Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) More Popular For Treating Children Than Western Medicine in Taiwan

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(TCM) is one of the most commonly used Complementary and Alternative Medicines (CAM). However, there is a lack in the number of studies about the use of TCM for children. In Taiwan, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) medical visit services are fully reimbursed by National Health Insurance. Chinese herbs are also covered by their national health insurance system. A study in Taiwan used a nationwide cohort database to investigate demographics, diseases patterns, and parents’ characteristics of pediatric TCM users.

Children aged <12 years were extracted from the National Health Insurance Research Database for analysis. These pediatric TCM users’ demographics, medical conditions, and reasons for medical services were compared with users of Western medicine by Poisson regression. Children who did not use any medical services were excluded.

Of 107,337 children who were enrolled and followed up in 2005, 19,669 children (18.3%) used TCM. Compared with Western medicine-only users, school-age children (aged 6-12 years), preschool age children (3-5 years), and toddlers (1-2 years) were more likely to use TCM than infants (<1 year; rate ratio = 4.47, 3.66 and 2.59, respectively; P < .001 for all). Parental factors were associated with more TCM use, including female gender, age >35 years, past experience with TCM, and higher income levels. Allergic reactions and respiratory tract, gastrointestinal tract, and musculoskeletal problems were also associated with higher TCM use.

The use of TCM was correlated with both patient and parental factors, among which children’s age and parental TCM use were the most prominent.

Source: PubMed  Pediatrics. 2012 May 14

Characteristics of Pediatric Traditional Chinese Medicine Users in Taiwan: A Nationwide Cohort Study.  Chen HY, Lin YH, Wu JC, Chen YC, Thien PF, Chen TJ, Yang SH, Chen JL, Lo SS.   Chinese Medicine, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taoyuan, Taiwan;

 

Dandelion For Breast Cancer

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News from the University of New Mexico, the lowly dandelion has been shown effective at fighting breast cancer and prostate cancer. Used for centuries in Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine the dandelion plant has been used for many aliments.

 

"The study demonstrates a number of of previously unknown effects of Taraxacum officinale on human cancer cells and suggests that TO (dandelion) extracts or individual components present in the extracts may be of value as novel anti-cancer agents"1

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The medicinial benefits from dandelion in this study are attributed to one specific Taraxacum species extract so don't assume the dandelion you buy at your local farmers market or that growing in the lawn will have the same health benefits.

 

We know that plants and herbs all play a significant role in the discovery of new medicines particularly in the area of cancer research. In Traditional Chinese Medicine  (TCM) dandelion is used to clear heat, especially liver heat with red, swollen, painful eyes.  Dandelion also goes by the name Pu gong ying and has been known to dissipate nodules and reduce abscesses in the breast and promote lactation when lack is due to heat.  Pu gong ying has been used in treating breast cancer in TCM for many years and this study confirms why dandelion is a one of the most useful herbs for breast cancer patients.

 

References:

1. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 32: 1085-1090, 2008

Evaluation of aqueous extracts of Taraxacum officinale on growth and invasion of breast and prostate cancer cells    SOPHIA C. SIGSTEDT1, CARLA J. HOOTEN1, MANIKA C. CALLEWAERT1, AARON R. JENKINS1,ANNTHERESE E. ROMERO1, MICHAEL J. PULLIN2, ALEXANDER KORNIENKO3,TIMOTHY K. LOWREY4, SEVERINE VAN SLAMBROUCK1* and WIM F.A. STEELANT1*

 

Laboratories of 1Biochemical and Biomedical Research, 2Aqueous Environmental Chemistry, and 3Synthetic Organic and Medicinal Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, New Mexico Tech, Socorro, NM; 4UNM Herbarium, Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA   Received December 4, 2007; Accepted January 25, 2008

 

Yaz and Yasmin Birth Control Pill Side Effects & Lawsuits

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No Yaz or Yasmin birth control Please don't be one of the thousands of women who are being injured by Yaz or Yasmin birth control pills.  

 

"The birth control pills Yaz and Yasmin, which were endorsed by an FDA advisory committee last December, contain a drug called drospirenone. Women who take it are nearly seven times more likely to develop thromboembolism (obstruction of a blood vessel by a blood clot, which can cause deep vein thrombosis, pulmonary embolism, stroke, heart attack, and death) compared to women who do not take any contraceptive pill, and twice the risk of women who take a contraceptive pill containing levonorgestrel."  The Alliance for Natural Health.  http://www.anh-usa.org/fda-huge-conflicts-of-interest-with-big-pharma/comment-page-1/#comment-90047 

 

Thousand of women have filed a lawsuit against Bayer, saying they were injuried, but this doesn't change the fact that many are scarred for life.  After a stroke, many women never regain complete use of their arms and legs as before. Many are under age 35 and will live the rest of their lives in bodies that can't run, walk up stairs or even have the use of an arm or hand.   

