Bladder Infections – Healthy.net

CYSTITIS

What Doctors Don't Tell You — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 20:51:58 +0000

Romany medicine the system of healing used over centuries by gypsies has a range of therapies for cystitis. The system, preserved orally through centuries, has been purposefully ignored by all forms of medicine, yet where Romany medicine has been ob

In the case of cystitis, gypsies use either the tough little leaves of the wild cranberry (also known as the cowberry), or its close relative, the upland cranberry (or bearberry). One heaped teaspoon of the leaves is added to two cups of water and then boiled down to one cup (Planta Medica 18:1-25 1970; J Uriology, AE Sobota, 131 pp1013, 1016, 1984).

For fluid retention, gypsies expose sufferers to the rising smoke of smouldering juniper berries. Although an infusion made from juniper berries is an excellent diuretic, gypsies know that prolonged exposure can cause kidney infections and contractions in pregnant women. The smoke from juniper berries, which give off volatile oils, has a gentler diuretic effect (M Raida, “Zigeunermedizin”, reference as above). For resistant urinary tract infections, gypsies use a three day course of infusions of juniper berries (in non pregnant patients only) (Arzneimittel Foprschung, V May and G Willhun 28, 1-7, 1978). There is also evidence to suggest that it promotes interferon like (interferon is a protein which induces immunity to viruses) activity in cell culture and chicken embryos (Acta Pol Pharm, T Skwarek, 326:715-720, 1979).

To treat frequent urination, gypsies prescribe a tablespoon of dried yarrow with a teaspoon of arnica blossoms in half a litre of boiling water. This is allowed to draw for five minutes and then half of it drunk before bed. The rest of the mixture, slightly warmed, is then drunk the following morning on an empty stomach. Yarrow is believed to stimulate the body’s resistance to disease generally and is often used as a preventative medicine (H Wagner and A Proksch, Economic and Medicinal Plant Research, vol 1, London Academic Press, 1985).

For cystic catarrh or bladder inflammation, Romany medicine prescribes two handfuls of dried chopped black elder bark boiled in half a litre of water.

Leave to draw for 10 minutes, strain, and then drink the entire quantity in small cups throughout the day (Martindale 26th ed; Brit Phamacopoaeia (1934); Merck Index; Brit Herbal Pharmacopeia (1976) vol 1).

For weak bladders, spiny restharrow in pyelonephritis and the leaves of sugar beet are prescribed (RF Weiss, Herbal Medicine, Gothenburg; A B Arcanum, English translation 1988).

Harald Gaier is a registered naturopath, homoeopath and osteopath.

Biliary (gallbladder) sludge

What Doctors Don't Tell You — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 20:51:58 +0000

This is a question regarding excruciating abdominal pain in the early hours of the morning (lasting up to 4 hours)! The attacks fall anywhere between nine days and two months apart. The hospital can only offer complete removal of the gallbladder. Can anyone offer any information or advice? One reader who has had gallstones for five years says that, bizarre as it sounds, a high-fat diet works wonders. Too much sugar and refined carbohydrates can contribute to gallstones, so she decided to cut them out. Three years later, she has yet to have another attack, and she’s sticking to a high-fat, low-carb diet (she’s also lost three stone). The theory is that when you only eat fat occasionally, the gallbladder is inactive and gallstones build up. If you’re eating fat 6 times a day, however, the gallbladder is constantly active, and any gallstones are kept too small to cause pain. Another reader suggested the Chinese remedy LIDAN, claiming it offers relief within a few hours. There are gallbladder flushes you can find on the Internet – one woman uses a combination of two she found online and recommends you find the one that works for you. Drinking a combination of olive oil, ginger and garlic will help shift gallstones, and drinking apple juice will soften the stones.

BLADDER CONTROL: Is it all in the mind?

What Doctors Don't Tell You — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 20:51:58 +0000

Around one-sixth of all adults, and proportionately many more among the elderly, have an overactive bladder. Symptoms include a sudden urgency to urinate, urinary incontinence, frequent urination, and nocturia, which is a need to urinate during the night.

If you decide to see your doctor about it, he will prescribe an anticholinergic drug. We know they cause side-effects such as dry mouth and eyes, constipation, headache and nausea – but we don’t know if they work.

Researchers at Otago University in New Zealand researched 32 studies that were double-blind – the participants were given either the drug or a placebo, but they did not know which they were being given.

To the researchers’ surprise, the anticholinergic drug worked well – and so did the placebo. In fact, there was virtually no difference in their effectiveness except that the placebo didn’t come with the side-effects.

The researchers concluded that the effectiveness of drug therapy was debatable – but they missed the real point. If people think they’re getting a drug, their overactive bladder problems all but disappear – all of which throws open the whole question of the role of the mind in dealing with health problems.

(Source: British Medical Journal, 2003; 326: 841-4).

Gallbladder ops going up

What Doctors Don't Tell You — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 20:51:58 +0000

Since the introduction of laparoscopic cholecystectomy, the number of gallbladder operations has increased by up to 60 per cent, according to researchers.

They suggest that the higher rates may reflect a broadening of accepted indications for surgery and an overreadiness on the part of surgeons to press ahead for the operation.
Unlike open surgery, laparoscopic gallbladder surgery is conducted using a laparoscope, which is inserted through a small incision. The surgeon performs surgery via a view of the organs on a videoscreen. ‘Patients who previously were felt to have minimal or questionable symptoms attributable to gallstones may now be offered the new technology because of its presumed lesser morbidity,’ they say.

In other words, because the new technique is thought by surgeons to be less risky, they are carrying it out on patients who probably don’t need it. The researchers also point out that the doctors have taken up this technique with such enthusiasm before ‘any formal evaluation of its benefits and risks by academic centers.’- JAMA, 22-29 September 1993.

Meanwhile, another study suggests that laparoscopic surgery may not bring many of the benefits supposedly associated with it.

Researchers in Hong Kong concluded that those having their appendix removed by laparoscopic or conventional surgery had ‘no significant differences postoperatively for pain score, analgesic requirement, time to reintroduction of diet or hospital stay.’ The main difference they found was a longer operating time for those having laparoscopic surgery.- The Lancet, 11 September 1993.

The bleeding bladder mystery

What Doctors Don't Tell You — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 20:51:58 +0000

Mr K.R., a 42-year-old financier originally from Kenya, was troubled by recurrent dull pelvic pain accompanied by blood in his urine. The pain intensified as his bladder filled with urine, then decreased after being emptied. Such episodes lasted for a few days to three weeks or longer. Physical exertion, he believed, triggered the attacks. He also complained of a permanent urgency to urinate, a greater frequency of urination, and a continuous vague but unpleasant sense of pressure in the bladder and the surrounding pelvic region.

On investigation, his prostate was not enlarged, and his rate of urinary flow was normal. He had no urinary tract infection or bladder cancer, neurological disorder or sexually transmitted disease. A cystoscopy, performed during a period of remission, revealed bladder-wall inflammation, but no glomerulations – pinpoint bleeding caused by recurrent irritation. A biopsy of the bladder wall revealed the presence of mast cells, suggestive of allergic or allergy-like reactions.

When Mr K.R. came to see me, there was blood in his urine, so I tested him for schistosomiasis (a parasitic infection endemic in Africa), which was negative. He reluctantly agreed to a second cystoscopy, carried out while he was not in remission and with a full bladder. This time, glomerulations were indeed observed, explaining the blood in his urine.

Given the absence of other diseases to account for his symptoms, and the cystoscopic evidence of bladder-wall inflammation and glomerulations, I diagnosed interstitial cystitis (IC).

The patient went back to his urologist, who agreed with this diagnosis and presented him with three choices of treatment:

* Bladder distention, or stretching the bladder. Symptoms may worsen for 24-48 hours after the procedure, but should either return to predistention levels or improve (in about 35 per cent of cases, it’s believed) after three or four weeks;

* Bladder instillation in which, every two weeks, 50 mL of dimethyl sulphoxide (50 per cent solution) is instilled into the bladder, retained for 15 minutes and voided by the patient. Hypersensitivity reactions and bladder spasms may occur, and longer-term use requires eye (for possible cataracts), kidney and liver assessments at six-month intervals;

* The oral drug pentosan polysulphate sodium (PPS; Elmiron), 100 mg three times a day. Clinical trials have shown improved symptoms in 38 per cent of PPS-treated patients, although the changes may take up to six months to become evident. In addition, the drug is known to adversely affect liver function and, therefore, needs to be monitored.

Mr K.R. declined all three options and came back to me for alternatives. I prescribed the homoeopathic combination remedy Cephyl (by Boiron of Lyon, France), which helped. But what was even more beneficial was transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS). Gentle stretching exercises further relieved his IC symptoms – the unpleasant pressure pain was under control and the episodes of blood in the urine seemed to be fewer and farther between.

