Alison Odey

Generally when problems such as small pimples, spots or flakiness and/or dryness appear on the scalp, zinc levels in the body are too low.

Zinc is very deficient in NZ soils an often needs to be supplemented, preferably by the use of Colloidal minerals, as the zinc level in these is usually very good and relatively easy to absorb. Additionally they contain all other trace elements needed for optimum health.

Zinc levels can drop quite suddenly if the body is under stress, if alcohol consumption is high or if a person has been ill. Levels can slowly decrease if there are dietary deficiencies, large amounts of calcium are taken, the diet is too high in fibre or mercury or cadmium levels are high in the body.

The most noticeable symptoms of deficiency are white spots in the nails, stretch marks,
brittle nails and hair and inability to taste. Also, as well as dryness and a tendency to small pimples appearing on the scalp, a tendency to acne, dandruff, slow healing sores, irregular menstrual cycles in young women or impotency in young males and often aching joints, can point to possible low zinc levels.
See page on ‘ Zinc’

In this situation I would advise taking at least one tablespoon of Colloidal minerals daily long term.
See page on ‘Minerals – facts’. and ‘Minerals – why we need to supplement’.

If the scalp doesn’t improve within four to six weeks then either increase the dose or add 1-2 ml of liquid zinc daily until the taste of the liquid zinc is strongly metallic.

A deficiency of B vitamins (especially B2) can also cause problems with the skin, so it is advisable to also take a good B complex tablet daily.

Sardcoidosis is a chronic, multi-system disorder. Its first manifestation is an accumulation of mononuclear inflammatory cells in affected organs.

The lung is the main organ affected but other organs such as the eyes, skin, lymph nodes, heart, liver, kidney and spleen can also be affected.

The inflammatory process is followed by the formation of ‘granulomas’.
Sarcoidosis can result in organ dysfunction as the accumulated inflammatory cells can distort the architecture of the affected tisues and, if sufficient tissue is involved, the disease will become clinically apparent.

The cause of the disease is unknown but it is likely that it results from abnormal immune response and the possible causes of this are huge, ranging from viral infection, chemical toxicity or vaccination response to an inherited disorder.

Therapy usually revolves around reducing the inflammation (hence the use of steroids in many cases).

However alternative therapies would be more likely to work at improving the immune system.

Anti-inflammatory agents such as Organic Evening primrose oil, Quercetin and other antioxidants should help.

Also minerals and herbs that are known to have to have a beneficial effect on the immune system.

Echinacea, Astragalus, Phyllanthus and Withania and also rye grass extract come to mind.

Minerals would need to be supplemented to be of sufficient levels to help heal the body. See page on ‘Minerals – facts’ and ‘Minerals – why we need to supplement’.

See page on ‘ Rheumatoid Arthritis’ as this gives a good synopsis on methods available to improve the immune status and to reduce pain.

Original Question: ‘How effective are herbal worm remedies?? I have always used pharmacy preparations as I’ve not been sure how to tell if a herbal preparation has ‘worked’. How do you know? Also which are the best ones to buy?
As usual there seem to be heaps of different brands on the market which is very confusing.

Good question – often wondered myself, I mean how long do most people spend inspecting the toilet bowel???

As far as I know, pin worms are by far the most common worm infestation. They are tiny, whitish and only about 1/3 of on inch long. Not very easy to see, even if you do inspect the toilet bowel!

However you usually can presume that you have a pinworm infestation if you notice an annoying itching around the rectal area, often far more noticeable at night, as the adult worms migrate to the anal area to deposit eggs.

Children can often be very restless at night and may show signs of having scratched around the anal area.
Sometimes there can also be a vague intestinal discomfort.

Once an effective remedy has been taken, this itching will cease.

Transmitting of infection is by the eggs, which may be transferred to clothing, bedclothes and toilet seats. The eggs can also lie dormant for a considerable time in dust and are not killed easily by household disinfectants.

Haemorrhoids can also cause the rectal area to itch or feel uncomfortable so check that this is not part of the problem.

Traditionally used herbal remedies are Chinese wormwood (artemisia annua), black walnut extract or hulls, mugwood, elecampane, garlic, stemona radix, holy basil and clove bud.

Evidence has recently shown that anthelmintic herbals such as these work best when combined with tannic containing herbs such as green tea or grapeseed.

It is also a good idea to add laxative herbs, such as cascara, senna or yellow dock to promote the elimination of the worm or worm debris from the bowel.

Look for herbal remedies that have these ingredients.

It not advised to give remedies such as these to children under 2 years old or to women who are pregnant. Homeobotanical remedies are gentler and would be more appropriate in these situations.
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I am often asked for a weight loss regime and/or ‘something that ‘works’ to keep weight off. This always appears to be a greater concern at the beginning of summer and again after a decadent Christmas!!

