the Editors of PREVENTION
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 You can improve the flavor, she suggests, by adding dried chamomile, peppermint, or spearmint to the mixture in an amount equal to the feverfew.
The Blues yQmg before Prozac was available, there were herbal remedies for depression.
Unlike prescription drugs of today, which are doled out only when a doctor decides that you are seriously depressed, herbal pick-me-ups can help you feel better when you're laboring with the basic blues and daily downers of life. |
Simon Mills and Kerry Bone
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 Although not widespread, there is reference to traditional use of feverfew for headache in Welsh literature.4
SUMMARY ACTIONS
Antiinflammatory, bitter, emmenagogue (in high doses), anthelmintic.
CAN BE USED FOR
INDICATIONS SUPPORTED BY CLINICAL TRIALS
Prophylaxis and treatment of migraine, tension headache and associated symptoms.
TRADITIONAL THERAPEUTIC USES
Coughs, colds; febrile diseases; atonic dyspepsia; nervous debility; worm infestation. |
Glenn W. Geelhoed, M.D. and Jean Barilla, M.S.
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 These include cherries, devil's-claw tea, blackstrap molasses, celery, feverfew, alfalfa, ginger, yucca and fish oils.
Papaya Fiji Islands residents were the first to recognize the medicinal values of the fruit and bark of the papaya tree. Several other cultures have since recognized the papaya's powerful curative abilities. And research is now being done to develop the fruit's active enzyme, papain, to treat herniated (slipped) discs in the lower (lumbar) area of the back, a frequent source of severe back pain. |
| Andrew Weil, a Harvard-trained physician and natural health expert, recommends freeze-dried feverfew leaves to ease the pain of arthritis. Compounds in the plant suppress the release of prostaglandins and histamines, chemicals that produce inflammation.
FlSH OILS Fish oils, especially those from fatty fish (herring, salmon, mackerel, tuna and sardines) are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids interfere with the formation of prostaglandins that can lead to inflammation. A daily serving of fresh fish (or fish oil capsules if you don't like fish) should produce positive results. |
Prevention Magazine
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 In one study, for example, researchers at University Hospital in Nottingham, England, gave migraine-prone people capsules of feverfew every day for four months. At the end of the study, the number of migraines in the group had dropped 24 percent.
Licorice root is a perfect example of an herb that may work as well or even better than its chemical counterparts. Licorice root contains compounds called phytoestrogens, which enhance the effects of the estrogen a woman produces naturally. |
| But the main reason that people are using herbs such as garlic, echinacea, and feverfew is that they work—which is why, in just one year, German physicians wrote 5.4 million prescriptions for ginkgo, an herb that has been shown to improve blood flow to the brain. They also wrote over 2 million prescriptions for echinacea, an immunity-boosting herb that's often used for treating colds and flu.
"Studies have shown that taking echinacea as soon as you start feeling ill shortens the duration of the infection," says Donald J. |
Dr. Michael Heinrich, Joanne Barnes, Simon Gibbons and Elizabeth M. Williamson
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 Parthenolide
Fig. 16.7 arm for another 30 days. This study demonstrated significantly reduced pain intensity and symptoms, such as vomiting and light sensitivity (Palevitch et al 1997). However, a relatively large double-blind, placebo-controlled study (De Weerdt et al 1996), which included 50 patients, reported no difference in the treatment outcome (number of migraine attacks).
The fresh leaves may be eaten, usually with other foods to disguise the nauseous taste, or a standardized extract taken daily to prevent migraine attacks. |
Henry Pasternak, D.V.M., C.V.A.
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 Due to its tonic effects on vascular smooth muscles, I have also used feverfew in cerebral vascular accidents (CVA) with success.
Flax Seeds
I have been using flax seeds and flax seed oil for a dozen years with remarkable results. Dogs accept flax oil readily, while cats seem to prefer crushed flax seeds or powder. I have used flax seeds for a number of inflammatory conditions ranging from allergies, colitis, autoimmune diseases, kidney disease, and cancers. |
| Many other herbs, such as boswellia, ginger, feverfew, and Chinese skull cap, have shown COX-2 inhibition.
Spleenic Hemangiosarcomas
Spleenic hemangiosarcomas are perhaps the most lethal of the canine cancers. Some of the signs may include acute anemia, list-lessness, enlarged abdomen, and sudden collapse. Hemangiosarcomas of the spleen are quite friable and bleed readily. The patient is at risk of death from an acute hemorrhagic crisis. As soon as the patient is stabilized, spleenectomy must be performed. |
Sharol Tilgner, N.D.
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 Contraindications: feverfew may cause ulceration of the mucous membranes, especially with prolonged contact. It is also contraindicated in pregnancy due to the emmenagogue effect.404
Figwort -
Scrophularia nodosa in the Scrophulariaceae or Figwort family.
Parts used: Budding aerial parts.
Taste/smell: Slightly bitter.
Tendencies: Cooling, drying.
