Search Results for: insomnia

Is Green Tea Good For Menopause

Is green tea good for menopause?

Posted by Cathy on

Is Green Tea Good For MenopauseYou may be wondering, is green tea good for menopause? Most of us have heard that green tea is good for us, but why? The answer is that drinking green tea provides many health benefits, including:

  • Heart health — drinking tea is associated with lowering one’s risk of heart attack and stroke
  • Bone health — antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of green tea help diminish bone loss
  • Oral health —  green tea is a natural flouride source which helps decrease tooth decay
  • Weight loss — the catechins in green tea produces thermogenesis (heat in the body related to burning calories)
  • Cancer prevention — the catechins in tea prevent cell mutation and reduce tumor formation​

But you may also be wondering, is green tea good for menopause? The answer is yes! Green tea can help balance your hormones.

  • Good for Menopause! — The biochemicals in green tea can change a woman’s estrogen metabolism, and as you may know, estrogen dominance is undeniably linked to breast cancer.

Researchers, led by Dr. Barbara Fuhrman of the NIH’s (National Institutes of Health) Cancer Institute, tested urinary estrogens and metabolites among 181 Japanese American women from California and Hawaii. Of these healthy women, 72 were postmenopausal. Along with urinary testing, personal interviews were taken, and each woman’s consumption of green tea, black tea, coffee and soda were recorded, measured, and adjusted in respect to caffeine consumption.

Amazingly, postmenopausal women who drank green tea daily had 20% less urinary estrone and 40% less urinary estradiol levels (meaning these women metabolized estrogen better). It was found that black tea did not produce the same results as green tea, and interestingly, caffeine consumption did not change the results.

Even more interesting, and perhaps concerning for pre-menopausal women, was the result that the estrogen levels of pre-menopausal women did not respond to green tea at all.

So, now that you know the answer to is green tea good for menopause, what does it all mean?

Is Green Tea Good For MenopauseWhat should you do with this information?

Well, if you are postmenopausal, drink green tea! It will help metabolize estrogen and can help in the prevention of breast cancer.

If you are pre-menopausal, drink green tea! Even though it will not have the same cancer-reducing results, green tea still has wonderful health benefits. Try other, more natural remedies for PMS symptoms, instead of using the birth control pill (which increases risk of breast cancer).

If you are experiencing symptoms of the change in life we call “menopause” (technically it is “perimenopause”), drink green tea! Remember to steer clear of HRT (hormone replacement therapy) because it too is associated with increased risk of breast cancer. Instead, try Menopause Relief Herb Pack for uncomfortable symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweating, insomnia, headaches, and mood swings.

Join the Rock Your Menopause 7 day challenge, for FREE!

Want to learn more? Get free Menopause Relief advice straight to your inbox with the Rock your Menopause 7 Day Challenge!

What’s discussed in the 7 Day Challenge?

  • Eastern Medicine health tips you don’t hear about.
  • Why green and clean beauty products.
  • How to find a fondness for fiber.
  • Why a daily BM is a must.
  • The difference between PRE and PRO-biotics.
  • How to find fermented foods you’ll love & why you need them.
  • Why eating hormones is off limits.
  • Explore the pro’s & con’s of bio-identical vs HRT hormone therapy.

Head over to RockYourMenopause.com and sign up for the free challenge now!

References

Fuhrman BJ, Pfeiffer RM, Wu AH, Xu X, Keefer LK, Veenstra TD, Ziegler RG. Green tea intake is associated with urinary estrogen profiles in Japanese-American women. Nutr J. 2013 Feb 15;12(1):25.
Yang CS, Wang X, Lu G, Picinich SC: Cancer prevention by tea: animal studies, molecular mechanisms and human relevance. Nat Rev Cancer2009, 9(6):429–439.

Case Adams is a California Naturopath and holds a Ph.D. in Natural Health Sciences. His focus is upon science-based natural health solutions. He is the author of 20 books on natural health and numerous print and internet articles. His work can be found at http://www.caseadams.com.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of GreenMedInfo or its staff.

Progesterone supplements

Hormonal Balance Estrogen & Progesterone

Posted by Cathy on

Today we’re seeing a tremendous number of women and men who are struggling with hormonal imbalances. Breast cancer to prostate enlargement, PCOS, and menopause symptoms are easily recognizable hormonal symptoms but what about symptoms such as cold hands, irritability, mood swings, pre-menopausal bone fractures, sluggish metabolism (fatigue), thyroid dysfunction, fibrocystic breasts, anxiety, fibroids, irregular menstrual cycles, insomnia and to name just a few?

All of these symptoms can be related to hormonal imbalance and a state known as “Estrogen Dominance” which refers to as a cumulative load of estrogen effects that outpace progesterone.

So how does someone become “estrogen dominant” and how does estrogen affect our overall health? Understanding the causes requires first a look at the most common places we find estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen (E1) is produced mainly in the ovaries. Progesterone is produced mainly from the outside lining of a mature egg released from the ovaries. Women who take or took birth control pills have a unique situation in that they do not ovulate, therefore they miss out on 90% of their body’s ability to produce progesterone. (HRT and even bio/identical hormones also have effects for brevity this article will not cover.) Without progesterone, estrogen can easily dominate. The progestin in birth control pills does not act like natural progesterone our bodies produce. Natural bio-mimicking progesterone can be created from certain yams and soy plants. However, natural progesterone cannot be patented, which is where progestin comes in.

Estrogen can also become a dominant hormone through the exposure to xeno-estrogens (chemicals that act on estrogen hormone receptors). Our environment is loaded with xeno-estrogens in unprecedented amounts. Xeno-estrogens are known endocrine-disrupting chemicals and can be found in:

Body-care products, including ones like sunscreens we coat on our bodies.
Pesticides in our food supply
Hormones used to plump up animals in our meat supply chain
Hormones in our milk supply
Unfiltered tap water can contain synthetic estrogen from birth control pills
Microwaving food in plastic containers releases xeno-estrogens
Some non-stick coated cookware release xeno-estrogens
Plastic water bottles contain xeno-estrogen chemicals
Processed food can contain propyl-paraben a well known endocrine disruptor (Propylparaben is in 49 widely-available processed foods 1)

We can solve this, right? We can drink filtered water, eat only organic meat and vegetables, change some lifestyle habits and our hormones will go back into balance, problem solved. Theoretically, this approach should work, IF the body can detox/eliminate the accumulated toxic estrogen load. Often this load is stored in fat and obesity becomes another factor.

