Believe It or Not, Prozac for PMS

PMS, PMDD, best herbal remedies for menstrual crampsAt first I thought it was a joke, but it's for real.  Prozac is now being touted as the latest greatest thing for PMS and PMDD.  This is the drug used for treatment of depression or obsessive-compulsive behavior.  You know, the happy pill. Sadly,  I've seen lots of people who are not happy, who take this pill.

Straight from Wikipedia (and a few other sources) re-labeling drugs is becoming a common occurrence when a prescription drug  patent is about to expire. The  manufacturer suddenly finds "new uses" for it to stem the post-patent sales decrease.    Eli Lilly's re-branding of Prozac is the latest drug to suddenly find new uses.  This time the "research" (hmm, some research at the University of Birmingham, but couldn't find anything published) says it works for the treatment of PMDD, otherwise known as  Pre-Menstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). This is a dramatic form of Premenstrual syndrome.

Not to worry though, because if Prozac helps your PMDD or your PMS you only have, well minimal side-effects.  Here's the short list. 

 
In clinical studies, the most common side effects Prozac included:
  • Insomnia– in up to 33 percent  of people    (Great I'm dead tired from not sleeping but I'm not anxious. But I do need another drug to help me sleep, what do you recommend?)
  • Nausea — up to 29 percent
  • Weakness — up to 21 percent
  • Headache — up to 21 percent
  • Diarrhea  — up to 18 percent
  • Loss of appetite — up to 17 percent 
  • Drowsiness — up to 17 percent
  • Anxiety— up to 15 percent               (what, I thought it treats anxiety, You mean I could have a 15% chance of having more anxiety?  What's up with that?)
  • Nervousness — up to 14 percent
  • Shakiness (tremor) — up to 13 percent
  • Dry mouth — up to 12 percent 
  • Decreased sex drive — up to 11 percent 
  • Yawning — up to 11 percent
  • Indigestion — up to 10 percent
  • Dizziness — up to 9 percent
  • Sweating — up to 8 percent
  • Impotence- up to 7 percent 
  • Ejaculation problems — up to 7 percent  (probably doesn't apply to females, unless…   does this include failure to orgasm?)
Other common Prozac side effects (that occurred in at least 1 percent of people) include:
 
  • Flushing (redness of the skin, especially the face)
  • Abnormal dreams
  • Constipation
  • Gas
  • Vomiting
  • Fever or chills
  • Weight loss
  • Vision changes
  • Chest pain
  • High blood pressure/hypertension
  • Increased appetite and weight gain
  • Taste changes
  • Menstrual Problems  (What???  Wait a minute …. I thought you said it's for my menstrual problems??)

Lastly, let's not forget that Prozac, like all anti-depressant drugs, carry the "black box warning"  on the label.  That's the little caveat that says if you commit suicide it's not our fault because we  are telling you this drug may give you suicidal thoughts.   

If you need something for PMS or menstrual cramps and pain, we have a better answer.  You don't have to suffer and you don't have to take a drug with side-effects.  Check out all your options.  Feeling good again can happen, check out a natural alternative used for generations.  We've got it here.

 

Wikipedia  says:    Eli Lilly's patent on Prozac (fluoxetine) expired in the United States in August 2001, prompting an influx of generic drugs onto the market. Prozac was rebranded "Sarafem" for the treatment of PMDD in an attempt to stem the post-patent decrease in Eli Lilly's sales of fluoxetine.

Prevention Magazine’s “9 Natural Cures” leaves off Chinese Herbs?

When I was a teen and found Prevention Magazine I was in heaven. It was the first magazine of it’s kind to talk about natural cures and I knew then, (circa 1976)  they were on to something. Now, some years later, the whole country knows what Prevention Magazine knew back then.  Natural cures do work, from Acupuncture, to chocolate for it’s flavonoids, and certainly the ancient practice of Tai Chi.  Here’s a quick video from the Today Show and the editor of Prevention Magazine about “9 Natural Cures you Trust”.

I have to say, I’m a little disappointed Chinese herbs did make Prevention’s  top “9” list.  There are certainly enough studies done on herbs especially Chinese herbs that are used by over a billion people on the planet to qualify them as “cures you can trust”.  Additionally, Chinese herbal medicine has been used for over 2000 continuous years, one would think that alone would give it enough credence to be included in the category of “Natural cures you can trust”. 

Herbs such as  Spiny Jujube for insomnia are a good example of an extremely trust worthy cure.  Spiny jujube is a Chinese herb used to help calm the mind and attain a good nights sleep. I understand that Prevention Magazine looked at cures which had studies backing the data but…  one study looked at the insomnia cases of over 16,000 people, and concluded Spiny Jujube combined with other herbs was the most successful herbal formula for insomnia.  In fact, everyone in China knows this herb and combined with other herbs it was our inspiration to create iSleep Herb Pac for those suffering with  insomnia.  

I feel certain that if Prevention Magazine had a  “Ten Natural Cures you can trust list.. instead of Nine.. Chinese herbs would be the tenth item on the list, don’t you?

Thanks for reading.

Sleeping Through The Night, Naturally

Best natural herbal sleep aid is Ziziphi or Suan Zao Ren Having a good night of sleep can make all the difference in having a good day ahead.  The video below gives some good ideas about Western herbs for sleep and some foods that may help calm you down in the evening. But unfortunately, the dietitian in this segment of Fox News has obviously not heard of Chinese herbs that are commonly used as sleep aids. Drinking  Ziziphi or Suan Zao Ren tea, otherwise known as  spiny jujube seed, can give you as much if not more relaxation as chamomile tea or valerian tea.  Americans are not as familiar with Chinese herbs because they are not yet as pervasive on the store shelves, but they are coming. (Ours are already here)  As the world gets smaller, Americans are learnimg more about convention herbal medicines from far away places such as China. 

