Tag Archives: hormones

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/

Hormones Make You Happy

Hormones, Pregnancy, , , , , , , , , , , , ,

 

One of my early teachers was Dr. Versendaal, a chiropractic doctor from whom I learned specialized muscle testing called Contact Reflex Analysis. He said, “Hormones are what make us happy”.

 

Hormones play such an important role in the health of all animals; in their miniscule amounts they have huge effects. They determine our sexual traits, yet both sexes need the same hormones to function; just in differing amounts. Hormones are secreted by endocrine glands in the human body. From the top down these are:  pituitary, hypothalamus, thyroid, parathyroid thymus, pancreas, adrenals ovaries/testes. Hormones are also secreted from fat cells and the colon.

 

Yes, the colon! Did you know that more serotonin is produced in  the colon than in the brain? Instead of anti-depressants, more people could be happier and healthier to ensure their colon is clean and working daily, rather than spending billions on damaging chemical anti-depressants.

 

To give you an idea of their complexity, the adrenal glands are responsible for secreting over 50 different hormones.  Besides their known function of dealing with stress, adrenal hormones also are responsible for fat storage and breakdown, insulin transport, pH balance, allergic response, fluid and mineral balance, temperature control, the list goes on.

 

Hormonal imbalance can manifest as teenage acne, conception problems, miscarriages, PMS, menopause and andropause discomfort, depression, hypo or hyper thyroidism, breast lumps and tenderness, hair loss and mood swings, to name a few.

 

We may ask why present day society is dealing with so many challenges with hormonal balance? Industrial by-products known as endocrine disruptor chemicals (EDC’s) have been on a steady increase in our society. These toxic mimickers have similar structures which can bind with our natural hormone receptors, wreaking havoc on our metabolism. Offenders occur in plastics, household and personal care products, fertilizers, pesticides, heavy metals. Our bodies contain up to 148 synthetic chemicals according to CDC analysis 2005. As the number of chemicals increases annually, this amount has likely doubled by 2014. The National Toxicology Program 2012 Report lists 64 Known Human Carcinogens (cause cancer), including Aflatoxin (found in improperly dried grains, corn, peanuts, some cow milk, rancid oils, cosmetics), Formaldehyde (most vaccines),   Tamoxifen and XRays (medical cancer treatments).  To avoid these one must make informed choices for every purchase or treatment you choose.

 

On the positive side, we can choose to include phytohormones, which are plant based hormonal replacements and precursors. They too can fill our natural hormone receptor sites, but with healthy, gentler forms that prevent the more toxic forms from binding.  These can be a boon to our health, as opposed to the detrimental effects of EDCs and xenohormones.

 

Just one example is Maca, Lepidium meyenii, also known as Peruvian Ginseng. As with all plants, it does not contain hormones, (only animals produce hormones), but acts positively on the hormonal system of both males and females. A four month study using males aged  22 – 44 stated that Maca increased semen volume and total sperm count remarkably. Maca stimulates the glands so they produce needed hormones. Maca has the ability to balance the hypothalamus and pituitary glands promoting healthy adrenal, ovary and testes function. Maca is widely used to balance symptoms of menstruation and menopause such as hot flashes, depression, vaginal dryness and irritability. It helps by regulating estrogen and androgen receptor sites. As far as safety, some Peruvian women take Maca from the age of three. These women are very powerful, even the elderly. Men use Maca as a safer alternative to Viagra, with the benefits and none of the dangers.

 

For hot flashes, a formula called Flash Ease combines the benefits of Black Cohosh and Dong Quai. As a concentrated timed release formula, it is very effective. If you are not getting control of you hot flashes after trying this at 2 per day for 1 bottle, get in touch – we can determine what WILL work for you!

All hormonal challenges can also be helped by following healthier lifestyle recommendations as suggested in Lorene Benoit’s Book:

The Paw Paw Program – The “Christopher Columbus” Approach to Cancer – The World IS Round and Cancer CAN Be Treated Naturally.

To order any of the professional quality herbs or supplements that we use in our practice, please contact us directly for both discount prices and our support. We have trained practitioners to support you; NOT available if you order from Amazon for same price.

Email: Lorene@NaturalPathRemedies.com  OR Phone: 250-748-6802

There is no fee for setting up account or placing orders, and we are here to serve you, wherever you are located in the world!