He later came to tell me that while taking antihistamines for his hayfever, the whole IC problem improved considerably. This suggested that there was an allergic component to his condition.

While there is no scientific evidence linking IC and diet, anecdotal reports do suggest links between bladder irritation/inflammation and certain foods such as alcohol, tomatoes and other nightshades (e.g. potatoes and aubergines), spices, chocolate, citrus, caffeinated drinks, high-acid foods and artificial sweeteners.

By eliminating these items from his diet and reintroducing them one at a time, he was able to determine which, if any, affected his symptoms. Mr K.R. also quit smoking (tobacco is a nightshade) as the habit is known to be a major cause of bladder cancer. When he excluded chocolate, coffee, tea, red wine and cola drinks from his diet, his urination urgency and frequency problems totally disappeared; blood in his urine has also not recurred in four years so far.

Harald Gaier
Harald Gaier is a registered naturopath, osteopath, homoeopath and herbalist. He can be contacted at The Diagnostic Clinic, London, tel: 020 7009 4650

Tinnitus and bladder prolapse

What Doctors Don't Tell You — Fri, 23 Jun 2006 20:51:58 +0000

Q I am debating whether to have a vaginal hysterectomy for prolapse, which is affecting my bladder and leading to frequent urination. There are no other medical problems.

I would like to know more about bladder prolapse and which alternative route to go down, such as pelvic exercise or homoeopathy.

I am determined not to have an operation, but the consultant gynaecologist at my local hospital tells me that my womb has dropped 50 per cent, taking my bladder with it and distorting its position, and that, therefore, a vaginal hysterectomy is the only answer. – RB, Totnes, Devon

A Bladder prolapse (cystocoele) is a surprisingly common condition that occurs when the pelvic floor muscles become weak or damaged, usually because of childbirth (and especially after a forceps delivery), or as a result of ageing, obesity, strain from heavy lifting or coughing, or fibroids.

Once the pelvic muscles are weakened, they may not be able to support the pelvic organs, thus allowing the bladder to fall towards the vagina, creating a bulge in the vaginal wall. The bladder and urethra often prolapse together (cystourethrocoele), which is the most common form of prolapse. The womb can also drop down into the vagina.

A typical symptom of cystocoele is urinary incontinence or an urgent need to urinate. Other symptoms can include a heavy sensation in the vagina, lower-back pain, pelvic pain or pain during sex.

There are a few changes you should make to your daily regime that can make your life more comfortable.

One important aspect is diet. You should be eating plenty of fibre – found in fresh fruits, vegetables and bran – which will avoid constipation, and so reduce any straining. Try to lose weight if you are very overweight or obese.

Yoga can also help relieve strain, but it’s important to attend a class with a teacher who understands your problem, and so can recommend the best postures.

As far as long-term solutions go, medicine tends to offer either hormone replacement therapy or surgery. But as doctors in the UK are now being advised by government agencies not to prescribe HRT for secondary conditions such as osteoporosis, it may follow that the therapy will also be dropped for prolapse.

Surgery is the last resort, and is usually only recommended when all other (recognised) alternatives have been tried, and if the patient is willing to have the operation. This is especially true for a hysterectomy, whether or not the patient is of child-bearing years.

Hysterectomy will, of course, remove the prolapsed organ altogether, and the surgeon should take into account your health, age, sexual activity and whether you want to keep the uterus.

It’s equally important for you to find out your surgeon’s level of skill, and the number of such procedures he has successfully completed. The surgery is complicated, and it may not resolve the problem, especially if other prolapsed organs are involved.

Your surgeon should tell you that hysterectomy increases the risk of other types of prolapse, especially vaginal vault prolapse. You should also be aware that your sex life may well be affected, despite the denials of your surgeon. Some women also feel a sense of profound loss after surgery, and may require counselling.

The surgeon should also be proposing some alternative procedures, which usually involve lifting the prolapsed organ back into place, and strengthening the supporting muscles.

One technique, called ‘anterior repair’ or ‘colporrhaphy’, is carried out through the vagina under general anaesthesia. An incision is made into the front (anterior) wall of the vagina so that the bladder and urethra can be pushed back into position. The tissues are then stitched together to provide extra support for the organs (‘sacrospinal fixation’), or a mesh can be fitted, if prolapse has occurred before, in a procedure known as ‘sacrohysteropexy’.

Colporraphy comes with its own problems. It is a very complicated procedure, and so it is even more important than with hysterectomy to fully know the experience level of the surgeon. Painful sex and incontinence are common problems after surgery, which throws into question the purpose of undergoing the procedure in the first place.

Your concerns about surgery are well founded. Surgical outcomes can be very hit-or-miss, and can often make the problem worse in the long run, if not immediately. Around one in three women need additional and corrective surgery at some stage later on.

Mild prolapse is usually treated without surgery, especially if the patient is not experiencing too much discomfort or pain. Your described symptoms suggest that yours is a mild condition, or grade-1 prolapse, although the physical evidence from your surgeon suggests it is more serious. A grade-2 prolapse is when the uterus has dropped into the vagina and the cervix is visible at the vaginal opening. Grade 3 is when more of the uterus has fallen through the vaginal opening, and is also known as ‘procidentia’.

A new technique is being tried in the US to help bladder control, although it does not correct the prolapsed organs. Intestim therapy, approved in the US a year ago, is an implant described as a ‘bladder pacemaker’. It can be fitted to men and women who experience a sudden and pressing urge to urinate, and involves placing an electrode in the lower back that sends mild electrical pulses to the sacral nerve. This, in turn, controls the bladder and surrounding muscles that manage urinary function. Unfortunately, Intestim is too new to be assessed in terms of its safety, reliability or efficacy.

A variety of non-surgical options can control and improve the problem. Physiotherapy can help even moderate (grade-2) prolapse, and usually involves pelvic floor, or Kegel, exercises. These exercises can stop the prolapse from worsening, and can also ease backache, pelvic pain and incontinence.

It’s better that a trained physiotherapist instructs you at the beginning, and checks your progress with biofeedback. The pelvic floor muscles act as a ‘hammock’ to support the pelvic organs, and the exercises involve tightening just the muscles around the anus and vagina – not those of the stomach, legs or buttocks.

The exercises should form part of your daily routine, but it’s essential to be patient and to persevere. It may take up to six months before you start noticing any improvements.

You can ‘supercharge’ the exercises by using a vaginal cone – a small weight placed in the vagina. The pelvic floor muscles are then used to keep it in place for up to 20 minutes a day.

Another option is the vaginal pessary, a device, similar to a diaphragm or cervical cap, that is inserted into the vagina to keep the prolapsed organs in place. They can be a good option if you have elected not to have surgery.

A pessary needs to be fitted by your doctor, and you should be monitored to ensure that the fit is correct and that it’s doing its job. A two-ring pessary is often recommended for women with severe (grade-3) prolapse. Pessaries are usually also removed by a doctor or nurse.

As with surgery, pessaries are not for everyone. They can interfere with sexual intercourse, and there can sometimes be a smelly discharge. Some women are also allergic to latex, from which the pessary is made.

Because prolapse is a physical condition, alternative and complementary therapies do not offer many options. There is a range of herbs that can help strengthen the body’s tissues, such as false unicorn root (Chamaelirium luteum), white oak bark (Quercus alba), pond lily root (Nymphaea), black walnut hull (Juglans nigra), stone root (Collinsonia canadensis) and goldenseal root (Hydrastis canadensis).

Finally, try following a diet rich in raw fruits and vegetables, which can also help the strengthening of tissues.

Herbal Primer Using the Healing Herbs

Christopher Hobbs LAc AHG — Wed, 06 Dec 2000 13:28:02 +0000

Introduction

The use of medicinal plants for the relief of the common ailments to which
the flesh is “heir” is of very ancient origin. In fact many of
the herbs we use so casually today, such as ginger, garlic and cardamon,
were recommended by physicians, and used by common people, for many of the
same health imbalances that we use them for today–over 5,000 years ago!
This safe history of use is reassuring in an age where dozens of new synthetic
drugs are coming on the market every year. Although a few of these drugs
may be of some use, and are thoroughly tested for safety, many herbalists
believe they are not energetically oriented to our human constitution, and
may later cause further imbalances, as well as use up vital energy–which
our body uses for its repair and healing process.

Today’s herbalism is an exciting re-discovery of our heritage of long acquaintance
with mother earth’s remedies. The energy of the chemical compounds in these
plants may be imbedded in our very DNA, for it is likely that we co-evolved
with them over many thousands of years. The use of medicinal herbs is also
prominently mentioned in most spiritual works throughout the world, such
as the Bible and the Rig Vedas. This is an indication that
herbs are not just a collection of active chemical compounds that simply
affect the dynamic biochemical balance of the body, but they can also play
an important part in our spiritual and emotional well-being as well. This
aspect of herbalism is often emphasized by today’s herbalist, who honors
the blessings of the herbal “green people.”

