Nikki Hawkes MNIMH

Regulation for medical herbalists

2010-04-01T15:21:00.002+01:00

The Secretary of State Andy Burnham has today announced that regulation of herbalists will go ahead under the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council.

The statutory regulation of herbal and traditional Chinese medicine practitioners has been under consideration by the government for the last decade. The announcement today, though short on detail, is welcomed by many herbalists and by professional bodies including the National Institute of Medical Herbalists.

Read the press release by the European Herbal and Traditional Medicines Practitioners Association.

good fats cut heart disease risk

2010-03-23T18:08:00.004Z

The BBC news channel reports that 'good fat' can cut heart risk by one fifth, see the article here.

The article discusses research from the USA which analysed the effects of replacing saturated fats in the diet with polyunsaturated fats. They suggested that for each 5% increase in polyunsaturated fat consumption the risk of development of heart disease was decreased by 10%.

You can read the research article here.

However, it may be wise to choose your polyunsaturated fats carefully.

See these information sheets fats and oils, and essential fatty acids and prostaglandins to see why all polyunsaturated fats are not the same.

antidepressants may only work for severe depression

2010-03-08T16:33:00.003Z

Some new research suggests that antidepressants may only really be effective for severe depression.

See the abstract here Antidepressant drug effects and depression severity: a patient-level meta-analysis.

The results of this randomised placebo controlled trial showed that for mild or moderate depression antidepressants may show no benefit.

The herbal remedy St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) however has been shown to be effective for mild to moderate depression and therefore a better option if you are feeling a bit down may be to visit your local qualified herbalist.

A qualified herbalist will be able to tell if St. John's wort is likely to help you and provide an individualised prescription based on an holistic assessment.

Please see www.hhcentre.co.uk for more information. Or follow the links here to previous blogs on St. John's Wort and depression.

salt and high blood pressure

2010-02-28T18:21:00.002Z

A BBC article this week warns of high salt levels in many soups sold in the UK, in high street cafes and in supermarkets. The Food Standards Agency said that although salt levels in ready to eat ranges of soup had fallen since the last survey many still failed to meet current targets for salt content.

Since high salt intake is linked with increased risk of developing high blood pressure the current recommendations are that adults consume no more than 6g salt per day. However some of the soups tested had more than 6g in one portion.

Mild high blood pressure may be brought under control with diet and lifestyle changes, see the following article on high blood pressure for suggestions on how to lower blood pressure.

rosehips reduce pain of osteoarthritis

2010-02-23T20:22:00.003Z

A number of studies suggest that rosehips may provide moderate relief for arthritic pain. Not only did rosehips alleviate the pain of osteoarthritis but sufferers were able to reduce their consumption of 'rescue medication' if they took the rosehip remedy.

A one-year survey on the use of a powder from Rosa canina lito in acute exacerbations of chronic pain; abstract

Does the hip powder of Rosa canina (rosehip) reduce pain in osteoarthritis patients?--a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials; abstract

COX-1 and -2 activity of rose hip; abstract

[The clinical effectiveness of rosehip powder in patients with osteoarthritis. A systematic review]; abstract

The evidence for clinical efficacy of rose hip and seed: a systematic review; abstract

A powder made from seeds and shells of a rose-hip subspecies (Rosa canina) reduces symptoms of knee and hip osteoarthritis: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial; abstract

A herbal remedy, Hyben Vital (stand. powder of a subspecies of Rosa canina fruits), reduces pain and improves general wellbeing in patients with osteoarthritis--a double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomised trial; abstract

Turmeric is as effective as ibuprofen for osteoarthritis

2010-02-22T19:44:00.002Z

Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis, which means inflammation of one or more joints. Osteoarthritis is often described as ‘wear and tear’ arthritis. Osteoarthritis occurs when the layer of protective cartilage lining a joint becomes damaged and wears away. This can eventually lead to bones rubbing together causing inflammation with pain and limited joint movement.

A study compared the efficacy and safety of ibuprofen and turmeric (Curcuma longa) in the management of osteoarthritis of the knee. The trial showed that turmeric was at least as effective as ibuprofen for pain reduction and improving joint mobility. The trial also showed that turmeric had fewer side effects than the ibuprofen.

Efficacy and safety of Curcuma domestica extracts in patients with knee osteoarthritis; abstract

Turmeric contains compounds with potent anti-inflammatory properties, such as curcumin. The following article discusses possible mechanisms for curcumin’s actions in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Biological actions of curcumin on articular chondrocytes; abstract

Other herbs which also contain potent natural anti-inflammatory compounds include ginger, rosemary and devil’s claw.

Patented antiinflammatory plant drug development from traditional medicine; abstract

Effects of a ginger extract on knee pain in patients with osteoarthritis; abstract

Consult a local qualified herbalist for help with management of osteoarthritis with herbal medicines. Follow the links on my website for help with finding a herbalist local to you.

