GHS Natural Health Blog

Your Health questions answered: Alison Rafter, natural health practitioner specialises in medical herbalism, iridology and massage therapy.

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

In traditional Indian (Ayurvedic) medicine, asparagus root has many uses, including powerful rejuvenating properties that act on the female reproductive system.

Unlike the West, where it is often viewed as a nuisance, menstruation in the Ayurvedic tradition is considered an essential process of cleansing and renewal. As a result, women are thought to be healthier and longer living than men, and menstrual blood is deemed sacred.

The queen of herbs

Asparagus root, or shatavari as it is known in Ayurvedic medicine, is often referred to as the ‘queen of herbs’ because it is said to promote love and devotion (the Hindu word shatavari actually translates as ‘capable of a hundred husbands’). It is also sometimes considered the female equivalent to Ashwagandha (Withania somniferia), a herb that is often used to increase energy and stamina, reduce anxiety and mental fatigue, improve immunity and boost sex drive in men.

From puberty to menopause

With its cleansing, nourishing, soothing and strengthening effects on the female reproductive organs, asparagus root can be used throughout a woman’s entire reproductive life cycle. Traditionally, it has been used to treat premenstrual syndrome, amenorrhea (lack of menstruation), dysmenorrhea (painful menstruation), pelvic inflammatory diseases such as endometriosis, and the various symptoms of menopause. The herb also helps to build blood and support deep tissue, making it useful in preparing the uterus for conception. It can also act as a postpartum tonic by helping to increase lactation and normalising the uterus and fluctuating hormones. Asparagus root has even been shown to help in cases of infertility, by improving egg quality in older prospective mothers. During menopause, and for women who have had hysterectomies, the herb helps to boost the supply of female hormones that usually become deficient around this time. It can also soothe vaginal dryness, another typical result of the natural ageing process.

Evidence and availability

Until recently, asparagus root was only available to Western herbal practitioners in an alcohol tincture. Now it is available over the counter in capsule form. In addition to its role in female sexual health, asparagus root is also indicated for gastrointestinal disorders, such as heartburn, nausea and stomach ulcers, as well as for relieving constipation. Research results and years of use have shown asparagus root to be an extremely effective and low-risk prescription for all of the symptoms mentioned, but it should not be taken during pregnancy.

Asparagus root is commonly prescribed for:

• Irregular menstrual cycles
• Painful periods
• Uterine cramping
• Heavy periods
• Breast tenderness
• Hot flushes
• Painful sexual intercourse
• Hormone imbalances
• Low libido
• Excess vaginal discharge
• Poor breast milk supply
• Constipation
• Gastrointestinal reflux
• Gastrointestinal hyperacidity
• Gastrointestinal ulcers
• Inflammation
• Suppressed immunity

Case Study:

*I first met Susan doing a talk at a local community centre regarding menopause. She subsequently made an appointment to see me. She was 44 years of age, having regular periods but flooding and clotting requiring pad changes every 20 – 30 minutes with each menstrual cycle. She was experiencing depression and other common symptoms associated with perimenopause. She had previously self prescribed over the counter ‘menopause’ supplements, but this resulted in even heavier menstrual bleeding. This led me to believe that she either had fibroids or adenomyosis (a form of endometriosis), thus the oestrogenic supplements aggravated her condition. I suggested she return to her GP and request a pelvic ultrasound. The ultrasound showed extensive adenomyosis. I then prescribed her asparagus root. This lightened her periods extensively, Susan no longer worried about leaving the house. She was taking asparagus root everyday of the cycle and double doses on the heavy days. She was also experiencing hot flushes, fatigue and some depressive symptoms. We treated this with various liver tonics but found that sage worked the best to control the hot flushes. We used homoeopathics to control the depression and iron supplementation (due to history of heavy bleeding) to treat the fatigue. Four years later, we continue the treatment combinations of asparagus root and sage with full relief of reproductive symptoms associated with menopause and the existing adenomyosis.

*Tracey Yeend, ND, RN/RM, Cert Pharm, is a registered nurse, midwife and naturopath practising in South Australia.

Say goodbye to night sweats

The majority of menopausal women suffer with the distressing symptom of excessive sweating. In some women this plagues them day and night for others it may be a night-time only occurrence. Whatever the case many women agree this is the worst part of menopause! However it appears a traditional culinary herb may hold the solution for this age old problem. The herb, sage (Salvia officinalis) has been used for many years for the treatment of excessive sweating. Even if you are not in the menopausal category, if you are male or female and sweat or perspire a lot then this herb may provide a natural treatment for your symptoms.

Article thanks to Herbs and Health Magazine Australia

Why is it so common to have elevated cholesterol these days?