Today, herbalism is in the process of rediscovering its “roots.”
A new world herbalism is evolving from the various healing cultures, especially
Ayurveda, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and Traditional European Medicine
(TEM).

The following herbal prescriber comes from over 20 years and 3 generations
experience with herbs, and drawing on the collective experience of many
North American and European herbalists, which I honor as my teachers and
family members.

All the herbs mentioned can be found in natural food stores or herb stores
throughout the country, either in bulk form, liquid extract, extract tablets
or capsules or in powder form.

The common ailments mentioned are grouped according to body systems to make
the information more accessible.

Upper Respiratory Tract Conditions and their Complications

Colds

Colds are a natural part of the human life cycle and offer us valuable protection.
They are mediated by a number of viruses, such as Rhinovirus. The
average person has 2.4 colds/year in the U.S.–which adds up to a whopping
3/4 of a billion cold cases overall, throughout the country. Despite the
transitory misery, colds have a strong positive side–they increase elimination,
both by sweat and through the copious discharge of mucus from the nose;
they reduce our feeling of well-being, encouraging us to rest; and they
activate and exercise many immune functions–like a fire drill. Colds are
not considered serious in systems of traditional healing–for instance,
in Chinese Medicine they are considered “surface” phenomenon.
If we rest and drink cleansing teas and immune activators, the miserable
feelings should be minimal. In fact, our opportunity is to feel better after
the cold because of the excellent healing and environmental “adjustments”
our bodies have accomplished.

Colds are often characterized by an early-warning signal in the form of
a slight sore throat and can often be bypassed entirely by immediately taking
full dropper doses of echinacea tincture every two hours (if the sore throat
is particularly severe, a half dropperful of propolis or usnea tincture
should be added as well.) The echinacea is known to accomplish some of the
same beneficial activities as the cold itself, such as activation of our
phagocytes, or “garbage elimination” system.

Where runny noses are involved, golden seal is known to be useful for easing
excess secretions. A classic soothing tea for colds which aids the release
of heat from the body, and supports the body’s desire to eliminate accumulated
toxins, can be made by mixing equal parts of peppermint leaf, yarrow flowering
tops, and elder flowers. Use one teaspoonful per cup of the mixture and
steep 20 minutes. Drink several cups of the mixture throughout the day and
get plenty of rest. Further herbal remedies for this common ailment can
be found under Fevers, Coughs, Sore Throats and Sinus Infections.

Fevers

Besides the peppermint, yarrow, elder tea for reducing heat in the body,
try adding 4 drops of lavender oil to a bowl of tepid water and sponging
the hands, feet, and forehead with the mixture. Another excellent remedy:
steep common honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica) flowers (or fresh or
dried elder flowers) in hot water for 20 minutes, let cool, add the juice
of one-half lemon and a teaspoon of honey. Let the mixture cool and drink
several cups of it as needed.

Coughs

Coughs that produce white or clear sputum, especially when chronic, usually
result from a colder condition than yellow or green mucus which means there
is more heat.

For coughs accompanied by heat, to soothe and relax the upper respiratory
tract, make a tea of the following herbs: plantain leaves (1 part), coltsfoot
(1 part), thyme (1/2 part), marshmallow root (1/4 part), and licorice (1/4
part). Drink freely throughout the day. Full dropper doses of echinacea
can be taken in addition, every 2 hours, to activate macrophages in the
bronchial area.

My favorite cough remedy is a tea of 2 parts organic lemon peels, 1 part
garden sage (Salvia officinalis) and 1/2 part thyme. Add the herbs
to boiling water, remove from the heat, cover and steep for 15 minutes.
Add the juice of 1/2 lemon, 1 tsp honey and drink 2 or 3 cups during the
day as needed. Over the years, I have found this blend to be delicious and
effective.

For coughs due to coldness, or for chronic coughs of long-standing, expectorant
herbs are generally recommended. A good expectorant tincture product might
include herbs such as grindelia, yerba santa and balm of gilead. This mixture
can be used also be used as a tea, adding some of the herbs for coughs due
to heat above, as needed.

Sore throats

For painful sore throats, the natural antibiotic, usnea, works well either
singly or in formulations, both as a gargle and internally in tincture form–40
drops mixed with water. White sage tea, 1 teaspoon in 1 cup water steeped
for one minute, and mixed with lemon juice and honey, is very antiseptic.
Green tea is another option, as it contains tannins (polyphenols) which
are antibacterial and astringent, helping to eliminate mucus and reduce
the infection. Herbal immune activators and antiseptic herbs such as echinacea
or propolis are sometimes added, as well as soothing antiinflammatory herbs
such as licorice or marshmallow root tea. Antibiotic tinctures can be added
to this soothing tea base.

Flu

Influenza is a viral-based elimination syndrome that is more severe than
a cold–but it is often difficult to tell the two apart.

The aches and pains, fevers, and congestion which accompany flu are all
addressed in the following blend of herbs–boneset (2 parts), elder (1 part),
peppermint (1 part), echinacea (1 part), and yerba mansa (1 part). Drink
it warm and freely.

Other known flu herbs are garlic, which I sometimes take by cutting up a
clove or two into pill-size pieces and swallowing with tea, and anti-viral
herbs such as lemon balm, St. John’s wort, baptisia or thuja.

If digestive symptoms, such as diarrhea and abdominal tension or soreness
occur, add marshmallow root, lemon balm or black walnut in tincture or tea
form. If there is fever and nervousness, add lemon balm or blue vervain
in tea form.

Sinus Infections

For reducing heat and infection in the sinuses, echinacea (3 parts), usnea
(1 part) and golden seal (1 part) work well in combination, either in capsule
(2 every 4 hours) or tincture (40 drops of echinacea, 15 drops of usnea
and 15 drops of golden seal every 4 hours). A mild golden seal tea used
as a nasal wash can speed up the process. To help relieve stuffiness and
promote drainage, put 4 drops of eucalyptus oil in a bowl of boiled water,
put a towel over your head, lean over the bowl, and inhale for a few minutes.

Bronchitis

When mild upper respiratory tract ailments, such as colds or sinustis are
not treated and accompanied by rest, the infection may go deeper, leading
to bronchitis. At this stage, it is essential to rest, eat light, nourishing
food, and follow full courses of herbal treatment for at least a week. Usnea,
grindelia, yerba santa and echinacea are especially indicated.

Asthma

Teas or extracts of the following herbs can help alleviate the frightening
symptoms of breathlessness and wheezing common to asthma sufferers: grindelia
and yerba santa are more appropriate for asthma accompanied by heavy white
sputum, for their expectorant and antispasmodic effects on the bronchi;
coltsfoot, marshmallow root, mullein and licorice are better for dry types
of asthma for their soothing and moisturizing qualities, and ma huang (use
cautiously) for its brocho-dilating effects. It is sometimes beneficial
to eliminate dairy products for several months when one is experiencing
symptoms of asthma, and regular aerobic exercise is surprisingly effective.

Besides hereditary influence, asthma has emotional, immune, and stress components.
Emotional upset and depression is aided by St. John’s wort standardized
extract (1 tablet as needed), and anxiety by passion flower, California
poppy, and valerian (use the fresh plant tincture or extract). For immune
weakness, use an astragalus and reishi mixture and for stress, eleuthero
and licorice is helpful.

Women’s Imbalances

PMS

To help balance hormones, strengthen the generative organs, and lessen monthly
emotional ups and downs, any of the following herbs may be used in tea,
extract, or capsule form, though because of the strong taste, most people
usually prefer to take an extract or powder in tablet or capsule form: Vitex
(essential), black cohosh, false unicorn root, skullcap, and Dandelion.
Begin taking the herbs twice daily 10-12 days before the onset of menstruation
and continue until 3 days after. Because the health of the liver is considered
an important factor in PMS, dandelion root (tea or tincture) and milk thistle
(standardized extract or tincture) can be added for additional support.
In particularly difficult cases, the herbs should be taken as a tonic for
several months or until the condition improves.

Menopause

One dropperful of vitex (chaste tree) tincture taken each morning is the
most frequently prescribed natural remedy in Europe to relieve hot flashes,
night sweats, emotional swings, and other symptoms of menopause. Vitex works
through the pituitary gland to balance all the reproductive hormones. Dong
Quai, though not hormonal, is also considered an important herb for menopause.
It is the premier builder for any blood-deficient condition, and is especially
recommended for anemia, or as an addition to other female tonic herbs.

