The Herbalist

April 2005

Coping with the Changes...

How are you coping with the changes leading to Autumn?  Hippocrates taught that climate was the most important factor in health and disease.  It is important for each individual to live in a climate that best suits them, or to wear suitable clothes and eat appropriate foods according to the climatic and geographical conditions that are present. 

In this months issue we are going to be discussing some of the ways in which we can all stay healthy during this period of change.

We will also be discussing a rather controversial topic, vaccinations - what's the real deal from a naturopathic point of view.  Also, are you having difficulty keeping to your prescribed diet?  We have a few "food antidotes" for those times when you indulge in foods that you would be better off avoiding. 

Introducing a new ally to help combat fatigue, physical exhaustion and low libido - Rhodiola Complex.  This amazing new formula helps those with fatigue, improves recovery from mental of physical exhaustion and may even assist the sexual function in men!

Changes in the Weather

Disease tends to happen more during the transitional stages between seasons. Extra vigilance is needed now as we make this transition.  Keep warm, remember cold snaps can occur suddenly and catch you by surprise.

Lots of warm soups and broths, keep your minerals and blood tonics up, and if you feel like your "coming down with something" consider the following suggestions:

• Gargle with your blood tonic several times a day for around three to four days or when needed.  Don't forget to gargle around the back of the throat where the lymph glands are.  And, unlike other mouthwashes, swallow!  Its good for you!

• Adding cayenne pepper to your meals can be a great way to warm yourself up and encourage circulation.  Cayenne is also a great source of vitamin C.  Begin slowly, around 1/8 of a teaspoon for each meal and gradually bring the dose up to 1 teaspoon over several days.  Do not use cayenne if you have kidney problems!

• Onions are a great food to eat during times of illness.  You may wish to try the following:  Chop an onion into small pieces and place the pieces into a soup bowl covering it with a little honey.  Leave it overnight in a warm cupboard.  Eat the contents in the morning or enjoy it throughout the day.

• Try using lots of ginger, cayenne (again, not for those of you who suffer kidney problems), cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and black pepper in your cooking.

• Stress can easily occur during this time of year, particularly if you are unwell.  If you are feeling under a little pressure at the moment then try using some of New Zealand Herbal's Withania compound.  It comes in powder form, and with a little warm milk makes a delicious and calming drink.  Withania capsules are also available for those who prefer it in capsulated form. 

Vaccinations & Up Coming Epidemics - Our Guide to Keeping Safe

Vaccinations are becoming a very popular news item these days.  It seems like every year there is some campaign out there trying to convince you to get both you and your children vaccinated.  Usually these campaigns use dramatic and emotional tactics to convince you.

Where do we stand on this matter?  Well the issue of vaccinations and all the press surrounding it is what we consider to be "half-truths".  It is certainly true that in certain circumstances vaccinations play a very important role in keeping the vulnerable (those that suffer certain illnesses and the elderly) safer from certain diseases.  However, what they don't tell you is that they can also be useless at best and downright dangerous at worst!

Have you ever wondered how human beings have survived for hundreds of thousands of years without vaccinations?  Well the answer is quite simple, our immune systems are designed to recognise toxic organisms - and in your backyard there are more micro-organisms than the total number of people on the planet!

Over two thirds of these "invaders" are parasitic (they feed or rely on other organisms for nourishment).  Sometimes this relationship is symbiotic (both organisms can mutually benefit from each other), but other times these organisms can injure or even kill their hosts.  Vaccinations are designed to stimulate your immune system into recognising the toxic ones and prompt a call to action in advance so when the "real" one strikes your immune system is ready to fight.

Sounds sensible doesn't it?  Well the way in which naturopaths deal with these invaders is to boost the immune system - in other words strengthen the body's natural defense mechanisms rather than just stimulating it on a one off basis.  If you have been on a healthy diet and using your herbal program as suggested your body is more than capable to fight off almost any of these invaders.

New Zealand Herbal's Blood Purifying Tonic is specially designed not only to purify to the blood but to boost the immune systems.  A number of key herbs contained within this remedy that can help to boost your immune system include:

• Burdock Root:  This herb has a strong cleansing action for the blood and lymphatic systems.  It clears congestion, and reduces swelling by dispersing toxins through the skin, kidneys, and bowels.  It has been shown to be particularly useful for urinary tract infections as well as for skin and joint conditions.

• Dandelion Root:  Dandelion has a cleansing effect on some of the elimination organs, including the liver, kidneys, lymphatic system and bowels.  It also increase the secretion of digestive enzymes and bile.  It has long been known as a supreme liver detoxifier.

• Echinacea: Echinacea enhances the body’s natural resistance to bacteria and viruses by being a catalyse to the body’s white blood cells. It is also a natural antidote to many of the negative effects caused by excess toxins found within the blood.

• Liquorice Root: Liquorice is a natural anti-inflammatory which aids in the relief of muscles spasms and inflammation. It has a healing effect on all the body’s mucus surfaces. It helps to liquefy and expel toxic mucus from the body. It is also a mild laxative which soothes and tones the mucus membranes. It also aids in the removal of excess toxins found within the bowels.