If you see patients with estrogen dominant symptoms, lifestyle changes alone are often not enough to bring the body back into balance. This is where patients need our help. (Additionally, there are other causes of xeno-estrogens this article does not have space to include: i.e. exposure to household chemicals, building chemicals, years of hormone therapy use including bio-Identical/bio-mimicking hormones and even a person’s gut bacteria aka. microbiome.1

Some considerations

Modalities we can incorporate into our health regimes include ways to release the toxic load of estrogen and create a safer by-product during the break-down or detoxing process. Imbalances of hormones directly affect the liver which tends to be on overdrive when symptoms of estrogen dominance are present. Food, herbs and a few well-known supplements are excellent choices to help this process. Improving liver function is fuel for the detoxification process. Consider what “Functional Medicine” has been teaching; when the liver breaks down estrogen (and xeno-estrogens) by-products termed metabolites are formed. Creating a safer estrogen by-product or metabolite should be part of the overall detoxification plan. Excretion of metabolites can be impaired by poor methylation and abnormal gut flora.

A few ways we can help our patients optimize liver function and the detoxification of estrogen:

Chinese herbs formula Jia Wei Xiao Yao San AKA Relax Herb Pack – This popular Chinese herb formula sold worldwide for stress and anxiety outsells all other Chinese formulas, year after year. Stress dramatically affects liver function through continual overproduction of cortisol, rather than progesterone. Since both hormones are derived from the precursor hormone pregnenolone, a situation known as pregnenolone steal develops. When the body determines cortisol is more important to make than progesterone, estrogen dominance can flourish. Treat the liver stress and the downstream effects will improve.
Methionine – This supplement provides sulfur (not the same as sulfa drugs) and acts as a cellular cleanser. It literally donates methyl groups for the biochemical reaction that rids you of poisons and harmful estrogen by-products. Foods can also donate methyl groups a few good ones are beets, legumes, eggs, broccoli, leafy greens, nuts and sunflower seeds.
Methylcobalamin – A form of B12, this supplement also provides a “methyl” group which helps the estrogen detoxification process. Keep in minds, antacids, some diabetes medications, certain cholesterol-binding medicines and alcohol can wipe out your supply of methylcobalamin.
Calcium D-Glucarate – This is not the same as plain calcium. Toxins must combine with water-soluble substances to leave your body. This supplement combines with estrogen to help move it out.
Reishi Mushroom and other Chinese Medicinal Herbs – Reishi is high in poly-saccharides which feed the body’s microbiome, this in turn benefits liver metabolite breakdown.
Fermented foods such as miso soup, tempeh, kombucha, fermented vegetables i.e. pickles, sauerkraut, kimchi. (For more suggestions see my blogs at http://www.PacHerbs.com/blog/)

Keep in mind, reaching hormone balance can be accomplished faster with the elimination and avoidance of xeno-estrogens. However, most functional medicine doctors will agree, diet, supplements, exercise and lifestyle-based strategies are equally important. Establish realistic patient lifestyle goals and together you will be successful in treating the root causes and symptoms of estrogen dominance and create lifelong habits for balanced hormones.

 

References:

1. Microbiome Researcher, Rob Knight Ph.D. The American Gut Project http://americangut.org/
2. Environmental Working Group. http://www.ewg.org/research/ewg-s-dirty-dozen-guide-food-additives/generally-recognized-as-safe-but-is-it
3. More great info on the human microbiome https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DTrENdWvvM

Relax Herb Pack

Relax Herb Pack

Herbal Stress and Anxiety Relief

100g size packets are approximately a 30 day supply.

Take Charge of Your Mood Swings and Anxiety!

  • Reduce your stress with botanicals that promote relaxation

  • Helps support healthy cortisol levels

  • Promotes a calm and RELAXED feeling throughout the day

  • RELAX Herb Pack is a natural solution to our busy world

  • This traditional Chinese herbal formula has been used for centuries

  • No pills – NO capsules full of fillers!

  • Relax Herb Pack is a 30 day (approx) supply is the most concentrated extract (7:1) available anywhere.

  • Relax Herb Pack (AKA Jia Wei Xiao Yao San) improves your mood and reduces feelings of stress

  • This herbal combination has been used for over 500 years continuously to reduce stress and anxiety

  • 100% Vegetarian

  • Non-habit forming

This formulation has the distinction of being the #1 selling formula sold worldwide out of all East Asian herb formulas. It consistently outsells all others herbal formulas because it is truly the perfect combination of herbs to reduce stress and anxiety.

Usage instructions:

Mix 1/2 tsp. of Relax Herb Pack in hot water and wait 5 minutes. Relax Herb Pack tastes great!

OR put granules straight into your mouth and swallow with water or juice. Mixing with other drinks or food will inhibit digestion. This formula is best taken 30 minutes before or after meals to allow for optimum digestion and bio-availability of these herbs. The strength of the herbal formula is maximized when taken apart from other foods and drinks.

Cortisol: The Stress Hormone

When we are stressed cortisol levels rise. Cortisol is often referred to as the “Stress hormone”. Cortisol is perhaps the most important hormone involved in the adaptation process. It is produced by the adrenal cortex in response to signals from the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. When we are under acute stressors, cortisol secretion can generally help maintain homeostasis. However, because Cortisol plays a central role as a “first responder” it is seen as a bridge between stress and health because it can modulate body functions…. at least for a while.

When the body is continually under stressful conditions, Cortisol production stays constant and this creates fatigue, adrenal burnout, sleep disturbances, and other unhealthy conditions. The herbs in Relax Herb Pack have the ability to help balance cortisol and promote relaxation. Relax Herb Pack will reduce your daytime stress levels. Millions of people use this herbal combination every day, worldwide.

