St John’s Wort
Katie Oleksak, M.Ac, New England School of Acupuncture, MS-PREP (Pain, Research, Education & Policy, Tufts University)
Saint John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is mainly known for and used as a treatment for mild-moderate depression and the symptoms that accompany it including: anxiety, loss of appetite, fatigue and insomnia. It has a history of many unique uses including the warding off of witchcraft, the dressing of wounds and the treatment of eczema. Various species of this botanical were first used in Greece and the Canary Islands as a sedative, diuretic, anti-hysteric, anti-depressant and treatment for ulcers. Currently its uses also include the treatment of: menopausal symptoms, diabetic neuropathy, wound healing, burns, arthritis, sciatica, irritable bowel symptom and generalized pain. It is a yellow, flowering, perennial herb and its common name, Saint John’s wort, traditionally comes from the flowering and harvesting of the plant on St. John’s day, June twenty-fourth, the birthday of John the Baptist. It was traditionally used to ward off evil by hanging it over a religious icon on this day. Native to Europe, it is most commonly found in the US and Canada in dry climates, such as on roadsides and in meadows and woods.
The most known mechanism of action (MOA) of Saint John’s wort is through inhibition of the chemical prostaglandin, at the site of inflammation and acetic acid, at nerve-endings. One of its most important constituents is hypericin, a glycoside, which in the appropriate concentration gives Saint John’s wort its therapeutic properties.
Extracts are typically available in tablet, capsule, teabag or tincture form and also may be used as a topical treatment for pain; where the flower buds or seed pods are crushed, producing a reddish-purple liquid. Most often, the flowers or leaves are used in a standardized extract form and the recommended doses are the following; 300mg (standardized to 0.3 % hypericin) 3 times, daily or up 1,800mg, daily. For those under the age of twelve with depression, recommended dose is 300 mg (0.3% hypericin), daily. This herb is great for treatment of depression without the unpleasant side effects of most pharmaceuticals. Some side effects that may occur include; GI symptoms, dizziness, confusion, sedation, fatigue and in rare cases, photosensitivity- a sensitivity to sunlight- which can lead to visual sensitivity to light and sunburns. Avoid if pregnant or breast feeding and always check with your doctor as there may be some interactions with other pharmaceutical drugs and never stop taking abruptly as this may more likely cause side effects.
White Willow Bark For Pain & Inflammation
Katie Oleksak, M.Ac, New England School of Acupuncture, MS-PREP (Pain, Research, Education & Policy, Tufts University)
The bark of the White Willow tree (Salix alba) is one of the oldest folk remedies used for treating pain. The tree thrives in damp conditions, and is native to Europe. The bark has been used medicinally for thousands of years in Africa, Asia and in North America. European settlers imported the tree to North America, where they found that Native Americans were already using various species of the plant for treating pain and fever.
Reflux, Heartburn and GERD
ElizabethStagl, MS Nut. Certified Nutritionist)
Commonly referred to as heartburn, gastro-intestinal-reflux disease or GERD, is a chronic condition caused by the backflow of acid, bile, enzymes, and food into the esophagus. Virtually everyone has experienced at least the occasional discomfort in the chest or throat and the sour taste in the mouth caused by this reflux process. Overeating, consuming certain types of foods and beverages, and lying down too soon after eating can trigger reflux. Often reflux occurs because the valve between the lower end of the esophagus and the stomach—called the lower esophageal sphincter—fails to close properly, allowing the stomach’s contents to be regurgitated into the esophagus and throat. When these symptoms occur many times a week and become difficult to control, they are diagnosed as GERD.
Cayenne Remedies and Recipes
Katie Oleksak, M.Ac,New England School of Acupuncture, MS-PREP (Pain, Research, Education & Policy, Tufts University)
Capsaicin annum, aka chili pepper, aka red pepper is a pungent, hot herb, which originated in the tropics and is mainly used as a culinary seasoning in Asian and Central American cuisine.
Technically cayenne is a berry, the powder is produced by grinding the dried fruit. Cayenne consists of alkaloids including capsaicin, the active ingredient that makes it so hot to taste and touch. It is often used internally as a circulatory stimulant but it is mainly used topically as “counter-stimulant” for pain.
That makes Cayenne a very powerful herb, affecting every organ of the body and acting as a natural anti-arthritic, anti-oxidant and anti-cancer remedy. It is known to enhance the immune system, treat asthma, fever, sore throat, digestion, cardiovascular disease, headaches, arthritis, nerve pain and other inflammatory conditions. It is also a great herb for bleeding conditions and wound-healing.
(Read more here)
The Health Benefits of Coconut Oil
INFO FROM THE COCONUT RESEARCH CENTER
Coconut In Modern Medicine
Throughout the tropical world, coconut oil has provided the primary source of fat in the diets of millions of people for generations. It has various modern-day applications in food, medicine, and industry.
