The drugs don't work: a modern medical scandal (The Guardian, 2012)

"Drugs are tested by their manufacturers, in poorly designed trials, on hopelessly small numbers of weird, unrepresentative patients, and analysed using techniques that exaggerate the benefits........"

Read more:

http://m.guardian.co.uk/business/2012/sep/21/drugs-industry-scandal-ben-goldacre?cat=business&type=article

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) and PMS (Dr John Briffa)

http://www.drbriffa.com/2007/05/02/recent-study-suggests-magnesium-may-help-pms-but-i-recommend-herbal-help-for-this-condition/

"NHS knuckles rapped for putting patients at risk" (Dr John Briffa)

http://www.drbriffa.com/2006/11/01/nhs-knuckles-rapped-for-putting-patients-at-risk/

Free health chats

For anyone in Wiltshire:

I will be offering free health chats and advice at Swindon Pulse Wholefoods (27 Curtis St) on Thursday 4th October, 2012. No booking required - just drop in between 10am - 12 noon (see also www.lynblythe.com)

Herbal remedy for digestive disorder (Daily Telegraph, 2012)

"Nikki Page finds her life is transformed when she discovers a cure for her chronic digestive disorder".

 http://www.telegraph.co.uk/health/wellbeing/7930256/Herbal-remedy-for-digestive-disorder.html

Want to read more about Herbal Medicine?

 Encyclopaedia of Herbal Medicine (DK Natural Health) by Andrew Chevallier Dec 2000)

 

Winston & Kuhn's Herbal Therapy and Supplements: A Scientific and Traditional Approach by Merrily A. Kuhn (28 Mar 2012)

If you ever doubted good food can make a difference.....

Dr. Terry Wahls - Minding Your Mitochondria

This short video clip is a lecture by Dr Terry Wahls, a medical doctor with Multiple Sclerosis, who changed her diet and was subsequently able to get out of her wheelchair. It's well worth watching.
 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KLjgBLwH3Wc&feature=youtube_gdata_player

 

A better route to migraine relief (Dr. A. Weil) - The Huffington Post (2010)

An article written by a Harvard educated botanist and medical doctor:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-weil-md/a-better-route-to-migrain_b_526945.html

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) and Alzheimer's Disease

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) is familiar as a spice used in cooking, but over the last two decades research has been attempting to uncover turmeric's history of use by herbalists. It is frequently given to people with inflammation and ailments such as arthritis, circulatory disorders and skin conditions (eg. psoriasis), as well as to improve digestion.

Here's one of many such research findings (many other examples can be found in the references at the end of the article):

The effect of curcumin (turmeric) on Alzheimer's disease: An overview http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2781139/

 

 

 

Turmeric (Curcuma longa)

 

 

 

Capsule making - these contain turmeric, ginger, celery seed, black pepper and frankincense resin:

 

Capsule making

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) and hormone regulation

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus)

Chaste tree (Vitex agnus-castus) has a long history of use by those with menstrual problems and infertility. It is considered to be one of the most important herbs for hormone regulation. It has also been used by those with problems linked to the menstrual cycle, for example, some migraines and acne, as well as menopausal symptoms. 

 

 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11159568

 http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12809367

 

Although usually thought of as a herb for women, it can be prescribed for acne in young men. 

 

Herbalists combine several herbs together when making up a prescription.

 

 

Cold and 'flu' season approaches

So, as we leave the Summer behind, and head towards the cold and 'flu' season, what can we do to help prevent respiratory infections?

Elderberries (Sambucus nigra)

There is mounting evidence to support herbalists' use of elderberries to fight colds, 'flu' and other respiratory ills.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21352539

The berries are rich in Vitamin C and anthocyanins, reported to be significantly antioxidant and antiviral.



Elderberry syrups are a popular traditional cold remedy:

• Remove elderberries from their stalks by pushing them off with a fork.
• Weigh the ripe berries, then simmer them in half their volume of water for about 20 minutes.
• Strain through muslin or a jelly-bag.
• Cool, then squeeze out the juice.
• Measure the juice and add half the weight of sugar.
• Simmer for another 20 minutes, then pour into warmed sterilized jars or bottles.

The syrup can be taken either 1 tsp every couple of hours during a cold, maybe mixed with other tinctures or remedies, or boiled water added to make a drink to help fend off a cold.

Elderberry Syrup

Onion syrup

This sounds like an acquired taste, but is surprisingly palatable, made very quickly and uses ingredients found readily to hand.

Onion syrup

At the first sign of a cold coming on:

• Chop an onion.
• Layer (alternating) the onion pieces with honey (or sugar) in a jar.
• Finish the layering with honey (or sugar) on the top.
• Place the jar in the 'fridge.
• Within hours the honey (or sugar) will have drawn fluid out of the onion.
• Take a teaspoon of the fluid (ie. syrup) every couple of hours.