  • The basis of this 500+-year-old combination is the synergy of the herbs working together.
  • 7:1 extract (one gram of this product is equivalent to seven grams of the dried herbs)
  • No unnecessary fillers – NO magnesium stearate.
  • Pacific Herbs sells only the highest quality Chinese herbal formulas and WE GUARANTEE THEM.
  • Our commitment: To provide the finest quality Chinese herb natural supplements.

Standardized quality control testing on each batch of raw herbs and formulas. Each product batch is tracked with lot numbers and expiration dates. Lot numbers correspond to “Certificates Of Analysis” otherwise known as “COA’s”. cGMP processing does not require COA’s.

COA’s are the GOLD STANDARD is herbal supplement manufacturing and required by countries such as Germany, Japan and Australia. The U.S.A. is only beginning to catch up to the standards required in other parts of the world.
Our COA’s are provided upon request.

“Dr. Wago Mitani presents Bupleurum and Peony Formula as the central treatment for climacteric syndrome, which he says is comprised of symptoms such as “lack of physical strength, anxiety, poor concentration, insomnia, lethargy, somatic instability, a tendency toward fatigue, and mild fever.” Wago Mitani, Kanpo treatment of climacteric disorder, International Journal of Oriental Medicine 1992; 17(1): 27-32.

These statements have not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Relax Herb Pack Ingredients

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  • Pacific Herbs Ingredient Angelicae Dang Gui
    Known as the “Queen” herb for women Dang Gui is in nearly every Pacific Herbs product. The reason for this is summed up in the Chinese medicine phrase “10 formulas, 9 angelicas.” In other words, 9 out of every 10 formulas include dang gui. (AKA angelicae) It has been this way for over 2000(...)
  • Pacific Herbs Ingredient Atractylodes stem bai zhu
    This high-quality medicinal herb has many well-known uses and has stayed a commonly used favorite herb for all ages since first recorded in the 1st century. Atractylodes is often used for abdominal fullness and distention. This herb soothes all belly aches.
  • Pacific Herbs Ingredient Bupleurum chai hu
    Abundant research has been done on Bupleurum root used to treat headaches, liver cirrhosis, jaundice, common cold and irregular menstruation with pain and cramps (to name a few) in Traditional Chinese Medicine. (TCM) This medicinal has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties, along with(...)
  • Pacific Herbs Ingredient Moutan Mu Dan Pi
    This herb is the bark of the root Paeonia suffruticosa. Chinese Medicine says this herb invigorates the blood and moves the blood. When combined with other herbs in this formula it is famous for nourishing and cooling your blood or yin energy.
  • Pacific Herbs Ingredient Dried ginger root Pao Jiang
    This tuberos root has been used both as a food and medicine for thousands of years.  Ginger is excellent for issues from digestion to cognition, as well as inflammation. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) teaches that certain foods have medicinal properties, ginger may be at the top of that list.
  • Pacific Herbs Ingredient Gardeniae Fructus zhi zi
    Gardenia is known in Western medical terms for helping to lower blood pressure. In Eastern medicine/Chinese medicine, it helps to reduce weight by improving our elimination habits along with other herbs in the formula such as rhubarb.
  • Pacific Herbs Ingredient Liquorice Root
    Licorice has a long and highly varied record of uses. It was and remains one of the most important herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is said this herb goes to all twelve channels of the body, a claim given to only a few Chinese herbs. By entering all body channels this herb is often(...)
  • Pacific Herbs Ingredient mint leaf bo he
    Mint is a popular culinary herb but many don’t know it is a tummy ache cure-all. Refreshing, cooling, uplifting, and restoring, mints many varied therapeutic uses. The German Commission E approved the internal use of mint oil for a variety of conditions, including flatulence, gastrointestinal(...)
  • Pacific Herbs Ingredient Polygonum Multiflori Ye Jiao Teng
    Asian medicine says lack of nourishment to the heart causes sleep disorders such as difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, excessive dreams and disrupted sleep. This sweet herb addresses all of these symptoms. This herbs calming effect is said to open the orifices of the heart channel(...)
  • Pacific Herbs Ingredient Poria Fu Ling
    Poria is most commonly used to strengthen the spleen and calms the mind in TCM. Beyond poria’s principal action, this herb is also used to calm the heart spirit.
  • Pacific Herbs Ingredient White Peony Bai Shao
    White peony is one of the most often used herbs in Chinese herbal medicine. It is an extremely effective tonic herb and is used to purify the blood. White peony is legendary as a muscle relaxant, it relieves cramps (in the stomach and elsewhere) and reduces pain. Its antispasmodic and(...)

iSleep Herb Pack

Do you get Deep, Restful, Sleep Every Night?

or

Do you struggle with falling asleep and staying asleep?

iSleep Herbal combination is over 500 years old.

Hundreds of years of continual use of these herbs and now recent research, shows these herbs provide

DEEP, RESTFUL SLEEP.

