Q: I dread the constant social gatherings at this time of year and the inevitable hangovers that follow – is there anything I can do to prepare my body for this time! Declan M. QLD

A: The best advice I can give is to drink less on these occasions! Or at least drink a glass of water between drinks. There are also some herbs and vitamins that will prove useful to you. St Mary’s Thistle (Silybum marianum) is a herb that supports the liver when it is under pressure from toxins such as alcohol or drugs. Your B group vitamins are of great benefit during times of stress and overindulgence and will help with your energy levels. So I would suggest start taking both these now to prepare your liver for the festive season.

Q: I have a hiatus hernia, and also reflux, I am a little self conscious of my embarrassing symptoms when I eat and drink. Ian R. TAS

A: Often, people with a hiatus hernia also have heartburn or gastroesophageal reflux. In order to reduce the reflux make sure your posture is upright for several hours after eating, consume small meal sizes, raise the head of your bed at least six inches (this allows gravity to keep the contents of your stomach where they should be!) and watch the foods you eat as certain foods can cause reflux. A traditional herb for soothing the digestive system is Slippery Elm (Ulmus rubra), its mucilage content forms a smooth coating over inflamed or irritated membranes of the digestive tract. Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria) is a great normaliser of stomach acids and can be used for disturbances of the gastrointestinal tract associated with flatulence, indigestion and gastric reflux. In addition to those herbs you can help relieve heart-burn and indigestion by chewing papaya and mint tablets, or even drinking a cup or two of soothing peppermint tea daily.

Q: I am currently five months pregnant with my second child, I am exhausted most of the time and would love to get more energy. With my first child I experienced some difficulty while breastfeeding with my milk production, is there anything natural I can take that will help me? Helena J. WA

 A: Firstly increasing your energy levels during pregnancy can be done gently by taking spirulina capsules. Spirulina is a blue-green algae which contains good levels of highly digestible protein, all the amino acids, minerals, vitamins and essential nutrients. In terms of promoting breast milk there are two key herbs - Blessed Thistle (Cnicus benedictus) and Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum). Blessed Thistle’s therapeutic properties date back to the 1500’s. It has an excellent ability to promote nourishing breast milk in nursing mothers and it is not harmful to the baby. Fenugreek has been found to have many uses including increasing breast milk in nursing mothers. The odour of fenugreek can be detected in the breast milk but only if you exceed the recommended dosage.

Article thanks to Herbs and Health Magazine Australia

Q: I have exams coming up and I am looking for something natural that will help improve my memory and my ability to cope with extended periods of study so I don’t runout of steam. Rebecca D. SA

A: The herb gotu kola (Centella asiatica) is an excellent brain and memory tonic. It is one of the most important rejuvenating herbs in Indian herbal medicine (Ayurveda) and, despite its name, contains no caffeine or cola. It is particularly valued for revitalising nerve and brain cells, promoting calmness and clarity, improving poor memory and lack of concentration and increasing meditation ability. It is also valued as a brain food, improving intelligence and reflexes by increasing blood supply to the brain. You can use this herb to enhance mental alertness, clarity and energy levels, without getting any of the ‘jitteriness’ some people experience with coffee. 

Q: I am a mum of three kids and work three days a week and study part time. My husband is often away on business and I am at the end of my tether. What do you recommend? Megan S. NSW 

A: It sounds like you are suffering from adrenal fatigue, commonly referred to as ‘burn out’. This condition is characterised by feeling tired, rundown, overwhelmed or anxious for no reason. You may also have trouble getting up in the morning and feel like you are constantly fighting another infection. Indian herbal medicine provides possibly the best fix, with the herb ashwagandha (Withania somnifera). Its active constituents not only directly rejuvenate the adrenal glands, but also put a stop to the vicious cycle that is symptomatic of adrenal fatigue. Studies have shown that ashwagandha increases stamina, eliminates anxiety and mental fatigue, and improves immunity, mood and sex drive

Q:  I suffer from vaginal thrush and every time I think it’s gone, it comes back again. I am sick of taking medications and creams. What can I do to rid this extremely irritating and frustrating condition from my body? Sonja H. VIC

A: Thrush (candidiasis) is one of 70 different species of the Candida (Candida albicans) yeast. This yeast usually lives harmlessly in small amounts in the bowel, mouth and vagina. However, when there is an overgrowth (sometimes after antibiotic or oral contraceptive use, or with some immune related disorders), symptoms such as vaginal itching, burning or thick white discharge may appear. The area may also become red or swollen. Also be aware that repeated episodes can simply be caused by re-infection by your partner who has not been treated.