• Sarsaparilla: Sarsaparilla helps to remove any impurities from the urino-genital tract, dispelling any infections or inflammation that may exist. It also improves digestion and helps to dispel toxins in the gastro intestinal tract due to its gentle laxative effects.

• Red Clover: Red Clover is rich in micronutrients and posses several properties which make it an effective anti-bacterial agent for certain types of bacteria (including the pathogen that causes tuberculosis). It is rich in many vitamins and minerals.

• Oregon Grape: This herb is widely used to treat certain skin diseases that are caused by toxins found within the blood. It also stimulates the liver and is a mild stimulant of the thyroid gland.

New Zealand Herbal's Blood Purifying Tonic is only available on a prescription basis.  If you would like to have a consultation with one of our experienced practitioners then please don't hesitate to contact us.  Just give our lovely receptionist Marie a call on (03) 332 1786 and make an appointment to see either Michael or Chris.

For those who already have a prescription for this amazing tonic, even a small 10mls dose per day can be enough to boost your body's natural ability to fight infections!  If your running low, no problem!  If you already have a prescription for Blood Purifying Tonic then simple tell Marie and we can send you some more - there is no need to have another consultation with one of our practitioners if you already have a prescription.

Introducing a New Stress Reducing Formula - Rhodiola Complex

New Zealand Herbals Rhodiola Complex is a new formula created to help those who are suffering from any (or all!) of the following ailments:

• Those who are feeling mentally or physically fatigued.

• Those who want to improve mental performance (including concentration and memory).

• Men who feel that their sexual function is "not what it used to be".

Our carefully selected and prepared formula ensures that you receive only the finest quality and potent product.

Some of the key ingredients contained within this formula include:

• Rhodiola: The root of Rhodiola is the most effective component within this formula.  It gets its name from the rose like smell that is secreted when the root is cut. It was traditionally used as tonic to stimulate mental and physical performance. It was even found to have a positive effect on altitude sickness. The root has even been used as a food and as a flavour for beer!
  It has also been shown to be effective in the treatment of fatigue, depression, anemia, impotence, infections, cancer, nervous system disorders and headaches.
  Its effects on the fertility of both men and woman makes this herb an ideal treatment for those who are having difficult in getting pregnant or for men who feel their sexual functions are not ideal.
   

• Siberian Ginseng: This herb helps the body to adapt to changes within the environment and increases resistance to radiation and other stresses (including physical, chemical, and biological).
  Studies on healthy individuals who have consumed Siberian ginseng have shown that the consumption of this herb tends to improve mental and physical performance (including stamina).
  Siberian Ginseng was only recognised as an “effective” herb in the West (it was used in China as an energy tonic for generations) in the 1950s when a Russian scientist (I. I. Brekhman) reported its notable stress-repelling powers. Healthy men and women were found to have enhanced mental abilities and were less prone to disease after consuming it.
   

• Ginseng: Ginseng is another very well known herb for its benefits to the mind due to its ancient history. Unfortunately this has also resulted in a lot of folklore about its actions and benefits (its genus name is Panax which (in Latin) roughly means “cure all”).
  However, it still has many benefits some of which make it ideal in this remedy. Some of these benefits include its increased capillary circulation of the brain (it is given for such conditions as cerebral anemia, but these benefits are most noticed with the addition of other herbs).
  Ginseng can also benefit the weak or elderly due to its adaptogenic effects and stimulating properties.
  Care should be taken if one suffers from an acute inflammatory disease or bronchitis since its stimulating effects can be counter beneficial if one suffers from such conditions.

Please note that a prescription is required for this formula.

Trouble Keeping With Your Diet?  We Have Some Food Antidotes To Help!

If you are having a little difficulty keeping to your prescribed dietary program (like all of us!) then we have some simple solutions that may help during times of weakness.

Even if you occasionally indulge in foods that are not suitable for your blood or body type there are ways to minimise some of the negative effects that can come from certain foods.

Take ice cream for example.  Most of us like ice cream on occasion, but eating ice cream can increase congestion and cause mucus.  One way to lessen the effects that ice cream has on the body is to consume it with some cardamom.

Using these food "antidotes" does not mean that you can completely ignore your dietary recommendations but it does mean that if you do splash out then you will minimise the effects that these foods have on your body.

See You Next Month!

Well that's it for this edition of the Herbalist.  We hope this newsletter finds you in good spirits and in good health. 

Presently we are looking for some more testimonials.  If you would like to help us out then please send us an email (at testimonials@nzherbal.com) - we really appreciate your feedback!

If there are any items that you would like us to discuss in the next newsletter then please don't hesitate to contact us at newsletter@nzherbal.com.

Best wishes,

Michael McCammon, Christopher Toki, Marie Grant, and Alex Brouwer. (The NZ Herbals Team!)

If you have received this newsletter by error, then please accept our sincere apologies.  We do not believe in spamming.  If you wish to unsubscribe from this newsletter then please email us at unsubscribe@nzherbal.com