The ‘Keto’ type of  system of fat loss is one of the best I know of.
It is called the ‘keto’ system because when you burn fat, you produce chemicals called ‘ketones’ in your urine.
When you eat sugars and starchy foods (high glycaemic) these work with insulin to ‘switch off’ fat burning and increase fat gain.

The method is successful and has been designed with patient compliance a major priority and is reasonably easy to undertake and follow.

It is also designed majorly as a ‘method of eating’ NOT a ‘diet’ as such that will only work for a short time.

It does involve changes for many people in the way they think about food and changes in buying habits.
It does not necessarily mean a large expenditure of money.

It does mean taking time to do at least 30 minutes of exercise daily.

The system is based on maintaining a very high intake of proteins over the first two weeks, and then a gradual and very slight increase in carbohydrate intake is allowed.

This can be safely continued until the ideal body composition is reached.

This is then followed by  a low-glycaemic eating plan designed to maintain the fat loss already gained and to promote further ongoing good health.

I have seen people using this plan correctly loose 2kg weekly, but deviating from the system (i.e.; eating even slightly too much carbohydrate) results in disappointment!

Meal substitutes ‘shakes’ are available as are ‘meal’ bars but they are not absolutely necessary items, although are very useful if you are busy and haven’t time to prepare the suggested meals or snacks.
It works, go to it!

‘Wild Yam’ creams have been recommended for quite some time for their ‘progesterogenic’ effects and used to treat a wide range of menopausal problems.

Over the years I have heard of quite a number of varying responses, some people claiming that the creams are absolutely marvellous and others saying they are totally useless.

I do not know exactly which brands have been sited in each case but I suspect that the creams that have had the most beneficial effects to be the ones that have had a commercially manufactured progesterone added.

Progesterone that is of the same structure as that manufactured by the body
(ie)’bio-identical’, can be made commercially and confusion arises when herbal creams are said to contain ‘natural progesterone’, especially as doiscin (the steroidal saponin in Wild Yam) is the starting material for the commercial production.

As far as I know naturally occurring progesterone is not known to exist in biologically active levels and therefore could not be added to any cream.

There are also some claims made that the transdermal up-take of dioscin from Wild Yam cream, is converted to progesterone in the body. I am not sure that this is a logical assumption as for dioscin to become progesterone it needs to undergo a series of chemical processes that do not occur naturally in the body.

The traditional use of Wild Yam is oral and the scientific basis for its use is that the steroidal saponin dioscin is converted in the gut to diosgenin which can cause estrogenic
changes in the tissues (but not necessarily progesterenic).
In the transdermal application of Wild Yam this saponin to sapogenic step is bypassed.

Some have said that using Wild Yam cream is ‘as ineffectual as a placebo’ this may be true in some instances where it is not the correct herb for the patient, but often good results can be obtained treating hormonal and menopausal problems, by using a combination of herbal extracts that are known to contain phyto-estrogens or steroidal saponins.

Plant estrogens are all very weak but can become useful to the body when it is not producing any of its own estrogens and often work best when combined with other herbs that are indicated for the actual symptoms such as anxiety, fatigue, sweating, insomnia and inflammation.

Wild Yam does fall into this category as it is a very useful herb to use for inflammatory symptoms as well as symptoms of low oestrogen.

Many herbs known as ‘hormonal herbs’ work by their influence on the pituitary gland which in turn influences all the glands (thyroid, adrenal and ovarian), Wild yam also comes into this category along with Black Cohosh, Dong Quai and Chaste tree.
See page on Menopause.

Most people have now heard about the benefits of Magnetic Field Therapy even if just via TV adverts, and many have now tried them. Others are still asking questions as to how Magnetic Products work, are they safe to use, whether they are worth the money spent on them, and whether there is much difference between products from various companies.
I have used magnets myself for many years and have recommended their use to many of my clients, and have seen many wonderful results.

As to how they work, well I am no scientific expert but I have done a considerable amount of research into Magnetic Field Therapy and have come to what I think is a reasonable understanding of the effects of the magnetic field on the body’s cells.

It is necessary to understand that the function of the entire body is reliant on the basic cells of the body working efficiently. If they do not then the body will become tired and diseased.

There are many factors that can cause a cell to become fatigued, inefficient and consequently become diseased or die. Due to the large number of reserve cells in an organ, an organ of the body can deal with the failure of some cells, but as a larger number
become inefficient or fail completely then the organ will begin to show signs of
disease.

Magnets have been shown to revitalise low energy cells or those with restricted function. This revitalisation has been attributed to the improved supply of nutrients and oxygen to the cells. Ideally we should receive sufficient biological energy via our food, water, natural sleep, exercise and the absorption of the earth’s magnetic field.