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, ziziphi seed is widely used with other herbs for the treatment of insomnia.  I was in a health food store the other day talking to people about  iSleep Herb Pac and it was inspiring to hear talk so many people who want to end their addiction to prescription sleep aids.   Natural alternatives to sleepless nights do exist.   Herbs used in Asia for generations like spiny jujube/ziziphi are the new natural drug of choice.

There are many studies which have examined the effective components of this herb. They have all come to similar conclusions, the sedative and hypnotic effects of jujube seeds come from three important compounds, flavonoids, saponins, and polysaccharides all found inside. The combination and concentration of these chemicals and  is truly remarkable in each little seed.  Together these active chemicals prolong sleep time, provide more REM sleep and decrease sleep latency, or the time it takes to fall asleep.  Some studies point more to the saponins, also found in many foods (ie, alfalfa, fenugreek, oats and potatoes) which help you feel that sedative effect.  Asian cultures have known these effects for generations, they never needed a study to know that suan zao ren helps you sleep.  They know from experience, past down from generation to generation. They also know Chinese herbs are more effective when combined together with other herbs. But we're still learning.

Pub Med study on Semen Ziziphi spinosae/ Suan Zao Ren

All Natual Option for Sleep on Dr. Oz

 

Americans are loving the TV personality, Doctor Oz. Why?  He's become a source of easily understandable medical information.  I appreciate that Dr. Oz brings  up the subject of Alternative Medicine and alternative practitioners.  I mean come on,  Acupuncturists have been legal medical practitioners in California for some 30 years now. Nearly all states now have Licensed Acupuncturists (state license) or Certified Acupuncturists by a National Certification Commission. 

Recently the Dr. Oz show did a segment on alternative health for sleep problems.  Doctor Oz brought on his show, Dr. David Katz to represent traditional medicine, Dr. Hyla Cass- an Integrative Medicine Specialist, and Dr. Maoshing Ni (or Dr. Mao) – a doctor of Chinese Medicine.  Dr. Mao is author of Secrets of Self-Healing: Harness Nature’s Power to Heal Common Ailments, Boost Your Vitality,and Achieve Optimum Wellness and Second Spring: Dr. Mao’s Hundreds of Natural Secrets for Women to Revitalize and Regenerate at Any Age. Dr. Hyla Cass is author of Eight Weeks to Vibrant Health: A Take Charge Plan for Women to Correct Imbalances, Reclaim Energy and Restore Well-Being.  

In Dr. Mao's words a good night sleep can be had for those who learn how to bridge the  mind and body gap.  Dr. Mao has a breathing device that helps you reach a meditative state so that you can fall asleep.  

Dr. David Katz talked about stress management and how that helps with sleep problems.  Insomnia can be caused by anxiety disorders.  Most MD's today will often send patients who cannot sleep to a formal sleep study so that things like sleep apnea and other disturbances in their sleep patterns can be detected.

Dr. Hyla Cass said that L-Tryptophan enhances serotonin, which helps you to sleep.  Also, GABA which is a  brain neurotransmitter that allows us to relax.

What Dr. Oz  hasn't yet brought to his show is an expert to discuss Chinese herbal medicine.  He skirted the issue a bit with Chris Kilham, The Medicine Hunter who made an herbal energy shake on the show. But I do believe that was as close as he came to discussing Chinese herbs or other herbs for health benefits. Dr. Mao is certainly more than qualified to discuss Chinese herbs, yet he didn't mention them for sleep aids even though he sells Chinese herb sleep aids in his clinic.  These three experts Dr. Mao, Dr. Katz and Dr. Hayla all promoted falling asleep naturally without drugs.  Quiet your mind, allow your body to relax and your release the stressed out state of anxiety.   I'm surprised Dr Oz doesn't mention Chinese herbs can help you do all three of these suggestions.  In fact, it's exactly what the herbs in iSleep Herb Pac help you accomplish.

I challenge Dr. Oz to go the next step and include some presentation on Alternative Medicine's on his show, not just Alternative Medicine Practitioners such as Acupuncturist.  Surely he realizes that Traditional Chinese Medicine/Acupuncture also relies on the healing powers of Chinese herbal medicine? 

Study Shows Chinese Herbs Help Sleeplessness

iSleepherbpac.comAsian countries commonly treat sleeplessness with Chinese herbs more affordably and without the side-effects associated with prescriptions. A study done in Taiwan showed patients complaining of  insomnia were successfully treated with Chinese herbs.  

 

This study included 16,134 participants who received a total of 29,801 Chinese Herbal Medicine prescriptions. This large-scale study which used data assembled by the National Health Insurance of Taiwan, evaluated the frequency and patterns of Chinese herbs in treating insomnia

What’s unusual about this study is not just the sheer numbers of participants but the amount of data collected. Read the full study here.

The reason the study has such a large group of participants is simply that Taiwan has instituted a unique computerized data entry system as part of its health care system.  Patients can choose to visit either a Western hospital or a Traditional Chinese Medicine hospital. All data from patient visits are recorded in a national computer database. Because data is readily available in electronic form, large scale analysis is easy. Data in this study covers the course of one year.  The numbers reflect the patients who, according to diagnostic codes for insomnia, were treated with Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine in 2002.

Included in this data are the following:

  • How many patients complained of insomnia, demographics on age, sex, etc?
  • How many patients were prescribed various Chinese herb formula combinations in packets? (herbal packets are the preferred delivery method of Chinese herbs in Taiwan hospitals and clinics.)
  • How many patients were prescribed single Chinese herbs in packets?
  • Which Chinese herb formula was the most prescribed?
  • Which individual herbs were often added to the prescribed Chinese herbal medicine formula?