Dosage: Infusion: 1 tablespoon per cup of water; or 1:5 dry liquid extract: 10-30 drops 1-4 times per day. |
Jean Carper
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 The cure is in the leaves of a plant called feverfew. And undeniably it works, as affirmed by thousands of migraine sufferers who have been lucky enough to try it.
THERESA'S MIRACLE
"Twenty Years of Pain and Misery—Gone!"
For more than twenty years, Theresa Colonna, now sixty-one and living in a suburb of Pittsburgh, was a prisoner of migraine headaches. They struck about once a week, usually spoiling weekends and holidays with her husband and four kids. "The migraines were so awful, everybody dreaded them. I usually had to go to bed for a day or two," she says. |
American Medical Publishing
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| For example, feverfew is indicated for headaches. If you have pain, seek to deal with it naturally before you consider this risk of getting addicted to this potentially very dangerous medication.
No. 35 — Pravachol - Another of the drugs in the Statin class, used for lowering cholesterol. Similar to Zocor, Lipitor and Baycol, the deadliest of the statins. See chapter in this book devoted to Baycol and the other statins. |
the Editors of PREVENTION
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| American Herbalists Guild, and founder and president of Wild Rose College of Natural Healing in Calgary, Alberta. feverfew capsules are also popular for treating migraine headaches.
Reishi
Take three 60-milligram capsules twice a day. You should take this herb the day after you've overindulged, suggests Dr. Willard. Reishi is a mushroom that helps the liver process alcohol. Some capsules are a combination of reishi and ginger—an even better hangover remedy.
Milk Thistle
Take three capsules three times a day. |
| If your migraines are the type that is relieved by applying heat to your head, taking feverfew regularly may help prevent them, says Keith Robertson, a member of Britain's National Institute of Medical Herbalists and director of education for the Scottish School of Herbal Medicine in Glasgow. Research also shows that it reduces the nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light that normally accompany migraines. |
| Boneset (Eupatorium perfoliatum) May cause an allergic reaction in those with allergies or sensitivities, especially to chamomile, feverfew, ragweed, or other members of the daisy family. May cause vomiting and severe diarrhea in large doses.
Herb
Cautions and Safety Guidelines
Boswellia (Boswellia serrata)
None; generally regarded as safe.
Brahmi (Bacopa monniera)
None; generally regarded as safe.
Brewer's yeast [Saccharomyces
Do not use without medical supervision if cerevisiae) you have diabetes or hypoglycemia. |
| Prepare the tea by steeping 6 to 8 teaspoons of dried feverfew per quart of boiling water. Make enough tea to completely soak your dog. (You'll need at least a gallon for a 40-pound dog.) After soaking, rinse the tea (and the fleas) off. It's better to use this method in the bathtub, where the fleas will flow right down the drain, than in the backyard. "Keep in mind that eventually, the fleas will wake up, and when they do, they'll be hungry and hop right back on your pet," says Tilford.
Neem
Apply oil or lotion to the animal's skin. |
American Medical Publishing
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| The herbs feverfew and ginko biloba as well as Vitamin K should not be taken with "blood thinners."
"A lot of the elderly look for a quick fix," said pharmacist Ben LeCarre. "Seniors are more innocent. They are not accustomed to the mercinary and deceptive advertising that younger people take for granted these days. Seniors tend to simply believe what they've heard on TV or what they've read in an advertisement."
How to Spot False Claims
Just remember this: the first rule of thumb for evaluating any health claim is — If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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 The herb feverfew can be used to combat migraines. Lungtanxieganwan is used in Oriental medicine to ameliorate headaches brought on by anger or constipation, and the herb Xiao Yao Wan treats headaches prompted by allergies, premenstrual syndrome, and hypoglycemia. Valerian is of use for headaches characterized by nervousness and insomnia, and can also treat migraines and dizziness associated with air travel. |
American Medical Publishing
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| Do not use during pregnancy or while nursing except under the direct advice of an expert.
• feverfew (Tanacetum parthenium) - Do not use during pregnancy unless by advice of expert. Mouth sores and stomach problems occur in a few users, usually in the first week of use. No long-term adverse effects are known.
• Ginkgo biloba — This herb is generally very well tolerated. Ginkgo may potentiate MAO-inhibitors, so consult your physician if you are using an anti-depressant and are not sure if it is in this class of drugs. In large amounts, ginkgo can cause diarrhea, irritability and restlessness. |
| For example, feverfew is indicated for headaches. If you have pain, seek to deal with it naturally before you consider this risk of getting addicted to this very tricky medication.
No 6 - Prozac — Extremely high profile and popular drug used for depression, obbsessive-compulsive disorder and other psychological problems. Closely related drugs are Zoloft and Paxil. Very expensive in nongeneric form.;
Potential Dangers - See chapter dedicated to Prozac in this book. Prozac is extremely controversial. Has been linked to causing violent and suicidal behavior. |
Gary Null, Ph.D.
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| The herb feverfew, magnesium, and ginkgo biloba work to reduce migraine symptoms.
