Good News, HRT and Breast Cancer Decrease, But Hot Flashes Increase

Posted by Cathy on September 28, 2010

A dramatic decrease in use of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) during the past two years has also coincided with lower breast cancer incidence according to a new study published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. HRT was the recommended treatment for decades for menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, night sweats, brain fog and vaginal dryness to name a few.

However, since 2002 when the Womens Health Initiative clinical trial announced an increase risk in breast cancer, stroke and heart attacks due to HRT, doctors have limited their prescription writing of HRT. It is fantastic to see a study showing breast cancer diagnosis dropping in the past two years, but many women have such debilitating menopause symptoms they still need something to help them cope. It's unfortunate more women do not understand the benefits of herbal remedies for menopause, which can provide the comfort they desperatly seek.

If you don't sleep well, soak through pajamas at night, hot flash during the day and often feel dazed and confused you could add a few Chinese herbs to your diet, by way of a tea. You will have a decline of symptoms within a few weeks, within one month you will feel significant, real relief. But many women want a quick acting pill and that is not how herbal medicine works. Our bodies normally slowly enter the peri-menopause stage and then the complete end to menstruation. Coping with the symptoms that arise from hormonal changes is not easy and it can take a little time to readjust the thermostat of the body. Our herbal remedy for menopause does work. Our herbs have been written about and used continuously for over 2000 years. More information about our Menopause Relief Herb Pac coming soon.

As always, thanks for reading our blog.

Study information can be found at: J Natl Cancer Inst. Published online September 23, 2010.

http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/729378?sssdmh=dm1.639367&src=nldne&uac=139834FJ

Jujube, What Makes It Such a Great Sleep Aid?

Posted by Cathy on September 27, 2010

What is this funny little fruit, known as jujube, and why is it known for promoting a deeper, more restful sleep? In Chinese herbal medicine it is the seed of the fruit or spiny zizyphus. Laboratory studies of zizyphus extract have confirmed the sedative effects. In fact, the latest research from France concluded the seeds of the fruit are rich in fatty acids and a host of other beneficial compounds which can benefit those who are looking for a natural sleep aid.

Jujube seeds are about the same size as a typical apple seed. The seeds have been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine and in other ancient cultures for hundreds of years. The seeds are most commonly used for their sedative effects especially common as a sleep aid. Yet, unlike so many other sedative plants or man made drugs, zizphus is extremely safe. Drinking zizphus tea has been reported to have no toxicity even in huge doses such as 50 grams per kilogram of body weight, even for 30 consecutive days.

Modern pharmacology evaluation of zizyphus seed oil and zizyphus extract suggest that with prolonged feeding (to mice) they can reduce serum triglycerides and cholesterol (mainly LDL), and reduce fatty degeneration of the liver. These same properties have also been attributed to the triterpenes of ganoderma and ginseng. Connect here to articles on ginseng and ganoderma.

Jujube has increasingly become popular as a source of over-the-counter natural sleep aid. In this just released study, different extracts of the Zizyphus exerted antioxidant activity. Hence, it is possible that the antioxidant activity of Zizyphus might be due to the presence of different vitamins and fatty acids. The study also showed that Zizyphus decoction (cooked in water) exerted an immmuno-supressive activity. Jujube is one of the main ingredients in our natural herbal sleep tea. For more information on our iSleep Herb Pac sleep aid click here.

References:

Wu Shuyun, et al., Effects of zizyphus seed oil and zizyphus extract on decrease of serum lipoprotein and inhibition of platelet aggregation, China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 1991.

The study quoted can be found at: http://www.biomedcentral.com/content/pdf/1472-6882-10-54.pdf
Zizyphus lotus L. (Desf.) modulates antioxidant activity and human T-cell proliferation
Authors: Chahid Benammar1§,2, Aziz Hichami2, Akadiri Yessoufou2, Anne-Marie Simonin2, Meriem
Belarbi1, Hocine Allali 3, and Naim A Khan2

Chinese Herbs May Soon Help Those With Cocaine Addiction

Posted by Cathy on September 26, 2010

The University of Maryland School of Pharmacy has just received a prestigious $3.7 million grant to develop a drug which would treat cocaine addiction. The drug is based on a molecule originally discovered in the extract of Chinese herbs. Jia Bei Wang Ph.D is a professor of pharmaceutical science and was awarded this grant, the largest ever given by the NIH, National Institute of Health.

Wang and her collaborators from the University’s schools of pharmacy and medicine will develop a drug from a compound called l-tetrahydropalmatine (l-THP), which is the active ingredient in some Chinese herbal medicines. Under the grant, the team also plans to conduct human trials to test the effectiveness of the new drug. If proven effective, it will be the first drug developed from Chinese herbs and approved in the United States, and possibly anywhere in the world, to treat cocaine addiction.

