Tag Archives: menopause

Phytotherapy: a safe and effective solution for hormonal help

Healthy Solutions, Hormones, , , , , , , , , ,
Published May, 2011
Update Sept, 2019-  at end

Many women using synthetic hormones stopped when the Nurse’s Initiative published the negative side effects. Now more women use natural treatments to help with hormonal challenges, ranging from acne to weight gain and hot flashes.

Phytotherapy is the use of plants, either from food or herbs, for healing purposes. Phytotherapy is a wonderful alternative for hormonal balance because it works with your body to give you what you need, and has a proven track record of safety and efficacy.

Both women and men have hormone receptor cells that can be filled (like a key fitting into a lock) in several ways: EDC’s: endocrine disruptors produced by industrial by-products; xenoestrogens: prevalent in plastics, household, personal care products, fertilizers, pesticides; our body’s own hormones, AND plant precursors to hormones, or phytohormones.

The healthiest choice when our own hormones are out of balance is to use phytohormones to fill our natural hormone receptor sites, so that the toxic forms have no sites available, and will be eliminated via liver, kidneys, lymph and bowel.

One example is Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa)(US). This herb acts positively to reduce hot flashes, in addition to its long historical uses as an antidote for snake bites, fevers, phlegm, and a tonic for the central nervous system. Many women have had exceptional relief from hot flashes and night sweats with a standardized formulation of Black Cohosh combined with Dong Quai. This formula, known as FE (Flash Ease) can work within the week, without the negative side effects inherent in drugs.

Maca (Lepidium meyinii) is another herb that has hit the American market in the last 10 years. To learn more about these and other natural aids for overall female hormonal health, join us for fun and informative dinner classes in Duncan. The next class will deal with Hormones for both Women and Men. This $10 investment can make a difference in your life! We’ll discuss Men’s health,  Monday June 13th. Call 250-748-6802 to register.

You can also learn everything you ever wanted to know about herbs that grow in the Cowichan Valley, in our Annual Herbal Intensives.

Also be sure to understand the more about the phyto hormones from soy, in our article: The Soy Controversy  and Soy and Breast Cancer .

UPDATE September 16, 2019

There are other herbs that one may have unwarranted warnings due to the general misunderstanding about the different  human interactions  of phyto hormones, human hormones, pharmaceutical hormones and environmental, toxic hormones (xenohormones) such as xenoestrogens mentioned above.

Some more common herbs that carry warnings are: licorice, red raspberry, dong quai, ginsengs, wild yam, red clover, chaste-tree berry,  evening primrose, ginkgo and saw palmetto.

Brassinosteroids (BS) are natural low-molecular-mass bioregulators, i.e., plant hormones that are present in all vegetable matter and possess growth-modulating and adaptogenic activity. Many common foods including plum, pear, apple grape berries, beans, sprouts, cabbage, spinaches, soybeans, grains, hops, garlic, onion would also be contra-indicated if one followed this (il)logic.

The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine recently published a summary stating that they have found no credence to the suggestion that soy may be harmful to human health. See my article on Soy Controversy from 2010 that supports this finding.

You may also want to refer to Soy and Breast Cancer .

These plants all have their benefits, so do not be scared off by medical warnings that are based on biochemical mis-information.

© Lorene Benoit, BEd, MHH, CHC, CI, CRA.

Master Holistic Health, Certified Herbal Consultant, Educator author of The Paw Paw Program, A Christopher Columbus Approach to Cancer……

Contacts:

Phone: 250-748-6802

Email:      Lorene@NaturalPathRemedies.com   or   TakeTheNaturalPath@gmail.com

Website Contact: http://www.naturalpathremedies.com/blog/contact/

Q&A Hot Flashes and Lady’s Mantle (Alchemilla)

Healthy Solutions, Herbal Wisdom, Hormones, Questions and Answers, , , , , ,

Question:

Thanks again for sharing the lovely photo of you and your grandson!

On another note, I wonder what you might know about Alchemilla Vulgaris (Lady’s Mantle) to treat hot flashes – they’ve been coming and going. My friend gave me a small bottle with extract. I’ve done quite a bit of research – including on your site – where nothing came up, but I can’t seem to figure out whether it’s really worth trying it out… especially since I’ve been told by quite a few people that my liver is weak and needs more support (I’m starting ginger compresses for that) and I read that alchemilla may have deleterious effects on my liver. So confusing! Any thoughts or suggestions?

