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Nature offers a multitude of possibilities for assistance with our New Year's resolutions and Valentine dreams. From weight control and quitting smoking, to less stress and more romance, natural remedies could help us achieve our goals. If you are ready to turn over a new leaf for 1999, Stevia may be the sweetest choice. This tender herb which is native to Paraguay will thrill Sugar Buster fans. Despite its powerfully sweet flavor, it does not raise blood sugar levels! When I first hunted for stevia, I could only find the ground leaves which leave an aftertaste. Later at a health conference I discovered stevia in handy drops and powder form, minus the aftertaste. For a couple of years now, I've introduced folks to stevia by having them taste one leaf. At the 1998 International Herb Symposium in Boston, James Duke (a researcher and author of The Green Pharmacy and Peterson's Guide to North American Medicinal Plants) said that Japan uses stevia in sugar free cookie s, crackers, and drinks. He also said that Japan had outlawed the use of artificial sweeteners in commercial goods due to their unacceptable side effects including: headaches, seizures, tumors, and cancer. In fact, problems with artificial sweeteners comprise over half the complaints registered with the FDA in the USA each year. Honey is definitely a natural sweetener which deserves more attention. Since honey fires up the metabolism, it is a good choice for folks interested in losing weight. Also, if local honey is used regularly prior to allergy season, it can lesson the symptoms of allergies quite dramatically. In this case the effect of honey is similar to an inoculation, so the honey should be harvested from hives located within forty miles of the allergy sufferer to insure local pollen representation. For people avoiding sweets, Gymnema sylvestre is one of many herbals worth investigating. It is unique in its ability to block out sweet taste sensations. A fun experiment is to put a pinch of gymnema powder on the tip of your tongue, and then try to eat or drink something something sweet. Michael Tierra, OMD (founder of the East -West School of Herbs and author of many fine books including The Way of Herbs) says gymnema is "...ideal for diabetes along with an Ayurvedic mineral compound called shijajit ...to help stabilize blood sugar." It is also an American folk favorite for diabetes. Dr. Jack Bass says research has found that gymnemic acid, the active ingredient, blocks some sugar absorption. In addition, a clinical study published in 1986 suggests that extract of gymnema can significantly enhance pancreatic function. However, diabetics should check with their physicians before using this herb. Some other natural complimentary agents would be fenugreek, milk thistle, blueberry, dandelion, red raspberry leaves, vitamin C, chromium, bioflavanoids, and bee pollen. Experts in aromatherapy recommend smelling the scent of fennel essential oil to reduce sweet cravings. Fo-ti, also known as Ho sh e wu or polygonium multifolium, is a Chinese tonic herb, which exhibits blood sugar regulating properties among other actions. It is highly recommended in Asia as a daily supplement. I have found it useful for those uncomfortable sugar rushes following birthday cake and ice cream. some people use it as a remedy for hangovers. one Chinese folk legend tells of a wise old traveling doctor who was stranded in a snow storm and found nothing but Fo-ti root to eat. According to the story, this man returned to his village after the thaw with a full head of dark hair. One enterprising company is marketing Fo-ti as a natural hair color restorer. People interested in losing weight using natural supplements and herbals should become well informed label readers first. Many herbal weight loss formulas include a whopping dose of hidden caffeine and other potentially undesirable stimulants. So especially if you have heart problems, high blood pressure, a family history of strokes, or a stressful livelihood, herbs li ke guarana, ephedra (aka: Ma huang or Mormon tea), and kola nut should not be used. Some well-researched ingredients to look for include Chromium (which reduces sweet cravings and fat storage), L-carnitine (which encourages fat to be burned as energy), and Garcinia cambogia (which deters the production of fat while supporting digestion and making meals more satisfying). For more details check out a book titled Anti-Fat Nutrients. There are also plenty of herbs that make a satisfactory tea. Some of my favorites include a blend of fennel, chamomile, lycii berries, atractylodes, mulberry twig, mint, clover, hibiscus, honeysuckle, red raspberry leaves, and cleavers with a splash of lemon or cranberry juice. I've found loads of compelling herbal information in Asian health books which emphasize balance. Naturally, fiber can help with weight loss. Psyllium, oats, seaweed and apple fiber are some of the best. Although my focus here is on natural supplements, I simply cannot discuss weight control without me mentioning the importance of good daily nutrition and physical activity. Oxford Health and Fitness has been excellent at featuring some of Oxford's experts in this field. I would also like to recommend that all health conscious readers (regardless of body type or fitness) take a look at Dr. Andrew Weil's chapter on dietary fats and oils in the book, Natural Health, Natural Medicine, along with the information on protein in his book, Eight Weeks to Optimal Health. Some of the data on fats, oils and trans-fatty acids is sobering. And he explains myths and warnings associate with protein supplementation. Don't think that you know all you need to know about these subjects until you've read this. For your convenience these books are available at the Lafayette County Library. |