A chopped up garlic clove can be added in with the onion - if you don't mind repelling friends and visitors as well as your cold!




 

Arthritis and Boswellia

An extract of Boswellia (Boswellia serrata) has been reported to significantly reduce pain and improve function in patients with osteoarthritis of the knee.

It was concluded that the extract may have achieved this effect by reducing inflammatory modulators or by reducing degradation of cartilage in the joint.

Read more:  http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18667054

Herbalists prescribe Boswellia to people with many other conditions too, such as ulcerative colitis. Generally a prescription will consist of several herbs, tailored to each individual.

Boswellia serrata

 

Boswellia serrata resin

                                                        

Why plants are (usually) better than drugs (Dr. A. Weil) - The Huffington Post 2012

An article written by a Harvard educated botanist and medical doctor:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-weil-md/why-plants-are-usually-be_b_785139.html

Why Visit a Herbalist

Herbal medicine has been used for thousands of years. Medical Herbalists are trained to combine the benefits of this traditional use with information emerging from modern scientific research.

Qualified Medical Herbalists are able to devote time to considering your overall health and root cause of the symptoms you are experiencing.

They are highly trained in selecting a carefully balanced combination of herbs to address an individual’s symptoms, and to tie this in with the whole of your medical history.

The selection of herbs for your prescription will be based on the use of the herbs over many years, along with additional information gained from any more recent research.

This will include the selection of the most appropriate form of the herbs. For example, some effects are better achieved with a tea, others with a medicine.

Medical Herbalists have access to high quality plant medicines and preparations.

The medicines and preparations prescribed by a Medical Herbalist are made using the whole plant rather than isolated and processed constituents. This method of prescribing has been used for many years, as herbalists believe it improves tolerability and safety.

Medical Herbalists are trained to recognize when it is necessary or beneficial to refer a patient to their GP, or another healthcare practitioner.

More About Herbal Medicine

Herbal medicine is made from plants (for example, Echinacea and St. John’s Wort), and has been used for thousands of years. Medical Herbalists are trained to combine the benefits of this traditional use with information emerging from modern scientific research.

Medical Herbalists see people with most conditions treated by GPs

These conditions range from short-term or mild problems, to more long-term and complex.

Examples include:

• Heart and circulation problems– high blood pressure, high cholesterol, varicose veins, angina, poor memory
• Respiratory problems – asthma, hayfever, sinusitis, ear infections, bronchitis, coughs, colds
• Digestion problems – IBS, colitis, ulcers, constipation, reflux, bloating, food intolerance
• Nervous system problems – poor sleep, headaches, anxiety, depression, stress, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease
• Women’s health – PMS, period pains, cystitis, infertility, endometriosis, PCOS, menopausal symptoms, fibroids, irregular periods
• Men’s health – prostate problems, infertility
• Musculoskeletal problems – arthritis, gout
• Skin problems – eczema, psoriasis, acne
• Immune system problems –fatigue, allergies

 

Why use herbs

A benefit of herbs is that they are generally well-tolerated and safe, with a gentle action, yet can be amazingly effective.

Research is increasingly uncovering the way herbs achieve their effects.

The herbalist aims to identify and address the cause of symptoms, rather than suppress them, as symptoms are warning signs to indicate a health problem.

A prescription of herbs is tailored to each individual, so two people with the same condition are unlikely to be given the same combination of herbs. Often there are many herbs which may address the problem. The herbalist is trained to select the most appropriate for each individual, and to combine this with other herbs to support the effect.

The herbalist is often able to select herbs in a way which allows several health issues to be addressed at the same time.

Herbs are often easily accessible –including many of the “weeds” just outside your own home!

My Website

For more details, see my website www.lynblythe.com

About Lyn

I am a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH) and the College of Practitioners of Phytotherapy (CPP)

I have over 30 years experience of working in healthcare with patients, both in the NHS and in the private sector, spanning most areas of health and illness.

I regularly attend professional lectures, workshops and seminars to continue to build on my skills, and to keep up to date with research.

I have a First Class BSc (Hons) degree in Herbal Medicine. I was awarded the Arthur Barker prize for best Final Clinical Examination. I am a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists (NIMH).

I also have a First Class BSc (Hons) degree in Physiotherapy. I practise as a physiotherapist, am a member of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapists (CSP) and I am registered with the Health Professions Council (HPC).

I have a BSc (Hons) degree in Physiology with Biochemistry.

About Herbal Medicine

Medical Herbalists use plant medicines to address a wide range of illnesses, including long-term complaints. These herbal medicines can be used safely in all age groups, and are often used alongside medication from the GP.

There are times when orthodox medications or surgery are essential. However, at other times, there is often another way. By careful consideration of the cause of symptoms and illness, it is frequently possible to improve health. The use of herbs, many of which have been part of our diet for generations, offers a well-tolerated and safe alternative or addition to more modern treatment strategies.