Conclusion:

The data concluded the most common individual Chinese herbs prescribed for insomniawere Polygonum multiflorum used 23.8% of the time, followed by Ziziphus spinosa (18.3%) and Poria cocos (13.3%). Suan Zao Ren Tan was the most commonly prescribed formula.  These are the same Chinese herbal ingredients found in iSleep Herb Pack.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________ PUBLISHED IN:   EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY & ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE CAM Advance Access published online on April 1, 2009 eCAM, doi:10.1093/ecam/nep018 © 2009 The Author(s). This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/2.0/uk/) which permits unrestricted non-commercial use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Prescriptions of Chinese Herbal Medicines for Insomnia in Taiwan during 2002 Fang-Pey Chen1,2, Maw-Shiou Jong1,2, Yu-Chun Chen2,3, Yen-Ying Kung1,2, Tzeng-Ji Chen2,3, Fun-Jou Chen4 and Shinn-Jang Hwang2,3 1Center for Traditional Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, 2National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, 3Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital and 4Graduate Institute of Integration Chinese and Western Medicine, Chinese Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan

Chinese herbal medicine (CHM) has been commonly used for treating insomnia in Asian countries for centuries. The aim of this study was to conduct a large-scale pharmaco-epidemiologic study and evaluate the frequency and patterns of CHM use in treating insomnia.

We obtained the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) outpatient claims from the National Health Insurance in Taiwan for the year 2002. Patients with insomnia were identified from the diagnostic code of the International Classification of Disease among claimed visiting files.

Corresponding prescription files were analyzed, and an association rule was applied to evaluate the co-prescription of CHM. Results showed that there were 16 134 subjects who visited TCM clinics for insomnia in Taiwan during 2002 and received a total of 29 801 CHM prescriptions. Subjects between 40 and 49 years of age comprised the largest number of those treated (25.3%). In addition, female subjects used CHMs for insomnia more frequently than male subjects (female: male = 1.94:1). There was an average of 4.8 items prescribed in the form of either an individual Chinese herb or formula in a single CHM prescription for insomnia. Shou-wu-Teng (Polygonum multiflorum) was the most commonly prescribed single Chinese herb, while Suan-Zao-ren-tang was the most commonly prescribed Chinese herbal formula.

According to the association rule, the most commonly prescribed CHM drug combination was Suan-zao-ren-tang plus Long-dan-xie-gan-tang, while the most commonly prescribed triple-drug combination was Suan-Zao-ren-tang, Albizia julibrissin, and P. multiflorum.

For reprints and all correspondence: Prof. Shinn-Jang Hwang, Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, No. 201, Sec. 2, Shih-Pai Road, Taipei 112, Taiwan, ROC. Tel: +886-2-287-57460; Fax: +886-2-287-37901; E-mail: sjhwang@vghtpe.gov.tw

______________________________________________________________________________________

National Institute of Health – PubMed study abstract on Suan Zao Ren Tang

J Biomed Sci. 2007 Mar;14(2):285-97. Epub 2006 Dec 7.

Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor mediates suanzaorentang, a traditional Chinese herb remedy, induced sleep alteration.

Yi PL, Tsai CH, Chen YC, Chang FC.

Department of Medical Technology, Jen-Teh Junior College of Medicine, Nursing and Management, Miaoli, Taiwan.

Abstract

The sedative-hypnotic medications, including benzodiazepines and non-benzodiazepines, are the most common treatments for insomnia. However, concerns regarding patterns of inappropriate use, dependence and adverse effects have led to caution in prescribing those sedative-hypnotic medications. On the other hand, a traditional Chinese herb remedy, suanzaorentang, has been efficiently and widely used in clinic for insomnia relief without severe side effects in Asia. Although suanzaorentang has been reported to improve sleep disruption in insomniac patients, its mechanism is still unclear. The present study was designed to elucidate the effects of oral administration of suanzaorentang on physiological sleep-wake architectures and its underlying mechanism in rats. We found that oral administration of suanzaorentang at the beginning of the dark onset dose-dependently increased non-rapid eye movement sleep (NREMS) during the dark period, but had no significant effect on rapid eye movement sleep (REMS). Our results also indicated that intracerebroventricular (ICV) administration of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptor type A antagonist, bicuculline, significantly blocked suanzaorentang-induced enhancement in NREMS during the dark period, but GABA(B) receptor antagonist, 2-hydroxysaclofen had no effect. These results implicated that this traditional Chinese herb remedy, suanzaorentang increases spontaneous sleep activity and its effects may be mediated through the GABA(A) receptors, but not GABA(B) receptors.

Press Releases

Dobson Communications     Press Release

Contact: Brian Dobson, DobsonPR.com, 203-894-9240, bd@DobsonPR.com

 

“Stop Your Bitching” by Cathy Margolin Demystifies PMS,

Offers Natural Solutions for Monthly PMS & Cramping

 

Beverly Hills, CA – A breakthrough book by Cathy Margolin, “Stop Your Bitching, a Step by Step Guide
to Balance Hormones & End PMS & Menstrual Cramps… naturally!,” tells women how to take control of their
hormones to demystify and end stressful monthly PMS symptoms and Period cramps for life.

“As women, our hormonal cycles can make us an emotional mess! But it doesn’t have to be this way. You can
take back control of your hormones and understand the process,” said Margolin, Diplomate of Oriental Medicine
and Licensed Acupuncturist in Beverly Hills. In her private practice she has helped scores of women understand
their hormonal cycles and learn drug free ways to stay in balance.

 

The book’s launch coincides with Breast Cancer Awareness month, as Margolin brings attention to the studies
on artificial hormones, including birth control pills which heighten women’s risk for breast cancer. We should be mindful of educating girls, moms and women of all ages, about ways to prevent breast cancer,” she said.