 

Reconsider your options for birth control and learn about safer ways to handle menstrual cramps and PMS. There are many good options beyond the pill.   PMS symtoms can be addressed with natural remedies and menstrual cramps are managable with Chinese herbs.  I thought birth control pills were the answer once… before I studied Chinese medicine. Then I learned how to put the body back into balance with herbs and diet I realized how much better I could feel without using a drug.  You can do it too.  PMS Relief Herb Pack will change the way you feel about your monthly periods and your body with thank you.

 

What You Need To Know About Energy Drinks

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The news about energy drinks is beginning to reach the main stream media.  Regardless of the size of the market most of the energy drinks are “cans full of drugs”.  Nearly every day somebody is overdosing on energy drinks.  This post by Sari Harrar, explains the phenomenon.

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Teens and young adults spend an estimated $2.3 billion annually on energy drinks laced with caffeine and herbal stimulants. But these aggressively marketed and pricey beverages (called “drugs in a can” and “a pharmacological Molotov cocktail” by Oklahoma State University researchers in one recent report) do more than clean out their wallets.

Over 5,000 reported caffeine overdoses in recent years—46 percent in kids age 18 and younger—have been attributed to them, say University of Miami researchers in a 2011 study in the journal Pediatrics. With caffeine levels up to three to five times higher than a 12-ounce cola, these drinks may also contain rev-you-up herbal stimulants like guarana and yerba mate. Liver damage, kidney failure, respiratory disorders, agitation, seizures, psychotic problems, muscle break-down, off-rhythm heartbeats, high blood pressure, heart failure, heart attack and even death have been reported in energy drink users in Europe, the U. of Miami researchers warned. And kids taking medications for attention deficit disorders or who have diabetes or heart problems may be at extra risk.

Denmark, Sweden, Australia and Germany have partial or complete bans on their sale to kids. Last fall, Canada began requiring new warnings and stricter caffeine limits. What’s happening in the U.S.? Here’s what parents should know:

  • The U.S. has no standard definition of an ‘energy drink.’ The Food and Drug Administration only sets caffeine levels on cola drinks, allowing energy-drink makers to pack their beverages with more. (The American Beverage Association has voluntary guidelines for caffeine limits and warning labels, but not all drink makers comply.)  Many contain even higher levels than may be listed on the label, because herbs like yerba mate also pack considerable amounts of caffeine.
  • They’re marketed aggressively to preteens and teens.  Flavors like strawberry lemonade and apple cherry and slogans like “party like a rock star!” and ‘ultimate energy rush’ are just the beginning. Energy-drink websites lure kids with come-ons about bands, athletes and celebrities. Coupons and free samples get them started.
  • Energy drinks don’t help performance.  They made timing, coordination, alertness and concentration worse in one Oklahoma State University study of student pilots. In fact, after triggering a burst of stress hormones and feel-good brain chemicals, your energy levels plummet.
  • One can isn’t one serving. Many contain 2 or even 4 servings per can—but who (especially a thirsty teen) stops at a quarter-can? Drinking the whole thing means they’ve just downed two to four times more caffeine than they’d get from a single serving.

What can you do? Talk with your kid about the downsides of these drinks. And help them save money (energy drinks can cost $2 to $4 a can) by offering bottled water, herbal iced tea (make it at home with fruity herbal tea bags, water, and a little sugar) or seltzer with juice or a squeeze of lemon.

Let us know what you’re doing—and how you feel about energy drinks marketed to kids by leaving your comments here.

 

Energy Drinks Spell Cavities

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Energy drinks are being consumed at an all time record high.  There is a virtual explosion on the market  and yet the teens and  twenty something crowd that buys the most of these drinks seem to know nothing of the damage they are doing to their teeth.  

Everyone know sodas are bad for your teeth but energy drinks are so new to the market and there just hasn't been data available about the tooth decay they cause.

Fact is, most of the sports and energy drinks have extremely high sugar and acid content that destroy the enamel on your teeth.

"People don't realize the sugar content is pretty high", says Dr. Nancy Hanratty, a dentist at 1st Advantage Dental Group in Greenfield.

Take a look at some of  sugar contents of  energy drinks,  NOS has 52 grams of sugar per serving. Monster and Red Bull 27 grams. Gatorade and Powerade have around 20 grams of sugar.

