a little oil onion, turmeric and brassica vegetables.
Do seek professional advice from a professional naturopath or herbalist for guidance if considering turmeric as therapy for any of the above conditions.
I was prompted to highlight magnesium as a valuable, but underrated nutrient in our bodies by a female patient this who had a dramatic improvement in vitality and health simply by increasing her intake of magnesium. In her words ÒI feel like someone has turned on the light!Ó. Her energy levels, sleep pattern, digestion, fluid elimination and tired limbs had significantly changed in six weeks. So many people experience such changes that I believe more needs to be understood on this topic.
Most people are familiar with the role of calcium, iron, potassium and B vitamins, for example, but what is the function of magnesium in our systems? According to well known Perth Doctor, Igor Tabrizian, magnesium is the unsung hero in our system.
Magnesium is vitally involved in energy cycles, muscle power, glucose regulation, concentration, sleep regulation, muscle relaxation, nervous system toning and calming activities, plus it is the key balancing agent for minerals.
The most tricky aspect of magnesium is that most of it is stored inside our cells, muscle and bone tissue, so only 1% of our magnesium is present in the blood stream. No wonder many people are depleted in magnesium without it ever showing up in a blood test!
Magnesium is eliminated from the body through perspiration and urine. This loss is increased by consuming coffee or alcohol, by taking the oral contraceptive pill or hormone replacement therapy, diuretics, ACE inhibitors or beta blockers. Pregnancy and stress also use vast amounts of magnesium. Crops with added fertilisers, refined foods and excessive milk consumption also contribute to depleted magnesium levels.
Our best food sources of magnesium are almonds, cashews, brazil nuts, mineral water, cocoa, fresh green vegetables, molasses, soy beans, sesame seeds, parsnips and wholegrain cereals. Tap water - especially 'hard water' is also magnesium rich, however Perth has shown low levels in its ground water.
Energy cycles benefit from magnesium as it acts like a spark plug to activate enzymes necessary for metabolising carbohydrates and proteins, thus creating energy. This can also benefit weight loss and adequate magnesium releases excessive fluid from the tissues reducing puffiness and bloating. Intestinal cramps and constipation are frequently relieved by this process.
As magnesium is necessary for nerve and muscle activity it is an excellent regulator for the heart, so palpitations, rapid or erratic heart rhythms respond well if magnesium is administered. Any muscle disturbance such as weakness , cramps, muscle pains, muscle or nerve twitching will respond to increased magnesium.
The nervous system responds will to mag
nesium supplementation for anxiety, agitation, headaches, sleep disturbance, dizziness, tinnitus, seizures, concentration, tantrums, tremors and nerve tics usually indicate depleted levels. Bones and teeth essentially require magnesium in combination with calcium, phosphorous and Vitamin D. It is magnesium, not calcium which helps the outside enamel of teeth to harden and resist decay.
If kidney stones are a problem, magnesium in the system will prevent the accumalation of calcium deposits in the urinary tract, thus preventing the formation of future stones in most cases.
I suspect most readers would have at least one symptom from the above lists, so if the magnesium foods mentioned are in your diet, you may need to consider a magnesium supplement. Do seek professional help to ensure you achieve the best results.