Fortnightly nature cure Natural Remedies : December 1st Issue

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nature cure Natural Remedies Newsletter

BE NATURAL. BE HEALTHY

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List Editor : Puneet Aggarwal a.k.a. Sonzy

 

Edition : November Issue

Date : 01/12/2001

 

Dear NatureLovers,

 

Season's Greetings ! As winters are setting in almost all parts of the world,

we bring you another issue of Nature-Cure, the holistic tips e-zine. First

things

first, we have launched the new breakthrough in Cancer. Read all about it at

http://www.anticancerherb.com

 

This anti-cancer herbal formula developed by an Indian Scientist treats all

types of cancers and tumors and has had a 40% success rate till date. The

herb has been thoroughly tested at Lynn, Radford and Martin Lab in UK and

has been recommended by Royal Marsden Hospital in the past.

http://www.anticancerherb.com

 

Tips this week.

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1. Turmeric :

 

Fresh turmeric which is rich in natural circumin and circuminoids which make

it an excellent anti-biotic and anti-septic. Curcumin (from turmeric)

is an anti-inflammatory herb that also has excellent antioxidant

properties. Typical doses are 500 mg of standardized extract,

2 to 3 times a day. Turmeric or " Haldi " (as in Hindi) is a medicinal plant used

in India for thousands of years. Lot of scientific study had been

done about the medicinal property of turmeric. It acts as an

antiseptic and can be used to treat arthritis due to its anti

-inflammatory property. It also relieves digestive problems

like ulcers, dysentry. Lowers Serum Cholestrol and prevents

formation of internal blood clots. Improves Blood Circulation

and prevents heart disease or stroke. Though turmeric is added

to dishes in daily cooking, but a nice way of taking it daily

is to use one teaspoon of turmeric powder in a cup of warm milk

every day. For treating wounds, make a paste and apply twice a

day. Fresh or Dry Turmeric is also used in saline gargles for

relief from a sore throat.

To order Turmeric : http://www.herbscancure.com/products.htm

(60 capsules of 250 mg each)

 

 

2. Ten herbs which aid in treating Fibromyalgia

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1. Ginkgo biloba promotes good blood circulation, especially to the

brain. It is also has antidepressant effects.

2. Passion flower is an antispasmodic that also aids in sleep.

3. St. John's wort and Hops are great for insomnia. St. John's wort is

also an effective anti-depressant. Hops is a great pain reliever and aids

in digestion.

4. Red clover tea improves overall health and relaxes the body.

5. Burdock soothes pain caused by arthritis, rheumatism, and backache

6.Wild yam is useful in that it helps relax muscle fiber

7.Seaweeds such as Irish moss, blue-green algae, and brown 10.algae have

demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties.

8.Crampbark is considered a natural muscle relaxant

9.Mustard oil can be applied externally for the relief of minor aches and

pains. Caution: Poultices should be carefully attended, as too long an

application can result in tissue damage and pain.

10. Cayenne (capsicum) pepper relieves muscle pain when applied

externally. Try mixing cayenne powder with wintergreen oil.

 

Special Offers This Fortnight (All our products carry FREE SHIPPING WORLDWIDE)

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* For all cancer patients : $10 off on CARCTOL

Enter Special Code " NCDEC " while ordering on www.anticancerherb.com

 

* Gymnema Tea works both for Hypoglycemia and Hyperglycemia

i.e. Low sugar levels and High Sugar levels. Makes Excellent Beverage

http://www.herbscancure.com/gymtea.htm

One bottle of 100 Amla Tablets FREE with Gymnema Tea.

Enter Code : " NCDEC " while ordering.

 

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Ask Sonzy : The Question-Answer Section

(For asking your health queries, mail me at queries)

 

Question this week :

Recently I have been suffering from restless legs in the evening. It has

not effected my sleep, but when I sit down at the end of the day for any

length of time, I feel like I have to get up and move. It is very

annoying. Are there are any herbal or vitamin supplements that would help

relieve this? I am 48 and just starting to go through menopause. I use a

soy supplement which has helped those symptoms. - Kathy

 

Answer :

Hi Kathy,

 

Though Restless Legs Syndrome or RLS gives plenty of sleep disorders but

you say that you don't have trouble in sleeping which appears to be lucky.

I would like to say if you can get a good massage of your legs by

consulting some herbologist or masseur, that would help you.

 

The exact cause of RLS is unknown and there is no cure. It is known to run

in families, but there are other factors which may be linked to RLS, such

as kidney disease and anemia. Treatment for these associated factors or

other underlying conditions often helps relieve RLS.