Study shows herbal remedies reduce PMS-like symptoms in perimenopause

2010-02-21T11:28:00.003Z

While menopause is simply the last menstrual period and usually occurs around the age of 50, perimenopause is the time leading up to the menopause when your body is dealing with the hormonal changes which cause symptoms such as hot flashes, irregular periods and mood swings.

The perimenopause can start in your early 40s and it has been suggested that many of the symptoms thought of as menopausal may in fact be related to an increased sensitivity to PMS-like symptoms during this time.

Vitex agnus-castus has long been used by herbalists for symptoms related to premenstrual syndrome as it helps to balance hormones. Hypericum perforatum may be useful as a nervine at this time, when mood swings and depression can be a problem.

This study showed that a herbal remedy containing a combination of St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) and Chaste-tree berry (Vitex agnus-castus) reduced PMS-like symptoms in perimenopausal women, compared to women taking placebo.

Effects of a combination of Hypericum perforatum and Vitex agnus-castus on PMS-like symptoms in late-perimenopausal women: findings from a subpopulation analysis; abstract

During perimenopause a balanced diet can make a big difference. Eating foods rich in plant oestrogens (phytoestrogens) such as beans, pulses and lentils can help to balance hormones. Ensuring a good intake of oily fish such as herrings, mackerel and salmon, as well as eating a variety of nuts and seeds helps to boost essential fatty acids. These are as the name suggests ‘essential’ for good health.
Check out the research reviews below:

Alternative therapies for menopause; abstract

Long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and the regulation of bone metabolism; abstract

boost your vitamin D levels

2010-02-20T14:26:00.004Z

It has long been recognised that vitamin D plays an important role in bone metabolism. However, research continues into the value of vitamin D for lowering risk of a number of diseases including infections, heart disease and several types of cancer.

Vitamin D can be made in relatively large quantities in the skin of many animals, including humans, by exposure to adequate sunlight. The problem is in the UK we don't get enough sunlight during the winter months to produce any vitamin D.

Vitamin D, a fat soluble vitamin, can be stored in the body for several weeks but by March it is estimated that about a quarter of the UK population are vitamin D deficient.

We can get vitamin D in our diets, from foods like oily fish such as herrings, salmon and mackerel; eggs, lean meat and fortified cereals. And vitamin D supplements are available. But with spring almost here why not boost your vitamin D levels the natural way, by getting sensible amounts of sun exposure this spring and summer.

Vitamin D and living in northern latitudes--an endemic risk area for vitamin D deficiency; abstract
Vitamin D in preventive medicine: are we ignoring the evidence?; abstract
Possible Health Implications and Low Vitamin D Status during Childhood and Adolescence: An Updated Mini Review; full text
Low vitamin D status: on the increase?; abstract

prevention of hayfever

2010-02-11T18:34:00.004Z

Research shows that herbal medicine can help to prevent or reduce the severity of hayfever symptoms.

Herbal medicines act gently over a period of time to reduce the oversensitivity of the body's immune system. See the article on hayfever on my website.

Although in my experience herbal medicines can reduce hayfever symptoms which have already developed, in order to gain the maximum benefit from herbal medicine the chosen remedy should be started four to six weeks before the expected symptoms would occur. This helps the gentle tonic and anti-allergic effects of the herbal medicines to develop.

Please contact a local qualified herbalist for more information.

Frankincense and cancer

2010-02-11T12:43:00.003Z

There was an interesting article on the BBC News Channel this week about the potential role of Frankincense in the fight against cancer.

The Frankincense article discussed the harvest of the Frankincense resin, the use of Frankincense as a burnt offering in religious ceremonies, and the current decline in the Frankincense trade.

The article suggested that may be about to change, as Frankincense has been shown to induce cancer cell death whilst not affecting healthy cells. There are several research trials confirming this ability of Frankincense, see below ...

Frankincense oil derived from Boswellia carteri induces tumor cell specific cytotoxicity, full article

Acetyl-Keto-β-Boswellic Acid Induces Apoptosis through a Death Receptor 5–Mediated Pathway in Prostate Cancer Cells, full article

A triterpenediol from Boswellia serrata induces apoptosis through both the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways in human leukemia HL-60 cells, abstract

The BBC article suggested that "the task now is to isolate the agent within frankincense which, apparently, works this wonder" because "some ingredients of frankincense are allergenic, so you cannot give a patient the whole thing."

Whilst it may be necessary to exercise caution in patients with known allergic tendency it is not necessary to avoid Frankincense in all patients. Therefore, for most patients it is not necessary to isolate any particular 'agent'. As with many herbal medicines, Frankincense probably contains many active constituents which contribute synergistically to its cancer fighting abilities.

Isolation of any particular agent only means that a particular chemical component of Frankincense may be researched and patented to the benefit of the pharmaceutical company involved.

An excellent blog on the swine flu "pandemic"

2010-01-17T13:51:00.002Z

New blogger Afifah Hamilton has written an excellent blog on the swine flu pandemic that never was and the pharmaceutical industry's huge profits gained by selling vaccines that nobody now wants.

