Info posted soon!
Jul 202012
Medical Topics
Choose your medical topic…
Jun 242012
This is a handout that I wrote in 2010 for a lecture I gave at a local gym. This lecture was also covered by an article in the local paper, the Paradise Post, by Bonnie Sitter, “Ten Healthy Foods that could lengthen your life”, March 2010. (But sorry, it is not available online.) I now also give to to many patients as a general guide to start using dietary therapy for health.
Top Ten Superfoods for Longevity: A Medicinal Food Approach
Addendum for recipes are not provided here since I don’t have rights to publish recipes from references. However, the recipe references are in the handout and most could be found online.
There are a few recipes I have adapted or obtained from classes, and I will eventually post them online. But for now, please feel free to email me at info@heavenly-herbs.com if you would like them.
(References also are to a few of the good books on dietary therapy, for those really interested in healing with diet.)
Jun 232012
CoQ10 (pronounced Coenzyme Q10), is an anti-oxidant, which can benefit many conditions1. It is known to strengthen the heart and can even lower mild hypertension. CoQ10 is absolutely necessary when one is on statin drugs (for high cholesterol or hyperlipidemia/dyslipidemia) or even when one is on the more natural form of Red Yeast Rice extract to counteract serious side effects (for more info see: add reference – blog).
The average person could use 100 mg/day whereas someone with hypertension or cardiovascular disease could be taking up to 400 mg/day (discuss with alternative healthcare provider).
Pathologies with anecdotal coenzyme Q10 therapeutic benefit2:
Mitochondrial neuromuscular diseases
Neurodegenerative diseases (Parkinson’s disease, dementias,
others)
Congestive heart failure-prevention/support therapy
Muscle weakness
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Cancer-breast treatment
Chemotherapy amelioration, support for AZT/AIDS treatment
Vascular disease, diabetes mellitus
Sports medicine. Performance enhancement (not a pathology)
References:
1) Summary of research on benefits of CoQ10: CoQ10 Monograph
2) Research article reference:
Cellular redox poise modulation; the role of coenzyme Q10, gene and metabolic regulation, Anthony W. Linnane and Hayden Eastwood, Mitochondrion 4 (2004) 779–789
Jun 232012
A few of the the herbal formulas I use for Menopausal Symptoms:
Estrovera – a nutraceutical product especially for hot flashes. (This is a phytoestrogen product that doesn’t include soy).
Zhi Bai Di Huang Wan – typical Chinese herbal formula for the symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats, especially when the patient presents with a dry, red tongue.
Wu Ji Bai Feng Wan (Black Chicken, White Phoenix formula) – also used post-partum, this herbal formula nourishes the Blood and Kidney Qi and Jing (to be explained later).
Diet is of the utmost importance too! Increase intake for blood-building foods such as dark green, leafy veggies and seaweed.
Acupuncture is also excellent for menopausal symptoms!
Many more options to be added later.
Jun 212012
My general recommendations for treating Peripheral Neuropathy (PNP):
1. Acupuncture
Acupuncture helps increase the vascular supply or blood circulation to the nerves. See item below for article about PNP and Acupuncture.
2. Diet
PNP is typically caused by diabetes, although it can have other causes such as lower back injuries and chemotherapy. If due to diabetes, the first and foremost recommendation is to maintain healthy, normal blood glucose levels – this is of utmost importance to prevent neuropathy. This is best done by avoiding carbohydrates in your diet, especially wheat products since wheat, whole or refined, is a high glycemic index food. (see my book review article of Wheat Belly)
3. Nutriceutical support
*Chromium – a mineral supplement known to help regulate blood glucose levels (generally also used to help with sugar cravings)
*Alpha Lipoic Acid – an anti-oxidant, 600 mg/day – see A-Lipoic Acid Monograph (Clinical Indications summary)
*Benfotiamine, a specialized B vitamin for vascular function (and correspondingly, for nerve health) – see article about Benfotiamine
4. Chinese herbal medicinals
There are many possible Chinese herbal formulas to help with PNP. The prescription will depend upon the diagnosis of the practitioner. One common one I will use is Flex (NP), by Evergreen Herbs. It is a very complex, and therefore useful, formula for nerve pain and neuropathy.
5. Exercise
Exercise increases blood circulation, so patients with PNP will also benefit from this.
6. General
Dry Brushing
7. Additional information
Reference article about PNP and Acupuncture
Jun 212012
An article co-written by Dr. Oz about the benefits of acupuncture such as musculoskeletal and arthritis pain management, insomnia and reducing side effects of radiation and chemotherapy:
The You Docs: Why we still like ancient acupuncture, by
Michael Roizen, M.D. AND Mehmet Oz, M.D.
Jun 192012
As Dr. Oz states in this brief article about pain management, acupuncture is a ‘highly effective complementary therapy’.