 

Treatment for RLS generally means management and lifestyle changes.

Medications are available, but they don't work for everyone and sometimes

they lose their effectiveness over time.If the soy supplement is helping

you , continue it.

 

I quote from some of the Internet Resources :

 

Dietary changes that may be helpful: In a study of 131 people with

reactive hypoglycemia, 8% were found to have restless legs. The symptoms

usually improved following dietary modifications designed to regulate

blood-sugar levels.3 For patients with reactive hypoglycemia,

nutritionally oriented doctors usually recommend elimination of sugar,

refined flour, caffeine, and alcohol from the diet; eating small, frequent

meals; and eating whole grains, nuts and seeds, fresh fruits and

vegetables, and fish. Another study confirmed the relationship between

caffeine ingestion and restless legs.4

 

Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: Mild iron deficiency has been

shown to exist in many people, particularly the elderly, who have restless

legs syndrome.5 Iron deficiency may be present even in individuals who are

not anemic; the deficiency may be detected by a blood test called " serum

ferritin. " When iron deficiency is the cause of restless legs syndrome,

supplementation with iron will reduce the severity of the symptoms.

 

In a subset of individuals with restless legs syndrome, the condition is

familial (i.e., it runs in the family). Individuals with familial restless

legs syndrome appear to have inherited an unusually high requirement for

folic acid. In one report, forty-five people were identified to be from

families with folic acid-responsive restless legs syndrome. The amount of

folic acid required to relieve their symptoms ranged from 5 to 30 mg per

day,6 which is considerably more than the amount found in the diets or in

nutritional supplements.

 

One study has also found vitamin E to improve restless legs syndrome.3 At

least 400 IU of vitamin E per day are recommended.

 

Dietary changes that may be helpful: In a study of 131 people with

reactive hypoglycemia, 8% were found to have restless legs. The symptoms

usually improved following dietary modifications designed to regulate

blood-sugar levels.3 For patients with reactive hypoglycemia,

nutritionally oriented doctors usually recommend elimination of sugar,

refined flour, caffeine, and alcohol from the diet; eating small, frequent

meals; and eating whole grains, nuts and seeds, fresh fruits and

vegetables, and fish. Another study confirmed the relationship between

caffeine ingestion and restless legs.4

 

Nutritional supplements that may be helpful: Mild iron deficiency has been

shown to exist in many people, particularly the elderly, who have restless

legs syndrome.5 Iron deficiency may be present even in individuals who are

not anemic; the deficiency may be detected by a blood test called " serum

ferritin. " When iron deficiency is the cause of restless legs syndrome,

supplementation with iron will reduce the severity of the symptoms.

 

In a subset of individuals with restless legs syndrome, the condition is

familial (i.e., it runs in the family). Individuals with familial restless

legs syndrome appear to have inherited an unusually high requirement for

folic acid. In one report, forty-five people were identified to be from

families with folic acid-responsive restless legs syndrome. The amount of

folic acid required to relieve their symptoms ranged from 5 to 30 mg per

day,6 which is considerably more than the amount found in the diets or in

nutritional supplements.

 

One study has also found vitamin E to improve restless legs syndrome.3 At

least 400 IU of vitamin E per day are recommended.

 

Prescription drugs

 

In some people whose symptoms cannot be linked to a treatable associated

condition, drug therapy may be necessary to provide relief and restore a

normal sleep pattern. Prescription drugs that are normally used for RLS

include:

 

• Benzodiazepines and low-potency opioids. These drugs are prescribed for

use only on an " as needed " basis, for patients with mild RLS.

Benzodiazepines appear to reduce nighttime awakenings due to PLMS. The

benzodiazepine most commonly used to treat RLS is clonazepam (Klonopin,

Rivotril). The main disadvantage of this drug type is that it causes

daytime drowsiness. It also causes unsteadiness that may lead to

accidents, especially for an elderly patient. Opioids are narcotic pain

relievers. Those commonly used for mild RLS are low potency opioids, such

as codeine (Tylenol #3) and propoxyphene (Darvocet). Studies have shown

that these can be successfully used in the treatment of RLS on a long-term

basis without risk of addiction. However, narcotics can cause constipation

and difficulty urinating.