United States:   www.TakeTheNaturalPath.myNSP.com  – choose US at top of screen   Phone NSP 1-800-453-1422 and use sponsor #1143615  to become Premium member –  no fee, 20-25% discount, free shipping, no obligation and our support.

Canada:  www.TakeTheNaturalPath.myNSP.com  –   or phone 1-877-257-4372 , and use Canada sponsor #1143615  to become Preferred Customer. If you are looking to start a business helping others, contact Lorene Benoit for training.

July Health Newsletter

Allergies, Courses and Events, Herbal Wisdom, Hormones, Newsletters, Vaccines, , , , , ,

We have been enjoying these sunny days preparing our herb gardens for the upcoming Medicine Wheel Workshop and Annual Herbal Intensive. Registration is open until July 14th.

For more information or for help with achieving your optimum health levels, please contact our office by phone:  250-748-6802
email: TakeTheNaturalPath@gmail.com Website www.naturalpathremedies.com

Articles added to our blog since the last newsletter, with direct link:

Allergies:
To help a person who has allergy problems, one must play detective. There are several body systems which may need to be addressed to solve the riddle. Determining which one or ones are the priorities can help to find quicker resolution. Every person is an individual, and although there are some herbs which will help many people most of the time, there are more severe or stubborn cases, where some sleuthing can make a difference quicker and with longer lasting benefits.

The systems that we assess for allergies are digestive, eliminative, respiratory, urinary and hepatic or liver. Our marvellous liver performs over 500 functions, so for those who are challenged with allergies, the liver is certainly one of the organs to check out. Let’s look briefly at the other systems first, by learning some of the clues as to which system is trying to tell you something. Click here to read more

Muscle Testing:
Muscle Response Testing, or MRT, is based on the principle that there is an energy field which flows around and through all things. The Chinese call this energy CHI. Like a magnet creating a magnetic field, which holds iron filings in a certain pattern, the CHI creates a field which holds the cells of our body in alignment. In muscle response testing we are checking the strength or weakness of the body’s energy field. It is a method of measuring the body’s energy balance. Click here to read more

Weight Loss and HCG:
Response to question: I have done some research and have come up with several opinions which  feel the HCG component is a placebo affect. This makes sense as anytime a person cleans up their diet, and decreases their caloric and carbohydrate intake, they will lose weight! Click here to read more

PhytoTherapy and Hormones:
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. Click here to read more


If there is a natural health topic you would like to know more about, ask me on my website blog and I will do my best to answer.

Monthly Specials For Members

July special for new members – free Digestive Enzymes PLUS free small Chlorophyll with $75 order – if you have been thinking of it, now is the time! Call our office.

How does Membership with Nature’s Sunshine Products benefit you?

  • You can receive discounts from 10 – 40% on the most potent, most professionally formulated herbal, vitamin and mineral supplements in the industry since 1972.

What do you need to do?

  • Contact our office by email, phone or website
  • Memberships are free in most countries when you place an order.
  • Go to www.naturessunshine.com choose your country and use sponsor # 309344 to receive discount

Education

Free education, resource centre, fact sheets, webinars and professional conference calls available to all members. Canadian link is www.nsprc.ca. Call our office to get connected in other countries.
Ztyo Compass – learn what your body’s needs are: watch this 3 minute video to explain this simple, yet accurate biofeedback tool:
http://www.zytocompass.com/af/link.aspx?a=lbenoit
Assessments in group setting – fun and informative – are only $25, second time $20 – make it a party to get yours free, plus host gifts

Political Scene

If some people actually think there have been deaths from vitamins… which of course is ridiculous because the very word means “Vital Minerals”, please direct them to this one article. It is an excellent backup for those of us who find ourselves struggling to convince people… the article clearly shows that there has not been ONE proven death from natural products in the last 27 YEARS.

Compare this to the annual deaths reported by government agencies on deaths from adverse effects of drugs – in the USit is now over 160,000 per year! (Canadawould be roughly 1/10 of that figure).

http://orthomolecular.org/resources/omns/v07n05.shtml

More than 2,000 vaccinated babies died: The cost of doing businesshttp://www.naturalnews.com/z031820_vaccinations_babies.html

Risk of infant mortality linked to more vaccines:
http://www.infowars.com/new-study-finds-direct-link-between-vaccines-and-infant-mortality/

Spiritual and Emotional

It was Tagore who said, “I slept and dreamt that life was joy.  I awoke and saw that life was service.  I acted and behold, service was joy.”