Dr. Hanratty says "most of the problems with teenagers is the liquid pools around your teeth, the plague builds up and the bacteria uses the sugar to break down the surfaces of your teeth."

"The other aspect of it, they tend to have an acid base, so it causes erosion", says Dr. Hanratty."The recommendation is  to rinse it off of your teeth so it's not staying around the surface."  In other words…. Brush Your Teeth after you drink energy drinks or use Energy Booster Herb Pack that does not cause tooth decay but still gives you a natural boost that will keep you going through the day. 

Hormone Therapy and Breast Cancer – The Real Risk

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HT Hormone Therapy RisksThe largest study on on HRT has been completed.  One million British women participated and the results are no surprise.  Well, no surprise to many of us.  As a result of this study the British drug regulator has ordered doctors to now talk to their patients.  Yes, talk, something many doctors don't have time to do. 

British doc's have been ordered to appraise their patients of the risks of prolonged hormone therapy (HT), and they must do this annually.  This order came about because the study concluded women are twice as likely to develop breast cancer when taking combined HRT (Hormone-replacement therapy)1.

Millions of British women take HRT to alleviate menopause-associated hot flushes, sweating and mood swings. Around half take a combination of the hormones oestrogen and progestogen.

Over the past decade, some 20,000 extra cases of breast cancer in British women aged between 50 and 64 are attributable to HRT, the new study finds – three-quarters of those are linked to combination therapy. This risk is only associated with HRT taken for ten years or more – cancer incidence falls appreciably the less time a woman spends undergoing the therapy.

Breast cancer due to HRT has also been found to occurs earlier than previously thought.  After only two to three years of therapy. The risk after just one year is negligible, and five years after stopping HRT the risk returns to baseline.

The study also reveals that the risks associated with tablets, patches and implants are the same. "Now we can actually give women an evidence-based answer," says Julietta Patnick, director of cancer screening with the UK National Health Service.

If you are one of the millions of women trying to balance your quality-of-life benefits with the choice of using hormone therapy consider there are other alternatives which have been used in other cultures for centuries. Chinese herbs for menopause like Menopause Relief Herb Pack is one of those alternatives.   There is no risk of uterine cancer and NO increased risk of breast cancer.  Even bio-identical hormone therapy has risks.  We just don't know about them yet because it is so new. Do you really want to chance it?

There is an easier and safer solution. You can have quality of life during the

menopausal years. You can sleep through the night and have a day

without flashes.  

 

You owe it to yourself to do some research and try a natural safe alternative. 

 

References:

Beral, V. and the Million Women Study collaborators. Breast cancer and hormone replacement therapy in the Million Women Study. Lancet, 362, 419 – 427, (2003).

Hodis, H. N. et al. Hormone therapy and the progression of coronary-artery atherosclerosis in postmenopausal women. New England Journal of Medicine, 349, 535 – 545, (2003).

This Chinese Herb and Common Spice Lowers Blood Sugar for Type 2 Diabetes

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Chinese herbs for diabetesThe rise in diabetes in the Western world is out of control.   Too many folks seem to ignore the role of diet in prevention and treatment of diabetes and yet something as simply as cinnamon consumption may be an way to improve blood glucose levels.

Cinnamon is a common spice and Chinese herb used in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) for centuries.  Cinnamon bark and twigs are often used in Chinese herbal medicine to enhance digestive function, promote the movement of qi, disperse the cold and fortify the kidney energy and pancreas.

A recent study from Germany published in the European Journal of Clincal Investigation shows a water soluble cinnamon extract can reduce fasting blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

The cinnamon  (known as the Chinese herbs Gui Zhi and Rou Gui)  results further add to a growing body of clinical evidence demonstrating supplementation with cinnamon bark and twig extract may play an important role in managing blood sugar levels and improving insulin function.

The  study  done at the University of Hannover was both placebo controlled  and double-blind, designed to determine the effect of a water-soluble cinnamon extract on glycemic control and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes. A total of 79 patients with type 2 diabetes not on insulin therapy but treated with oral medication or diet therapy were randomly assigned to take either a cinnamon extract or placebo capsule three times daily for four months. The cinnamon capsule contained 112 mg of water-soluble extract, an equivalent of one gram of cinnamon powder. The cinnamon extract group experienced a significant reduction in fasting plasma glucose levels (10.3%) versus the placebo group (3.4%). Changes in HbA1c and lipid profiles were not statistically significant.