However most of us consume devitalised foods and water, we often don’t get enough natural sleep or exercise and live in stressful environments where we are continually bombarded with an excessive amount of man made electromagnetic radiation. This happens every time we use modern modes of travel and every time we use electric appliances.

This all contributes to the fact that the cells of our body are not able to revitalise or regenerate themselves effectively. Many of us also have suffered injury to the body that also contributes to areas of the body not being able to work efficiently.

Magnetic Field Therapy helps us regain some of this lost energy and regain cell efficiency.

Most conditions can be helped by the use of magnets but as always best results are obtained when they are used as part of an overall therapy rather than on their own. It should be made clear that magnets themselves do not heal anything, they simply stimulate the body to heal itself.

The body still needs to have adequate nutrients at its disposal in order to heal effectively and these often need to be supplemented.

Also magnets need to be used appropriately. For example applying a magnetic ankle strap to a painful ankle that is caused by referred pain from the spine is not going to as effective as treating the spine.

Using a magnetic bracelet in order to relieve pain in the lower back is not going to as effective as wearing a magnetic back support.

There may be people out there that dispute this, but this is what I have observed and experienced myself over along period of time.

There are now quite a number of companies marketing magnetic products of different types. I have not dealt with all of them so can not comment on the quality of individual companies products.

Some products have a very low gauss rating in their magnets and at times catches on jewellery etc. aren’t all that strong. Most however can be returned to the company of origin if you are not happy with the product.

The ‘gauss’ rating gives an indication of the magnetic intensity of the magnet and in general is lower in the adhesive type of products and in jewellery. Products with a low gauss rating can still work very well and are ideal for children and the elderly.

As to the safety of magnetic products, as far as I know there are no known side effects. The use of magnets does not interfere with drugs or medications and is not addictive.

There are however a few contraindications to their use; it is not advisable to use magnets if you are pregnant, suffer epileptic fits, wear a pacemaker or have any metallic implants that may possibly be dislodged by magnets ( stents may possibly come into this category , depending on the type of metal with which they are made ).

Also be sure to keep magnets away from credit cards, battery operated watches and hearing aids.
Strong magnets should be kept away from computers, videos, cassettes and magnetic tapes.
Remove all magnets before having an X-ray.

As well as the above contraindications I have occasionally come across people who maintain that they cannot wear magnets as they get headaches or feel that their complaint gets worse.
This is a known reaction, probably caused by the increase in circulation to a particular area and the increased flushing of toxins. Normally I would expect this to disappear after a day or so, especially if the person drinks a lot more water and increases mineral levels.

At times the polarity of a magnet may need to be reversed, however many magnetic products used nowadays have dual polarity or every second magnet is reversed.

In general a North Pole magnet will be used to sedate and a South pole magnet to stimulate.
Many adhesive products have the North Pole indicated with an indented dot or groove and this is intended to be placed against the skin.

Clinical experience has shown that either pole of these lower gauss magnets can work equally as well, but that stronger/larger magnets of 2500g or more are best employed by using either North or South Pole for specific conditions.
Dual poles may be used when the pain is located over a large area, for example as in back
pain.

The only other annoying but not serious reactions I have seen are allergic irritations to the plasters that hold the smaller adhesive magnetic spots in place or occasionally allergic reaction to the metallic coating of the magnet itself.
This last can be overcome by placing a smaller piece of plaster or cloth over the magnet before placing it against the skin.

Therefore since Magnetic Field Therapy has a therapeutic effect through the entire body it can be used where ever there is a functional disorder, where ever there is need for rehabilitation or mobilization, for improvement in circulation and metabolism, for boosting the immune system and for general prevention of ill health and increase in well being. Give it a go!

Menopause for many women does not just ‘happen’ in their late forties or early fifties. There can be many years previous to the periods stopping during which the body undergoes slow and subtle changes to the hormonal balance.

Many women are unaware of the great range of symptoms that menopause as well as
premenopausal changes can bring. Also unaware that their body continues to ‘cycle’ long after periods have ceased and symptoms may continue for some time.

The need for intervention either herbal and/or orthodox tends to be greater in women who are stressed in any way. This may simply mean you are on your own, working long hours or in a difficult relationship. Often women do not associate their life style with ‘stress’ and are surprised when their body does not want to cope with their ‘normal’ lifestyle! Just remember that you are not abnormal and that help is available.