 

Margolin, a health author and contributor to the Huffington Post, tells women there are safer alternatives
to popular over-the-counter and birth control drugs often used for PMS & menstrual cramps. Having struggled
with debilitating PMS during her teen years, her book teaches women from an Eastern Medicine perspective as
she shows women how to read their bodies and understand its messages.

 

“I like my hormones on a short leash and house trained. My book is designed to empower women to gain control
over their hormones, rather than hormones controlling them.” said Margolin.

 

A must read for women to help them avoid toxins in the products they commonly use, Margolin said, “One reason
I wrote this book is I’ve seen a high rate of teenagers using birth control pills to help regulate debilitating
menstrual cramps. The World Health Organization (WHO) cautions about the carcinogenic effects of birth control pills and artificial hormones, yet they continue to be used by teens for menstrual cramps even when natural, drug-free solutions are available.”

 

“Stop Your Bitching…naturally” references more than 100 studies, including those research studies showing
higher breast cancer risks for women who take birth control pills for longer periods of time. Since birth
control pills are made from the same artificial hormones of estrogen and progestin that are found in Hormone
Replacement Therapy (HRT), the negative side effects have already been well documented, the author emphasized.
Available on Amazon.com, at www.StopYourBitching.com and at PacHerbs.com.

 

“My book and its companion piece, ‘30 Days of Tips to Stop Your Bitching,’ are designed for teens and women of
all ages,” the author said. Written as a fun, easy to read book, it gives girls and women an understanding of
their monthly cycles. Margolin tells women that the companion guide also gives them “day- to-day advice to take
control of your hormones and because hormones are messengers affecting our entire body, it also helps you get
control of your weight, brain fog, fertility, thyroid function, mood swings, and more.”

 

“A drug free approach is just one piece of the hormonal puzzle,” Margolin explained, “we should be aware of
exposure to toxins in our foods, nano-particles in cosmetics, parabens in shampoos and BPAs in plastic bottles
that are all toxic chemicals acting like estrogen in a woman’s body. Health experts around the world are
linking these toxins to breast cancer.”

 

The author added, “Women need to read labels and shop smart, using paraben-free cosmetic products, fresh
(not canned) vegetables and drink water from glass, not plastic. Women and even young girls have become
estrogen dominant as these chemicals trigger our hormonal switches and drive our everyday behaviors.”

 

In addition to her writings, Margolin founded Pacific Herbs, based in Beverly Hills, to offer pharmaceutical-
grade Traditional Chinese Herbs to medical professionals and consumers nationwide. Cathy Margolin, L.Ac. Dipl.
OM is active in social media where she offers her expertise to help Americans and others about Traditional
Chinese herbs at her health blog, www.PacHerbs.com/blog, and at Facebook.com/PacificHerbs, Twitter.com/PacHerbs
and with a series of videos on YouTube.com/CathyMargolin.

 

 


 

Pacific Herbs Announces Energy Booster Herb Pack
Latest Product from All Natural Traditional Chinese Medicine Specialist Features Highly Potent Ginseng For Heightened Energy and Clarity of Mind

Los Angeles, CA—Pacific Herbs announced today the debut of Energy Booster Herb Pack, a highly concentrated, all-natural herbal supplement that delivers increased energy and clarity of mind for up to 5 hours.

Formulated and improved upon from a traditional Chinese herb preparation,  the addition of beneficial goji berry and red date make Energy Booster Herb Pack naturally sweet and a delicious sugar – and caffeine-free alternative to unhealthy energy drinks. While other energy drinks cause immediate and long term side effects like caffeine addiction, blood sugar spikes and tooth decay, Energy Booster Herb Pack offers a non-habit forming, highly efficacious energy enhancer with a delicious flavor.

 

All Pacific Herbs products are produced using the gold standard of pharmaceutical grade processing to ensure the most potent formulation, then stored in convenient packets that are air, water, and light tight. This unique packaging keeps the all-natural compounds in Energy Booster Herb Pack vital for an unprecedented 4 year shelf life while offering the convenience of a highly portable, pocket-sized pack that can be taken anywhere. The 12 herbal ingredients are tasty and available in a powder that can be dissolved in your mouth or in hot or cold water.

 

Modified from a receipe thousands of years old, the 12 ingredients in Energy Booster work together to create a synergistic effect causing increased energy and clarity. The ingredients in Energy Booster are: Ginseng, Condonopsis, Ligusticum, Atractylodes, Ginger, Licorice, Poria, Dang Gui, Rehmannia, Jujube, Licorice, and Peony (white).

How to Use Energy Booster Herb Pack
Energy Booster Herb Pack should be taken whenever one feels the need for a “boost” of energy. To use Energy Booster, dissolve in warm water and drink as a tea, or place directly on the tongue and swallow. Energy Booster is fast acting and generally takes effect within 20 minutes and lasts from 4-5 hours. Energy Booster comes pre-measured and packed in individual servings or in 20 or 10 packet boxes to ensure quality and freshness and can be purchased online at www.PacHerbs.com or in many fine health food stores.
About Pacific Herbs
Pacific Herbs (formerly Pac Herbs) is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Founder Cathy Margolin, Licensed Acupuncturist, Herbalist and Oriental Medicine Doctor, has been committed to bringing health and wellness to the general public through complementary herbal medicine for over 30 years.
Pacific Herbs products are the most potent on the market, using the highest quality Chinese herbs available that are both safe and effective. Its manufacturing facility has state-of-the-art equipment to cook, dry and package botanicals. All Pacific Herbs Chinese herbal products are extensively tested for pesticides and other contaminants.  Pacific Herbs packets are stamped with a lot number traceable to a Certificate of Analysis (COA) of testing data. Manufacturing is under strict Current Good Manufacturing Process (cGMP) and ISO standards


Attention Women: PMS Relief Herb Pack Stops Cramps,

Back Pain and Bloating Naturally

The herbs in PMS Relief Herb Pack balance and restore the body to a natural state, helping women feel better all month long. Over the counter pain medications mask pre- menstrual symptoms for a brief period, leaving sufferers with short-lived relief.