 

• Levodopa (L-dopa) and carbidopa (Sinemet). Levodopa is the drug most

commonly used to treat moderate or severe RLS. It acts by supplying a

chemical called dopamine to the brain. It is often taken in conjunction

with carbidopa to prevent or decrease side effects. Although it is

effective against RLS, levodopa may also causes a worsening of symptoms

during the afternoon or early evening in 50-80% of patients. This

phenomenon is known as " restless legs augmentation, " and if it occurs, the

physician will probably discontinue Levodopa for a brief period while an

alternate drug is used. Levodopa can often be reintroduced after a short

break.

 

• Pergolide (Permax). Pergolide acts on the same part of the brain as

Levodopa. It is less likely than Levodopa to cause daytime worsening of

symptoms (occurs in about 25% of patients). However, it is not recommended

as the first choice in drug therapy since it causes a high rate of minor

side effects. Pergolide is often used only if Levodopa has been

discontinued.

 

• High potency opioids. If the symptoms of RLS are difficult to treat

with the above medication, higher dose opioids will be used. These include

methadone (Dolophine), oxycodone, and clonidine (Catapres, Combipres,

Dixarit). A significant disadvantage of these drugs is risk of addiction.

 

• Anticonvulsants. Some cases of RLS may be improved by anticonvulsant

drugs, such as carbamazepine (Tegretol).

 

• Combination therapy. Some patients respond well to combinations of

drugs such as a benzodiazepine and Levodopa.

 

Many drugs have been investigated for treatment of RLS, but it seems as

though the perfect therapy has not yet been found. However, careful

monitoring of side effects and good communication between patient and

doctor can result in a flexible program of therapy that minimizes side

effects and maximizes effectiveness.

 

Alternative treatment

 

It is likely that the best alternative therapy will combine both

conventional and alternative approaches. Levodopa may be combined with a

therapy that relieves pain, relaxes muscles, or focuses in general on the

nervous system and the brain. Any such combined therapy that allows a

reduction in dosage of levodopa is advantageous, since this will reduce

the likelihood of unacceptable levels of drug side effects. Of course, the

physician who prescribes the medication should monitor any combined

therapy. Alternative methods may include:

 

• Acupuncture. Patients who also suffer from rheumatoid arthritis may

especially benefit from acupuncture to relieve RLS symptoms. Acupuncture

is believed to be effective in arthritis treatment and may also stimulate

those parts of the brain that are involved in RLS.

 

• Homeopathy. Homeopaths believe that disorders of the nervous system are

especially important because the brain controls so many other bodily

functions. The remedy is tailored to the individual patient and is based

on individual symptoms as well as the general symptoms of RLS.

 

• Reflexology. Reflexologists claim that the brain, head, and spine all

respond to indirect massage of specific parts of the feet.

 

• Nutritional supplements. Supplementation of the diet with vitamin E,

calcium, magnesium, and folic acid may be helpful for people with RLS.

 

Some alternative methods may treat the associated condition that is

suspected to cause restless legs. These include:

 

• Anemia or low ferritin levels. Chinese medicine will emphasize

stimulation of the spleen as a means of improving blood circulation and

vitamin absorption. Other treatments may include acupuncture and herbal

therapies, such as ginseng ( Panax ginseng ) for anemia-related fatigue.

 

• Late-stage pregnancy. There are few conventional therapies available to

pregnant women, since most of the drugs prescribed are not recommended for

use during pregnancy. Pregnant women may benefit from alternative

techniques that focus on body work, including yoga, reflexology, and

acupuncture.

 

In the past week, two medications have been in the news that may be

effective against restless legs syndrome. Both are used in the treatment

of Parkinson's disease. Emory University neurologists have found that

the drug ropinirole is a safe and effective treatment for restless legs

syndrome. Ropinirole, a dopamanic agonist, received federal drug approval

in 1997 for its use in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. The generic

name for ropinirole is Requip.

 

A second drug, Pergolide,is also said to decrease limb movement in

restless legs syndrome. Pergolide is also used in the treatment of

Parkinson's disease and for foot cramps. The trade name for pergolide is

Permax.

 

Keep on hand a supply of herbal teas. The warm tea, itself, is soothing

and relaxing (especially if you sip it while sitting by your aroma therapy

candle .

 

There are several herbal teas which contain herbs that are known to relax

the body, relieve tension, and/or relieve muscle cramping. Look around and

experiment. I DO, however, recommend you stick to light commercial

products. MY RULE OF HERBAL THUMB is: If it works, then it's medicinal. .

and if it's medicinal, then you MUST BE CAREFUL of the dosages and treat

it like any other medicine.

 

Hope this helps

 

Wishing you Good Health, Naturally!

See you all next week.

 

Regards

Puneet Aggarwal

www.herbscancure.com