‘Hot flushes’ are only one of many possible symptoms. Other symptoms are irritability, mood swings,nervousness and anxiety and an inability to cope with stresses that previously were no problem, depression for no reason, unexplained fatigue, vertigo, headaches, insomnia, palpitations, vaginal dryness and itching, poor concentration and memory, confusion, debilitating muscle and joint aches, breast tenderness, a crawling sensation under the skin, a very
red itchy rash under or between the thighs, increased hair on upper lip or chin, loss of hair in the head, obesity, bloating, rapidly drying skin, loss of libido or sometimes uncontrollably increased libido and a tendency toward osteoporosis.
Quite a list! Quite enough to make even the most normal of people feel somewhat abnormal!

It is possible to relieve many of these symptoms using herbal remedies, chosen depending on the particular set of symptoms that a woman is displaying.

Herbs such as Black Cohosh, Wild yam, Paeonia and Chaste tree (Vitex agnus Castus) are brilliant when premenopausal with periods becoming irregular. They may be combined with St John’s Wort and/or Siberian Ginseng if moods and/or depression are becoming a problem.

I have also found the addition of magnesium to help in relieving hot flushes in some cases. However I have also noted that not all types of magnesium appear to work on an equal basis.

The best results I have seen have been with women using Magnesium Glycinate. This is a highly absorbable form of magnesium. If trying this method please be
sure to also take liquid minerals as well, as although extra magnesium is often indicated post menopause it should ideally be taken in conjunction with other minerals to avoid an imbalance of minerals occurring.

Deficiency of magnesium in post menopausal women has been shown to impair glucose tolerance, be one possible cause of heart arrhythmias and is essential for bone and cardiovascular health.

Evening Primrose Oil, at a dose of 3000-6000mg daily, is also excellent to relieve the tendency toward anxiety, depression, tearfulness etc and also for any breast tenderness. EPO dosage will fluctuate depending on at what stage of your cycle you are at: i.e. you may need a higher dose from mid-cycle (ovulation) until end-cycle (menstruation). During this time, if needed, take as much as 3000mg one to three times daily.
Go to On-line shop for organic Evening primrose oil  and Magnesium products.

In addition Wild yam and/or Corydalis can be used for excessive pain, Dong Quai for
excessive clotting, Wild Yam and Cramp bark (Viburnum opulus) for cramping,
Trillium or Shepherd’s purse for excessive bleeding and Sage can be very useful for relieving ‘wet’ hot flushes, however should not be used excessively.

Black Cohosh is often more applicable when post menopausal, as are Soy based products.
Black Cohosh is a woodland plant native to North America and is one of the most popular natural approaches to menopause. It is thought to suppress secretion of LH which in turn can reduce hot flushes. Black Cohosh also has a mild relaxing and anti-inflammatory effect.
‘Contact Us’  if you want to order specifically made herbal extracts.

Most ‘hormonal’ type herbs work via the pituitary gland and help to balance and stimulate the body, they do not actually contain ‘hormones’ in the same way as orthodox hormonal medications do.

Wild Yam in particular has been incorrectly accredited with having progesterogenic activity. Diosgenin, is not metabolised in the body to produce progesterone, in fact it may actually suppress progesterone and have in fact mild oestrogenic effect.
See page on ‘Wild Yam cream’.

As your body continues to ‘cycle’ long after periods have ceased, herbs may be needed for some time.

Keep sugar and refined food intake to absolutely nil as these foods will aggravate inflammatory and congestive symptoms such as headache, irritability and breast tenderness.

Extra B vitamins are also often needed as are minerals, particularly zinc, magnesium, chromium and iodine.

Increasing the amount of exercise you get would greatly help to improve the feelings of well being and prevent feelings of depression, as exercise increases Serotonin and endorphin levels.

Also helps prevent the subtle increase in weight that plagues many women!

If you do not experience sufficient improvement in your condition then it may be a good idea to think about using a bio-identical progesterone cream (on prescription from your GP).
Your GP should also at this time do a full hormonal blood screen including a check for progesterone levels. Progesterone creams should be used 3 weeks on and one off with regular checks made on your body’s progesterone level.

Combining the use of the cream with the use of herbs works very well, generally you would expect to need less cream and the herbs to eventually be able to be used on their own.

Osteoarthritis is primarily a disorder of hyaline cartilage and subchondral bone, with all surrounding tissues becoming hypertrophic. It occurs in almost all vertebrates, even those that live supported by water, but interestingly, not in those two vertebrates that hang upside down, sloths & bats!

Hence it is often considered a problem occurring due to ‘wear & tear’ rather than a specific disease. OA is generally classified as (a) primary or idiopathic, or (b) secondary or due to some known cause which can be anything that changes the microclimate of the chondrocyte, including fracture, trauma, overuse, infection, genetic defect etc.

It is thought that due to changes around the joint, the bone becomes stiffer microfractures, callus formation and eventually the formation of osteophytes and a roughening of the surface of the hyaline cartilage. Proliferation of synovial fluid and inflammation follow.