iSleep Herb Pack Ingredients

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  • Pacific Herbs Ingredient Anemarrhenae Root Zhi Mu
    It is the root of this herb that has properties of clearing excess fire and at the same time nourishing the yin. These are two very important treatment principals and therefore makes this herb a prized possession. Its major chemical constituents include saponines, flavonoids, polysaccharides(...)
  • Pacific Herbs Ingredient Biota seed bai zi ren
    Seeds are small storage vessels of potential and the Biota seed is often used to help calm the mind and spirit.
  • Pacific Herbs Ingredient Concha Margarita Zhen Zhu Mu
    Concha Margarita, known as Zhen Zhu Mu in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), is esteemed for its calming and cooling properties. It nourishes Yin, clears heat, and anchors the Spirit, making it beneficial for conditions like insomnia, palpitations, and irritability.  It also promotes overall(...)
  • Pacific Herbs Ingredient Liquorice Root
    Licorice has a long and highly varied record of uses. It was and remains one of the most important herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It is said this herb goes to all twelve channels of the body, a claim given to only a few Chinese herbs. By entering all body channels this herb is often(...)
  • Pacific Herbs Ingredient Ligusticum Chuan Xiong
    This very popular and common herb in many Chinese herbal medicine formulas is used to regulate blood circulation. In iSleep Herb Pack a small amount is used help circulate and improve the actions of all the herbs in the formula. The entourage effect is important. Like making a cake, it’s not(...)
  • Pacific Herbs Ingredient Ophiopogon Root Mai Men Dong
    A nourishing but very mild herb. It is often combined with others for it’s most potent effects. Used in this formula to nourish the yin, clear the heart and eliminate irritability. Insomnia often occurs when the spirit of the heart is restless and rising upward to the brain. This restlessness(...)
  • Pacific Herbs Ingredient Polygonum Multiflori Ye Jiao Teng
    Asian medicine says lack of nourishment to the heart causes sleep disorders such as difficulty falling asleep and staying asleep, excessive dreams and disrupted sleep. This sweet herb addresses all of these symptoms. This herbs calming effect is said to open the orifices of the heart channel(...)
  • Pacific Herbs Ingredient Poria Fu Ling
    Poria is most commonly used to strengthen the spleen and calms the mind in TCM. Beyond poria’s principal action, this herb is also used to calm the heart spirit.
  • Pacific Herbs Ingredient ziziphus suan zao ren
    This little seed has a store house of vitamins, minerals proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, enzymes and more that are extremely beneficial for those suffering from sleeplessness. Clinical studies and research have shown Ziziphaus, (when processed correctly) can help quiet brain transmissions.(...)

(Click here our pharmaceutical plant video tour.)

iSleep Herbs Pack is:

  • Pharmaceutical grade highly concentrated extracts

  • Fast acting

  • Great tasting

  • Non-habit forming /non-addicting

  • Help stops the over-thinking process and quiets your mind

Why You Should Try iSleep?

When you sleep better, your health improves because your body has rested.

iSleep will improve your sleep patterns while simultaneously giving you a restful nights sleep!

iSleep Will Help You:

  • Fall asleep faster
  • Reduce tossing and turning
  • End the cycle of waking up too early
  • Allow you to sleep deeper
  • Feel rested and wake up alert
  • Quiets the thoughts in your mind

The secret of health preservation is first of all SLEEP. It can regenerate the essence, improve health, invigorate the Spleen and Stomach and strengthen bones and muscles… it is an ever-successful panacea for all illnesses.

 Is iSleep Safe?

500 Years can’t be wrong! Many of the herbs used in iSleep are used in Traditional Chinese cooking. i.e. jujube seed, poria, licorice. Herbs used as foods are the safest form of medicine. Hippocrates said, “Let medicine be thy food and food be thy medicine”. The natural herbal ingredients have been time tested and clinically tested. (see the study on 20,000 people here)

The combination of herbs in iSleep was originally written down over 800 years ago. Since iSleep is not a drug it can repair the bodies natural sleep cycle by calming the mind and allowing you to fall asleep naturally.

Sleep is an essential part of our normal healthy, balanced life. If you are not getting 8-10 hours of restfully, restorative sleep each night, iSleep Herb Pack can help.

When our bodies are functioning in a balanced state our energy improves and we feel healthy. Whether you have occasional sleeplessness or just want to enjoy a more restful nights sleep, iSleep will help!

Our Traditional Chinese herbal formula calms your mind so you can go to sleep and stay asleep and be rested and productive the next day.

iSleep provides a therapeutic amount of herbal extract in each packet. 1/2 tsp contains approx. 2000 mg.  Compare this to 2-3 pills which often contain as little as 500 mg of active herbal ingredients.

Pacific Herbs Premium Product Guarantee

See our Gold Standard Processing here!

iSleep Herb Pack is formulated based on scientific and clinical research. Click here for study links and research documentation.

100% Money Back Guarantee

Note on the Zizyphus – Studies show this herb contains unique triterpenes also known as jujubosides. The jujubosides are nearly identical to the active constituents found in ginseng, an herb that is traditionally used as a sedative and a tonic. Correct dosage is very important when using zizyphus and some studies show low dose zizyphus has no effects on sleeplessness. Full spectrum water extract has been shown to extract the full chemical constituents in zizyphus.

References:

  1.  J. Chen & T. Chen, Chinese Medical Herbology and Pharmacology, Art of Medicine Press 2004 California
  2.  Y. Shou-zhong (translator), The Divine Farmer’s Materia Medica, 1998 Blue Poppy Press, Boulder, CO.
  3. O. Ming, ed., Chinese-English Manual of Common-Used Herbs in Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1989 Joint Publishing Co., Hong Kong.
  4. Z. Youping, Chinese Materia Medica: Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Applications, 1998 Harwood Academic Publishers, Amsterdam.
  5. State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Advanced Textbook on Traditional Chinese Medicine and Pharmacology, (vol. 2) 1995-6 New World Press, Beijing.
  6. Dong ZL and Yu SF, Modern Study and Application of Materia Medica, 1990 China Ocean Press, Hong Kong.
  7. Lou Songnian, et al., Sedative and hypnotic actions of raw and fried suanzaoren, Journal of Chinese Herb Research 1987; (2): 18-19.
  8. Clinical Efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Suan Zao Ren Tang, for Sleep Disturbance during Methadone Maintenance: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4539464/
Sexy flowers, Chinese herbs

Flowers Are Sexy and Smart

Posted by Cathy on with 4 Comments

 Flowering plants are smart.  They know how to grab our attention and the attention of passing insects. Flowers actually intentionally, flaunt sex. Makes perfect sense really, since it’s the flowers job to manage the reproduction of the plant.  Plants produce beautiful flower petals of varying colors and shape to advertise the sexual organs ever so masterly hidden inside. Flowers release powerful aphrodisiac scents, an instinctive incentive for insects to come in and play. Nectar and pollen are the insects’ rewards and the plant benefits from the insects who carry their pollen to other plants which ensures rapid fertilization and reproduction. Flowers are smarter than you might think, but there’s more to flowers than just sex.