Prevention of cystitis with cranberry

2010-01-16T13:23:00.006Z

The Guardian recently published an article on the treatment of cystitis in women.

The first treatment mentioned for cystitis is antibiotics. While they may have their place I believe that because of the risk of increasing bacterial resistance they should be used as a last resort rather than the first port of call. This may be especially important for people who have recurring urinary tract infections such as cystitis.

In the case of urinary tract infections such as cystitis perhaps a better choice is cranberry.

There are plenty of studies in which cranberry has been shown to be helpful in the prevention and treatment of cystitis and urinary tract infections.

To prevent recurrence of cystitis and urinary tract infections try a glass of cranberry juice daily. Cranberry inhibits adhesion of bacteria to the walls of the urinary tract so that they are simply flushed away!

A quick search for studies relating to cystitis and cranberry, and I find:

Cranberry and urinary infections.

The cranberry and the urinary tract.

Cranberry and urinary tract infections: slightly fewer episodes in young women, but watch out for interactions. A French study which suggested that cranberry may interact with warfarin.

[Use of cranberry in chronic urinary tract infections] Another French study (abstract in English).

Do not take cranberry if you are taking warfarin or similar medication without contacting your doctor or local herbalist.

Yes Really: Milk Thistle is good for the liver

2010-01-16T06:54:00.004Z

In the New York Times this week the latest - Really? article discusses milk thistle's reputation as a liver protector and concludes that there are few studies to support this claim.

I would like to point readers to an interesting pilot study on the use of milk thistle for the treatment of hepatotoxicity in childhood leukaemia, abstract here.

In this study, the use of milk thistle was associated with significant reductions in liver toxicity.

Ginger effective for motion sickness

2009-12-15T11:07:00.004Z

There is an interesting article in the Guardian today on the subject of travel sickness.

The article discusses some traditional remedies for motion sickness. Some pharmaceutical treatments for motion sickness are also discussed.

The article suggests that ginger is often recommended as a treatment for motion sickness. But goes on to say that there is no evidence that ginger is an effective motion sickness treatment.

However, a quick scan of Pubmed for articles relating to motion sickness and ginger revealed several studies showing that ginger has proven efficacy.

I particularly like this one:
Effects of ginger on motion sickness and gastric slow-wave dysrhythmias induced by circular vection.
abstract and the full text PDF

Other herbs which may be helpful for motion sickness include peppermint, chamomile, fennel and catnip.

menopause, drug companies and the rise of HRT

2009-12-13T15:19:00.001Z

If you are approaching menopause and wondering whether to take HRT, there is an interesting article this week in the New York Times, read it here.

The article discusses how Big Pharma promoted the idea of taking hormone drugs for menopausal symptoms such as hot flashes and night sweats.

As a herbalist I would suggest trying all alternatives to HRT. Not only are there health risks involved in taking HRT, but what is often not discussed or considered is that women who finally come off HRT often have menopausal type symptoms anyway, which are much harder to treat at this stage than the menopausal symptoms a woman might experience going through a natural menopause.

There are many medicinal herbs which have traditionally been used by herbalists for menopausal symptoms, especially sage, chaste tree, black cohosh and motherwort. After a consultation a qualified herbalist would be able to choose an appropriate combination from these and other herbs for your individual requirements.

Brazilian herbal tea effective for pain relief

2009-11-25T17:16:00.004Z

An article on the BBC news pages reports that scientists have confirmed that a traditional herbal remedy used in Brazil for thousands of years for relieving pain, is as effective as a commercially available synthetic pain reliever, Indometacin.

Researchers travelled to Brazil to study how the medicine was used there traditionally, in order to carry out a fair comparison.

Of course the researchers are not interested in the herb. According to the article they want to identify 'the molecule' in order to develop a new analgesic for the future.

herbal remedies and antiviral resistance

2009-11-20T17:41:00.006Z

Viruses do not have a cellular structure, they are made up of genetic material (DNA or RNA) surrounded by a protein coat and some also have an outside envelope of fat. It is not even clear if viruses are living organisms, they are described as being on the edge of life.

Viruses cannot replicate without invading a host cell. However, once inside a host cell the virus takes over the cell and forces that cell to make more and more virus, until the host cell bursts, releasing viruses which can spread throughout the host. Fortunately, the host's immune system usually overcomes the viral infection, eventually.

Antibiotics do not work against viruses. However, vaccinations are available to some viruses and do give some protection. Antiviral drugs have also been developed. However, in the same way that bacteria can become antibiotic resistant, viruses can evolve and become resistant to antiviral drugs. Today the BBC report that the H1N1 swine flu virus has become resistant to the antiviral drug Tamiflu.

However, viruses do not become resistant to antiviral herbs such as garlic. Even though garlic has been used against viruses for thousands of years it is still effective. This is because herbal remedies such as garlic contain a complex mixture of many different compounds.