Thanks!  A

Answer:

You are welcome….Grandson Holt  is a charmer and a healthy herbal baby!
Re: your question:
Lady’s Mantle is a wonderful herb; I don’t believe it is bad for the liver, (would like to see that research!), but it is also not my first choice for hot flashes, which I do feel ARE related to liver health.

 
Alchemilla vulgaris  works more with kidney, fluid energy. I have used this herb for conditions like vaginal discharge, and menstrual flooding as it has drying, toning, strengthening properties. I have made boluses for vaginal insertion, as well as used tincture with good results. As well as for purulent wound healing.
 
Sorry I just have not had time to enter much of my collected articles on individual herbs – maybe a retirement project? In my experience, Matthew Wood, Rosemary Gladstar  or Susun Weed would be reliable sources for herbal info –  they probably all have good websites.
 
Ginger on the other hand, is definitely good for liver, and as a stimulant herb, can be good for cooling, and is anti-inflammatory. The other two herbs I rely on for hot flashes are Black Cohosh, Cimicifuga racemosa,  and Dong Quai,  Angelica sinensis. I use these in combination called Flash Ease.
 
Also there is an excellent Chinese formula which works on balancing hormones and supporting liver function. As I know you are in Bali and cannot access many of the formulas I use, here are links for these products in N.A. .  Liver Balance (US) and    BP-C (CA).
 
You may be able to find similar formulas using these herb in Bali. If you can find a local herbalist, she or he may know local herbs which will be well suited to where you are presently living.  If not, let me know if anyone coming to visit wants me to order for you to bring . Shipping to Bali might be reasonable, if capsules were taken out of the bottle and sent via any special way you might know.
 
Other simple techniques for hot flashes are drinking lots of lemon in water, very cooling; wetting your hair before you go to bed, using a cold cloth. or ice pack during night, uncovering your feet….. but liver and hormonal balance are the biggies for sure.
 
If you wish more detail, feel free to book a follow-up consultation.
 
You may find more tips in these articles on website , which have Menopause tags:

http://www.naturalpathremedies.com/blog/?s=menopause . (Found via Search bar in top right corner of Research Blog. )

 
All the best – you have managed lots of healing miracles, including your amazing writing of the Healing Pilgrimage on the El Camino, so trust you will do well with this.

 

Q&A: Menopause, Peri-menopause, FSH

Hormones, Questions and Answers, , , , , , ,

Question:

Hello. I am a healthy female & will be 52 this June. my FSH level is 104 & have not had a period since Sept. Is this considered post-menopause? Thank you. MC

 

Answer:

FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) is a hormone produced in the pituitary gland,  to prepare female ovarian cells for fertilization. In men, FSH stimulates sperm division.  Secretion of all our hormones is based on complex interactions, so  FSH levels are connected with progesterone,  estrogen (primarily estradiol) , LH (Lutenizing Hormone) , Inhibin B, and GnRH (Growth Regulating Hormone).

If you were younger and these levels were this high, it could be an indication of infertility or other challenges.  At age 52  it is normal  for FSH to increase, as we are coming to the end of child bearing years.

Ranges are:

  • Women who are menstruating: 4.7 – 21.5 mIU/ml
  • Postmenopausal: 25.8 – 134.8 mIU/ml

You are more likely still in the stage called peri-menopause, as it has only been 4 months since your last period. Post menopause  generally means  menstruation has ceased for more than one year.

During peri-menopause, hormone levels, menstruation, hot flashes and moods may vary considerably. The better health you are in overall, the less you will be affected.

My website blog has several articles on Hormonal Health, which could benefit you as you begin this news stage of life. General healthful lifestyle recommendations are also covered in detail in my book:

The Paw Paw Program – The “Christopher Columbus” Approach to Cancer – The World IS Round and Cancer CAN Be Treated Naturally.  Extensive dietary recommendations and some recipes  are given to help people understand how to eat better.  Eliminating sugar,  is critical to optimum health and prevention of all chronic conditions, diseases. These recommendations, with particular attention to keeping the liver and glandular system healthy will help ensure an easy menopause.

Many women are helped by a combination of herbs known as Women’s Formula. There are several formulas; some women prefer the Wild Yam and Chaste Tree combination, but there is ALWAYS something that works!

Please contact us if you are interested in obtaining any of the above. We encourage people to use the same quality herbs we have used  for 24 years in our consulting office. Thanks for contacting us!

