The Complete Herbal Guide: A Natural Approach to Healing the Body - Heal Your Body Naturally and Maintain Optimal Health Using Alternative Medicine, Herbals, Vitamins, Fruits and Vegetables (28 page)
Authors: Stacey Chillemi,Dr. Michael Chillemi D. C.
Wormwood (Artemesia annua)
- The herb wormwood has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy for parasites. Wormwood tea is often used for pinworms and roundworms and is especially effective against giardia. Wormwood can be found in tea, liquid extract, or capsule form, however, the pure oil is poisonous. It can initially cause a worsening of symptoms and some irritation of the intestines. Wormwood contains sesquiterpene lactones, which work similar to peroxide by weakening the parasite membranes. Wormwood also contains an ingredient that is effective against malaria.
American wormseed
- Wormseed (different from wormwood) is a traditional herbal remedy in the tropics for expelling roundworms, hookworms, and tapeworms. It is considered to be especially useful for children.
The concentrated wormseed oil
is too potent to use, wormseed tea is often preferable. More scientific studies are needed to confirm the historical usage of this herb and its safety.
Pumpkin seeds
- Traditionally, pumpkin seeds (Curcubita pepo) have been used as an herbal remedy for tapeworms and roundworms. They have been shown to immobilize and help expel intestinal worms and other parasites. In order to be effective, great amounts would have to be eaten, up to 25 ounces for adults. The seeds are usually mashed and mixed with juice. Two or three hours after consuming the pumpkin seeds, a laxative is often recommended to help clear the bowels.
Grapefruit seed extract
- Grapefruit seed extract is active against viruses, bacteria, protozoa, and yeasts, and has been used extensively for the treatment of parasites. Grapefruit seed extract is generally considered nontoxic and is not absorbed into the tissues, which means that is can be used for up to several months. This is especially beneficial for giardia and candida yeast, which can take a longer time to kill.
Diet
Cook all meats until well done. Eliminate coffee, refined sugar, white flour, processed foods. Cooked foods are usually recommended. Carrots, sweet potatoes, and squash are some foods that are high in beta-carotene; a precursor for vitamin A. Vitamin A seems to increase resistance to penetration by larvae.
Eat anti-parasitic foods. Pineapple contains the digestive enzyme bromelain. A diet rich in pineapple can help to clear certain parasites such as tapeworms. Papaya seeds contain enzymes that help to digest protein. They can be chewed, but watch out; they are as hot as mustard seeds.
If stomach acid is low, supplementation to improve digestion may be beneficial, such as betaine hydrochloride.
Probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacteria, and L. bulgaricus can help to rebuild beneficial intestinal flora.
Tumeric and cloves are other spices that can help fight parasites. Do not eat raw beef, raw fish or sushi.
Detox
Detox and cleansing is believed to be one natural approach to ridding the body of parasites in the stools or embedded in the intestinal walls. Natural supplements include psyllium husks, citrus pectin, papaya extract, bentonite clay, activated charcoal, pumpkin seeds, beet root, and flaxseeds are some of the substances that can be used. Look for combination products.
* * * * *
What is nausea?
Nausea is an unpleasant wavelike feeling in the back of the throat and/or stomach that may or may not result in vomiting. Vomiting is the forceful elimination of the contents of the stomach through the mouth. Retching is the movement of the stomach and esophagus without vomiting and is called dry heaves. Nausea is usually distressing for people than vomiting.
Causes
Nausea is controlled by a part of the central nervous system that controls involuntary bodily functions.
Vomiting a common after effect after nausea is a reflex controlled by a vomiting center in the brain. Vomiting can be stimulated by various triggers, such as smell, taste, anxiety, pain, motion, poor blood flow, irritation, or changes in the body caused by inflammation.
Treatment
Guided imagery
Hypnosis
Relaxation
Behavioral modification techniques
Distraction (such as playing video games)
Nutrition
Hypnosis
Acupuncture
Acupressure
Guided imagery
Helpful herbs to cure nausea:
Cardamom
Cinnamon
Quassia
Wild Yam
* * * * *
What is
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
?
Up to 85% of women normally have one or more troubling physical and emotional symptoms between the time they
ovulate
and the first days of their
menstrual period
. These are called premenstrual symptoms. When premenstrual symptoms interfere with your relationships or responsibilities, they are called
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
.
While some women first have PMS in their teens or 20s, others do not until their 30s. PMS can come and go during your reproductive years; you may find that your symptoms worsen as you approach
perimenopause
, in your late 30s or 40s.