The mixture of constituents within a herbal remedy means that it can help your body fight infections from viruses by a number of means. Herbs may help to 'kill' the virus directly, or interfere with its ability to enter host cells (see Elder), or boost the host's immune system and resistance to infection.

See my other articles on herbal anti-virals, here and here.

Some herbs which are said to help the body fight off viral infections include Astragalus, Echinacea, Andrographis, Lemon balm, Thyme and Yarrow, but there are many more.

herbal treatment of ulcerative colitis

2009-11-20T14:28:00.003Z

The BBC report this week on research carried out on people suffering from ulcerative colitis, see here.
The UK research suggests, they say, that having a leaky gut may be a key factor in the development of the inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis.
The signs and symptoms of ulcerative colitis, are intermittent and include left-sided abdominal pain, severe cramping, frequent bowel movements, episodes of bloody diarrhoea, fever, bloating and loss of appetite and weight.
The work confirms that a genetic defect makes some people more susceptible to having a gut mucosa which allows leakage of gut contents into the intestinal wall, allowing the bacterial infection, irritation and inflammation of ulcerative colitis.
People suffering from ulcerative colitis often seek out complimentary medicines such as herbal remedies, see here.
Herbalists have long suspected the link between ulcerative colitis and a leaky gut. Herbal treatment of ulcerative colitis includes soothing demulcent herbs such as aloe vera and marshmallow which soothe and calm an irritated intestinal mucosa. Astringent herbs such as yarrow and ribwort, which help to tone the mucosal epithelial barrier. Anti-inflammatory herbs such as chamomile, which help to reduce inflammation, irritation and promote healing of the gut mucosa. And herbs such as oregon grape to help balance the intestinal flora, and reduce numbers of potentially harmful bacteria. Research also confirms that various antioxidant herbs may have a role to play, see research here.

Herbal help for Raynaud's syndrome

2009-11-13T12:56:00.001Z

If your fingers and toes turn white in cold weather you might be suffering from Raynaud's syndrome. You are not alone, it is estimated that up to 10 million people in the UK may suffer from Raynaud's syndrome. More women suffer from Raynaud's syndrome than men, in a ratio of 9:1.

If you suffer from Raynaud's syndrome you might be able to reduce the frequency of attacks by making changes to your diet to improve your circulation and the health of your blood vessels. Herbs which help improve circulation may also help Raynaud's syndrome.

For further information on Raynaud's syndrome and tips on how diet and herbs may help please visit my website, Raynaud's syndrome.

Research confirms turmeric kills cancer cells

2009-10-28T10:51:00.003Z

On the BBC website today is an article describing research which confirms turmeric kills cancer cells. See the article here. See also my blog post on Turmeric, here.

millions suffering from food intolerance

2009-10-15T20:20:00.003+01:00

The Telegraph is reporting today that according to Allergy UK almost half the UK population may suffer from food intolerance.

The following websites have articles on food intolerance which refer mostly to the type of food intolerance that is related to the lack of the enzyme required for digestion of lactose found in cow's milk:

The BBC website article on food intolerance, here

The Patient UK website explains the difference between food allergy and food intolerance, with reference to lactase deficiency, here

Allergy UK says that food is not always recognised as the cause of ill-health because food intolerance symptoms can vary from IBS and bloating to things like migraines, chronic fatigue, eczema, skin conditions, depression, joint pains and inflammation in general. However, many people do recognise that they can not eat certain foods without developing problems.

As a medical herbalist, I am consulted by many people with food intolerance symptoms. It is important that the particular food or additive is identified and eliminated from the diet because otherwise over time the sensitive gut may become 'leaky' and peptide fragments of incompletely digested foods can leak into the bloodstream creating the symptoms associated with food intolerance.

Though IgG blood testing can help to detect food intolerances, the only true way to identify a particular food intolerance is to eliminate and reintroduce foods systematically.

In addition, herbs can help to reduce the symptoms of a 'leaky gut'. Bitter herbs can be used to improve digestion, antispasmodic herbs calm an irritated gut, and anti-inflammatory and astringent herbs can help to heal the leaky gut.

Contact a local herbalist for more information see my website for details.

Herbs for period pains

2009-10-08T13:33:00.004+01:00

In the telegraph today - an article about a miracle drug created to prevent period pains. The Telegraph article.

Well good news, you don't have to wait 4 years for a 'miracle drug' herbs already did that!

Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) has long been used by herbalists as an antispasmodic to relieve muscular pains such as period pains and cramps. As the Telegraph article suggests period pains can be caused by over-contraction of uterine muscles and Cramp bark's antispasmodic action can ease these periods pains fast.

Another Viburnum species, Black haw (Viburnum prunifolium) though often used interchangeably with Cramp bark, can often be more effective for uterine pain such as period pains.

Though either of these herbs may be effective alone, a herbalist usually prescribes a combination of herbs which will target the needs of the individual person.