Vaginal Yeast Infections

Many women have found near-miraculous relief from the burning and itching
of yeast infections by taking 1/2 teaspoon of tea tree oil, adding it to
a quart of water and douching. Experience shows that this mixture does not
cause further irritation. Some women have found it helpful to use capsules
of acidophilus as vaginal suppositories, and research clearly documents
the benefits of oral supplementation with a good probiotic formula, which
usually includes Lactobacillus acidophilus or other beneficial bacteria.

If the condition is chronic and difficult to heal, it is very important
to strictly avoid hot, spicy foods and caffeine-containing or refined sugar
products.

Men’s Imbalances

Prostatitis

As men pass the age of 50 or 55, testosterone levels start to decline, which
can lead to an irritation or enlargement of the prostate gland, as well
as lowered sex drive.

Inflammation of the prostate gland can be treated by drinking a tea 3 times
daily made with equal parts of the following herbs: saw palmetto (tonifies
bladder and prostate), echinacea, nettle and horsetail (antiinflammatory,
diuretic), buchu (urinary antiseptic and tonic), and corn silk (soothing
diuretic and tonic). A new herb, Pygeum africanum, is gaining in
popularity as more clinical experience and scientific support accumulates.
This herb is taken in extract form (follow the instructions on the product
label.

Pumpkin seeds, which are rich in zinc, are usually added to the diet, to
accompany the herbal program.

Low sexual drive

A lack of sexual energy can sometimes be addressed by tonifying the body
with these herbs–damiana, a stimulating nerve tonic, ginger, a popular
herb for increasing warmth and circulation, ginseng, probably the most documented
herb (by a long history of use and much laboratory work) for stimulating
the production of testosterone in the body, saw palmetto, a nourishing tonic
for the sex organs, and wild oats, an excellent nerve tonic, especially
recommended for supporting sexual energy. Eleuthero is highly beneficial
for supporting the adrenal system and increasing overall energy production
in the body. Make a tea of equal parts of the herbs and drink 2 cups per
day. A number of commercial products which contain some or all of these
herbs are widely available in natural food stores.

Note: a number of herbs are often sold as sexual tonics and testosterone
stimulants, including damiana, saw palmetto, sarsaparilla, and wild yam.
These herbs, though they have their place in herbal therapy, are not
documented either by history of use or scientific testing, to replace testosterone
or increase the production of testosterone in the body. Yohimbe, the African
plant widely known as an aphrodisiac has been documented medically for its
ability to relieve certain types of functional impotence, and yohimbine
hydrochloride, an alkaloid derivative from the plant, is prescribed by doctors
for this condition. Although yohimbe extract and powder can be purchased
in natural food stores, it should be noted that the herb is a central nervous
system stimulant and in its concentrated extract form can cause such side-effects
as nervousness, anxiety and sleeplessness. Use the herb cautiously.

Digestive Disorders

Stomach Ache

Stomach aches brought on by nervous tension or overeating can often be relieved
by drinking a cup of tea made from 1 part chamomile, 1 part catnip, 1/4
part ginger, and 1/4 part licorice. For a fast kitchen medicine remedy,
fill one 00 capsule with ginger powder, one with cinnamon powder, and a
third with golden seal powder in the larger part of the capsule and cayenne
in the smaller part and take with tea or other suitable liquid.

Other important digestive herbs, many of which are best taken in tea form,
are fennel, caraway, peppermint, artichoke leaves, and gentian. A little
experimentation will determine which herbs and combinations work best for
you.

Nausea

Nausea, whether caused by overeating, motion sickness, hormonal imbalances,
overindulgence in alcoholic beverages, or other factors, can by relieved
by a combination of ginger (either 2 capsules or 1 dropperful of the tincture
in a little water) and 2 drops of lavender oil in a cup of water. Great
things have been said about a combination of kudzu and umeboshi plum. Mix
1/2 teaspoon of kudzu in a little cool water, then add the mixture to 1
cup of warm water to which an umeboshi plum has been added.

Constipation

This is often a chronic condition brought on by a combination of heredity,
nervousness and stress, overwork, lack of vigorous physical activity and
lack of fiber in the diet. Herbal laxatives, such as senna or aloe, which
add more moisture to the stools or stimulate peristalsis are popular, but
should not be depended on for long-term use. This can lead to habituation
and further dissipation of vital energy in the bowels.

Even the most intractable constipation is easy to remedy when a high-fiber
diet is followed, along with a good program of physical exercise, coupled
with stress-relief techniques. It is also wise to massage the abdominal
area with a little flax seed oil (or castor oil if more stimulation is desired)
in a clockwise direction for 10 minutes, morning and evening. Go in deep
and try to work out any tender spots. Give the intestines a rest by not
eating past 7 pm or in the morning until one is active for at least 30-60
minutes.

Safe herbal bowel tonics that can be used for up to a month or two, in tea,
powder or extract form, include the following, (in order of potency from
least to most potent):

dandelion

burdock

yellow dock

cascara sagrada

Chinese rhubarb (caution, use small amounts, for not more than 2 weeks)

Intestinal Gas (Flatulence)

A very effective, practical and fast-acting remedy is 1-3 drops of peppermint
oil added to a cup of water–or take 1/2-1 teaspoon of fennel or anise seeds,
chew them up thoroughly and swallow with water or tea, a little at a time.
A useful tea blend can be made using 1 part chamomile, 1/2 part ginger,
1/2 part wild yam, and 1/4 part lavender. A strong tea of chamomile flowers
is the universal remedy for bowel irritation and colic, with or without
gas, both in children and adults.

Sluggish liver, poor fat digestion

The liver is a vital organ for proper immune and digestive function, and
plays a crucial role in energy storage and supply, as well as being the
major organ of detoxification.

To help the liver function more efficiently, make a tea or take an extract
of one or more of the following herbs, chosen for their bitter, tonifying
and bile-promoting properties: milk thistle (extract only), dandelion, skullcap,
artichoke leaf, oregon grape, gentian, cardamon, orange peel or ginger.
Drink a cup of the tea or 30 drops of the extract in water fifteen minutes
to 1/2 hour before each meal. Many commercial preparations of these herbs
are available under the general name “bitters.” They promote proper
liver function and help restore weakened digestive power.

Cardiovascular Problems

High cholesterol

Blood cholesterol is considered an important risk factor for heart attacks,
stroke and other cardiovascular diseases. While a few important herbs are
considered useful for lowering blood cholesterol, they work slowly and must
be persisted in over a period of months or years, and ideally, are coupled
with a low-fat, high fiber diet and proper vigorous exercise.

Garlic is by far the most widely-documented and clinically useful herb and
home remedy for lowering blood cholesterol. Cook with it, eat it raw (if
you don’t mind the odor) and take garlic supplements, many of which offer
high quality and potency, thanks to modern analytical methods.

Other useful herbs include green tea extract, dandelion root (unroasted)
taken daily as a tea or extract, alfalfa powder, shepherd’s purse, the Chinese
herb eucommia, and the “medicinal high-fiber foods,” oat bran
and wheat bran.

Bruising

A combination of arnica, calendula and St. John’s wort oils is very effective
for bruising. Apply the preparation as soon as possible to increase its
effectiveness.

Immune Disorders

Hay Fever

To effectively combat the common symptoms of hay fever–itchy eyes, runny
nose and sneezing–it is important to begin herb treatment at least a month
before the allergy season begins in earnest. The following Chinese herb
blend for symptomatic relief of hay fever has turned many allergy sufferers
into believers: 1/2 oz pinelia, 1/2 oz astragalus, 1/4 oz ma huang, 1/4
oz licorice, and 1/8 oz ginger. Simmer the herbs gently in 4 cups of water
for 45 minutes; drink one cup morning and evening. Because ma huang contains
the stimulating alkaloid, ephedrine, it is not recommended for those with
high blood pressure or weak digestion.

Other excellent hay fever herbs include stinging nettles (antiinflammatory,
antihistamine activity), eyebright (mild antihistamine), dong quai (immune
modulator), and golden seal (antiinflammatory, mucous membrane tonic).

When one has extremely severe allergies, it is good to add adaptogenic herbs,
such as Siberian ginseng, licorice, reishi or schizandra, to help support
the adrenals, a weakness of which is often associated with hay fever. Avoiding
dairy products, and possibly wheat, during these times of seasonal discomfort
can also be helpful.

Candidiasis

This common ailment is best treated by herbs that support immune function,
retard the growth of Candida albicans, support proper digestion,
and that support the adrenal-vital energy functions of the body. Proper
rest, diet and how stress is handled makes a major difference, in my experience.
I have found the most effective herbal program to include astragalus and
reishi for the immune system, eleuthero and rehmannia for the adrenals,
pau d’arco, garlic, black walnut and usnea for inhibiting the growth of
Candida albicans, and ginger powder or tea or bitter tonics to aid
digestion and assimilation of nutrients.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

This increasingly common ailment is probably a non-specific viral syndrome
brought on by environmental and emotional stress and aggravated by poor
nutrition, overwork, too much headwork, and lack of proper exercise. It
is often a disease of mismanagement of our personal vital energy resources.
Use the same herbs as for candidiasis, but add licorice, St. John’s wort,
lemon balm and Lomatium as anti-virals.

