| Professional Edition Volume 1 Issue 9 September 15, 2007 |
Newsletter for Acupuncture Practitioners sponsored by Ashi Research |
Fatigue Fighting Vitamins and Herbs
By Dr Jenny Tylee
Fatigue is mental and physical tiredness where the person has no energy or enthusiasm to do anything. Fatigue is
often the result of continual illness, stress, overworking, worry or periods of emotional upheaval. It can be the
symptom of many illnesses, including anaemia and infections. Chronic fatigue can be greatly improved by eating
foods that increase the energy level and support the immune system. Removing the buildup of toxins from the body
will reduce the energy drain and stress reduction methods may ease the symptoms. Gentle exercise will strengthen
the muscles and stimulate the circulation and the production of antibodies to increase resistance to infection.
What to do about fatigue
As tempting as it is to do nothing when you feel very tired or exhausted, it is important to take action. Here is a simple list of things you can
use to help relieve and reverse your fatigue.
Vitamins
The vitamins and minerals outlined below can be obtained as a part of a quality, balanced vitamin and mineral supplement. The balance
of these vitamins and minerals is important as an overabundance of one can inhibit the absorption or utilisation by the body of another -
thus causing a deficiency.
Vitamin A strengthens the immune system and helps to fight infections. It also plays an important role in general healing.
Vitamin B1 improves the nervous system function and boosts energy. It is essential for converting food into energy and for the
transmission of electrical impulses in the nerves and muscles. It can have a powerful effect on your mood and alertness.
Vitamin B6 increases energy levels. It is essential for the breakdown of food and the production of energy in the body. It is also necessary
for the formation of antibodies.
Pantothenic acid reduces fatigue and relieves stress. It is essential for the conversion of food into energy and for the breakdown of fats.
Folic acid is needed to form healthy red blood cells which are vital for energy as they carry oxygen to the muscles. It is essential for the
metabolism of proteins and sugars.
Vitamin C detoxifies the body and in the process makes energy more available. It helps the body absorb iron and folic acid effectively and
turn food into energy.
Vitamin E supports the immune system. It is a powerful antioxidant and is important for the production of energy from food.
Minerals
Calcium is needed for the muscles and nerves and improves sleep.
Iron relieves fatigue that is associated with insufficient red blood cells. It is needed to release the energy in your body. It is also essential in
maintaining a healthy immune system.
Magnesium reduces weakness and tiredness. It is essential for turning food into energy. The nervous system relies on magnesium to
work properly and it is valued for its stress relieving properties.
Selenium is an anti-oxidant that reduces the energy drain caused by free radicals. It is essential in preventing a wide range of diseases. It
is needed for healthy muscles including those of the heart. It boosts the immune system, increasing your ability to fight infection.
Zinc assists in the detoxification of the body and also boosts the immune system. It is important for the brain and nervous system and
mental alertness.
Other nutrients and herbs
Omega 3 fatty acids boost energy.
Acidophilus and other friendly bacteria help to create a normal intestinal balance. This is important for improving energy if an overgrowth of
Candida is thought to be a problem.
Bioflavonoids enhance the action of vitamin C.
Co-enzyme Q10 increases oxygen uptake in the cells and this can help to increase energy.
Ginger and Siberian ginseng are herbs that if taken internally will increase your energy and balance digestive and hormonal systems.
Ginger, red ginseng root, cardamom seed, artichoke leaf and gentian root are herbs for the digestive system. Digestive strengthening
herbs increase your ability to digest food to release the energy from the food that you eat.
Mate and green tea can give a temporary boost in energy.
Rosemary essential oil (3-4 drops) added to a bath is a good pick-me-up.
Foods to eat
The following foods will help you get a boost of energy that is achieved in a sustained way and not just the short term fix that is provided by
sugar and caffeine which make you feel worse later. Try not to overeat.
Plenty of fresh fruit and green, leafy vegetables. Whole grains, nuts and seeds.
Chicken and tuna.
You need to avoid any sources of food allergies from your diet, particularly wheat and dairy products. You also need to avoid alcohol,
smoking, refined foods and sugars and caffeine. All of these foods deplete your energy levels. Remember, cakes, pastries, bread, indeed
anything made from flour, are all refined foods. Eating the right foods will reduce the toxins that are put into your body, however, it is
probable that your body is already overloaded and you need to cleanse your colon so that you are able to rid the body of its toxic load.