Q & A – Calcium for Osteoporosis and Alendronate (fosamex) – Part 2

Bone Health, Hormones, Questions and Answers, , , , , , , ,

Question:

Hi Lorene, my Doc is insisting I take fosomax  for osteo, do you have a good calcium product that is easy to absorb? and how much per month would it be? I might want to try the calcium way first. Will it constipate me? I am already taking cascara every day.
Cheers L.

 

Answer:

Great question and timing! I just published another post on Osteopenia, Osteoporosis and Bone Health Part 1, so here is Part 2 to answer your questions!

The types of calcium that we use in our practice are not constipating. In fact the one I just posted about, Nature’s Gold, is an excellent fibre source and increases bowel movements. The other ones we use the most are all in a herbal base, which 1) makes them more absorbable, therefore more effective even when the mg. numbers may be lower, and

2) the herbs add nutrients for overall benefit and

3) the herbs prevent constipation, while benefiting the obody overall with other healing properties.

The formulas I use the most are Cal Mag & D and Liquid Cal-Mag. For menopausal women having hot flashes, if Flash Ease does not work on its own, then we add Herbal Calcium.  My suggestion is to read the fact sheets giving you details of each one, (by clicking on the name of each supplement).

I have listed them in order of most common, so you may also just want to order the first one on the list. The cost for Cal Mag Plus D  is: Canada:  $29.50 for 200 tablets;  US: $19.90  for 150 tablets. Recommended dosage is listed on each fact sheet – there is no problem to double or triple this if you need extra calcium.

It is important with all supplements, but especially minerals,  to make sure they break down in normal stomach conditions. Nature’s Sunshine is one of the few companies that tests for this, and because of this we have had excellent results for lowering pH levels, eliminating muscle cramps as well as bone health.

Another post to read will explain to you the importance of Magnesium in any calcium formula. If a person is prone to any kind of cramping, they should take at least additional Magnesium Complex  capsule with each Calcium.

Fosamex is riddled with many side effects.  I encourage you to look into this further and share with your doctor, as well as sharing the positive results we have in increasing bone density in older women with the natural supplementation. Then make your decision.

Consider this statement from http://www.drugwatch.com/fosamax/side-effects/:

“For those taking Fosamax, perhaps the most frustrating side effect is the drug’s propensity to cause fractures of what is one of the strongest bones in the body – the femur. … stress fractures, often happen when patients least expect it. Some patients reported breaking bones while they were doing normal, everyday tasks such as walking or sitting. Merck said the fractures usually come after weeks or months of groin or hip pain. Researchers are still trying to determine why Fosamax is linked to bone breaks, especially in patients taking the drug for five years or longer. Many scientists theorize the drug shuts down the body’s bone-renewing process and creates more brittle bones.

And from  http://www.drugs.com/sfx/fosamax-side-effects.html:

“When Fosamax was introduced in 1995, it was promoted as the solution to osteoporosis and other bone-damaging diseases. Instead, studies show that Fosamax (alendronate) causes a slew of side effects that may be more problematic than osteoporosis itself. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) documented several of the drug’s side effects and subsequently distributed numerous warnings.

Fosamax belongs to the bisphosphonate drug family, which is known to cause many of the drug’s side effects. They range from mild to severe.

According to the drug’s manufacturer, Merck, the most common side effects include gastrointestinal issues, such as nausea, diarrhea, constipation and cramping. It can also cause skin rashes and eye problems.

Why would one risk this when we have safe, natural food nutrition, like Nature’s Gold and good quality Calcium supplements that increase bone density? 

Of course, following lifestyle recommendation as in Lorene’s book:  The Paw Paw Program – A “Christopher Columbus” Approach to Cancer – The World IS Round and Cancer CAN Be Treated Naturally is recommended to improve ALL health conditions.

Should you wish to have wholesale access any of the same quality supplements we have used over 23 years to help thousands of people achieve optimum health, please email our office at TakeTheNaturalPath@gmail.com, or contact us via our website.

NSP Quality by Design Makes the Difference

Business with NSP, Membership, Success Stories, , , , , , ,

There IS a difference between brands of health supplements. That’s not an opinion, it’s a fact based on consistent, reproducible scientific evidence. And user feedback – see a few examples below.

Did you know that the raw materials returned by NSP to its suppliers are sold to other supplement manufacturers, who do not do their own quality control ?