Kidney bladder imbalances

Bladder infections (Cystitis)

To soothe the burning sensation which accompanies bladder infections, make
a cold-water infusion of marshmallow root by soaking 4 teaspoons of the
herb in a quart of water and letting it sit overnight. Drink the preparation
freely. One or more of the tinctures of usnea, sandalwood, golden seal,
or echinacea can be added in severe cases, for their antiseptic and antibiotic
qualities. Where there is suppressed urination, pipsissewa, dandelion leaf,
and parsley root tea should be added.

Bladder infections are another instance where one should avoid cold drinks,
spicy foods, products containing refined sugar, caffeine, and alcohol. Soothing
sitz baths are helpful for bladder infections, as they bring blood to the
area and help flush out the infection. Alternate the bath by sitting in
hot water for three minutes, followed by one minute of cold water. Do three
rounds in the evening.

Unsweetened cranberry juice powder or liquid is a classic remedy to accompany
the herbal treatments, and is even recommended by doctors, recently being
written up in the American Medical Journal.

Skin Ailments

Poison Oak

Grindelia tincture used externally and internally is very helpful for stopping
the itching and burning of poison oak. This sticky plant contains resins
and when applied externally, reduces the irritation and can keep the rash
from spreading to other parts of the body. If one gets poison oak around
the eyes, it is good to use aloe vera in this sensitive area for cooling
and drying up the rash.

One of the best-tested and near-miraculous remedies I’ve ever found (I usually
throw caution to the winds, wading through poison oak in the fall looking
for edible mushrooms) is the following mixture. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of salt
in 1/2 cup of water, blending in 2 or 3 teaspoons of a fine cosmetic clay
(preferably skin-colored). When the consistency is that of a thick paste,
but is still spreadable, beat in 5-15 drops of peppermint oil. The salt
and clay draw and dry and the peppermint oil (due to its menthol) lowers
inflammation and cools by stimulating the skin’s “cool” receptors.

Burns

Keeping peppermint or lavender oil in a handy place in the kitchen is excellent
burn insurance. Both of these oils, when applied promptly, work quickly
to alleviate the pain of burns and facilitate healing. With any first or
second-degree burn of localized extent, it is essential to immerse the affected
area (where possible) in cool water for 10-20 minutes. For more serious
burns, it is often necessary to seek medical support.

Another tried and true remedy for burns is the application of oils or salves
containing St. John’s wort or calendula, the latter for its strong antiinflammatory
and immune-activating virtues and the former for its antiinflammatory effect
on the skin.

Cuts, Bites, Stings

Small cuts can be easily cared for by washing the area with an herbal soap
(containing echinacea or calendula) and then applying moist compresses of
echinacea tincture, which can accelerate wound healing and protect healthy
cells from invasion by bacteria or fungus. Tea tree oil, a strong antiseptic,
also works well and does not sting when applied. For more serious cuts,
apply cayenne or yarrow leaf powder directly to the wound to staunch bleeding;
this sounds like “heroic” herbalism, but the cayenne does not
cause burning when used in this way.

The most time-honored remedy recommended by herbalists for cuts, as well
as any kind of spider bites or bee stings is plantain. Plantain is always
available as a garden weed or waste-lot plant. There are two methods for
its preparation: the blender method or the saliva method. Use the saliva
method by chewing one leaf up thoroughly to make a mucilaginous paste and
apply to the spot. This method is excellent for kids (who love the attention),
for oneself or family members. The blender method works for the more fastidious,
but it takes longer and requires more equipment. I recently watched a plantain
“poultice” heal a severe staph infection, where the whole forearm
was swollen bright red. The whole program consisted of a plantain poultice
on the focal point of the infection (in this case, the knuckle), with the
addition of 20 drops of echinacea tincture and 10 drops of usnea tincture.
The poultice was changed every few hours and usnea and echinacea was taken
internally, 1 dropperful of each every 3 hours. By the next day, the swelling
and redness had mostly subsided, and antibiotics were avoided.

The use of fresh plantain for any kind of infection has been supported by
the discovery in its leaves of the antibiotic substance aucubin.

Sports Herbs

Strains, sprains

Sprains are best treated initially with cold water, followed by arnica compresses
(30 drops of liquid extract in a bowl of water) to help reduce inflammation.
(Caution: Do not use arnica if the skin is broken.) Repeat every 2 hours.
After the first 24 hours, warm arnica compresses should be used. Arnica,
in homeopathic doses, can be used internally, taken as directed.

Energy

Herbs known for their potential energizing effects include damiana, Panax
ginseng, eleuthero, wild oats, and rosemary (in either tea or extract
form). These herbs are safe, do not contain stimulating alkaloids (such
as caffeine or ephedrine) and can be taken as needed, though ginseng might
be too stimulating for some people and should be used moderately.

Herbs that are stimulating to the nervous system, but are known to have
side-effects such as nervousness, restlessness possibly raising the blood-pressure,
include coffee, black tea, guarana, kola nut, chocolate, and ma huang (Ephedra
sinensis). Although the latest figures show that over 120 million people
drink coffee in this country, this and the other stimulant drugs should
be used cautiously, as they are possible risk factors for heart disease
and nervous disorders, at the very least.

Nervous System

Stress relief

Stress is apt to weaken or imbalance our nervous system, leading to symptoms
such as anxiety, tension or depression. It can also impact our immune and
hormonal systems (which work together closely), accompanied by such symptoms
as lowered resistance to infections, or eventually, such ailments as Chronic
Fatigue Syndrome or Candidiasis. Constant or long-term stress can also affect
our digestion, leading to ulcers, constipation or irritable bowel syndromes.

For helping to relax a tense mind or body, a flavorful, relaxing tea can
be made by steeping one part each of chamomile, lavender, linden, and lemon
balm and 1/2 part orange peel. This stress-reducing tea is excellent after
dinner and has the added benefit of aiding digestion. For extra-strength
stress relief, add equal parts of valerian (tincture or powdered extract
from the fresh plant is best, in my experience), passion flower and California
poppy to the above mixture–or take in capsule or extract form, as the taste
is not as pleasant.

For adrenal weakness, herbs such as euleuthero, licorice, rehmannia and
reishi can be found in many commercial preparations.

For immune weakness, astragalus, ligustrum, reishi and shiitake are widely
recommended for their powerful deep immune supportive properties. The bulk
herbs can be purchased in Chinese herb stores or many natural food stores.
These can be added to soups and stews. My recipe for “Wei Qi”
(protective vitality) soup:

**Recipe**

Fill a soup pot with water (about 1 gallon) and add 5-10 sticks of astragalus,
1-2 medium sized reishi mushrooms, one quarter cup of ligustrum fruits and
5-8 small to medium shiitake mushrooms (available from most markets). Simmer
the herbs for 30 minutes, then add an assortment of your favorite vegetables
(such as carrots, beets, potatoes, yams, parsley and celery). The addition
of a quarter cup of barley will make the soup thicker, and is very strengthening
and soothing to the digestion. When the soup is done, drink the broth and
eat the vegetables. Store in the refrigerator for several day’s use. The
more fibrous herbs such as astragalus are too tough to eat, so simply put
them aside. The shiitake mushrooms are delicious and fine-textured, however.

Sleep disturbances

Drinking a cup of the following herb mixture can often ensure a restful
night’s sleep–passion flower, skullcap, valerian, hops, and California
poppy. Steep 2 teaspoons of the mixture in one cup of water. These herbs
can also be taken in extract form, 1 dropperful 1/2 hour before bedtime.
For children who don’t sleep well at night, try giving them a bath before
bedtime to which a handful of linden tied up in a muslin bag has been added.

Anxiety

A combination of hops, California poppy and hawthorn, either in tea or tincture
form, effectively allays anxiety, having a quieting effect on the central
nervous system.

Depression

Herbs which can help lift depression include St. John’s wort, rosemary,
lavender, wild oats, and damiana. Steep 2 teaspoons of the mixture in a
cup of water and drink 3 times daily. An mood-elevating bath can be made
by adding a few drops of lavender, rose, or orange oil to the water. The
same oils can be added to sweet almond or apricot kernel oil to be used
for massage. St. John’s wort is the most commonly prescribed natural remedy
in Europe for mild depression. Take 1-2 tablets of the standardized extract
as needed, but not more than 4 in a day.