Niacin, as well as omega-3 fatty acids and riboflavin, are other anti-migraine nutrients.
Acupuncture can be an effective migraine treatment.
Chiropractors eliminate subluxations in the upper cervical region, which may result in the elimination of migraines.
To reduce the chance of headaches, don't miss meals, and try to reduce your stress level.
Heart Disease
_Types off Heart Conditions_
Arteriosclerosis is the most common type of heart disease in the U.S. |
Jean Carper
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| Skeptical but willing to try anything, she bought some feverfew tablets at her mall's health food store—Nature's Herbs, 100 capsules of 380 milligrams each for $10. "I took one pill three times a day for three months," she says. "It only cost 10 cents a pill. Now I take only one a day. It was just amazing. I had tried everything possible, and this little pill took my migraines away. Now I may get a headache every six months instead of once a week, but they're nothing like they were—not very severe and they don't last long. Actually I haven't had one for an entire year! |
Dr. Gary Null
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 Efficacy of feverfew as Prophylactic Treatment of Mig raine," British Medical Journal 291, no. 6495 (August 31, 1985): 569-73.
Noting that most migraine drugs have side effects that limit their use, some researchers propose ginger as an alternative since it is known in Ayurvedic and Tibb systems of medicine to be helpful in treating neurological disorders.
T. Mustafa and K. C. Srivastava, "Ginger (Zingiber officinale) in Migraine Headache," Journal of Ethnopharmacology 29, no. 3 (July 1990): 267-73. |
Larry Trivieri, Jr.
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 Other recommended herbs include licorice and alfalfa. feverfew has also been found effective in inhibiting the synthesis of pro-inflammatory compounds and decreasing the body's inflammatory response. Herbal remedies that have proven effective for rheumatoid arthritis include turmeric, ginger, skullcap, bupleurum, and ginseng.59
Environmental Medicine
"Allergic and allergy-like sensitivities are important factors in a large percentage of arthritis cases," states Marshall Mandell, M.D., Medical Director of the New England Foundation for Allergic and Environmental Diseases. |
Robyn Landis
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 Studies show that feverfew can inhibit the synthesis of inflammatory compounds.
Chinese corydalis tuber and Chinese notopterygii root are both used for muscular aches and pains. Chinese notopterygii root is good for hot, swollen joints, so it's perfect for RA. Corydalis can be taken up to 1/2 ounce as tea per day; notopterygii is taken in capsules, 1 to 15 per day.
Tienchi root, another Chinese remedy, circulates blood to joints to relieve pain and reduces swelling; 1 to 15 capsules per day. Chinese mimosa bark is a mild herb for joint pain and swelling; 5 to 10 capsules per day. |
| And for a few herbs, standardization may provide the most practical way to get a therapeutic dose of the herb— feverfew, hawthorn berry, or saw palmetto, for example. (Even in those cases, though, whole preparations are still options.)
But because standardization may benefit a few products does not mean that most or all herbs should be standardized. If that were true, no one would have gotten any results from herbs up until the point that standardization became popular, and of course that's not the case. |
| After she had tried several drugs, her doctor told her there was nothing else he could do. Based on her own research, she began taking feverfew and has not had a migraine for over four years. For her, only 1 tablet per day is all it takes.
Rosemary is recommended by many natural healing practitioners for migraine prevention. Use 1/4 ounce of the herb as tea daily. This is also effective for nonmigraine headaches.
BACK PAIN
Back pain can be handled with the same pain relievers described above. |
| Other herbs, foods, and spices that heal muscle and other soft-tissue inflammation and injury include turmeric (as directed earlier), Arnica montana (homeopathic—8 pellets per day), feverfew (1 ounce as tea or capsules), ginseng (capsules or powder), licorice root (tea to tolerance or 5 capsules), cinnamon (10 to 20 capsules), cinchona hark in combination with white willow bark (they are synergestic; see "Headaches," this chapter), yucca root (10 capsules), Chinese wild ginger (10 capsules), and Chinese notopterygii root (10 capsules). |
Natural Prescriptions: Dr. Giller's Natural Treatments & Vitamin Therapies For Over 100 Common AilmentsRobert M. Giller, M.D.
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| The herb feverfew: 150 mg. twice a day or as directed on package.
• Fish oils: 1,000 mg. three times a day.
• Magnesium: 250 mg. twice daily.
IN ADDITION: Sumatriptan, a medication used widely in Europe, has recently been approved for use in the United States. It is self-injected to help stop a migraine headache. Consult with your physician to determine if this may be helpful to you. |
Robyn Landis
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| How would they get their $231 million back if we raised homegrown feverfew and self-medicated, and how much would they lose in sales of remedial migraine medications if this herb prevented 70 percent of migraine headaches?"7
The consumer loses if herbs are judged based on the inability to produce evidence that parallels that which is required for a drug. A consumer may forgo use of an herb or food that is completely nontoxic, extremely inexpensive, and very effective because he or she has been convinced that "not enough evidence exists to support its use."
Let's look at some examples. |
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