Congratulations go to Dr. Wang and her team for receiving the grant. We look forward to the results five years from now. We’ve always known Chinese herbs can treat a myriad of diseases, from PMS, insomnia, pre-diabetes to alcohol addiction. Dr. Wang has extensively studied the Chinese research on 1-THP and six months ago she provided IDA with samples produced in China. The agency found it to have a unique profile, says Wang. “Chinese medicine is a big treasure box, which I always had in mind as a possible resource to treat drug addiction,” she says

“Cocaine addiction is a major health concern in both urban and suburban communities and l-THP may be the first effective medication for the treatment of cocaine abuse and addiction approved in this country,” says Natalie D. Eddington, PhD, FAAPS, dean of the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy. “Dr. Wang’s clinical research is critical and timely, and if successful, it will augment and strengthen the cognitive-behavioral approaches used currently to treat cocaine addiction.

more info here: http://www.oea.umaryland.edu/communications/news/?ViewStatus=FullArticle&articleDetail=10555

President Clinton Loses Weight With the Help of Herbs

Posted by Cathy on September 22, 2010

Former President Clinton wanted to get into shape for his daughters wedding. Sounds familiar, what almost every parent hopes to do, but not all can achieve this goal. So how did he do it? He changed his eating habits and added herbs! “It changed my whole metabolism,” Clinton says. “And I lost 24 pounds. And I got back to basically what I weighed in high school.”

In the video below President Clinton talks about changing his diet and the protein drink he makes to start his day. One of the herbs in the morning protein drink is a famous Chinese herb called He Shou Wu. This herb has been studied and used since ancient times to increase stamina and rejuvenate the body. Something clearly worked well for Clinton. This Chinese herb is also well known for increasing sexual vitality and longevity. Both men and women can use it for fertility. If you are interested in adding He Shou Wu to your protein shake or drinking it as a tea, we provide only the highest quality herbs and He Shou Wu concentrated granules here at Pac Herbs.

2000 Year Old Herbal Remedies Found in Greek Shipwreck

Posted by Cathy on September 16, 2010 with 1 Comment

Picture a Roman merchant vessel sailing 2000 years ago in the Mediterranean. It’s nearly to it’s destination when a storm blows in, the ship is slammed into rocks near the shore and sinks to the ocean floor. The ship and it’s cargo sits at the bottom of the ocean until just recently when Archeologists excavate it, under water. Then several years after glass jars holding 2000 year old pills were excavated, analysis finally reveals their content. The pills are herbal medicine. It is believed they were part of a medical kit, assumed to be used by sailors to stay healthy on long voyages. DNA analysis has now proven several herbs and vegetables were the components of these pills.

But the pills are only part of the story. A sort of medical chest was found, maybe a physician was on the ship. The archaeologists found a cup used for bleeding, a surgery hook and 136 drug vials made of wood and several tin containers holding flat green tablets. The herbal pills were sealed and completely dry even though they have been on the sea floor for 2000 years. (That is absolutely mind blowing.)

It took an international authority on medicinal plants of antiquity Alain Touwaide, at the Smithsonian Institution and the Institute for the Preservation of Medical Traditions in Washington, D.C. to identify the ingredients. (I didn’t even know we had a Medical Traditions Preservation institute, need to check that out.)

The findings were presented last week at the Fourth International Symposium on Bio-molecular Archaeology in Copenhagen, Denmark. The herbal remedies were a combination of many plants including carrot, radish, parsley, celery, wild onion and cabbage, alfalfa, yarrow and some hibiscus were also part of the mix.

“The plants match those described in ancient texts such as those by the ancient Greek physicians Dioscorides and Galen. According to Touwaide, “Preliminary analysis of these tablets seems to confirm that the ancient doctors used common plants for their treatments.” Whatever they were used for or however they were ingested or used topically it is certainly incredible to have a specimen that is in tact 2000 years later.

We have always been able to read about herbal remedies in ancient manuscripts but to hold them in our hands and be able to analyze them must be unbelievable. Finding this ancient herbal medicine reminds us of our reliance on herbs throughout history. As the saying’s go, history repeats itself and what goes around comes around.

More on this story here: http://greece.greekreporter.com/2010/09/10/2000-year-old-pills-found-in-greek-shipwreck/

From Dr. Mercola, Buyer Beware With Herbs and Tea

Posted by Cathy on September 14, 2010

If you are buying herb supplements, especially Chinese herb supplements, which are virtually unregulated or controlled in America, you must see what Dr. Mercola has to say. Many Western countries including Canada, Germany, Japan and Australia have strict regulations regarding who can sell herbal supplements and who can import herbs. But not here in the states. America is a bit like the wild west. Anything pretty much goes!