Addiction

For symptoms of drug withdrawal, whether from nicotine or alcohol, wild
oats have been shown to be useful for their strengthening effect on the
nervous system, as well as their anti-addictive properties. A tea can be
made, steeping 1 teaspoon of herb in 1 cup of water, or a liquid extract
can be used–40 drops 3 times per day.

Headaches

For headaches, try this “aspirin replacement” herbal blend (no
side-effects)–passion flower, periwinkle herb (Vinca major), wood
betony, white willow bark (1 part each), and lavender (1/2 part). Steep
2 teaspoons of the mixture in 1 cup of water and drink 1 cup as needed.
Various commercial preparations are available which contain one or more
of these herbs.

For migraine headaches, feverfew is the herb of choice, and it has 2 double-blind
studies demonstrating its effectiveness to its credit. Take 1-2 tablets
of the powder, or 1-2 dropperfuls of the tincture morning and evening. Experience
shows that it may take up to 3-6 months before its full effects are felt.
Some people have experienced relief where nothing else has worked. The herb
must be taken on an on-going basis.

Smart Herbs: memory and brain herbs

Ginkgo has a positive effect on cerebral circulation, glucose metabolism,
and neurotransmitter balance, all of which can have a strengthening effect
on the memory, as well as improving mental vigor. Take 1-2 tablets (of the
standardized extract) or dropperfuls of the tincture morning and evening.
The traditional Ayurvedic herb, gotu kola, is also recommended by herbalists,
especially as a fresh plant tincture, for maintaining strong mental vigor.

Herbs for Daily Use

Arnica, oil–One of the best-known trauma herbs, used externally as an oil
or liniment. Use homeopathic product for internal use.

Astragalus–The premier deep toning immune herb, used as a tea, tincture
or powdered extract.

Calendula oil–An excellent skin remedy, applied locally for burns, bites,
stings and other trauma.

California poppy–The extract (tincture or tablet form) is helpful for relieving
tension, sleeplessness and anxiety; safe for children.

Chamomile–A world-renowned digestive and relaxing herb for colic, bowel
irritation, relaxation; safe for children.

Echinacea–One of the best studied and clinically proven herbs for immune
stimulation. Best taken in up to three 10-day cycles, then discontinued.
Use only when needed in large amounts (1-2 droppersful several times daily).
Small doses (5-15 drops daily) can be useful as a mild immune tonic for
longer-tern use.

Elder Flowers–The flowering tops of blue or black elders makes an excellent
tea for reducing fevers and increasing elimination of wastes for colds and
flus.

Eleuthero–The best-researched “adaptogen,” which helps us to
adapt to stress by supporting adrenal function, and increasing energy efficiency.
Often used by weight-trainers and other sports enthusiasts.

Eucalyptus oil–The oil has strong antiseptic properties and is useful in
steams for sinus problems to relieve congestion.

Ginger–The best herb for supporting digestion, relieving nausea (from any
cause) and generally stimulating circulation. Taken as a tea, extract or
as a powder in capsules.

Ginkgo–One of the most interesting herbs of the last few years. Improves
brain function, including memory and alertness. Protects blood vessels,
improves circulation and is a powerful antioxidant. Best herb for ringing
in the ears (tinnitis).

Ginseng–The panacea herb of ancient China. Excellent for people over 50,
to improve vital energy, sexual energy and enhance digestive powers. Often
blended with other herbs in formulas.

Golden Seal–This North American native herb is widely known and used for
colds, flus and sinus infections. Lowers inflammation, helps cool infections
of the mucous membranes. Useful when blended with echinacea (1:3).

Gotu kola–The ancient Ayurvedic herb, thought to improve memory and mental
vigor and act as an adaptogen. Preliminary research supports this view.
The herb should be used fresh, as the dried herb rapidly loses its potency.

Grindelia–A native of North America, this sticky yellow-flowered plant
from the daisy family was a favorite Native American remedy for poison oak
and other rashes. It was official in the United States Pharmacopoeia as
an internal remedy for asthma, bronchitis and other upper respiratory tract
ailments.

Hawthorn–The extract is well-researched and has a long history of use as
the herb of choice for strengthening and protecting the cardiovascular system,
especially the heart. To be used in extract form long-term, even over a
number of years.

Hops–One of the major flavor components of beer. An excellent digestive
bitter herb which has good relaxing properties.

Lavender oil–The distilled oil from lavender is used in aromatherapy and
as an internal medicine to lift the spirits and allay nausea.

Licorice–Licorice root is an important herb for flavoring and harmonizing
herbal blends. It has proven anti-viral and anti-inflammatory properties
and is commonly used for upper respiratory tract, digestive tract and urinary
tract irritation or infections. The herb has also shown benefit for healing
ulcers and is considered an important adrenal support herb.

Marshmallow root–This mucilaginous herb is used as a tea or liquid extract
to soothe mucous membranes in the digestive, upper respiratory and urinary
tracts. Marshmallow has recently shown some immune-stimulating properties.

Milk Thistle–The great liver protector and healer. Well-researched and
clinically-proven for hepatitis, cirrhosis or for extra nutritional support
for people who drink alcoholic beverages or use pharmaceutical or recreational
drugs.

Nettles–An excellent nutrient herb which has also shown anti-allergic properties
for hay fever, and antiinflammatory activity for enlarged or irritated prostate
glands.

Peppermint, oil–One of the best home remedies for relieving intestinal
gas, bowel inflammation or irritation. A tea of the leaf is also widely
used.

Plantain–The ubiquitous weed that every herbalist loves. It has a high
percentage of mucilage to soothe, allantoin to speed wound-healing and aucubin
as a strong anti-microbial substance to prevent infections. Use fresh
as a poultice, tea, or tincture, or the fresh juice internally or externally.

Reishi–An herb renowned for its powerful deep immune-strengthening activity.
It has also shown blood-sugar regulating properties and may help lower cholesterol.
Use as a tea, tincture or powdered extract.

Rosemary–This common garden herb contains natural camphor, which helps
energize the nervous system, without over-stimulating. It also contains
powerful natural anti-oxidant properties and is a good digestive herb.

Shiitake–This common mushroom is as delicious as it is medicinal. One of
its active constituents, lentinan, has shown anti-tumor, anti-viral and
immune-strengthening properties. It is used in soups, stews, stir-frys and
as a tea or extract.

St. John’s wort extract, oil–The extract of this common European and American
weedy plant shows great promise as an anti-viral (against the AIDS virus),
anti-inflammatory and remedy for mild depression. The standardized extract
is used internally, and the oil is applied externally for burns and nerve
pain or trauma due to tension or accidents.

Tea Tree oil–An Australian import emerging as an important herb for fungal
infections of the skin or nails, vaginal yeast infections and gum inflammation
or sores.

Usnea–Called the herbal antibiotic, this common lichen has shown powerful
inhibitory activity against strep, staph and pneumonia infections. Excellent
in combination with echinacea for strep throat or staph infections (such
as impetigo).

Valerian–A traditional herb with a wealth of clinical evidence to support
its use as a sleep-aid, nerve tonic and relaxing herb.

Vitex–One of the best-known women’s herbs, it was recommended by Hippocrates
(450 B.C.) for the same purposes as today: menstrual imbalances, hormonal
difficulties (PMS, menopause), and to bring on mother’s milk.

Herbal Contraindications

A Note of Caution

Although the charge is often made that herbalists say that all herbs are
safe, no responsible herbalist would ever make such a claim.

Herbs are often very safe–usually much safer than synthetic drugs, both
on the person taking them and on our environment and energy resources. But
they are complex mixtures of chemical compounds that can heal, change different
body processes, and sometimes cause side-effects, especially when overused
or used unconsciously.

Below is a list of the best-documented possible side-effects of the herbs
mentioned in this article. Contraindications can be further researched in
the books listed in the resource section.

Arnica–taking the herb, tea or tincture internally may lead to severe gastrointestinal
irritation. Using the tincture or oil on open wounds or scrapes might increase
inflammation. Arnica in homeopathic dilution is not toxic.

Essential oils (lavender, tea tree, peppermint, eucalyptus)–these plant
essences are highly concentrated and should be used cautiously–reduce dose
if any irritation develops, either externally or internally.

Golden seal–People with weak, cold digestion should use this herb sparingly.
Do not use continuously for more than 10 days or 2 weeks–large doses (more
than 2 “00” caps 3 x daily) is not recommended. Because it stimulates
the uterus, it is not to be taken during pregnancy.

Laxatives (aloe, senna, cascara, rhubarb)–long-term use (over 2 weeks)
might lead to dependency, loss of bowel tone and intestinal irritation.

Licorice–for people with high blood pressure, edema or electrolyte imbalance:
long-term use of licorice root or its products (more than 2 weeks) can lead
to sodium retention, excessive potassium excretion, and water retention.
Moderate use is not considered problematic.

