ANTIOXIDANTS: THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH

 What are antioxidants?

            Antioxidants are natural compounds known to protect the body’s tissues against oxidative stress, illness, and the premature aging caused by free radical damage.

What are free radicals?

            A free radical is an atom that contains at least one unpaired negative-charged electron.  The free radical seeks to bond with something, stealing an electron to complete itself.  In so doing it creates another free radical, leaving behind a trail of damage.  This damage leads to premature aging and may be a contributing cause to cancer.  Free radicals are created by exposure to radiation, the sun or medical x-rays.  Environmental pollutants such as tobacco smoke, automobile exhaust, pesticides, solvents, formaldehyde, and everyday chemicals expose us to free radical damage.  Medical drugs, chemotherapy, and anesthetics also contribute to free radical oxidation.  In the diet, high temperature cooking of fats creates large numbers of free radicals.  Processed foods, additives, and alcohol also contribute to the problem.

How do antioxidants work?

            Antioxidants neutralize free radicals by binding to their free electrons and ending the chain of damage.  Antioxidants work synergistically, so it is better to take a blend of different ones rather than a huge dose of only one kind.  Variety is key!

Where do I find antioxidants?

            They are abundant in many fruits and vegetables.  Most berries and deep colored fruits are excellent sources.  The number one fruit to eat is the American blueberry, which a relative of the European bilberry and similar in antioxidant properties.  The bilberry provides 50X the antioxidant protection of Vitamin E and 10X the protection of Vitamin C.  The second fruit of choice for antioxidant value is the apple.  Apples may inhibit cancer, increase cell proliferation, decrease fat oxidation, and lower cholesterol.  Also, adding 4 cups of green tea to your daily diet, may provide additional cancer protection.  Turmeric (curcumin) also prevents the formation of free radicals and neutralizes them.  Turmeric stops pre-cancerous changes in the DNA and interferes with the enzyme action leading to the progression of cancer.  Turmeric is more than 5X as powerful as Vitamin E as an antioxidant.  

            Do you want to be healthy and stay young?  Add a variety of antioxidants to your diet and in supplemental form to protect yourself from free radical damage.

COMFREY

          Comfrey is a cell proliferant…providing speedy healing for wounds.  In fact, you must be careful to clean out the wound well before using comfrey, or you may find it heals over with infection underneath.  The plant is mucilaginous; the roots are very sticky.  This quality makes it soothing to respiratory or digestive systems, where it has traditionally been used with success for emphysema and ulcers.  Comfrey stops bleeding and soothes inflammation.

          Historically, a paste of comfrey and water was used to form a cast to set broken bones.  Hence, its reputation as a “bone knitter”.  Comfrey contains allantoin, a chemical that promotes the growth of new cells.  It is also high in calcium. 

          There have been cautions on internal use for comfrey since the 1990’s.  Rats were tested by giving large doses of pyrrolizidine alkaloids extracted from comfrey and they developed cancer tumors.  However, rats that were given the whole comfrey plant and not just the extracted alkaloids did not develop tumors.  Perhaps the FDA might also want to ban tomatoes and potatoes, as they have the same alkaloids. Bruce Ames, Ph.D., of U.C. Berkeley published data in the journal, Science, that comfrey taken internally is less toxic or carcinogenic than an equivalent amount of beer.

Most herbalists cannot recommend comfrey taken internally because of these cautions.  If you do decide to use comfrey internally, keep these cautions in mind and do not use it for an extended period of time.

In the garden, comfrey grows vigorously to 4 ft.  Be careful where you plant it, as it is difficult to get rid of once established.  It is a hardy perennial with dark green hairy leaves and blue/purple flowers.  It can be kept trimmed to be a hedge.  Both the leaves and roots are used medicinally.

My favorite use of comfrey is in combination with marshmallow as a fomentation, compress, or soak for wounds and inflammations.

To make a fomentation: boil 2 cups of water, pour over 1 tbsp. marshmallow leaf and 1 tbsp. comfrey leaf (dried), steep for 15 minutes, strain out herbs, dip a clean white cloth (no dyes) in liquid and placed on inflamed area.  The liquid may be reheated and used several times; keep in the refrigerator for up to three days.

EMOTIONAL HEALTH WITH BACH FLOWERS

What Are BACH Flower Remedies?

Dr. Edward Bach, a well-respected biologist, discovered during observations of his patients, that a person’s mental outlook influenced their recovery.  Bach recognized that disease was the result of a conflict between the soul, mind, and body.  If you can change a person’s attitude towards life to a positive one, you can restore balance and reduce negativity.  In 1936 as a result of his research, he created 38 flower “essences” which restores this imbalance.  These remedies are non-toxic and are safe for children or pets!

