Natural Remedies

Another very large category with a lot of sub-headings. Vitamin and mineral supplements are to be found in a separate category, Here we’re dealing with traditional herbal products that act as remedies for pain, stress, sleeplessness, cold and flu, and menopausal symptoms among others. Natural first aid products, Bach flower remedies and homeopathic single-remedy granules are also included in this category.

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Omega-3 FYI

Contributed by Hillary Lutes

Omega-3 fatty acids are an unsaturated source of fat essential for good health. Studies show they improve hair and skin, reduce heart-damaging triglycerides, and aid in normal growth and development.

Our bodies cannot produce omega 3 naturally, therefore they must be consumed through your diet or supplements. Health benefits from omega-3 fatty acids include a lowered risk of heart disease, reduced risk and symptoms of cancer, and improved cognitive and behavioural functions.

There are different types of omega-3, categorized by the way they help your body. The nutritionally important groups are AHA, EPA, and DHA.

*AHA is alpha linolenic acid, which aids in brain development and the prevention of chronic diseases such as heart disease and arthritis. Found in plant sources such as walnuts, hemp, flaxseed and chia.

*EPA stands for eicosapentaenoic acid and is found only in fatty fish. EPA lowers inflammation, combats depression, and lowers the risk of heart disease.

*DHA is docosahexaenoic acid, which is found in fish and seaweed. DHA maintains proper brain functioning in adults, and helps with cognitive development in infants.

Omega-3 occurs naturally in a wide range of foods, oils, and supplements, but it can be difficult to decide what’s best for you.

The best sources of omega 3 fatty acids:

Hemp, in both seed (also called hemp hearts) and oil form, is a well-balanced combination of omega-3s and omega-6s. Just under 40% of the seed’s weight is healthy oils, with 80% of that being essential fatty acids. There are 8.7 grams of omega-3 for every 100 grams of hemp seeds, making it one of the best sources of AHA. Enjoy the nutty flavour of hemp on salads, mixed in with hot cereals, or blended into a smoothie.

Flax, in both the ground seed or as an oil is a great source of omega 3’s, punching 55% AHA content. Flax can only be absorbed by your body when the protective shell of the seed has been removed by grinding. Add to cereals, baked goods, or smoothies.

Chia seeds (yes, the same as those sprouted pets), aka salvia hispanica, are tiny black seeds. 58% of the oil from chia contains AHA. Chia can be found as an ingredient in a number of healthy cereals, or try in yogurt, on salads, and as a topping for fish. Keep in mind chia absorbs liquid and becomes gelatinous quickly.

Fatty Fish are highly recommended by many heart specialists as they contain both EPA and DHA. Choose herring and sardines, which contain up to 2 grams of omega-3 per 85 gram serving. Salmon, mackerel and sardines rank high in omega-3 content as well. Not a fan of fish? Add a fish oil supplement or DHA liquid to your vitamin routine.

Keep in mind that the body can convert AHA to EPA and DHA. The absorption is less effective but the potential for conversion makes the AHA found in nuts and seeds especially relevant for vegetarians.

Foodstuffs stocks all of these power-house seeds and nuts and a wide array of Omega-3-rich fish oils.

Oil of Oregano

Wild Oil of Oregano treats and protects against many conditions and illnesses. Its active ingredient, carvacrol, is one of the strongest antiseptics available. Unlike antibiotics, it won’t create resistant bacteria strains and it doesn’t have any side effects.

Internal Uses

  • colds
  • flu
  • sore throat
  • cough
  • fatigue
  • candidiasis
  • allergies
  • arthritis
  • bladder, kidney and other infections
  • hepatitis
  • headaches
  • peptic ulcer
  • indigestion
  • parasites including cryptosporidium and glardia
  • sinusitis
  • bronchitis
  • asthma
  • prostate disorders
  • bad breath

Normal dosages: 1-6 drops taken under the tongue or in juice, water or a teaspoon of honey 2-6 times a day. Stubborn conditions may require more frequent dosages.

External Uses

  • gum disorders
  • toothaches
  • dandruff and deborrhea
  • acne
  • warts
  • cold sores
  • puncture wounds
  • sore joints
  • back pain
  • athlete’s foot
  • boils
  • nail fungus
  • rosacea
  • ringworm
  • bed sores
  • head lice
  • scabies
  • arthritis
  • psoriasis
  • eczema

Apply a small amount of the oil to affected areas. Dilute 50% or more with olive oil if skin is sensitive. Do not use on mucuous membranes and sensitive skin areas.

Tea Tree Oil

Tea tree oil has potent antiseptic, antifungal, and anti-inflammatory properties. Like oil of oregano, it is effective against many conditions:

  • acne
  • dandruff or seborrhea
  • skin infections
  • athlete’s foot
  • nail fungus
  • scabies
  • topical candida
  • cold sores, chicken pox, shingles
  • wounds
  • insect bites
  • itching and irritation
  • excessively oily skin or hair

Tea tree oil also makes a good…

  • insect repellent
  • deodorant
  • piercing disinfectant
  • household disinfectant
  • yoga mat cleanser!

Tea tree oil is one of the few essential oils that can be used undiluted, but you should procede with caution if your skin is sensitive. Go slow—just a few drops of tea tree oil are often enough.

Herbs for Pregnancy

From Louise Tenney: Today’s Herbal Health for Children.

Red Raspberry: This can help relieve nausea, strengthen the uterus, clean and tone the mucous embranes, ease premature labour, and assist during labour and delivery.

Bilberry: Bilberry helps to strengthen the veins and capillaries. It also helps with kidney function and is a mild diuretic.