Toxins are one of the main reasons for a reduction in energy. This is because the body's resources have to be diverted into dealing with
the unwanted material. To discover more about how you can deal with toxins, cleanse your colon safely and benefit from the increase in
energy go to safecoloncleansing.com
While you are cleansing you also need to drink plenty of filtered water - so that the body is able to flush out the toxins.
Herbal remedies
There are two herbal remedies that can give you a more natural deep energy. You can easily make these herbal medicines yourself if you
have the ingredients.
For the first, use 1 to 2 teaspoonsful of the following blend.
1 part asparagus root
1 part ginger rhizome
1 part red ginseng root
1 cup water
For the second, add the herbs according to the following.
1 part ginger rhizome
1 part cardamon seeds
1 part artichoke leaves
1/2 part genetian root
1 cup water
For each of them, place the water into an appropriately sized saucepan and bring to the boil. Add the herbs to the boiling water, turn off the
heat and allow to stand for 10-15 minutes then strain the mixture.
Drink a cup of the mixture up to three times per day.
Dr Jenny Tylee is an experienced health professional who is passionate about health and wellbeing. She believes that health is not just
absence of disease and seeks to actively promote vitality and wellness through empowering others. She encourages people to improve
their health by quit smoking, cleansing their body, taking essential, non contaminated vitamin and mineral supplements and many other
methods, including herbal remedies.
By Dr Jenny Tylee
Fatigue is mental and physical tiredness where the person has no energy or enthusiasm to do anything. Fatigue is
often the result of continual illness, stress, overworking, worry or periods of emotional upheaval. It can be the
symptom of many illnesses, including anaemia and infections. Chronic fatigue can be greatly improved by eating
foods that increase the energy level and support the immune system. Removing the buildup of toxins from the body
will reduce the energy drain and stress reduction methods may ease the symptoms. Gentle exercise will strengthen
the muscles and stimulate the circulation and the production of antibodies to increase resistance to infection.
What to do about fatigue
As tempting as it is to do nothing when you feel very tired or exhausted, it is important to take action. Here is a simple list of things you can
use to help relieve and reverse your fatigue.
Vitamins
The vitamins and minerals outlined below can be obtained as a part of a quality, balanced vitamin and mineral supplement. The balance
of these vitamins and minerals is important as an overabundance of one can inhibit the absorption or utilisation by the body of another -
thus causing a deficiency.
Vitamin A strengthens the immune system and helps to fight infections. It also plays an important role in general healing.
Vitamin B1 improves the nervous system function and boosts energy. It is essential for converting food into energy and for the
transmission of electrical impulses in the nerves and muscles. It can have a powerful effect on your mood and alertness.
Vitamin B6 increases energy levels. It is essential for the breakdown of food and the production of energy in the body. It is also necessary
for the formation of antibodies.
Pantothenic acid reduces fatigue and relieves stress. It is essential for the conversion of food into energy and for the breakdown of fats.
Folic acid is needed to form healthy red blood cells which are vital for energy as they carry oxygen to the muscles. It is essential for the
metabolism of proteins and sugars.
Vitamin C detoxifies the body and in the process makes energy more available. It helps the body absorb iron and folic acid effectively and
turn food into energy.
Vitamin E supports the immune system. It is a powerful antioxidant and is important for the production of energy from food.
Minerals
Calcium is needed for the muscles and nerves and improves sleep.
Iron relieves fatigue that is associated with insufficient red blood cells. It is needed to release the energy in your body. It is also essential in
maintaining a healthy immune system.
Magnesium reduces weakness and tiredness. It is essential for turning food into energy. The nervous system relies on magnesium to
work properly and it is valued for its stress relieving properties.
Selenium is an anti-oxidant that reduces the energy drain caused by free radicals. It is essential in preventing a wide range of diseases. It
is needed for healthy muscles including those of the heart. It boosts the immune system, increasing your ability to fight infection.
Zinc assists in the detoxification of the body and also boosts the immune system. It is important for the brain and nervous system and
mental alertness.
Other nutrients and herbs
Omega 3 fatty acids boost energy.
Acidophilus and other friendly bacteria help to create a normal intestinal balance. This is important for improving energy if an overgrowth of
Candida is thought to be a problem.
Bioflavonoids enhance the action of vitamin C.
Co-enzyme Q10 increases oxygen uptake in the cells and this can help to increase energy.
