464 Heart Health Protocol [26 March 2018]

A recent webinar by Dr. Philip Rouchotas, a naturopathic doctor practicing in Bolton, Ontario, described his protocol for heart health. This would be particularly beneficial for someone who has had a heart attack or been diagnosed with heart disease.

The base of the protocol is the Mediterranean Diet, with minor modifications. The landmark study published in 1999 found an amazing 56% reduction in all-cause mortality over 4 years compared to the diet recommended at the time by the American Heart Association. It contains plenty of vegetables and fruit, plus olive oil (2 tablespoons per day), and nuts (¼ to ½ cup per day of almonds, walnuts, pistachios). For meat it recommends fish frequently, poultry in moderation, and red meat occasionally.

Exercise: at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise (like walking) 5 times per week. A meta-analysis found that for people with heart disease, exercise reduced all-cause mortality by 24%, along with many other benefits.

Fish oil: 1,000 to 2,000 mg of omega 3 (EPA + DHA) daily. A large study from Italy published in Lancet in 1999 found that in heart attack survivors, 850 mg of omega 3 reduced sudden coronary death by 45% and all-cause mortality by 25%. A 2006 Japanese study found that 1800 mg worked even better.

CoQ10: 200 – 300 mg daily, divided. CoQ10 supports the mitochondria which create the energy which powers our muscles (and the heart is our most important muscle!). A large study in 2014 found that over 2 years 300mg of CoQ10 reduced cardiovascular deaths by 43% and all-cause mortality by 42%. A 2007 meta-analysis found that CoQ10 lowered systolic blood pressure by 16.6 and diastolic by 8.2, making CoQ10 the single most important supplement for blood pressure.

N-Acetyl-Carnitine: 1500-2000 mg daily, divided. This form of the amino acid carnitine also supports our mitochondria. Many human trials show benefits for cardiovascular health including faster healing from a heart attack and improved heart function.

Plant sterols: 1500-2000 mg daily, divided. A meta-analysis found that plant sterols reduced LDL (the “bad” cholesterol) by 10-14%, almost half of the 30% reduction expected from prescription statin drugs.

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

419 Using Essential Oils Safely [8 May 2017]

Essential oils are concentrated, volatile oils extracted from the flowers, leaves, roots or peels of plants. When used properly, essential oils can improve your health and well-being, but used improperly could cause harm.

Oils should be taken internally only under professional supervision. In Canada and the United States no essential oil is labeled for internal use. In France essential oils are used internally but only when prescribed by physicians with special training in aromatherapy, and then only a few drops for a very short time. Even with peppermint oil, one drop is equivalent to 25-30 tea bags which you wouldn’t drink all at once. Fortunately consumption is not necessary for full benefits of essential oils.

Inhalation is the most popular way to use essential oils. Use up to 6 drops in an ultrasonic diffuser, as more creates a heavy layer of oil on the water which inhibits diffusion. The essential oil components stay in the blood for several hours (half-life is 45 minutes) so a 20 minute exposure every few hours is sufficient.

Another popular method of using essential oils is topically, either massaged directly on the skin or added to a bath. Most oils should be diluted with a carrier oil for topical use – lavender is the only exception that can be used neat (full strength). Good oils for carrier include sweet almond, avocado, grapeseed, castor, jojoba, sesame, and fractionated coconut oil, each with different properties. Use no more than 6 drops of up to 3 essential oils mixed with the carrier oil in each application. Apply to the affected area or to the soles of the feet. Keep away from the eyes, ears and mucous membranes. Essential oils applied topically take 3 to 6 hours to clear the body – much longer if you are obese or in poor health – so don’t over apply. Use a 1% blend on children (6 drops with 30 ml of carrier oil).

In a bath, add the essential oils to bath salts first to disperse the oils throughout the water. Milder oils like clary sage and lavender are safer than cinnamon, oregano, thyme, bergamot and lemongrass which could irritate the skin.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medications, check with a health professional before using aromatherapy as there are contraindications for some essential oils. Citrus oils, especially bergamot, increase skin photosensitivity and the risk of sunburn. Essential oils with a high menthol content like eucalyptus, peppermint, wintergreen (and more) should not be used with young children or cats as their livers are unable to process them. Store away from sunlight and heat and out of reach of children and pets.

Sources:
presentation by Marva Ward, CNP, Saskatoon, May 1,2017
Using Essential Oils Safely www.usingeossafely.com
The Truth About Essential Oil Safety ebook by Lea Harris, $9.99 USD

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

127 Toxic Mold [15 August 2011]

After this wet spring and summer, there could be mold growing in your home. Mold thrives in cool, moist dark areas like our basements. Mold is never good news and some, like black mold, is downright toxic. Spores and chemicals produced by mold can result in severe health problems like headaches, allergies and respiratory disease in people with compromised immune systems. To eliminate mold in your house, first block the moisture source and dry the affected area. Moldy material like wallboard may have to be removed. Get advice from an experienced professional or visit a reputable website like the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corp [www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca].

Something I have learned about that you may not find on these websites is the Thieves© blend of essential oils which has been shown to be very effective in cleaning mold. Dan Burke, a construction business owner had so much mold on his boat he thought it would be a total loss. He bought and applied 8 different cleaners – including bleach – plus some Thieves© blend from his mother-in-law. To his surprise, Thieves© removed the mold most completely and it lasted the longest [www.secretofthieves.com/mold.cfm]. Edward Close, a mold consultant with 30 years experience, discovered that Thieves© worked much better for eliminating mold spores than the strongest hospital disinfectant available [www.moldrx4u.com].