Remedies that can be effective in helping severe osteoarthritis are:
Glucosamine sulphate, Green Lipped mussel extract, Evening
primrose oil, Flaxseed oil or salmon oil,  Vitamins B12 and B6 and some
herbal remedies.
A good source of minerals is also very important – try Colloidal minerals or Spirulina.

– Glucosamine is an amino sugar derived from glucose and the amino acid glutamine. It helps regenerate the damaged cartilage by providing the substrate for the production of proteoglycans which are the extra cellular component of cartilage. When using Glucosamine sulphate (or Glucosamine HCI) be sure to use at least 250mg three times daily for six to eight weeks before deciding whether it works or not as results are results are very gradual. Many brands available now contain Chrondroitin sulphate and/or herbs such as White willow bark for extra effectiveness.

– Green Lipped mussel extract (Seatone TM) is excellent as this is a natural source of glucosamine. Dose is generally around 250-500mg daily. Both Green Lipped muscle extract and Glucosamine need to be used over long periods, as the anti-inflammatory effect slowly builds up to an effective level, then needs to be maintained. It is also purported that in the long term they can reverse some of the damage done by osteoarthritis. They are definitely safer to use in long term than NSAIDs.
Go to the shop for this product.

– Bovine cartilage is also effective as it contains Glucosamine.

– Evening Primrose oil needs to be used in 3000mg doses two to three
times daily. Use this as well as Flaxseed oil (at a dose of at least 1tbsp daily). Evening primrose oil gives an anti-inflammatory effect in the body, whereas Flaxseed oil improves circulation to the joints – thus both oils are effective but work in different ways.

– Salmon oil or any deep sea fish oil will work in a similar manner to flaxseed oil but should be used more sparingly.

– Vitamin B12 is effective for the deep, burning type of pain that often occurs with OA and also greatly improves energy levels. At least 250mcg is needed daily and if used orally, be sure to take it on an empty stomach to improve absorption.
I often reccommend the use of a B12/Potassium Iodide blend (Tracel TM) that is specifically made for osteoarthritis sufferers and works extremely well.
  Go to the shop for this product.

– Vitamin B6 can often have good effect in helping relieve the more aching type of pain and also relieve swelling. Generally a dose of 25-100mg daily is needed. Both B12 and B6 should be taken in conjunction with a B complex tablet.

– There are also many herbs that can help in cases of osteoarthritis. Devil’s claw, Yucca, Gotu kola, Wild yam, Celery seed, Wood betony, White willow bark and Boswellia all have their place in herbal treatments.

For menopausal or post menopausal women increasing and balancing hormonal
levels can greatly reduce pain and improve well being.
See page on ‘Menopause’.

Another very effective form of treatment is the use of Magnets. They are extremely effective at removing pain and inflammation, and in doing so can greatly improve mobility. They are known to improve circulation through the body and in doing so can greatly improve the health of the joints.
See page on ‘ Magnetic Therapy’

Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn’s Disease are two major groups within the general category known as Irritable Bowel Disease.
See page on Crohn’s Disease.

Crohn’s Disease can be accurately diagnosed with a barium swallow whereas Ulcerative Colitis would be diagnosed with a barium enema.

These tests would allow the clinician to observe the characteristic inflammatory changes in the bowel wall. There are significant changes in the location and how they affect the bowel wall that help differentiate the two. The primary difference is the degree of involvement of the wall of the intestinal tract.

Ulcerative colitis is limited to the mucosa and the submucosa whereas Crohn’s Disease involves the muscular layer and the connective tissue layer below the mucosa. (If no physical inflammatory changes are noted then the diagnosis would more likely to be that of Irritable Bowel Syndrome).

Ulcerative colitis can be quite difficult to treat but I have seen considerable relief of symptoms gained by using a combination of diet and herbal remedies. Additional vitamins and minerals are always necessary as absorption by the body is usually poor.

The usual symptoms of Ulcerative Colitis are abdominal cramps with some pain and/or tenderness of the abdomen, often with accompanying diarrhoea and sometimes bloody stools, although in the early stages constipation may be more common, with the urge to defecate but only a scanty bowel movement. As the condition progresses appetite loss, weight loss, fatigue and fever may develop.

I usually recommend that firstly the patient keep to a diet that is smooth (not necessarily bland) – so as to not irritate the inflamed mucosal membranes – high in proteins ( eggs, fish, poultry, organic meats), fibre and essential fatty acids but low in refined foods, sugars, saturated fats and lactose-rich dairy products.