Bach stated, “Seek the outstanding mental conflict in the person, give him the Remedy that will overcome that conflict, and (give) all the hope and encouragement you can, then the virtue within him, will itself, do all the rest…treat the cause, not the effect.”

What Do Bach Flower Remedies Accomplish?

The flower remedies ease emotions such as anger, fear, anxiety, or depression, bringing forth the well-being of the person.  They work to alter a person’s attitude towards life; restoring a positive outlook.  Each time the remedy is taken, the negative emotions are reduced until balance is restored.  The remedies may be divided into seven categories:  fear, uncertainty, disinterested, loneliness, easily influenced, despondent, and over-caring.  Bach flowers may give you more confidence, courage, endurance, hope in the future, self-reliance, tolerance of others, more will-power, and selfless love.

What is Rescue Remedy?

Rescue remedy is a combination of five of the Bach flower essences:  Impatiens, Star of Bethlehem, Cherry Plum, Rock Rose, and Clematis.  This is the first aid remedy for any emergency or shock…it de-stresses, calms, and relaxes.

Why should I Consider Bach Flower Remedies?

Emotions do influence physical health.   Sometimes we must address the underlying emotional problem in order for the body to heal.  Bach flower remedies may help a person to release these toxic emotions in a healthy way, changing their thinking to a positive and balanced pattern.  If emotions are running your life, I encourage you to take steps to find balance and healing…Bach flower essences can help.

PLANNING YOUR HERB GARDEN

Dream Big!  What kind of garden do you want?

When I am planning a new garden, my first stop is the library, where I select picture books of gardens.  One of my favorite books is The Herbalist’s Garden, by Shatoiya and Richard de la Tour.  Then I curl up for several hours and just dream.  Another way to stimulate ideas is to visit other gardens. Two of my favorites in this area are:  Cory’s Wildflower Gardens in Chillicothe, OH 740-774-1771 or Inniswood Metro Gardens in Westerville, OH 614-891-0700.  As you wander the gardens notice the layout, various groupings, and placement of plants.  Which are in the sun or in shade?  Look at the shape of the garden and its pathways.  Sometimes you can achieve a similar look in a smaller space or with a smaller budget…be creative.

What is the purpose or style of your garden?

Choose a garden theme such as:  kitchen, medicinal, tea, potpourri, aromatherapy, herbs to attract bees or butterflies, or perhaps a specific color.  Think about style.  Do you like traditional?  Then maybe a knot garden or four-square herb garden.  Do you want something more eclectic?  Then perhaps an herb border or naturalized wildflower planting is best for you.

Step into reality:  make a plan on paper first…

Now that you have allowed yourself to dream; it is time to assess how you will work with what you have.   Do you have shade or sun?  Do you have existing pathways, buildings, and trees to work into your plan?  How much time do you want to put into garden maintenance?  What is your existing budget?  Perhaps you will want to create a plan with steps to be accomplished over several years.  Start with structures such as walls, trellis, pergola, patio/deck, fences, paths, steps, and trees/shrubs. Plan a focal point to draw the eye into your garden.  Prepare your soil by double-digging, removing rocks and weeds, and adding compost or manure.  

Choosing Plants:  are we having fun yet?

Deciding on plants requires thinking of shape, size/height, habit, color, and texture all at once.  Use balance and repetition, plant in odd numbers (3’s, 5’s, and 7’s) to give a full/mature look.   An informative book for garden maintenance is:   The Well-Tended Perennial Garden, by Tracy DiSabato-Aust.  A great place to purchase unusual varieties of herbs is:  Companion Plants in Athens, OH   www.companionplants.com 

Remember, there is not a perfect or right way to plan your garden, each one is uniquely beautiful.  Have fun in the garden!

HAWTHORN FOR THE HEART

Hawthorn is a small, deciduous flowering tree with white bark, sharp thorns, and small red apple-like fruits.  There are over 200 species of hawthorn, some growing 40 feet high.  Hawthorn grows in Europe, where it is also known as Mayflower, and in the Northeastern parts of North America (including Ohio).

The hawthorn berry is the part of the plant most commonly used in natural medicine.  It has a traditional role as a cardiac tonic or heart stimulant.  Hawthorn contains flavonoids which open coronary arteries and expand blood vessels, improving blood flow both to the heart muscle and circulation to other areas of the body.  This strengthens the heart, allowing it to beat more forcefully and in better rhythm, reducing arrhythmias.  Improved blood flow lowers blood pressure, increases oxygen utilization, and reduces the strain on the heart.