Ginger and Siberian ginseng are herbs that if taken internally will increase your energy and balance digestive and hormonal systems.
Ginger, red ginseng root, cardamom seed, artichoke leaf and gentian root are herbs for the digestive system. Digestive strengthening
herbs increase your ability to digest food to release the energy from the food that you eat.
Mate and green tea can give a temporary boost in energy.
Rosemary essential oil (3-4 drops) added to a bath is a good pick-me-up.
Foods to eat
The following foods will help you get a boost of energy that is achieved in a sustained way and not just the short term fix that is provided by
sugar and caffeine which make you feel worse later. Try not to overeat.
Plenty of fresh fruit and green, leafy vegetables. Whole grains, nuts and seeds.
Chicken and tuna.
You need to avoid any sources of food allergies from your diet, particularly wheat and dairy products. You also need to avoid alcohol,
smoking, refined foods and sugars and caffeine. All of these foods deplete your energy levels. Remember, cakes, pastries, bread, indeed
anything made from flour, are all refined foods. Eating the right foods will reduce the toxins that are put into your body, however, it is
probable that your body is already overloaded and you need to cleanse your colon so that you are able to rid the body of its toxic load.
Toxins are one of the main reasons for a reduction in energy. This is because the body's resources have to be diverted into dealing with
the unwanted material. To discover more about how you can deal with toxins, cleanse your colon safely and benefit from the increase in
energy go to safecoloncleansing.com
While you are cleansing you also need to drink plenty of filtered water - so that the body is able to flush out the toxins.
Herbal remedies
There are two herbal remedies that can give you a more natural deep energy. You can easily make these herbal medicines yourself if you
have the ingredients.
For the first, use 1 to 2 teaspoonsful of the following blend.
1 part asparagus root
1 part ginger rhizome
1 part red ginseng root
1 cup water
For the second, add the herbs according to the following.
1 part ginger rhizome
1 part cardamon seeds
1 part artichoke leaves
1/2 part genetian root
1 cup water
For each of them, place the water into an appropriately sized saucepan and bring to the boil. Add the herbs to the boiling water, turn off the
heat and allow to stand for 10-15 minutes then strain the mixture.
Drink a cup of the mixture up to three times per day.
Dr Jenny Tylee is an experienced health professional who is passionate about health and wellbeing. She believes that health is not just
absence of disease and seeks to actively promote vitality and wellness through empowering others. She encourages people to improve
their health by quit smoking, cleansing their body, taking essential, non contaminated vitamin and mineral supplements and many other
methods, including herbal remedies.
- Bo He and “cold channels” of the body
- Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) classifies herbs into cold, warm, hot, bitter, acrid,
and pungent based on the herb’s taste sensation. These basic properties are used,
together with Yin and Yang theory, as a guide for applying herbs to different disease
conditions. For example, herbs with cold properties are often used for Yang symptoms,
such as inflammation, to balance Yin and Yang in the body. Many western doctors view
this therapeutic approach as lacking scientific basis. However, using modern scientific
methods, researchers have recently provided a molecular basis for the properties of
some TCM herbs as well as for their therapeutic benefits. One such study is the
ingredient of Bo He.
Bo He, or peppermint, is an herb with “cold” property in Chinese medicine. In TCM, Bo He is used for treating indigestion, nausea, sore
throat, diarrhea, fever, colds, and headaches. Bo He leaves contain abundant natural menthol. Although menthol was first produced from
peppermint oil in 1771 in the West, oriental medicine was using peppermint oil with its menthol component long before the western
separation of menthol.
Menthol is now used in a variety of medicinal and food products. For example, menthol is used as a topical analgesic to relieve minor
aches and pains such as muscle cramps, sprains, and headaches. It is either used alone or in combination with other natural products
such as camphor or capsaicin. These analgesic products are formulated in the forms of gels, creams, and salves. Pain relief products in
this category include Tiger Balm, IcyHot patches, and various salves. Anti-itching is another popular application of menthol. Topical
menthol-containing products provide soothing and cooling sensations which help people to cope with itching due to insect bites, sunburn,
and skin disorders. The cooling and soothing property of menthol is also a basis for its use in short-term relief of a minor sore throat,
minor mouth or throat irritation, and sinus or chest congestion. Medicines in this category include a variety of cough formulas and
decongestants often seen in over-the-counter medicines (OTC). In addition to medicinal use, menthol is commonly present in products
such as mouthwash, toothpaste, chewing-gum and candy. It is also used in some beauty products such as hair-conditioners, perfumes,
and lip balms.