Even though many cases may be due to an inherited tendency to produce excess amounts, elevated cholesterol is often caused by an unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. Stress also plays a big role, as prolonged stress elevates a hormone called cortisol which leads to an increase in cholesterol levels. One in two Australian adults over 25 are living with high cholesterol, greatly increasing their risk of heart disease. In 2008 the National Cholesterol Test surveyed more than 500 Australians about their knowledge of cholesterol and its health implications. Over 50 per cent incorrectly believed that the majority of cholesterol comes solely from food when, in fact, the body makes most of the cholesterol it needs. Nearly half of those surveyed try and manage their cholesterol through lifestyle changes, such as diet, exercise and weight loss, but this may not always be enough to lower cholesterol to an acceptable level.

What does cholesterol do in the body?

Some cholesterol is actually required for a number of functions, including insulating nerve fibres, ensuring nerve signals travel properly and making the hormones that carry chemical signals around the body. Moderate cholesterol is associated with higher levels of serotonin, the body’s natural ‘feel-good’ chemical. There are two types of cholesterol: HDL (the ‘good’ cholesterol) collects fats that have deposited in your arteries and delivers them back to the liver so they can be made into bile to help digest your next fatty meal. The ‘bad’ cholesterol, LDL, delivers cholesterol to places in the body where it’s needed but if there is too much of it, deposits it in unwanted places, such as the arteries.

How do I know if my cholesterol is high?

The short answer is you don’t, not without a blood test. Even slim people who consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables can have elevated cholesterol, particularly since the cholesterol obtained from food only accounts for about 25 per cent of your total levels. Having high cholesterol doesn’t usually produce obvious symptoms, except the noccasional fatty deposit called xanthomas that generally appear as yellow patches around the eyes. Left untreated, a build up of cholesterol on the artery walls can lead to atherosclerosis, angina or even a stroke

What about medications to lower cholesterol?

The class of medication most commonly used to lower cholesterol are the statins, which work by blocking the enzyme your body uses to make cholesterol. Although effective, they are not without side effects. A recent New Zealand study found that statins were reportedly involved in depression, memory loss, confusion and aggressive reactions. This could be because serotonin, the ‘feel-good’ neurotransmitter needed to be happy, is associated with cholesterol. If your cholesterol levels are too low, your serotonin levels can also be too low, leading to low mood. If you are prescribed statins, I recommend you also take a CoQ10 supplement, as evidence shows that taking statins depletes the body’s supply of Coenzyme Q10.

Are there natural alternatives to statins?

Yes, several supplements have been shown to be effective in lowering elevated LDL, and I would consider Globe Artichoke to be one of the most helpful cholesterol-lowering herbs. In one double-blind study, a dose of 1800mg Artichoke leaf extract was administered daily for six weeks. At the end of the trial the active group had a decrease in total serum cholesterol of 18.5 per cent compared to the placebo group’s 8.6 per cent. Not only is Globe Artichoke effective at lowering cholesterol levels in combination with a low fat diet, it also assists with symptoms of indigestion and dyspepsia. Globe Artichoke acts on the bile duct, allowing a regular release of bile to help digest dietary fats. Cynarin, the active component in Globe Artichoke, also exerts a protective function on liver cells, protecting them against alcohol, prescription medicine and even viruses.

What sort of reduction in my total cholesterol level can I expect by taking Globe Artichoke?

A typical example is Debbie, one of my patients whose total cholesterol reading was 6.1 before she started taking a Globe Artichoke supplement. Debbie took one 6 g capsule daily, followed a low-fat diet and walked regularly. After 12 weeks her total cholesterol reading was 4.1.

Are there any additional measures I should take?

If you make healthy eating choices and stay aware of the different kinds of fats in foods, then you’re well on the way to controlling your cholesterol levels. You should also make a commitment to exercise regularly. One recent review evaluated 25 different studies on exercise and cholesterol and found that, for exercise to have an effect on HDL cholesterol, participants needed to exercise for about two hours a week consistently – the longer the exercise session the greater the HDL boost. Aerobic exercise, such as walking or cycling, was found to be the most effective.

Can anyone take Globe Artichoke?

Most people can, except those with an allergy to plants in the daisy family. I recommend anyone with an existing liver or gall bladder condition to consult with their healthcare professional to determine the suitability of Globe Artichoke. Also, it is important to check in with your healthcare practitioner to monitor your cholesterol levels to ensure that your changes to diet, supplements and lifestyle have the desired results.

With the average age of first-time Australian mums increasing, many couples concerned about their ability to conceive are seeking natural ways to boost their fertility.

While you can’t turn back time, you can effectively reduce your biological age by two years if you follow a healthy diet and supplement with essential fertility nutrients and herbs for at least four months before conception, claims leading fertility expert Francesca Naish.

The benefits of supplementing

In addition to vitamins, minerals and other nutrients, various herbal extracts can help to balance hormone levels and promote fertility. As well as helping the body do what comes naturally, they are also beneficial for your overall health. Herbs contain antioxidants and other important compounds that boost immune function, fight off illness and benefit your cardiovascular system, to name a few! So you are not only boosting fertility, you are promoting general wellness at the same time. Often a combination of herbal extracts is the most effective tool, each working synergistically with the other.