Coconut oil is very heat-stable, which makes it suited to methods of cooking at high temperatures like frying. Because of its stability, it is slow to oxidize and, thus, resistant to rancidity, lasting up to two years due to high saturated fat content (Wiki)
Modern medical science is now confirming the use of coconut in treating many health conditions and diseases. Published studies in medical journals show that coconut, in several forms, may provide a wide range of health benefits.
Virgin coconut oil, the type sold today in health stores, is composed mainly of medium-chain triglycerides, a type of fat that is generally considered a good biologically inert source of energy. The human body easily metabolizes MC-Fatty Acids. MC-Fatty Acids in the form of virgin coconut oil does not carry the same risks as other saturated fats. Early studies on the health effects of coconut oil used partially hydrogenated coconut oil, which creates trans fats.
Read more….see the list of the conditions that Coconut Oil may be used to treat.
Ginger: Delicacy, Medicine, and Spice
Katie Oleksak, M.Ac,New England School of Acupuncture, MS-PREP (Pain, Research, Education & Policy, Tufts University)
Said to be from the ‘Garden of Eden’
There is no better time of year to consider supplementing your nutritional vitamin regimen with ginger, as the root of this plant is a warming herb, used particularly in the fall and winter months. Ginger (Zinger officianale) is an extremely potent remedy with multiple uses. Said to be from the ‘Garden of Eden’, it has been used in Chinese folk medicine for thousands of years to treat colds, stomach ailments, nausea, circulatory disease and inflammatory or pain conditions such as arthritis.
Read more about this herb from Eden
Turmeric: A Powerful Antioxidant
Katie Oleksak, M.Ac,
Master of Acupuncture, New England School of Acupuncture
Many people are unaware of the amazing benefits of turmeric…did you know that Turmeric, also known as curcumin…
Reduces Pain?
Protects the Liver?
Controls Cancer Cells?
Improves Circulation?
Read the story of what this amazing spice can do for you.
STAYING HEALTHY: Adaptogens Keep Us On Track
Katie Oleksak, M.Ac,
Master of Acupuncture, New England School of Acupuncture
Eleutherococcus
It is hard work to stay healthy and active, eating well and creating a balanced feeling of well-being.
When we fall out of balance using “adaptogenic” herbs is one way to get ourselves back on track.
Adaptogens are the herbal medicines, derived from specific plants that are reputed to increase our resistance to stress, anxiety and fatigue…as well as rejuvenate our athletic and work performances. These adaptogenic herbs contain active plant constituents known as phyto-chemicals.
Examples of these phyto-chemicals that contribute to our well-being are triterpenes, phenylpropanes, oxylipins and polysaccharides. They help to stimulate the immune system and increase overall vital energy.
The most widely used and well-researched adaptogens are Rhodiola Rosea, Holy Basil, Eleuthro, Schizandra and Ashwagandha.
ALL ABOUT IODINE
Katie Oleksak, M.Ac,
Master of Acupuncture, New England School of Acupuncture
Iodine is a mineral essential for proper functioning of the thyroid gland and synthesizing its hormones. It helps to support and regulate many of the body’s processes such as growth, development, metabolism and reproduction.
Iodine deficiency, however, is a growing yet preventable global health issue. Deficiency manifests in disorders including breast cancer, fibrocystic body tissue, brain damage, mental heath issues, hypothyroidism, goiter (enlarged thyroid glands) and the painful Raynaud’s Phenomenon (lack of circulation to the fingers and toes)**.
GOT PAIN? TRY ACUPUNCTURE
Katie Oleksak, M.Ac,
Master of Acupuncture, New England School of Acupuncture
Pain takes a physical, financial and emotional toll on individuals and on our entire healthcare system.
Western Medicine looks at the issue of pain as simply inflammation-causing-pain, focusing on the location and severity of the pain. This approach fails to address the most important question, what is the cause of the inflammation? As a result, most Western medical treatments involve merely “masking the symptoms” with medication. Using this approach, it is not a surprise that the pain keeps coming back.
(Read more here)
GOT STRESS OR ANXIETY?
Try Acupuncture / Acupressure for Relaxation
Katie Oleksak, M.Ac,
Master of Acupuncture, New England School of Acupuncture
Anxiety and stress are an issue that we are all prone to, on a daily basis. It may manifest as either a feeling of general anxiety or panic attacks which may often include symptoms such as palpitations, dizziness, sweating, and chest pain.
Anxiety may not only emotionally inhibit those who suffer but may lead to other issues such as digestive upset, asthma, insomnia or depression. In the World of Western Medicine, anxiety is typically treated with medication that may (or may not) provide temporarily relief. Many of these medications, however, are also are known to cause harmful side effects and certain pharmaceuticals may even be addictive.