Sometimes stress, smoking and obesity are intertwined with depression and obsessive or compulsive behavior. Oxford is fortunate to have doctors and numerous psychologists who are accomplished in these areas. Dr. Michael Murry has writte n a book on the efficacy of 5-HTP in some of these cases. In addition many natural remedies have a long history of usefulness. Scullcap is one anti-stress herb which has been used for centuries in cultures around the world. One European children's formula utilizes scullcap, chamomile, and catnip. Gentian root is listed in the older herbal books as being marvelous for hysteria. I have seen folks use it to overcome difficulties associated with withdrawal from coffee, smoking, alcohol, and even narcotics. Smokers may find that herbal blends of coltsfoot with mint or clover or lobelia can be a good temporary substitute for tobacco smoking during the smoker's withdrawal period. In fact American Indians smoked coltsfoot to soothe their lungs, and it doesn't contain the addictive properties of tobacco. Passionflower is described by numerous books to be the best herb if you suffer from tics, twitches, cramps, and spasms. Valerian has good documented nervine and muscle relaxing properties which can promote q uality sleep. When I use it I wake up feeling refreshed, and when an emergency has occurred during the night, I've been able to respond. Movie buffs may recall the use of valerian as an evening cordial in the movie The Orient Express. Some people use valerian tea as a daytime relaxant, but the aroma is repulsive to most folks. However, Kava may be the best anti-anxiety herb, according to Herbal Gram ( a fine non-profit periodical associated with the American Botanical Council and American Herbal Foundation). According to research, kava has pain reducing and mild muscle relaxing properties as well. Flower essence remedies are most popular in Great Britain for emotional distress, and these gentle remedies are quite specific regarding each type of emotional disturbance. Many products containing aromatic herbs and flowers can be remarkably helpful in a variety of ways. One of the most versatile herbal flowers is Lavender. As a floral water it is handy to spray on linens, in the air, or on your skin. Som e aromatherapists will list lavender only as a sedative, but actually it is the jewel of emotion and energy balancing herbs. I believe that lavender should be every traveler's companion. An Australian airline has provided it and other aromatherapy oils in tiny complimentary sampler packs for travelers to relieve air sickness and jet lag. One thing that Princess Diana and the Queen agreed upon was the beneficial uses of aromatherapy. I like to use lavender floral water on long road trips when I find myself gripping the steering wheel too tightly due to fatigue or stress, and I use it as a skin rehydrator during plane flights. Two or three sprays at my neck and on my hands always refreshes me, although lavender is also commonly recommended for tension induced insomnia. It's also terrific for killing germs, so I spray lavender around hotel rooms. For eye fatigue (whether from driving or reading or writing) try an eye pillow filled with flax seed and herbs like lavender, chamomile and mint. Also some balm s and aromatic oils like Tiger Balm or White Flower can be applied to pressure points at the wrists, temples, feet and collar bone for a refreshing uplifting sensation. Romantic enhancement is possible with a variety of herbals. I mentioned an elixir called Erotikava in the last issue of Oxford Health and Fitness of the winner of the 1998 best new natural product award of the west coast. Users report that it creates a warm friendly mood coupled with exciting physical sensations. The two main ingredients are Vanuatu Kava (considered to be the best in the world) and Epimedium, which is mentioned in ancient Chinese herbal books. European epimedium is commonly called "horny goat weed" since goat herders first recognized the potential of this herb through observation of their goats whenever the goats ate this weed. Other new products which have developed an enthusiastic following overnight are the pheromone infused body oil called Allure and its companion candles. The pheromones are extracted from wild yam. Å I've heard lots of fun stories about informal experiments with these tow goodies. Some of you may have heard of (or used) Yohimbe and Damiana which are commonly used for increased sexual prowess, but can be dangerous for those with high blood pressure, and reportedly are not very reliable. The therapeutic use of essential oils from plants is known as aromatherapy and can be used to create a romantic mood. Euphoric odors such as clary sage and grapefruit stimulate the thalamus to secrete neurochemicals called enkaphalins (natural pain killers that also produce feelings of well-being). The aphrodisiac scents of jasmine and ylang ylang stimulate the endorphin-secreting pituitary gland. These are good examples of how aromatherapy is an ancient tradition with scientific proven benefits. Cleopatra used the scent of patchouli and other essential oils to welcome her lovers. in preparation for Tantric ceremonies men in India were anointed with sandalwood. The women applied jasmine on hands, patchouli on neck and cheeks, amber on breasts, spikenard in hair, musk on the belly, and sandalwood on the thighs. Be aware, however, that most oils and candles today contain synthetic fragrances which are worthless for aromatherapy and could be irritating. Some cheap products containing a couple of drops of essential oil in an otherwise synthetic fragrances are erroneously labeled "aromatherapy." So be sure that you use products made exclusively with high quality essential oils when desiring aromatherapeutic effects. Tisserand and Aroma Vera are two reputable companies founded by world-renound aromatherapists. Authentic aromatherapy sometimes costs about as much as fine perfume and is definitely worth it. I would enjoy hearing your comments, and would be happy to help you find answers to your questions. Have fun!
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| **Printed in Oxford Health & Fitness, New Year, 1999 | |
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© 2000 Gail Doorenbos. All rights reserved. |
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