The basis for the cooling property of peppermint or menthol has recently been identified at the molecular level by researchers. It was found
that a new protein called TRPM8 accounts for the cooling sensation felt when menthol is applied to the tongue or the skin. Studies have
shown that TRPM8 proteins form many channels (TRPM8 channels or cold channels) on nerve endings that innervate to the tongue, the
skin, and several internal organs. Theses cold channels are closed at normal body temperatures but can be opened by menthol as well
as by cold temperatures. Once the cold channels open, the nerve endings send signals to the brain that give a cooling sensation.
Although menthol produces cooling sensations through opening TRPM8 channels, it does not actually change the skin's temperature.
Research has found also that the cooling signals from these nerve endings can interact with pain signals to inhibit the transmission of
pain signals to the brain thereby producing pain relief. Interestingly, studies showed that under pathological conditions such as nerve
injury, the cold channels increased their numbers at nerve endings causing an enhanced sensitivity to cold temperatures. This partially
explains a cold pain phenomenon (or Bi symptom in TCM term) seen in some patients after nerve injury. As such, TRPM8 channels
provide a target for treating pain.
The scientific discovery of cold channels supports Chinese medicine regarding cold properties of some Chinese herbs such as Bo He.
Currently, researchers are working on more details about how menthol and other natural products affect pain sensations.
Astronauts test traditional Chinese medicines in space
BEIJING, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- China's astronauts have been testing new varieties of traditional Chinese
medicine that could help treat osteoporosis, insomnia and improve immunity. Doctors with the China
Astronaut Research and Training Center say the new remedies will be prepared for sale after further tests
during the country's third manned space program in 2008.
The medicines have been packaged in pill and capsule forms for the first time so astronauts will be able
to take them in space. The medicines were intended to improve cardiovascular and heart and blood
vessel functions during short space flights or space walks, said Li Yongzhi, doctor with the center. "We have finished human trials and the
results were satisfactory," said Li.
The center has been working with a pharmaceutical factory to produce the medicine, which would undergo clinical tests by the end of the
year, said the doctor, but she declined to elaborate. "The medicine is expected to be on the market in the next two years and we hope they
will not only benefit the space elite, but also the general public," she said. Living in zero gravity could lead to cardiovascular problems,
lower immunity and bone mineral loss, said Li. "We can't say the astronauts would be ill as it is the normal physical reaction of a healthy
body to an abnormal environment," said Li. "Western medicine lacks effective remedies with no side effects, but traditional Chinese
medicine offers good over-all recuperation," she added.
Li's center has applied traditional Chinese medicine to the health care of astronauts since 1997. "Our astronauts are very healthy, so the
Chinese medicine they have taken is used to improve their adaptability and endurance," said Li. China has a team of 14 astronauts. Li and
her colleagues have spent 10 years collecting their physical indices during training and space flights, on which the doctors have
composed different recipes for each astronaut. "The astronauts only take traditional Chinese medicines when needed," said Li.
"The astronauts began to drink what we call 'medical tea' 90 days before the Shenzhou VI space mission in 2005. It's herbal soup," she
said. "They all love it and said they slept better and were more energetic after drinking the tea."
Li said Russia and other European countries had begun research into traditional Chinese medicine for space programs.
BEIJING, Aug. 28 (Xinhua) -- China's astronauts have been testing new varieties of traditional Chinese
medicine that could help treat osteoporosis, insomnia and improve immunity. Doctors with the China
Astronaut Research and Training Center say the new remedies will be prepared for sale after further tests
during the country's third manned space program in 2008.
The medicines have been packaged in pill and capsule forms for the first time so astronauts will be able
to take them in space. The medicines were intended to improve cardiovascular and heart and blood
vessel functions during short space flights or space walks, said Li Yongzhi, doctor with the center. "We have finished human trials and the
results were satisfactory," said Li.
The center has been working with a pharmaceutical factory to produce the medicine, which would undergo clinical tests by the end of the
year, said the doctor, but she declined to elaborate. "The medicine is expected to be on the market in the next two years and we hope they
will not only benefit the space elite, but also the general public," she said. Living in zero gravity could lead to cardiovascular problems,
lower immunity and bone mineral loss, said Li. "We can't say the astronauts would be ill as it is the normal physical reaction of a healthy
body to an abnormal environment," said Li. "Western medicine lacks effective remedies with no side effects, but traditional Chinese
medicine offers good over-all recuperation," she added.