Are you paying for fillers? NSP Products are well known for their strict demand of pure product from the grower to you. They have a direct relationship with all their suppliers, farmers and wild crafted harvesters from every corner of the globe – so they can get the best quality with highest active ingredients. The source can change as climate or other conditions change, which is why they conduct over 150 meticulous tests with every batch they receive, even from 40 year suppliers.

NSP also tests every phase of the production process up to the finished product. No other company has this ability or history! Please watch this 3 minute video to see how this process makes a difference!

Maybe you are spending less or more for brand “C” , but you can’t tell the quality from reading the label. What is your health worth?   Do you want  peace of mind to know that every Nature’s Sunshine product is potent and pure?  Don’t gamble with your health or your money.

In our years of clinical practice we have seen consistent results with NSP. Here are a few that stand out above and beyond:

  • LBS, a Lower Bowel formula,  that really works short and long term to get your bowel functioning properly
  • Magnesium – different combinations for bowel, muscle relaxer, bone health
  • Capsicum to stop bleeding and disinfect deep cuts or puncture wounds
  • Oregon Grape to eliminate staph infections faster than prescription antibiotics with NO side effects
  •  Cranberry Buchu to treat and prevent bladder infections
  • Skeletal Strength for healthy bones
  • Women’s Formula to  regulate menses, decrease cramping and overall just balance whacky hormones
  • F.E. (Flash Ease) to help balance out menopausal symptoms
  • EverFlex with Devil’s Claw and Hyaluronic Acid for joint support
  • Tei Fu Oil for immediate first aid for sore throats, stuffy nose or sinus, motion sickness, breath freshener, insect bites and stings, nuasea, headache – yes! all this in a tiny bottle that lasts forever!
  • Paw Paw Cell Reg (Asimini triloba) the herb that inhibits rampant cell growth – stronger and safer natural chemotherapy.

These are just a few examples – take a look for yourself at some of the hundreds of health products available from Nature’s Sunshine Products.

Contact our office for specifics and or check here to make sure you get a discount membership, so YOU can get herbs from the same reliable source as the professionals. And, if you want to earn some income by helping others help themselves, please consider NSP as an amazing  business. We are here to support you.

 

 

Questions and answers: Menopause and Calcium versus Magnesium intake

Heart Health, Hormones, Questions and Answers, , , , , , , , ,

We have added a category to our blog for general questions and answers.

Anytime there is something we can help with, please add your question to this category.

We have started with these two questions that came in via email.

Menopause

Question/from CW:

My co-worker at work is experiencing what I think is peri-menopause but quite extreme.  Her heart is pounding (out of her chest as she puts it), insides burning up and very weak…lasts a long time, like at least 20 min the last one….
She is going to make an appt with her doctor but I’m thinking if it is hormonal that Maca may be a good one to balance her hormones.  What do you think?  Any other suggestions as you know more about NSP products for that than I do.  She is on blood pressure meds and on NSP Blood Pressurex and does smoke.  She isn’t overweight and has been exercising this last year.

Answer:

Hi CW,

Yes your suggestion of Maca is good as a hormonal balancer, but I would also think from the description you are giving that this is how hot flashes affect her, so I would recommend FE in addition. As it is time release, she only needs 1 am and 1 pm until she notices improvement, then can may decrease to 1 per day.

Personally I played with these dosages over a period of several years – more when needed, less when not and it worked wonders. Please get back to us if to let us know how she is doing, once on the program. Of course all other lifestyle improvements, such as covered in my book The Paw Paw Program need to be followed.

 

Heart attack and Stroke

Question re: Cal-Mag intake

I read,  “new findings now suggest that calcium supplementation (greater than 1000mg/day) may modestly increase the risk of heart attack and stroke. Although more research needs to be done in this area, it is recommended that individuals meet their calcium requirements from dietary sources…first and foremost, seeking individualized recommendations from your doctor is recommended…”

Answer:

Yes I agree with part of this – too much Calcium is not a good thing. I always try to balance it with at least same milligrams  of Magnesium, or more if any constipation. NSP”s Calcium (in liquid form) includes 200mg Magnesium. There are  also pill combinations of Calcium and Magnesium in Cal – Mag Plus D and Calcium & Magnesium SynerPro . More research shows that Mag. is also essential for bone strength, and Calcium. has been overrated. And yes, we can get lots from food, if our digestion is working. As far as getting individualized recommendation from a doctor? As most medical doctors study nutrition less than 10 hours in 10 years, I think you would do better with continuing your own research or contacting an expert who works with natural health and supplementation, such as you have just done.