Don’t get me wrong, government regulation can and does get completely out of control, but we do need some standards of quality assurance. ‘Consumer labs’ does provide reports on everything thing from Chinese herbs to vitamins and other natural supplements so this is always a good place to check on the brands you purchase.

We are proud to offer only the highest quality, tested and certified herbal products on the market. Our manufacturer, (see our virtual factory tour here) is known worldwide for it’s pharmaceutical factory processing with state of the art equipment. All Pacific Herb products undergo laboratory assurance tests for potency, pesticide contaminants, and toxicity testing. Do your herbal supplements go through this testing?

. Dr. Mercola on the importance of knowing where and how your herbs are processed. The first minute are two he talks about adaptogenic herbs the remainder is about the importance of herbal processing and quality

Stay Healthy As the Seasons Change, Try Some Chinese Herbs

Posted by Cathy on September 12, 2010

health news, use Chinese herbs and Chinese medicine as the seasons change

by Jennifer Dubowsky

As the weather begins to change and children return to school, colds and flu become prevalent once again. Take a minute to adjust your diet and even add a Chinese herb or two to keep you healthy as the seasons change. Here's a few suggestions for foods and herbs.

Foods – Eat more cooked and fewer raw foods. Sour, astringent foods like lemon, lime, pickle, vitamin C, seaweed, and sourdough bread can all benefit your health. Enjoy spicy/pungent foods like onion, garlic, radish, horseradish, and cabbage. Hearty concentrated foods like root vegetables, soy products and barley are also foods for the Fall. Pumpkin, winter squash (I'll soon be posting a new recipe for winter squash soup), and sweet potato are all great choices. Almonds, apples, and pears (especially Asian apple pears) are beneficial to the respiratory system.

The Chinese herb know as Astragalus, or Huang Qi is a Chinese herb that is often used to boost immunity and aid resistance to illness by increasing phagocytosis and your white blood cell count. Chinese research has shown it to have a protective effect against the common cold when taken consistently for two to eight weeks. Astragalus works best as a long-term preventive measure. It is best to take it as a tea through the cold and flu season to enhance immunity and prevent illness. For more information on Astragalus in an immune boosting soup, check my previous post here.

Protect – As the weather changes, it is easy to catch colds and flus. Protect the back of your neck from the winds with a scarf or collar. Isn't this one of those duhh's…. but why do so many people ignore this?

Funny and Real, Rantings on “Period” Pain

Posted by Cathy on September 10, 2010 with 1 Comment

I just love this, it's an "actual letter", and was PC Magazine's Editors' Choice award-winner for the best letter sent via e-mail from an Austin, Texas woman sent to Proctor and Gamble regarding one of their feminine products. You have to read the whole thing, because it just gets funnier as it goes on. Period pain, is never something any woman chooses and far too many women suffer needlessly. We encourage you to check out our natural alternative, PMS Relief. It really can make a difference!

Dear Mr. Thatcher,

I have been a loyal user of your 'Always' maxi pads for over 20 years and I appreciate
many of their features. Why, without the LeakGuard Core or Dri-Weave absorbency,
I'd probably never go horseback riding or salsa dancing, and I'd certainly steer
clear of running up and down the beach in tight, white shorts.

But my favorite feature has to be your revolutionary Flexi-Wings. Kudos on being
the only company smart enough to realize how crucial it is that maxi pads be aerodynamic.
I can't tell you how safe and secure I feel each month knowing there's a little
F-16 in my pants.

Have you ever had a menstrual period, Mr. Thatcher? I'm guessing you haven't.
Well, my time of the month is starting right now. As I type, I can already
feel hormonal forces violently surging through my body. Just a few minutes from
now, my body will adjust and I'll be transformed into what my husband likes to call
'an inbred hillbilly with knife skills.'

Isn't the human body amazing?

As Brand Manager in the Feminine-Hygiene Division, you've no doubt seen quite
a bit of research on what exactly happens during your customer's monthly visits
from 'Aunt Flo'. Therefore, you must know about the bloating, puffiness, and cramping
we endure, and about our intense mood swings, crying jags, and out-of-control behavior.
You surely realize it's a tough time for most women.

The point is, sir, you of all people must realize that America is just crawling
with homicidal maniacs in Capri pants… Which brings me to the reason for my letter.
Last month, while in the throes of cramping so painful I wanted to reach inside
my body and yank out my uterus, I opened an Always maxi-pad, and there, printed
on the adhesive backing, were these words: 'Have a Happy Period.'