“This study, together with a recent clinical trial utilizing Cinnulin PF, provides compelling evidence for the beneficial effects of a water-soluble cinnamon extract on blood sugar levels,” stated Tim Romero, executive vice president, Integrity Nutraceuticals International, marketer of Cinnulin PF. “We are excited to see in the coming months results of studies underway that further substantiate the efficacy and safety of Cinnulin PF.”

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Reference: American Botanical Council     http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbclip/257/review43853.html

 

More studies on Curcumin: 

Phase II trial of curcumin in patients with advanced pancreatic cancer

GoJi Berries For More Energy And Less Weight

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Chinese herbs for energyHave you tried goji berries yet?  Before you could only find them at Asian grocery stores and China town.  Now Whole Foods and health food stores everywhere are carrying them. 

Goji berries have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for more than 2500 years.  Sometimes they are also labeled as Lycium or Wolfberry.   Goji berries make a great snack that provide quick energy.  They have been used as a blood tonic herb in Chinese herbal medicine for this reason.  This is exactly why we included them in our Energy Booster Herb Pack.

They look a little like a dried raisin, but smaller and red in color.  Often selling for about $15.00 for half pound, they are NOT cheap!  But the health benefits of this Chinese herb are more than worth their weight. 

The value in these little berries has been demonstrated in hundreds of studies.   One of the most  recent studies done in the U.S. on goji berries found they can increase your metabolic rate and reduce body weight. So, if you're looking for a healthy snack food or a boost of energy, goji's are a great choice.

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References:

http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbclip/440/121151-440.html

J Am Coll Nutr. 2011;30(5):304-309.

The Chinese Herb Licorice Root For Cavities & Gum Disease

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Chinese herbs for cavitiesOne of the most commonly used Chinese herbs is licorice root and Web MD recently mentioned how licorice root can help prevent and treat tooth decay and gum disease.

According to a new study in the Journal of Natural Products, licorice root may help keep teeth healthy.  But you won’t find the beneficial ingredients in licorice candy.  Licorice candy is mostly sugar and in the U.S. often flavored with anise oil.

The herb licorice root is in nearly every herbal formulations in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  The main reason for its popularity is its sweet flavor and its remarkable ability to guide other herbs to all 12 channels in the body.   This might sound a little odd, but if you’ve ever dug up a small licorice plant you can see the roots tend to go in all directions.  It is an interesting quality about this herb, because many herb roots don’t travel outwardly, they simple grow down. But the licorice plant has roots that are born to run.   

I was once digging up a small 5 foot tall licorice that has meandered into the wrong garden space.   As we followed the roots to clean up the space, they went 10-15 feet in several different directions. This Chinese herb seems to act the same way in the body and this is often why a very small amount, usually 3%- 6%  of Traditional Chinese herb formulas often contain licorice. (Also known as Gan Cao.)  Gan Cao helps other herbs in a formula travel to all 12 channels in the body.  This is a very rare quality, there are only a few herbs with the ability to travel to all areas of the body.

I consider it an added bonus that licorice prevents tooth decay.  A very small amount of licorice  (3%) is found in our iSleep Herb Pack.  It has traditionally been part of the 800 year old formula that iSleep is based upon.  No reason to change something that 800 years of use has already proved successful.

The Active Ingredients

The two predominant compounds in licorice, licoricidin and licorisoflavan A, were found to be the most effective in inhibiting the growth of cavity-causing bacteria. These and other compounds found in licorice root were also shown to prevent the growth of bacteria associated with periodontitis, an inflammatory disease that can destroy the bones, gums, and tissue that maintain teeth.

Warnings about the effects of licorice for those with high blood pressure need some explanation.  Studies on licorice root extract have shown a  dose of  60 grams or more per 100g formula had side effects.  However, this dose is at least 10X higher than the safe and recommended dosage used in Traditional Chinese Medicine.  Licorice has been used safely and effectively for thousand of years.  There is no documented historical use of licorice ever being used in Traditional Chinese Medicine at a dose of 60 grams in a 100g formula.  Like anything, if you abuse an herb, just like caffeine, or any drug, there can be serious side effects. It is always important to know the safe and correct dose of any medication.

P.S.   Licorice root raw slices have a lovely little flavor if you need something healthy to chew on during the day. All Chinese markets sell them because they are often thrown into soups or used for a cup of tea. A lovely Asian tradition that we now know also protects our teeth.

Largest Herbal Medicine Garden In The World

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The Guiness Book of World Records has a new entry.   The largest medicinal garden in the world has now been entered into the Guiness Book.  Where else would the largest garden of herbal medicine be located?  China, of course.  China uses more herbal medicine to keep its 1.3 billion people healthy, than anywhere else in the world.