Los Angles, CA (PRWEB) October 26, 2009 — Pacific Herbs announced today the release of its newest product, PMS Relief Herb Pac, created to help women suffering from mild to severe cases of PMS. PMS Relief soothes and naturally balances the body, aiding women to feel better quickly and for the duration of their period.

“I used to have horrible cramps with my period,” Linda S., said. “If I didn’t take a Tylenol or Motrin every hour I had a hard time functioning for the first two days because my cramps were so bad. Since I found PMS Relief Herb Pac, everything is better. I barely have cramps, I’m not an emotional mess and life is just easier. I love these herbs especially knowing it’s all natural ingredients.”

I used to have horrible cramps with my period.  If I didn’t take a Tylenol or Motrin every hour I had a hard time functioning for the first two days because my cramps were so bad. Since I found PMS Relief Herb Pac, everything is better. I barely have cramps, I’m not an emotional mess and life is just easier. I love these herbs especially knowing it’s all natural ingredients.

As many as 90% of all women deal with various degrees of PMS ranging from moderate to severe aches, pains, bloating, and emotional stress during their reproductive years. Reports show that as many as 40% have symptoms that are distressing enough to interfere with their daily lives.

 

There are various ways to manage the symptoms of PMS on an ongoing basis. Eating a well balanced diet, getting sufficient exercise, reducing stress, and getting enough sleep are all factors that can decrease PMS symptoms. Sometimes, even when we are trying to do everything right we still need additional support. PMS Relief Herb Pac is the perfect supplement to use at the onset on your menstrual cycle – one packet per day.

Many women suffering from PMS turn to over the counter drugs that only mask symptoms for a few short hours. The herbal ingredients found in PMS Relief Herb Pacs have several main functions. First they help move blood and energy. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, pain is the symptom that manifests when energy is stagnate, this includes menstrual pain. PMS Herb Pac includes herbs like cordyalis to help relieve the pain as well as frankincense and myrrh which relieve the blood stagnation. Licorice is included because it moderates spasms and alleviate pain, especially in the abdomen and legs.

 

Taking Chinese herbs is a natural way to boost the body’s ability to cope with the fluctuation of hormones as well as the natural rhythmic cycle. Herbs don’t mask PMS symptoms such as pain, cramps, and moodiness, but instead help the body work better by complementing the natural process. Herbs have all of the chemical constituents the body craves such as flavonoids polysaccharides, glycyrrhizin and tannins.

 

PMS Relief should be taken at the onset of pre menstrual symptoms and as necessary during the menstrual cycle. One packet a day is usually sufficient, but it is safe to take up to three times per day. Dissolve PMS Relief in warm water and drink as a tea, or place directly on the tongue and swallow. PMS Relief is fast acting and generally takes effect within 30 minutes. PMS Relief comes pre-measured and packed in 10 individual servings to ensure quality and freshness and can be purchased for $14.95 online at www.PacHerbs.com.

Pacific Herbs is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Founder Cathy Margolin, Herbalist, Acupuncturist, L.Ac. Dip. OM, MTOM, BBA, BA, has been committed to bringing health and wellness to the general public through complementary herbal medicine for over 30 years.

Pacific Herbs products are the most potent on the market, using the highest quality herbs available that are both safe and effective. Its manufacturing facility has the most advanced equipment to test the raw products and to cook and dry raw herbs. Pac Herbs factories’ scientists and researchers have produced several patented technologies and have acquired the most sophisticated equipment to test raw herbs for pesticides and other contaminants. Pac Herbs manufacturing is under strict Current Good Manufacturing Process (cGMP).

 


Pacific Herbs Knocks Out Sleepless Nights With

Its New Product, iSleep Herb Pack

iSleep Herb Pack is a 100% natural, non-habit forming, and improve sleep patterns while simultaneously giving users a restful night’s sleep.

Los Angles, CA (PRWEB) October 5, 2009 — Pacific Herbs announced today the release of its new product, iSleep Herb Pack, created to help calm the mind and maintain restful sleep. Made from all-natural Chinese medicinal herbs iSleep users wake up feeling alert with no signs of grogginess or lethargy.

 

“Sleep is the body’s restoration medicine. Without a good night’s sleep it’s very difficult to function day in and day out,” Cathy Margolin, Pacific Herbs founder, Herbalist and Licensed Acupuncturist said. “We seem to be working under so much stress, it negatively impacts our sleep, which then impacts the rest of our health. That is why I created iSleep.”

 

Sleep is the body’s restoration medicine. Without a good night’s sleep it’s very difficult to function day in and day out. We seem to be working under so much stress, it negatively impacts our sleep, which then impacts the rest of our health. That is why I created iSleep.
Restorative sleep is an essential part of a normal, healthy, balanced life.

 

iSleep Herb Pac is not a drug and requires no prescription and should be used to aid occasional insomnia. The formula is non-addictive and is made from Chinese herbs that have been used for centuries to repair the body’s natural balance.

 

This breakthrough sleep aid has been used for centuries in Asia. Studies proving effectiveness and safety have been thoroughly reviewed and conclusively prove our plant medicinals will help users sleep without becoming habit forming. iSleep provides a calming effect to quiet thoughts. When the mind is quiet the body can enjoy a restful night’s sleep. Unique to iSleep is the packaging, the herb quality and the extensive testing of the raw products. Packaging in individual packets insures herbs retain their freshness and potency, compared to herbs in capsules, which degrade through exposure to air and moisture.