Are you kidding me? What I mean is, does any part of your tiny middle-manager
brain really think happiness – actual smiling, laughing happiness, is possible during
a menstrual period? Did anything
mentioned above sound the least bit pleasurable? Well, did it, James? FYI,
unless you're some kind of sick S&M freak, there will never be anything 'happy'
about a day in which you have to jack yourself up on Motrin and Kahlua and lock
yourself in your house just so you don't march down to the local Walgreen's armed
with a hunting rifle and a sketchy plan to end your life in a blaze of glory.

For the love of God, pull your head out, man! If you have to slap a moronic message
on a maxi pad, wouldn't it make more sense to say something that's actually pertinent,
like 'Put down the Hammer' or 'Vehicular Manslaughter is Wrong'.

Sir, please inform your Accounting Department that, effective immediately, there
will be an $8 drop in monthly profits, for I have chosen to take my maxi-pad business
elsewhere. And though I will certainly miss your Flex-Wings, I will not for one
minute miss your brand of condescending bull. And that's a promise I will keep.

Always…

Wendi Aarons
Austin , TX

Thank you Wendi, we couldn't have said it any better. We would love to send you some PMS Relief Herb Pac's, let us know where to send them. Thanks for making all our days, even days on the rag, a little brighter.

A Story on The After Birth, How Valuable Is A Human Placenta?

Posted by Cathy on September 6, 2010 with 2 Comments

Ok, this topic makes some heads turn. I’m sitting at Starbucks talking about my friend who had her placenta cooked and dried and put into capsules after the birth of her baby. My Starbucks neighbor started giving me strange looks. Is it just me or if you’re going to eaves drop, is it polite to then give the person a crazy look? I would have engage the fellow eaves dropper in a friendly conversation on the subject but he split after he heard this story.

So, here is the story. In China and other parts of the world, the human placenta is considered a valuable source of nutrients. The placenta is that which feeds the baby during pregnancy and is otherwise known as “The After-Birth” because it is expelled from the uterus after a birth. The first Emperor of China used human placenta with Chinese herbs for health reasons some 2200 years ago and it has been used and documented in various culture every since.

Granted, most of us are not familiar with this concept and understandably it can turn some people’s stomachs. The topic came about because of this article in a Chinese newspaper about the selling of human placentas at some smaller Chinese hospitals. Of course, this is actually illegal. They have the same laws in China regarding the ownership of the placenta as we do here. The mother is the legal owner but she usually gives up her right to it and in that case the hospital should dispose of it as medical waste. Well, entrepreneurs are everywhere and when opportunity knocks, they answer. In China some unscrupulous types were buying placentas cheap at various hospitals and selling them for profit, and apparently business is good, there is both a supply and a demand.

In America, some mothers do return home with their placenta’s in a cooler. Some bury it in the yard for religious reasons other will have a Certified Placenta Encapsulation Specialist (there really is such a profession) come to their house, cook it with Chinese herbs and pack it into capsules to supplement the new mothers health.

The preparation work and cooking of the placenta is quite a detailed process and should only be attempted by someone who has the proper training and knowledge. Cooking the placenta with Chinese herbs is said to improve the blood building and is considered a powerful yang tonic. The placenta is full of natural oxytocins which are responsible for contracting the uterus, enhancing milk supply, increasing energy and the hormones it contains most probably help with postpartum depression. Historically Chinese Medicine has used human placenta for those who have low energy.

For you expectant mothers, I happen to know Sara Pereira in Los Angeles who is qualified specialist in placenta cooking with Chinese herbs. You can reach her at mommyfeelgood.com, I definitely recommend it!

Another blog on the topic of human placenta, Tom Cruise on Oprah talked about eating Katie’s placenta.

Can A New Diabetes Drug Come From Chinese Herbs?

Posted by Cathy on September 2, 2010 with 2 Comments

My friends father has diabetes, you also probably know someone dealing with excess body weight and a lack of exercise that has resulted in diabetes. The numbers are staggering, something like 21 million people currently have diabetes or pre-diabetes. For some countries that would be the entire population and then some. Scientist are studying just about ever possible angle to discover new drugs to improve insulin levels for diabetics. This recent research published in the British Journal of Pharmacology studies various Chinese herbs.

“If repeated in humans, all of these changes would be beneficial for people affected by type 2 diabetes or other metabolic diseases associated with insulin resistance,” says lead author Dr Ying Leng, who works in the Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, China. Many countries have used herbal medicine much longer than America. When it comes to the use of Chinese herbs and herbal medicine in fact, in both Germany and Japan, herbs and herbal formulas are only prescribed by doctors. Hmm, why don’t we have this? That’s certainly another blog, back to diabetes.

