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 (8 page)

Treatment

Support from family and friends are necessary for any new mother, especially one that chooses to nurse her child. If no familiar support network exists, women may seek help from groups for nursing mothers.

Many hospitals offer mothers and their spouse’s classes on breast-feeding techniques and nursing issues. Women who have negative feelings about breast-feeding may find classes helpful in overcoming these issues.

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Canker sores, also known as mouth ulcers, apthous stomatitis and ulcerative stomatitis, are small painful ulcerations that have yellow-gray centers and a red border.

Usually 1-2mm wide, they occur on non-keratinized mucosa inside the mouth: the inner side of the lips, the tongue, the back and floor of the mouth and the wall of the cheeks. They do not occur on the lips, the gums or the hard roof of the mouth. Ulcers can be single or can occur in clusters.

The cause of canker sores is uncertain, however, associations with human herpesvirus 6, food sensitivities, stress, and nutrient deficiencies have been suggested. They generally take 1-2 weeks to heal and may recur monthly or several times per year.

Canker sores must be differentiated from drug allergies, herpes simplex infection, Behcet's syndrome, inflammatory bowel disease, and squamous cell carcinoma.

In some cases, biopsy of the ulcer may be necessary.

Conventional treatments include topical steroids, mouthwash, or an oral paste for symptomatic relief. In severe cases, systemic glucocorticoids may be prescribed.

Therapeutic

1. Avoid toothpastes containing sodium lauryl sulfate
   

Sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) is an irritant detergent commonly found in toothpaste. People with recurrent canker sores may benefit by switching to a brand of toothpaste that does not contain SLS, which is believed to abrade the protective mucus layer in the mouth and increase the likelihood of developing canker sores. Research studies have found a decreased incidence of recurrent canker sores after two months of avoiding SLS; however, one double-blind study did not support this finding.

1. Dycyrrhizinated licorice (DGL)
   

DGL is the herb licorice that has had the glycyrrhizic acid removed the portion that can increase blood pressure. In one research study, DGL was found to promote the healing of canker sores, with a 50-75% improvement in one day. This study used a mouthwash made of powdered DGL mixed with water. DGL tablets can be chewed with water, swished in the mouth and swallowed.

1. Identify and eliminate food sensitivities with an elimination and challenge diet
   Food sensitivities, especially to gluten-containing foods (wheat, rye, barley, oats), have been found clinically to be associated with recurrent canker sores. The microscopic appearance of the sores and the increased antibodies to certain food antigens in some people with recurrent canker sores support this theory. Double-blind studies, however, have yet to confirm this.
   

1. Decrease dietary intake of nitrites
   

Cured and processed meats, such as bacon, sausage and ham, are high in nitrites. One study found that the risk of esophageal cancer was seven times greater in individuals with a history of canker sores. The authors report that canker sores may be an indicator of a high conversion of nitrites to carcinogenic nitrosamines.

1. Vitamin C
   works directly against viruses and has been found to inhibit the herpes virus in vitro. In addition, it inhibits the formation of nitrosamines from dietary nitrites, found in bacon, ham, sausages and other processed meats, and from dietary nitrates, found in vegetables and other foods.
   

1. Nutrient Deficiency
   - Thiamin (vitamin B1) deficiency has been linked to an increased risk of canker sores. Other nutrients that have been found to be low in people with recurrent canker sores include riboflavin (vitamin B2), pyridoxine (vitamin B6) and iron. A health practitioner can assess nutrient status.
   

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What is Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS) is defined by overwhelming fatigue, not relieved by rest, and at least four of the following symptoms for at least six months:

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Impaired short-term memory of concentration which significantly affects normal activities

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Sore throat

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Tender lymph nodes in the neck or underarms

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Muscle pain or pain in multiple joints with no joint swelling or redness

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New onset of headache

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A good night sleep

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General malaise following physical exertion that lasts more than 24 hours

The Centers for Disease Control officially recognized this condition in 1988. Chronic fatigue syndrome is more common in women than men, and the majority of patients are in their thirties.

What Is The Cause of Chronic Fatigue Syndrome?

The cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is unknown and there are no specific lab tests to diagnose this condition. Some holistic practitioners believe that the cause of chronic fatigue syndrome is infectious. Others believe that multiple factors promote the development of chronic fatigue, including:

1. Nutritional deficiency
   
2. Toxicity from environment, food, and drugs
   
3. Stress
   
4. Hormone imbalance, especially thyroid and adrenal
   
5. Lowered immune function
   
6. Bacterial, viral, or fungal infections
   

Many people with chronic fatigue syndrome have had a history of exhausted adrenal glands and produce low amounts of cortisol and other adrenal hormones. Some holistic experts also find a high incidence of Candida yeast infection, leaky gut syndrome, food and environmental sensitivities and liver toxicity.

Chronic fatigue is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that it is only considered after other medical conditions have been ruled out.