Pacific Herbs products are processed in a state-of-the-art pharmaceutical facility, which performs over 200 tests on its raw materials to insure herbs are free of possible contaminants. We guarantee that our products work or your money back.

iSleep can be taken in the middle of the night or before bedtime for difficulty going to sleep or staying asleep. Dissolve iSleep in warm water and drink as a tea, or place directly on the tongue and swallow. iSleep is fast acting and generally takes effect within 30 minutes. iSleep comes pre-measured and packed in 20-individual servings to ensure quality and freshness and can be purchased for $24.95 online at http://www.pacherbs.com.

Pacific Herbs is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Founder Cathy Margolin, Herbalist, Acupuncturist, L.Ac. Dip. OM, MTOM, BBA, BA, has been committed to bringing health and wellness to the general public through complementary herbal medicine for over 30 years.

Pacific Herbs products are the most potent on the market, using the highest quality herbs available that are both safe and effective. Its manufacturing facility has the most advanced equipment to test the raw products and to cook and dry raw herbs. Pacific Herbs factories’ scientists and researchers have produced several patented technologies and have acquired the most sophisticated equipment to test raw herbs for pesticides and other contaminants. Pacific Herbs manufacturing is under strict Current Good Manufacturing Process (cGMP).

Chinese herbal medicine encompasses Acupuncture, Chinese herb formulas and medical massage and has been the primary medicine in Asia for thousands of years. It’s become more widespread in the U.S. in the last 10 years. Research in prestigious Western peer-reviewed journals such Journal of the American Medical Association and the Annals of Internal Medicine regularly publish studies proving the effectiveness of Acupuncture and Chinese herbs. Today as the Western world searches for safe, effective and affordable medicine, integrating Chinese herbs is a natural fit. In 2007 alone, Americans spent 33 billion dollars on Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM), most of which was not covered by their health insurance plans. CAM is becoming more mainstream in America every day.

Licorice for Weight-Loss? I Am Skeptical

Chinese herb for weight loss, pms and insomnia

Who really needs another article about weight loss plans and products? We’re inundated with advertising on weight loss supplements and the last thing we need is more of the same.  Alas,  I’m asked all the time, “Don’t you have herbs for weight loss?”  People who know me, know I would never suggest Chinese herbs for quick fix weight loss. I’m resigned to the good old fashion diet, eat more veggies, cut the carb’s and do some exercise. There is simply no magic bullet. Chinese herbs are great for a kick start and can help with “draining damp” and “moving qi” or in layman's language "a little clean-out" but even then lifestyle changes are still necessary.    


Then this study comes along and suggests that the oil in a common herb/food we know as licorice, can reduce total body fat and visceral fat.  Wait, I'm a skeptic.  What do you mean? All this time licorice has been masking as Chinese medicine when really it’s a weight loss herb?…. 

 

Licorice contains hydrophobic flavonoids and researchers have been studying these flavonoids for years. Many herbs contain flavonoids and they are a major ingredient in Chinese medicine.   A recent clinical trial with 56 men and 28 postmenopausal women participating used licorice in concentrated extract capsules.  Having changed no other aspect of their lives, all lost weight.

In this trial, some participants were given a placebo capsule and others took capsules of 300 mg of the licorice extract, once daily for eight weeks. The researchers  found that the non- placebo group had decreases from baseline body weight and body mass index after the 4 and 8 weeks mark of treatment.  Other studies on the Chinese herb licorice have seen similar results with LDL cholesterol reduction.

The  researchers of  this study concluded, “that the observed reduction in body weight and fat could be caused by increasing energy expenditure through the enhancement of beta-oxidation and inhibition of lipogenesis.” Further studies are always necessary.  But the researchers also remarked “ that supplementation (with licorice) may prevent or ameliorate obesity and metabolic syndrome when combined with lifestyle modifications including diet and exercise."

Although this may not be a definitive way to lose weight Chinese herbs prove again to be superb health supplements. Whether you are trying to reduce cholesterol or lose weight, Chinese herbs have benefits you may never have thought about.  

I always provide links to the original studies so take a detour here if you want to see the whole study.

Med Students Say They Can Benefit From CAM

CAM therapies include Chinese herbs, Chinese Medicine both of which help insomnia and give PMS ReliefAnother study, I found this one most encouraging. A survey of 1784 current U.S. medical students from around the country said knowledge of Complementary and Alternative Medicine could help them as Western doctors do a better job. (51% of U.S. medical schools participated). The survey’s overall objectives were to discover how many future doctors are using Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) therapies and  which therapies and to  assess medical students’ attitudes toward CAM. CAM therapies include, Acupuncture, herbal medicine, yoga, massage and other non-traditional healing modalities.
There is certainly a need for emerging physicians to integrate Complementary and Integrative Medicine into their medical practices. Medical schools are recognizing this and have taken steps at restructuring their curriculum to incorporate CAM educational opportunities. It’s been my privilege to be personally involved with one such school, the USC Keck School of Medicine in Los Angeles  when they host their CAM Health Care day each year.
The Keck School  invites a few local Alternative Medicine practitioners from various fields to speak in the classrooms of  their first year medical students. Being an  Acupuncturist I spoke about Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese herbal medicine.   I found the  students had an incredible interest in learning more about Chinese medicine and were extremely open minded and had great questions.  However, when I asked how many of them had ever gone to an Acupuncturist only about 20% said they had and not surprisingly they were most often the students from Asian decent.   I’m looking forward to getting more feedback from the students at this years CAM day to be held in March.  I’ll keep you posted, it’s always an enjoyable afternoon.
Adequately preparing our future doctors is a daunting task, but I do believe our medical institutions are on the right track.  The next generation of  doctors are already telling us that one day soon, CAM will be more than peripheral medicine, it will be main stream.