“Our work showed that this natural extract from Chinese herbs could point the way to a new way of helping people with type 2 diabetes as well as other metabolic disorders.” says Dr Leng. There are already many Chinese herb formulas that improve digestion and can help with over eating. Check out Sugar Control Herb Pack here.

See the study here:

www.brjpharmacol.org/SpringboardWebApp/userfiles/bjp/file/FINAL%20PR%20-%20Leng%20Emodin%20-%20BPH.pdf

Cinnamon Reduces Blood Sugar for the Overweight and Diabetic

Posted by Cathy on August 30, 2010

More proof on the healing power of Chinese herbs. This herb is in nearly every American household spice rack and yet most Americans have no idea of its many medical uses. I’m talking about cinnamon. You sprinkle it on your latte and your apple pie. Now you may want to consider drinking a cup of cinnamon tea.

This study conducted at the Beltsville Human Nutrition Research Center in Maryland concluded that cinnamon can help those who are overweight and obese improve their fasting glucose. This is great news for the millions of Americans who are tipping the scales and have either pre-diabetes or are currently diabetic.

The herb/spice/botanical comes from the bark of the cinnamon tree and has been used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for generations. It is considered GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) by most Western doctors. The study used a cinnamon extract tea (cinnamon boiled in water) for12 weeks and found substantial benefits to the participants in the study who reducedtheir risk factors associated with diabetes and cardiovascular disease. (The also found benefits after just 6 weeks.)

But don’t start drinking loads of plain old cinnamon tea if you are looking for the same benefit. There are many different grades of cinnamon and preparation of the bark is central to preserving its natural antioxidant qualities. Herbalists and Acupuncturists usually use either capsules or granule form. This is a highly concentrated extract, cooked under a precise temperature for a precise amount of time. Often special equipment is used to capture the volatile oils of the cinnamon bark and reintroduce those oils back into the finished extract. This is essential because cinnamon is extremely aromatic and cooking the bark for too long without proper equipment will leave you with an ineffective tea.

Cinnamon has been recorded as part of Chinese herb formula combinations as far back as 200 AD. It is in over 45 common formulations and its main purpose is usually to warm the body. Cinnamon bark and twig may both be used, usually in very small amounts, between 3-9 grams daily. It is not uncommon to use cinnamon for the common cold, to help unblock cold mucus. Cinnamon is not recommended for those with a hot constitution in Traditional Chinese Medicine because of the herbs warming properties.

Personally, I'm happy to see any Chinese herb get into the Western spotlight because every time a Western medical establishment focuses on a Chinese herb the knowledge gained proves what Asian cultures have been practicing for over two thousand years. Botanicals are huge sources of natural healing compounds.

Connect to the study here

Chemo Side Effects Reduced With Chinese Herbs, Says Yale

Posted by Cathy on August 22, 2010

This remarkable research conducted at Yale University is incredible news for Americans. Asian societies, on the other hand, have used these Chinese herbs for generations and understand that boiling peony root, with licorice root, red dates and skullcap root can help the gastro-intestinal tract especially when one is suffering from diarrhea.

The recently announced research proved a drug made from four traditional Chinese herbs, dubbed PHY906, countered the side effects of chemo in rats. The researchers decided to give the mice, who were on a chemotherapy drug which has side effects of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, this blend of natural herbs. Not only did the four Chinese herbs improve the mices symptoms of diarrhea but it simultaneously cut the cancerous tumors growth.

“This combination of chemotherapy and herbs represents a marriage of Western and Eastern approaches,” said lead researcher Dr. Yung-Chi Cheng.

A study such as this and so many others, are slowly beginning to open up American minds to the incredible health benefits of Chinese herbs. I found it interesting to listen to the interview with Dr. Cheng. He states that the four herbs must be used in combination and cooked together. Used individually, they did not perform the same function. He says, “deletion of any of those herbs, you have a different impact on three biological endpoints.” This is exactly what Chinese medicine textbooks have told us for years. It is the combination of herbs cooked together that create the synergy and provide the valuable healing medicinal action.

The use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has become a core component in treating cancer patients. Diarrhea is one of the major side effects of the cancer drug irinotecan. According to Dr. Yung-Chi Cheng this herbal remedy is based on the formula which was first established 1,800 years ago and is also known as Huang Qin Tang. It was historically used and still is used today for treatment of diarrhea and GI disorder[s]. The popularity of natural herbal medicine has been expanding each year in America as more studies like this are published.

Tag: Traditional Chinese Medicine

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