Avoid fruits and veges that contain seeds and remove hard skins. Often the cruciferous veges such as cabbage and cauli. will tend to cause allergic reactions, as can corn, wheat, tomato and some citrus fruits. If in a very severe state try putting steamed veges, brown
rice, etc. through a blender to help ease irritation.

Drink a lot of pure water and avoid coffee and strong tea. Tea contains tannins which can further worsen absorption of nutrients.

Secondly, take food enzymes with every meal. Preferably a product containing protease, amylase, lipase and cellulase. I usually recommend products which are entirely plant derived, contain an effective doseage of digestive enzymes and are extremely well tolerated. (Some of these are ‘Practitioner only products’)
See page on ‘Enzymes – facts’ and go to On-line shop for enzyme products.

This is extremely important as in my view the majority of digestive and related bowel diseases start with poor digestion.
Taking food enzymes greatly improves the digestion of all foods, not only so
that nutrients are better absorbed but also so that undigested foods do not further overload the colon and cause even more imbalance and irritation. It is often this overload of poorly digested foods that are the source of food sensitivities and intestinal imbalances.

Thirdly be sure to take Colloidal minerals daily. This is because mineral absorption will be poor and for any healing to take place it needs to be maintained constantly. I find that Colloidal minerals are particularly well tolerated and absorbed by most people. Small amounts of Spirulina in smoothies is also an excellent idea and adds proteins to the diet.
See page on ‘Minerals – facts’ and ‘Minerals – why we need to Supplement’

Also important are Yoghurt and other Probiotic products. These are great for keeping bowel flora in better condition and should be used as much as possible.

Probiotics that are specifically formulated to help treat bowel inflammation as well as Colostrum products will greatly improve the immune status of the bowel and this in turn will greatly reduce the number of food intolerances that often occur.
See page on Probiotics.

The constant lack of energy can often be aided by supplementing with vitamin B12 and folic acid. These are often at low levels in people with Ulcerative Colitis because of poor absorption, poor bowel flora and in some cases the use of drugs that deplete Folic acid levels. If taking B12 orally be sure to take it on an empty stomach to get maximum absorption.

Next would come the use of herbal remedies. Slippery elm powder is particularly important as it soothes the colon and can help regulate the bowel motions. Marshmallow is also very useful in this context.
Licorice can have a wonderful anti-inflammatory effect on the intestinal wall and small amounts of Aloe Vera juice can help heal ulceration.
Herbs such as Echinacea and Astragalus are very good anti-bacterials and are needed to promote a more normal immune system, but by far the best in this category would be Golden seal which inhibits the growth of many disease causing organisms but should only be used for short periods of time.

Calming herbs are also often put to good use. Chamomile, especially, as it has a great affinity for the bowel, often combined with Marshmallow. At times Kavakava can also help, especially where there is great anxiety, and with some people Valerian is also very effective.

I have found that the bioflavoniod Quercetin is one of the best anti-inflammatory agents to use in cases of Ulcerative Colitis as it not only reduces inflammation but also greatly reduces the effect of allergic reactions.
Please ‘Contact us’ if you would like this product or, if unsure whether this product is for you, then send your query and details to ‘Ask Alison’.

Extra essential fatty acids are also important, either as fish oils to supply extra omega 3 and/or as Evening Primrose oil, which also aids anti-inflammatory action.

Reiter’s Syndrome can also be known as ‘Reactive Arthritis’

In its full blown form it will consist of a triad of conditions namely; urethritis, arthritis and conjunctivitis and was named after Hans Reiter who first described this triad. It is more common in men and may be self limiting, but will often frequently occur or gradually worsen so that some sufferers will end up with a disabling arthritis, heart disease or
impaired vision.

To understand the possible treatments for this type of disease it is necessary to understand the background because as you have no doubt discovered simply taking anti-inflammatory drugs does not necessarily end the cycle. The pain will often disappear only to return else -where in the body.

Reiter’s syndrome usually occurs following infection of the urinary tract or intestine.
Often the infecting agent (bacteria) will be Shigella flexneri, Salmonella typhimurium, Salmonella. Enteritidis, Yersinia enterocolitica, Campylobacter or Chlamydia trachomatis. I have seen one reference to Streptococcus viridians also been included in this group.

These are all intracellular living micro-organisms that are capable of causing arthritis.

They tend first to affect mucosal areas. The intestinal mucosa should function as a
barrier to prevent gut bacteria invading the body’s tissues but the fact that these entero-bacteria are capable of penetrating the host’s cells by various pathways is evident by the fact that several investigators have detected antigens to these bacteria in synovial fluid of patients with Reiter’s syndrome and Reactive Arthritis.