The findings were published online Jan. 20, 2010  in Evidence-based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.

Dr. Oz Recommends Ginseng for Swine Flu

Chinese herb ginsengEver since Dr. Oz’s interview in Esquire magazine (Dec. 09) I’ve been fielding a phethera of questions on ginseng.  Thanks Dr. Oz, I’m always happy to talk about the Chinese herbs I love.  It’s an added bonus that the best American Ginseng is actually grown in Wisconsin, my old stomping grounds. I also love to buy American whenever possible.

In response to a question “how to prevent swine flu”, Dr. Oz says: “Vitamin D and American ginseng are the two things I recommend the most. Vitamin D because it stimulates dramatically the ability of the immune system to respond, and American ginseng because it stimulates these things called Toll-like receptors in the gut. They’re ancient – our most primitive immune response – and they make it difficult for bugs to get in through the intestinal wall.”

 

This is an excellent post on ginseng from Acupuncture Chicago.
By Jennifer Dubowsky

Did you know there are different types of ginseng and they are all considered potent herbs for helping the body adapt to stress – both mental and physical. Ginseng is best known for its ability to stimulate your immune system and fight fatigue and stress. Several dozen studies have shown that ginseng enhances physical and mental performance, improves mood, and aids metabolic function. Other studies suggest ginseng maybe anti-inflammatory and can provide a wealth of benefits including: improved blood cholesterol; lowered liver toxicity; lowered blood sugar levels; improved blood oxygen flow; control of respiratory diseases; and enhanced stamina.

The 3 Most Well Known Types Of Ginseng

Chinese Ginseng (Panax ginseng)

Considered the “king of all herbs” in many countries, found in the forests of northeast China, Manchuria and Korea. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chinese ginseng is used to tonify the “Qi” (vital energy or life energy force) and is a powerful “yang” or warming tonic herb. It has been reported to: stimulate the immune system; fight fatigue, combat stress, slow aging, balance blood sugar levels, enhance mental performance and memory, lower cholesterol, and strengthen the heart muscle. It may even have anti-tumor and anticancer properties. Before rushing off to get some Chinese Ginseng be aware that it’s overuse can have some negative side effects including; irritability, insomnia and rapid heart beat.

*Panax ginseng has had a notorious reputation as a sexual rejuvenator, particularly for men, however much of this reputation seems to be over-hyped.

American Ginseng (Panax quinquefolium)

Is indigenous to eastern woodlands from Georgia to Quebec, and was used by Native Americans. The picture in this post is of American Ginseng. While not as well known as Chinese Ginseng, American Ginseng has been around for hundreds of years. Jesuit Priests were reported to be trading American Ginseng to the Chinese as early as 1718. American Ginseng has a more “yin” or cooler nature than its Chinese counterpart. While still energizing the body, American Ginseng calms the central nervous system, quiets the brain and lowers blood pressure. Also, because of its more “yin” nature, it is generally better to use on a daily, long term basis than Chinese Ginseng. However if you tend to have a cold constitution, this might not be the herb for you.

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Native to Siberia, Japan, Korea and China. Although not a “true ginseng”, this variety is most highly prized. Eleuthero was traditionally used to promote longevity and general health. Many herbalists prefer Eleuthero as the ginseng for helping with women’s health issues, particularly with depression associated with PMS and menopause. Research, mostly from Russia, confirms this herb’s ability to increase mental and physical performance, stimulate the immune system, increase movement of white blood cells, promote circulation and enhance the benefits of medical radiation treatments while lessening its negative side-effects.

Cautions About Ginseng

Ginseng should be avoided by patients who are pregnant or have high blood pressure. In addition, ginseng may increase the effects other stimulants, which may cause sweating, insomnia, or an irregular heartbeat. It should not be used in conjunction with antipsychotic medications, steroids or hormones. As with all Chinese herbs it is best to consult with a Chinese Herbalist and see what is best for you before taking ginseng products.

Shop for ginseng here.

Dang Gui, An Ancient Herb for Modern PMS

Chinese herb dang gui Mood swings. Depression. Irritability. Crying. Anger. Bloating. Breast tenderness. Fatigue. Insomnia. Painful menstrual cramps. Most likely you are one of the 90% of women that experiences Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS). And of that, 30-40% of you will have to rearrange your daily lives in order to maintain the proper self-care needed to manage these symptoms. Approximately every 28 days the body repeats this beautiful, life-affirming, and natural cycle. 

However,  if you are one of the millions of women who experience PMS, you may find yourself wondering what is ‘natural’ about your experience.  For most, these symptoms color every moment of those 5 – 7 days, including the week prior to the beginning of menstruation. This means that for 14 days out of every given month, you are feeling less than yourself. For thousands of years, practitioners of Chinese Herbal Medicine have been treating symptoms of PMS naturally. So in this modern world, where many of the solutions for relief involve harsh chemicals with potentially unpleasant side effects, returning to roots/plants is natural.  Dang gui is prescribed in Asia for almost every gynecological complaint, from regulating the menstrual cycle to treating menopausal symptoms caused by hormonal changes.

Dong quai produces a balancing effect on estrogen activity. In Chinese herbal medicine it's a welcome change in restoring the unique rhythms and cycles of a woman’s body.  This herb has earned a reputation among practitioners as the ‘ultimate’ herb for women. In China it is widely used, in combination with other herbs, as a daily tonic for women.   It is prescribed for almost every gynecological complaint, from regulating the menstrual cycle to treating menopausal symptoms caused by hormonal changes. Dong quai seems to have an adaptogenic effect on estrogen activity. This means it adapts to what your body needs at the moment.