As spring weather emerges and flowers begin to bloom, you might want to consider that many flowers are so much more than just look pretty.  We have depended on flowers for our food supply, such as rice, wheat, corn and for clothing materials such as cotton and for medicine, continuously for thousands of years. Long before western pharmaceutical drugs, flowers were used as herbal remedies and recorded use goes back to 500 AD.  Chinese medicine, for example, has used flowers in herbal remedies to heal a huge variety of afflictions. Here are a few examples:

Lonicerae Flower – (Jin Yin Hua) has been used in Asian cultures for colds, flu, and sore throats. Recently, it was one of the four herbs in a formula to combat the swine flu and has proven its antibiotic properties successfully through years of research.

Viola Flower – (Zi Hua Di Ding) is known as the purple flower earth herb. This herb/flower has both anti-inflammatory and antipyretic effects, meaning it can treat fevers and bacterial infections. It has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy to treat snake bites because it can reduce both swelling and toxicity.

Pagoda Flower – or Sophorae flower (Huai Hua) is used to stop various bleeding disorders. Chinese medicine often uses this herb/flower in the treatment of hemorrhoids and excessive menstrual bleeding.

 

Chrysanthemum Flower– (Ju Hua) This common Chinese medicine herb has over 30 different species and is a wonderful natural eye treatment for dry, irritated eyes. It’s also commonly used for high blood pressure, headaches and other ailments in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  

Safflower also is known as Carthamus – (Hong Hua) is a red flower used to treat menstrual disorders such as cramps and amenorrhea. It’s known to invigorate circulation and help dissolve clots. Safflower has been extensively studied and found beneficial for use in patients with heart disease and joint pain. This flower also has a high success rate in treating flat warts. (Now that’s a fun herbal remedy fact!)

 

Magnolia Flower – (xin yin hua) How about a flower to treat nasal congestion? This flower is one of the most effective herbal remedies for stuffy noses and chronic sinusitis. 

 

Lotus Flower – (Lian Zi Xin) I would be remiss not to mention one of the most famous flowers associated with Chinese medicine, the Lotus flower. Eight parts of the lotus plant are used for their botanical medicine qualities. The flower is known to treat bleeding disorders  (i.e. bloody noses) and often used for irritability and fevers. The stamen of the lotus flower also has healing qualities. One use in Traditional Chinese Medicine is to reduce excessive dreaming.

Flowers truly have wonderful healing properties and have changed our world more than we imagine.  Chinese medicine understands flowers are useful beyond just their sexual appeal of beautiful packaging.  (Many more are used in Traditional Chinese medicine than I could possibly have space to mention here.)    

I thank the flowering plants for their beauty, but even though flowers are beautiful to look at,  I never overlook the fact they also provide us with an abundance of natural herbal remedies.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26087234

supplements for insomnia

Plants Medicinals vs Prescriptions to Promote Peaceful Sleep.. What’s the difference?

Posted by Cathy on with 3 Comments

“My 88 year old husband was prescribed Ambien for insomnia.  After the first dose, he fell while getting up to go the  bathroom, gashed his head and had to go to the emergency room for  stitches.  A year later, I gave him a half-dose (again prescribed) and within minutes, his legs collapsed on him.  I had the hardest time getting him into bed. 

Ambien?  Never again!

Your experience reminds us that sleeping pills may pose a serious risk for older people who have to get up at night to go to the bathroom. This is a dilemma, because many seniors suffer from insomnia. Even over-the-counter sleep aids sleep aids that contain the sedating antihistamine diphenhydramine ( advil PM, Nytol, Sominex, Tylenol PM etc.) may also contribute to unsteadiness, urinary retention and similar host of side effects such as rebound  next day sleepiness and cognitive impairment.  Older people should be careful with sleeping pills like Ambien.  Other side effects may include reflux, next-day memory impairment, dry mouth and dizziness.”1

For those among us who experience  occasional  insomnia, you may have already tried a plethora of sleeping aids.   The story above illustrates some of the dangers of the prescriptions on the market.  Drugs such as the benzodiazepines approved as sleep aids, estazolam (ProSom), flurazepam (Dalmane), and temazepam (Restoril) have serious side effects.  As with all these medications  daytime sleepiness, cognitive impairment, dizziness, unsteadiness, sleep-walking, sleep-driving, memory lapses, and hallucinations have all been reported as a result of sleeping pills. If you have only mild insomnia,  relying to heavily on sleeping pills can cause dependency and  if abused may worsen your sleeping problems. 

There are several non-prescription drugs sold over the counter for sleeplessness which contain the antihistamine diphenhydramine.   Brands such as  Benadryl, Nytol, Tylenol PM, and Sominex,  which block the action of acetylcholine (anticholinergic effect) and are used as a sedative because they causes drowsiness.  However, these may  also contribute to unsteadiness and urinary retention.  There’s also a fairly new drug out called zolpide, a sedative,  it’s a inexpensive generic version of the drug Ambien. Generally it’s not prescribed for more than 10 days and is usually taken intermittently as needed to avoid problems with addiction or habituation, loss of effectiveness, and rebound phenomena. “The most common side effects of zolpidem are drowsiness, dizziness, and a “drugged” feeling, which probably reflect the action of the drug. Other side effects include confusion, insomnia, euphoria, ataxia (balance problems), and visual changes.” 1

The difference between  drugs and taking an herbal medicinal are both the actions and side effects.  Addiction is not a concern with natural medicinals. 

Plants used in Chinese herbal medicine have been clinically tested  and studies throughout  Asia for the past 50 plus years.  Their usage goes back to 2nd century. One such medicinal  known to have a soothing  and calming effect on the body and promote sleep is  Spiny jujube or (zizyrus spinosae semen).  Spiny jujube has been well documented for use when occasional insomnia is an issue.  One study on rats showed spinosae significantly increased the rate of sleep onset and exhibited a synergistic effect with 5-HTP.2   “These results suggest that spiny jujube potentiated pentobarbital-induced sleep via a serotonergic mechanism.”  Translation, you sleep without being put into a drug induced state.  This herb and others are the answer to a peaceful nights sleep, without  all the side effects of  prescription or OTC drugs.