China is also home to the oldest recorded medical system in the world, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM).  TCM has been practiced and perfected for over 3000 years.  The new botanical herb medicinal garden is a perfect way to celebrate the medicine the Chinese have given the world.  TCM is practiced in just about every country in the world and the herbs used in TCM have a long and rich history of providing the world with some of the most effective natural medicine known to man. 

Ginseng is one of the 6000 herbs growing in the garden.  One hundred of the medicinal plants are endangered varieties and over 30 of the herbs are new varieties. 

The garden also has 100,000 medicinal plant images.  Its objective is to cultivate, collect and save medicinal plants along with conducting research. The garden is also expected to be an advanced international medicinal plants conservation base and a center for Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) culture and science.

The garden is in a rural area of China that grows many of the herbs in the garden.  The new garden is certain to bring more interest to Guangxi Zhuang, an area known for growing a large variety of Chinese herbal medicine.

Jujube Fruit Is A Chinese Herb Now Growing in California

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A slightly unusual yet inspiring story appeared on the front page of the LA Times today.   It is about a farmer in California's Central Valley near Fresno who has been growing some unusual produce.  He is growing one very common Chinese herb called Jujube fruit.   This fruit is fetching higher than average produce market prices partly because the Asian community nearby understand the value of this Chinese date.  It's the kind of success story I love reading about,  so unusual for the front page of the LA Times.

Used in many traditional Chinese herbal formulas, Da Zao as it's referred to in Mandarin, has several uses and  is commonly added to improve the digestability of other herbs in formulas.  Jujube is used in Traditional Chinese Medicine to improve digestion, improve energy and to nourish the blood.  This is one reason you can find it in our Energy Booster Herb Pack.   

It can be eaten right off the tree or dried and used in a tea, congee, (hot cereal) or used to sweeten rice or other foods.   Jujube like many Chinese herbs doubles as both a food staple and a medicinal herb.  In a higher dose this dried fruit is used for stress, nervousness and helps calm the spirit which is one of the reasons we included it in iSleep Herb Pack.

Most American's have never seen Jujube fruit but I have seen it popping up in Farmers Markets this time of year. This particular California farmer started growing it when he learned it was a popular item which could sell for a premium.  Asian cultures have understood for centuries the value of this little date. In fact, the LA Times reported "his biggest-selling, most established crop is the super sweet jujubes."  It seems Americans are starting to catch the wave, learning both the health benefits and tasty goodness available in botanicals we often use as herbal medicine.

It is truly great to see we are beginning to grow Chinese herbs here in California.  Traditional Chinese herbs, whether they are being used for food or medicine have brought millions "Wellness for Centuries" and can continue to do so.   Hopefully, one day soon more American's will understand these benefits.

 

Connect here to see our products containing jujube fruit: iSleep Herb Pack and our Energy Booster Herb Pack

 

See story here:    http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-hmong-farmer-20111114,0,5801613.story?page=2

Breast Cancer Prevention Could Be In Green Tea

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For Breast Cancer Awareness Month:

 

Can green tea help reduce the risk factors for breast cancer?  A study recently published in Molecular Food & Nutrition Research examined the relationship between the consumption of green tea and breast cancer.  Green tea has been associated with lowering circulating estrogen levels and may be one of the many mechanisms to reduce cancer risks. Green tea is just one of hundreds of herbal remedies used in Chinese medicine and as part of a healthy lifestyle through out Asia.  Interestingly, Asian women have the lowest incident of breast cancer in the world.

 

Green tea has been evaluated for it's protective factors in connection with cancer in many studies. Tea polyphenols have been shown to prevent the binding of estrogen to its receptors in breast cancer cells. Green tea is rich in tea catechins―epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), epigallocatechin (EGC), epicatechin (EC), and epicatechin gallate (ECG)―which possess cancer chemoprotective attributes. EGCG also has exhibited steroid hormone activities, which may influence breast cancer risk through hormonally mediated pathways. 

 

In addition, two Japanese studies suggested that  women with stage I and stage II breast cancer who  drank 4 oz of green tea daily had lower risk of recurrence of breast cancer.

 

Even though the evidence is inconclusive for many women who are at high risk for breast cancer drinking a cup of green tea each day is one simple, inexpensive option.   Changing life styles to prevent breast cancer is clearly one answers all of us should consider. Green tea has so many other benefits, why not add it to your diet?

 

Another option.. Check into DIM!

 

Wu AH, Butler LM. Green tea and breast cancer. Mol Nutr Food Res. 2011 Jun;55(6):921-930.