Found in moist meadows, alongside of riverbanks, and in mountain ravines, the root of Dang Gui (pronounced ‘dahng gway’) resembles carved ivory, while the leaves resemble those of carrots, celery, or parsley. From May to August, honey-scented, greenish-white flowers bloom in flat-topped clusters. True to the serene environment in which it grows, it helps to relax the smooth muscle of the uterus and provides a mild sedative effect. It is able to do this because it contains chemicals that mimic the effects of estrogen on the body, restraining and supplementing the production of estrogen as needed.

As Chinese Herbal Medicine gains further acceptance in the United States, the doors of research are opening as well. A study by the international nonprofit organization, the Cochrane Collaboration, found that Chinese Herbal Medicine for primary dysmenorrhea roughly doubled pain relief and improvement in overall symptoms when compared with conventional Western pharmaceuticals. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dang Gui is  known to treat many types of gynecological problems, fatigue, anemia, and high blood pressure. It is the only non-animal source of Vitamin B12, has anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antispasmodic, and sedative properties, and is also used as an aphrodisiac.   It is high in iron content and helps to prevent iron deficiency and anemia.  It is truly the ultimate all purpose tonic herb for women.

This article is designed to provided the reader with clinical research results and the potential benefits and or risks associated with CAM (Complementary and Alternative Medicines). The author advocates neither for or against any particular therapy and recommends individuals speak with licensed medicial practitioners before using any Chinese herbal supplements or other health supplements.

Michael Jackson and Prescription Meds: Too many? Too often?

Are American doctors overdosing their patients on prescription mood enhancers, (Prozac) and sleeping pills (Ambien), pain pills, (Vicodin) or is it just the super stars like Michael Jackson? Living in Los Angeles, one becomes accustom to the constant buzz of movie stars and the rich and famous going off to drug rehab centers, but with the sudden death of Michael Jackson everyone’s talking about the same subject like never before.

The drugs MJ was taking and the probable overdose. We’ve seen and heard about it before (Anna Nicole Smith) yet this time the amount of drugs prescribed and the amount needed for so many years seems un-imaginable. Everyday people die from prescription overdose but it’s not news because it’s not a celebrity.Mj872

Truth is, for the general public, doctors freely provide prescription medication to anyone who simply shows up at the doctors door with a nominal complaint, “I can’t sleep”, “I’m depressed”, “I just need something to relax me”. The medical establishment willingly prescribes medications with minimal face to face patient interaction. To make matters worse, the doctors don’t have time to ask you if your taking med’s from another doctor. The real danger is both the interactions among cocktails of prescriptions and the amount taken as resistance to drugs grows higher as the body becomes increasing tolerant to each drug.

Now this is just the tip of the proverbial iceberg. Antibiotics keep getting stronger as viruses become resistant. Uncertainties remain in the risks of prescribing antibiotics freely for conditions such as childhood ear infections which have been proven have no benefit for bacterial infections, Now some say our drinking water and irrigation water is polluted with antibiotics that are not filtered out in water sanitation plants. How do we avoid this tainted water. The long term hazards of antibiotic resistant viruses, could have widespread irreversible impacts on our world, a subject, clearly for another blog.

Today the ease of getting prescription medication is just simply to easy. Every home seems to have a fairly well stocked medicine cabinet of prescriptions. We even see TV commercials warning us to keep prescriptions away from our teens, who are looking to take them or sell them at school.

I am sad that MJ had to die and I believe his death could have been prevented. There are safer alternatives for depression, pain and insomnia. In China and most of Asia, herbal medicines have been the standard. People do not become addicted and over dosing is virtually unheard of. Yet, herbs are effective and provide relief for many of the same conditions for which people choose prescriptions in the West. We simply have not been introduced to these alternatives. I hope with the lose of Michael Jackson the AMA or FDA cracks down on Doctors who abuse prescription writing privileges. I hope MJ’s death opens people eyes to the very real dangers not just of addiction to prescriptions but also dangers of death by drugs.

The Cat, The Birds and The Herbs

CatLast night I was rudely awakened at 3:00 am by a hungry cat.  He climbed up my wind chime which was hanging near a mother dove nesting with her two new babies.  Wind chimes don’t suddenly start chiming, normally they start out kind of slow and steady and usually build in volume as the wind picks up.  This was not the case last night.  The chimes were attacked as were the birds. 

  I heard a bird take flight and I jumped out of bed to see the culprit.  I was too late and it was too dark. Upset by the attack and the rude wake up call, all I could think of was  “will I be able to get back to sleep”.   Mind not quite awake… I  almost forget that I have the perfect Chinese herb formula for sleep.  I’m not usually up at 3 AM  and almost forgot,  a perfect opportunity to use my “I sleep”  herb formula in the middle of the night. When I’ve had a particularly stressful day I will use “iSleep” before going to bed.   I sleep so soundly I never had the need to use it in middle of my night.  Perfect opportunity.  So I took one packet at 3 AM.  

Happy to report I got  back to sleep within thirty minutes, even as I ruminated over the fate of the mommy dove and her babies we’ve been watching for the last two months.   Did the cat get all three.  Did the babies get away.  Could the babies fly yet. My mind  finding any reason to chatter on. (This was  the second set of eggs this year for our mommy dove or maybe it’s daughter of the first mom.  In any case, every year  a mommy dove has a nest somewhere in our yard and we are happy to be her hosts.)

iSleep Herb Pac passed the test  last night. I slept like a log till 7:00 when there was yet  another rude awakening, the alarm clock.  I found bird feathers on the ground this morning,  it’s a cruel world out there, but at  least I slept.

"Empty nest this morning"]

"Mommy dove in nest with 2 babies. (Taken just 2 days earlier)  
 
"Feathers on the ground"