Not everyone that becomes infected with these organisms develops an arthritic condition and although the reason for this is still unclear it is thought that in some people the infecting organism is not properly eliminated. These people tend to be those that test positive to a specific human leucocyte antigen (HLA), labelled B27. This has been termed the ‘host factor’.
Not alot of help perhaps once you have Reiter’s Syndrome!

However eliminating these entero-bacteria from the gut, improving the condition
of the guts mucosa and therefore the overall immune status of the gut and the
body, can definitely help.

The use of a good probiotic is the first step in correcting the gut flora.
Probiotics will improve the immune system by: normalizing gut microbiology, decreasing gut permeability, eradicating pathogens, enhancing IgA responses, stimulating T cell populations and helping maintain tolerance to food antigens and non pathogenic enteric organisms.

Not all probiotics are considered the same. Although there are many commercially available strains, only a few have been demonstrated effective in human clinical trials. There are also many different strains of ‘Lactobacillus’, just because a product has ‘Lactobacillus’ on its label does not necessarily mean it is going to reach your gut or if it
does it may not necessarily do lot of good.

Some proven strains of Probiotics that could help greatly in this instance would be: Lactobacillus acidophilus NCFM strain, which restores gut flora in the small intestine. and improves resistance to infection.
Bifidobacteria lactis HN019 strain which improves gut immunity (by normalising T helper cell responses) and
Lactobacillus rhamnosus HN001 strain which improves immunity by increasing natural killer cell responses and phagocytic activity.
Lactobacillus plantarum 299V strain also helps improve immune status and may also be useful in osteoarthritis and other autoimmune conditions.
See page on Probiotics.

Colostrum can also make a great improvement to the integrity of the gut.

Also the use of herbal anti-inflammatory preparations is useful and can reduce the dependence on other drugs. There are a number of these on the market, including Turmeric, Tart Cherry and others.

I have also seen nice improvement in people using a combination of Vitamin B12 and Potassium Iodide to help relieve nerve pain and boost flagging energy levels.
If you are unsure what to use send your details to Ask Alison.

Also I have found that the use of herbs such as Reishi mushroom, products containing Oregano oil, Artemisia, Allicin (from garlic), or other anti-bacterial herbals can greatly reduce the incidence of infection and my own observations have been that joint pain is then also reduced.

See page on ‘Rheumatoid Arthritis’ for more information and treatments.

Up-dated March 2017

See pages on ‘Heartburn/reflux ‘ and    ‘Gastric Reflux

Gastric reflux generally indicates an incompetence of the lower esophageal sphincter.

The most common symptom is heartburn, sometimes with regurgitation of the stomach contents into the mouth other times not. The usual orthodox treatment is to use anti-acids, although this gives relief it does nothing to prevent the problem reoccurring.

The problem arises from an inability to digest food. To digest efficiently you need an adequate supply of both enzymes and Hydrochloric acid (HCI) in your stomach.

If you continually pour anti-acid preparations into your stomach you are continually reducing the acid levels that are needed to digest foods, this will create a pressure in the stomach which will in turn force the gastric contents upward.

Proteins in particular can be a problem as these require a high acid content in the stomach to enable full digestion.
See page on ‘Heartburn/reflux’

Enzymes are found in raw foods – not cooked, steamed or processed, so a lifetime of consuming mostly cooked foods slowly puts a burden on our digestive systems’ ability to produce sufficient enzymes to digest a meal adequately.
Also as we age our ability to produce enzymes decreases.

Supplying extra enzymes removes this burden and allows the stomach lining to gradually
start secreting more adequate amounts of HCI and digestive enzymes. You need to
take a food enzyme preparation prior to each meal.
See page on ‘Enzymes – facts’.

Initially if reflux continues to be a problem, take 4 -5 tablets of No 10 cell salt (Nat Phos) or ¼ tspn slippery elm powder half and hour after each meal.

Rumbling and gurgling of the lower abdomen will reduce on its own accord it you use enzymes, avoid sugars and rebalance the bowel flora with an acidophilus capsule taken once daily. In some cases a more specific probiotic may be needed.
See page on Probiotics.

Also slowly increase raw foods and juices. Discomfort and distension of the upper stomach will also subside as will the incidence of reflux.
Note that it may not be immediate, as these things take time.

If these measures do not fully rectify the condition contact a good Osteopath and check you do not have a spinal problem in the vicinity of the mid-thoracics (T4-T7).
Spinal nerves that originate at these vertebrae have a direct bearing on the function of gall-bladder, liver, stomach and pancreas and therefore on digestion.

In any situation of RSI the real treatment is to REST the afflicted joint.
However, when presented with this problem in the wrists, it is good practice to check the cervical nerves (those originating in the neck), as often if there is a problem in that area, it can cause pain, tingling, weakness in the forearms, wrists and fingers.
See a good Osteopath, make an Appointment.