References:

1. http://www.mdidea.com/products/new/new029research.html

2.  Zolpidem   http://www.medicinenet.com/zolpidem/article.htm

3.  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sites/entrez

4.    http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16755056?ordinalpos=9&itool=EntrezSystem2.PEntrez.Pubmed.Pubmed_ResultsPanel.Pubmed_DefaultReportPanel.Pubmed_RVDocSum

5. WANG LE, BAI YJ, SHI XR, CUI XY, CUI SY, ZHANG F, ZHANG QY, ZHAO YY, ZHANG YH. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 2008;90(3):399-403.  Department of Pharmacology, Peking University, School of Basic Medical Science, 38 Xueyuan Lu, Beijing 100083, China

6. http://www.mdidea.com/products/new/new029research.html

Women , You Can Balance Those Hormones

Posted by Cathy on

I see so many women struggling with hormonal balance today.  From age 15 to age 80 it seems everyone has symptoms. Some patients are breast cancer survivors others are dealing with menopause symptoms. Hormonal imbalances are not always just PMS & hot flashes, some of my patients have cold hands, irritability, mood swings, pre-menopausal bone fractures, sluggish metabolism (fatigue), thyroid dysfunction, fibrocystic breasts, anxiety, fibroids, irregular menstrual cycles, and /or insomnia to name just a few?

All of these symptoms can be related to hormonal imbalance and a state known as “Estrogen Dominance” which refers to as a cumulative load of estrogen effects that outpace progesterone.

So how does someone become “estrogen dominant” and how does estrogen effect our overall health? Understanding the causes requires first a look at the most common places we find estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen (E1) is produced mainly in the ovaries. Progesterone is produced mainly from the outside lining of a mature egg released from the ovaries. Our modern world has bio-mimicking hormone disruptor’s just about everywhere, the water we drink, the food we eat, the buildings we live in. Estrogen can also become a dominant hormone through the exposure to xeno-estrogens (chemicals that act on estrogen hormone receptors).

Xeno-estrogens are known endocrine disrupting chemicals and can be found in:

  • Body-care products, including ones like sunscreens we coat on our bodies.
    Pesticides in our food supply
    Hormones used to plump up animals in our meat supply chain
    Hormones in our milk supply
    Unfiltered tap water can contain synthetic estrogen from birth control pills
    Microwaving food in plastic containers releases xeno-estrogens
    Some non-stick coated cookware release xeno-estrogens
    Plastic water bottles contain xeno-estrogen chemicals
    Processed food can contain propyl-paraben a well know endocrine disruptor (Propyl paraben is in 49 widely-available processed foods)

 

We can solve this, right? We can drink filtered water, eat only organic meat and vegetables, change some lifestyle habits and our hormones will go back into balance, problem solved. Theoretically this approach should work, IF the body can detox/eliminate the accumulated toxic estrogen load. Often this load is stored in fat and so many of us are struggling with our weight.

 Lifestyle changes will help the toxic overload of estrogen but, unfortunately this is often not enough to bring the body back into balance.  Considerations these tips for help with reducing your toxic estrogen load.

Creating a safer estrogen by-product or metabolite should be part of the overall detoxification plan.

1. Chinese herbs formula Jia Wei Xiao Yao San AKA Relax Herb Pack – This popular Chinese herb formula sold worldwide for stress and anxiety outsells all other Chinese formulas, year after year. Stress dramatically affects liver function through continual overproduction of cortisol. When the body over produces cortisol, estrogen dominance can flourish. Help the liver with stress and the downstream effects will improve. In Chinese medicine we always treat the liver first when there are signs of stress and estrogen dominance.

2.  Methionine – This supplement provides sulfur (not the same as sulfa drugs) and acts as a cellular cleanser. It literally donates methyl groups for the biochemical reaction that rids you of poisons and harmful estrogen by-products. Foods can also donate methyl groups a few good ones are beets, legumes, eggs, broccoli, leafy greens, nuts and sunflower seeds.

3. Methylcobalamin – A form of B12, this supplement also provides a “methyl” group which helps the estrogen detoxification process. Keep in minds, antacids, some diabetes medications, certain cholesterol binding medicines and alcohol can wipe out your supply of methylcobalamin.

4.  Calcium D-Glucarate – This is not the same as plain calcium. Toxins must combine with water-soluble substances to leave your body. This supplement combines with estrogen to help move it out.

5. Reishi Mushroom  – Reishi is high in poly-saccharides which feed the body’s microbiome, which, in turn, help your metabolism including liver metabolism.  Since your liver is your main detoxification organ, you need to do everything possible to keep it working optimally. Get into the habit of feeding your body foods that help every organ perform better. (Check out organic coffee & tea with reishi here)

6.  Fermented foods such as miso soup, tempeh, kombucha, fermented vegetables i.e. pickles, sauerkraut and kimchi.

Keep in mind, reaching hormone balance can be accomplished faster with the elimination and avoidance of xeno-estrogens. However, most doctors will agree, diet, supplements, exercise and lifestyle-based strategies are equally important. Establish realistic goals for yourself and you will be successful in treating the root causes and symptoms of estrogen dominance.

References:

1. Microbiome Researcher, Rob Knight Ph.D. The American Gut Project http://americangut.org/
2. Environmental Working Group. http://www.ewg.org/research/ewg-s-dirty-dozen-guide-food-additives/generally-recognized-as-safe-but-is-it
3. More great info on the human microbiome https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5DTrENdWvvM

Embrace the Change – Menopause Health and Wellness Summit

Posted by Cathy on

Finally all you need to know on how to embrace the menopause change.

Now a days more and more women are seeking natural solutions for menopause symptoms such as depression, anxiety, weight gain,  insomnia, lack of libido and much more. Some of which can be extremely annoying and life interfering.

And that's why I am excited to announce that I will be collaborating with Kris T. Smith and many expert speakers to bring you much of those needed solutions for menopause during the "Embrace the Change" Menopause Health and Wellness Summit for 8 consecutive days starting September 22-29th, 2013.

It's a FREE summit that will bring you life-changing results and ways to help you thrive through midlife, peri-menopause and menopause. 

Go Here to Get your guaranteed FREE Spot
 

The 22 expert speakers will give you valuable information and life changing results for you to keep forever.