Experience has shown that for best results, first diffuse Thieves© for 24-48 hours to remove spores from the room. Then clean visible mold with Thieves© Household Cleaner wearing a mask, goggles and rubber gloves. Thieves© is powerful, long-lasting, safe to use (it’s included in my toothpaste) and even smells nice. The name comes from robbers entering homes where people were dead and dying during the Black Plague in Europe who used the herbs in the Thieves© formula to protect themselves from the disease.

This article is intended for educational purposes only; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

105 Natural Sleep Aids [14 March 2011]

Last week we looked at some of the heath problems caused by inadequate sleep. This week we’ll explore some natural means to improve sleep:
• Establish a routine: go to bed and get up at the same time every day, even on weekends! Be consistent with naps.
• Avoid stressful activities (TV, video games, homework, discussing your “relationship” with your spouse) for an hour before bed.
• Listen to relaxing music or read a relaxing enjoyable book (not a horror murder mystery!). Try journaling your thoughts to help you unwind.
• Keep your bedroom completely dark – remove night lights, cover clock/radio dials, use light-tight window blinds. Wear an eye mask if necessary. The pineal gland produces melatonin and serotonin only in the dark.
• Avoid coffee and alcohol in the evening.
• Empty your bladder just before bed and don’t drink any fluid for several hours before bedtime to minimize getting up in the night.
• Eat a high protein snack with a small piece of fruit prior to bedtime.
• Exercise in the morning or early afternoon; a gentle relaxing activity in the evening may help you relax.
• Get a massage as often as possible – my clients often comment that they sleep better after a massage treatment.
• Apply essential oils such as lavender, chamomile, citrus, Jasmine or Sandalwood to your face (avoid the eyes), soles of the feet, or your pillow.
• Drink a cup of chamomile tea or a herbal blend designed as a sleep aid.
• There are many effective herbal and nutritional sleep aid supplements.
• Melatonin is an effective sleep aid – use the lowest strength that works for you.
• If stress is keeping you awake, nutritional formulas to help you deal with excess cortisol should help.

Sources: “Snooze it or lose it!” by Irene Seiberling, The Star Phoenix, March 8, 2011 B6; www.mercola.com

Wishing you all a good night’s sleep!

This article is intended for educational purposes only; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

038 Oil of Oregano [16 Nov 2009]

The use of oregano oil as an herbal remedy was popularized by Dr. Cass Ingram in his books “The Cure is in the Cupboard” (2001) and “Natural Cures for Killer Germs” (2004).

Oil of Oregano is the essential oil of a particular Mediterranean species of wild oregano plant, which is a member of the mint family. The oil is steam distilled at low temperature and unrefined. The main active ingredient is carvacrol, a type of phenol. The essential oil is sometimes diluted 1:4 with olive oil to make it safer to use.

Oil of Oregano has been found to be amazingly effective in killing all forms of infectious agents: bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. No other substance is known to work so well on so many different pathogens and still be safe to take internally. So far there does not appear to be evidence of pathogens developing a resistance to carvacrol.

Oil of Oregano has been used effectively in treating bacterial, viral, fungal and parasitical infections. It can also be used preventatively to boost your immune system and keep you from becoming ill in the first place. The oil can be applied externally to the skin or taken internally. When applying it to the skin, dilute further with a pure vegetable oil such as olive if a burning sensation is felt. The best way to take it internally is a few drops under the tongue. Warning though - it has a bite to it and takes some getting used to. You can also mix the oil with juice or water and simply drink it.

In addition to its anti microbial properties, oil of oregano has anti inflammatory and pain relieving properties.

Oil of Oregano may be effective in helping many conditions that may surprise you: asthma and allergies; peptic ulcer; sinusitis; toothaches and gum disease; acne and warts; arthritis and back pain; nail fungus and athlete’s foot; psoriasis, shingles and eczema.

Medicinal quality oil of oregano can also be used to flavor foods like soups, salads and casseroles.

This powerful and versatile herbal remedy should be in every medicine cabinet and first aid kit. Be careful in shopping for oil of oregano. The best and most effective oils are labeled Wild Mediterranean Oregano or contain an extract called P73.

This article is intended for educational purposes only; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.

031 Aromatherapy [28 Sept 2009]

Aromatherapy is the art and science of using essential oils to promote health and wellness. The term “aromatherapy” was first used in the 1920’s, but the knowledge of extraction and application of essential oils is an ancient art. Aromatic plants and oils have been used for thousands of years as perfumes, to add flavor to food, and for their healing properties. Essential oils are distilled from different parts of many different plants each with their own properties.

The most common way of using essential oils is inhalation.  Aromas have a rapid and powerful influence on the brain and pituitary gland. Diffusers and vaporizers spread the oils throughout a room. Oils can also be added to a bath.

Direct application to the skin is a very effective way to use essential oils. Apply a few drops to the affected area, either “neat” (full strength) or diluted with a carrier oil. The oils can be massaged into the skin or used with a compress.

Therapeutic Grade essential oils with the GRAS rating can also be taken internally, either added to food or water. Therapeutic Grade oils are the highest quality available. They are pure, obtained by slow steam distillation from specific parts of correctly identified varieties of plants, and are undiluted with chemicals or carrier oils.

There are hundreds of potential uses of essential oils for both physical and emotional health. Here are a few common – and not so common – uses.

·        Lavender is healing to the skin and promotes relaxation

·        Ginger alleviates motion sickness and stimulates courage

·        Peppermint aids digestion and promotes mental alertness

·        Oregano supports the immune system and promotes feeling of security

·        Clove supports circulatory function and relieves toothaches

·        Clary Sage helps with menstrual cramps, edema and mood

·        Thyme is a powerful antioxidant and supports the liver, heart, eye & brain

·        Rosemary supports blood circulation and improves mental focus

·        Patchouly improves appearance of skin and increases sexual desire

·        And hundreds more…

Essential oils are truly a gift of health to man from the Creator.

This article is intended for educational purposes only; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.