PMS occurs only in women who ovulate during their monthly
menstrual cycle
. Women who do not ovulate—because of pregnancy,
menopause
, or taking birth control pills—do not have PMS symptoms. However, many do have similar
hormone
-related symptoms.
Symptoms
Breast swelling and tenderness
Dizziness
Headache
Cramps
Nausea and vomiting
Weight gain
Food cravings
Abdominal bloating
Stomach upset
Swelling of the face, hands, ankles
Irritability
Anxiety
Depression
Mood swings
Sleep disturbance
Appetite change
Fatigue
Causes
the exact cause of premenstrual syndrome is not known. Some practitioners believe that an excess of the hormone estrogen and a deficiency of the hormone progesterone may be the cause of many cases of PMS. However, the absolute levels of estrogen and progesterone are often within a normal range, even though hormonal treatment with natural supplements or conventional drugs may be effective.
Other popular theories are decreased levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine causing elevated levels of the hormone prolactin, abnormal metabolism of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, adrenal gland dysfunction, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Medical conditions that can be confused with PMS include major depressive or mood disorders, effects of hormonal contraceptives, eating disorders, substance abuse issues, and symptoms of early menopause. Asthma, migraine, and epilepsy may also follow a cyclic pattern and should be distinguished from PMS.
Thyroid disease should always be ruled out because hypothyroidism may cause the symptoms of PMS. Some practitioners believe that an excess of the hormone estrogen and a deficiency of the hormone progesterone may be the cause of many cases of PMS. However, the absolute levels of estrogen and progesterone are often within a normal range, even though hormonal treatment with natural supplements or conventional drugs may be effective.
Other popular theories are decreased levels of the neurotransmitter dopamine causing elevated levels of the hormone prolactin, abnormal metabolism of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins, adrenal gland dysfunction, and vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Medical conditions that can be confused with PMS include major depressive or mood disorders, effects of hormonal contraceptives, eating disorders, substance abuse issues, and symptoms of early menopause. Asthma, migraine, and epilepsy may also follow a cyclic pattern and should be distinguished from PMS.
Thyroid disease should always be ruled out because hypothyroidism may cause the symptoms of PMS. Intake should not exceed 200 mg/day and should be divided into 50 mg doses spread throughout the day. Signs of toxicity include tingling, numbness, and decreased sensation in the hands or feet.
Treatment
Evening Primrose Oil
Evening Primrose oil (EPO) is often recommended for headache, cramping, bloating, breast pain, depression, and irritability. EPO contains gamma-linolenic acid, which is involved in the metabolism of hormone-like substances called prostaglandins that regulate pain and inflammation in the body.
EPO is available in capsule or oil form and should always be refrigerated. Borage oil or black currant oil have similar effects and may be substituted. If used long-term, twice as much flax seed oil should be used to maintain the optimal balance of oils. Stomach discomfort and loose stools may occur if the initial dose is too high. EPO can interact with certain drugs for schizophrenia.
Magnesium
The mineral magnesium appears to benefit women with cramps, mood swings, depression, fatigue, breast tenderness, and water retention. Magnesium may work by promoting dopamine production and indirectly inhibiting activity of the hormone prolactin. It is involved in prostaglandin metabolism and vitamin B6 activity.
Research studies show that although women with PMS do not differ in their serum levels of magnesium, levels of magnesium inside red blood cells are significantly lower in women with PMS.
Vitamin B6 is required for Mg to enter cells. Magnesium deficiency may be associated with cravings for chocolate. People with heart or kidney disease must consult a health practitioner before taking magnesium supplements. Too much magnesium can cause diarrhea and serious health problems.
Calcium
The mineral calcium may be beneficial for women with premenstrual cramps and moodiness. In one 3-month research study comparing calcium supplements to a placebo, women taking calcium supplements experienced fewer premenstrual symptoms in the second and third months of usage. Ratings of mood, water retention, food cravings, and pain were significantly decreased.
Calcium citrate is the most easily absorbed form of supplement. If calcium citrate is not available, calcium carbonate can be used.
Chaste Tree (Vitex Agnus-Castus)
Chaste tree,
one of the most popular herbs
for premenstrual syndrome, is recommended for breast pain and tenderness, infrequent menstrual periods and ovarian cysts. This herb affects the pituitary gland by increased the production of lutenizing hormone (LH) and shifting the ratio of estrogen to progesterone in favor of progesterone. Chaste tree also lowers the secretion of the hormone prolactin possibly by binding with dopamine receptors and decreasing the output of prolactin-releasing hormone.