Also check all work positions, especially if using a computer. The arm that uses the mouse must be resting fully on the desk (not just the wrist resting on the edge of the desk), the shoulder completely relaxed and the wrist itself supported.
If you haven’t got a gel pad, a rolled up tea-towel will do the trick.

Make sure seating position is correct, set so that the screen at eye level.

Have regular ‘micro-rests’ to relieve the work position.

Take at least 100 mg vitamin B6 daily and at least 250 mcg  vitamin B12 daily, as both can help relieve nerve pain and pressure.

Other helpful treatments for any RSI situation can be to:
– Take Evening Primrose Oil, 3000 mg at least twice daily can help greatly as it relieves inflammation and is a great help in stressful situations.

– Take OPC or any other strong antioxidant. There are both excellent and not-so-effective antioxidants on the market.

– Use herbal anti-inflammatories – herbs such as Turmeric, Tart Cherry, Olive, Devil’s Claw, Yucca and White Willow bark, in the short-term can be useful.

– Green-lipped mussel extract or any preparation of Glucosamine is effective in the long-term. Take at least 500 mg three times daily.
Results are usually very good but always better if the work situation can be altered to allow more rest or a change of position regularly.

Up-dated March 2017

Reynaud’s phenomenon is caused by the spasm of the arterioles (the small arteries supplying the fingers and toes) that usually affects the fingers, but can also affect the toes or the nose.

It can cause pallor or cyanosis (the purple colouring) of the skin and if long standing the skin may also become smooth, shiny and tight. At present no specific cause
has been isolated.

However, it is made worse by smoking – it constricts the arteries.
It usually affects young women and is often triggered by exposure to cold or emotional upset.

Treatment always involves keeping the extremities warm, especially wearing comfortable nonrestricting shoes and woollen gloves in winter.

Supplementing with magnesium can help prevent arteriole and muscular spasm.

Herbs that help improve circulation are always advised, i.e. Garlic, Ginkgo Biloba, Cayenne, Yarrow, Flaxseed oils, fish oils and Vitamin E.

Niacin or vitamin B3 can also be used (combined with vitamin B complex) to dilate the small arteries. Be sure to use this very carefully and preferably under supervision, starting with only 25mg daily as it can cause severe flushing or arise in blood pressure if used inappropriately or in too large amounts.
See page on ‘Niacin- use of ‘.

If stress appears to be a precipitating factor then herbs such as Passion flower, Skullcap, Kava Kava, Lemon Balm or Motherwort may be appropriate. Evening primrose oil will also help greatly in this regard.

Supplementing with L-Arginine is known to help the arteries relax, but I  have as yet not had anyone try this treatment, however it may well work!!

Rosacea is a skin disorder that generally occurs in middle-aged persons, predominantly in women aged between 30- 50 years.
Very little is known of its etiology although it is believed to be related to a combination of genetic disposition and environmental factors.

Symptoms include facial flushing, erythema and small inflammatory lesions on the skin. It tends to occur more frequently in people who have a tendency
to flush easily in response to emotional, environmental and physiological stimuli.

Gastric analysis of patients with rosacea has led to one theory that it can be the result of a reduced gastric and pancreatic outputs.

It has also been suggested that helicobacter pylori may be the link between rosacea and the skin as helicobacter pylori prevalence in one study was about 88% in rosacea patients compared to about 65% in the control patients. This makes sense as helicobacter is often present when stomach acids are insufficient.

I tend to agree with these theories as it is often older people who are affected or those with a digestive system that is not functioning effectively.

Orthodox treatment is usually with antibiotics which lead to a dramatic decrease in H. pylori and a corresponding improvement in the symptoms of rosacea.
However this does nothing to improve the condition of the stomach. And the symptoms will return once antibiotics are stopped.

So based on this it is suggested that people suffering the symptoms associated with Rosacea take 2-3 digestive enzyme capsules with each meal. This will ensure that the meal
is digested adequately and will slowly allow the stomach to repair itself.

The stomach lining will produce its own gastric acid if allowed to do so and not inhibited by anti-acid preparations. The level of H. pylori will decrease as stomach acids improve.
See page on ‘Enzymes – facts’.

As far as herbs go, any of the ‘bitters’ are appropriate as they stimulate the digestion. Gentian and Agrimony are good examples of these with the addition of Golden Seal if there is any sign of skin infection. Turmeric and Garlic are also very appropriate.

Large doses of B vitamins have also been known to be effective, with varying recommendations for extra B2, B6 and B12.

Good results can be obtained by using Evening Primrose oil at a rate of 3000mg 2-3 times daily, mainly in the reduction of the redness and flushing.
This needs to be used in conjunction with food enzymes.