Red Clover–it contains small amounts of coumarin derivatives, which, when
taken in excessive amounts, might potentiate blood-thinning drugs, such
as warfarin. Red clover may be mildly estrogenic.

St. John’s wort–large amounts might make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
For people whose skin is already sensitive, take extra precautions when
using the herb therapeutically.

Valerian–very large amounts of the tea (over 2 cups at a time) or powdered
extract might cause headaches in some people. Some people who take valerian
are stimulated rather than calmed by the herb, but this paradoxical effect
is rare with the fresh plant tincture, tea or extract.

Vitex–Not to be taken concurrently with birth-control pills.

**Sidebar**

The Shelf Life of Herbs and Herb Products

The overall effectiveness of any herb or herb product is determined not
only by the quality of the herbs that went into them, but how long they
have been sitting on the shelf. Most herbs are best stored in their whole
form, kept in amber glass jars packed as close to the top as possible, and
stored in a cool place out of direct sunlight. Under normal circumstances,
most powdered herbs will only retain their full potency for a matter of
2 or 3 months. If they are encapsulated and in plastic bottles, as many
herb products are, one should not count on any more than a one-year shelf-life.
Whole herbs, if stored correctly may retain a fair quality for up to 3 years.
Tinctures, according to recent studies, may hold much of their activity
for up to 3 years, if stored in a cool, dark place. Extracts in tablet or
capsule form will last longer in amber glass jars than in plastic bottles,
which will allow oxygen and moisture to enter.

Sidebar
The Importance of Herb Quality and Organic Herbs

All herbalists agree that herb quality is a number one priority. We are
not satisfied with the quality when herbs are poorly grown, improperly harvested,
dried or stored. Fortunately, the proper techniques for insuring the highest
quality herbs are becoming better known and more closely followed. However,
there are still some very good quality and some very poor quality herbs
and products on the market. National organizations like the American Herbal
Products Association (AHPA) and the American Herbalists Guild (AHG) are
working hard to educate manufacturers and consumers about the importance
of herb quality. For more information, write and support the efforts of
these organizations by becoming a member of the AHG, or ask your manufacturer
if they are a member of AHPA–if not, encourage them to join.

The best assurance today that you are getting the very best quality herbs
is to look for “certified organic” products. When a company cares
enough to pay more for these herbs, it will usually take more trouble in
the manufacturing process. Of special concern is the rapidly dwindling resources
of some native plants, such as echinacea and golden seal. We cannot afford
to take these plants from the wild for much longer–so support organically
cultivated herb products and insure the continuation of our wild heritage.

Visiting Your DoctorGynecologist Checklist

American Institute for Preventive Medicine — Wed, 06 Dec 2000 13:28:02 +0000

First:

Be ready to give your doctor information about your health history. Make a list of these things:

Health conditions that run in your family (examples: breast or other cancers, diabetes, high blood pressure, alcoholism).
Past illnesses and what medical treatment you had for each.
Past hospitalizations and any surgery you have had.
Medications you take, have taken (names, doses, side effects, if any).
Number of pregnancies, their outcomes and any problems you had.
Birth control method(s) you have used and use now and side effects, if any.
Menstrual history, when you started your periods, if they’ve been regular or not and if you have or have had any problems.
Take the list with you when you go to the doctor’s office.

Second:

It’s easy to forget to ask your doctor all your questions and express all your concerns. The following checklist helps to identify what things you might forget to ask and discuss. Jot down the questions from the list that you want to ask your doctor. Take the list with you.

Sample questions to ask your doctor:

Diagnosis (What’s wrong?)
Why do I have this problem? Ask the doctor to explain any medical terms you don’t know.
Do I need more testing? If so, what? How much do these tests cost? Will my insurance cover them? Where do I get the information?
Prognosis (What will happen?)
How will this problem affect me in the future?
Treatment (What should I do?)
What treatment should I follow? This could include medical treatment or changes to diet or lifestyle.
What will happen if I don’t treat it now?
How do I get ready for any tests that I need?
How often should I have a mammogram, pelvic exam, pap smear and professional breast exam? Should I have any tests for STDs?
What other tests should I have and when?
Do I call to schedule the test or does your office do it for me?
When and how will I get the test results?
Should I call you?
When do you want to see me again?
What else should I know?
Can I get any more information about this problem?
Are there any local or national health organizations that I can call or write to for more information? Do you have their numbers and addresses?
Where should I go if I need emergency care?
Specialists (What about seeing another doctor?)
Should I see a specialist?
Does this specialist work out of more than one office?
Whom should I see? Can you write this down for me?
Is this person board certified?
How soon should I be seen by this specialist?
What if I can’t get an appointment for a month or more? Can you help me get in sooner or should I try to see someone else?
Doctor Fees (How much will this cost me?)
What will this office visit cost me today?
What will the fees be for other services? Ask this before you get the services.
What does my health insurance cover?
Medications (What will the medicine do?)
Why do I need this medicine?
What is the name of the drug?
How and when should I take it?
Are there any foods, drinks or things I should avoid when taking this medicine?
What should I do if I forget to take it?
Should I expect side effects?
Is this drug known to cause birth defects? (For women who are pregnant or planning a future pregnancy.)
Will I have to take this medicine for a short time or from now on?
Is there a generic equivalent of this medicine?
Will this medicine be okay to take with other medicine I’m already taking?
Could any non-drug measures work as well?
Surgery (What if I need an operation?)
Do I need surgery at this time?
Who will do the surgery? How many times has this surgeon done it?
Is there a certain time of the month I should have this surgery?
What are my choices with surgery? Ask about minor procedures vs.. major ones.
Do I have any choices instead of surgery?
What are the benefits? What are the risks?
Where will I have this surgery?
Can I have the surgery as an outpatient?
Where can I get a second opinion? Know if your insurance company needs a second opinion for surgery. Find out what their rules are. Your insurance company may want you to call a certain number and use certain doctors for second opinions.

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

American Institute for Preventive Medicine — Wed, 06 Dec 2000 13:28:02 +0000

About 1 out of 5 women will get a urinary tract infection (UTI) in her life. Some women get lots of UTIs. Men get UTIs, too, but not as often.

What is the urinary tract? Your urinary tract is made up of these parts:

Kidneys.
Bladder.
Ureters (tubes that connect the kidneys to the bladder).
Urethra (the opening where urine comes out).

How do we get UTIs? Usually, bacteria get in the urethra and go to the bladder. They grow in the bladder and move to other parts of the urinary tract.

Bacteria can get into a woman’s urethra during sex. You should go to the bathroom right after sex to flush the bacteria out. Women who use a diaphragm for birth control have twice the risk of getting a UTI. Changes that happen when you get pregnant and after menopause can also make you prone to UTIs.

Also, any irritation to the opening of the urethra can lead to bladder infections. If you have signs of a vaginal infection, (a discharge, foul odor, etc.) get treatment for it to help prevent a bladder infection.

Some people are born with urinary tract problems that help them get UTIs. Anything that keeps you from passing urine freely can lead to UTIs. Kidney stones or an enlarged prostate gland are two examples. You are also more likely to get a UTI if you have had UTIs before.

Sometimes you don’t even know you have a UTI. Most often you will have symptoms, though. They come suddenly, with no warning. Here are some of them:

A strong need to go to the bathroom.
Going to the bathroom more often than usual.
A sharp pain or burning in the urethra when you pass urine.
Blood in the urine.
Feeling like your bladder is still full after you pass urine.
Soreness in your belly, back, or sides.
Chills, fever, sick stomach, throwing up.

See a doctor if you have any of these symptoms. A UTI can be serious if you don’t treat it. The doctor will test a sample of your urine to find the problem. An antibiotic to treat the infection and pain relievers (if necessary) are the usual course of treatment.

Prevention

Here are some things you can do to keep from getting UTIs:

If you’re a woman, wipe from front to back after using the toilet. This keeps bacteria away from the urethra.
Drink plenty of liquids to flush bacteria out of your system. Drink fruit juices, especially cranberry juice.
Empty your bladder as soon as you feel the urge. Don’t give bacteria a chance to grow.
Drink a glass of water before you have sex. Go to the bathroom as soon as you can after sex, even if you don’t feel the urge to.
If you use a lubricant when you have sex, use a water-soluble lubricant like K-Y Jelly
Wear cotton underpants. Bacteria like a warm, wet place. Cotton helps keep you cool and dry because it lets air flow through.
Don’t take bubble baths if you have had UTIs before. Take showers instead of baths.
Don’t wear tight-fitting under garments, jeans and/or slacks.
If you use a diaphragm, clean it after each use.
Have your doctor check your diaphragm periodically to make sure it still fits properly. The size may need to be changed if you gain or lose weight or if you have a baby. Replace your diaphragm according to your doctor’s advice.