Li's center has applied traditional Chinese medicine to the health care of astronauts since 1997. "Our astronauts are very healthy, so the
Chinese medicine they have taken is used to improve their adaptability and endurance," said Li. China has a team of 14 astronauts. Li and
her colleagues have spent 10 years collecting their physical indices during training and space flights, on which the doctors have
composed different recipes for each astronaut. "The astronauts only take traditional Chinese medicines when needed," said Li.
"The astronauts began to drink what we call 'medical tea' 90 days before the Shenzhou VI space mission in 2005. It's herbal soup," she
said. "They all love it and said they slept better and were more energetic after drinking the tea."
Li said Russia and other European countries had begun research into traditional Chinese medicine for space programs.
| Ashi Pain Relief Products New Solution for Practitioners! Click here to order |
CONTENTS
Peppermint leaves, a
natural source of menthol
natural source of menthol
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Re: The use of cinnamon to improve blood glucose and cholesterol levels in people with Type 2 diabetes
Dear Editor,
In your recent article on the use of cinnamon to improve blood glucose and cholesterol level
s in people with Type 2 diabetes, the author concludes by saying that there may not be
enough evidence gathered yet to support cinnamon as a major player against Type 2. But
adding more cinnamon to an already healthy lifestyle changes probably wouldn't hurt either.
We must be careful not to diminish the potency of herbs contained in the pharmacopoeia of Chinese herbology, especially those that are
often used as food as well. My father is a borderline type II diabetic and read about the use of cinnamon to improve blood glucose levels.
He decided to try it, without consulting either his doctor or a trained Chinese herbalist. He used less than a teaspoon a day in three
separate doses. His blood pressure shot up to 200/100 over the period of a week. When he removed the cinnamon, his blood pressure
returned to within normal limits. Because his high blood pressure is due in part to liver yang rising, I have long cautioned him to limit or
avoid hot, pungent substances, including cinnamon and garlic, both of which are touted in western herbalism for their myriad health
benefits. His experience underscored for me the wisdom behind the use of pattern differentiation in diagnosis that is inherent in our
medicine.
Research and increasing attention regarding the medicinal value of common herbs and food substances can promote greater
understanding of a more holistic approach to medicine. However, we must be careful not to fall victim to false praise. It is incumbent on us
to continuously educate our western colleagues about how pattern differentiation and a system of medicine that treats the person over the
disease can help us determine both appropriateness and efficacy of natural and pharmaceutical medicinals. Cinnamon is likely not a
panacea for all type II diabetics and may actually be dangerous for some. The wisdom of our medicine tells us that.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Blair, L.Ac.
Dear Editor,
In your recent article on the use of cinnamon to improve blood glucose and cholesterol level
s in people with Type 2 diabetes, the author concludes by saying that there may not be
enough evidence gathered yet to support cinnamon as a major player against Type 2. But
adding more cinnamon to an already healthy lifestyle changes probably wouldn't hurt either.
We must be careful not to diminish the potency of herbs contained in the pharmacopoeia of Chinese herbology, especially those that are
often used as food as well. My father is a borderline type II diabetic and read about the use of cinnamon to improve blood glucose levels.
He decided to try it, without consulting either his doctor or a trained Chinese herbalist. He used less than a teaspoon a day in three
separate doses. His blood pressure shot up to 200/100 over the period of a week. When he removed the cinnamon, his blood pressure
returned to within normal limits. Because his high blood pressure is due in part to liver yang rising, I have long cautioned him to limit or
avoid hot, pungent substances, including cinnamon and garlic, both of which are touted in western herbalism for their myriad health
benefits. His experience underscored for me the wisdom behind the use of pattern differentiation in diagnosis that is inherent in our
medicine.
Research and increasing attention regarding the medicinal value of common herbs and food substances can promote greater
understanding of a more holistic approach to medicine. However, we must be careful not to fall victim to false praise. It is incumbent on us
to continuously educate our western colleagues about how pattern differentiation and a system of medicine that treats the person over the
disease can help us determine both appropriateness and efficacy of natural and pharmaceutical medicinals. Cinnamon is likely not a
panacea for all type II diabetics and may actually be dangerous for some. The wisdom of our medicine tells us that.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Blair, L.Ac.