Pau D’arco (Tabebuia heptaphylla) is a South American herb with antifungal activity. Traditionally used to treat a wide range of conditions, it recently has been found to be effective against Candida yeast infections when combined with an appropriate diet. It is available both as a tea and in capsules.

Pau D’arco can be combined with golden seal (Hydrastis canadensis). This soothing herb has anti-inflammatory properties. Its antimicrobial action also gives the herb its rightly earned reputation for being a natural antibiotic. Golden seal’s medicinal value and high demand has made it rare and this, compounded by the fact that the root takes three to five years to mature, is reflected in its high price.

To treat thrush, you also need to look at what you are eating. Steer clear of yeast, sugar and processed foods. Fresh is always best. You may also want to take a probiotic, such as acidophilus or bifidus, but take these at least 2 hours apart from Pau D’arco.

 Also, avoid using soaps or perfumed sprays in the genital area. Cotton underwear and loose clothing will also help.

Article thanks to Herbs and Health Magazine Australia

Q: I am currently recovering from a cold. When my symptoms started, I began taking Echinacea, and I   found my sniffles only lasted a couple of days! Can I continue taking Echinacea to prevent another cold? Maria, QLD. 

A: I’m glad the Echinacea was such a great help! However, a 1999 review of Echinacea’s use in upper respiratory tract infections suggested that the current evidence is stronger for supporting the use of Echinacea in acute treatment and quite modest for its use in prevention. I suggest you try Astragalus, a traditional Chinese herb that is useful in enhancing the body’s immune function during convalescence. It can be taken long-term over the winter months to build up your resistance and reduce the likelihood of catching a second bout of the cold or flu. But don’t throw away the Echinacea! Keep it and some vitamin C in the medicine cabinet for the family to take at the first signs of a cold.

Q: I know there are a few herbs that help boost breast milk production. Is one better than another? Chantelle, VIC. 

A: The main herbs used to boost breast milk production are Blessed Thistle, Fenugreek and Asparagus racemosa root. All are equally good in this regard, so your choice comes down to which of their other properties would be most beneficial. For example, Blessed Thistle is a gentle liver tonic that, due to its bitter action, may also stimulate the appetite of a baby who is a poor feeder. Fenugreek is an expectorant that can help relieve excess mucus and coughs, so might help if you have a cold or flu. Asparagus helps with minor menstrual irregularities and lightens bleeding, so may be the best choice if your period tends to be heavy or painful.

Article thanks to Herbs and Health Magazine Australia

A. It is thought that estrogen may be a factor in causing cancer and Arimidex is often prescribed for breast cancer.

It is the bacteria Bifidobacterium bifidum which aids estrogen metabolism by helping with bile detoxification, but it also exhibits anti-carcinogenic activity, decreases serum cholesterol, and contributes to vitamin B production.

Acidophilus also appears to play a role in breast cancer prevention by preventing estradiol (an estrogenic hormone) from being absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract. High levels of estradiol have been implicated in breast cancer. Acidophilus actually produces metabolites that help inhibit the growth of bacteria that can produce carcinogens.

To increase your healthy bacteria you may choose probiotic capsules or eat foods containing probiotics. Foods which use beneficial bacteria for fermentation such as some cheeses and yogurts contain probiotics and some dairy products are given supplement doses of good bacteria. For those who cannot use milk products, acidophilus is also available from carrots, soybeans, rice starch, garbanzo beans and other sources. Read food labels when you shop.
For best results, acidophilus supplements should be taken on an empty stomach before breakfast and an hour before other meals. There appear to be few short-term problems with taking acidophilus, however, some people have reported excess bloating or gas for the first few days while taking the supplement.

People with weakened immune systems, such as those who are taking steroids, who have received organ transplants, or who have AIDS, should use acidophilus with caution. Although uncommon, allergic reactions to acidophilus have been reported, symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including difficulty breathing; closing of  throat; swelling of lips, tongue, or face; or hives.

There are no reported interactions between acidophilus and other medications, however, you may wish to consult your health care provider before taking acidophilus if you have any issues.