May 242012
Dr. Daniel Weber is a scholar in the field of Integrative Oncology, with a focus on using Chinese herbal medicine or isolates from Chinese herbs to treat cancer. He has done numerous clinical trials, especially regarding herbal isolates to treat breast cancer. He is the author of several books on the subject of Chinese herbs to treat cancer and has also been honored in China with an appointment to The Oncology Special Committee (OSC) of the World Federation of Chinese Medicine Societies (WFCMS) in 2011. For more info, see Dr. Daniel Weber’s bio
Dr. Daniel Weber’s research site
Dr. Daniel Weber is also the founder of the Association of Integrative Oncology and Chinese Medicine
Dr. Daniel Weber’s products, focusing on cancer treatments Panaxea – Specialty line of Chinese herbal remedies, including isolates (sold only to practitioners since they are trained in their use).
May 242012
This natural, analgesic, anti-inflammatory homeopathic remedy can help ease most musculoskeletal pain due to trauma/injury (including surgery). This includes most arthritis pain and nerve pain such as sciatica and neuropathy (also includes nervines – herbs to calm nerves). Although I have many strong Chinese herbal formulas for pain in my clinic, I often initially recommend this product since it very often (I estimate 90% effectiveness) gives immediate relief with regular use. I have seen this ‘cure’ severe cholicky gallbladder pain, ulcerative colitis pain, etc.
This product comes in a topical creme (with no odor – no menthol or camphor), or internal use drops. (alcohol-based) or tabs (sublingual).
It is a very safe replacement for over-the-counter NSAIDS (non-steriodal anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, tylenol, naproxen, etc.) and can even replace presription pain medications such as Vicodin, Norco) without the side effects plus it actually helps heal tissues whereas NSAIDS do not!
May 2012: Newly introduced Traumeel Combo Pack – great deal!
May 092012
Herbs “more helpful” than drugs for period pain
Note that most of these herbs are in a traditional Chinese herbal formula for PMS symptoms, including dysmenorrhea (painful periods), called Xiao Yao Wan (available at any acupuncturist’s office).
May 092012
“This is one of the fastest pain attenuators in existence — the pain can be gone in five minutes,” said Col. Richard Niemtzow, a physician, acupuncturist and senior adviser to the Air Force surgeon general. See article at Air Force to Use ‘Battlefield Acupuncture’ for Pain Relief
May 092012
Acupuncture Reduces Side Effects from Tamoxifen, Arimidex
Finally research shows that acupuncture will treat menopausal symptoms of hot flashes and night sweats, and in this case, specifically the side effects of Breast Cancer drugs!
May 082012
Natural Health magazine article on Traditional Chinese Medicine, May 2009:
Online article can also be found at Healing with Traditional Chinese Medicine
May 082012
Heavenly Herbs and Acupuncture Newsletter:
Spring: A Time for Cleansing and New Personal Care Products?
This newsletter includes a few book reviews also.
Mar 052012
Heavenly Herbs and Acupuncture handout:
Natural Treatments for a Shingles or Herpes outbreak
This handout focuses on herbal and dietary recommendations, however, acupuncture is also very effective in calming the nerves (and the neuralgia pain) and stimulating the body to attack the virus too!
Jan 092012
Anti-cancer Nutraceutical Products:
Econugenics, Inc.
Favorite products: Pectasol-C (Modified Citrus Pecting or MCP) and BreastDefend.
Jan 092012
Heavenly Herbs and Acupuncture handout:
Dry Brushing for Blood Circulation, Lymph Drainage and Neuropathy
Jan 092012
Heavenly Herbs and Acupuncture handout:
Natural Treatments for a Gallbladder Attack
This handout focuses on herbal and dietary recommendations, however, acupuncture is also very effective in sedating and calming the gallbladder too!
Jan 092012
Heavenly Herbs and Acupuncture handout:
Natural Herbal First Aid Kit: Recommendations of what every household should have!
Jan 092012
“A recent study published in The Lancet: Infectious Diseases showed that for every 100 people who are vaccinated, only 1.5 were prevented from getting the flu”1. Furthermore, the abstract summary states “Evidence for protection in adults aged 65 years or older is lacking.”2 However, this study does suggest that influenza vaccinations show 75% efficacy over 12 years of for the age group of 6 months to 7 years.2
Note that the flu vaccine is now marketed to all population groups, and especially the elderly, and this research study shows that it basically is only effective for children under 7!! So why then is it marketed to everyone? Capitalism is why, not true health concerns!!
References:
1. Aspinwall, Mary. “Contagion Season! The Flu and You: What to Do. Homeopathy Today“. Winter 2011: 41.
2.The Lancet: Infectious Diseases
(accessed December 21, 2011).