Other herbs that might be useful for period pains would include Roman Chamomile, Dong Quai, Paeonia, Raspberry leaf, Motherwort, Wild Yam, Fennel, Ginger and Valerian.

Please contact a local herbalist for more information on herbal treatment of period pains.

Herbal medicines under threat!

2009-10-08T12:14:00.002+01:00

The UK Government is thinking about severely restricting the medicines that herbalists can provide. If this is allowed to happen the public could soon lose access to many herbal medicines which are currently available.

If you want to continue to have access to quality herbal care from herbalists then you can help.

Please read the following document and follow the link to my website for more information. To protect your herbal medicines write to your MP. Then consider responding to the on-line consultation document (link on my website) before the 2nd November.

Severe threat to patients’ herbal choices: a call to action!

More information at my website, click here

St John's wort effective against depression

2009-10-07T20:50:00.003+01:00

In the Middle Ages, St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) was considered a magical remedy used for emotional and nervous complaints. Current research supports the use of St John's wort for depression, a modern day nervous complaint.

St John's wort has traditionally been used as a herbal tonic for problems such as anxiety, tension and insomnia, as well as depression. A native remedy of Britain and Europe, St John's wort prefers a sunny position and well-drained soil. The flowering tops are the medicinal part used, harvested in midsummer.

In modern times, few people have the opportunity to escape the pressures of long-term stress, which can manifest as anxiety, nervousness, depression, insomnia, palpitations and irritability. Remedies such as St John's wort are said to nourish the nervous system. Increasing feelings of well-being and supporting a gradual return to health.

Modern research confirms the antidepressant effect of the herbal remedy St John's wort, and its usefulness for the treatment of depression, comparable in effectiveness to selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the standard orthodox antidepressants.

See the following abstracts of current findings from recent research trials on St John's wort:

Kava and St. John's Wort: current evidence for use in mood and anxiety disorders.

Efficacy and tolerability of Hypericum perforatum in major depressive disorder in comparison with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: a meta-analysis.

St. John's wort and Kava in treating major depressive disorder with comorbid anxiety: a randomised double-blind placebo-controlled pilot trial.

Launch of new website!

2009-10-06T18:13:00.001+01:00

This week I launched my new website. Take a look at www.hhcentre.co.uk

Herb of the month - Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

2009-09-26T16:47:00.004+01:00

Turmeric is probably best known as the bright yellow powder providing colour and flavour to curries. The powder is produced from the rhizomes of the Curcuma longa plant. The intense yellow colour is provided by the flavonoid curcumin. Turmeric also contains essential oil, bitter principles, resins and carotene.

With a long history of use as a herbal medicine in China and India, Turmeric has traditionally been used for hepatitis and jaundice, digestive problems such as indigestion, heartburn and colic, and for inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. Research has also confirmed the usefulness of turmeric as an antioxidant, a platelet aggregation inhibitor and a hypocholesterolaemic agent.

Turmeric increases stomach secretions thereby improving digestion, particularly of proteins. Taken regularly whole turmeric protects the stomach and may help prevent stomach ulcers by increasing secretion of mucous by stomach mucosa. Herbalists generally prefer the use of whole plant extracts. However, curcumin has been extracted and researched as a separate product. While curcumin has useful properties similar to the whole turmeric extract, researchers have indicated that large doses of the curcumin extract should not be used when there is active stomach inflammation because it has been shown to irritate gastric mucosa and may suppress mucous production, which may aggravate the inflammatory condition.

Turmeric also increases bile production helping the liver cleanse the blood of impurities. This can be a very useful therapeutic aid in a variety of conditions.

Both the essential oil and curcumin have been found to have an anti-inflammatory action comparable to that of hydrocortisone. Regular, daily consumption of turmeric should help to improve joint problems such as morning stiffness, joint swelling and pain with movement.

When turmeric is applied to skin, as a paste with water or aloe vera gel, it has useful anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antifungal properties. It can therefore be beneficial for acne, eczema, psoriasis, cuts and wounds, and fungal infections such as athlete’s foot. Take care with the strength and duration of the application when using turmeric topically as it can stain skin yellow.

Turmeric may also be useful for hypersensitivities such as asthma and hayfever because it can stabilize mast cells, thereby reducing reaction to airborne allergens.

Research on the anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric or curcumin extracts have shown promising results for a variety of other conditions including IBS, dyspepsia, post-operative inflammation, inflammatory bowel disease and pancreatitis.

Current scientific interest in turmeric focuses on its potential as a cancer preventative agent, especially of the bowel, cervix and liver. Its antioxidant properties may have a role here, though turmeric has also been shown to increase the number of cancer-fighting cells produced.

Turmeric can be taken as a tincture, infusion, or the powder (1 to 2 tsp per day) can be simply mixed with water and drunk. Turmeric may be available as tablets or capsules, or as a standardized (curcumin) extract. It may be added to foods such as rice, mashed potato, stews, soups or casseroles. I have heard it is good mixed with peanut butter.