To do the thing that is yours to do today, that’s service.  As we do the thing that is ours to do today, there is joy.  We can act from that joy and live in a state of joy.

It was Charles Fillmore, the founder of the Unity religion, who on his 90th birthday wrote this affirmation:  “I spring out of bed and fairly sizzle with zeal and enthusiasm and go forth this day to do the things that ought to be done by me.”

Health Tip
Have a healthy happy summer storing up your Vit. D3 – sun is good for you in moderation. Protect yourself with clothing and shade, rather than sunscreen, especially between 10am and 2 pm.

Yours in health,
Benoit & Associates Health Education
Here to serve you……

Soy controversy

Soy Benefits, , , , , , , ,

There are many controversial views about soy and soy products.

This article was updated December, 2018.                                           Truth stands the test of time.

The negative talk about soy usually relates to it being indigestible and its phyto estrogens promoting early puberty, sterility in males,  estrogen receptive breast cancer, depressing thyroid function.

The positive side refers to it being a viable, environmentally green protein source,  and its phyto estrogens helping with menopausal symptoms and preventing breast and other cancers.

Our take on soy uses the same approach that we encourage our clients to embrace concerning ALL  natural health issues:

1. Do your research and try to find out who has paid for the research you are reading – this is not always easy to determine and untangling sponsorship connections can take some time!

2. Look at historical perspectives from whatever part of the world this plant (or herb,  product, diet, etc.) originates from.

3. Pay attention to YOUR body if you implement something new. Learning to listen to your body will tell you more than anything else.

This being said, these are our additional thoughts concerning soy:

  • People have to be moderate in their consumption of soy – we do not need a 1/2 lb. slab of tofu – look at how Japanese have traditionally used small pieces in soups and stir fries
  • Avoid over consumption of sugar laden soy products, milks and yogurts filled with guar gum and other fillers and thickeners – not a Japanese staple
  • Fermented soy products DO add other benefits – miso is one of the most nutritious
  • Understand that phyto estrogens are not hormones. Only animals have hormones. Phyto estrogens are plant (phyto) estrogens. They act beneficially in the body by filling hormonal receptor sites, which prevents the body from utilizing more potent or toxic hormones, such as the type of estrogen that does promote ER breast cancer, and chemical hormones, called xeno estrogens. So most people experience positive results.
  • In our office we used a non-GMO soy isolate based protein powder for more than 20 years. Our clients loved this product and after so many years, not one had any thyroid issues; many experienced most of the benefits listed below.
  • It has become more difficult to obtain reasonable quantities of non GMO soy based protein at competitive prices, plus people have been unduly scared off with soy misinformation. Nature’s Sunshine has replaced soy proteins with other excellent protein blends. Three favorites available in both Canada and US are:   In.Form Metabolic Age Support Pea Vanilla Shake, which is vegan, gluten free and contains phytosterols; IN.Form Metabolic Age Support Whey, and Nature’s Harvest, containing protein, vitamins, minerals and vegetables. In the US many people also love the Love and Peas Sugar Free.
  • Some of the benefits that any quality protein supplement will provide for people are:
  1. weight management
  2. endurance and energy for athletics
  3. balancing blood sugar levels for both hypo and hyper glycemia
  4. reducing negative hormonal symptoms of menopause and andropause

On pages 203 -204 of Lorene Benoit’s book:  The Paw Paw Program – The “Christopher Columbus” Approach to Cancer – The World IS Round and Cancer CAN Be Treated Naturally, a recipe for Super Shakes is given, which can include this SynerProtein.

For more information, and personal advice for supplements specific for YOU,  or to order  from our same supplier at wholesale discount, please contact our office.

Should you wish a document of soy related research which has helped form this opinion, we will gladly share a multi-page reference list gratefully provided by Dr. Hugo Rodier, Board Certified MD  PLUS Nutritional and Integrative Doctor. Just email us and ask for “Dr. Rodier’s Soy Research”.