Chronic fatigue syndrome can sometimes be confused with the following conditions that also result in fatigue.
These include:

• Anemia
  
• Allergies
  
• Candidiasis
  
• Adrenal Insufficiency
  
• Hypothyroidism
  
• Hypoglycemia
  
• Infections
  
• Sleep Apnea
  
• Hepatitis B And C
  
• Orthostatic Hypotension
  
• Sle
  
• Narcolepsy
  
• Cancer
  
• Severe Obesity
  
• Cushing Syndrome
  
• Adrenal Fatigue
  
• Substance Abuse
  
• Generalized Anxiety
  
• Dementia
  
• Schizophrenia
  
• Depression
  

Treatments

There is no known conventional treatment for the fatigue. Successful holistic treatment of chronic fatigue draws upon a range of therapies.

Holistic Testing

In order to help determine the underlying factors contributing to CFS, a number of tests are often conducted, including darkfield blood microscopy, electrodermal screening, stool analysis, unrinalysis, blood test, hair analysis, liver detoxification profile, adrenal stress test, nutritional analysis, antioxidant profile.

Lifestyle and Environmental

Develop health sleep habits. Try to get to establish a regular bedtime. Gentle restorative exercise such as tai chi, swimming, yoga, and walking is important, even though many people may not feel like it. Research has shown that two-thirds of people with chronic fatigue syndrome benefit from exercise, although it is critical not to overdo it.

Diet
Detox and cleansing diet for one to three weeks. Avoid all foods and chemicals that may be worsening symptoms. Wheat, dairy, corn, gluten-containing products (rye, oats, etc), sugar, and fermented foods are some of the most common food sensitivities. After the cleansing diet, the excluded foods are often re-introduced into the diet systematically to identify any aggravating foods. For CFS patients with candidiasis, all types of sugar, including milk products and fruit, should be avoided. Caffeine, alcohol, and refined carbohydrates such as white flour and white rice should be avoided.

Chinese Medicine

Chronic fatigue syndrome may be related to the following syndromes in Chinese medicine:

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Spleen Deficiency

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Kidney Deficiency

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Essence Deficiency

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Qi Deficiency

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Kidney Yang Deficiency

Ayurvedic Medicine

A typical Ayurvedic approach may be to improve digestion, eliminate toxins. Usa a detox and cleansing program to purge toxins. Ayurvedic herbs include ashwagandha, amla, bala, triphala, and lomatium, which are combined according to the patient's dosha, or constitutional type. The vata dosha is susceptible to chronic fatigue.

Nutritional Supplements & Vitamins

Probiotics

Beneficial bacteria can greatly improve digestion and reestablish a healthy microbial balance in the intestines. A typical dose is one to two capsules two to three times per day, taken on an empty stomach.

Digestive enzymes

Pancreatic or vegetable-derived enzymes can supply your body with additional enzymes to digest fats, proteins, and carbohydrates. Products differ greatly – some contain lactase to digest milk, others contain hydrochloric acid to assist the stomach, and still others contain ox bile to help with the emulsification and digestion of fats. A typical dosage is one to two capsules with meals.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps with the immune system, is required for healthy adrenal gland function, and helps liver detoxification pathways.

Magnesium

Magnesium is involved in more than three hundred enzyme reactions in the body. It is found in green leafy vegetables and whole grains. Magnesium is essential for energy production, muscle function, nerve conduction, and bone health. People with chronic fatigue syndrome often have a deficiency in magnesium. Some people find that is improves energy, emotional states, and decreases pain.

Coenzyme Q10

Coenzyme Q10 is necessary for energy production and cell function. It also helps with the repair and maintenance of tissues. A typical dose is 60 to 100 milligrams daily.

NADH (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide)

NADH is a naturally occurring chemical that plays a significant role in cellular energy production. In supplement form, NADH has been used to improve energy in athletes and in individuals with chronic fatigue. In one preliminary study, 26 people were given 10 mg of NADH for a four week period and showed some improvement in symptoms during NADH treatment compared to placebo.

Carnitine

Carnitine is used by the body to convert fatty acids into energy. Some studies have found decreased carnitine levels in people with CFS. However, more research is needed in this area.

Adrenal Support

People with chronic fatigue syndrome often have adrenal fatigue or weakness. Supplements that tonify the adrenal glands are:

• Licorice herbal supplement: DGL is a form of licorice that will not affect aldosterone levels in the body, used for people with high blood pressure
  
• Siberian ginseng
  
• Adrenal glandular supplements
  
• Vitamin C
  
• Pantothenic acid (B5)
  

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There is a variety of herbs, supplements, and food remedies that have been used for centuries to prevent colds and flu, reduce symptoms, or shorten the duration of colds and flu. Some of these time-honored remedies are showing promising results in research studies. Here is a rundown of some of the most popular natural remedies for colds and flu.

Kimchi, Sauerkraut, Kefir, and Yogurt

Kimchi (pronounced kim'-chee) is a Korean spicy fermented side dish that has been getting a lot of press since the BBC published a report by scientists in Seoul, Korea who found that 11 of 13 chickens infected with the avian flu started to recover after they were fed an extract of kimchi.