Black pepper increases the absorption of turmeric.

Cautions
Turmeric in medicinal doses should be avoided in pregnancy because of its potential emmenogogue action.

Don’t use turmeric if you have a stomach ulcers (curcumin product), an obstructed bile duct or gallstones. Avoid the use of large doses of turmeric if you are taking anticoagulants or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories. The additive blood thinning effects may increase the risk of bleeding.

Please consult an experienced qualified herbalist for more information.

Research
In combination with ginger and ashwaghanda, turmeric was significantly superior to placebo in treatment of osteoarthritis of the knees (Chopra et al, 2004 - Journal of Clinical Rheumatology 10(5):236)

A glossary of herb actions is available on my website.

Herbal treatments for ADHD

2009-09-17T15:17:00.006+01:00

It is ADHD Awareness week 2009, but what is ADHD?
Inability to sit still, concentrate or finish one task before moving on to the next, would seem to be normal childhood behaviours, but for some these problems are so severe as to create difficulties in home and school environments. These children may be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Research has indicated that imbalances in neurotransmitters (substances that transmit nerve impulses) within the brain may be responsible for the problems of ADHD, but why these imbalances occur is unknown. It has been suggested that there may multiple causative factors, including genetic inheritance and environmental influences. Estimated to affect more than 5% of children in the UK, the condition appears to be more common in boys than girls and may first become apparent at around 18 months of age, though sometimes may not be diagnosed until much later, for example when school life may be affected by disorganisation, inattention and impulsive behaviour.
Early diagnosis is thought to be beneficial because teaching parents how to cope with and manage their child's behaviour has been shown to help if started early enough. Although a child with ADHD may have normal or advanced intellect, many experience learning difficulties which can lead to underachievement and lack of self-esteem. Depression, anxiety and obsessiveness may also become a problem.
For these reasons the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) recommends that initial treatment should involve behaviour and stress management, as well as educational support. They say medication should be reserved for school-age children who do not respond to behavioural strategies alone. However, all children with ADHD do not have the same symptoms, and no medication helps everyone diagnosed with ADHD, and for those that are helped it appears that the efficacy may be relatively short-lived. In addition, as with any medication, there are possible side-effects.
Dietary factors may play a part as elimination diets or supplementation of certain nutrients has been shown to help in some cases. In particular, concerns about food additives and sugar have been raised and though these are not thought to be causative factors, the Food Standards Agency has confirmed that some artificial food colour mixtures and some food preservatives can aggravate hyperactivity.
Perhaps not surprisingly many parents turn to complementary and alternative health practitioners for help as nutritional therapies and herbal remedies have sometimes shown significant improvements in behaviour. For instance a study designed to examine whether the balance of dietary fatty acids may have any influence confirmed that increasing the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA significantly improved behaviour in almost 50% of children with ADHD. Other nutrients with possible benefits include magnesium, vitamin B6, zinc, iron and carnitine. Other trials have shown that eliminating certain foods may help in a minority of cases, indicating possible food intolerances.
As with orthodox medication, no single approach will be appropriate for every person. However, qualified medical herbalists treat every person as an individual whatever their problem. I believe that herbal medicine has a lot to offer in the management of ADHD. The small number of studies available have shown that certain herbal remedies provide useful benefits. For example, Ginkgo biloba, improves cognitive performance, and has shown to improve attention span and lessen hyperactivity. A combination of Ginkgo biloba and Panax ginseng was found to be very effective in a pilot study on improving cognitive function. An extract of Bacopa monnieri was shown to improve concentration, learning rate and short-term memory in children and to reduce anxiety levels.
Each child may need a different protocol. If you consult a herbalist about treatment of a child with ADHD, the prescription would be tailored to the individual. It is also likely that each herbalist may have a different approach. However, they would be likely to choose herbs with adaptogen, nervine and/or cognition enhancing properties. Possible confounding factors such as food intolerances would also be addressed. For further information please take a look at my website www.hhcentre.co.uk

Elderberry extract found to be effective against H1N1 virus

2009-09-03T19:23:00.005+01:00

Research in the USA confirms that elderberry extract has effective anti-viral properties against the swine flu virus (click here to read abstract).
The research established that two flavonoid compounds in the elderberry extract blocked the ability of the H1N1 virus to enter and infect host cells. Researchers said that the effectiveness of the elderberry flavonoids in inhibiting the H1N1 virus compared favourably with the anti-viral medication Tamiflu.
See also my other blog posts on herbal anti-virals.
For further information on Elder on my website, click here

Herbal remedy effective in treating irritable bowel syndrome

2009-08-28T13:48:00.004+01:00

As many as one in 10 people may suffer with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), a gastrointestinal disorder that is characterised by recurrent episodes of abdominal pain, abdominal bloating, cramps or flatulence with diarrhoea, constipation or both. There may be mucous but not blood (blood in the stool requires further medical investigation). Structural or metabolic abnormalities are not present in irritable bowel syndrome.