Topics such as:

How to Ignite the Flame in your Relationship and Thrive through Menopause

5 Ways to Avoid Packing on the Pounds

Vaginal Dryness

The 6 Secrets to Overcoming Weight Loss Resistance and Achieving Diving Health

The Mindful Way through Menopause-How to Stay Cool and Embrace the Change

Diabetes and Menopause

Living with Zest

“Stinkin Thinkin” during Menopause

Using Essential Oils for Menopause

Reclaiming Your Feminine Power

Stress Reduction

How to get Better Sleep

The Power of Mindset

AND MUCH MORE

I bet you are ready to Embrace the Change, stay healthy, be balanced, look and feel your best, and create your very best second half of life!

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE AND REGISTER FOR FREE, NOW

The best of this all is that is FREE and the 22 experts will bring you valuable information. There will also be many bonuses for you.

Sign up today—you'll be glad you did. You won't want to miss this opportunity of a lifetime!

Be Well, 

 

Cathy Margolin, L.Ac. Dipl.

President Pacific Herbs

 

P.S. REGISTER TODAY and RESERVE YOUR SPOT by CLICKING HERE NOW

Oh….don't forget to share the opportunity with all your friends and family as well.

 

 

           

Why You Should Not Be Reaching For Sleeping Pills

Posted by Cathy on

We all know sleep is something we all need within every day. When you can't get to sleep, a natural sleep aid can make insomnia a thing of the past, yet  some 60 million Americans choose a prescription sleeping pill.  Whether the lack of sleep is due to stress, poor diet, lifestyle choices or a laundry list of other porr habits, sleeping pills have become a drug of choice. 

 

If you are a sleeping pill user do you know a new study shows prescription sleep aids bring an increased risk of dying early?  On the contrary, Chinese herbal sleep aids have been used safely and without side effects for centuries.  

 

The study published in the British Medical Journal says that people taking a prescription sleeping pill even when taking fewer than eighteen pills per year have nearly four times the mortality rate of those who don’t take the drugs.  Patients who take higher doses of sleeping pills have a 35% increased cancer risk. 

 

 
What was significant about this study is that it was long-term, keeping track of 10,529 people who had at least one prescription for a sleeping pill between 2002 and 2007, compared with a control group. While the study doesn’t demonstrate causation, it did adjust for confounding factors such as age, smoking, weight, and other health conditions.

 

 Try a natural sleep aid, Chinese herbs for sleep have been used for centuries and has no side effects. 

Scott’s Death Questions Sleep Aids Side-effects

Posted by Cathy on

Every year another sad story of a famous Hollywood somebody dies with drugs found in their body. This time again, like so many others, the drugs included prescription sleep aids and anti-depressants. 

 

It is truly the saddest story of all.

 

Fact is, sleep loss can cause depression.  Depression worsens with insomnia. Anti-depressant drugs have side-effects including sleeplessness and the once a person begins medication for these it's hard to tell which is came first, the chicken or the egg?

 

Filmmaker Tony Scott is now another statistic of sleeplessness and drugs.  Coroner's found both sleep aids and anti-depressants in his body.  Why a successful filmmaker can't find an answer to insomnia and depression baffles my mind?  Today we have so many answers and so many possible approaches to sleeplessness yet people suffer.    

 

Condolences to his family and friends, business associates and all who will miss his talent.  May we learn something from this loss and his struggle with sleep aids.

 

The Cool Cucumber, Natures Detox Veggie and Sleep Aid

Posted by Cathy on with 5 Comments

 

Americans don’t traditionally consider everyday foods as medicine.  But maybe we should take a few clues from Asian and Mediterranean societies that eat this cool food at the height of the hot weather.

 

Cucumber isn’t sold in pharmacies but it should be. In Chinese Medicine, cucumber is considered to have heat-dissipating, diuretic, laxative, and detoxifying effects.

The first recorded medicinal use of cucumbers was in the 7th century. Its major uses continue today and include: the treatment of excessive thirst, sore throat, laryngitis, acute conjunctivitis, and burns. In most Chinese homes, however, whether eaten raw or cooked as a soup, cucumber is used only for keeping cool in summer, when it is in season, or in early autumn to soothe dry lips and throat.

Because cucumbers have natural cooling properties according to Chinese Medicine food theory, they shouldn’t be eaten during the cold  winter months.  During the winter we need foods with warming properties.  The cooling properties of cucumbers also make it a perfect natural detoxifier, so stop throwing money away on detox programs and eat some cucumbers now that it’s summertime. 

Modern medical researchers found that cucumber is rich in vitamin E, which helps fighting against aging. Women like to put cucumber juice or film on the face to smooth skin and reduce wrinkle. Cucumber also contains vitamin B1, which is essential for our brain and nervous system.

Chinese Traditional Medicine (TCM) believes cucumber has the ability to soothe the nerves and aid in the treatment of insomnia.  This makes perfect sense because we all sleep better when our bodies are cooler and cucumber is one of the coolest vegetables. Studies also show extracts of cucumber seeds and stems may have an effect on high blood pressure. 

Wow, all this from a little vegetable you can find at every farmers market during the summer months.

What else is cucumber good for?  Here a list and some fun facts:

 

1. Cucumbers contain most of the vitamins you need every day, just one cucumber contains Vitamin B1, Vitamin B2, Vitamin B3, Vitamin B5, Vitamin B6, Folic Acid, Vitamin C, Calcium, Iron, Magnesium, Phosphorus, Potassium and Zinc.

 2. Feeling tired in the afternoon, put down the caffeinated soda and pick up a cucumber. Cucumbers are a good source of B Vitamins and carbohydrates that can provide that quick pick-me-up that can last for hours. They also keep the body cool during the day which helps eliminate the need for sleep aids at night.

3. Tired of your bathroom mirror fogging up after a shower? Try rubbing a cucumber slice along the mirror, it will eliminate the fog and provide a soothing, spa-like fragrance.

4. Are grubs and slugs ruining your planting beds? Place a few slices in a small pie tin and your garden will be free of pests all season long. The chemicals in the cucumber react with the aluminum to give off a scent undetectable to humans but drive garden pests crazy and make them flee the area.