Tribulus (Tribulus terrestris): Better known for its perceived benefits in building muscle, the positive effects this herb has on both male and female fertility are sometimes overlooked. Tribulus acts as a general fertility tonic and aphrodisiac and is used to restore vitality and reduce the physiological effects of stress.

In one study, Tribulus extract given at a dose of 750 mg per day for five days, demonstrated an increase in sex hormone production for both men and women. In another study 36 infertile women were given Tribulus; 6 per cent became pregnant as a result of normalised ovulation; 61 per cent demonstrated normalised ovulation and no pregnancy; and 33 per cent demonstrated no effect from Tribulus. Studies also show that protodioscin, the active component of Tribulus, has several beneficial effects on sperm production, improving the quantity and quality of sperm produced as well as sperm motility (the ability to swim and reach the female egg). In a double blind study of 45 infertile married men, 36 were treated with Tribulus daily for three months. The control group of nine men were given a placebo for the same period.  Spouses of eight of the men in the treated group achieved pregnancies after their husbands’ treatment, whereas no pregnancies occurred in the spouses of the men in the control group. The researchers also noted improvements in sperm quality and composition after the treatment period. The recommended daily dose of Tribulus extract standardised to contain a minimum of protodioscin is 240 to 360 mg. It is best used on days five to 14 of the menstrual cycle for enhanced female fertility. Males can take this supplement continuously.

Asparagus (Shatavari): Not to be confused with the humble vegetable you buy in the supermarket, Asparagus racemosa is extremely useful for both male and female sexual and reproductive health due to its tonic and rejuvenative properties. In males, Asparagus root has been shown to improve seminal qualities by increasing sperm count and motility. In females, it nourishes and cleanses the blood and reproductive organs, as well as regulating premenstrual symptoms and minor imbalances in the menstrual cycle. Asparagus is often used to control excessive menstrual bleeding because of its healing effect on the endometrium. Asparagus root improves egg quality in older prospective mothers and also breast milk production in nursing mothers. The recommended dose is 2g daily.

Chaste Tree (Vitex agnus-castus): Also known as Vitex (Chaste Tree berries) are one of the most well known natural fertility herbs for women. It stimulates the pituitary gland, which produces the female sex hormones oestrogen and progesterone, and stimulates the ovulation process. Particularly useful when there is a low level of progesterone production, this herb acts as a rejuvenating tonic to the reproductive system. More specifically, Chaste Tree has been used successfully by women suffering from irregular ovulation and by women with shorter luteal phases (the period between ovulation and the end of the menstrual cycle). Chaste Tree has also been shown to restore normal ovulation after discontinuing use of birth control pills. The recommended daily dose of the powdered berries or fruit is 1.5g.

Withania (Ashwagandha): In Sanskrit, Ashwagandha means ‘the smell of a horse’ because the strong odour of the fresh root resembles horse urine. It is also considered to bestow the sexual vitality of a horse on the user and is traditionally used in cases of sterility and infertility. In India, Withania is regarded as one of the best male rejuvenating tonics, promoting sperm production, blood flow and tone to the reproductive organs. It also regulates hormonal function in men. The traditional recommended daily dose of the powdered root is 2 g daily.

Coenzyme Q10: A 2004 study demonstrated daily supplementation with coenzyme Q10 can help improve sperm movement in infertile men. Coenzyme Q10 is active in the testes and plays an important role in forming membranes and other structures within cells by fighting the effects of oxidative stress. Researchers looked at the effects of daily oral supplementation with 200 mg of coenzyme Q10 in 22 infertile men with low sperm motility. At the start of the study, researchers found the men had lower-than-normal levels of coenzyme Q10 in their seminal fluid. After six months of supplementation with the antioxidant, the men experienced a significant increase in these levels. The researchers also found a significant increase in sperm motility, which was linked to the rise in coenzyme Q10 levels. Coenzyme Q10 may also protect the ovaries in older mothers, a likely result of its antioxidant properties.

The jury is in

Foresight, a British Medical Association for the promotion of preconception, conducted a study between 1990 and 1993, using a nutritional and lifestyle modification preconception care programme. The results were nothing less than remarkable. There was a tenfold reduction in the expected incidence of miscarriage and birth defects and more than an 80 per cent success rate with unexplained infertility. Out of the 367 couples in the study, 327 (89 per cent) successfully became pregnant and 327 children were born. All the babies born were healthy. Among the 204 couples with infertility problems, 175 (86 per cent) were able to achieve a healthy pregnancy.

These results clearly demonstrate that herbs and supplements play an important role in achieving a trouble-free pregnancy and a happy, healthy baby.