The cause of IBS is unknown, but certain things may precipitate an attack, such as stressful situations, certain foods, or irregular meals. It is most common between ages of 25 and 45, and most sufferers are women. Though not linked to life-threatening conditions, severe IBS can seriously affect a sufferers quality of life. Often, worrying about the condition can make it worse.

Medical herbalists commonly treat people suffering with irritable bowel syndrome. Each herbalist will have their own particular favourite treatment options, but will focus on treating the individual holistically. Whilst providing remedies to ease the symptoms a herbalist will also seek out the root cause of the problem, so for example someone whose symptoms are triggered by stress may be helped by herbal remedies that help them deal with stressful situations. Or if a food intolerance is suspected, a herbalist may recommend some tests.

Chosen herbal remedies might include herbal anti-inflammatories, antispasmodics, soothing demulcents, relaxants or bulk laxatives, such as psyllium. Psyllium, the husks and seeds of several Plantago species of herbs, is a remedy that has been used for thousands of years, as a safe and effective herbal treatment for gut problems. New research published in the British Medical Journal (click here to view) confirms that the psyllium can help sufferers of IBS. When moistened psyllium expands producing a jelly-like consistency which is full of soluble fibre. Herbalists recommend psyllium because the soluble fibre soothes the gut, absorbing excess fluids, producing soft, bulky stools, especially beneficial in either diarrhoea or constipation. Insoluble fibre in the form of bran however was linked to worsening the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. The researchers suggested that taking psyllium, mixed in something like yoghurt was the best first treatment option for people with irritable bowel syndrome.

see What is irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)

Elderberry - an effective herbal anti-viral

2009-08-25T14:22:00.003+01:00

There are several species of elder but Sambucus nigra (commonly known as European elder or Black elder) is the species commonly used by herbalists. The berries, flowers, leaves, bark and roots of European elder have all been used in traditional herbal medicine for a wide range of ailments such as constipation, colic, diarrhoea, colds and rheumatism. Modern research on elderberries shows that they have potent antiviral activity, and are particularly useful in the treatment of various strains of influenza.

Elderberries are a source of flavonoids such as quercetin, rutin and oligomeric proanthocyanidins, zinc and other minerals, carotenoids, vitamin C and anti-viral proteins. Together these chemicals provide powerful antiviral, immune enhancing and antioxidant properties.

In viral infections such as influenza, the virus needs to enter host cells in order to replicate itself. It does this by attaching to, piercing and then entering the host cells, Once inside the host cell they are protected from the body's immune system defences and can start replicating. The virus uses the cells own mechanisms to produce more virus until the cell bursts releasing a flood of newly formed viruses into the circulation, from where they can enter other cells, with further replication and spread.

Constituents of elderberries prevent the virus entering cells by neutralising the spikes on the viral surface, thus preventing the virus from entering the host cells. Other constituents increase the number and activity of immune cells which are then activated and start removing the virus from the circulation. Antioxidants help to prevent damage to cells and together with enhanced immune function this may reduce inflammation, nasal congestion and mucous production, therefore elderberries can reduce both the severity of symptoms and the duration of the infection.

An elderberry syrup was investigated for the treatment of influenza strains. During a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in Norway, patients received either 15ml of elderberry syrup, or a placebo, four times a day for five days and recorded their symptoms. Compared to placebo the elderberry syrup reduced symptom severity and shortened the duration of illness by an average of four days. In another trial, 75% of patients receiving an elderberry extract reported a clear improvement of their flu symptoms within 48 hours, and within 72 hours, 90% of patients receiving the elderberry extract were symptom free.

It should be noted that fresh, raw elderberries are likely to cause a tummy upset with nausea and possibly vomiting, and so the elderberries are best prepared as a syrup. Tincture is also okay. If you have collected elderberries and want to make your own syrup, but find you are short on time they can also be frozen and the syrup prepared later.

I will do a post on syrup making later.

Herbalists usually prescribe more than one herb as part of any treatment. The particular blend of herbs chosen would depend on the patient. For more information contact a local herbalist. The National Institute of Medical Herbalists keeps a register of qualified herbal practitioners in the UK and abroad.

Swine flu vaccinations - try herbal anti-virals instead

2009-08-17T10:15:00.004+01:00

Vaccinations are generally thought to be helpful in the prevention of influenza. Therefore, a swine flu vaccination is being developed and is likely to be made available in late September or possibly October. Those people thought to be the most vulnerable will receive it first. These groups may include pregnant women, children, people with pre-existing health conditions or with weakened immune systems, and healthcare workers, which could amount to 13 million people in the UK.