5. Looking for a fast and easy way to remove cellulite before going out or to the pool? Try rubbing a slice or two of cucumbers along your problem area for a few minutes, the phytochemicals in the cucumber cause the collagen in your skin to tighten, firming up the outer layer and reducing the visibility of cellulite. Works great on wrinkles too!!!

6. Want to avoid a hangover or terrible headache? Eat a few cucumber slices before going to bed and wake up refreshed and headache free. Cucumbers contain enough sugar, B vitamins and electrolytes to replenish essential nutrients the body lost, keeping everything in equilibrium, avoiding both a hangover and headache!

7. Looking to fight off that afternoon or evening snacking binge? Cucumbers have been used for centuries and often used by European trappers, traders and explores for quick meals to thwart off starvation.

8. Have an important meeting or job interview and you realize that you don’t have enough time to polish your shoes? Rub a freshly cut cucumber over the shoe, its chemicals will provide a quick and durable shine that not only looks great but also repels water.

9. Out of WD 40 and need to fix a squeaky hinge? Take a cucumber slice and rub it along the problematic hinge, and voila, the squeak is gone!

10. Stressed out and don’t have time for massage, facial or visit to the spa? Cut up an entire cucumber and place it in a boiling pot of water. The chemicals released in the steam creating a soothing, relaxing aroma that has been shown to reduce stress in new mothers and college students during final exams.

11. Just finish a business lunch and realize you don’t have gum or mints? Take a slice of cucumber and press it to the roof of your mouth with your tongue for 30 seconds to eliminate bad breath, the phytochemcials will kill the bacteria in your mouth responsible for causing bad breath.

12. Looking for a ‘green’ way to clean your faucets, sinks or stainless steel? Take a slice of cucumber and rub it on the surface you want to clean, not only will it remove years of tarnish and bring back the shine, but is won’t leave streaks and won’t harm you fingers or fingernails while you clean.

13. Using a pen and made a mistake? Take the outside of the cucumber and slowly use it to erase the pen writing. This trick also works great on crayons and markers  kids may have used to decorate the walls!!

 

Energy Drinks Are Not Sexy!

Posted by Cathy on

Health Energy Booster Herb Pack with ginseng Even though energy drinks are readily available in every convenient store and a staple among students for the instant “pick-up”, the facts are now coming out about the damage they cause to your teeth.  Is a temporarily buzz worth all the cavities and what about the other side-effects?

Dental erosion doesn’t have anything to do with hygiene, it doesn’t have anything to do whether you brush your teeth or not. It’s just pure acid in the drink.

Sugar is Not Sexy Either

The other main ingredient in energy drinks is sugar. Energy drinks contain A LOT of sugar! For example a can of Monster energy drink contains 52g of sugar. A teaspoon of sugar weighs about 4g so the Monster drink contains an equivalent of 13 teaspoons of sugar.

This sugar acts to give a quick surge of energy. However an invasion of sugar into the bloodstream activates the release of insulin. Insulin is used by the body to regulate the level of blood sugar at a constant level. Insulin also stimulates the storage of fats and the increase in triglyceride levels. High triglyceride levels usually go in conjunction with low levels of HDL (good) cholesterol. Both of these are risk factors in cardiovascular disease.

Eating or drinking sugars per se does not cause diabetes but there has been research that has shown the link between the consumption of sweet drinks and increased levels of diabetes. High sugar levels also depress the immune system. Vitamin C and glucose have similar chemical structures so the process that allows sugar into the cells is the same as that which allows vitamin C into the cells. The result is that the more sugar there is the less Vitamin C there is. White blood cells require Vitamin C, with less, your immune system suffers.

There is also a link between consumption of sugar and teeth decay. Sugars assist plaque to form and develop on teeth. Plaque causes tooth decay. Tooth decay is not only painful it is also costly in terms of dental cover. Energy drinks are a particularly bad form of sugar intake in relation to teeth as they are usually consumed outside mealtimes.

Caffeine – An Adrenaline Rush Your Body Cannot Sustain

Energy drinks usually contain a large amount of caffeine. Some energy drinks have been found to include between three and five times as much caffeine as a can of cola. Caffeine is addictive; as the body gets more tolerant to the effects then increased levels of caffeine will be required to obtain the same level of stimulation. There have been many studies dealing with caffeine and human health over the years which have shown a number of adverse effects on the body:

  • Caffeine is a stimulant and so can cause heart palpitations, insomnia and anxiety attacks.
  • It is a diuretic and so causes your kidneys to remove extra fluid from your body. If this occurs whilst you are exercising then there is a danger of becoming severely dehydrated very quickly. Energy drinks should never be consumed in conjunction with exercise.
  • Caffeine has been shown to have an  adverse effect of the calcium balance in bone health so leading to a greater risk of fractures.
  • Mood or behavioural problems can occur from caffeine intake/
  • There have been links between caffeine intake and cancer.

Advertising for energy drinks is often targeted at children and young adults. You only have to consider advertising and sponsorship of extreme sports, snowboarding and skating. Although these drinks are often directed at adolescents they are the ones that are at greater risk from consuming caffeine. Doctors from the University of Miami paediatrics department warned “Frequently containing high and unregulated amounts of caffeine, these drinks have been reported in association with serious adverse effects, especially in children, adolescents and young adults with seizures, diabetes, cardiac abnormalities, or mood or behavioural disorders and those who take certain medications”. One report found that one can of energy drink given to children aged between five and twelve would result in seven out of the ten of them having consumed dangerous levels of caffeine.

There has also been a trend of mixing the energy drinks with alcohol because it makes the person feel alert and energetic even when they are drunk. This however is a lethal combination as both the caffeine and the alcohol act to dehydrate the body. The cocktail of energy drinks, alcohol, dancing and heat has led to numerous hospitalisations.

The bottom line is that large quantities of caffeine and refined sugars and bad for our bodies. The temporary boost given on the consumption of these drinks is masking the short and long term damage being caused. There are natural alternatives that will provide an energy lift that do not contain the caffeine and sugar. Pacific Herbs has the only all herbal, 500 year old Energy Booster in a packet. Twelve natural herbs like ginseng, goji berries and others which have been used for centuries in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). Get a boost for your mind and body without the unwanted side effects.