Burdock: Burdock helps to prevent bloating and jaundice in the baby.

Chamomile: This is a digestive aid, helps with bowl problems and induces relaxation.

Ginger: Ginger helps with digestion and nausea due to morning sickness.

Horsetail or Oatstraw: These help to provide valuable minerals to strengthen the body and fetus.

Chlorophyll: Chlorophyll is rich in nutrientsto build and promote health.

Dandelion: This is high in iron and nutrients to help prevent anemia.

Kelp: Kelp is full of nutrients and easily assimilated in the body. It can help strengthen the uterus and prevent anemia.

Alfalfa: Alfalfa is high in nutrients and contains vitamin K to prevent hemmorhage. It also helps with digestion and assimilation of nutrients and to purify the blood.

Slippery Elm: Slippery Elm is rich in protein and soothing on the mucous membranes.

Peppermint: Peppermint can be used after the first trimester to help with digestion and soothe the stomach.

Wild Yam: This helps prevent miscarriage, prenancy pain, nausea and cramping.

Yellow Dock: This is high in iron and aids in building the blood.It can help to prevent infant jaundice.

Herbs to avoid (especially during the first trimester): Pennyroyal, Blue Cohosh, Black Cohosh, Squaw Vine, Spikenard, Mistletoe, False Unicorn, Angelica, Cinchona, Eucalyptus Oil, Juniper, Lovage, Ma Huang, Male Fern, Rue, Tansy, Wormwood, and Yarrow. Golden Seal should only be used in small amounts. Laxative herbs may cause stomach cramps which may lead to contractions and should be used sparingly or in combinations only. Some include Aloe Vera, Barberry, Buckthorn, Cascara Sagrada, Mandrake, Rhubarb, and Senna.

Before pregnancy: Combinations are available to be taken six weeks before delivery to help prepare the body for a healthy delivery. It may contain some or all of the following: Squaw Vine, Blessed Thistle, Black Cohosh, Pennyroyal, False Unicorn, and Red Raspberry.

Common Pregnancy Complaints and Herbal Remedies

From Louise Tenney: Today’s Herbal Health for Children.

Anemia: Alfalfa, Chlorophyll, Dandelion, Kelp, and Yellow Burdock. Vitamin C helps with the absorption of iron.

Backache: Constipation may be a problem. Fibre Supplement, and Roughage.

False Labour: Catnip and Chamomile will relax the uterus.

Gas: Ginger and Papaya. Starch, sugars and meat may cause fermentation.

Headache: Constipation, high blood pressure and toxemia may cause headaches. Chlorophyll, Valerian, Hops, and Chamomile.

Heartburn: Papaya, Ginger, and B-Complex.

Hemorrhoids: Constipation contribues to the problem. Pure Water, Fibre Supplemont, White Oak Bark, Fresh Lemon Juice in Pure Water, and Kelp.

High Blood Pressure: Toxins in the blood can contribute. Eliminate meat and dairy products. Eat vegetables and fruit and drink plenty of pure water. Red Clover, Chlorophyll, and Green Drinks.

Hormone Imbalance: This may occur because of the excess estrogen in the blood during pregnancy. Try Chlorophyll.

Insomnia: Calcium, Kelp, Passion Flower, Chlorophyll, and Magnesium.

Leg Cramps: Calcium, Magnesium, and Vitamins C and D.

Miscarriage: Red Raspberry Tea, Catnip Tea, Lobelia, and Sarsparilla.

Morning Sickness: Red Raspberry Tea, Catnip, Peppermint, Spearmint, Ginger, Chlorophyll, and Green Drinks.

Nervous Disorders: Calcium, Magnesium, Kelp, Vitamin C, Passion Flower, Hops, Scullcap, and Chlorophyll.

Stretch Marks: Vitamin A, E, Zinc, Olive Oil, and Wheat Germ Oil.

Toxemia: Vitamins C, A, B-Complex and E, Fresh Lemon Juice in Water, Green Drinks and Chlorophyll. Eliminate red meat, salt and sugar. Add fresh vegetables, fruits and whole grains.

Urinary Tract Infections: Vitamin C, Pure Water, Parsley Tea, Geren Drinks, Chlorophyll, and Unsweetened Cranberry Juice.

Vaginal Yeast Infection: Acidophilus, Raspberry Tea, Pure Water, Vitamins A and C, and Chlorophyll.

Water Retention: Vitamin C and Parsley.

A Word About Homeopathic Remedies

Modern homeopathy – many of its principles have been part of human wisdom about as long as instinct and intelligence – was set out by Samuel Hahnemann in the early 1800s. This remarkable man rediscovered the Law of Similars” (“like cures like”) known to the ancient Greeks, and proved over 100 substances – testing and recording the symptoms produced in healthy persons in a Materia Medica (which has since expanded to include over 2000 provings). The story of his life and experimentation makes for excellent reading.

Some things to keep in mind:

  • Homeopathic remedies do not produce side-effects or interfere with prescription medications (although medications may block the action of homeopathic remedies)
  • Homeopathic remedies are safe for children and pets. There is no danger of over-dosing
  • Always study the symptom-pictures for each possible remedy closely to find the best fit
  • Do not eat or drink anything for at least 15 minutes before or after taking the remedy.
  • Dissolve the remedy on or under the tongue.
  • Do not handle the granules. Store cool and dry

We’re fortunate to have several naturopathic and homeopathic practitioners in the area. When in doubt, seek their advice. Or, for excellent on-line information about homeopathy and homeopathic remedies visit Hylands Homeopathy