Dr. James Duke includes hawthorn in his book, Dr. Duke’s Essential Herbs.  According to Dr. Duke, hawthorn contains at least seven known blood thinners, nine anti-endemics, and three anti-hypertensives.  Doctors frequently prescribe aspirin, diuretics for edema (swelling), and hypertensive medications to prevent high blood pressure.  Hawthorn also has beta-blocking activity.

Beta-blocking drugs increase coronary blood flow, lower blood pressure and heart rate, and reduce arrhythmias.  Hawthorn berry may be a good choice for heart health. 

Hawthorn is considered safe to use over extended periods of time.  It should not be used with the drug digitalis, as it may dangerously increase the drug’s effectiveness.  No one should attempt to treat a serious heart condition on their own…talk to your doctor about using hawthorn as part of your healthy heart plan.

ENZYMES: THE KEY TO GOOD HEALTH

What are enzymes? 

Most of us have never heard of them and yet enzymes play a vital role in many life processes.  Enzymes are specialized proteins made by all living things.  They are responsible for all chemical reactions in the body, doing the work of rearranging molecules and breaking down compounds.  Each enzyme has a specific action on a unique material (called a substrate), similar to fitting a key into a lock.  Sometimes minerals, pH levels, and temperature influence how an enzyme reacts.  Without enzymes, our food (along with its nutrients and vitamins) will not be processed into a form that our body can absorb.

Where are enzymes found? 

Enzymes are abundant in RAW fruits and vegetables.  Cooking destroys enzymes!  Processed and canned foods have no enzymes.  When the majority of our food is cooked or processed, our body (specifically the pancreas) must take on the extra work of creating enzymes to break down the food.

What if digestive enzymes are deficient? 

A study was done in the 1930s by Dr. Francis Pottinger with 900 cats over a period of ten years.  Half of the cats were fed raw milk and raw meat; the other half fed pasteurized milk and cooked meat.  The cats fed the raw milk and meat, rich in enzymes, thrived without disease generation after generation.  However, the cats fed pasteurized milk and cooked meat, deficient in enzymes, deteriorated with each subsequent generation.  Modern, degenerative diseases, such as heart disease, cancer, kidney and thyroid disease, tooth decay, arthritis, reduced bone mass, infertility, and intense irritability, appeared at progressively younger ages in each subsequent generation of cats.  By the third generation the cats could not even produce offspring.  Do we see any correlation between the Pottinger study and the health of people in today’s society? 

What if undigested food particles slip into the bloodstream?  

Symptoms of  a “leaky-gut” (possibly resulting from enzymes being  unavailable to breakdown the food properly) include:  aggression, anxiety, nervousness, bladder infections, bed-wetting, bloating or gas, chronic pain in joints or muscles, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, fatigue, migraines, mood swings, skin rashes, confusion, and memory problems.  If these particles continue to leak the consequences become more severe and may include:  autism, Asperger’s Syndrome, PDD, asthma, allergies, sensitivities, autoimmune conditions, celiac, Crohn’s disease, chronic fatigue, ADHD, hyperactivity, arthritis, IBS, skin conditions, liver problems, pancreatic insufficiency, and malnutrition.  These lists are presented in the book Enzymes for Autism and other Neurological Conditions by Karen DeFelice - highly recommended reading!   

How do I take supplemental enzymes? 

Enzymes should be taken at the beginning of each meal to improve the breakdown of the foods eaten. A good plant digestive enzyme blend may include:  protease (for protein), amylase (for carbs), lactase (for dairy), lipase (for fats), sucrase (for complex sugars), invertase (for table sugar), cellulase (for plant fiber), bromelain (as an anti-inflammatory), and papain (for protein).

Enzyme therapy protocols also suggest that enzymes may be taken between meals, especially protease, to help clean up the blood and numerous problems where undigested particles have caused inflammation.

Enzyme supplements increase the body’s ability to absorb vitamins, minerals, and nutrients from the food we eat.  Enzymes also assist in restoring gut intestinal health, thereby avoiding a host of chronic degenerative diseases.  Almost everyone could benefit from eating more RAW fruits and vegetables, reducing cooked and processed foods in the diet, and taking a digestive enzyme supplement with each meal. 

Enzymes are the key to good health!

Lisa A. Purdy ND, MH, CNHP