Self-Care Tips

Avoid alcohol, spicy foods, and coffee.
Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day. Cranberry juice is good, too. Liquids help wash out the infection.
Get plenty of rest.
Check for fever twice a day. Take your temperature in the morning and then in the afternoon or evening.
Take aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen sodium. [Note: Do not give aspirin or any medication containing salicylates to anyone 19 years of age or younger, unless directed by a physician, due to its association with Reye’s Syndrome, a potentially fatal condition.]
Go to the bathroom as soon as you feel the need. Empty your bladder completely, every time you pass urine.
- If you have a condition that keeps you from doing this, such as that which occurs in some persons with multiple sclerosis, ask your doctor about using intermittent self-catheters.
Empty your bladder after sex.

[Note: See your doctor if you don’t feel better in 3 days.]

Questions to Ask

Urinary Incontinence

American Institute for Preventive Medicine — Wed, 06 Dec 2000 13:28:02 +0000

If you have urinary incontinence, you suffer from a loss of bladder control or your bladder fails to retain urine properly. As a result, you can’t keep from passing urine, even though you may try to hold it in. Urinary incontinence is not a normal part of aging, but often affects older persons because the sphincter muscles that open the bladder into the urethra become less efficient with aging.

Although you might feel embarrassed if you have urinary incontinence, you should nevertheless let your doctor know about it. It could be a symptom of a disorder that could lead to more trouble if not treated.

Causes

In most cases, the problem is curable and treatable.

Two categories of urinary incontinence are acute incontinence and persistent incontinence.

The acute form is generally a symptom of a new illness or condition (e.g., bladder infection, inflammation of the prostate, urethra or vagina, and constipation).

Side effects of some medications, such as water pills, tranquilizers, and antihistamines can also result in acute urinary incontinence.

Acute urinary incontinence comes on suddenly. It is often easily reversed when the condition that caused it is treated.

Persistent incontinence comes on gradually over time. It lingers or remains, even after other conditions or illnesses have been treated. There are many types of persistent incontinence. The 3 types that account for 80 percent of cases are:

Stress Incontinence – Urine leaks out when there is a sudden rise in pressure in the abdomen (belly). The amount ranges from small leaks to large spills. This usually happens with coughing, sneezing, laughing, lifting, jumping, running, or with straining to have a bowel movement. Stress incontinence is more common in women than in men.
Urge Incontinence – This inability to control the bladder when the urge to urinate occurs comes on suddenly, so there is often not enough time to make it to the toilet. This type typically results in large accidents. It can be caused by a number of things, including an enlarged prostate gland, a spinal cord injury, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease.
Mixed Incontinence – This type has elements of both stress and urge incontinence.

Other types of persistent incontinence are:

Overflow Incontinence – Constant dribbling of urine occurs because the bladder overfills. This may be due to an enlarged prostate, diabetes, or multiple sclerosis.
Functional Incontinence – With this, a person has trouble getting to the bathroom fast enough, even though he or she has bladder control. This can happen in a person who is physically challenged.
Total Incontinence – In this rare type, with complete loss of bladder control, urine leakage can be continual.

Treatment

Care and treatment for urinary incontinence will depend on the type and cause(s). The first step is to find out if there is an underlying problem and to correct it. Treatment can also include pelvic floor exercises, called Kegel exercises, and other self-care measures (see Self-Care Tips in this section on pages 172-173). Medication, collagen injections (for a certain type of stress incontinence), or surgery to correct the specific problem may be needed.

Your primary doctor may evaluate and treat your incontinence or send you to a urologist, a doctor who specializes in treating problems of the bladder and urinary tract.

Questions to Ask

Do you have these symptoms? Fever and shaking chills Pain in one or both sides of your lower back Vomiting and nausea

Do you have these problems? Burning or stinging feeling when you pass urine Passing urine a lot more often than usual Bloody or cloudy urine Pain in your abdomen or over your bladder Sick to your stomach or feeling like you’re going to throw up

Do you have any of these problems? You feel like you have to go to the bathroom very badly or do you feel like your bladder is still full after you go to the bathroom? Your urine smell bad? It hurts to have sex?

Have you had symptoms for more than 3 days, without getting better? Did medication the doctor prescribed give you side effects such as a skin rash or make you sick?

Do you get UTIs a lot?

Have you lost control of your bladder after an injury to your spine or back?

Do you have these problems? Fever and shaking chills Back pain (sometimes severe) in one or both sides of the lower back or just at your midline Nausea and vomiting

Does your loss of bladder control come with any of these symptoms? Loss of consciousness Inability to speak or slurred speech Loss of sight, double or blurred vision Sudden, severe headaches Paralysis, weakness, or loss of sensation in an arm or leg and/or the face on the same side of the body Change in personality, behavior, and/or emotions Confusion and dizziness

Is the loss of bladder control more than temporary after surgery or an abdominal injury?

Do you have any of these problems? Burning Frequent urination Blood in the urine or cloudy urine Abdominal or low back pain

With the loss of bladder control, do you have diabetes or any of these symptoms of diabetes? Extreme thirst Unusual hunger Excessive loss or gain in weight Blurred vision Easy fatigue, drowsiness Slow healing of cuts and/or infections

If you are a man, do you have any of these problems? Dribbling urine and/or feeling the need to urinate again after you have finished urinating Voiding small amounts of urine often during the day The need to urinate while sleeping An intense and sudden need to urinate often A slow, weak, or interrupted stream of urine

Do you leak urine when you cough, sneeze, laugh, jump, run, or lift heavy objects?

Did you lose some bladder control only after taking a new medicine or after taking a higher dose of a medicine you were already taking?

Self-Care Tips

Avoid or limit drinks, foods, and medicines that have caffeine (e.g., coffee, tea, colas, chocolate, and No-Doz).
Limit carbonated drinks, alcohol, citrus juices, greasy and spicy foods, and items that have artificial sweeteners. These can irritate the bladder.
Drink 1–2 quarts of water throughout the day.
Go to the bathroom often, even if you don’t feel the urge. When you urinate, empty your bladder as much as you can. Relax for a minute or two and then try to go again. Keep a diary of when you have episodes of incontinence. If you find that you have accidents every 3 hours, for example, empty your bladder every 21/2 hours. Use an alarm clock or wristwatch with an alarm to remind you.
Wear clothes you can remove quickly and easily when you use the bathroom. Examples are elastic-waist bottoms and items with velcro closures or snaps instead of buttons and zippers. Also, look for belts that are easy to undo, or don’t wear belts at all.
Wear absorbent pads or briefs.
Ask your doctor if you would benefit from using self-catheters. A self-catheter is a clear, straw-like device, usually made of flexible plastic, that you insert into the opening of the urethra; it helps you empty your bladder completely. Your doctor will need to show you how to use one. You need a prescription for self-catheters.
Empty your bladder before you leave the house, take a nap, and go to bed.
Keep the pathway to your bathroom free of clutter and well lit. Make sure the bathroom door is left open until you use it.
Use an elevated toilet seat and grab bars if these will make it easier for you to get on and off the toilet.
Keep a bedpan, plastic urinal (for men), or portable commode chair near your bed. You can get these at medical supply stores and drugstores.

Kegel Exercises

To strengthen your pelvic floor muscles, do Kegel exercises . They can help treat or cure stress incontinence. Even elderly women who have leaked urine for years can benefit greatly from these exercises. Here’s how to do them:

First, identify where your pelvic floor muscles are. One way to do this is to start to urinate, then hold back and try to stop. If you can slow the stream of urine, even a little, you are using the right muscles. You should feel muscles squeezing around your urethra and anus.
Next, relax your body, close your eyes and just imagine that you are going to urinate and then hold back from doing so. You should feel the muscles squeeze like you did in the step before this one.
Squeeze the muscles for 3 seconds and then relax them for 3 seconds. When you squeeze and relax, count slowly. Start out doing this 3 times a day. Gradually work up to 3 sets of 10 contractions, holding each one for 10 seconds at a time. You can do them in lying, sitting, and/or standing positions.
Women can also use pelvic weights prescribed by their doctor. A woman inserts a weighted cone into the vagina and squeezes the correct muscles to keep the weight from falling out.
When you do these exercises:
- Do not tense the muscles in your belly or buttocks.
- Do not hold your breath, clench your fists or teeth, or make a face.
- If you are not sure you’re doing the exercise right, consult your doctor.
Squeeze your pelvic floor muscles right before and during whatever it is (coughing, sneezing, jumping, etc.) that causes you to lose urine. Relax the muscles once the activity is over.
It may take several months to benefit from pelvic floor exercises and you have to keep doing them daily to maintain their benefit.