As the mass vaccination programme draws closer a number of concerns have been raised, such as:

the feasibility of vaccinating the whole population and the drain on GP resources
possible side effects, such as the rare nerve disorder Guillain-Barre syndrome
the lack of data on the safety or effectiveness of the influenza vaccination in children under 2 years of age

Research shows that natural therapies such as nutritional supplements and herbal anti-virals can support the body's natural defences, resulting in a reduced incidence of infection, or shortening the duration and severity of illness, and helping to prevent complications.

The popular herbal remedy Echinacea has been shown to inhibit a number of respiratory viruses including those that cause influenza as well as other respiratory disorders.

There are three common species used in Echinacea products: Echinacea purpurea, Echinacea angustifolia and Echinacea pallida. All these Echinacea species contain constituents that elicit an immune response, such as increasing the number and activity of white blood cells. However, the three species contain different constituents and produce their effects by different means.

Echinacea purpurea is the most easily cultivated, and therefore commercially grown and commonly available as a supplement, Echinacea angustifolia is more difficult to cultivate and becoming rarer in the wild, but possibly the most effective Echinacea species. Echinacea pallida whilst certainly invoking an immune response is considered by herbalists to have a lesser effect than the other two.

The public should be aware that the quality of commercial Echinacea products is not all the same. Some products may be adulterated with inferior species, they may not contain the most active plant part, or deliver a sufficient dose to be effective. I prefer a combination of Echinacea purpurea root and Echinacea angustifolia root tinctures and I only buy from trusted sources. The combination of these species provides the benefits of both and has been shown to be effective. My tinctures have a reassuring tingle on the tongue and throat, thought by herbalists to be a sign of the quality and effectiveness of a sample of Echinacea.

However, a herbalist would usually use a number of herbs in combination rather than Echinacea alone.

I will do a post on other herbal anti-virals another day!

In the meantime, if you don't want the vaccination or may have to wait a while because you are not one of the vulnerable groups, I would encourage you to consult a local herbalist for more information. In the UK, details of qualified herbalists can be obtained from the National Institute of Medical Herbalists.

Harvesting - Golden-rod (Solidago virgaurea)

2009-08-05T14:33:00.005+01:00

A British native perennial, found in open areas such as dry pastures, heaths and mountain slopes. Grows to about 70cm, and has spikes of golden yellow flowers from July to September. The aerial parts are collected whilst the plant is flowering, so now is a good time.

Two days ago I picked Golden-rod flowers and leaves from the stems and put them in the dehydrator.

Today they are crispy dry but still with plenty of colour.

An infusion of the dried herb is useful for hayfever with catarrh, or urinary tract infections.

To make an infusion use one teaspoon of dried herb (or mixture of herbs) per cup of boiling water. Allow to infuse for 5 to 10 minutes, then strain.

Worried about swine flu?

2009-07-27T11:54:00.005+01:00

Novel H1N1 influenza A or swine flu, is expected to infect millions of people worldwide. Most infected people will experience a relatively mild respiratory illness, with fever being the predominant symptom, combined with cough, sore throat, chills, fatigue and/or muscle pains. However, a small proportion of those infected have needed hospitalisation, and there are a growing number of deaths from the disease. Unusually it is often previously healthy younger adults who are badly affected, and it is thought that the elderly may have some immunity. Previous underlying conditions also increase the seriousness of the condition including existing cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, diabetes or cancer. Evidence also suggests that pregnant women may be at higher risk for serious disease.

As with seasonal flu the swine flu virus is probably spread by coughing and sneezing, and by contact with contaminated surfaces. So because swine flu is very contagious, good hygiene is essential to reduce the risk of contact with the virus.

Limit the spread or your risk of contact with the swine flu virus, by:

regular and thorough hand washing with soap and water
using a tissue when coughing or sneezing, and disposing of the tissue afterwards
ensure hard household surfaces are regularly cleaned, normal cleaning products are appropriate
avoiding contact with people who look unwell, and have a fever and cough

Anti-viral drugs are now available from the National Flu Service, however there is the fear that if people take these drugs in order to prevent swine flu, the virus may develop a resistance to the drugs, reducing their effectiveness. Also, the anti-virals have short-term side effects such as nausea, vomiting, insomnia and nightmares. Long term use for months or years while the virus is around may have unknown side effects.

Fortunately, there are herbs that have anti-viral effects. In fact there is a simple home remedy that was used during previous flu pandemics. Garlic was an effective treatment but also helped other people avoid infection.

Garlic is a proven antiviral, antibacterial, antifungal and antiprotozoal remedy. Research on garlic has shown that it is effective against the influenza A and B viruses.

The best way to take garlic is raw or lightly cooked, as a part of your food. Crush and/or finely chop a clove of garlic and leave it to sit for 10 mins. This allows the enzyme allinase to mix with the alliin component in garlic, to produce the chemical allicin. It is allicin and substances produced from it that have the proven antiviral and antibacterial properties. Then add the garlic to food and enjoy!

More information can be found on the National Institute of Medical Herbalists website.
http://www.nimh.org.uk/press_releases/Flu----What-Can-you-Do